**Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022 Charity registration number: 1143001 Company registration number: 07660698 ## **Contents** Trustees’ Report ....................................................................................... 2 Finance Report ........................................................................................ 30 Independent Examiner’s Report ................................................................. 32 Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities ....................................................... 34 Statement of Financial Activities ................................................................ 35 Balance Sheet ......................................................................................... 36 Notes to the Financial Statements .............................................................. 37 1 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Trustees’ Report** ## **Company Information** |**Trustees**
**Patrons**
**Office Address**
**Postal Address**
**Registered Office**
**Bankers**
**Solicitors**
**External examiners**
**Email**
**Website**|Kristen Paterson
Chair
Kevin Corbett
Deputy Chair
Alex Conway CTA ACA
Treasurer
Jan Berry
Merle Bigden
Jane Campbell
Julie Conalty (Venerable)
Resigned June 2021
Veronica Knight
Angela Painter
Jane Ashton DL
Louise Jameson
DAVSS Office, The Police Station,
Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2LU
P.O.Box 530, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 9TB
Finchley Park, Emmet Hill Lane, Laddingford, Kent
ME18 6BG
HSBC Bank, 100 High Street, Tonbridge,
Kent TN9 1AN
Thomson Snell & Passmore, 3 Lonsdale Gardens,
Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1NX
Bourner Bullock, 114 St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden,
London WC2N 4BE
office@davss.org.uk
www.davss.org.uk| |---|---| 2 MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR I am pleased to report that over 2021-2022 our dedicated volunteers and staff have continued to deliver DAVSS holistic tailored wrap-around support to victims of domestic abuse for as long as needed, with no-one turned away and no waiting lists. It has been a challenging year, with a greater volume of referrals and helpline calls than ever before. Almost all referrals and helpline calls have been complex and/or high risk/high need, requiring multiple interventions over a longer period. Volunteers and staff have given many additional hours to meet this need, as well as redesigning key parts of service delivery. As a result, the organisation is more flexible, agile and resilient and better able to move pro-actively to meet new and existing challenges. I am delighted and humbled to report that DAVSS has been recognised over the year by a number of awards, including the IKRWO True Honour Award for commitment to tackling honour-based violence, Kent Charity Awards Volunteer of the Year, the Sevenoaks District Council Making It Happen Award for our Supportto-Court Project and the Life-time Achievement Award for one of our Trustees. We were only able to deliver our high quality services due to the huge courage of our clients, the amazing dedication of our volunteers and staff, trustees’ clearsighted focus on service delivery and the extraordinary support of our partners, funders, donors and the wider community. My thanks to you all for the huge difference you make enabling the lives of people experiencing domestic abuse to be transformed. ## **Kristen Paterson** 3 ## **UPDATE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE** Over 2021-22 DAVSS received 1,230 referrals (including 73 men) involving 1,871 children, and supported a massive 6,348 helpline calls. DAVSS’ focus on the whole client journey has been critical in supporting clients and their children, not only enabling them to address the immediate crisis but also in aiding recovery and improving future life-opportunities. This has been especially important as almost all clients have presented with increased anxiety, depression or suicidal ideation due to the escalation of abuse and impact of COVID and improved mental health and well-being has been vital in supporting empowerment and recovery. Positive outcomes achieved include DAVSS’ very low repeat victimisation rate of 6%, Protective Injunctions obtained, improved mental health and well-being, clients retaining jobs or getting new ones, starting training courses, living in safer or new accommodation, taking up volunteering, and reporting positive outcomes for their children. Many family members and friends also benefitted, and by extension this has also had a positive impact on the wider community and the public purse. I would like to add my thanks to those of our Chair to everyone involved over the year. This has been a real team effort and we could not have achieved these outcomes without you. ## **Henu Cummins** 4 **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVSS)** ## **CHARITY AND GOVERNANCE INFORMATION for the Year to 31 March 2022** ## Governance and Structure DAVSS was incorporated on 7[th] June 2011 under the Companies Act 2006 as a private company limited by guarantee and registered as a Charity on 21[st] July 2011. It is governed by a memorandum and articles of association which have been in place since incorporation. ## Board of Trustees and Management DAVSS has a strong and committed Board of Trustees who are also the Directors of the charity. They are drawn from the local community and represent legal, financial, IT, community safety, voluntary sector and faith community expertise; with specialist Police and Housing advisers (see page 4 above). One of our Trustees is a volunteer representative and we are seeking an ex-service user to join the Board as a Trustee. Trustees met quarterly over the last year with the following advisors to discuss strategic and operational aspects of the Charity: Henu Cummins DAVSS Chief Executive Officer; Jackie Sumner Head of Community Investment, Town & Country Housing - Peabody Group; and the Kent Police Area Commanders for Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge & Malling Area and Sevenoaks & Swanley Area. ## Public benefit The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing DAVSS aims and objectives and in planning activities and setting policies and priorities for the year ahead. DAVSS charitable objectives are shown on page 8. 5 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (DAVSS)** ## **TRUSTEES’ REPORT** ## **For the Year to 31[st] March 2022** Our Reason for Being There were 1.5 million DA-related crimes and incidents in England and Wales in 20/21, an increase of 6% DAVSS was set up in 2011 following a successfully evaluated pilot project, which demonstrated a real need for a support service for people experiencing domestic abuse in West Kent. Referrals and helpline calls to DAVSS, along with client and agency feedback, continue to demonstrate that this need is urgent and ongoing. 18% of all crimes were DA-related in 20/21 compared with 15% in 19/20 In Kent in 20/21 there were 32,000 DA cases involving violence 18% more than in 19/20 Kent had the second highest incidence of DA related crimes involving violence in England and Wales in 20/21 Domestic abuse (DA) was exacerbated by the pandemic. The restrictions placed new pressures on families as changes in work practices led to their abuser being more likely to work from home and abuse became more frequent, intense and violent. Additionally, despite the easing of restrictions, the complexity of cases has continued to be much greater, and have required multiple interventions and support for a longer period. We expect that these trends will continue for the foreseeable future. There is a widespread perception that because of its relative affluence (albeit with pockets of deprivation), DA is less likely to occur in West Kent. But DA is pervasive and respects no boundaries, be they ones of gender, socio-economic status, ethnic origin, age or disability and statistics show this to be the case. When victims have assets, they often do not meet the criteria for legal aid or benefits, even when they are prevented from accessing their assets by their abuser. DAVSS vital volunteer support enables victims to secure the resources they need to take action to make them and their children safe. Referrals to DAVSS in 21/22 totalled 1,230 an increase of 21% over 20/21 DAVSS service model has continues to be highly effective and service users are enthusiastic about the support they receive from DAVSS’ highly trained volunteers. Despite restrictions we continued to engage effectively with our clients, community groups, partners and other agencies and, in this our tenth year, the number of referrals has and helpline calls continued to grow, demonstrating the very real, ongoing and urgent need for DAVSS services. 