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2021-03-31-accounts

Newcastle Women’s Aid

Registered Charity Number 1139393 Company Registered Number 07413723

ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended

31 March 2021

Newcastle Women’s Aid

CONTENTS

PAGES
Trustees/Directors Annual Report 2 - 6
Statement of financial activities 7
Balance Sheet 8
Notes to financial statements 9 -13
Independent examiners report 14

1

Newcastle Women’s Aid

TRUSTEE/DIRECTOR’S ANNUAL REPORT

The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ending 31 March 2021

Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Name: Newcastle Women’s Aid Registered Charity: 1139393 Registered Company: 07413723

Registered and

Operational Address: 3[rd] Floor, Mea House, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8XS

Bankers: Unity Trust Bank Plc Nine Brindley Place, Birmingham B1 2HB Barclays Bank Plc 141 Northumberland Street Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7BH Trustees/Directors: Justine Massingham (Chair) Sandra Carlisle (resigned 2020) Cara Smith Cindy Barrow Judith Farquharson (Treasurer) Manager and Company Secretary: Elaine Langshaw Auditor: Ruth Tomlinson ACMA CGMA

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

Newcastle Women’s Aid was established and registered as a charity on 24 June 1976. The organisation is now a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 20[th] October 2010 registered as an incorporated charity on 21[st] December 2010. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

Appointment of Trustees/Directors

The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company’s Articles are known as trustees.

The Board of Trustees consists of not less than 3 and not more than 9 members who will be elected at the Annual General Meeting. It addition they may appoint not more than 3 co-opted members. All the members of the Board retire from office at the Annual General Meeting after they came into office but they may be re-elected or re-appointed.

2

Newcastle Women’s Aid

Trustee Induction and Training

New trustees are invited to meet the Manager and the Board of Trustees. All new trustees receive copies of all relevant documentation including the Memorandum & Articles of Association, organisational management chart, financial data, information relating to their role, the scope and responsibility of the Board and the system of delegated authority together with information about the cycle of meetings and the opportunities for meeting staff.

Organisation

The Board administers the charity. The Board meets bi-monthly and when necessary more regularly. A Manager is appointed by the Board to manage the day-to-day operation of the charity. There is a system of delegated authorities in place to determine which decisions can be undertaken by the manager.

Risk Management

The Charity created a risk register in October 2003. A full review of the risk register was undertaken during 2018.

Risk assessment is an important and critical step in protecting staff, trustees, residents, visitors’, service users and the organisation as well as complying with the law. The process used by Newcastle women’s Aid is straightforward in that it clearly identifies risks, evaluates the likelihood and impact of any risk, ensures adequate resources are available to deal with the risks and regularly monitors and reviews risks.

Objectives and Activities

The objects of the charity are the relief, protection and support of persons, including children, who have suffered or are in danger of suffering domestic abuse through the provision of, advice, support, representation and other services, and to create awareness together with advance education in all aspects of domestic abuse including its causes, prevention and the relief of its consequences.

The central aim of the charity is to provide a holistic support service to women and their children who are experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

The main objectives of the organisation are:

The organisation continues to provide support to women and children and the office is staffed between 9-5, Monday to Friday. Following Newcastle City Council’s decision to award a contract for the operation of a new refuge in the west end of Newcastle NWA restructured its services during 2016/17. Whilst refuge accommodation is no longer provided by NWA women receive advice, emotional and practical support around the domestic violence they have experienced together with practical help and advice upon issues such as re-housing, health care, legal issues, benefits and any other issue or problem they have identified.

3

Newcastle Women’s Aid

NWA provides specialist support services to women and girls affected by domestic violence and abuse. Support includes;

Our Domestic Abuse Flexible Support service (DAF’s) s a community-based outreach service; women are offered appointments in our centrally located, fully accessible offices or in safe, convenient venues across the city. This service supports women in the community who do not want, or need, to access refuge accommodation. DAFS provides practical help regarding safety, legal issues, benefits, re-housing and other issues identified by the client herself and also provide emotional support around the domestic abuse the client has suffered.

