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2021-04-01-accounts

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Charity Registration number : 1125773

Company registration number : 06640143 (England and Wales)

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CONTENTS

Page
Chair’s Report 1
Trustees’ Annual Report 2 to 9
Independent Auditors’ Report 10 to 13
Statement of Financial Activities 14 to 15
Balance Sheet 16
Statement of Cash Flows 17
Notes to the Financial Statements 18 to 29

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CHAIR’S REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

This year has seen Choices preparing to wind down and approaching a merge into Oasis Domestic Abuse Services. This was welcomed as a progression into securing the future of our work in the North of Kent and Medway, as well as creating a stronger union with our longterm partner, Oasis.

During the year the Board attended to systems development within the organisation enabling us to transition into our new form and work was undertaken to continue to deliver excellent services during the transition. The Board made a clear decision that merger was an appropriate option for future stability and agreed that the date of formal merge would be the 1[st] of April 2021.

This has been a time of change and transition for the teams at Choices and myself and the Board would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to every one of them for their continued commitment and dedication to those who need our support. We would also like to thank Jackie Hyland and Roz Gabriel for ensuring that Choices maintained its respected position on the Kent and Medway landscape. Our organisation continues to be a sought after expert in relation to this issue, and develops and delivers innovative, quality services using its decades of knowledge and experience.

Emma Siers Chair of Board of Trustees

Date: 26 January 2022

Page 1

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

The Trustees, who are also directors, present their Annual Report together with the Audited Financial Statements for the period ended 1 April 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, 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 UK & Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014 and updated by Bulletin 1 & 2.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The objects are to provide services directed towards relieving the suffering and distress of all who have suffered grave or persistent physical, sexual, or mental abuse through the provision of housing and other amenities and services.

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.

Significant activities undertaken

Choices Domestic Abuse Service operates primarily in Dartford, Gravesham, Medway and Maidstone with some limited activity in the West of the County.

The activities undertaken include the following:

Page 2

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the Charity Act 2011, Section 4 guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.

ACIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Our various services helped a significant amount of people during the year. The headline data is as follows:

Adult Services

In 2020-21 we offered services in different areas.

During 2020-21:

Page 3

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

----- Start of picture text -----
Outcomes
injunctions obtained | breaches enforced
supported with reporting to police
support through court
stay in employrment |starting a new job
added secruity measures at home
resettled through support
perps removed from victims homes
reduction in symptons of trauma and anxiety
0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%
----- End of picture text -----

Children and Young People’s Services

Of the 49 young people that completed support in the period the following outcomes were achieved:

----- Start of picture text -----
improved confidence
reduction in challeneging behaviour
improved coping strategies
attendng school more regualry
improved attainment at school
improved relationship and social skills
postivie mental health outcome
engagement in services
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
----- End of picture text -----

Page 4

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Financial review

Total income for the year was £906,006 (2020: £1,019,661). Total expenditure for the year to 31 March 2021 was £818,693 before the transfer of funds to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Ltd (2020: £912,296). The result for the year to 31 March 2021 was a surplus of £87,313 before the transfer of funds to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Ltd (2020: Surplus of £107,365).

On 1 April a payment of £1,452,280 was made to transfer the assets and liabilities to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Ltd.

Investment policy

There are no restrictions on the charity’s power to invest and the current policy is to invest in short term funds.

Reserves policy

With regards to general reserves the Trustees aim to maintain an amount equivalent to 6 months core expenditure. This would ensure that if the charity lost any of its core funding streams it would have time to develop a new strategy in an orderly manner while protecting the work of the charity.

The charity merged with Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Ltd on 1 April 2021 and the balance of reserves of £1,452,280 was transferred on that date.

Going concern

On 1 April 2021 the charity merged with Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Ltd and all of the assets and liabilities were transferred on this date.

Page 5

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited is a charity which is registered with the Charity Commission under number 1125773, is established under a memorandum and articles of association (amended and adopted by the Charity Commission) dated 15 September 2008. The charity is also constituted as a company limited by guarantee without share capital under number 06640143. The trustees are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law.

