STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 IKqARCH 2025 Chari Number." 1155364
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 PAGE CONTENTS Reference and Administrative Information 2-17 Trustees, Report Independent Auditors, Report to the Trustees 18-20 Statement of Financial Activities 21 22 Balance Sheet 23 Cash Flow Statement Notes to the Financial Statements 24- 35
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION CHARITY NUMBER 1155364 (England and Wales) REGISTERED ADDRESS Staffordshire Women's Aid PO Box 2387 Stafford Staffordshire ST16 3WS TRUSTEES Claire Rowcliffe- Chair Karen Morrey-vice Chair Linda Horne-Treasurer Sue Shirt Trish Rowlands (Resigned 18 August 2025) Sue Howard Rizwana Yousaf Tracey Ann Lorraine Redpath {Join 16 May 2024) Janis May Lomas (Join 16 May 2024) AUDITORS Lawton Bradford Accountants Chartered Certified Accountants and Statutory Auditors 7 Marconi Gate Staffordshire Technology Park Stafford ST18 OFZ CHIEF EXECUTIVE Charlotte Almond BANKERS Unity Trust Bank PLC PO Box 7193 Planetary Road Willenhall WVI 9DG
staffordshire Women's Aid HELPING YOU FIND YOVR VOICE STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees present their Annual Report and audited Financial Statements of the charity for the year ended 3151 March 2025. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019. The Trustees named on Page 1 have served throughout the year. The appointment of Trustees is governed by the Constitution of the Charity. There must be at least 3 charity Trustees. The Board of Trustees is authorised to recruit and appoint new Trustees to fill vacancies as and when necessary. The charity Trustees shall decide how their meetings are to be called, and what notice is required. As from 1st April 2014, Staffordshire Women's Aid (SWA) began operating as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, although the organisation has been a registered charity since 25th November 1976. INVESTMENT POWERS The Constitution authorises the Trustees to make and hoSd investments using the general funds of Staffordshire Women's Aid. The Charity's policy is to invest any surplus funds in low-risk deposit account investments to ensure that funds invested are in a liquid form to facilitate easy access for meeting variations in funding stream income. The Trustees continue to review the charity's investment policy on an on-going basis. For the year ended 31 March 2025, the Charity invested £380,966 {2024-£284,924) in deposit accounts, earning interest totaling £8,443 as shown in note 5. The return on the investment has achieved our objective of generating fundswithout undue risk. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES To relieve the distress and increase the safety of women and children who have suffered or are exposed to domestic and sexual violence and abuse, by the provision of support, advice, temporary accommodation and any other services or activities which may relieve their circumstances, and where required, we will support men in the same situation. To relieve any woman or child in necessitous circumstsnces who may be temporarily homeless by making grants of money or providing or paying for items, services or facilities and by the preservation and protection of their mental and physical health in such ways as shall relieve their need. To educate the public in the causes and effects of domestic and sexual violence and the prevention thereof and to undertake or contribute to research into such matters and l or publish the useful results of such research. The Trustees have reviewed the Charity Commission's guidance to report on public benefit and the Charity's aims and objects are consistentwith this guidance. During the year, all the activities described in this report were undertaken for public benefit.
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OUR VISION Aworld where Violence Against Women and Girls, and all forms ofdomestic and sexual violence are no longer tolerated. OUR MISSION To empower victims to become survivors, to live safely and to thrive. OUR VALUES Passion, Empowerment and Trust OUR SOCIAL AIMS To increase the safety of victims of domestic and sexual violen, including children and young people, whether current, recent, or historical. 2. To meet the immediate and longer term practical and emotional needs of victims of domestic and sexual violence. 3. To empower those who have suffered, or are at risk of experiencing, domestic and sexual violenceland abuse to.. Have cholS and understand their rights. Improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Build confidence, aspirations, skills, and independence. 4. To ensure thatthose impacted by domestic and sexual violence and abuse are given a voice in our communities. 5. To educate, campaign, and raise awareness of domestic and sexual violence, and the widespread phenomenon of violence against women and girls, and its impact on individuals and communities. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT OF THE CHARITY The Board of Trustees provides governance and strategic management to Staffordshire Women's Aid. The recruitment process for Trustees aims to build a Board that has a strong commitment to the Vision, Mission and Values of the organisation, with a range of managerial and governance skills, an appropriate understanding of the legal responsibilities of Trusteeship and experience in making decisions as part of a Board. Recruitment of Trustees involves openly advertising for places on the Board linking into our own volunteer project and a range of local volunteer infrastructure organisations. An application pack is sent out to prospective Trustees, and a successful application will be followed by an interview with the Chair and another Trustee, or the Chief Executive Offir. A successful candidate following interviewwill be asked to attend at least 3 board meetings. which represents a probationary and induction period. During this period, induction and training of new Trustees is carried out in accordance with the organisation's Trustee and Recruitment Policy. If this process is successful, and it is agreed by the Board, the probationary trustee is invited to become a full trustee. During the year, the Board appointed 2 new Trustees. The charity seeks to represent strong women's leadership through an all women Board of Trustees, as well as volunteer and staff team. The Trustees delegate day to day responsibility for running the organisation to its Chief Executive Officer who provides leadership and strategic management. and who is supported by a management and administrative team. A range of free, user-led, specialist support is provided by a team of staff and volunteers, who also train and raise awareness within communities.