NWA Group programmes include the Freedom Programme. This is a programme that explores in detail the different tactics perpetrators use to abuse victims and attempts to equip victims with the knowledge to keep themselves and their children safe in the future. This programme has received positive feedback from clients & remains popular and successful. We have also introduced our bespoke Recovery Programme in consultation with our clients.

We regularly review our aims and objectives to ensure we remain focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commissions guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and when planning our future activities.

Achievements and Performance

Service Provision

In the financial year 2020-2021 Newcastle Women’s Aid provided advice, information, advocacy and support directly or indirectly as follows;

Statistics:

Demographics

Accreditations

4

Newcastle Women’s Aid

Financial Review:

Against a backdrop of a difficult economic climate and global pandemic the organisation has developed services to generate a positive financial outcome and to achieve prudent expenditure through cost efficiencies.

Newcastle Women’s Aid has continued to receive funding from a range of charitable sources and from individual donations. Donations have also been received from individuals and businesses who have chosen to support the work of NWA.

At the end of November 2016 funding from Newcastle Council for Newcastle Women’s Aid ceased as a result of the Council awarding a contract to operate a new refuge to a Housing Provider.

The Trustees therefore agreed that Newcastle Women’s’ Aid would continue its services from more accessible premises in Newcastle City centre, with no refuge accommodation.

Initially the restructured service has used its reserves to establish the service in new premises and to fund two full time members of staff. Since that time funding has been secured and additional staff have been employed.

Investment Powers and Policy:

Under the Memorandum and Articles of Association the charity has the power to invest in any way the trustees wish.

The trustees/directors have operated a policy of investing some of the funds in an interest bearing deposit account.

Reserves Policy:

Newcastle Women’s Aid believes it is prudent to have a policy on the holding, management and accumulation of its reserves.

Reserves may be accumulated over the organisation’s life from donations and bequests from supporters, and modest surpluses on the income and expenditure balance of some years.

Having taken into account the relevant risks to income streams and the planned activities over the next year the trustees feel the most appropriate level of reserves for the organisation to hold would be nine month’s running costs, which are approximately £325,000. This figure would need to be reviewed in line with increased activity and demand placed upon Newcastle Women’s Aid. However, now the level of reserves would allow for staff salaries and other general running costs to be paid until such time alternative income is secured or, in the worst-case scenario, for the organisation to be wound up. The three months period would allow for redundancy notices to be issued to staff and for staff to find alternative, appropriate support service for clients. This policy is considered to be in the best interests of the service users, staff and trustees of the charity.

The Trustees have allocated reserves to the value of £100,000 to assist in funding future NWA developments or projects.

5

Newcastle Women’s Aid

Plans for Future Periods:

The charity plans to continue and develop its activities as outlined in the Aims and Objectives and to maintain its presence in our current offices in the City of Newcastle.

Statement of Trustee’s/Directors Responsibilities:

The trustees/directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with law applicable to charities in England and Wales together with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity at the end of a financial year and of its incomings and outgoings for that year.

In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently, making judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. The trustees must also prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue its activities.

The trustees/directors 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 financial statements comply with the charities Act 1993. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

On behalf of trustees/directors

J Massingham

Justine Massingham Chair/Director Approved by Trustees/Directors on 19 October 2021

6

Newcastle Women’s Aid

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the 12 Months period ended 31st March, 2021

