REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: 06588338 (England and Wales) REGISTEREO CHARITY NUMBER: 1162349 rt of the Truste Unaudilecl Financial Sialernenis f r the Year Ended 31 March 2025 St Ston Lulon Hicks and Company Chartered Accounlanls Vaughan Chambers Vaughan Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4EE 111 11 *AE8ZSWIY 2710912025 COMPANIES H(JJSE
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Ste Stones Luton Contents ol the Financial Statements tor the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Page Report ol the Tnjstees Independent Examinerfs Report 10 Statement ol Financial Activities Sialemenl ol Financial Posilwjn 12 to 13 Statement of Cash Fkjws 14 Notes to the Statement ol Cash Flows 15 Notes lo the Financial Sialefflenls 16 to 22 Detailed Statement of Financial AclNilies Z3 to 24
Sie in Si Re ort ol the Trustees lor the Year Ended 1 March 2025 The Trustees who ale also directors ol ihe chafity for the purposes ol the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial slalemenis ol ihe charity IOT the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial slalemenls compty with the Charities Act 2011. the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles ol Association and the A¢¢ounling and Reporting by Charities- Statement ol Recommended Praclice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicablo in the UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021{effeclive 1 January 20191- OBJECTIVES AND ACTlVtTIES Obieclives and aims To empower every vulntrrable woman that walks through our dcM)r with the opw)rtunrty and freedom to translorm her life and the lives of her children and family. Vision: As a direct Te5uh of our work we will have bjih stronger communities by putting systems in place thai enable women lo thrive and be their best selves. Mission: Stepping Slones {Lulon} is an innovative woman-cenlred seNice Ihal is driven by passion gnabling vulnerable women to transform their lives and reach their full polential. We empower and inspire women lo make posilNe choices, creating a better lulure lor Ihemselves. their chih1n. their lamilies and the communities in which they live. Guldlng principles: Important lo Stepping Stones ILutonl= 11 Gender.. A service that acknowledges Ihat sex makes a difference. 21 Environment.. Salely. respect and dignity. 31 R81ationships= Policies. praelices. and programmes thal are relational and promote healthy connections to hildren, tamily, signihcanl others and the community- 41 SeNices- Addressing drugs, alcohol, domestic abuse. and antisocial behaviour sometimes demonstrated by the most vulnelable for example. homeless women. and mental health issues through comprehensive, integrated services. 51 So¢ioe¢onomic status: Providing women wilh opportunities to improve their so¢loenomic conditions. 61 Community." To partner wilh other key lead services in providing support and services to address unmet needs and overcome barriers. Charitable Oble¢ts: Stepping Stones ILutonl Obje¢ls are for the public beneltl and are reslricled lo Ihe lollowing: To relieve physical and menial sickness and linancial hardship and lo promote and preserye good health through the provision ol SUF)Wrt services of any kind. for women and their children and lamilies sullering from drug addiction and substance abuse and who may have ollended or re-olfended or be victims ol domestic abuse, living in Lulon or such other parts ol Bedfordshire or the United Kingdom as the trustees from lime lo lime may Ihink fil. Pago 1
Sle Siones Lulon Re ort ot the Trusiees Publlc beneflt The Trustees are aware of the Charity Commission's guidance on publ benefit including the guidance 'public benelil.. running a charity.. As explained further in th• Achievefflenls and Performance section sel oul below, the charity has addres%d the activities undertaken in relation to lis objects arKI their relalion5hip lo achjressing Ihe public benefit. Princlpal areas ol work Since 2008 Stepping Slones (Lthonl has been dedi¢ated to helping women and Iheir children rea¢h their polenlial ar)d ¢reale healthier. happier lives. Through tailored one to one suF¥)ort, group therapy and counselling, our team ol experienced Pfactilioners woik collaboratively to equip and empower women to make the changes needed lo create a tller lulufe lor themselves, their children, Iheif families and communilies. Uniquely, we provide Iree chikjcare with Ofsied registered chiklcare ensuring all women can access our services. The charity aims to- Improve Ihe health and wellbeing ol vulnerable women arKI their chihsren - Improve Ihe life prospects ol vulnerable women and their children - Cfeale stronger and more cohesive 2024125 Summary During the 2024125 financial year we have been ae lo support a lolal 01295 vulnerable women, and delivered 4,013 houts ol support which is an increase on last year. We saw more diverse and Complex referrals into our services. and the lime spent on each case grew to an average of over 7.5 months. We continue to look al ways to expand and extend our sur4K)rt to include new course programmes, advocacy, and mental healih crisis intervention lo ensure that we meet the women where they are on their respective journeys lo freedom Irom domestic abuse, substance misuse and offending. We are buikrting partnerships with other not-lor-prolil organisations across the community lo collaborate and ensure that beneliciaries receive the best SUFJPOrt for their unique needs. We continue lo be Ihe only women's Service wilhin Lulon Ihal is contracted by the Ministry of Justice lo support women who e subject lo community orders or being discharged from custody lo the local area. All services have been lully operational this year and our childcare facility is available live days a week. This year our largest referral source was still through sell-referral with 27% of our servi¢e benefi¢iaries refeIng themselves into service. Our se¢ond laigesl number ol referrals this year was still from Children's Social Care, 18Y., followed by probation seThices, 13Y.. We are also seeing an increase in the number ol women referred by Ihe IDVA service, 8Y., and directly from Ihe police, 8Y. The complexity ol need presented by our service beneficiary community has risen - 29 women had alcohol Sup1 needs at time of referral and 31 disclosed drug support needs. 