6 ## Our Objects, Values and Strategy We believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their intimate relationships. Our vision is that anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse of any kind by an intimate partner or close relative should have the knowledge and support necessary to protect themselves from harm and feel empowered to take control of their life again, whatever the level of risk. This vision drives our aims, our values, and strategy:- **Our Objects** Provide relief to people and their dependants living in West Kent who have suffered any form of abuse within an intimate family relationship Provide training and education in understanding DA Introduce and engage in services to promote healthy relationships **Our Values** Safety comes first We empower our clients and those we work with We are client led Everyone deserves our best - we listen, act with integrity and are non-judgemental By the community for the community - we enable the local community to provide support to those who need it ## **Our Strategy** To provide confidential free, tailored, holistic volunteer support for as long as needed to anyone in West Kent experiencing DA, empowering them to take action to make them and their children safe and recover from the abuse they have experienced. Prevent abuse by raising awareness of DA in the community and promoting healthy relationships. What we do Work proactively in partnership with others to deliver the best possible services. Seek funding to enable us to grow our volunteer base so we can support DAVSS provides vital support services for anyone (men, women, LGBTQ+, ethnic more people experiencing DA, and meet existing and new needs. minorities, disabled) experiencing domestic abuse, who often have no-one else We will remain independent and differentiated from other providers – a local to turn to and are in desperate need of support. We work with clients from service provided by local people for local people. immediate crisis intervention through to recovery, empowering them to make decisions and take action to make them and their children safe. Our services are client-led, volunteer-centred, free and confidential, include all levels of risk and are not time limited. We provide pro bono solicitors, interpreters, and recovery programmes when needed. 7 We work very closely with other agencies, the voluntary sector, and community groups (e.g., Police, Social Services, Health, Education, Housing, Citizens Advice), as multi-organisation partnership working is vital to the provision of DAVSS holistic wrap-around service. We also provide public education and raise community awareness about this serious issue to try to ensure earlier reporting, prevention and reduction wherever possible, mitigating the harmful consequences to victims and their children. **----- Start of picture text -----**
AIMS
Provide relief to people Deliver services which Provide training and
experiencing abuse within
promote healthy education about DA
an intimate family
relationships
relationship
DIRECT CLIENT SUPPORT
EDUCATION
Helpline & Phone support
(crisis intervention, risk ADULT & CHILDREN
Healthy
assessments, safety RECOVERY SERVICES
relationship
advice, ongoing support) Freedom, ACE
courses for
Website (signposting, Recovery and Own
schools &
information) My Life Programmes
Face to face tailored Peer support groups colleges
DA training
support (all adults, all risk
for agencies,
levels, open ended)
community &
faith groups &
Court preparation and
local
support to court
businesses
**----- End of picture text -----**
8 How we deliver our services ## Our clients Everything we do is client-centred and customised to our individual clients’ needs. It is because of their courage in reporting domestic abuse that we are able to provide our vital support services in often highly challenging circumstances. Male clients continue to tell us that they find it difficult to report their situation and seek support, which is borne out by statistics in that although the number of referrals has grown by 21%, the proportion coming from men has fallen from 7% to 6%. The reasons for this are complex and include the damaging narratives around masculinity, negative gender stereotypes, the shame or stigma felt by male victims in particular or belief in the myth that it only happens to women. Uncertainty around being believed is another factor but this emerges as a key message from all groups of people who have been supported by DAVSS not just men. Ethnic minority referrals to DAVSS (7% of the total) are slightly higher than the proportion of people from ethnic minority backgrounds residing in West Kent, which shows some success in reaching these communities. However, more work is needed to ensure all ethnic groups are being reached and that the complexities of their experience and their diverse needs are fully understood and addressed. Overall, DA remains a hidden but pervasive crime with referrals and helpline calls for all client groups remaining low when compared with the overall number of people experiencing DA as research suggests that one woman in four and one man in six will experience DA during their lifetime. ## Our volunteers Our services are delivered by our current team of 45 volunteers, which includes DA and Helpline advisors, volunteers delivering recovery programmes, and others who assist with admin, coordination and fundraising. Our professionally trained volunteers commit to a minimum of 5 hours per week to supporting the DAVSS Helpline or 10 hours a week supporting clients, but most volunteers’ hours significantly exceed this. Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and a number have life experience as survivors of domestic abuse themselves. Most of our volunteers are women but we are fortunate to also have male volunteers, so we are able to give our clients the option of having a male advisor should they prefer this. Their enormous professionalism, dedication, tenacity, patience and efficiency ensure that our work is of the highest quality and meets the often complex needs of our clients. During the period of COVID-related restrictions they demonstrated enormous resilience and flexibility in the way they anticipated and responded to the increasing demands placed upon them and how they adapted to new ways of working. Some Trustees also provide professional services pro bono (including legal and fundraising services) which greatly reduces the cost of our operation. As can be seen from the quotes below, volunteers themselves say that they find the work very challenging but satisfying at the same time, and feel that they are 9 making a real difference to both their clients and to their own personal development. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Volunteering for DAVSS is
It’s one of the best the most rewarding thing I
things I’ve ever done. have done so far. I get a
It is challenging, but great sense of job
there is fantastic satisfaction knowing I am
support from all the helping and assisting those
staff. Fulfilling and in need
very worthwhile.
