Charity number Company registration number
1159143 8913368
The Halo Project
Trustees Report and Accounts
for the year ended 28th February 2023
Page 1 of 14
The Halo Project (A company limited by guarantee) Legal and administrative information Charity number 1159143 Company registration number 8913368 Registered office 307A Vanguard Suite Broadcasting House Gilkes Street Middlesborough TS1 5JA
Rachel Gray Claire Preston Sara Mirsaheli Ferzana Ahmed Asma Shaffi Secretary Ian Reid Accountants Argyll Accountants Ardluing Kilmun Argyll PA23 83Y Bankers Barclays Bank
Page 2 of 14
The Halo Project
Trustees Report and Accounts for the year ending 28th February 2023
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees Report | 4-7 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10-11 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 12-14 |
Page 3 of 14
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the Trustees for the period 1st March 2022 to 28th February 2023
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the period ended 28th February 2023. The directors, who are also trustees of The Halo Project for the purposes of charity law and who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1 of this report.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity Accounts Regulations and Directions 2008 , the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland 2019 (FRS102)
Structure, governance and management
Background
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee and was registered in England on 26th February 2014 . It is registered with the Charities Commission under Charity number 1159143.
The Trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of Company Law,are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Trustees may be appointed to the Board if they are proposed by one of the existing Trustees and approved by the majority of the Trustees. None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the Company. All the Trustees are members of the company an guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of winding up.
Under the terms of the Articles of Association of the company, every director or other officer of the company shall be indemnified out of the assets of the company against any loss or liability which he or she must sustain in connection with the execution of the duties of his or her office.
Organisation
The board of Trustees administers the Charity. The board meets on a quarterly basis or as needed. There are currently 6 members of staff who report to the Board
Related parties
None of the Trustees receive any remuneration or benefit from their work with the Charity, nor do any contractual relationships exist with any related parties.
Risk Management
The directors have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to these risks.
Page 4 of 14
Reserves Policy
The reserves are maintained and distributed in line with the charity's objectives and also the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The policy of the Charity is to aim to retain sufficient reserves to meet the cost of at least 3 months overheads and any redundacy payments due to staff in the event of winding up.
Public Benefit
The Trustees are satisfied that the Charity complies with the duty to have regard to guidance on public benefit as published by the Charities Commission
Objectives and Activities
The Charity supports BAME women and families at risk of harm or abuse. The Objectives are:
Promoting the human rights of women through empowerment, education and specialist intervention programmes
Providing specialist accommodation and recovery programmes to enhance safety Providing trauma-informed recovery programmes Promoting economic independence, preventing abuse, building resilience
Acievements and Performance
This financial period and the significant cost of living crisis impacted severely and disproportionately our victims, survivors and staff. The Halo Project Charity continues to work relentlessly in its pursuit of justice, empowerment, and equality for those affected by high-risk honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and sexual abuse within Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities.
As Chair of The Halo Project, I have had the privilege of witnessing the unwavering dedication of our team, who are committed to breaking down barriers and providing vital support to those who have endured the unimaginable. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves to live free from the shackles of violence and cultural oppression.
Our work in supporting high-risk cases of honour-based abuse and forced marriage is at the heart of our organisation. We understand the unique challenges faced by individuals within BME communities, particularly women, and we strive to provide a sanctuary where victims can find solace, strength, and the support necessary to rebuild their lives. Particularly, those with uncertain immigration status who are at risk of control through their sponsors in addition the work of the charity continues to advise and influence change to support migrant women experiencing abuse and harm with services and challenge decisions where possible exercising the Domestic Act 2021 within a Human Rights approach.
Universities play a pivotal role in shaping the future, and The Halo Project recognizes the significance of education in combating honourbased abuse. Through targeted campaigns and initiatives, we are actively engaging with universities to raise awareness, foster understanding, and empower students to recognise and challenge harmful cultural practices. Education is a powerful tool, and we are dedicated to equipping the next generation with the knowledge and courage to be agents of change. We have embedded Halo Hubs within Universities and local colleges working to extend our work to further regions across England & Wales.