186 had menial health supwrt needs. The maionty of the women we supported experienced more than one vulnerability. Efflolional and physical abuse and coercive control remained Ihe three most comrnon types of abuse. atlhough we have seen an increase in slalkinglliarassment and fi"nan¢ial abuse. Stepping Stones (Lulonl partIpated in several pan<ounly strategic partnerships which continued lo ensure that the current issues lacing local women and their chiklren allecled by domestic ase are accurately reflected in the seThices provided by both the slalulory and voluntary sector. We have been consistently advocating lor our service beneficiary comTnunity locally and ensurin9 that the voices ol this marginalised collective are heard and acknowledged through system changes and process modificalion. We have continued lo train our siaft team to undersiand and respond ellectively to the needs ol women directly affected by FGM, honour-based violence. gang violence and sexual exploitation. Page 2
Ste in Stones Luion Re rt ol the Tius Year 1 March 25 During this reporting period, 2,983 hours ol chilthare were delivered lo 56 children This is a decrease on last year due lo some stalling issues eady in the financial year, however every woman who has needed ¢hildcare support by the charity has received it. We are also able lo accept non-client children. al a fixed cost. In the laller part ol the year we have regisiered lo lake govemmeni funded children and this has proved successful with 4 children signed up lor the summer temi. Our childcare facility coniinues lo provide a thorough lea¥ning ¢urri¢ulum cognilion appropriate to the children we sU}rt and retains ils Otsted rating. Children are encouraged to leain. play, and socialise appropriately with their peers taking part in a calendar ol events. We advocate lor (he women we support- many ol whom are slruggling to navigate Ihe cornplexilies of social care and family court procedures. We make sure their voice is heard regardless of Iheir background and we activety challenge discrimination within siaiutory inst"rtuth)ns and the community. Our Lulon hub is a place that women feel safe and can benefit from lood, cblhes and loilelries donations as well as access lo specialist employment support. We have strong partnerships wilh other agencies including Social services, drugs a alcohol services, probation and sexual heatth services. We are part ol the Luion Council Warm Hub initiative and any woman is able to drop in. for any aSOn. on a Friday moming and receive a hol drink and some social inleraclion. Previous informal partnerships and ¢ollalJ)ralions Io SUFPQrt specific menlal heallh interventions with our clients were lorrnalised in 2022123 and continue lor 2024125. Azalea, a k)cal charity which SUPFX)rts men and women caught in sex Iralficking provided a lully qualified Menlal Health praclilioner who works 50910 with Azalea and 50V/o wilh Stepping Stones clients. We received funding from NHS England as a 2 year pilot, to ensure that this vital work ¢an continue. 52Yo ol our service users are from a non-white group. We speak some ol the main local languages, access Iranslalor services and have slrong links lo organisalions who work with marginalised groups such as Cenlre lor Youth & Community Development ICYCDI and Links Community CIC. 76.10 of the women and lamilies that we supported were claiming benefits and 8% had no recourse lo public funds. The women supported ranged from 18 10 66 years old. Following an initial assessment, all women receive 1=1 support and Ihe majority attended one or more groups. particularly the Own my Life and Parenting programrnes. With services lailored lo meet individual needs, we lind that suppM)rt lasls between 6 months and 2 years. For yourbger women. needs cenlre on understanding healthy relationships.. exploitation through gang membership,. sell-harm-. anxiety., drug dependency.. parental pressures- aVIng care and securing sale accommodation- Cultural expectalions.There can be an increased Irequencylintensity of support lor younger women, parti¢ularly offenders and we conlrnue to provide support to sustain education. Older women accessing our support also benefit from bolh gioup and individual support and often need support lo understand and overcome long-standing abusive relationships (increasingly by their children). All women are given a support plan lo guide them through their support and a salely plan. ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE During 2024125 the lolbwing seNices were provided.. Interventlon I services One to one SUFPOrt ILulon) One to one support (Central Beds) Probation Group programmes lin¢1 Own My Lile. Serentyl Education, Training and Employment support Counselling Mental Healih support (Healthy mind) No. of women 228 36 39 197 17 32 Page 3
Sle Stones Lulon Re lor ort ol the Trustees rch 2025 Servl¢es: one.toffte support: Following an initial assessmenl, our Irwned Women's SuFVOrt Praclitioners IWSPS) work collaboratively with the client lo identify and develop an appropriate and dynamic support plan which accuralely relle¢ls and meets the client's immediate and longer-terffl lleeds. One-to-one support continues lo be the most wmmonly ollered service. which is underpinned by a holistic. theTapeulic approach lo building the client's mental. physical. emotional, and psychosocial wellbeing. A typical support plan would IflUde the following- Enabling the client to understand and move beyond domestic abLsse • Fostering wsilive and healthy relationships and support networks Support and advocacy lo navigate sialulory services such as Probation. Social Services, Local Authority housing and Ihe OWP Acknowledging and addressing subsiance misuse Education and empowerment around parenting Group programmes: The charity offers an increased number and variety ol programme$ 10 our clieni ¢ommunty whi¢h are designed lo inform, empower, and support ¢lients experien¢ing spe¢ili¢ issues. A summary of our groups Imany ol which can be delivered by a lully trained WSP on a one-to-one basis dependent on the client's needs) are as follows: Own My Llte - a 12-week course lo'support clients, who have suffered abuse, regain ownership ol their lives. 