I love it here at DAVSS, there is
such a community feel here,
everyone is so helpful and always
eager to create a rich learning
environment
**----- End of picture text -----**
The clients we support are so grateful for all that we do, it means a lot to see just how far they have come. If at the end of the support they leave feeling empowered and enabled then that is a job well done ## Our staff Our current 9.7 FTE managers and staff support our volunteers. They include our Chief Executive who has a legal background and extensive DA experience and three managers who are trained Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs). Managers provide coaching, mentoring, case supervision and quality assurance, and other staff provide administrative and other support. Over the year, we provided our staff with laptops to enable them to work remotely from home during the COVID emergency. Over the last year, we received additional COVID related funding, some of which we used to ensure our volunteers had the extra coaching and support they needed. This was essential when working with the more complex, time consuming and often-traumatic referrals and helpline calls, and the increased volume of referrals and calls arising from COVID and changes in work practices. We are grateful to our funders for enabling us to provide this higher level of support. ## Training & Development New volunteer DA and Helpline Advisors shadow experienced staff and volunteers, then undergo 14 days’ accredited Quality Mark DA training, plus 6 days’ training 10 on DAVSS policies, processes and procedures. They are then mentored by a fellow volunteer or qualified member of staff before ‘flying solo’ supporting their own clients. Further training and personal development opportunities have been provided during the year to staff and volunteers by in-house training, outside speakers and attendances at conferences and workshops. Training is vital in order to increase the resilience of our organisation and to upskill volunteers and staff, thereby creating capacity for further growth, enhancing job satisfaction, and ensuring service delivery meets national standards and best practice in a changing legislative and operating environment. In the last year we enrolled our Chief Executive and our newly recruited Service Manager on leadership and management training courses, as well as providing externally delivered mentoring for senior managers. This reflects our commitment to equality and diversity, and to providing staff from any background with the best possible platform from which to develop. ## Partnership working DAVSS continues to work closely with a wide range of organisations in the area and could not deliver our tailored wrap-around services without their support. This includes the police, solicitors, housing, the Courts, Witness Care Service, social services, health, schools, and others. In particular, we work closely with the three Community Safety Partnerships and the three local authorities in West Kent who have consistently supported DAVSS with funding. We continue to work with voluntary organisations (from debt advice through to equine therapy), community groups and the faith community. We are very grateful to them, and to the business community, for their support over the year. 11 The long term impact of Covid-19 We are proud of the huge courage of our clients; the dedication, commitment and adaptability of our staff and volunteers; and the strong support of our partners, funders, donors, local businesses, the faith community, and community groups. This enabled us to provide our tailored holistic wrap-around support without interruption throughout the pandemic despite the restrictions and the ongoing uncertainty. We very quickly extended the opening hours of our helpline and introduced new software which doubled its capacity to take incoming calls. Using new funding we provided laptops to staff to enable home working and our volunteers adapted to supporting clients remotely. These changes improved the resilience of our service model and taught us new ways of working which will make DAVSS services more flexible, efficient and effective going forward. The restrictions arising from Covid have had an exacerbating effect on DA and we expect that the impact of this escalation will be felt for some considerable time to come. Widespread adoption of the “hybrid” model of working where the home is the workplace for at least part or all of the week limits the opportunities for our clients to seek help or respite, and perpetrators will continue to have greater scope to continue their abusive behaviour. As a result, almost all referrals and helpline calls to DAVSS are now complex, high risk and/or high need and require multiple interventions. The additional complexity and higher level of demand for our services has significantly increased the load on our volunteers. New funding has made it possible to provide the additional management, emotional and other support which volunteers have needed to cope with this higher demand and ensure they have the knowledge and resilience to deal with these more complex and more traumatic referrals. A measure of this increased load is the number of helpline calls in the year which totalled 6,348, up by 63% compared to pre pandemic levels. Furthermore, the situation regarding the Courts continues to be mixed. The changes made to Civil Court proceedings allowing protective injunctions to be obtained by telephone and email have been maintained and there is now a hybrid working model. Not having to physically attend court in person saves travel time, is less expensive and reduces the risk of the client meeting the perpetrator on public transport or in the car park, when accessing the court, or seeing them in the courtroom. However, the situation in the Criminal Courts is by no means as positive. There continue to be significant delays, increasing the stress on our clients and the length of time needed to obtain both justice and the legal protection they need, particularly as convictions can be more difficult to secure and a sense of impunity is created. This continues to have a highly detrimental effect on the wellbeing of our clients and is one of the reasons for our volunteers having to spend more time on each of their cases. We expect these trends to continue over 2022-23. 12 ## Direct Client Support ## Face-to-Face Tailored Individual Client Support Our volunteers provide holistic, wrap-around, bespoke, client-led, face-to-face volunteer support for as long as needed, addressing all levels of risk. We arrange face-to-face meetings individually at convenient and safe locations in both towns and rural areas across West Kent but the restrictions imposed on us during the pandemic showed us that we needed to offer the option of tailored support by telephone. We now do this as a matter of routine and feedback from clients has been very positive. As is the case with our face-to-face support, this is provided by a named volunteer for as long as it is needed. Risk assessments are carried out on every case to national standards and identified as standard, medium or high risk. A tailored personal/family Safety and Support Plan is then drawn up in consultation with the client and this ‘live’ document is reviewed volunteer and client together on a regular basis. In 21/22, 174 cases were high risk, an increase of 14% over 20/21 and almost 40% more than in 19/20. 172 referrals were made in 21/22 to the West Kent Multiagency Risk Assessments Conference (MARAC), 26% more than in 20/21 and almost 50% more than in 19/20. As the proportion of our cases which are high risk/high need and complex is much greater than before, we have critically reviewed our service model to ensure it continues to meet changing demands. Over 2021-22 we introduced our Transforming Lives Project which identifies those clients at the greatest level of risk/need and extends our holistic wrap-around support to address the whole range of their and their children’s needs, including recovery support. The effectiveness of this Project will be assessed annually by an independent reviewer. The chart overleaf shows how our one-to-one support is delivered and the steps involved:- 13 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Client Support Services Pathway
Initial client
1 engagement with Client Options
DAVSS
Client engages with full
range of DAVSS services
Risks and needs
assessment determines
2 optimum service option
for client
Client engages with
external
services/agencies and
Risk and safety plan DAVSS continues to
3 drafted with client as provide support services
part of the overall
service plan
Client may choose to
DAVSS is lead agency or
move directly to a
4 part of overall response different DAVSS service
depending on risk and
based on changes to risk
need. Multi agency
response to both
Client requires further
Client receives support support at a later date
5 and with Advisor with the same DAVSS
identifies desired service, a different
outcomes as part of DAVSS service or external
overall support plan service with DAVSS in a
support capacity
Client receives
6 information/advice and
Ongoing support to client
does not require further
provided and reviewed,
DAVSS support as part of
supports in place.