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the 12 Monthsperiod ended 31st March, 2021
Year ended
31-Mar-2021
Year
ended 31-
Mar-2021
Year
ended 31-
Mar-2021
Year ended
31-Mar-2020
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total
Funds
Total Funds
£
£
£
£
INCOMING RESOURCES
Note
INCOMING FUNDS FROM GENERATED
FUNDS
Donations and Grants Other Income
2		 31,988
1,500
33,488
14,528
Interest Receivable.
3		 82
82
332
INCOMING FUNDS FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Grants and Contracts
4		 10,000
123,776
133,776
91,050
TOTAL NCOMING RESOURCES 42,070
125,276
167,346
105,910
RESOURCES EXPENDED
COST OF GENERATING FUNDS
Cost of generating voluntary income -
-
-
-
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
DAFS
5		 -
25,883
Domestic Abuse Support
5		 113,376
113,376
25,709
Domestic Abuse Training & Support
5		 -
47,908
-
113,376
113,376
99,500
Governance Costs
6		 21,060
21,060
22,588
TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 21,060
113,376
134,436
122,088
NET INCOME / (OUTGOING) RESOURCES
FOR THE YEAR BEFORE TRANSFERS		 21,010
11,900
32,910
( 16,178 )
transfers between funds
-
-
-
-
NET INCOME / (OUTGOING) RESOURCES
FOR THE YEAR		 21,010
11,900
32,910
(16,178)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Balance brought forward 66,207
352,547
418,754
434,932
Balance carried forward
87,217
364,447
451,664
418,754

7

Newcastle Women's Aid

BALANCE SHEET
As at date shown
As at 31st
March
As at 31st
March
2021
2020
£
£
Note
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7		 -
-
Cash at bank and in hand 473,238
419,760
473,238
419,760
CREDITORS
Amounts fallingdue within oneyear
8		 (21,574)
(1,006)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 451,664
418,754
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 451,664
418,754
NET ASSETS 451,664
418,754
FUNDS
Restricted income funds
9		 364,415
352,547
Unrestricted income funds
10		 87,249
66,207
TOTAL FUNDS 451,664
418,754

8

Newcastle Women’s Aid

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the 12 months ended 31 March 2021

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF ACCOUNTING

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with:

INCOMING RESOURCES

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be qualified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Voluntary income is received by way of grants and donations and is included in full in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Grants where entitlement is not conditional on delivery of a specific performance by the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant. Investment income is included when it is receivable.

Income received by way of donation or grant for the purchase of a fixed asset is credited to the restricted funds in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Depreciation on the fixed assets purchased with these funds are charged against the restricted fund.

FUNDS ACCOUNTING

Funds held by the charity are either:

Unrestricted general funds

These are funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds

RESOURCES EXPENDED

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred.

Expenditure includes any VAT and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. - Costs of generating voluntary income funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income.

9

Newcastle Women’s Aid

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the 12 months ended 31 March 2021

Governance costs include those costs associated with the compliance to the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and include all costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.

All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly, others are apportioned on staff time across project work, generating funds and governance.

FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION

Tangible fixed assets costing £100 or more were capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expense of acquisition. The Trustees have agreed to write off the balance of fixed asset cost as a result of recognising the condition of the existing premises together with the equipment and their net realisable value and expected life.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Equipment ........................ 25% reducing balance Fixtures and Fittings ........... 5 & 7 years straight line Leasehold improvements...... 7 years straight line

OPERATING LEASE AGREEMENTS Rentals applicable to operating leases, where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor, are charged against income on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

PENSION COSTS

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity. The annual contributions payable is charged to the Statement of Financial Activities.

10

INCOMING FUNDS FROM GENERATED FUNDS - Donations, Grants & Contracts

Unrestricted Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
to Mar 2021
Total
Funds to
Mar 2020
Donations £
£
£
£
A & AE Buchan 1,000
-
1,000
-
C Smith 100
-
100
-
CAF 478
-
478
25
Co Durham Community Foundation -
-
-
5,000

DAC Beachcroft LLP		 500
-
500
-
David Gray Solicitors -
-
-
40

Jesmond Parish Church		 -
-
-
1,130
John Lewis Community Matters 930
-
930
-

Lisa Elliot		 -
-
-
400
Local Giving 21,960
-
21,960
4,296

Lowes Financial Management		 -
-
-
3,000

Mary Jackson will Trust		 1,500
-
1,500
-

Northumbrian Leisure		 1,500
-
1,500
-
Other -
-
-
165
PayPal Giving Fund 244
-
244
172

