Charity number 1159143 Company registration number 8913368
The Halo Project Trustees Report and Accounts for the year ended 28th February 2025
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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 Trustees Rachel Gray Claire Preston Sara Mirsaheli Asma Shaffi Saima Hussain Secretary Ian Reid Accountants Reid, Campbell & Co Ardluing Kilmun Argyll PA23 83Y Bankers Barclays Bank
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The Halo Project Trustees Report and Accounts for the year ending 28th February 2025
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees Report | 4-6 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9-10 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 11-13 |
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The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Report of the Trustees for the period 1st March 2024 to 28th February 2025
The Trustees present their report and the financial statements for the period ended 28th February 2025. 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.
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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
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to present the annual report and financial statements for The Halo Project for the year ended 28th February 2025.
This year has tested our resilience as a charity, but it has also demonstrated the strength, dedication and unwavering compassion of our team, trustees, partners and supporters. Demand for our specialist services, in particular Halo Homes, our BME refuge in Middlesbrough, has continued to exceed capacity. The increasing complexity and volume of cases reflect a growing and urgent need across the country for culturally competent, trauma-informed support for women and girls experiencing abuse, exploitation and harmful practices.
Despite financial pressures brought about by rising operational costs and a 9.8% increase in the cost-of-living wage rate, the charity has continued to deliver life-saving and life-changing support. I am proud to report that we achieved a retained surplus of £13,324, which has been transferred to reserves to help strengthen our long-term sustainability. Our reserves policy remains focused on retaining sufficient funds to cover a minimum of three months of core operating costs and any staff liabilities, ensuring responsible stewardship and security for the future.
Our dedicated staff, our greatest asset and investment, have managed increase to the usual caseload , while continuing to access professional development and clinical supervision to safeguard their wellbeing. Their professionalism and commitment to survivors is exceptional. We are equally grateful to our Sisters of Strength (SOS) survivor forum, whose voices and lived experience continue to shape our services, governance and practice.
The Board of Trustees has continued to fulfil its governance responsibilities, meeting regularly to monitor risks, ensure financial accountability and guide strategic direction. We are satisfied that appropriate systems and controls are in place to manage the charity’s operational, financial and safeguarding responsibilities. None of the trustees received any remuneration or personal benefit during the year.
We extend our deepest thanks to our funders, partners and supporters, whose trust and generosity have enabled us to continue our vital work. Their compassion and belief in our mission have helped us protect and empower some of the most vulnerable women and girls in our communities.
Looking ahead, we remain firmly committed to strengthening our services, expanding our capacity and advocating for systemic change to ensure that every woman and girl lives free from fear, harm and oppression. The challenges remain significant, but so does our resolve.
Financial Review
The Charity returned a reduced surplus of £13,324 (2024: £724 ) 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.
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The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
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Report of the directors (incorporating the Trustees' report) for the period 1st March 2024 to 28th February 2025
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;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the fiancial statements; and
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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 6th October 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Claire Preston
Director and Trustee
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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 2025 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
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1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)
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(a) of the 2011 Charities Act and Regulation 4 of the 2008 Accounts Regulations and Directions have not been met.
