The Sharan Project
Annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 July 2025
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Contents
Page number Trustees’ report…………………..…………………..3 – 6 Independent examiner’s report………………………...7 Statement of financial activities………..………………8 Statement of financial position ……….……………….9 Notes to the accounts………………....…………..10 - 13
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The Sharan Project
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 July 2025
Introduction
The Trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present the report and the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025.
The financial statements comply with the charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities SORP (FRS102).
Section A Reference and administration details
A1 The name of the charity is The Sharan Project
A2 The legal registration details are:
Company registration number: 06635024 Charity registration number: 1149094 Registered address: Crown House 27 Old Gloucester Street London WC1N 3AX
A3 The names of the Trustees of the charity throughout the reporting period were:
Kai Akram Gerry Campbell MBE FCMI AFHEA Amrit Maan OBE JP FRSA Priety Mohyal Jeff Prescott FCA Karen Townsend Nusrat Zamir
Section B Structure, governance and management
B1 The charity is a company limited by guarantee regulated by Companies House and the Charity Commissioners. In the event that the company is wound up, members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £10.
B2 The charity is governed by its Articles of Association.
B3 New Trustees are appointed by the existing Trustees. The charity seeks to recruit new Trustees who support its aims and who are able to contribute to the overall development of a sustainable organisation. All Trustees are directors of The Sharan Project.
B4 The Board of Trustees have identified the major strategic, business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that processes have been established to ensure regular reports, policies & procedures are produced so that steps can be taken to reduce these risks.
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Section C Objectives and activities
C1 The primary objective of the charity is to ensure that South Asian women (or women of South Asian descent) who have been estranged from their families due to forced marriage, domestic violence or honour abuse have access to support, information and resources to support them in becoming productive, independent members of society. The strategies we are using to meet this objective are:
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providing a range of free web-based information for women, professionals, and others;
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providing face to face support and telephone support to individual clients;
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engaging with government and policy makers to influence decisions at a national level to introduce policy and laws to support our client group;
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working in partnership with other agencies to secure the widest range of services to match the needs of our clients; and
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delivering cultural awareness training to charities, government agencies and interested parties.
C2 We have referred to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.
D Achievements and performance to July 2025
D1 During the period under review we faced an exceptionally challenging year due to a significant drop in funding and funding sources, which was further compounded by geopolitical and domestic events. Whilst we increased our fundraising and income generation efforts, we received less funding than in previous years and we recognise this is an issue faced by many ‘by and for’ services who continue to face financial uncertainty but are still required to deliver specialist services. Through sheer determination, we have continued to maintain our services to support women affected by domestic abuse and harmful practices.
Here is a brief summary of activities and highlights for this period:
● continuing to maintain our core services to provide immediate and long-term support to women affected by domestic abuse and harmful practices, which continues to see an increase in complex honour-based abuse cases and advocacy needs;
● participated in strategic and operational meetings, roundtables, conferences and consultations with Government Departments, Ministers, Parliamentarians, Stakeholders and Partners, including input on a sector led statutory definition of honour-based abuse and guidance;
- delivered a series of training for professionals through the Knowledge Ambassadors Harmful Practices Programme;
● attended a number of events in recognition of our work, to include invitations to Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, Portcullis House, House of Parliament, The Royal Society of Arts and The Shard;
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participated in Operation Limelight working with MPS and Border Force;
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delivered talks, presentations and event engagement at schools and universities as part of our preventative work;
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distributed cost of living crisis funds to clients requiring financial support for basic items and post separation security as part of the Natwest Circle Fund;
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awareness raising activities (online & offline) to highlight the impact of harmful practices and gender-based abuse;
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Fundraising was particularly difficult during this period, however we held our annual fundraising event and we are grateful to a range of individuals and organisations for funds raised.
EDAC
The Sharan Project has delivered on The Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC) since 2020 and we continue to work with employers to identify opportunities for victims/survivors to enter or re-enter the workplace..
Some key highlights of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC) include:
- engaged with new and existing EDAC members;
● supported the development of member action plans, initiatives and opportunities;
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undertaking of governance and due diligence, to include review of policies and Advice;
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presented at the Women In Social Housing (WISH) Annual London Conference;
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increased the number of ‘EDAC Champions’ appointed within Member and Partner Organisations;
● supported clients to access employability-based opportunities to enter or re-enter the workplace;
● held a series of meeting with cross Governmental departments as to progress of and support for EDAC;
● D2 We are only able to provide these services with the grateful support of a network of dedicated volunteers, staff, ambassadors, partners, supporters and the flexibility and understanding of our funders: London Community Foundation, Barnardos, Natwest CIrcle Fund via Safe Lives and LSE Student Union RAG.
A particular note of thanks goes to our generous donors who have made it possible for us to continue to support women during these financially challenging times.
E Financial review
E1 Our long-term policy on reserves remains that we will aim to maintain between three and six months of the annual running costs in the form of unrestricted funds. As has already been stated in this report, this has been a difficult year for funding and our reserves have been reduced considerably and we have actively engaged in cost-cutting over this period and since the financial year end. We continue to seek long-term funding for our services and this level of reserves enables us to continue our activities while securing alternative sources of funding.
E2 The accounts presented reflect the costs relating to the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant (EDAC) and ongoing client support.
F Statement of Trustees’ and Directors’ responsibilities
F1 The Charities Act and the Companies Act require that the Trustees prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of charity as at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for that year. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees/Directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to
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presume that the charity will continue its operations;
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state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended
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practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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F2 The Trustees/Directors are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006 and the regulations made under the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.
