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2025-03-31-accounts

BEYOND DETENTION ANNUAL REPORT 2024-25 bE-IONb-_ DEr£NrlO￿1O

CONTENTS

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General
From the Chair
2 Information 3
Activities &
From the CEO
4 5 Services
Achievements &
Risk Management
7 8 Performance
Independent
Case Studies
11 15 Examiner’s Report
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Financial Notes to the 16 Statements 19 Accounts

01

ABOUT US

The Trustees, who are also Directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act, submit their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Full Name Beyond Detention Registered charity number 1143160 Registered company number 07652500 Registered address

43 Bromham Road Bedford MK40 2AA

Directors (Trustees)

Wozani Chida, Jivan Dempsey, Sarah Grahame, Eleanor Hitchman, Kristen Hope Burchill, Catherine Kirk (Vice-Chair), Robina Pelham Burn (Chair), Kinga Simony (Treasurer), Stella Shyanguya.

Independent Examiner

Mr SR Mason BSc FCA Simas Accounting & Tax Chartered Accountants

Governance and Management

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and registered with the Charity Commission. It is operated under the rules of its memorandum and articles of association dated 31 May 2011 as amended on 12 November 2021 and on 12 March 2022. It has no share capital and the liability of each member in the event of winding-up is limited to £10.

Trustees are appointed on the basis of their commitment to the aims of the organisation and their willingness to devote both their time and talents to the cause. All Trustees are appointed by a vote at Trustees’ meetings and have due regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. A governance review took place in 2022–23.

Aims and Objectives

The charity’s objects (“Objects”) are specifically restricted to the charitable relief of those detained in, or leaving, Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre (YWIRC).

FROM THE CHAIR

This report details the work we undertook in 2024–25 to support people detained in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre and post-detention, if they were allowed to remain in the UK – which the majority were.

Through practical assistance, emotional support and advocacy, our volunteers, staff and trustees – many with their own experience of immigration detention and forced migration – have shown unwavering commitment to helping people in detention and post-detention to rebuild their lives. The growing number of former clients who have chosen to volunteer with us and serve on our steering group is testimony to the difference the charity makes.

We have also participated in the wider conversation around immigration detention. By collaborating with partner organisations, sharing evidence and amplifying lived experience, we have continued to advocate non-politically for a fairer, more humane system.

My thanks to our volunteers, our staff and my fellow trustees for their compassion and dedication. A heartfelt thank you, too, to our funders, listed in the accounts, who enable us to continue our vital work. At a time when migration is rarely out of the news, our role in standing alongside those affected by immigration detention is more necessary than ever.

Robina Pelham Burn

03

FROM THE CEO

Twenty-one thousand people entered immigration detention in the year to March 2025, continuing the upward trend we have seen since September 2023. We also saw an increase in the number of people leaving detention to be returned to their country of origin; however, 51 per cent of people were released rather than returned, which begs the question: “Why were those people detained in the first place?”

In July 2024 we saw a change of government, which we hoped would end the hostile environment of the last 12 years, but sadly it did not. Despite positive early signs, such as the scrapping of the Rwanda scheme and the closing of the Bibby Stockholm barge, the new government announced the opening of two more detention facilities, and continued using inflammatory and divisive language to describe people seeking sanctuary in the UK.

The need for our vital work both within Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre, and post-detention in the community, continues unabated. The case studies you will read in this report are evidence of this need. Our small but mighty staff team has been supported by a steadily growing number of incredible volunteers, and our focus now is on upskilling and training this team to provide even better support to those we meet in and post detention.

I am delighted that we have increased the number of our volunteers with lived experience of immigration detention this year. We are also developing a coproduction strategy, with support from the Lloyds Bank Foundation, to ensure our whole team - staff, volunteers and the people we support - drive the future direction of Beyond Detention.

Sadly, the voluntary sector is facing a funding crisis. In 2024 more than 40 grant-makers have closed or paused their programmes in an environment of declining funding and increasing need. We have developed a new Fundraising Strategy to diversify our income and safeguard the future of our organisation, and we are so very grateful to all our funders who continue to believe in us and the work we do.