the overall case resolution
**----- End of picture text -----**
Phone and web support 14 We have maintained the longer opening hours for our Helpline Service which we introduced during the pandemic (10am-4pm on weekdays with 24/7 messaging giving information and advice) and our tailored support, including our Support-toCourt service, is now provided by telephone as well as face to face. The additional capacity added during the pandemic has resulted enabled us to handle over 6,300 calls, an increase of 16% on 20/21 and 63% more than in 19/20. Through our website we provide comprehensive information about abuse and the different forms it can take, how to access the help and advice available, the different services we offer and how to keep safe while living in an abusive situation. This includes how to self-refer as well as a dedicated email address for men experiencing DA. Additionally, we maintain a Facebook page which provides up to the minute information about our activities in the wider community, and provide information twitter. ## Support-to-Court This service assists victims of DA to obtain much needed legal protection in the form of Protection Orders (e.g., Prohibited Steps, Non-Molestation, Restraining, Occupation, Child Arrangement, Forced Marriage Protection, etc). This will be the first time most of our clients come into contact with the justice system and the court process can be intimidating for anyone but it is even more challenging for someone who is suffering abuse. The trauma and chaotic emotions, inevitable consequences of abuse, significantly impair the ability of litigants, particularly those appearing in person, to construct the statements and compile the paperwork necessary to support their case. DAVSS offers volunteer DA support throughout the process, including helping prepare paperwork and acting as a McKenzie Friend in the Civil Courts if needed. Volunteer Advisor support to the Criminal Courts includes liaising with Witness Care and the court services to ensure client access and safety, and explaining the process and outcomes to the client as needed. Difficulties in accessing the Criminal Court, with delays in criminal court dates/attendances and repeated deferments due to the impact of COVID-19, have made support-to-court more necessary than ever. Our highly experienced lawyers provide free legal advice on an appointment basis and during the year they held 142 such meetings, more than twice the number in 20/21. We have also been very fortunate in having available the pro bono services of a barrister for complex cases where needed. We are extremely grateful to the local solicitors and the barrister who provide this pro bono support. 15 One-stop shop This weekly service is led by the commissioned services, with DAVSS providing resources on alternate weeks. This face-to-face service was suspended for most of the year due to the COVID restrictions, with only 3 attendees when it was reopened. The need for this project will be reviewed over 2022-23. ## Client Recovery Services These services support our aims of breaking the cycle of abuse, enabling our clients to repair their lives, and promoting healthy relationships. ## Freedom Programme (Adults) This 12-week programme is aimed at helping people understand the nature of DA and how to recover from it. It is aimed at those who are still in or who have just left an abusive relationship. It is also essential for parents/caregivers to commit to attending the Adults’ Freedom Programme, as it enables them to support their children with greater knowledge and understanding when they undertake the Children’s Freedom Programme subsequently. During the year 3 programmes were held involving 14 clients. ## Own My Own Life Programme (Adults) This 12-week course helps victims make sense of their abusive experiences and its impact on mental health and it gives them the skills to move forward, overcome their experiences, regain ownership of their lives, and build resilience. This focuses on continuous learning, builds agency and independence, and provides skills that participants can use when confronted with difficult situations and/or abuse in the future. The course includes group work, work in pairs, and individual work throughout each session. During the year we held 2 courses involving 19 clients. ## Inspiration Groups - Peer Support In addition to structured programmes, we provide peer support groups for clients and former clients which gives them an opportunity to network with people who have experienced abuse, share experiences, and form connections in the community, thereby reducing their sense of isolation and helping them re-build their lives. This group operates both face-to-face and via Facebook. During the year we held 5 face to face sessions involving 33 clients and there were 99 participants in our Facebook Peer Support group. ## Children’s Programmes The 2020 Domestic Abuse Act recognised children as victims of DA in their own right and recent research has revealed that exposure to DA contributes to mental and physical health issues for children during and after the abuse, and in later life. Three quarters of children living in an abusive situation are directly exposed to the abuse and of these, half are directly abused themselves. Despite this, there are few services available in West Kent to help children/young people who find themselves affected. The Children’s programmes below use age-appropriate activities and games to help children recover from DA. Feedback from parents/caregivers and children is that the groups are fun, that children look forward to their sessions and that they 16 provide a positive learning experience which helps them recover from abuse. In the words of parents/caregivers and children: as a result of these programmes children “can be happy again” and are “more settled”. The **Children’s Freedom Programme** assists children through activities and group work to identify and name abusive and non-abusive behaviours and to recognise the differences between the two, encouraging them to see that what they perceive to be random acts of abuse are not their fault and they are not to blame for the abuse they have experienced. During the year we delivered 5 programmes involving 28 children. The **Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Recovery Toolkit** uses a combination of creative activities to develop children’s and young people’s emotional resilience, helping to empower them to express their feelings in a constructive way and give them the opportunity to cope with the adversity they have experienced (and may do so in the future). Sessions are delivered individually or in a group setting depending on the needs of the child/young person and DAVSS offers extensive pre and post session support to children and to their parent/caregiver if needed. Resource constraints and the ongoing impact of COVID restrictions on children meant we did not hold any of these sessions in 21/22 but funding has now been secured which will enable us to hold two programmes in 22/23. 17 Education and raising awareness ## DAY Programme Domestic Abuse awareness training for young people (DAY) is a multimedia programme to raise awareness and provide education about safe and healthy relationships, domestic abuse and child sexual exploitation in a way that is relevant to young people. It is delivered by DAVSS to young people at local schools and colleges. Demand from schools has been high since the easing of pandemicrelated restrictions and we have responded to this as far as funding and other resources have allowed, delivering DAY to 120 participants during the course of the year. ## Agencies, community and voluntary groups, and the faith community Over the last 12 months DAVSS has delivered Domestic Abuse awareness training to several organisations in West Kent including West Kent Housing, Social Services (Early Help) and the Kent Police, reaching a total of 223 people. These talks include topics such as how to initiate a discussion about abuse with possible victims, risk assessment and safeguarding issues, forced marriage, implications of DA for professionals, and how to refer victims to DAVSS and/or other appropriate agencies for support. ## Our Funders The support of our Funders has been critical to our continuing success, and we are indebted to their understanding of the challenges of domestic abuse, and their generosity in supporting the provision of our services. This includes our public sector funders, independent foundations, trusts, community groups, the faith community and our many individual donors. We could not deliver our services without their incredible support. The highly positive client outcomes achieved, and most importantly the positive response of our service users, together with feedback from referring agencies, demonstrates the life-changing impact of this funding. 