On 1 April 2021 the assets and liabilities and operations of Choices (Formerly known as North Kent Women’s Aid) Limited were transferred to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Limited (Charity number 1126198).

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Trustees are appointed to the Board, with their selection being based upon the skills analysis of the Board which is updated annually. Each Trustee is inducted and offered appropriate training in the cause and governance issues.. The Board meets bi-monthly with additional meetings where these are needed.

Choices Ltd is a charity and a company limited by guarantee. The Trustees are therefore both Trustees and Directors of the charity. The Trustees are accountable for ensuring Choices Ltd has a clear strategy, that it remains true to its original vision and that it discharges all its financial and legal obligations.

Organisational Structure

Day to day decision making and responsibility for management of the charity was delegated to a full time Acting Chief Executive Officer during this year. Decisions with high financial and/or strategic impact are taken by the Trustees who also monitor the running of the charity through key performance measures.

Wider network

We are an active member of the respective Kent and Medway Domestic Abuse Forums which are multi-agency groups of both statutory and voluntary agencies set up to address domestic violence in the county. We are also significantly involved in the Kent Domestic Abuse Strategy Group, the Specialist Domestic Violence Courts steering group and are often consulted on key issues by agencies such as HMIC, BBC News, Women’s Aid and SafeLives (formerly CAADA).

We are a member of the Kent & Medway Domestic Abuse Consortium with partner agencies, Oasis and Rising Sun and collaborate to deliver a range of services across the county, extending benefits beyond the borders of our active districts.

Page 6

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

We work alongside a number of partners including Kent Police, the NHS and Social Care to deliver early interventions and crisis management, thereby ensuring service between ourselves and partners is contiguous and structured

Governance and internal control

The Board of Trustees conducts a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed at each board meeting and systems have been established to mitigate those risks. Among the risks identified through the procedure, the following are deemed to be the most important:

Choices regularly review the risks that may affect its ongoing operations The Board feel that the charity has a secured reputation which is reflected in its status as an expert partner for the national charity Safe Lives and with our WAFE accreditation. However, public funding is under increasing pressure, and the charity must protect its reserve income in order to weather this crisis. The sudden removal of funding is a real risk, and this was the experience of the charity last year. Steps have been taken to address this and to future proof the organisation from such vulnerabilities. Merger has been decided upon to secure against future risks.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company Number

06640143 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity Number

1125773

Registered Office

Choices MCSC 39-48 Marsham Street Maidstone Kent ME14 1HH

Principal address

The charity is exempt from disclosing the principal address on the grounds that it could place its stakeholders in personal danger

Page 7

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Trustees

V Boswell M Bourne F Dunmall S Fox I Kesby E Siers

Senior Leadership Team

J Hyland – Operations Manager (North Kent) R Gabriel – Operations Manager (Medway)

Independent auditor

Azets Audit Services Delandale House 37 Old Dover Rd Canterbury Kent CT1 3JF

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud or other irregularities.

Page 8

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Statement as to Disclosure of Information to Auditors

So far as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charitable company's auditors are unaware, and each trustee has taken all the steps that he or she ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make himself or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity’s auditors are aware of that information.

Approved by the Trustees on 26 January 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Emma-Jane Siers

Trustee

Page 9

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF CHOICES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Choices (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited (the ‘charitable company’) for the period ended 1 April 2021 which comprise Statement of Financial Activates, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the 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 Trustee's 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 doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Page 10

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF CHOICES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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:

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 strategic report or the directors’ report included within 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:

Page 11

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF CHOICES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

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.

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

Extent to which the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above and on the Financial Reporting Council’s website, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud.

We obtain and update our understanding of the entity, its activities, its control environment, and likely future developments, including in relation to the legal and regulatory framework applicable and how the entity is complying with that framework. Based on this understanding, we identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. This includes consideration of the risk of acts by the entity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.

Page 12

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE MEMBERS OF CHOICES FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, including fraud, we designed procedures which included:

Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

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.