I was asked recently in an interview where I find hope in this work. The question really made me pause and reflect – where IS the hope, when everything seems so hopeless? Desmond Tutu put it better than I can: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.”

To everyone who continues to support us – thank you all, for your humanity, your love and your kindness.

Sam Price

04

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ACTIVITIES &
SERVICES
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Beyond Detention provides emotional and practical support to people detained in Yarl’s Wood Immigration Removal Centre (IRC) and post-detention, in the community.

To people in detention, whatever their background or context, we offer emotional and practical support, building trust and providing additional support through our extensive referral pathways. We offer one-to-one befriending, emotional support and practical support such as mobile phone credit, as well as advocacy, non-legal casework and referrals to other support organisations. We hold three drop-in sessions each week for the men and women, spending time getting to know them, playing board games, writing letters of support and helping them to understand their situation.

Post-detention we provide a support network, one-to-one phone befriending, a friendship group, online skills-based courses, mobile data and phone credit, digital devices and supermarket vouchers. We help clients to find support within their new community by referring them to organisations that can help them access accommodation, health, food banks, clothing, legal support, spiritual support and friendship.

We have a staff team of 6 (4.5 FTE), supported by a growing body of volunteers.

05

OUR VOLUNTEERS

Volunteer numbers grew steadily over the year, and at the end of March we had 49 people registered with us as volunteers. Of those, 13 were male, 36 female, and 10 had lived experience of immigration detention.

We are very proud of our excellent volunteer induction process and ongoing support, and it is often commented on by our volunteers:

“Some of the induction processes I have endured at new workplaces over the years have been nowhere near as good as this. I am very impressed how professionally such a small charity is operating.”

We once again offered a 70-day work placement to a student social worker from the University of Bedfordshire, and this year we also took on an intern from the University of Essex for 4 months.

Isaac has been volunteering with us for a few years, and is a much-valued member of our Steering Group. He facilitates the Friendship Group meetings and welcomes new members. He has attended our Annual Conference and training sessions, and during 2024–25 sat on a panel to review our Safeguarding Policies and Procedures.

He is also part of a lived experience team compiling a directory of support for people leaving immigration detention, and regularly represents Beyond Detention at other events, such as AVID meetings and training.

“After I was released from detention, my mental health state was in a very critical condition. Soon after being referred to join the friendship group I was happy to meet and open up with other people having had same experience like mine. Therefore I realised how valuable would my contribution be to the group, especially to those newly released from detention.

I volunteered to support the Steering Group in order to share my own experience while recommending strategies that helped me navigate the struggles of traumas and anxieties that go along with the detention experiences even after being released.”

06

RISK MANAGEMENT

2024–25 saw unprecedented far-right violence, directed at the people we support and our organisations. We took steps to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers, and the people we walk alongside; and with our sector we shared best practice and sources of support.

We maintain a live Risk Register covering external and internal risk factors. This is reviewed quarterly by the CEO and Board of Trustees, and is updated following any increase in risk, such as the one highlighted above.

All our volunteers including Trustees are DBS checked and required to sign annually a Volunteer Agreement and Code of Conduct, as well as undertake safeguarding training. All our course tutors are also DBS checked, sign a Code of Conduct and comply with our Safeguarding Policies.

We operate a safer recruitment policy, and all our staff with client involvement have monthly supervision.

All our staff and volunteers have access to our 24-hour Assistance Programme from Health Assured.

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07
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ACHIEVEMENTS & ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE

In 2024–25 we supported 1,700 people in immigration detention and in the community, post-detention.

Last year saw a huge increase in the numbers of people we supported, and numbers remained at this high level throughout 2024–25. More people entered immigration detention in 2024–25 than in the previous year ( 20,919 in 2024–25 compared to 19,039 in 2023–24), and the highest number of people entering detention in the UK was at Yarl’s Wood IRC (3,576 people).

97%

of people felt better able to cope with detention after receiving phone credit.

Average weekly attendance at our drop-in sessions was 100.

94%

of people reported an improvement in their wellbeing after a visit from their befriender.