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The charity is committed to ensuring that individuals subjected to any form of violence against women and girls are involved at every level of the organisation, as such many of our Board members, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic and sexual violence, and include former service users. The Trustees would like to acknowledge and thank all the staff and volunteers for their hard work and commitment over the last 12 months, and for their contribution towards achieving our mission to empower victims to become survivors, to live safely and to thrive. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE During the year we are proud to have continued our work supporting those living with, fleeing, or recovering from the impact of domestic and sexual violence in Staffordshire. Forty-nine years on we remain a grass roots, user-led organisation, plaGing at the heart of our work the experiences of those we support. The Trustees consider the performance of the Chaity to be in line with its charitable objects, vision, mission, values and social aims, and to be most satisfactory as outlined below.. 24-Hour Helpline The Helpline provides emotional support and specialist information, advice, and guidance on a range of issues for victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In addition, the helpline also co- ordinates all referrals into our servIs. One of the most important functions of the helpline is that, when our refuge is full, we assist women fleeing domestic violence who contact us to secure alternative refuge provision, this can be anywhere in the country and takes several hours to arrange In April this year we launched a new online referral form and booking system via our website to improve accessibility and respond to the increasing demand for our services. The booking system enables service users to identify and choose the date and time of their first triage appointment, making it easier for them to self-refer and engage with the service. Over the year we received 558 online referrals for support, highlighting the importance of this additional referral pathway. We have continued to publicise the Helpline and referral pathways during the year through our local community neorkS, businesses, publicity material and social media. Our highly trained, committed team of volunteers gave 2,107 hours of their time to help run the helpline during 2024125, providing a lifeline for victims of abuse in our community. We are incredibly proud of our Helpline volunteers, they represent the very core of what we stand for- listening, believing and giving victims a voice. The Trustees acknowledge and appreciate the hard work which goes into keeping this vital service running, and express their gratitude to all those who freely volunteer their time to support this Servi and our community. onded to 1840 calls and 3 362 referrals via our 24-Hour Hel line. Durin 2024125 we res Our refvge, Forward House, provides safe accommodation for women and children who need to flee their homes because of domestic violence. We believe that a refuge should provide an environment in which women and children are able to access the choices and facilities which enable them to make the complex journey from Victim to Survivor. Alongside high quality, appropriate accommodation, this can only be possible with intense specialist support which is designed to meet the very diverse needs of the women and children using it. As a result, refuge's not only save lives, they change lives. refuge resettlement
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We also provide a range of safe Dispersed Refuge Accommodation within the community for those fleeing domestic violence, including male victims. The self-contained nature of our accommodation means it is possible for us to accommodate victims with a more diverse range of needs, who may otherwise be excluded or unable to access communal refuges. Our specialist Refuge Support Practitioners provide practical and emotional support, and work to re-build the confidence and self-esteem which so many women and children lose because of domestic violence. They provide specialist support to help women recover from the abuse they have experienced, secure suitable long-term accommodation and build their skills and resilien for independent living, enabling them, and their children, to thrive. Resettlement work will continue for about 8 weeks after a woman has left the refuge to ensure they are not left feeling isolated and have settled well into their new home. We are pleased to hold a contract with Staffordshire County Council to provide a range of specialist support services for adults and children who reside at Foward House Refuge or within our Dispersed Refuge Accommodation in line with the statutory guidance on domestic abuse support within safe accommodation. until 31st March 2026. The Trustees would like to thank Staffordshire County Council for their on-going support, ensuring we can continue delivering high quality refuge provision for families fleeing domestic violence across Staffordshire. We would also like to express our thanks for the support we have received from numerous local community groups in organising days out and for funding parties, celebrations, meals and other activities, including our Breakfast Club, for women and children at our refuge. In particular, we would like to thank the Rotary Club of Stafford who funded a project to develop a 'Birds and Meadows, themed mural for the outdoor play area at the refuge. The mural was designed by women and children staying at Foward House Refuge through a range of art workshops and created by local artists Mark Uttley and Helen Wilson. The project enabled families to make connections with each other, reduce feelings of isolation and create happy, positive memories, which is particularly important for children living in refuge. "This refuge was better than anything I could have imaginedl I was incredibly anxious on arrival with my young child however I was greeted by a very friendly, empathetic woman who showed us to our flat immediately on arrival and instantly put my mind at ease. There was new bedding sets, new pan sets, new towels, toiletries and even food all ready for our arrival! The layout of the refuge is remarkable with a children's playground and playroom on site! My support worker was exceptional! I never felt judged or pressured. I have literally nothing negative to say about this refuge it is clean, friendly, helpful and a truly remarkable resource for women and children fleeing domestic violence and needing a safe home to recuperate and recover." Service User Feedback- Forward House Refuge During 2024125 we received 447 referrals for refuge space. Of this, we accommodated 27 women and 48 children within our range of refuge accommodation, with 30 women and their children successfully completing service and resettling in long-term accommodation. In addition, we secured refuge for a further 106 families from Staffordshire.
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Women's Homelessness Service The Women's Homelessness Service is funded by Stafft)rd Borough Council, Cannock Chase District Council and South Staffordshire District Council. The aim of the project is to achieve better solutions for women at risk of homelessness, or who are homeless, due to domestic andlor sexual violence, such as speedier access to refuge, implementing safety measures and securing other accommodation and support solutions. As well as working intensively with victims of domestic abuse presenting to the local authorities as homeless, the project also works with the housing team and other homelessness agencies to provide appropriate support for female rough sleepers living with domesticlsexual abuse. It aims to engage this particularly vulnerable cohort in specialist support via the partnership since female rough sleepers are significantly less likely to approach SWA for support through established referral pathways such as the 24-hour help line. In July 2024 we were pleased to Secu a further 2 years funding to deliver this project. During 2024125 there have been 89 referrals into this service. All women were offered advice, safety p5anning, signposting, multi-agency working and support in securing safe accommodation stollordshire Survive Survive Sexual Assault and Abuse Service provides a free, non-judgmental, and confidential service for adults, both male and female, children over the age of 4, and close family memberslsignificant others who have been affected by sexual assault or abuse at any point during their lives across Staffordshire. Victims can seek support whether they report the crime to the police or not. Sexuol Assault & Abuse Service At the end of 2023 we were successful in our bid to retain the Survive Sexual Assault and Abuse Service for a further 3 years. The new service cornmend on 1 st April 2024, covering Stoke-on-Trent as well as Staffordshire. As such, it is a much larger contract with a significant increase in Servi delivery. As lead provider we are proud to sub-contract, and work in partnership with 2 other specialist organisations, Savana and Pathway Project, to deliver the Survive Sexual Assault and Abuse Service across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. During the year we have successfully supported 1,223 men, women, trans adults and children aged between 4 78 years old through the ISVA, CHISVA and Family Support Service. ISVA and CHISVA Service Our Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) and Children's Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (CHISVA) provide a diverse range of practical help, advice, and emotional support to victims of sexual violence and abuse In addition, we have supported a number of families and individuals through the criminal justice system, including support around pre-court visits, obtaining special measures, support with ABE video recordings, Section 28 cross examination recordings and victim impact statements. We have also supported individuals applying to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority. The Family Support Service This service provides practical and emotional support to people who have been impacted by any form of sexual abuse against a close family member or significant other. It helps to meet the needs of victims and their families, providing accurate information on criminal justice processes, victims, rights and referring to other agencies as appropriate.