In our pursuit of justice, The Halo Project recently made a significant impact by submitting a successful police super complaint to Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS). This complaint focused on the experiences of BME victims of sexual abuse, shedding light on systemic issues and advocating for essential reforms within the criminal justice system. We believe in holding institutions accountable and driving positive change for the communities we serve.
As we reflect on our accomplishments, we acknowledge that there is much work still to be done. Honour-based abuse and forced marriage persist as urgent challenges, and The Halo Project remains steadfast in our commitment to eradicating these injustices. We extend our deepest gratitude to our supporters, partners, and the courageous individuals who have entrusted us with their stories.
In the ongoing quest for justice and empowerment, The Halo Project Charity is steadfast in its commitment to creating lasting change for victims and survivors of honour-based abuse. Our dedication extends beyond immediate intervention and support, as we strive to reshape the landscape through innovative and transformative approaches. An example of this includes our blue print delivery model which focusses on clear risk assessments, specialised pathways and recovery programmes for BME survivors of abuse and harm, extending this work to children and young people.
One of the key pillars of our work involves changing practice for victims and survivors by developing services rooted in a trauma-informed approach. We recognise that the impact of honour-based abuse is profound and far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals directly involved but also the broader community. Our commitment to trauma-informed care underscores the importance of understanding and responding to the widespread consequences of these heinous acts.
Page 5 of 14
Through this approach, The Halo Project seeks to bring about whole systems change—a fundamental shift in how society perceives and addresses honour-based abuse. Trauma-informed care recognises the pervasive effects of trauma on an individual's well-being and emphasises creating an environment that promotes healing, safety, and empowerment. To this effect, we have developed survivor led programmes for recovery including our Halo Exhale programme and are working with the North East circuit for judges and lawyers, raising awareness and promoting changes in legal practice.
Our programs and services are meticulously designed to provide survivors with the support they need, acknowledging the complex intersections of trauma, culture, and systemic oppression. We are actively working towards creating a network of services that not only respond to immediate crises but also foster long-term healing and resilience.
By championing a trauma-informed approach, The Halo Project is at the forefront of pioneering change in how we collectively respond to honour-based abuse. We understand that transformation requires a comprehensive, collaborative effort, and we are actively engaging with partners, stakeholders, and communities to build a more compassionate and effective support system. This work is influenced by two of our dedicated survivor forums, circle of friends and sisters of strength.
Whole systems change demands a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. The Halo Project is dedicated to evolving our practices based on the latest research, survivor feedback, and the ever-changing landscape of honour-based abuse. We recognise that our work is interconnected with broader societal structures, and we advocate for policy changes that reflect the needs and rights of survivors.
As we navigate the complexities of this challenging work, we extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated team, supporters, and the resilient survivors who inspire us daily. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, challenge norms, and create a world where honourbased abuse has no place, and every survivor is met with understanding, dignity, and the unwavering support they deserve.
Together, we will continue to be a beacon of hope, empowering survivors and challenging the status quo to build a world where everyone can live free from fear and violence.
Financial Review
The Charity returned a surplus of £30,991 which would be used to strengthen Reserves.
Risk Policy
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to these risks.
Reserves Policy
The reserves are maintained and distributed in line with the charity's objectives and also the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The policy of the Charity is to aim to retain sufficient reserves to meet the cost of any regular commitments, as well as a contingency to enable it to continue to develop further projects.
Page 6 of 14
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the directors (incorporating the Trustees' report) for the period 1st March 2022 to 28th February 2023
Statement of directors' responsibilities
The directors (who are also Trustees of The Halo Project Charity under charity law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the directors are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the fiancial statements; and
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.
The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and which enable them to ensure thaty the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment Act 2011, the Charities Accounts Regulations and Directions 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Small companies provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small companies under Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved by the Board on insert 10th November 2023 and signed on its behalf by
Page 7 of 14
Claire Preston
Director
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Halo Project Charity
I report on the accounts of the charity for the period ended 28th February 2023
Respective responsibilities of Charity Trustees and examiner
The charity’s Trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts Regulations 2006.