Michelle Wilkes (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Azets Audit Services Statutory Auditor Delandale House, 37 Old Dover Road, Canterbury, Kent CT1 3JF Date: 26 January 2022

Page 13

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Notes
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Investments
4
Other income
5
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
Transfer of funds to Oasis
Domestic Abuse Service Ltd
20
Total
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
19,815
210,722
2,444
4,402
237,383
162,320
1,385,942
1,548,262
(1,310,879)
1,310,879
-		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
-
668,623
-
-
668,623
656,373
66,338
722,711
(54,088)
54,088
-		 Total
funds
2021
£
19,815
879,345
2,444
4,402
906,006
818,693
1,452,280
2,270,973
(1,364,967)
1,364,967
-		 2020
£
5,466
1,006,940
1,933
5,322
1,019,661
912,296
-
912,296
107,365
1,257,602
1,364,967

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

Page 14

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Notes
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Investments
4
Other
5
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
Total
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2020
£
5,466
759,413
1,933
5,322
772,134
704,919
704,919
67,215
1,243,664
1,310,879		 Restricted
funds
2020
£
-
247,527
-
-
247,527
207,377
207,377
40,150
13,938
54,088		 Total
funds
2020
£
5,466
1,006,940
1,933
5,322
1,019,661
912,296
912,296
107,365
1,257,602
1,364,967

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

Page 15

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 1 APRIL 2021

Company Registration No. 06640143
Notes
Tangible fixed assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors:amounts falling
due within one year
13
Net current assets
Creditors:amounts falling
due after more than one year
Total net assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds		 2021
£
-
-
-
-		 2021
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 2020
£
264,477
440,230
704,707
(148,555)		 2020
£
1,253,844
556,152
(445,029)
1,364,967
54,088
1,310,879
1,364,967

Approved by the Board of Trustees on 26 January 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Emma Siers

Chair of Board of Trustees

Page 16

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

2021
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income / (expenditure for the year)
87,313
Adjustment for:
Depreciation
21,682
Investment income
(2,444)
Interest payments on loan
(15,892)
Decrease / (Increase) in debtors
178,699
Increase in creditors
(89,147)
Net cash used in operating activities
Investing activies
Investment income
2,444
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
-
Net cash from investing activities
Financing activities
Repayment of loans and borrowings
(440,910)
Net cash from investing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Transfer of bank balances to Oasis
Domestic Abuse Service Ltd (Note 20)
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2021
£
180,211
2,444
(440,910)
(258,255)
440,230
(181,975)
-		 2020
£
107,365
23,099
(1,933)
(18,570)
(182,324)
(77,078)
1,933
(13,672)
7,305		 2020
£
(149,441)
(11,739)
7,305
(153,875)
594,105
-
440,230

Page 17

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

1. Accounting Policies

1.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, 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 UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Trustees have considered relevant information, including the annual budget, forecast future cashflows and the impact of subsequent events In making their assessment.

On 1 April 2021 the assets and liabilities of the charity were transferred to Oasis Domestic Abuse Services Limited.

Page 18

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

1.3 Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

Donations are recognised on notification 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.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Christmas presents and other items donated to the residents are not material and it is not practical to determine the market value of these gifts and accordingly they are not included as income in the financial statements.

Donated goods for resale in the charity’s shop are generally low value items and in the absence of a detailed stock control system it is impractical to measure their fair value. Income for these goods are recognised when sold.

Grants and service delivery contracts are recognised once receivable. Unrestricted grants that are intended to cover expenditure that most occur in a future period are deferred.

Rental income is received from local district councils and is included within the SOFA when it becomes receivable. Housing benefit and rental income receivable from local district councils is included within the SOFA when the charity has entitlement to the funds.

1.5 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 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. It is categorised under the following headings:

Page 19

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

Support costs are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and include office costs, governance costs, and administrative payroll costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity and include project management carried out at Headquarters. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

1.6 Funds accounting

Unrestricted general funds are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the Trustees.

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 that can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restriction arises when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.7 Taxation

The charity is registered and is therefore entitled to the exemptions from corporation tax afforded by section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988. Accordingly, there is no corporation tax charge in these financial statements.