96% of people reported an improvement in wellbeing after attending drop-in.

08

We supported 237 people post-detention.

Our volunteer befrienders made

We gave out 2,656 mobile phone top-ups & 105 digital devices and/or data.

230 VISITS

to people in immigration detention.

We gave out 236 supermarket vouchers.

89 people attended our online Friendship Group

of people reported feeling better connected to their community as a result of our support.

143

people attended our online courses.

09

“What you guys do makes me feel heard; thank you, thank you”

“I'm able to buy some fresh groceries and toiletries at least on alternative months. Thanks a lot.”

“When I joined Beyond Detention group, my life changed, I was listened to Friendship Group is not just a group, it’s a family to me”

“He gives me the motivational spirit to keep going, a very nice man.”

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CASE STUDIES
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Danielle*

Danielle was referred to us by her husband Trevor,* a British citizen, following her detention by immigration officials in March 2025. Trevor told us she suffered from dementia and epilepsy. She had been living with him legally in the UK since 2016, but they had forgotten to renew her leave to remain; she was therefore classified as an “overstayer”, arrested and taken from their home to Yarl’s Wood IRC.

We met Danielle at our weekly drop-in, and immediately raised a safeguarding concern. We referred her husband to our partners at Medical Justice, who sent a doctor in to assess her.

The doctor concluded that she lacked mental capacity. Nonetheless, the Home Office decided she should be deported to her country of origin. In their words she was “barrier-free for removal”. Her husband was able to instruct solicitors on her behalf, and an urgent application was made to cancel the flight and release her from immigration detention.

A few anxious days later, she was indeed released, and we provided her husband with a train ticket from his home in the Midlands to go to collect her. We are continuing to support them through our postdetention service.

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CASE STUDIES
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Alex*

Alex arrived in the UK in January 2025 with no ID, and during his initial interview advised Border Force that he was 16. Unfortunately they did not believe him and assessed him as 23. He was sent to Yarl’s Wood, where we met him and began supporting him with monthly phone credit. It was a few months later that he told us he was a child, and we immediately sought advice from our partners at AVID, Humans for Rights Network and Bhatt Murphy Solicitors.

We referred Alex to Children’s Services at the local authority, and they visited him at Yarl’s Wood. We also raised a safeguarding concern, and submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Home Office. After a significant delay, the Home Office accepted that he was indeed a child, and he was immediately released from detention and looked after by the local authority.

*Names have been changed for data protection purposes

12

POST-DETENTION FREEDOM BIRDS

On 21st August 2024, the Home Secretary announced the government's intention to continue with the plans made under the previous government to reopen Campsfield House and Haslar detention centres.

Initiated by people who have lived the realities of immigration detention in the UK, Freedom Birds are a call for change. They illustrate the hurt that is caused by detention, their original creators bravely sharing personal stories with the hope that this will prevent more people from being detained.

These birds were created by members of our Art Group, in a collaborative project with AVID, the Association of Visitors to Immigration Detention. The Freedom Birds were inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem, “Caged Bird”. AVID asked people to create their own Freedom Birds and send them to their MPs calling for an end to detention expansion. Full details of the project can be found on the AVID website – search “Freedom Birds”.

13

OUR PARTNERS

Collaboration is key to the work we do, both within detention settings and across the UK. We would like to thank the following organisations, and apologise for any omissions!

Asylum Support Appeals Project AVID (Association of Visitors to Immigration Detention) Bedford Heights BID (Bail for Immigration Detainees) BRASS (Bedfordshire Refugee & Asylum Seeker Support) British Red Cross Care 4 Calais CVS Bedfordshire Detention Action Detention Forum Durham Visitor Group Emmaus Village Carlton GDWG (Gatwick Detainee Visitor Group) Goldsmiths University Hear Me Out Hibiscus Humans for Rights Network ILPA (Immigration Law Practitioners’ Association) IMB (Independent Monitoring Board) IMIX JCWI (Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants) JRS (Jesuit Refugee Service) King’s Arms Project Medical Justice NACCOM Navigating Migration Praxis Refugee Action Refugee Council Rene Cassin Right to Remain Safer Foundations Salvation Army Scottish Detainee Visitors Trauma Treatment International University of Bedfordshire University of Essex Women 4 Refugee Women

14

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

for the year ended 31 March 2025

As instructed I have carried out an independent examination of the unaudited accounts of Beyond Detention for the period ended 31 March 2025.