11 looks al sexism, rape Cullure. violence. misogyny. disSpect in relationships and abusive behaviour. All practitioners are trained to deliver this wogramme. Beyond Anger- explores anger and violence in differenl areas ol the client's lives, focus5ing oll Slrenglhs and how clients can express slrong emotions in a safe and apprOPrte manner aTha make positive Changes lo Iheir lives. Reslllence Parenting - enables and empowers clients lo understand parenting arKI how lo move towards sale, appropriate, and responsive parenting. 8uilding Sirong bonds beeeft parent and child. Serenity authored by the charity to support clients affected by anxiety and stress. enables clients to understand and recognise slress and lo resFond lo distressing environs and panic in a Pfoaclive, meaningful manner. Non-violent Re$l$tan¢e - NVR is designed specifically lor parents who are experiencing abusive behaviour from their child lor childienl. It enables parents to respond lo Ihese challenges in a proven, peaceful way that seeks to impiove the parenvchild relationship. Love L8nguages - this was developed to enable clients io undersland the way they give and receive k)ve in both intimate and familial relationships. It K1entifies ways to navigate and respond lo possible red ffags in relationshps that have the potential to become harmful. Other achievements in the year This is a significant year for the Charity as it marks its l Oth anniversary ol registering as a Charity and an open day nelwoiking session fof professionals was hosted in the morning with a drop in event lor service users and their children held in the afternoon. We conlinue lo provide seryices arKI engage in community activities around International Women's Day to celebrate and share knowledge and ski115 around women's seryices within our local community. During 16 days ol Action againsl gender-based YlenCe. we also hosted an event lor our own clients lo celebrate and share their su¢¢esses locussing on slrenglh and hope in Ihe lulure. Page 4
in Sion on rt ol the Trustees rEn ed31M Partnership working Working in partnership with cornplemenlary organisations th within Luton and across Central Bedfordshire remains critical lo ensure effeclive service delivery {linking lo housing. drug and alcohol and other complementary services) and lo maximise resources. We continue io enjoy strong working relaiionships with Women's Aid Lulon, Luton All Women's Centre and Victim Support to narne bul a lew within the voluntary wornen's sector. We also work very ck)sely wilh both Lthon Council and Central Bedffordshire Council, as well as the Police and Probation services, all ol which lomi a significant proportion ol OLsr referrals. We have an important presence on many of the local lorums al a strategic and operalional level, ensuring that we can identify and oller the st wssible support IOT our service beneficiaries. Volunteering The Iruslees wish to record thanks to the many volunteers without whom the charity woukl be unable to maintain the quality ol service al the level ol lunds Ihal is currently received. In 2024125 we benefited from the work 016 volunteers who supported paid siaff in various ways including administrative support lunctions, IT and social networking. One ol the volunteers went on lo join the paid staff. Extemally training volunteer counsellors also support the SeiCe users. Organisation Structure Management Team Charlotte Lockley ICEOI Shazia Shah (Manager Women's Servi¢esl Samera Arshad Imanager Children's Seryicesl The new CEO slarted in April 2024 and the management team continues to develop and go Irom strength lo strength. ably supported by the Ollice Manager. There were 17 staff members - 10 lull lime and 6 part lime. All our stall are highly trained and regularly 1resh and expand Iheir learning Ihrough both accredited and non-accrediled courses and webinars. Three Women's Support Pra¢tttioners are qualified IDVAS, and 2 more are working lowards this qualilicalion. Mandatory training is refreshed annualty oi if legislation changes. Operational challenges during 2024125 Funding.. There has been continuin9 urtrtainty around funding. The eThling ot several larger mulli-year funding streams in this year and previous years has signilicanlly impacted our funding sustainability- We are actively identifying dillerenl roules to lundraising as well as different lunders. Remote working-. Remote wothing pfactices were adopted during the Covid pandemic and although the offices are open 5 days per week there are still slalf supporting clients from home over the phone and via video calls. 8usiness Development, Fundrol$lng and In¢ome Generalion The CEO continues lo invest lime in lundraising with Trustees. SUFWrt where possible. The Charty conlinues lo receive linancial swrt from Community fundraising events and will continue to wolk on its increasing meclia presen. The Charity has been fortunate lo be chosen as Charity ol the Year by Lulon Town Foolball Club which has increased visibility during the year. We also received gengrous donations from Ihe Three Valleys Club, the Rosmarinus Tnjst. Battour Bealty and Bedlordshire Police. The continued cost of living crisis which has alle¢ted both serwice usets and the Charity Colltinues to identify diverse funding streams and partnership funding applications where appropriate. Partnership working, particularfy for the provision ol mental heatth Se$ has been an area which has slfenglhened the Charity's ollering. It will continue lo aclively pursue other appropriate partnerships and continue lo build stronger professional netrffjrks. Page 5