The charity Trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1) (a) to (c) of the 2008 Accounts Regulations and Directions does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under section 44(1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the 2008 Accounts Regulations. 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 seeks 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1) (a) of the 2011 Charities Act and Regulation 4 of the 2008 Accounts Regulations and Directions have not been met.
-
which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
----- Start of picture text -----
Signed:
----- End of picture text -----
Name: Rickey Pooran
Relevant Professional qualification/professional body: AAT
Address: Argyll Accounting, Ardluing, Argyll PA23 8RY Date 29th November 2023
Page 8 of 14
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account)
for the period 1st March 2022 to 28th February 2023
| Notes Donations and Legacies 3 3 3 Donations Total incoming resources Communication and IT Total funds carried forward Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year Total funds brought forward Total resources expended Interest payable and finance charges Legal and professional fees Incoming Resources Depreciation Activities for generating funds Other costs Resources Expended Staff Costs Charitable Activities Costs Books and subscriptions Motor and travelling expenses Other Office Expenses Accountancy fees Establishment costs Other Income |
Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Total 2022 £ £ £ £ 204,383 95,000 299,383 329,436 0 110,419 110,419 6,500 0 2,861 2,861 16,500 204,383 208,280 412,663 352,436 106,121 8,668 114,789 84,353 77,071 - 77,071 82,631 - - 0 4,665 - 600 600 600 - 57,258 57,258 - - 8,390 8,390 9,959 - 14,395 14,395 40,912 - - 0 - - 6,881 6,881 - 18,415 68,987 87,402 115,303 - - 0 361 - 10,917 10,917 6,195 3,000 969 3,969 0 204,607 177,065 381,672 344,979 -224 31,215 30,991 7,457 70,140 23,619 93,759 86,302 69,916 54,834 124,750 93,759 |
|---|---|
Page 9 of 14
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Balance Sheet as at 28th February 2023
| Note 1 Debtors 7 8 9 Cash at bank and in hand Unrestricted income funds Total Funds Creditors: amounts falling within one year Net current assets Restricted Funds Fixed assets Funds Net assets Current assets |
s Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 87,308 8,349 34,679 - 46,810 46,485 81,489 46,485 98,881 0 -17,392 46,485 69,916 54,834 £ |
£ Total 2022 95,657 103,850 34,679 - 93,295 122,343 127,974 122,343 98,881 132,434 29,093 -10,091 124,750 93,759 69,916 49,266 54,834 44,493 124,750 93,759 |
|---|---|---|
The directors statements required by s475(2) and s475(3) are shown on the following page which forms part of the Balance Sheet
Page 10 of 14
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Balance Sheet (continued)
Directors' statements required by the Companies Act 2006 for the period ended 28th February 2023
In approving these financial statements as directors of the company we hereby confirm:
-
(a) that for the year stated above the company was entitled to the exemption conferred by section 477 of the Companies Act 2006;
-
(b) that no notice has been deposited at the registered office of the company pursuant to section 476 of the Companies Act 2006 requesting that an audit be conducted for the period ended 28th February 2019.
-
(c) that we ackowledge our responsibilities for:
-
(1) ensuring that the company keeps proper accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006, and
(2) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for the year then ended in accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395, and which otherwise comply with the provisions of the Companies Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).
These financial statements were approved by the board on 10th November 2023 and signed on its behalf by
Claire Preston Director
Page 11 of 14
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to financial statements
for the period 1st March 2022 to 28th February 2023
1 Accounting policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout the year and the preceding period.
1.1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the 2008 Charities Regulations and Directions and the Companies Act 2006
1.2 Incoming resources
All incoming resoiurces are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:
Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and gifts and is included in full in the statement of financial activities when receivable. Grants where entitlement is not conditional on the delivery of a specific preformance by the charity, are recognised when the charity becomes unconditionally entitled to the grant.
Donated services and facilioties are included at the value to the charity where this can be quantified. The value of services provided by volunteers has not been included.