Respective Responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner

It is the responsibility of the Trustees to keep proper books of account and maintain records sufficient to prepare accounts, which are properly drawn up in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

It is my responsibility to examine the accounts and financial records in line with applicable directions given by the Charity Commission and obtain any further information and explanations I may find necessary, and to report to you on my examination.

Report

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

14 October 2025

…………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………… Simon Mason BSc FCA Date Simas Accounting & Tax Chartered Accountants

15

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FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
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Income and expenditure account

2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24
Notes Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Incoming Resources £ £ £ £ £ £
Grants & Donations 105,471 202,449 307,920 109,065 102,915 211,980
Interest Income 1,376 - 1,376 1,229 - 1,229
Gross Income 106,847 202,449 309,297 110,294 102,915 213,209
Expenses
Operating Costs
Post Detention 2 - 46,775 46,775 29,886 31,621 61,507
In Detention 3 - 34,446 34,446 4,907 35,954 40,861
Staff Cost 4 58,560 134,748 193,308 127,134 39,329 166,463
Overheads 5 26,537 3,266 29,803 26,862 15,417 42,279
Total Expenses 85,097 21,935 304,332 188,789 122,321 311,110
Net Income / (Deficit) 21,750 (16,786) 4,964 (78,495) (19,406) (97,901)
Funds Brought
Forward
69,939 16,786 86,725 148,434 36,192 184,626
Funds Carried
Forward
91,689 - 91,689 69,939 16,786 86,725

16

BALANCE SHEET

2024-25 2023-24
£ £
Current Assets
Bank (Current and Reserve Accounts) 166,002 147,768
Accounts Recievable 1,400 -
Total Current Assets 167,402 147,768
Creditors: Amounts Failing due within one year
Accounts Payable 2,551 2,615
Income in Advance 69,997 55,242
NIC Payable 1,692 1,774
PAYE Payable 1,432 1,349
Student Loan Deductions Payable 41 63
Total Current Liabilities 75,713 61,043
Net Current Assets 91,689 86,725
Unrestricted Income Funds 91,689 69,939
Restricted Income Funds - 16,786
Total Capital and Reserves 91,689 86,725

The Trustees declare that they have approved the accounts above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees:

14 October 2025

…………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………

Robina Pelham Burn Date

17

GRANTS & GRANTS & DONATIONS DONATIONS

Over £50,000

National Lottery Community Fund

£25,001–£50,000

Harpur Trust Henry Smith

£10,001–£25,000

Bromley Trust Tudor Trust Farthing Trust

£1,000–£10,000

29th May 1961 Charitable Trust Gale Family Souter Charitable Trust Wixamtree Trust St Albans Cathedral The Panacea Charitable Trust

18

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. Accounting Policies

Basis of the preparation of the accounts:

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP revised 2005), the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008) and the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime under the Companies Act 2006.

ordinary course of the company’s activities. Turnover is shown net of sales/value added tax, returns, rebates and discounts.

The company recognises revenue when:

Grant Income:

Going Concern:

After reviewing the company’s forecasts and projections, the directors have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The company therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing its financial statements.

Revenue Recognition:

Grants received that do not impose specified future performance related conditions are recognised in income when the grant is receivable. Grants received where there are conditions imposed are recognised in income when those conditions are met.

Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income in the period the related costs are incurred by the entity for which the grant is intended to compensate.

Turnover comprises the fair value of the consideration received or receivable for the sale of goods and provision of services in the

Grants received in respect of capital assets are recognised in income on a systematic basis over the useful life of the asset.

19

Deferred Income:

Resources expended:

Amounts received in advance of the provision of services are recognised as income in advance and presented within creditors: amounts falling due within one year.

These have been analysed using a classification appropriate to the activities of the organisation.