in Re ort ol the Trusiees lor the Year En As members ol Luton BID, Lulon Fairness Tasklorce, Luton All-women's N8lworking, Lulon Domestic Abus• Partnership, Women's Aid Regional Netr•ork, CEO network, Beds Community Sentence Treatment Requirernenls sleerirrfJ group, Bedlordshire Domeslic Abuse Partnership. All Bedlordshire Online networking forum, Lulon VCSE Menlal Health Alliance, the Survivors group, and Ihe VARAC Strategic Board, we continue 10 ensure Ihal the needs ol our service users a accuraiety reflected at regional level. The charity continues lo work closely with other third sector provKlers within the local community as well as slalulory agencies wilh the statutory care remit for many ol our service users. We work in partnership with the relevant NHS Trust, Social Services direclorale (both adult and child) and the local Criminal Justice System. Princlpal rlsks uncertainties Financial sustainability ol the organisation continues lo be our locus and we will seek continued diversification ol our funding streams and an increase in partnership working. We have vieWed the main areas ol risk and are working on a Tevised Business Continuity Plan. The main areas ol risk lor the charity are- . Loss of workspace - building damage. unexFeCted stvuctural faults. heating I plumbing failure andlor loss of • Loss ol IT I data - faire ol computer hardware andlor IT systems, hackiryJ or security breach, damage lo phone lines l internel ae$s. Loss of key staff - inability ol staff lo attend wthplace or permanent / temF)orary loss ol staff. • Loss ol income - inabilty lo secure sufficienl lunding lor the year, not receiving expecl&J funding on time, not receiving funding at all. Plans lor future periods For the 2025126 peri¢xl we will be focusing on: Continuing lo promote our chikJcare seThiS through a series ol open mornings lor relefring agents. the provision ol SEND places, the publicalion ol newly developed promotional malerials and outsourcing these services at cost where the caregiver is not a client ol ihe charity. The Charity will have a newwebsile developed during the year and increase its visibility via social media. There is a conlinued review ol whelher development ol our oller lo potential clients including those OLrtside the Luton area and living in rurally isolated areas ol Cenlral Bedlordshrre can be undertaken. Looking lo further devgbp and innovate our services by considering how these rnay be ollered lo external l¢e-paying organizations Invesli9ating suslainable sources ol furKling with less reliance on grants mving loThyard. Reposilioning the charity as Ihe regn.$ leading provthr of services lo women Page 6
nes Lulon Re ort ol the Trusle loi the Year Ended 1 Mar h 2025 NANCIAL REVIEW Financial posilion The detailed figures lor the year ended 31 March 2025 are set out in the financial statements that lollow this Trustges, Report. During the year. the Company received £483.122 12024= £415.902) and spent £557,333 12024.. £476,744} leaving a deficit of £74,211 {2024.' delicit 01 £60,842). The primary sources ol income being from service agreement eontracts with Advance Charty and NHS England, arbd grants from BLCF. The National Lottery. The Ministry ol Justice, The Triangle Tiusl, The Rosa Stand by me Fund. and The Henry SmTlh Charity. We were also fortunate lo receive a capital grant from Groundwofks UK enabling us to implement luel saving inilialives through the installation of new radiators and secondary glazing, Income lor the year was in line wrth budget. Expenditure lor the year was wlhin budget due lo cost savings during Ihe year made whilst still maintaining service provision. Rèserve$ pollcy The ¢urrenl reseThes policy is to keep aF¥Jroximalely 20Y. 25Yo ol operaling costs as resetves (excluding those relating to reslricled incorne funds, endowment funds, tangible assets held lor the Company's use and amounts designated lor essenlial lulure sperKlingl to ensure that the Company can continue to operate in the short term should it suller an unexpected lall in incoming lunds. Al Ihe balance sheet dale, the Company held £105.70812024= £179,535) in reseNes under Ihe above delinilion. which represenls 19.OY•12024.. 37.6Yol ol cyeraling costs lor the year. Investment policy The Iruslees have decided to maintain a low risk invesiment strategy. The main PUTpose ol the Company is lo provide support services to vulnerable women and their childn and families and because ol the uncertainly of income streams, it is necessary to ensure Ihal funds are readily available to ensure that services are not adversely alfecled by short term income falls. As such the trustees choose not to risk funds in potentially higher return inveslmenls. STRUCTUR& GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document Siepping Stones {Lulonl is a company IFmiled by guaranle8 governed by its Memorandum and Articles ol Association dated 8 June 2015 {amended 11. January 20171. li is registered as a charity wilh the Charity Commission. The maximum contribulion required by members ol the company is an amount not exceeding £1 in the evenl ol the company being wound up. The Company was originally incorporated on 8 May 2008 as a Community Interest Company and passed a special resolution on 8 June 2015 to convert to a Charitable Company. Appointment of trustees New Trustees are appointed by a malorily balk)l of the existing Trustees or by ordinary resolution ol th8 members in general meeting. New Trustees appointed by the existing Trustees only hold ollice until Ihe next AGM al which lime they may seek re-appoinlfflenl. The Iruslees awe eligible lo serve tor a ihree-year period and may Ihen be re-elected lor further three-year periods. One third ol the TnJslees reiire from ollice by iolalion al each AGM following the lirsi AGM and may seek re-aFP)intment. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEfAILS Reglslered Company number 06588338 {England and Wales) Reglstered Charity number 1162349 Page 7