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We have continued to offer support sessions through face-to-face appointments and remote appointments by telephone or online. This has helped service users determine the type of support they would like and enabled greater accessibility to our service for those who work, have caring responsibilities or who don't want to come to one of our centres. We have also provided one-to-one support to children and young people in over 67 schools and colleges across Staffordshire. Feedback from service users shows that they have felt believed and supported and have been provided with a safe space to talk about their trauma and receive the support they deserve. "The siipport Survive provides is immeasurable, it is life-saving. In the depths of despair, for me. Su1ve provided hope and it had begn a long time since I had experienced anything like hope. That is something that can't be measured." ISVA Service User .1 cannot thank you enough, you got me through one of the worst experiences of my life. Thank you for all your supporf, ISVA Service User "I know I can talk to you, I feel better after. You make me know everything is not my fault. CHISVA Service User, age 12 "I didn't know what to do or where to tum. You listened to me and helped me find a way foard., Family Support Service User Survive l Haveywor someon8 YOU )'4lforthhh llo' heID hB4b 03011330 5&,
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 SWA Counselling Services We have continued to further develop and deliver our therapeutic Counselling Service this year to victims of domestio abuse and sexual violence. Counselling is an important part of the recovery process for victims of abuse, enabling service users to acknowledge their experiences and express their feelings in a safe and supported environment. We have continued to offer counselling through face-to-face appointments and remote appointments by telephone or online. Whilst most service users want face-to-face appointments, some prefer the option of remote counselling. The flexibility of remote counselling reduces travelling and the difficulties of getting to appointments, especially for those in work or those who have caring responsibilities. During the year we were pleased to secure continuation funding through the Rape & Sexual Abuse Support Fund for 2 Counsellors, one for adults and one for children, to help meet increasing numbers of referrals. In addition, we also recruited and trained 5 counselling students on placement with us from Keele University, Staffordshire University and Buxton & Leek College. Counselling students have proved to be an invaluable addition to our service providing up to thirty counselling sessions a week to our service users. This year we embarked on a programme of training to build capacity and skills within our counselling team to increase our range of therapeutic interventions available to victims of abuse, including EMDR counselling and range of creative therapies. This will allow us to reach out to a broader range of victims who may find it more difficult to access traditional foms of counselling, such as those whose first language isn't English or younger children. Counsellors have also completed the Blue Star Accredited Pre-Trial Therapy Training Programme to ensure that they have the necessary skills, knowledge, resources and confjdence to deliver pre-trial therapy and support according to national best practice standards, in line with CPS Pre-Trial Therapy Guidance. Given the significant growth of our counselling service overthe last 3 years, we identified the need to introduce a Counselling & Wellbeing Lead to help us respond effectively to increased demand, build capacity and expertise, and ensure high quality service delivery. Trustees agreed to fund this role out of reserves initially while we sought longer term funding. In December we were pleased to secure a grant from the Henry Smith Charity to fund a Counselling and Wellbeing Lead for 3 years. Due to the continued high demand for counselling, and despite increasing provision, we have continued to hold a waiting list throughout the year. The waiting time for adults is five months and for children and young people it is three months. We have introduced a number of measures to manage the waiting list to ensure that seNice users are not left feeling unsupported. Helpline volunteers provide regular welfare calls offering emotional support and assessing if riskslneeds have changed. We also offer an online self-help program called Taste of Recovery to those on the waiting list as an extra support whilst waiting for counselling. During the year our team of qualified counsellors provided therapeutic counselling to 731 adults and 101 children. We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery Community Fund, The Henry Smith Charity, the Staffordshire Commissioner and the Ministry of Justice for funding our Counselling Service and helping us respond to the needs of victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence in our community. "I can let go of all the unhealthy coping mechanisms I had as I can see they no longer serve me. Thank you so much Staffordshire Women's Aid and to my counsellor for giving me my sanity and my 'safeness' back.,
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Counsélling Service User Through our Women's Centre we provide a range of community-based seNices meeting the needs of women at risk of, living with or recovering from any form of Violence Against Women and Girls to improve their safety, wellbeing, independence and resilience. These services are grounded in our view that violence against women and girls is both the cause and consequence of gender inequality. As an organisation we believe that by addressing some of the material disadvantages women face, and by providing opportunities to increase women's equality, we are directly contributing to the prevention of VAWG and helping to reduce the long-term impact of violence and abuse. Women's Services STRONGÈR TOGETHER Women's Drop In Service During the year we introduced a new"Drop In. service at the Women's Centre for women who have experienced any form of violence against women, in response to increased calls to our helpline from women who were in need of immediate support. The service provides short term emotional support, specialist information, advice and guidance, safety planning, signposting and referrals into other services for longer term support. "It was so good to speak to someone who listened and understood me, I feel so much better just for talking to someone." Service User "I felt so scared and confusgd, I didn't know what l Gould do, but now I know I have options." Service User Group Work Over 400 women accessed one of our groups or workshops in 2024125 to aid recovery, improve well-beirlg and build self-esteem and skills, including.. Own My Life, a 12-week structured group programme to give women the skills to understand abuse, build confidence and self-esteem, make sense of their lives and move forward with hope and positivity, with the main aim being for women to feel empowered to regain control of their lives. Power of Change, an educational programme for women who have experienced violence and abuse. The programme focusses on assertiveness techniques, establishing boundaries and assessing abusive and healthy relationships as well as building self-esteem, confidence, and self-determination. Our Well-Being Group, delivered in partnership with MPFf, has been co-designed with service users and is tailored to the needs of women who have experienced domestic andlor sexual violence and abuse. It provides guided, self-help techniques and tools to improve mental health and well-being and is delivered alongside Peer Volunteers. In addition to the structured group work programmes above, we have also delivered a range of group activities and workshops at our Women's Centre to help reduce isolation and improve women's confidence, health and well-being, including.. Coffee Mornings where women can drop in and participate in a range of different activities. This group encourages peer support, empowerment and self-resilience and helps to develop and shape future service provision. Craft & Chatter, Art Workshops, Photography Workshops, Reading Club and Fishing Trips developed and led by ex-service users.