Leasing expenses:

Pension Costs:

In January 2017 the charity began a defined contribution pension scheme with the National Employment Savings Trust. All appropriate costs are allocated in these accounts.

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the profit and loss account on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.

2. Post Detention Costs

2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Post
detention
Courses - 24,837 24,837 20,414 10,000 30,414
Devices - 1,982 1,982 4,033 5,000 9,033
Mobile Top-
up
- 10,035 10,035 3,364 7,000 10,364
Wellbeing
Vouchers
- 5,675 5,675 1,015 7,500 8,515
Translation
Service
- 1,681 1,681 1,060 1,440 2,500
Steering GP
vouchers
- 1,700 1,700 - - -
Social Events - 865 865 - 681 681
Total Post
detention
- 46,775 46,775 29,886 31,621 61,507

20

3. In Detention Costs

2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
In detention
Social Events - - - 302 - 302
Clothing - 13,174 13,174 - 18,744 18,744
Phone Credit - 16,333 16,333 4,605 16,000 20,605
Removal
Grants
- 2,820 2,820 - 770 770
Free Phone
Number
- 198 198 - 216 216
Drop-in Costs - 1,921 1,921 - 224 224
Total In
detention
- 34,446 34,446 4,907 35,954 40,861

4. Staff Costs and Numbers

2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2023-24 2023-24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Staff cost
Salaries and
Oncosts
47,435 134,748 182,183 115,244 39,329 154,573
Staff EAP 994 - 994 - - -
Fundraising
Consulting
10,131 - 10,131 11,890 - 11,890
Total Staff
cost
58,560 134,748 193,308 127,134 39,329 166,463

21

5. Overhead costs

2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Overheads
Rent 9,020 - 9,020 7,230 - 7,230
IT and office costs 4,625 - 4,625 3,620 - 3,620
Marketing &
Communications
2,419 - 2,419 1,569 - 1,569
Insurance 1,230 - 1,230 501 - 501
Audit Fees 234 - 234 213 - 213
Bank Fees 76 - 76 71 - 71
Recruitment Costs - - - 3,187 - 3,187
HR Provision Costs 807 - 807 2,916 - 2,916
DBS Checks - 266 266 465 - 465
Volunteer Training
and expenses
2553 - 2553 -783 4260 3,477
Annual
Conference
2,296 - 2,296 2,396 - 2,396
Staff Group
Supervision
1,920 - 1,920 690 - 690
Staff and Truste~~es~~
training
160 1175 1335 3,382 - 3,382
Staff and Truste~~es~~
Travel &
Subsistence
1,197 1,825 3,022 - - -
Other Expenses - - - 1,405 1000 2,405
CRM
Implementation
- - - - 10157 10,157
Total Overheads 26,537 3,266 29,803 26,862 15,417 42,279

22

6. Trustees’ remuneration, benefits and expenses

The Trustees received no remuneration or expenses in the year. A number of Trustees are also Befrienders and can claim expenses relevant to those activities.

7. Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year.

8. Independent examination and accountancy services

During the period, the cost of the inspection of the accounts was £50 (exclusive of VAT).

9. Annual commitments under operating leases

The organisation rents two rooms at 43 Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2AA for office premises, the notice period being six months.

10. Glossary of Terms

Restricted funds: These are funds given to the charity, subject to specific restrictions set by the donor, but still within the general objects of the charity.

11. The charity’s policy on reserves

During the previous year, the Board reviewed the charity’s Reserves Policy and changed it to the following:

“It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain throughout the year reserves equivalent to approximately 3-6 months’ worth of staff costs and the cost of redundancies. This is to enable the organisation to meet its statutory obligations and wind up in an orderly fashion, if all cash inflows were to cease.”

This figure is calculated to be £72,000. At 31 March 2025, the charity held net assets / unrestricted funds of £91,689.

In the Trustees’ opinion, at year end the reserves exceed the reserves target under the Reserves Policy.

23

Beyond Detention is a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales, number 07652500 and a registered charity, number 1143160

THANK YOU FOR YOUR THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT. CONTINUED SUPPORT.

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