Sle Stones Lulon Fle rt ol Ihe Trustees lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025 Registered ollice 9a George Slfeel West Lulon Bedfordshire LU1 2BW Cornpany Trust$ and Directors The directors ol the charitable company are 51$ ITuslees lor the purFose ol Charity law. The trustees arKI ofli¢er$ seNing dufing the year and since the year end We as follows: Sandra Brown (Chairl Rosernary Hughes Ico-vice Chairl Claire M¢lnally ICo-Vi¢e Chair) Aimee Clarke Claire Hackwood lappoinled 16.9.24) Victor Akunna lappoinled 16.9.241 Seyelar Clernenl lappoinled 16.9.24) Helen Campbell latp)inted 7.10.24) Independenl Examlner Philip Dean, FCA (Member ol ihe Insiilute of Chartered A¢¢ouniants in England and Wales) Hicks and Company Chartered Accountsnts Vaughan Chambers Vaughan Road Harpenden Hertfordshire ALS 4EE Patron Meryl Oolling Bankers CAF Bank Lid 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill Wesl Malling Kent ME194JQ STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES The Iruslees (who are also the directors ol Stepping Stones (Lulon} lor the purposes ol company lawl a responsible lor preparing the Rewrt ol the Trustees and the financial slalements in accordance with applicable law and United King(Jom Accouniing Standards (Uniied Kingdom Generally Accepied Accounting Practicel- Company law qUIreS the trustees lo ppare financial statements lor each financial year which give a true and fair view ol the slate of aftairs ol the charitable company and ol the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. ol the chaiitable company lor thai penod. In preparing those financial stalemenls, the trustees are required lo select suitable accounting policies and then appty them consislently- obserye the methods and principles in the Charity SORP: make judgements and eslimales Ihal are reasonable and prudenl., prepare the financial slalemenls on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will Continue in business. Page 8
Stones Lu Re ort ol the Tru tees r Ended 31 March 202 The Iruslees are responsible for keeping proper aecouniing re¢oTds which dis¢lose with reasonable a¢¢uraey al any lime the linancial position ol the charitable company and lo enable them to ensure that the financial slalemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are aLso resFonsible lor safeguarding the assets ol the charitable company and hence lor taking reasonable Steps lor the prevention and deieclion of Iraud and other irregularities. This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions ol Part 15 01 the Companies Act 2006 relaling lo small eompanigs. Approved by ordor of the board ol trustees on 19 September 2025 and signed on its behall by.. Sandra 8rown (Chair) - Trustee Page 9
Inde Sie endent Examiner's Re Stones Lul rt to the Trustees ol Indopendont examir.$ roport to the Iwst•e$ ol Stepping Stones (Luton) (Ihe CompanYI report to the charity Iruslees on my examination of Ihe accounts ol the Company lor the year ended 31 March 2025. Responsibillties and basis of report As the charity's Iruslees of the Company land also Its directors tor the purposes of company law) you are responsible lor Ihe preparaiion ol the accounts in accordance with the requirements ol the Companies Act 2006 Ilhe 2006 A¢l'). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 01 the 2006 Act and are eligible lor independent examination, I rewrt in respect ol my examination ol your charity's accounts as carried oul under Section 145 01 the Charities Act 2011 {'Ihe 2D11 Acl'l. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Cornmiss)n under Section 145151 Ibl ol the 2011 Acl. IndepeTrdent examiner's statement Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,0 your exarniner musl be a rnember ol a listed body. I can confirm ihal l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a memlxr ol ihe Institute ol Chartered Accountants in England Wales. which is one ol the Iisied bodies. I have completed my examinalion. I confimi that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me Cause to believe= accounting records were nol kept in resFeCt ol the Company as required by Section 386 01 the 2006 Ihe accounts do not accord with Ihose records- or the aceounls do not comply with the a¢¢ouniing requ1mentS of Section 396 01 Ihe 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts gwe a tnJe and lair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independenl examination,. or the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with Ihe melhods and principles ol the Statement ol Recommended Piactice lor accounting and reporting by charities lapplicdble to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wilh the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in Ihe UK and Republic ol Ireland IFRS 1021). I have no concerns and have Come across no other mallers in connection with the examination to which attention shoukl be drawn in this report in Ofder to enable a proper understanding ol the a¢counls lo be reached. Philip Dea FCA (Member ol the Inslilule ol Chartered Accountants in Engla1 and Wales) Hicks and Company Chartered Accounlants Vaughan Chambers Vaughan Road Harpenden Hertfordshire AL5 4EE 19 September 2025 Page10
Sie Statement ol Financial Activities he Year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 Total funds 31.3.24 Total lunds UnresiriciedReslri¢ied fund lunds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMETrW6 FROM Donalions and lggacies 14.192 14,192 10,187 Charltsble actlvltles Support seNices for vulnerable women 410,515 468.523 405,362 Investment income 407 353 Totsl 410.515 415902 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable o¢tivities Support services lor vulnerable women 476,744 NET INCOM{EXPENDlTuRE) Transfers between funds 124,264) (49.947) 174,211) 160,8421 15 Nel movement in funds (74.264) (74.211) 160.842) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 180.848 4993 185.841 246.683 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 111 630 185841 The notes lomi part of these financial statements Page 11