18 Our Achievements In 21/22 we received 1,230 referrals, 21% more than last year Total volunteer hours totalled 43,534, 15 %, more than pre pandemic Our volunteer Advisors provided 2,812 legal option sessions, more than twice the number in 19/20 Helpline calls totalled 6,348, 63% more than pre-pandemic We ran 3 freedom programmes, 2 Own My Life programmes and 5 Children’s Recovery Programmes involving 33 adults and 28 children 2021/22 saw the gradual lifting of COVID-related restrictions and to some extent a return to previous ways of working. Some of the changes we introduced to in response to COVID have had a positive impact on the quality, flexibility, and agility of our services, and have resulted in positive feedback from our clients. Where possible, we have incorporated them into “business as usual”. These include extended helpline hours, some remote working by staff, and direct individual client support delivery via telephone with a named volunteer as well as face to face. Also, the post-COVID DA “landscape” looks significantly different than before the pandemic. Contact difficulties caused by a more constant perpetrator presence at home continue to be experienced as the hybrid working model is widely adopted. Consequently, the time spent on each case by our volunteers remains at a much higher level than pre-pandemic and clients’ DA situations take longer to resolve. Additionally, the backlogs in the criminal courts remain severe which means that clients need support for longer while waiting for delayed/deferred court dates and attendances. We continued to liaise closely with the courts either face to face, online or by telephone and maintained our role as a McKenzie Friend where required. Clients were very positive about this support and many said they could not have accessed the legal protection they and their children need without our volunteers. We are proud of the way that our Chief Executive, volunteers and staff worked together to review and redesign services ensuring a seamless transition to home/outdoor/office working and how they have embedded the changes into the post COVID ways of working. This pragmatic and flexible approach has ensured that clients have continued to get the best possible service and that positive community and client outcomes have been maintained. We were able to reinstate our recovery programmes involving both adults and children. These are an essential part of what we do as they enable us to further the aim of helping clients and their children recover from the abuse they have experienced, better understand and recognise the nature of abusive relationships and put their life back together. We resumed our training and awareness raising activities about DA with agency front line staff, community groups, 19 professional groups, businesses and the faith community on which we have consistently received very positive feedback. The number of referrals and helpline calls we receive continues to grow, evidence of need and our volunteers and staff’s high standing and reputation in the community as we undertake no direct advertising of our services. We attended 98 civil and 19 criminal court proceedings We were proud and humbled to receive a number of awards recognising the excellence and impact of the service we provide and the dedication of two key colleagues. - DAVSS was awarded a certificate of commendation from IKWRO (an organisation which seeks to protect and promote the rights of women and girls from a Middle Eastern, North African and Afghan background) for tackling honour-based violence - Sevenoaks District Council’s ‘Making it Happen’ Award Charity Project of the year for our Supportto-Court Project. 1,871 children were involved in the referrals supported in the year - DAVSS Trustee, Angela Painter, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from Sevenoaks District Council; - DAVSS volunteer, Elaine Barnett, was awarded Volunteer of the Year 2021 by Kent Charity Awards. We are also grateful to our funders who provided vital funding to enable us to continue to provide and expand our much-needed services to meet the changing needs of vulnerable victims of DA throughout 2021-22. Our clients tell us that these services transformed not only their own lives but those of their children. 20 Our Impact We assess our impact using a combination of quantitative and qualitative measures. Quantitative measures include client surveys, the number of protective legal orders obtained, repeat victimisation rates and value for money. Qualitative measures are primarily in the form of the feedback we receive from clients, partner agencies, funders and other operators in the field of DA but we also on case closure we compile case studies which serve to document the outcomes of individual cases. ## Quantitative Measures Pre-and-post support **Wellbeing Surveys** show the impact of DAVSS support with clients reporting the following _**percentage**_ improvements in different aspects of their life: **----- Start of picture text -----**
Well Being Survey Improved Outcomes
Physical Health
Mental Health
Quality of Life
Empowerment
Safety
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120%
**----- End of picture text -----**
The overall aim of our Freedom Programme for adults is to improve the selfconfidence of our clients which can be badly affected by the trauma of abuse and to equip them with the ability to recognise the difference between healthy and abusive relationships. The chart below shows the improvements our clients feel they have made as a result of their attendance on this programme. 21 **----- Start of picture text -----**
Adult Freedom Programme Evaluation
Feelings of hope for the future
Able to avoid abusive relshps
Recognise abusive relationships
Feeling safe at home - children
Feeling safe at home - self
Deserving of respect
Understanding of self / feelings
Feeling of confidence
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
**----- End of picture text -----**
The Own My Own Life Programme, designed for those clients who have succeeded in moving on after experiencing an abusive relationship, aims to improve their feelings of physical safety for both themselves and their children and to help them achieve a better quality of life by picking up the threads of their former life including securing employment where appropriate. The effectiveness of this programme is measured in terms of the degree of improvement clients feel they have made in these areas. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Own My Own Life Evaluation
Able to keep children safe
Improved economic situation
Understanding DA
Improved well being
Feeling safe
Feeling supported
Improved quality of life
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
**----- End of picture text -----**
During the year we conducted several Domestic Abuse Awareness sessions for young people (DAY) involving 150 participants aged 14-15, the primary aims of which are to improve understanding and recognition of abuse and equip them with the means to deal with abusive behaviours should they encounter any. The two graphs below show the impact of these sessions. 22 **DAY Programme - Before** **----- Start of picture text -----**
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Knowledge of DA Ability to Confident to say How to deal with Recognising
recognise DA no abuse abusive
behaviour
Low / None Medium Good/High
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
DAY Programme - After
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Knowledge of DA Ability to Confident to say How to deal with Recognising
recognise DA no abuse abusive
behaviour
Low / None Medium Good/High
**----- End of picture text -----**
We are pleased to report that the family courts have continued with the on line format which they adopted in response to the COVID restrictions as it proved very efficient. During the year we were able to secure 215 **Protection Orders** and 16 **Punitive Measures** , thus helping our clients and their dependents keep safe. 23 ## **Protection Orders Obtained by Type** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Restraining
Child arrangement
Occupation
Prohibited steps
Non molestation
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