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Knit & Knatter in partnership with Hilderstone Wl Yoga and Relaxation Sessions Women's Health Sessions, Financial Drop-lns and Employability Workshops ¥v. Legal Clinic Our partnership with Staffordshire University and Lewis Rogers Solicitors continues to provide a free, confidential, legal advice clinic once a month for victims of domestic and sexual violence and abuse. In 2024125, 33 women accessed the Legal Clinic for a range of issues, including Divorce, Child Contact, Family Law and Injunctions. New Start 4U New Start 4U Stafford & South Staffordghire is 8 partnership project led by Business Enterprise Support, and funded through The National Lottery Community Fund, that aims to support people living in Stafford and South Staffordshire who are out-of-work. We are pleased to have been able to continue our work on this project throughout 2024125 supporting 35 women into education, training, and employment. This also involves raising self-esteem and aspirations through tailored one-one support. FITS for the Future Project The FITS project aims to improve women's personal independence, financial resilience and digital resources. The project provides tailored 1-1 support to meet service users identified needs to combat the impact of financial and economic abuse. In addition, we also deliver structured group work programmes allowing women to build their digital and financial skills, covering topics such as money management, budgeting skills and online banking. The Trustees would like to thank The Santander Foundation for their support in funding this project to meet the needs of women in our community. Unfortunately, the funding for this project has now come to an end, and with no alternative funding available, we will no longer be able to deliver this service going forward. In 2024125, 94 women were supported through the FITS project. 10
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Smallwood Grants Staffordshire Women's Aid is an approved Community Grant Partner for the Smallwood Trust. This means we are able to provide grants of up to £1,000 to help women overcome financial adversity and improve their well-being. Through this project we have been able to assist 52 women accessing our servi$ to improve their financial stability and relieve hardship during the year by providing small grants worth £39,922. The Trustees would like to thank the Smallwood Trust for their continued support in helping women overcome financial adversity. This support is even more important at the moment given the cost-of-living crisis affecting so many of the women we work with. Women's Foodbank Sadly, we continued to see a significant need for the Food Bank from women accessing our services over the last year. Our Food Bank provides food, toiletries, personal hygiene products, clothes, and baby equipment. Through our Food Bank we were also able to distribute Festive Hampers, Christmas gifts and Easter Eggs to families we support. It is thanks to the generosity of local businesses, community groups and individuals, and in particular our partnership with local charity Rehome and Repurpose, that we have been able to continue to provide this invaluable service over the last year. During 2024125 we have supported 467 women and families through our Food Bank. HMP Drake Hall We are pleased to have been able to continue our partnership supporting Drake Hall Charity Shop, which is run by the women, for the women in Drake Hall Prison. We are able to supply the charity shop with our surplus donations, with any funds raised through the shop donated to SWA. This way ofworking alongside HMP Drake Hall has enabled us to raise awareness of our work within the prison and become more visible to those women who are vulnerable and impacted by violence against women. Volunteer Project Staffordshire Women's Aid was established by a group of committed volunteers, and volunteers are still at the heart of what we do. Without their support, we would not be able to offer many of the services that we currently do. Our Board of Trustees also give their time on a voluntary basis to help provide governan and oversight to our charity. During the year we were pleased to secure a grant from the Charles Hayward Foundation towards the costs of a Volunteer Co-ordinator. This role has built capacity into our volunteer project, enabling us to better respond to increased demand for our ServiS, and played a key part in strengthening and developing our recruitment, induction and training prOsS for volunteers. Throughout the yearwe recruited and trained 15 new volunteers to help run the helpline, legal clinic, group programmes and activities, resettlement support and the Food Bank. Vve are incredibly grateful to all our volunteers for the skills experience, time and dedication they each bring to their roles supporting victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. During 2024125 our highly trained and committed team of 25 volunteers gave 4,109 hours of their time, equating to an in-kind financial value of £72,195.
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Research, Training and Awareness Raising Alongside the provision of front-line services, we aim to create positive change in our communities through training, research, awareness raising and preventative education. Over the year we are pleased to have delivered the following.. 5 x CPD Accredited Domestic Violence Training Days to 38 delegates. 5 x CPD Accredited Sexual Violence Training Days to 42 delegates. 2 x CPD Accredited Working with Victims & Survivors of Domestic and Sexual violen Training Days to 16 delegates. 3 x Sexual Violence Awareness Webinars to 55 professionals and community members. 2 x violen Against Women & Girls Webinars to 38 professionals and community members. In collaboration with the University of Stsffordshire delivered training to 15 Policing Students. In association with Pubwatch, delivered a training session on Ask Angela and responding to disclosures to 30 delegates from the local night time economy. In partnership with Dr Tirion Harvard, Professor of Gender Abuse and Policy, London Southbank University, we are proud to have contributed to the 'Hopeful Justice Collective,. a community-based research project consulting with local communities on their experiences of the criminal justice system to understand if and how it could be developed and transformed. Ran a public awareness raising campaign during Sexual Violence Awareness Week in February, this included a social media campaign raising awareness of sexual abuse and the support provided by SuNive as well as attending events at Keele University and Stafford College. Held a candlelit vigil to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls in Market Square, Stafford. fl Iiiiii,. 11 I compalgning to ertd Vlolence Again5tWomen and Girls since 1976 THE IMPACT WE HAVE MADE ON LIVES We have been able to measure the difference our work makes during the year using various outcome measurement tools, which compliments our approach to service delivery, which is victim Gentred, strengths based and outcome focused. It enables support practitioners, alongside their service users, to measure changes throughout their support journey. This not only empowers service users to identify individual progress, it also enables us to track how far we are progressing towards overall service outcomes.
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 During 2024125.. 97 % of service users acSsIng the Survive servio had improved emotional health and wellbeing with 82 % feeling better able to navigate the criminal justice system. 98 % of counselling clients said they had improved coping strategies and 970/0 said they felt better able to manage their mental health. In our children's servIs, 94 % of children and young people said they felt safer and 97 % had improved relationships with family and friends. In the family support service 98U/o felt they had improved social interactions and 970 saw an improvement in their emotional wellbeing 92 % of those accessing Refuge felt safer, with 94 % reporting increased emotional well-being and confiden. 89 % of women acSSing group programmes reported improved social life and community connections, as well as increased self-esteem and empowerment. STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE YEAR Following a period of significant organisational growth and change, the Board of Trustees have committed to an ambitious 5 Year Strategic Business Plan for the period 2025 - 2030. Our strategic objectives and plans are both agile and flexible, to enable us to respond effectively and quickly to emerging risks and opportunities, and to move fOard as a strong and resilient charity that strives for continuous improvement in all aspects of our work. To inform the development of our new strategic objectives the Board conducted a thorough analysis of the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental landscape in which we operate, at both a macro and micro level. We also carefully analysed our own monitoring data over the last 3 years to better understand who is accessing our services, the increase in demand for our services and the changing needs of service users. Finally, we consulted with staff, volunteers and service users around the development of our strategy and objectives, including 3 externally facilitated consultation workshops to ensure our strategic objectives have been closely informed by those who use and deliver our servIs. The following strategic objectives have been identified as our areas of focus over the next 5 years." Further develop our range of Therapeutic Services Increase our provision of Specialist Women's Support Services Increase our range of Safe Accommodation Develop Children's and Young People's Support Services Continue to develop capacity and infrastructure, investing in our board, staff, and volunteers to ensure excellence in governance, practi and service delivery to ensure we can respond to future growth opportunities Linked to this Business Plan we have also developed a robust Fundraising Strategy and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. Given the sharp increase in the number of service users presenting with complex and multiple needs over the last 3 years, and the growth of our new Women's Centre, we identified the need to introduce a Women's Community seices Manager during the year. This role will help us respond effectively to increased demand, build capacity and expertise within the Women's Centre, and ensure high quality seNice delivery. Trustees agreed to fund this role out of reserves initially for a period of 12 months while we seek longer term funding to sustain the role, since we do not anticipate any reduction in demand for women's community based services.