Sie Stones Lulon Statement ol Financial Position 31.3.25 Total funds 31.3.24 Total funds UnrestrteRestrtIed fund funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 876 1,313 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash al bank and in hand 12 13.074 4.513 17.587 151 903 39,284 178,294 116.262 169.490 217,578 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 13 {10.554} (48,182) (58,736 133,050} NET CURRENT ASSETS 110754 184 528 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 106.584 111,630 185,841 NET ASSETS 111 630 185 841 FUNDS Unresiri¢led lunds= General fund Reslricled funds: Support services lor vulnerable women 106,584 180.848 4,993 TOTAL FUNDS The charitable company is enlbiled to gxemption from avdil under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 lor the year ended 31 March 2025. The members have not required the company lo obtain an audit ol its linancial statements lor the year ended 31 March 2025 in accordance wilh Section 476 01 the Companies Act 2006_ The trustees acknowledge their iesponsibihties lor lal ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting rIdS that comply with Sections 386 and 387 ol the Companies Act 2006 and preparing financial slalemenls which gNe a true and lair vi8w ol th8 stale ol affairs ol the charitable company as al the end ol each financial year and ol its surplus or deficil lor each financial year in accordance with the requiremenls of Sections 394 and 395 and which olhetwise comply with the requirements ol the Companies Act 2006 relating lo financial slatemenls, so lar as applicable lo the charitable company. Ibl The notes fomi part ol these financial statements Page 12 continued...
in Luton Stal l Financial P sili 31 March 2025 n - continued These linancial slalements hav8 been prepared in a¢¢ordance with the provisions applicable to charilable companies subject to Ihe small ¢ompanies regime. The financial statements were approved by Ihe Board ol Trustees and authorised for issue on 19 September 2025 and were signed on ils behalf by.. Sandra Brown (Chairl - Trustee Rosemary Hughes - Trustee The notes lorrn part ol these financial statements Page 13
Ste Stones Luton Sialemenl ol Cash Flows lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025 31.3.25 31.3.24 Notes Cash Ilowg from operaling aclivilies Cash generated from operations Interest paid 126.235) 156 1109,8261 92 Nel cash used operating activities 1099181 Cash flows from investing activities Purchase ol tangible Ibxed assets 1.749 Nel cash provided byl{used inl investiro activities Change In cash and cash equivalenls in Ihe reporting peri¢)d Cash and cash equivalents al Ihe beglnnlng of the reporting perlod (26.391) {111,6671 289 961 Cash and cash equlvalents at Ihe end of the reporting period 178.294 The noles lorrn part ol ihese financial statements Page 14
Ste in Stone ul Notes to the Siaiemen of Cash Flows lor the Year 1 Maich 2025 RECONCILIATION OF NET EXPENDITURE TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 31.3.25 31.3.24 Net expenditure lor the reportlng perfod (as per the Statenwjt of Flnanclal Actlvltles) Adjustments for: Depreciation charges InleTesl paid Decrease/{increasel in debto Increaselldecreasel in creditors {74,211) {60.8421 437 156 21,697 92 (22,5131 Net cash used In operations 26.235 109.8261 ANAL YSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNI)S At 1.4.24 Cash flow At 31.3.25 Net cash Cash at bank and in hand Total 151903 The notes fomi part ol these financial siatements Page15
Notes lo the Financial Statemen lor the Year Ended 31 Mar ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial 5talemenls ol the charitable company. which is a Wb1 benelil entity under FRS 102. have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 'Accounling and Reporting by Charities= Slalemenl of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFFIS 1021 lefleclive 1 January 20191.. Financial RetK)rting Siandafd 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Flepublic ol Ireland. and the Companies Acl 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. Income All incoming reswrces are in¢luded in Ihe Sialement of Financial Aclivilies when the charity is eniilled lo Ihe income and the amount can be quaniilie¢J wilh reasonable accuracy. The lollowing specific policies are applied lo particular categories ol income= Volunlary income is received by way of granls, clonalions and gifts and is included in lull in the Slalemenl ol Financial Aelivities when re¢eivable. Granls, where enlitlemenl is not condrtional on the delivery ol a specific performance by the charity. are recognised when the charity becomes uncondilionally enlilled lo them. Donated servi¢es and ta¢ilitie5 are included at Ihe value lo the charity where this can be quantilied. The value ol services piovided by volunleers has not been included in Ihese accounts. Inveslfflenl income is included when receivable. Incoming resources from grants, where related lo performance and specilic deliverables. are a¢¢ounled for as the charity earns the right to consideraiion by ils performafice. Expenditure Expenditure is accounted lor on an accruals basis and has been Classified under headings Ihal aggregate all cost related to the eategory. Where costs cannol be directly attributed lo particular headings they have been allocated lo activities on a basis consisienl with Ihe use ol fesources. Costs ol generating funds comprise the costs associated with attracting voluntary income. Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by Ihe charity in Ihe delivery ol its activities and services lor its beneficiaries. 11 includes tjolh costs that can be alb¢aied direclly lo such activities and those Costs ol an indirecl nature necessary lo support them. The charity has one main actNity being the provision ol swort services lor vulnerable women. Allocation and apportionmenl of cosls Cosls have eilher been diieclly allocaled or have been althated on the basis oflhe yopjrtion of income to which Ihey relate. Where deprecialion is property chargeable lo restricted fund activities, this has also been allocated on ihe basis ol ihe proportion ol income between reslricled and unreslricied activities. Tangiblo fixed assets Depreciation is provided al the following annual rates in order to write off each assel over ils estimaied useful life. Short leasehokl Fixtures & ewipment l O°k on cosi 25% on cost Taxation The charity is exempt from corForalion lax on its Charitab actwities. Page 16 conlinued...