St Andrews Benton		 -
-
-
100
St Gabriel's Church 185
-
185
185
Unison Newcastle 2,000
-
2,000
-
Via PayPal 690
-
690
-

Virgin Money Giving		 901
-
901
15
31,988
-
31,988
14,528
Interest Receivable
Bank Interest Received 82
-
82
332
82
-
82
332
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Grants and Contracts
Community Foundation - Lily Mathews
Fund		 -
-
-
3,193
LGA Foundation -
10,000
10,000
-
National Lotteries Community Fund
Grant		 -
55,811
55,811
54,039
Newcastle City Council (Covid 19) 10,000
-
10,000
-

Northumbria PCC Supporting Victims		 -
32,645
32,645
31,818

Northumbria PCC Ministry of Justice
Covid		 -
13,620
13,620
-
Victim Support -
1,500
1,500
2,000
WAF -
1,170
1,170
-
WAF Comic Relief -
10,530
10,530
-
10,000
125,276
135,276
91,050
Total Income 42,070
125,276
167,346
105,910
11
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Domestic
Abuse
Flexible
Support
Services
Total
Funds
for year
to Mar
2021
Total
Funds for
year to
Mar 2020
£
£
£
Staff costs 66,885
66,885
73,420
Professional Fees 770
770
825
Travel costs 235
235
117
Other cost -
-
3,800
67,890
-
67,890
78,162
Support costs

Staff costs		 9,555
9,555
7,250
Premises and office costs 30,952
30,952
12,966
Professional Fees 4,363
4,363
-
Travel costs -
-
61
Other costs 616
616
1,061
45,486
-
45,486
21,338
113,376
-
113,376
99,500
GOVERNANCE
COSTS		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricte
d Funds
Total
Funds
for year
to Mar
2021
Total
Funds for
year to
Mar 2020
£
£
£
£
Staff costs 13,490
-
13,490
13,281
Trustee expenses 43
-
43
1,230
Audit fees 1,500
-
1,500
1,234
Professional Fees 1,502
-
1,502
3,578
Premises and office costs 4,156
-
4,156
1,944
Other costs 369
-
369
1,321
21,060
-
21,060
22,588

12

DEBTORS As at 31st
March,
2021		 As at 31st
March,
2020
£ £
Amounts receivable within one year - -
- -
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year. £ £

Rent		 20,020 -
Consumables/Lloyds Card 54 6

Professional Fees & Audit/Accountancy		 1,500 1,000
21,574 1,006
RESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS
As at 1st
April 2020
Incoming
Resources		 Outgoing
Resources
Transfers		 As at 31st
March
2021
£
£		 £
£		 £
DAFS 166,824
125,276		 ( 67,890 )
-		 224,210
Domestic Abuse Support 126,426 ( 45,486 )
-		 80,940
Domestic Abuse Training
& Education		 9,297
-
-		 9,297
Future projects 50,000 - 50,000
Total 352,547
125,276		 (113,376)
-		 364,447
( 21,060 )
-
87,217
Tangible
Fixed
Assets
Other Net
Assets
Total
£
£
£
-
364,447
364,447
-
87,217
87,217
-
451,664
451,664
UNRESTRICTED
INCOME FUNDS
66,207
42,070
ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
Restricted income funds
Unrestricted income funds
Total
13
Newcastle Women’s Aid
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT
For the 12 Months ended 31st March 2021

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 act and to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity commission (under section 43(7(b) of the 1993 Act) and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiners report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts give a "true and fair" view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner' statements

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) Which will give me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the requirements of the 1993 Act have not been met; or

(2) To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Ms. R Tomlinson ACMA CGMA

20 The High Gate

Kenton Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 4LS

R.E.Tomlinson 1[st] September 2021