1.8 Tangible fixed assets

Assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised as tangible fixed assets and are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any impairment.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements - Over period of the lease
Fixtures and fittings - 20% straight line
Office equipment - 20% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss.

Page 20

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

1.9 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other shortterm liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.10 Financial Instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

Page 21

CHOICES (Formerly known as North Kent Women's Aid) Limited

(A Company Limited by Guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.13 Leasing commitments

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the lease term. Assets obtained under hire purchase contracts or finance leases are capitalised in the balance sheet. Those held under finance leases are depreciated over their estimated useful lives or the lease term, whichever is the shorter. The interest element of these obligations is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities over the relevant period. The capital element of the future payments is treated as a liability.

2. Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The following judgements have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies that have had the most significant effect on amounts recognised in the financial statements:

Useful economic lives of tangible assets

The annual depreciation charge for tangible assets is sensitive to changes in the estimated useful economic lives and residual values of the assets. The useful economic lives and residual values are re-assessed annually. They are amended when necessary to reflect current estimates, based on technological advancement, future investments, economic utilisation and the physical condition of the assets. See note 11 for the carrying amount of the property plant and equipment, and note 1.8 for the useful economic lives for each class of assets.

There are no key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year.

Page 22

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

2.
Donations and legacies
Donations
3.
Charitable activities
Housing benefit / Service charges
Service level agreements
The Brook Trust Fund
Citizens Advice
Gravesham Borough Council
Henry Smith
Kent County Council
Kent Community Foundation
Lottery
Ministry of Housing
MOJ Extraordinary Fund
National Community Foundation
Rainbows Early Help Grant
Other grants received
4.
Investments
Rental income
Interest receivable		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
19,815
19,815
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
158,872
-
35,000
-
12,350
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,500
210,722
Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
1,405
1,039
2,444		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
-
-
Restricted
funds
2021
£
-
359,246
-
7,500
-
-
-
20,000
143,766
20,924
74,524
-
38,663
4,000
668,623
Restricted
funds
2021
£
-
-
-		 Total
funds
2021
£
19,815
19,815
Total
funds
2021
£
158,872
359,246
35,000
7,500
12,350
-
-
20,000
143,766
20,924
74,524
-
38,663
8,500
879,345
Total
funds
2021
£
1,405
1,039
2,444		 2020
£
5,466
5,466
2020
£
131,284
598,776
35,000
7,500
-
14,042
27,000
-
139,616
-
-
48,722
-
5,000
1,006,940
2020
£
-
1,933
1,933

Page 23

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

5.
Other income
HMRC JRS Grant
Other income
6.
Analysis of Expenditure
Charitable activities:
Accommodation based services
Community services
Work in the community
Prior year
Accommodation based services
Community services
Work in the community		 Unrestricted
funds
2021
£
4,330
72
4,402
Staff
costs
£
58,965
265,341
265,341
589,647		 Restricted
funds
2021
£
-
-
-
Direct
costs
£
86,677
4,565
12,790
104,032		 Total
funds
2021
£
4,330
72
4,402
Support
costs
£
12,502
56,256
56,256
125,014		 2020
£
-
5,322
5,322
Total
2021
£
158,144
326,162
334,387
818,693
2020
£
91,230
410,533
410,533
912,296

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories noted above on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on an appropriate basis, being time spent.

Page 24

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

7.
Support costs
Contribution towards management costs
Staff costs
Office costs
IT costs
Interest on loan
Legal fees
Other costs
Depreciation
Governance costs (Note 8)
8.
Governance costs
Audit fee
Accountancy
Other costs		 2021
£
23,586
10,990
14,453
28,789
15,894
2,706
6,558
7,781
14,257
125,014
2021
£
6,180
5,102
2,975
14,257		 2020
£
50,840
5,614
20,419
22,103
18,570
1,250
6,725
9,199
10,671
145,391
2020
£
5,676
4,995
-
10,671

9. Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

Trustees Indemnity Insurance has been taken out during the year, the cost of which is included in the charity's core insurance premium.