Sio ncial Slalemenls continu lor ihe Year Ended 31 M h 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES- ¢onllnued Fund a¢¢ountlng Unresirieted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Iruslees. Restricted funds Can onty be used lor partiojlar reslricled purposes Ythhin the objects ol the charity. Reslrtclions arise when specified by the donor or when lunds are raised for particular reslricled purposes. Further explanation ol the nature and purp)se ol each fund included in Ihe noles lo the financial slalemenls. Penslon costs and other post-retirement benefits The charitable company operates a defined ¢onlribution pension scheme. Contributions payable lo the charitable Company's pension s¢heme are charged lo the Statement ol Finan¢ial Activities in ihe period lo which they relate. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES 31.3.25 31.3.24 Donations 10,187 INVESTMENT INCOME 31 J.25 31.3.24 Interest received 407 353 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE AcnvmES 31.3.25 31.3.24 Activity Support services lor vulnerable women Support services lor vulnerable women Support services lor vulnerable women Support seThices lor vulnerable women Servi¢e agreement Sundry income Granls Childcare services 97.248 2.761 368,165 349 56,384 503 348.475 405 362 Grants received. included in the above. a as follows: 31.3.25 31.3.24 Luton Rising 18LCF Ministry Of Justice The Henry Smith Chartty Women's AKI National Lottery National Lottery Cost Of Liviro Fund Groundwoths UK Rosa Fund Triangle Trust 128.198 60,746 65,000 9,900 55,161 143,200 60.746 32.500 54,729 57,300 15,305 24.855 Page 17 continued...
Stones Lut Notes lo the Financial Statements - continu lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025 CHARITABLE ACTlVtfiES COSTS Supwrt costs (see nole 61 Direct Costs Totals Support services for vulnerable women 111414 SUPPORT COSTS Other Suppjrt services lor vulnerable women 111 414 NET INCOMEI{EXPENDITURE} Net in¢omel{expenditu) 1$ stated after chargin{crediting)= 31.3.25 31.3.24 Depreciation - owned assets Independent Examinerfs remuneration 437 480 3.300 TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFtTS There were no Iruslees, remuneration or olher benefits for the year ended 31 March 2025 nor lor the year ended 31 March 2024. Ttustees. expenses Ouring the year ended 31 March 2025, £9 12024- £115) expenses was paid in connection with one Truslee. STAFF COSTS 31.3.25 31.3.24 Wages and salaries Social secuiity costs Other pension costs 357,699 22,956 325,653 19,422 5.346 350.421 Pension costs are allocated to al¥ll1eS in proportion 10 the related stalling costs incurred. The average monthty number ol enwoyees during the year was as follows.. 31.3.25 17 31.3.24 18 SupF(fyrt seryices lor vulnerthe women No ernployees received emoluments in excess of £60.CKJO. The employee benefits ol key management personnel lor the company were £93.050 {2024: £102.4261. Page 18 continued...
Stones LLJton Notes lo he Finan ial Statements - coniinued lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025 10. COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMEiif OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES Unrestricted lund Reslricled lunds Total lunds INCOME AND ENL)OWMEpifs FROM Donatrons and legacies 10.187 10,187 Charltable 8¢tivities Support services tor vulnerable women 56,887 348,475 405.362 Investment income 353 353 Total 348,475 415 902 EXPENDITURE ON Charilable activities Support services lor vulnerable women 389.790 476 744 NET INCOMEI(EXPENDITURE) 119,5271 141,3151 (60,842) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds broughl forward 200.374 46,309 246,683 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 180,847 4,994 185,841 11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Short Fixtures leasehold & equiwent Totals COST At 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025 DEPRECIATJON At 1 April 2024 Charge lor year 129.247 46,522 437 175.769 437 At 31 March 2025 NET BOOK VALUE Al 31 March 2025 875 876 At 31 March 2024 Page 19 conlinued..-
Stones Lulon Notes to the Financial Slalements - continued I r the Year EThJed 31 March 2025 12. DEBTORS: AMoUTrs FALUNG DLIE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31J.25 31.3.24 Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments 11,250 900 5.437 28,762 10,522 13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALUNG DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 31.3.25 31.3.24 Trade creditors Social securiiy and other taxes Other creditors Accruals and deferred income 9.564 9,502 27.370 6,380 3.075 20.786 14. LEASING AGREEMENTS Minimum lease paymenis under non<ancellable operaiing leases fall due as follows.. 31.3.25 31.3.24 Within one year Between one and five years In more than live years 20,000 80,000 20,000 80.000 55,000 135 000 155 000 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Nel movement in funds Transfers between lunds At 31.3.25 Al 1.4.24 Unrestricted funds General fund 180,848 {24,2641 {50,0001 106.584 Restrlcted funds Support services lor vulnerable women 4,993 {49.947} 50.000 TOTAL FUNDS Page 20 continu8d...