**----- End of picture text -----**
Further evidence of our effectiveness is provided by the low rate of **repeat victimisation** we are able to achieve. This stands at 6% for 2021-22. Additionally, our volunteer model ensures that we can offer **excellent value for money** . In the 12 months from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022 our volunteers provided 43,534 hours on casework, the helpline, project work, administration and fundraising, which, calculated at the Kent average earnings rate, equates to a cash equivalent of **£714,830** , an extraordinary return on investment. The professionalism and experience of those involved far exceeds this notional sum, which is considerably more than our operating costs. It represents a massive return on partners’ support, funding, and a huge investment in our community. 24 Qualitative Measures – Feedback ## _**From clients**_ The difference [DAVSS] has made to me is massive and it now means I can support my children through the process as I am in a stronger more stable position. I can’t thank DAVSS enough for being the stability through chaos for me and both my children DAVSS are a bulletproof vest of knowledge that have supported me and my family. My life would have finished very differently had it not been for these amazing people. DAVSS’ Freedom Programme was inspiring, I feel very safe and secure. Out of all the other agencies DAVSS was he main one that has helped me throughout my journey. DAVSS have truly made me feel empowered. It is amazing what DAVSS does as a service. I found the Freedom Project so helpful and insightful and it has given me a lot to process and think about. I’d actually go so far as to say it’s impact has felt quite life-changing with its enlightenment. This course has made me realise what happened and it wasn’t my fault. It’s on him, so thank you. You saved me. DAVSS saved me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have received long term support from DAVSS now, my children and I have experienced a lot of difficulties arising out of the abuse we experienced. Both my children and I have gone through the courses offered at DAVSS and I can honestly say we are well on the road to recovery. 25 ## _**From partner agencies**_ - [DAVSS and the Police] started the DA meeting during lockdown and it has been really helpful for us to share information with each other so that the victim is able to access as much support as possible. I always put in referrals to DAVSS because I know they give good advice and support and it’s great that they can help clients with getting Non Molestation Orders (Kent Police) I have had several particular experiences in which DAVSS have been critical in securing refuge places for families, protective court orders, or providing ongoing group or one-toone support (Social Services) It is really great working with DAVSS; we have built up a good relationship and I know I can always call on them for help if I have any concerns. (Kent Police) DAVSS occupies a crucial role in West Kent supporting and advocating for vulnerable victims of domestic abuse. Their trained advisers are always ready to help, it really is life changing support (Kent Police) ## _**From other organisations**_ We are so grateful to be able to onward refer our clients to DAVSS and joint work them which is essential for sustainable move on for our clients. We love that like us DAVSS work hard to secure the best possible results for their clients. The fact that it is long term is life changing! We have a fantastic working relationship with DAVSS, they are our go to on specialist domestic abuse and safeguarding matters. We know they always have the clients best interests at heart and they act with integrity and the utmost professionalism. We know all too well how men are adversely affected by DA, especially since there are simply not enough services out there designed to tackle domestic abuse issues that men face. We are grateful that in West Kent, we can refer male victims to DAVSS. It is sufficiently comforting to know they will get the best of what has West Kent has to offer. 26 ## **From funders** Being the only specialist DA support organisation in West Kent, DAVSS’ work is invaluable in helping victims and survivors of abuse keep safe and recover from their trauma. DAVSS can clearly demonstrate that they have a significant impact on people suffering from DA and the feedback from their clients shows how appreciative they are. One thing that shocked me when I became involved with DAVSS was the prevalence of DA in this relatively prosperous area of Kent and it made me realise how a big house or a lot of money is no protection. I have an enormous respect for the staff and volunteers at DAVSS. They are extremely knowledgeable about the whole area of DA, are caring towards their clients, collaborative with each other and dedicated to their work. 27 _**From the Courts**_ This Non Molestation Order was granted for a period of 10 years, which is an exceptional lengthy period of time, and the reason for this was given in the order ‘The Court has determined this is a proportionate period in light of the number and serious nature of the alleged behaviour (Rape and Assault), together with the significant injuries both physical and emotional that are alleged to have been caused and the continuing threat the Respondent poses to the applicant.’ The team at DAVSS hold specialist knowledge about how to support families requiring urgent protection from domestic abuse, and also offer a gentle and supportive approach over a longer period to those living in high-risk situations. We are able to liaise with DAVSS for advice and they are always helpful enabling a collaborative approach to supporting families. I have had several particular experiences in which DAVSS have been critical in securing refuge places for families, protective court orders, or providing ongoing group or one-to-one support. I have worked with several members of the DAVSS team over my period of time with Kent Children’s Social Work Services where I am a Team Manager. The support provided by the support to court service is crucial to the families residing in West Kent and we are routinely working in partnership with their staff and volunteers to support those experiencing domestic abuse. [DAVSS’ work] has resulted in us being able to secure the safety of victims and their children, and provide them with an ongoing package of support both within high-risk home environments, and also after they have fled to a safe place helping sustain this safety. I have found the staff members approachable and there is a shared respect of the specialist information we each hold. 28 Finally, the client **case studies** compiled during the year show that as a result of DAVSS volunteer support clients experience many positive outcomes including living in safer or new accommodation, improved well-being and mental/physical health, retaining jobs or getting new ones, starting training courses, taking up volunteering, and reporting health improvements plus improved wellbeing for their children. Many other family members and friends also benefit from the changes made to survivors’ lives. ## Conclusion Once again, our heartfelt thanks go to our courageous clients. Also, to DAVSS volunteers and staff - their professionalism, dedication and commitment, has been more important than ever and without them we could not have met the challenges of COVID-19 nor provided our much-needed support services. We have put a cash value on the hours spent by our volunteers and the investment by our funders in tackling domestic abuse, but in truth the improved well-being of clients and the improved life chances of their children resulting from the support of our volunteers are way beyond any financial value. We would also like to thank the many partner organisations, our funders, and the community, who have supported DAVSS over the year - we could not deliver our vital services without you. Approved by the trustees of the charity on 14 November 2022 and signed on its behalf by: **Kristen Paterson Alexander Conway** _Chair Treasurer_ 29 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Finance Report** The Financial Statements show the financial results for DAVSS. 2022 was another strong year for income generation, with total income of £436,908 (2020: £461,305). The stable income level was again due to continued support following Covid 19 along with funding from the National Lottery, which provided additional funding of £119,265 in the year ended 31 March 2022. Of the total income receivable for the year £217,953 was unrestricted and £218,955 was for specific projects (March 2021 £197,697 and £273,608 respectively). This even split of types of funding has allowed DAVSS to meet its objectives for the financial year and leaves it in a positive position to continue its work going forward. During the period, total expenditure increased by £30,653 from £310,133 in 2020/21 to £340,786 this financial year. Total expenditure was split £125,861 to unrestricted activities (2021: £167,861) and £214,925 to specific projects (2021: £142,273). The main reason for increased expenditure is a result of increased support costs in the year. This is as expected as the return to “normal” following Covid-19. For the 2021/22 financial year the charity is able to report a net surplus of £96,122 in the year (2021: £151,172 surplus). The majority of this surplus has arisen from unrestricted funds £92,092 with restricted funds contributing £4,030 of the surplus. Total reserves have therefore increased from £313,362 to £409,484 