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 As a Charity, we believe that we have a duty to demonstrate that our organisation and its work is endorsed by extemal quality standards so thatour service users, staff and stakeholders can feel confident in our approach. We also recognise that there is always more to learn, therefore we take a pro-active approach towards the continuous improvement of our services. In March 2025 we were delighted to be awarded the Lime Culture Quality Standards for Independent Sexual Violence Adviser Services and Children's Independent Sexual ViolenGe Adviser Services. We are incredibly proud to have achieved reaccreditation in recognition of our work supporting victims and survivors of sexual violencelabuse i staffordshire. All of the team worked really hard, and their outstanding commitment, knowledge and professionalism was highlighted by the accreditation team. CULTURE QUALITY STANDARDS INDEPENDENTLY ACCAEDITED for IndependeDISexval V1derttASer Ser¥Kes PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS Future Challenges and Developments The Board of Trustees are pleased to report that continuing steady growth ensures the charity remains in a strong and stable financial position, enabling us to continue responding to the increasing demand for our services and the changing needs of our beneficiaries. At the end of February, we were informed that our sub-contracted partner Savana had made the difficult decision to close as a Charity due to no longer being financially viable. They served notice to terminate their sub-contract agreement with SWA to deliver the Survive service in Stoke-on-Trent from 30th April. As a result, we have decided to deliver the Survive contract directly in Stoke-on-Trent, as well as Staffordshire, from 1st May 2025. This represents a significant strategic 2nd operational expansion for SWA. Our priority 15 to ensure continuity of service provision, both for those already accessing support via Savana, and for future survivors requiring support in the Stoke-on-Trent area. As such, we will spend the beginning of 2025126 mobilising the Survive service in Stoke-on- Trent. There continues to be many delays and cancellations throughout the criminal justice system. The impact of this has been profound on service users, meaning they have often wanted to withdraw from the process, have experienced poor and deteriorating mental health, re-traumatisation and a reduction in daily coping mechanisms. We have worked closely with Criminal justice agencies to minimise the negative impact on victims and have worked hard with service users to maintain their engagement in the process. Our sexual violence service, Staffordshire Survive, has been most impacted by this on-going situation. To date. ISVAS have supported some service users for over 4 years through the criminal justice system to reach court and provide post-trial support. We continue to receive funding through the Ministry of Justice for a part time counselling post for victims of domestic abuse. This service has been overwhelmed with referrals having received 270 referrals in the last Iwelve months. The number of referrals for this service has more than doubled since the previous year. As we currently have very limited funding for this service the waiting list for Domestic Abuse Counselling is currently 4-5 months, which we expect to increase. 14
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Although theré is a commissioned Domestic Abuse Community servi in Stafft)rdshire, delivered by a national charity, they do not provide any form of ¢ounselling. Counselling is an integral part of the recovery process for victims of abuse, enabling them to become survivors. The lack of Domestic Abuse Counselling available locally is a huge gap, and we are working hard with stakeholders to try and address this. There are 2 key funding streams from the Ministry of Justice that end 31st March 2026, and despite the Governmenys commitment to halve violence against women and girls in a decade, there is some uncertainty whether these funding streams will continue. This will affect many domestic and sexual violence organisations across the country. We are liaising closely with local commissioners around the impact of losing these funding streams and drawing up plans to mitigate the impact on SeICe users. We are also campaigning and lobbying at a national level with other specialist organisations in the VAWG sector. Our grant with the National Lottery Community Fund comes to an end in September 2025. This funding has been instrumental over the last 5 years in enabling us to deliver counselling to adult and child survivors of sexual violence. We will continue to identify ways in which to build capacity into our counselling service to meet the ever-increasing need, as we recognise this is an invaluable Servi to aid the recovery of victims of Sexual and Domestic Violence. In 2026, we are pleased to be celebrating our 50th Birthday, with a number of events being planned to recognise the amazing contribution we have made to local communities in Staffordshire over the last 5 decades. It is the charity's aim to continue to thrive and work alongside our local communities, adapting our responses in a changing financial and social Glimate to meet the needs of our beneficiaries, always led by our Vision, Mission, Social Aims and Values. Related Parties Staffordshire Women's Aid is a fully affiliated member of the Women's Aid Federation of England. FINANCIAL REVIEW Total incoming reSoUrS for the year ended 31 March 2025 were £2,028,237 showing an upturn of 24.94 % against the previous year of £1,623,254. The upturn was due to new contracts with Staffordshire County Council to deliver Refuge based specialist support services to adults and children and the Staffordshire Commissioner to deliver the Survive Sexual Assault & Abuse Service across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. Total resources expended in the year amounted to £2,051,777 compared to £1,576,067 in the previous year, an increase of 30.10/0. The increase in expenditure relates to the new contracts highlighted above and the introduction of the Women's Community Services Manager. As a consequence of this there was a deficit of resources in the year of £23,540, which has resulted in total funds and net assets carried fotward at 31st March 2025 of £678.238, of which £19,929 is restricted. We would like to express our appreciation to all of our funders and supporters who enable us to continue our important work across Stafft)rdshire. They enable the charity to achieve its objectives in ways which change the lives of those we support. In addition, we would like to acknowledge the numerous donations made by individuals and community groups, either financial or in the form of food, clothing and other such items which help us support women and children. 15
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID TRUSTEE'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We would also like to acknowledge the time and care taken by individuals and community groups to make a difference to the women and children we support through, for example, wrapping and delivering Christmas gifts and preparing welcome bags for the Refuge residents, making one off donations and helping us run the Breakfast Club and the Pantry. It is difficult to quantify the importance of such community support, but we know it means a great deal to the women and children we exist to support. RISK MANAGEMENT The Board of Trustees use a Risk Register, and its monitoring covers a range of key issues, including financial, organisational, operational and legal risks, and aims to ensure thatthe organisation takes and monitors actions to reduce identified risks as far as possible. The organisation also has a Business Continuity Policy which aims to ensure that in an unusual event that might impact upon our ability to deliverour services and run the organisation, we have contingency plans in place_ RESERVES POLICY It is the aim of Staffordshire Women's Aid to maintain unrestricted funds at a level which equates to beiween three and six months unrestricted expenditure, which was beeen £455,598 and £911,195 in the year 2024-2025. The organisation and its Trustees are pleased to announce that we have succeeded in achieving this with the measures implemented in last yearfs accounts. We will continue to work towards the same success in 2025-26 by implementing the following as part of our Finance and Fundraising Strategy- Continue to invest in our Fundraising Function so that we can maximise potential income. In recognition of the risk of depending upon statutory funding, we will use our skills in diverse ways to attract funding from a wider range of sources. Seek new ways of using our expertise and knowledge to develop new services to meet seNice user needs. Make every effort to maximise assets and streamline outgoing costs. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (New United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accounting practi). Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements ft)r each financial year which give a true and fair view ofthe state of affairs of ttie chanty and of the incnming rurCeS and applp2tson of resour oflhe chanty forthat peTr)d. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: a. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. b. Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102). c. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. d. State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. e. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonat)le accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 16