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which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: R Pooran Name: Rickey Pooran Relevant Professional qualification/professional body: AAT Address: Reid, Campell & Co, Ardluing, Argyll PA23 8RY Date 6th October 2025
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The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating the income and expenditure account)
for the period 1st March 2024 to 28th February 2025
| Notes Donations and Legacies 3.1 3.2 3.3 Donations Books and subscriptions Motor and travelling expenses Other Office Expenses Accountancy fees Resources Expended Staff Costs Charitable Activities Costs Halo Homes Other Income Incoming Resources Activities for generating funds (Grants Received) Halo Hub Training Other costs Total funds brought forward Total resources expended Interest payable and finance charges Legal and professional fees Depreciation Communication and IT Total funds carried forward Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year Total incoming resources |
Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 2025 Total 2024 £ £ £ £ - 22,414 22,414 265,621 265,621 - 265,621 199,764 120,504 44,812 165,316 7,098 386,125 67,226 453,351 472,483 386125 106,098 74,319 180,417 165,956 79,201 10,959 90,160 112,293 12,331 - 12,331 - 15,973 - 15,973 - - 3,794 3,794 1,380 11,734 - 11,734 9,445 - 1,780 1,780 425 21,754 - 21,754 24,866 - - 0 - - - 0 - 80,837 11,242 92,079 146,477 - - 0 - - 10,005 10,005 10,917 - - - - 327,928 112,099 440,027 471,759 58,197 -44,873 13,324 724 36,229 89,245 125,474 124,750 94,426 44,372 138,798 125,474 |
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| The Halo Project (A company limited by guarantee) Notes 1 Debtors 7 8 9 Balance Sheet as at 28th February 2025 Fixed assets Funds Total Funds Creditors: amounts falling within one year Net current assets Restricted Funds Net total assets Current assets Unrestricted income funds Cash at bank and in hand |
Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds 0 68,108 0 - 95,958 - 95,958 0 -1,532 -23,736 94,426 -23,736 94,426 44,372 £ |
£ Total 2024 68,108 76,536 ,- 42,814 95,958 38,318 95,958 81,132 -25,268 -32,194 70,690 48,938 138,798 125,474 94,426 48,938 44,372 76,536 138,798 125,474 |
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The directors statements required by s475(2) and s475(3) are shown on the following page which forms part of the Balance Sheet
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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 2025
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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;
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(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.
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(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 6th October 2025 and signed on its behalf by
Claire Preston Director
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The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to financial statements
for the period 1st March 2024 to 28th February 2025
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.
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The Halo Project
(A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to financial statements
for the period 1st March 2024 to 28th February 2025
| 2 Fixed Assets Cost At 1 March 2024 Additions Disposals As at 28 February 2025 Depreciation At 1 March 2024 Charge for Year As at 28 February 2025 Net Book Value At 1 March 2024 As at 28 February 2025 3.1 Donations & Legacies Various small donations 3.2 Grants Received Jill Franklin Trust The Ballinger Trust 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 The Together Fund Other Small Grants Received Deferred Income brought forward 3.3 Other Income Rent & Housing Benefit Received |
Land & Buildings 88,280 9,168 -8,203 89,245 11,314 7,490 18,804 86,134 70,441 Total Funds £ 22,414 21,300 13,333 62,500 30,000 20,000 47,500 - 20,833 3,455 - 30,000 6,656 9,044 - 1,000 - 265,621 |
Furniture & Equipment 12,163 2,434 -8,428 6,169 5,074 3,428 8,502 9,523 -2,333 Restricted Funds £ 21,300 13,333 62,500 30,000 20,000 47,500 - 20,833 3,455 - 30,000 6,656 9,044 - 1,000 - 265,621 2025 £ 165,316 165,316 2025 |
Total 100,443 11,602 -16,631 95,414 16,388 10,918 27,306 95,657 68,108 Unrestricted funds £ 22,414 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
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The Halo Project (A company limited by guarantee)
Notes to financial statements
for the period 1st March 2024 to 28th February 2025
5 Employees
| Employment costs Wages and salaries Average Number of Employees |
2025 2024 £ £ 180,417 114,789 180,417 114,789 8 8 |
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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 28th February 2025 as represented by: |
Total Funds 68,108 95,958 -25,268 138,798 At 01/03/2024 £ 89,245 |
2025 2024 £ £ ,- 34,679 - 34,679 2025 2024 £ £ 25,268 32,195 - - - 66,686 25,268 98,881 Restricted Unrestricted Funds funds 2024 £ £ £ 0 68,108 95,657 95,958 0 127,974 -1,532 -23,736 98,881 94,426 44,372 124,750 At Incoming Outgoing 28/02/2025 resources resources £ £ £ 67,226 112,099 44,372 |
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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
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