in Sion ul Note lo the Financial Slalem I rtheye r Ended 1 Maich 202 continued 15. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- ¢ontlnued Net movement in lunds. incluclgd in the ab)ve are as follows.. Incoming resources Aesources exp¢nded Movement in funds Unrestrlcted lunds General lund 72.607 196,871) (24.264) Restricted funds Support services lor vulnerable women 410,515 (460.462) (49,947) TOTAL FUNDS Comparatlves lor movement In lunds Net movemenl tn lunds At 31.3.24 At 1.4.23 Unrestricted funds General fund 200,374 119,5261 180,848 Re51ricled funds Support services lor vulnerable women 46.309 141,3161 4,993 TOTAL FUNDS 60.842 185841 Comparative nel movement in funds, included in Ihe above are as follows: Irning resources Resources expended Movernent in funds Unrestricted lunds General lund 67,427 186,953) 119,5261 Reslrlcted tunds Support services lor vulnerable women 348,475 1389.7911 141,3161 TOTAL FUNDS Purpose ol resiricied lun(ts". The restricted funds are held and applied tOT the overall objects ol the company. Due lo the complex needs ol all service users. it is not possible to alh)cate income and costs to specific services provided by the company. Page 21 continued...
in Notes lo the Financial Slalements - continued lor the Year Ended 31 March 2025 16. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSUFIES There were no transactions with relaied parties during Ihe year ended 31 March 2025. 17. ULTIMATE CONTROLLING PARTY In the opinion ol the truslees. there was no controlling party during the year. 18. GENERAL INFORMATION The company is a private company registered in England and Wales. It is limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event ol a winding up. every member has undertaken to contribute a sum nol exceeding £1. The company's registered number and registered ollice address can be found in the Report ol the Trustees. Page 22
Sie iones Luton Detailed St tement ol Financial Activ Ended 31 March 2 31.3.25 Total funds 31.3.24 Total funds Unrestricled funds Reslrtcled funds INCOME AND ENDOWMEtr¥rs Donations and lega¢le$ Donations 14,192 14,192 10,187 Inveslrnenl income Interest received 407 353 Charitable a¢tlvllle$ Servi¢e agreement Sundry income Grants Childcare services 44.998 2.761 9.900 349 Sl250 97.248 2,761 368,165 349 56,384 503 348.475 358,265 410515 405 362 Totsl in¢omlng resources 72,607 410,515 483.122 415,902 EXpENDVRE Charltable a¢llvlties Salaries Social security Pensions Staff training Agency stall Recruilmenl costs DBS costs Relreshfflenls & Canteen expenses Travel expenses Supetvision costs Malerials Service user support expenses Accountancy Trustee expenses 60,808 3.903 1,152 296.891 19,053 5.624 357,699 22,956 6.776 3.268 30,139 7,535 325,653 19.422 5,346 2,217 30.139 1.281 1,999 530 2,606 548 5,819 602 191 6,769 115 743 533 1,704 879 5,634 745 879 958 127 892 4,227 4.676 618 1560 6,787 78028 367,091 445,919 371,817 Support Cogts (Xher Fundraising and promotion Rent & parking payable Rates & waler rates Insurance Carried forward 47T 47T 20,000 2,575 6,876 29,928 10 20.000 1,983 6,319 28.312 16,61X) 2,137 5,707 24,444 438 1,169 This page does not lomi part ol the slalutory financial stalemerts Page 23
Sie on De Sta ement l Financial Activ rEn 31.3.25 Total funds 31.3.24 Total funds Unresiricted funds Reslricled funds Oiher 8rought forward Te18phone Printing. postap & stationery Repairs. renewals & alleralions Fuel elliciency expenditure Light & heal computer & sofvare expenses Subscriptions Professional lees Volunteer expenses Refuse colleclion & cleaning Sundry expenses Depreciation ol fixtures & equipment Bank charges & interest 24.444 5.753 3.OTI 2.845 15,305 6.028 27.813 2.947 1373 29.928 6.932 3,707 3,428 15,305 7.263 33.510 3.550 2.859 176 3.358 28,312 11,955 1,943 3,270 1,179 7.059 27.768 2,736 17,597 21 3.661 33 480 92 5.697 176 572 2.786 437 156 437 156 111 414 Total resources expended Net lexpenditurellincome This pag& does noi fomi part ol the slalutory financial statements Page 24