and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. APPROVAL: This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 6 November 2025 And signed on behalf by Claire Rowcliffe (Chair) Linda Horne (Treasurer)
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Staffordshire Women's (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, The Balance Sheet, the Statement of Cash Flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting frameworf( that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reports'ng Standard 102 The Finanaal Reporting Standard appIable in the UK and Republic of Iland (United 'ngdorn General Accepted Ac£ounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements: give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 March 2025, and of its incoming resour and applicats'on of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended., have been properly prepared in accordan with United Kingdom GeneralW Accepted Accounting Prti., and have been prepared in ac£ordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordan with Intemational Standards on Audibng (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further describEKI in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our reFxIrt. We are independent of the charity in accordan with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit ofthe financial statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have lfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordan with these requirements. We believe that the audit eviden we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concem basis of aOUntr.ng in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed, we have not identffied any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions tha( indwidually or collectwely, may cast significant doubt on the charity's abilty to conts'nue as a going concem for a peri(KJ ofat least elve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and ttie responsibiltties of the trustees with reSpt to going concem are described in the relevant seth.ons of this reporL Other infomiation The other infomation compnses the information induded in the trustee's annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditovs report thewn. The trustees are reswnsible forthe other information contained wthin the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, expt to the extent otherwise expliGltly Stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our resp)nsibilty is to read the other infomiation and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misststed. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gwes rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there ts a material misstatement of this other infomiation, we are required to repart that fact We have nothing to report in this regard. Matters on which we are required to report by exception We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation towhich the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulal'ons 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion: the infomation grven in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees, report,. or the charity has not kept adequate accounts'ng records., or the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and retums; or we have not rEretved all the infonnats'on and explanakn'ons we require for our audit. 18
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fulty in the trustees, responsibilities statement set OLrt on page 16 the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is ne&fjary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are fr& from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or emr. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going conrn, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going Cx)nM and using the going cOnM basis of attounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic altemative but to do so. Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordan with regulations made under section 154 of that Act. Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurano about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatemen( whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assuran is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conduGted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will aayS detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material rf, individually or In the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to Influen the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-complian with laws and regulations. We design prccedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.. As part of the planning process.. We enquire of management the systems and controls the charity has in pla, areas of the accounts most susceptible to the risk of irregularities and fraud, and any InStanS of or suspected fraud_ We obtain an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the charitable company. We Gonsider the incentives and opportunities that exist in the charity, including the extent of management bias, which presents potential for irregularities and fraud to occur, and tailor our risk assessment accordingly. Using our knowledge of the charitable incorporated organisation, together with discussions held with the charity at the planning stage, we form a conclusion on the risk of misstatement due to irregularities including fraud and tailor our audit procedures accordingly. The key procedures we undertake to detect irregularities including fraud during the audit include.. Identifying and testing journal entries and the overall accounting record, in particular those that were significant and unusual. Reviewing the accounts disclosures and determining whether accounting policies have been appropriately applied. Reviewing and Ghallenging assumptions and judgefflents used by management, including any significant accounting estimates. Assessing the extent of Complian with relevant laws and regulations. Testing key income lines, including cut-off, for evidence of management bias. Assessing the validity of the classification of income, expenditure, assets and liabilities beeen Restricted and Unrestricted Funds. Obtaining third party confirmation of material bank balances. Documenting and verifying all significant related paty balances and transactions. Reviewing documentation such as the charity board minutes, correspondence with solicitors, for evidence of irregularities including fraud. Becau* of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that Complian with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of Instan of non-complian. The risk is aLso greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraLKI rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation. f9
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 A fvrther description of our responsibilities is available on the FRC'S website at. htt S'.1.frC.o .uklauditorslaudit- aSSuranaudltor-S-res nsibilities-for-the-audit-of-the-fildescri tion-of-th&auditort/oE20k80 % 99s-res onsibilities-for.This description forrrB part of our auditor s report. Use of our report This report is made solety to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordan wth Part 4 of the Charities {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trUStS those matters we are required to state to them in an auditorfs report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 2pt or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the chanty's trustees as a body, for our audrt Wotk, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. Adele Lawton (Senior Statutory Auditor) For and on behalf of Lawton Bradford Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants Registered Auditors 7 Marconi Gate Staffordshire Technology Park Stafford ST18 OFZ Date i"£1 i.1 1202S 20