F3 The Trustees/Directors are also responsible for the contents of the Trustees’ Report.
F4 These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small company’s regime.
G Declaration
G1 The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees
Gerry Campbell
Trustee/Director 30 March 2026
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Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of The Sharan Project For the Year Ended 31 July 2025
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Independent examiner
The charity's Trustees (who are also its directors for the purposes of company law) 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 accounts of the company are not required to be audited this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for an independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the financial statements present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that:
• accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; or
• the accounts do not accord with such records; or
• the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements under section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
- •the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Andrew Donaldson ACA
17 Lake Walk Adderbury Banbury Oxon. OX17 3PF
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The Sharan Project Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 July 2025
| Notes | Notes | Unrestricted income funds |
Unrestricted income funds |
Restricted income funds |
2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Income | ||||||
| Income from donations | 6,338 | - | 6,338 | 16,921 | ||
| Income from charitable activities | 3 | 3,176 | 37,000 | 40,176 | 38,000 | |
| Other income: fundraising & speaker fees | 34 | - | 34 | 2,045 | ||
| Gross income in the reporting period | 9,548 | 37,000 | 46,548 | 56,966 | ||
| Expenditure | ||||||
| Charitable activities | 4 | 10,219 | 37,193 | 47,412 | 93,831 | |
| Fundraising | 4 | 1,762 | - | 1,762 | 4,242 | |
| Other expenditure | 4 | 2,603 | - | 2,603 | 3,026 | |
| Total expenditure in the reporting period | 14,584 | 37,193 | 51,777 | 101,099 | ||
| Net deficit | (5,036) | (193) | (5,229) | (44,133) | ||
| Total funds brought forward | 18,554 | 3,133 | 21,687 | 65,820 | ||
| Total funds carried forward | 13,518 | 2,940 | 16,458 | 21,687 |
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these accounts
All income derives from continuing activities
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The Sharan Project Statement of financial position at 31 July 2025
| Restricted | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | income | ||||
| Note | income funds | funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Current assets | |||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 23,338 | 2,940 | 26,278 | 33,263 | |
| Total current assets | 23,338 | 2,940 | 26,278 | 33,263 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 6 | (9,820) | - | (9,820) | (11,576) |
| Net current assets | 13,518 | 2,940 | 16,458 | 21,687 | |
| Funds of the Charity | |||||
| Total Funds | 13,518 | 2,940 | 16,458 | 21,687 |
The notes on pages 10 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
These accounts were approved by the Trustees on *** 2026.
Jeff Prescott FCA Trustee/Director
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The Sharan Project Annual accounts for the year ended 31 July 2025 Notes to the accounts
1 Basis of preparation
1.1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis 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 the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015)”;
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the Charities Act 2011; and
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the Companies Act 2006.
1.2 Change in basis of accounting
There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year.
1.3 Company limited by guarantee
The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital.
Each member of the company undertakes to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the company if it should be wound up while he/she is a member for payment of the company's debts and liabilities contracted before he/she ceases to be a member and of the costs and charges of winding up and for the adjustments of the rights of the contributors themselves.
2 Accounting policies - incoming resources
Recognition of incoming resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
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the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
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the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and
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the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Incoming resources with related expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
Contractual income and performance related grants
This is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.
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The Sharan Project Annual accounts for the year ended 31 July 2025 Notes to the accounts (continued)
2 Incoming resources (continued)
Gifts in kind
Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.
Donated services and facilities
These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity.
Volunteer help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts.
Investment income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
3 Accounting policies - expenditure and liabilities
Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.
Grants with performance conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SoFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.
Grants payable without performance conditions
These are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity.
4 Expenses
| Restricted income funds: Expenditure on Charitable Activities Salaries and pensions Web hosting Other IT costs Other project delivery costs Total |
2025 2024 £ £ 33,018 30,678 1,578 1,434 335 303 2,262 2,885 37,193 35,300 |
|---|---|
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The Sharan Project Annual accounts for the year ended 31 July 2025 Notes to the accounts (continued)
| Unrestricted income funds: Expenditure on charitable activities Salaries and PAYE Fundraising Salaries Other costs Other expenditure Premises hire Statutory fees Sundries Web hosting & communications Insurance Total unrestricted income fund costs Salaries and pensions The average monthly head count was 3 staff (2024: 3 staff). 4 Expenses (continued) 5 Analysis of staff costs and trustee remuneration and expenses |
2025 2024 £ £ 10,219 58,531 10,219 58,531 1,762 3,603 - 639 1,762 4,242 168 168 34 13 299 183 1,964 2,524 138 138 2,603 3,026 14,584 65,799 44,998 92,812 |
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No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000 (2024: nil).
The charity trustees were not paid and did not receive any financial benefits from the charity in their capacity as trustees (2024: nil), neither were they reimbursed expenses during the period (2024: nil).
No charity trustee received payment for services supplied to the charity (2024: £nil).
6 Creditors - amounts falling due within one year
| Other creditors | 9,820 11,576 9,820 11,576 |
|---|---|
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The Sharan Project Annual accounts for the year ended 31 July 2025 Notes to the accounts (continued)
7. Analysis of movement in Funds
| Fund name Restricted Funds London Community Fund Safe Lives/Circle Total of Restricted funds Unrestricted Funds Total |
Brought fwd Income Expenditure Carried fwd £ £ £ £ - 35,000 #REF! - 3,133 2,000 #REF! #REF! 3,133 37,000 #REF! #REF! 18,554 9,548 #REF! #REF! 21,687 46,548 #REF! #REF! |
|---|---|
8. Corporation Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
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