of which £5,073 is for restricted purposes and £95,000 is a designated reserve leaving £309,411 free reserves to meet day-to-day expenditure. The designated reserves comprise £95,000 to fund any future relocation of the offices and costs associated with hiring suitable office space and to meet on-going statutory obligations to DAVSS employed staff. ## **Reserves Policy** The current reserves policy is to keep approximately six months running costs in general/free reserve. Consequently, with average monthly expenditure at £28,398, the free reserves of £309,411 at the end of March 2022 are above the target level (10.9 months cover), providing the charity with an adequate buffer to meet and deliver its services were any unexpected events were to occur. Free reserves comprise the total reserves available to the charity, less those reserves whose uses are restricted or else designated for specific purposes. The Trustees actively review the policy for maintaining free reserves, taking into consideration the major risks faced by the charity, their likely impact on income and planned expenditure, and an assessment of the ways to mitigate such risks. ## **Going concern** The charity’s financial position and performance has been outlined in the financial review above. The Trustees have assessed projected future income, expenditure, 30 and cash flows over a 3-year period to March 2025. Consideration has been given to the stability, predictability and diversity of various income streams in making this assessment. In light of the COVID-19 situation, the Trustees believe that the Charity’s financial resources and contingency planning is sufficient to ensure the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future and therefore the financial statements have been prepared on this basis. ## **Investment Policy** The Trustees have continued to adopt a conservative investment policy that seeks to maximize the benefits of its cash flow and is not seeking to build up any longterm reserve. Any cash surplus to immediate requirements is kept on a charity cash deposit with Scottish Widows & Skipton. The Scottish Widows & Skipton accounts are currently at capacity in respect of the £85,000 Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). The trustees will actively consider whether any further cash surpluses need to be place in additional charity cash deposit accounts into 2022/23 and beyond. 31 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** I report to the trustees (who are also Directors for the purpose of company law) on my examination of the financial statements of Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services (‘the charitable company’) for the year ended 31 March 2022 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes. This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for my work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed. ## **Responsibilities and basis of report** As the trustees of charitable company you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’). Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’) and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the financial statements. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently I express no opinion as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair’ view and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** Since the charitable 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 I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ICAEW specify other appropriate body, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: - Ø accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or - Ø the financial statements do not accord with those records; or - Ø the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the financial 32 statements give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or - Ø the financial statements 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 (FRS 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 financial statements to be reached. Russell Joseph ACA Bourner Bullock Chartered Accountants 114 St Martin’s Lane Covent Garden London WC2N 4BE 14.11.2022 Date:……………………………… 33 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities** The trustees (who are also the directors for the purpose of company law) are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees must prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: - a) select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - b) observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; - c) make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - d) state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and - e) prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue to operate. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company’s transactions and 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 company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 34 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** ## **(Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)** |**Note**
**Income from**
Donations and legacies
4
_Charitable activities:_
The National Lottery Fund
_Other trading activities:_
Fundraising
Investment income
5
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Raising funds
Charitable activities
6
**Total expenditure**
**Net**
**income/(expenditure)**
**and net movement in**
**funds for the year**
**Reconciliation of:**
Total funds brought
forward
Transfers between funds
**Total funds carried**
**forward**
**12**|**Unrestricted**
**Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**Total**
**Funds**
**2022**
**£**
**Total**
**2021**
**£**
216,519
99,690
-
316,209
461,040
-
119,265
-
119,265
-
1,349
-
-
1,349
180
85
-
-
85
85| |---|---| ||**217,953**
**218,955**
**-**
**436,908**
**461,305**| ||198
-
-
198
198
125,663
214,925
-
340,588
309,935| ||**125,861**
**214,925**
**-**
**340,786**
**310,133**
92,092
4,030
-
96,122
151,172
247,319
31,043
35,000
313,362
162,190
(30,000)
(30,000)
60,000
-
-| ||**309,411**
**5,073**
**95,000**
**409,484**
**313,362**| The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 35 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2022** ## **Charity registration number: 1143001 Company registration number: 07660698** |**Note**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
9
**Current assets**
Debtors
10
Cash at bank and in hand
**Total current assets**
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one
year
11
**Net current assets**
**Net assets/(liabilities)**
**Funds of the Charity**
Unrestricted income funds
12
Restricted income funds (as restated)
12
Designated funds
12
**Total funds**|**Total**
**2022**
**£**
**Total**
**2021**
**£**
4,233
-
2,621
503
433,164
331,629| |---|---| ||**435,785**
**332,132**
30,534
18,770
**405,251**
**313,362**| ||**409,484**
**313,362**| ||309,411
247,319
5,073
31,043
95,000
35,000| ||**409,484**
**313,362**| The financial statements were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 14 November 2022 and signed on their behalf by: **Kristen Paterson** _Chair_ **Alexander Conway** _Treasurer_ 36 **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** ## **1 Accounting policies** ## **Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates** The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated. ## **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 (2nd Edition, effective January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. ## **Going concern** The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis. The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements. ## **Donations** Voluntary income including donations, gifts and grants that provide core funding or are recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. ## **Expenditure** All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs. ## **Charitable activities** Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the Charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them. 37 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** ## **Support costs** Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage. ## **Governance costs** These include the costs attributable to the Charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees’ meetings and reimbursed expenses. ## **Financial instruments** The Charity only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other debtors and creditors. Financial assets that are measured at cost and amortised cost are assessed at the end of each reporting period for objective evidence of impairment. If objective evidence of impairment is found, an impairment loss is recognised in profit or loss. Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the Balance Sheet when there is an 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. The Charity does not have anything other than basic financial instruments. ## **Tangible Fixed Assets** Individual fixed assets costing £100 or more are capitalised at cost and are depreciated over their estimated useful economic lives on a straight line basis as follows: ## **Office equipment** ## **25% straight line basis** ## **Debtors** Debtors are recognised initially at the transaction price. They are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less provision for impairment. A provision for the impairment of debtors is established when there is objective evidence that the Charity will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of the receivables. ## **Cash and cash equivalents** Cash and cash equivalents comprise case on hand and call deposits, and other shortterm highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value. ## **Creditors** Creditors are classified as current liabilities if the Charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date, otherwise they are presented as non-current liabilities. 38 **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** Creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. ## **Fund accounting** Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees’ discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the Charity. Restricted income funds are funds available only towards a restricted purpose as instructed by the donor of the funds. The designated fund is held to provide for the upcoming termination of the premises lease and the costs of relocating. ## **2 Judgements** Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees consider that there are no significant areas of judgements or estimates. ## **3 Employee numbers** The number of employees during the year was 12 (2021: 11). ## **4 Income from donations** |Grants (Community Safety
Partnership/ Local
Authorities/ Health)
Independent trust grants
Private donations
COVID 19 donations|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
**Total**
**2022**
**£**
**Total**
**2021**
**£**
70,929
49,525
**120,454**
117,556
81,608
50,165
**131,773**
170,863
63,982
-
**63,982**
54,803
-
-
**-**
117,818| |---|---| ||216,519
99,690
**316,209**
461,040| ## **5 Investment Income** All of the investment income totalling £85 (2021: £85) arises from money held in interest bearing deposit accounts. 39 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** |**6**|**Expenditure on Charitable Activities**|**Expenditure on Charitable Activities**|||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total funds**|**Total**| |||**funds 2022**|**funds 2022**|**2022**|**2021**| |||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**| |Direct costs (see note||114,022|147,420|**261,442**|264,728| |6.1)|||||| |Support costs (see note||9,431|67,505|**76,936**|43,915| |6.2)|||||| |Governance costs (see||2,210|-|**2,210**|1,292| |note 6.3)|||||| |**Total**||125,663|214,925|**340,588**|309,935| |**6.1 Analysis of direct costs**

Staff salaries
Employers’ national insurance
Employers’ pension costs
**Total**|**Unrestricted**
**funds 2022**
**£**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**2022**
**£**
**Total**
**funds**
**2022**
**£**
**Total**
**2021**
**£**
104,678
135,340
240,019
239,567
7,203
9,312
16,515
19,660
2,141
2,768
4,909
5,501| |---|---| ||**114,022**
**147,420**
**261,443**
**264,728**| 40 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** |**6.2**
**Analysis of support costs**||||| |---|---|---|---|---| ||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**| ||**2022**|**2022**|**2022**|**2021**| ||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**| |Staff salaries|5,509|7,122|12,631|-| |Employers’ national insurance|379|490|869|-| |Employers’ pension costs|113|146|259|-| |Other staff costs|18|4,213|4,231|215| |Professional supervision|-|-|-|2,770| |Volunteers’ expenses|-|147|147|6,510| |Staff expenses|-|9,255|9,255|3,759| |Office accommodation|-|-|-|1,591| |Training & development|-|13,930|13,930|-| |Meetings & room hire|-|437|437|-| |Freedom project|-|-|-|396| |Day programme|-|212|212|212| |PPS & telephone|550|9,352|9,902|7,140| |IT technical support|938|650|1,588|14,391| |Computer software|-|10,800|10,800|3,186| |Insurance|482|471|953|482| |Charity evaluation / quality|-|-|-|1,920| |assurance||||| |Payroll services|-|-|-|594| |Subscriptions|-|251|251|-| |Bank fees|31|-|31|-| |Advertising fees|-|120|120|-| |Accountancy fees|-|9,562|9,562|750| |Legal fees|-|215|215|-| |Consulting fees|-|131|131|-| |Depreciation|1,411|-|1,411|-| |**Total**|**9,431**|**67,505**|**76,936**|**43,915**| |**6.3 Analysis of governance and support costs**||||| ||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|| ||**2022**|**2022**|**2021**|| ||**£**|**£**|**£**|| |Trustees’ expenses|1,010|-|-|| |Independent examination fee|1,200|-|1,292|| |**Total**|**2,210**|**-**|**1,292 **|| 41 **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** ## **7 Trustees’ remuneration and expenses** No trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the Charity during the current year or the previous year. K Paterson received reimbursed expenses totalling £1,010 during the year. This was to cover travel to DAVSS related meetings. No other benefits from the Charity were received during the year to 31 March 2022 (2021: £nil). ## **8 Staff costs** Analysis of staff costs and remuneration including key management personnel: |Salaries
Employers’ national insurance
costs
Employers’ pension costs
**Total**

**Fixed assets**
**Cost or valuation**
At 1 April 2021
Additions
**At 31 March 2022**
**Depreciation**
At 1 April 2021
Charge for the year
**At 31 March 2022**
**Carrying amount**
At 31 March 2021
**At 31 March 2022**|**Y/E 31 March**
**2022**
**£**
**Y/E 31 March**
**2021**
**£**
252,651
239,567
17,384
19,660
5,167
5,501|**Y/E 31 March**
**2022**
**£**
**Y/E 31 March**
**2021**
**£**
252,651
239,567
17,384
19,660
5,167
5,501| |---|---|---| |||**272,202**
**264,728**
**Office**
**equipment**
**£**
**Total**
**£**
-
-
5,644
5,644
**5,644**
**5,644**
-
-
(1,411)
(1,411)
**(1,411) (1,411)**
-
-
**4,233**
**4,233**| |||| ## **9 Fixed assets** 42 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** ## **10 Debtors: amounts falling due within one year** |_Prepayments & accrued income_|**_Unrestricted_**
**_2022_**
**_£_**
**_Restricted_**
**_2022_**
**_£_**
**_Total_**
**_2022_**
**_£_**
**_Total_**
**_2021_**
**_£_**
_21_
_2,600_
_2,621_
_503_| |---|---| ||**_21_**
**_2,600_**
**_2,621_**
**_503_**| ## **11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year** |_Trade creditors_
_Accruals & deferred income_
_NEST creditor_
_HMRC creditor_|**_Unrestricted_**
**_2022_**
**_£_**
**_Restricted_**
**_2022_**
**_£_**
**_Total_**
**_2022_**
**_£_**
**_Total_**
**_2021_**
**_£_**
_-_
_2,297_
_2,297_
_-_
_11,200_
_1,403_
_12,603_
_12,694_
_502_
_502_
_1,004_
_1,133_
_5,397_
_9,233_
_14,630_
_4,943_| |---|---| ||**_17,099_**
**_13,435_**
**_30,534_**
**_18,770_**| ## **12 Funds** |**Unrestricted funds**
General unrestricted
funds (as restated)
Designated funds
**Total unrestricted**
**funds**
Restricted funds (as
restated)
**Total funds**|**Balance**
**at**
**1 April**
**2021**
**£**
**Incoming**
**resources**
**£**
**Resources**
**expended**
**£**
**Transfers**
**between**
**funds**
**£**
**Balance**
**at**
**31 March**
**2022**
**£**
247,319
217,953
(125,861)
(30,000)
309,411
35,000
-
-
60,000
95,000
**282,319**
**217,953 (125,861)**
**30,000**
**404,411**
31,043
218,955
(214,925)
(30,000)
5,073| |---|---| ||**313,362**
**436,908 (340,786)**
**-**
**409,484**| 43 ## **Domestic Abuse Volunteer Support Services** ## **Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2022** The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows: **Unrestricted funds:** These funds are provided by donors for support of the Charity, without restriction on how funds should be deployed. **Designated funds:** These funds have been reserved for the upcoming termination of the premises lease, and will cover the costs of relocation and setting up a new premises. ## **Restricted funds:** ## **National Lottery fund** A total of £119,265 was received from the National Lottery fund in relation to the Transforming Lives project. During the year ended 31 March 2022 this was spent in full, with material expenditure as follows: £82,027 being spent on salaries (including employers’ national insurance and pension costs), £10,469 on software, £10,212 on accounting and bookkeeping fees and £7,000 on printing and stationary. At the start of the year, designated funds were £35,000 to cover ad-hoc redundancy costs. During the year, £60,000 was transferred into designated funds, bringing the total carried forward to £95,000. This balance is designed to cover the impending office move, as the lease is coming to an end. ## **11 Related party transactions** There have been no transactions with persons or entities that are closely connected to the charity or its trustees (2021: £nil). 44