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2025 2025 Total Funds Total Funds 2025 2024 Note Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies Other Income Income from investment Income from charitsble activities 88, 784 750 8,443 1,758,885 88,784 750 8,443 1,930.260 82,043 5,505 1,535,706 171,375 Total income and endownments 1,856,862 171,375 2,028,237 1,623,254 Expenditure on: Cost of generating funds Expenditure on charitable activiti S 1,922 1,820,468 1,922 2,049,855 7,786 1,568,281 229,387 Total resources expended 1,822,3go 229,387 2,051,777 1,576,067 Net incomel(expenditure} Transfer between funds 34,472 1,667 (58,012) { 1,667) (23,540) 47, 187 17 Net movement in funds 36,139 159,679) {23,5401 47,187 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 622,170 79,608 701,778 654,591 Total funds carried fonNard 658,309 19,929 678,238 701,778 All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than the deficit for the above year. 21
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID BALANCE SHEET YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Charity Number". 1155364 Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 7,847 Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets 14 202,963 637,393 840,356 152,821 686,857 839,678 Creditors amounts falling due within one year 15 169,965 Net current assets 670,391 693, 114 Totsl assets less current liabilities 678,238 701,778 Net assets 16 678,238 701,778 Charity funds Unrestricted funds General funds 658,309 622,170 17 658,3CB 622,170 Restricted funds Charity restricted f unds 17 19,929 79,608 Total funds 678,238 701,778 6 November 2025 The financial statements were authorised for issue by the Board on . Signed on its behalf of the Board of Trustees Claire Rowcliffe {Chairl The notes on pages 23 to 35 form part of these financial statements. 22
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID CASH FLOW STATEMENT5 YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Cash flow f rom operating activities Net income / (expenditure) Depreciation Charge Interest from investments Ilncrease}/decrease in debtors Increase/(decrease) in creditors Net cash inflowl(ouffiow) from operating activities (23,540) 6,395 (8,443) (50,142) 23,401 {52,329) 47, 187 6,361 (5,505) (68,316) 5.720 (14,553) Cash flow from investing activities Interest received Purchase of tangible fixed assets Net cash {ouffiowyinflow on investing activities 8,443 5,578) 2,865 5,505 (6,451) (946) Net decrease in cash Cash at bank at beEinningof year Cash at bank at end of year 686,857 637,393 702,356 686,857 23
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 I Statutory Information Staffordshire Women's Aid adopted a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Structure on 16 January 2014. The address of the registered office is given in the charity information on page l of these financial statements. The nature of the charitqs operations and principal activities is to support victims of domestic and sexual violence. Accounting Policies Accounting convention The charity constitutes a public benefit as defsned by SORP FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and reportingfor 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 (Charities SORP FRS1021 {effective l January 2019}, the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice- The financial statements have been prepared under the historical costs convention and give a true and fair view. The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £. The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. Income recognition All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities where the charity is legally entitled to the income and any conditions for receipt are met and the amount can be measured with reasonable accuracy. Donated facilities and goods are recognised in income at their fair value when their economic benefit is probable, it can be measured reliably, and the charity has control over the item. Fair value is determined on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity. For example, the amount the charity would be willing to pay in the open market for such facilities and goods. A corresponding amount is recognised in expenditure. Going Concern The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of fur)ds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern Expenses recognition Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to a particular headin& they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. The Charity became Smallwood Trust grant partner for distribution of grants to the service users. Tangible fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Assets under the value of one hundred pounds are treated as repairs and written off in the year of purchase. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation of Fixed Assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bas1S: Furniture and Equipment, 20Yo per annum straight line and Office Equipment. 33% per annum straight line. 24
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2. Accounting Policies continued Taxation The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in paragraph I Schedule 6 Finance Att 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charftable entity for tax purposes Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Accrued income Accrued income represents revenue eamed but not invoiced on 31 March 2025. When it is invoiced, it is credited to the accrued income account. Deferred Income Deferred income represents revenue collected but not earned as of 31 March 2025. This primarily comprises restricted fund income. When earned it is credited to the Income and expenditure account. Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. Operating Lease commitments Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the income and expenditure account on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease. Financial instruments The charity only enters into basic financial instrument transactions that result in the recognition of financial assets and liabilities like trade debtors, other debtors, trade creditors and other creditors. Trustee and related party transactions No member5 of management received any remuneration during the year in their capacity as trustee. No Trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year. Going concern accounting poliry At the time of approving the financial statements the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. 25
rAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2. Accounting Policies continued Government grants Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance Conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met, then these amounts are deferred. Grant making The Charity became Smallwood Trust grant partnerfor distribution of grants to the seNice users. The grants distributed as per the grant agreement with Smallwood Trust. The income and expenditure are recorded as restricted in the financial statements. Total grants paid to individuals forthe year ended 31 March 2025 were £39.922131 March 2024: £24,592). Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accounting estimates and assumptions are made concerning the future and, by their nature, will rarely equal the related actual outcome. The key assumptions and other sources of estimation uncertainty that have a risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are depreciation, accruals, and deferred income. 3 Income from donations and legacies Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Donations 88,784 88,784 88,784 88,784 82,043 82,043 Included in donations was £26,751 donated goods at fair value (2024 £30,159) 4 Other Income Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Women's Aid - Advocacy fund 750 750 750 750 26
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 5 Income from investments Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Deposit account interest 8,443 8,443 8,443 8,443 5,505 5,505 6 Income from charitsble activities Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Charitable grants and donations Central and local government grants and service level agreements Training income Rent Resident contribution to services Total income 22,500 171,375 193,875 241,369 1,410,594 8.184 307,922 9,685 1,758,885 1,410,594 8,184 307,922 9,685 1,930,260 987,793 19,200 279,221 8,123 1,535,706 171,375 27