During the period ended 1 April 2021 expenses for travelling and refreshments of £nil (2020 - £42) were re-imbursed or paid directly to Trustees.

Page 25

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

10. Staff costs 2021 2020
£ £
Wages and salaries 532,789 816,201
Social security costs 42,610 67,733
Other pension costs 14,248 33,292
589,647 917,226
The average monthly number of employees, calculated on a
headcount basis, during the year was		 25 31
11. No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the
Tangible fixed assets
Land and
buildings
£
Cost
At 1 April 2020
1,292,856
(1,292,856)
Transfer of funds to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service
Ltd
The total amount of employee benefits received by key management
employees (2020 - £229,702 for 5 employees) .		 current or previous year.
Furniture
and
equipment
Total
£
£
59,862
1,352,718
(59,862)
(1,352,718)
personnel is £81,110 for 2
At 1 April 2021 - - -
Depreciation
At 1 April 2020
Charge for the year
Transfer of funds to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service
Ltd		 56,564
13,901
(70,465)		 42,310
7,781
(50,091)		 98,874
21,682
(120,556)
At 1 April 2021 - - -
Net book value
At 1 April 2021		 - - -
At 31 March 2020 1,236,292 17,552 1,253,844

Included within land and buildings is land at a cost of £nil (2020 - £597,830) which is not depreciated.

Page 26

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

12.
Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
13.
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank loan
Trade creditors
Other taxes and social security costs
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
14.
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Bank loan		 2021
£
-
-
-
2021
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
2021
£
-		 2020
£
204,062
60,415
264,477
2020
£
11,773
54,914
9,206
26,900
45,762
148,555
2020
£
445,029

The bank loan in note 13 and 14 was repaid in full before the transfer of assets and liabilities were transferred (see note 20).

15. Retirement benefit schemes

Defined contribution schemes

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.

The charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes was £23,380 (2020: £33,292).

16. Related party transactions

On 17 November 2020 the Charity's trustees approved a merger with Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Limited. Prior to the merger, which took place on 1 April 2021, Oasis provided management and financial services costing £23,586 (2020 - £50,840). At the period end £nil (2020 - £23,136) was owed to Oasis to settle expenses paid on Choices behalf.

17. Operating lease commitment

At the period end the charity had total commitments under operating leases of £nil (2020 - £154).

Page 27

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

18.
Restricted funds
Current year
Adult Services
Children Services
Prior year
Adult Services
Children Services		 Balance at
01 Apr 20
£
43,785
10,303
54,088		 Income
£
507,168
161,455
668,623
Balance at
01 Apr 19
£
-
13,938
13,938		 Expenditure
£
(516,798)
(139,575)
(656,373)
Income
£
233,485
14,042
247,527		 Transfer to
Oasis DAS
£
(34,155)
(32,183)
(66,338)
Expenditure
£
(189,700)
(17,677)
(207,377)		 Balance at
01 Apr 21
£
-
-
-
Balance at
31 Mar 20
£
43,785
10,303
54,088

Children Services

This fund is for providing support, advocacy and mentoring services for the benefit of children and young people who are affected by domestic violence.

Adult Services

This fund is for providing support, advocacy and accommodation services for the benefit of adults who are affected by domestic violence.

19.
Analysis of net assets between funds
Total assets
Prior year - 2020
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Current year - 2021
Creditors more than one year		 Unrestricted
funds
£
-
Unrestricted
funds
£
1,253,844
650,619
(148,555)
(445,029)
1,310,879		 Restricted
funds
£
-
Restricted
funds
£
-
54,088
-
-
54,088		 Total
funds
£
-
Total
funds
£
1,253,844
704,707
(148,555)
(445,029)
1,364,967

Page 28

CHOICES (Formerly North Kent Women's Aid)

(A company limited by guarantee)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 1 APRIL 2021

20. Transfer of assets and liabilities to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Ltd

On 1 April 2021 the assets and liabilities of the charity were transferred to Oasis Domestic Abuse Service Ltd which comprised:

Tangible fixed assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within on year		 £
1,232,162
85,778
181,975
(47,635)
1,452,280

Page 29