Gifts donated for resale are included as incoming resources within activities for generating funds when they are sold. Grants, including grants for the purchase of fixed assets, are recognised in full in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are receivable.
1.3 Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates. Costs of generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income and the costs of trading for fundraising purposes.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Page 12 of 14
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to financial statements
for the period 1st March 2022 to 29th February 2023
| 2 Fixed Assets Cost At 1 March 2022 Additions As at 28 February 2023 Depreciation At 1 March 2022 Charge for Year As at 28 February 2023 Net Book Value At 1 March 2022 At 28 February 2023 3.1 Donations & Legacies Jill Franklin Trust The Ballinger Trust M.O.J. Comic Relief Ministry of Justice North Yorkshire The Sam & Bella Charitable Foundation The Balcome Trust The Smallwood Trust The Penny Appeal The Rosa Fund Voice4Change Big Lottery Fund BBC Children in Need The Caring Family Other Small Grants Received Deferred Income brought forward 3.2 Activities for generating funds Rent & Housing Benefit Received 3.3 Other Income Refunds and small donations |
Land & Buildings 88,280 9,168 97,448 3,824 7,490 11,314 86,134 Total Funds £ 19,500 15,000 0 30,000 50,400 20,000 12,500 0 25,000 9,925 16,778 30,000 9,984 36,909 23,387 299,383 |
Furniture & Equipment 12,163 2,434 14,597 1,646 3,428 5,074 9,523 Restricted Funds £ 0 15,000 0 0 50,400 0 12,500 0 0 9,925 16,778 30,000 9,984 36,409 23,387 204,383 2023 £ 110,419 110,419 2023 £ 2,861 2,861 2023 |
Total 100,443 11,602 112,045 5,470 10,918 16,388 0 95,657 2022 Unrestricted funds £ 19,500 36,000 - 20,000 - 62,446 30,000 30,000 - 15,000 20,000 - - 45,900 - 10,000 25,000 - - - - - - - - - 500 6,822 - 82,706 95,000 308,874 2022 £ 6,500 6,500 2022 £ - 0 |
|---|---|---|---|
Page 13 of 14
The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to financial statements
for the period 1st March 2022 to 28th February 2023
| 5 Employees Employment costs Wages and salaries Average Number of Employees |
2023 2022 £ £ 114,789 84,353 114,789 84,353 8 8 |
|---|---|
No Trustee received any remuneration or benefits in kind during the year in respect of their role as a Trustee.
6 Taxation
The charity's activities fall within the exemptions afforded by the provisions of the Income and Corporation Taxes act 1998. Accordingly there is no taxation charge in these accounts.
| 7 Debtors Voluntary Grants not yet deposited at Bank 8 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Deferred Revenue Grants Trade Creditors Amortised Capital Grant 9 Analysis of net assets between funds Fixed Assets Current assets Current Liabilities 10 Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds Fund balances at 29th February 2023 as represented by: |
Total Funds 95,657 93,295 98,881 90,071 At 01/03/2022 £ 70,140 |
2023 2022 £ £ 34,679 ,- - - 2023 2022 £ £ 32,195 28,387 - 600 66,686 80,000 98,881 108,987 Restricted Unrestricted Funds funds 2022 £ £ £ 87,308 8,349 103,850 46,810 46,485 122,343 98,881 0 132,434 35,237 54,834 93,759 At Incoming Outgoing 28/02/2023 resources resources £ £ £ 208,280 177,065 101,355 |
|---|---|---|
11 Purpose of Funds
Jill Franklin Trust The Ballinger Trust North Yorkshire Police
The Sam & Bella Charitable Foundation The Balcome Trust The Smallwood Trust The Rosa Fund Voice4Change Big Lottery Fund BBC Children in Need The Caring Family
To support refuge clients Towards Running Costs Staff Costs and travel Staff Costs Core operating costs Grants to be distributed to clients Staff costs & client events Client engagment, community development Staff costs & client events Staff Costs Towards Running Costs
Page 14 of 14