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 6 Income from charitable activities continued Analysis of charitable grants and donations received, included in the above, are as follows: Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds Total Funds 2025 2024 Business Enterprise Support (BES) Cadbury Charitable Grant Charles Hayward Foundation The Henry Smith Charity Staffordshire & Stoke-On-Trent-Together Active Santander Foundation SARC Surge Fund Smallwood Trust (Grant for Women) Smallwood Trust (Grant management feel Smallwood Trust {Employability} The National Lottery Community Fund Argos Carver Wolverhampton Queen Elizabeth Grant Enterprise RAC Uk The Clothworker Foundation The Community Foundation for St3ffordshire Deamon Solutions Limited Staffordsh ire County Council Councillor 20,013 20,013 5,000 23,000 25,500 5,669 5,000 23,000 25,500 3,968 45,000 5,100 36,000 6,000 12,500 86,856 2,000 1,520 1,000 2.000 20,000 24,000 24,000 6,000 10,000 78,862 6,000 10,000 78,862 9,817 1,339 2,600 1,500 22,500 1,500 193,875 171,375 241,369 28
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 6 Income from charitable attivities continued Analys is of centra l and l oca I government gra nts a nd servi ce l evel agreements received, i ncl uded i n the above, are as follows: Unrestrirted Funds Restrirted Funds Total Fund5 2025 Total Funds 2024 Stafford Borough Counci I ISLAI Stsffordshire County Council Isafe Accomodationl Stafford Borough Council (Domestic Abuse) South Staffordshi re Di strict Counci I {Domestic Abuse) Cannock Chase District Council (Women's Homeless Proj ect Stafford Borough Counci I (Seri ous Vi ol ence fund) MOJ Community B35ed SV Counsellor MOJ Community Based DV Counsellor Mi nistry of Justi ce IMOJI RASASF MOJ ISVA NHS Mentsl Health Project Ca nnock Chase Counci I ISLA} Cannock Chase District Counci I (Servi ce cha rge rei mbursedl G4S counselling {Fast Track and Drake Hall) MOJ Core grantAdditional Funding OPFCC Icounsel l i ngl OPFCC (Survive) OPFCC INHS Prevention Project) 15,000 15,000 15,000 348,370 348,370 295,675 13,925 13,925 14,227 2,951 2,951 14,227 10,330 10,330 10,670 2,510 2,510 43,186 23,736 49,388 28,579 22,500 23,736 74,363 23,736 74,363 30,500 30,500 5,000 5,000 5,000 1,204 8,115 8.115 41,250 7,040 41,701 299,723 36.930 875,794 875,794 OPFCC IISVA EOII 37,757 987,793 1410,594 1,410 594 29
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 20Z5 7 Expenditure on raising funds U nrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Support costs 1,922 1.922 1,922 1,922 7,786 7,786 8 Expenditure on charitable artivities Unrestrirted Restricted Funds Funds Total Funds 2025 Total Funds 2024 Women's community services Survive Sexual Abuse service Refuge and Dispersed 3ccomo< Smallwood Trust Grant Contribution to new Women Centre moving and refurbishment Costs Governan costs 403,262 874,472 505,619 189,465 592,727 874,472 505,619 39,922 526,407 537,166 408,1 24,592 39,922 37,115 1,820,468 37, 115 229,387 2,049,855 32,115 1,568,281 Al grants paid under the grant agreement with Smallw¢)od Trust, were paid to individuals. Women's Community Services costs include £26,751 donated goods at fair value. 30
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Expenditure on charitable activites, included in the above, are as follows.. Designated Fund Unrestrirted Funds Restricted Totsl Funds Total Funds Fund5 2025 2024 Rent and rates Telephone, printing and stationery Softwarelicences Websites, subscriptions and publicity Equipment and repairs New Women Centre moving and refurbishment Costs Lighting and heating Insurance Contrarted Out services Salaries Women's subsistence Smallwood Trust grants Off ice Costs Training Depreciation Recruitment and staff welfare Volunteer expenses Redundancy pay Trustee xpenses Consultancy Auditors remuneration Professional fees Staff costs 221,409 4,661 226,070 208,650 11,659 17,036 11,659 17,036 12,232 5,224 7, 787 18,026 626 8,413 18,026 7,637 33,553 106,974 5, 143 5,738 104,936 923, 179 31,568 24,592 11,914 22,846 6,361 14,724 7,975 2,022 897 1,903 3,210 86 5,686 395,700 1,201,061 29,929 39,922 13,566 14,927 6,395 16,453 6,643 5,686 395, 7(X) 1,023,323 29,929 177,738 39,922 13,566 14,927 6,395 12,986 3,670 3,467 2,973 88 2,020 3,594 1,080 31,501 2,049,855 2,020 3,594 31,501 1,820,468 27,(K)2 1,568,281 229, 387 31
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 9 Trustee expenses No remuneration or benefits were paid to Trustees forthe yearended 31 March 2025 orforthe year ended 31 March 2024. During the yearthe charity Spend £88 on refreshments and meals for all the trustees. 2025 2024 Trustee expenses 88 897 10 Feesfor audit of the accounts 2025 2024 Auditors fee 3,594 3,360 11 Operating lease commitments The following operab.ng lease payTnents are comm itted to be paid. 2025 2024 Within one year Within two to five years 113,647 113.647 152,729 152,729 Operating lease costs duringthe year were £39,082 (2024: £37,134}. Staff costs 2025 2024 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension 1,103,459 98,LK)7 23,533 1,224,999 856,303 74,595 17,445 948,343 The average monthly number of employees during the yearwas as follows: 2025 2024 Fundraising Govemance Charitable activities 42 35 38 No employee received remuneration in excess of £60,C Total key management personal remuneration and benefils for the finanGial year totalled £53,815. The charity has two defined contribution pension schemes, a'money purchase, pension scheme, to which the charity does not contribute, and an auto-enrolment scheme, starting from l October 2015for all eligible employee5, to which the charity does contribute. The pension cost to the charity of the auto- enrolment pension for 2025was £23,53312024: £17,4451- Included i n other creditors are pension liabiSitie5 of £188 relating to employee contributions and £5,625 relating to auto-enrol ment scheme contributions. 32
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 13 Tangible fixed assets Furniture and equipmet office equipment Cost At l April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At IApril 2024 Charge foryear At 31 March 2025 Net Book Value At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2025 Total 14,751 12,893 5,578 18,471 27,644 5,578 33,222 14,751 11,431 7,549 4,389 11,938 18,980 6,395 25,375 13,437 3,320 1,314 6.533 7,847 14 Debtors and prepayments 2025 2024 Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments Accrued Income 165,345 2,524 10,433 24,661 202,963 110,732 1,694 4,986 35,409 152,821 15 Creditors and accruals 2025 2024 Trade creditors Other creditors Accrua15 Taxation and social security Deferred income 72,914 7,200 7,111 45,074 37,666 169,965 74,932 5,157 7,868 20,077 38,530 146.564 Deferred income refletts grants received in advan for costs and services to be delivered in the next financial year. Deferred Income Deferred income at IApril 2024 Resources deferred in the year Amount released from previous year Deferred income as at 31 March 2025 2025 38,530 37,666 {38,530) 37,666 2024 50,410 38,530 (50,410 38,530 33
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 16 Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities 7,847 820,427 1169,965) 658,309 7.847 19,929 840,356 1169,965) 678.238 19.929 17 Movement in funds Transfer Outgoing Between Resources Funds Incoming Resources At 01.04.24 At 31.03.25 Unrestrirted Funds General funds 622,170 1.856,862 I1,822,3) 1,667 658,309 622, 170 1,856,862 {1,822,390) 1,667 658,309 Restricted Funds The National Lottery Community Fund Santander Foundation Santander Foundation- additional funding Staffordshire Commisioner of Police. Business Enterprise Support IBES) Smallwood Trust (Grant forwomen) The Henry Smith Charity Charles Hayward 78,862 {78,862} (41,0761 41,076 io,ooJ (lo,C)} 9,439 (9,4391 1.667 20,013 {20,013) {1.667} 17,426 24,0 25,5(MJ 23,IXJO {39.922) (12,8251 { 17,250) {229,3871 2,051,777) 11,667) 12.675 5,750 79,608 701,778 171,375 2,028,237 19.929 678,238 34
STAFFORDSHIRE WOMEN'S AID NOTE5TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 18. Restrirted Funds The National Lottery Community Fund The funding received provides a Cout7selling Service for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Santander Foundation The Santander Foundation wants to support UK charities in providing people with the digital confidence, knowledge. and skills to enable then to make better, more informed decisions about money and have access to financial services. Charles Hayward Foundation The fund is to paid wages of a volunteer coordinator and expenses of volunteer. Business Enterprise Support {BES) Partnership with British Enterprise SeNices (Building Better Opportunities) to support women to access trainin& education and/or employment. Smallwood Trust (Delivery of a women's grants programme) The funding received is for the management and distribution of grants to women in need of financial support due to domestic and sexual violence. The Henry Smith Charity The funding received provides the Counselling Team Leader/Clinical Lead and its associated costs, at a project providing counselling forwomen with experience of domestic and sexual Violen in Staffordshire. 19. Related party transactions There are no related party transactions during the year (2024: E nill. 20. Ultimate controlling party The ultimate controlling party of the charity is the Board of Trustees. 35