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2024-04-30-accounts

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 Registered Charity Number - 1174060

Supporting local people out of homelessness

Contents

1. Introduction a to our year

1. Introduction to our year 3
Welcome 4
About Robes 6
Chair’s statement 7
2. What we do 8
Winter Night Shelter 9
Our guests 10
Amir’s story 11
Daniel’s story 12
Guests comments 13
Outcomes 14
Wednesday Club 15
Jacob’s story
Our volunteers		 16
17
Outcomes 18
Corporate partnerships 19
Advice work 20
Jane’s story 21
3. How to get involved 22
Events and future plans for 2024-2025 23
Southwark Cathedral SleepOut for Robes 24
Our supporters 25
4. Financial overview 26
Operational information 27
Independent examiner’s report 32
Statement of financial activities 34
Balance sheet 35
Notes to the financial statements 36
Legal & admin 45
An Ode to Robes 46

Wednesday Club volunteer preparing food '.

Welcome

Robes is a small charity alleviating homelessness in the boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth with the assistance of over 550 incredible volunteers and 29 churches and community centres.

The past year has been a busy one, with further staff changes and now stabilisation of the team, and the first full season for us all. As I reflect on the last year, one theme keeps emerging, and that is the power of community.

The Robes team feel incredibly privileged to be working alongside such wonderful, warm, compassionate and dedicated supporters who come in all different shapes and sizes, helping Robes to deliver its services to those who need it most. The commitment from the Churches to support Robes in a tangible way, opening up their doors with compassion, is a beautiful thing.

Seeing the teams of volunteers in our shelters was a joy, all playing different roles to make sure our guests felt welcomed and safe, and being aware that there were also volunteers behind the scenes that contributed to making the shelter work. We had huge appreciation for the team leaders who play a significant role in making sure it all runs smoothly.

The dedication of our Wednesday Club volunteers, who week after week provide ongoing nourishment and company for our guests all year round was hugely appreciated (as was the banter). Our wonderful SleepOut committee play a key role in the Robes community, and our occasional volunteers who help out with things such as photography, bedding delivery and the like also had a vital role to play in supporting Robes this past year.

Our fantastic corporate teams, like The Clearing who made us their charity of the year, strengthen the Robes community by providing volunteering, funds and expertise. Of course, there are also the Robes champions, those who participate in or donate to events like the SleepOut, or who quietly promote the Robes profile and reputation.

In a year where homelessness was ever growing, the support from the Robes Village made a huge difference and meant that we were able to accommodate 49 guests during the shelter season. I’d also like to thank the staff team for all of their hard work in supporting both our guests and members of the Robes Community – you guys are the best!

We now need the assistance of our supporters more than ever before. Rough sleeping records have hit an all-time high

“We now need the assistance of our supporters more than ever before.”

and sadly we anticipate more need this coming Winter. We are hoping to open two circuits this shelter season to support as many guests as possible – so spread the word and help grow our community.

With best wishes and sincere gratitude to all in the Robes Village.

Lisa Moodie

Chief Executive Officer

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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

About Robes

Robes has been supporting those experiencing homelessness in Southwark and Lambeth since 2007.

Robes provides a volunteer led Winter Night Shelter for those in need, providing safety, nourishment, a warm place to sleep, and a community to connect to. We offer tailored advice, guidance and referrals in all areas, and work in partnership with our guests to aid move on to longer term accommodation. Once in their new dwellings, we offer a tenancy sustainment floating support service, aimed at preventing repeat rough sleeping.

Both our current and former guests are welcome all year round at our Wednesday Club, where they can receive breakfast, a hot lunch and showers. Wednesday Club is an opportunity for our guests to reconnect with their community, play some games, have some laughs, and our dedicated advice workers are on hand to assist with any challenges they may be facing.

Robes is a small but mighty charity, and with the assistance of our amazing volunteers, we are proud to support those who need it most.

Chair’s statement

Robes’ ability to help the homeless in Southwark and Lambeth year on year, goes from strength to strength; providing vital frontline support for those in real need.

Success this past year has seen our continued volunteer-supported night shelters across these London Boroughs. Our frontline staff team enthusiastically led by Lisa and wonderfully supported by great trustees, shelter team leaders and volunteers alike, continue to make it all happen, taking challenge after challenge in their stride!

A huge Thank You to all Wednesday Club volunteers hosting breakfast, lunch and advice at Crossway URC, Elephant & Castle, including the increasing number of “corporate teams” who are now involved in such a unique and fun “team building opportunity”, as part of their organisation’s charitable support.

higher with your support – do join us for this year’s “Once In A Winter Sleep Out” - Friday 29[th] November 2024.

Paul Venning

Chair of Trustees

Robes critical long-term plan is to robustly sustain our vital work through volunteersupported night shelters, whilst exploring static shelter options to deliver additional help to our Guests.

Finally, an enormous “Thank You” to all the Robes Family. Our 2023 Sleep Out raised £59,094! This year Robes are aiming even

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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

2. What we do

Winter Night Shelter

due to the record numbers of homelessness, and limited affordable accommodation. To allow for this, we accommodated some guests for a longer period of time than we ordinarily would. Next year we hope to run two circuits to be able to assist as many guests as possible.

This year the shelter season started with a bang, with a record referral number of guests needing somewhere safe and warm to stay over Winter. We had 49 guests over the course of the season who benefited from the hospitality and kindness of the churches we work so closely in partnership with.

Winter Night Shelter venues

Over the course of the season, there were 2,475 bed spaces available, offering our guests warmth and safety.

Our compassionate and dedicated volunteers generously provided an incredible total of 5,940 hot meals, nourishing our guests in the evening and setting them up with a hot breakfast every day. Each volunteer contributed to the creation of an inclusive and welcoming space for our guests to receive respite, whilst they worked in partnership with our Advice Workers to navigate their way out of homelessness.

For the two weeks over Christmas during the circuit break, Robes financed alternative accommodation and provided food vouchers and support, including on call staff members to assist with any difficulties.

Over the past year it has become more challenging to find move on accommodation

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i = Wal .
8 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30 [[th]] April 2024
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. a )[[th]] April 2024 Charity Number - 1174060Robes staff team

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 9

Charity Number - 1174060

Winter Night Shelter

Our guests

----- Start of picture text -----
Age Sex Nationality
y y
7 7 10
15
| |
13 8
42 31
9
5
18 - 25 years 46 - 55 years Female UK
26 - 35 years 56 - 65 years Male EU
36 - 45 years Rest of the world
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Reasons for homelessness

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Immigration issues or no recourse to public funds
Left home office accommodation
Relationship breakdown (family/friends)
End of private rental tenancy
End of TA, hostel or supported accommodation
Loss of employment
Domestic abuse
Left prison
0% 10% 20% 30% 40%
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Winter Night Shelter Amir’s story

accommodation had been found, worked with Housing Justice on a landlord incentive to secure the property for him. We ensured his housing benefit was set up to go directly to the landlord, helped him notify universal credit about the changes, and signposted him to a donation hub that was local to his new home to obtain free furnishings for his new flat.

Amir was an EU national with full settled status as he had lived in the UK for a number of years. This means he was able to work and claim benefits. He became homeless after losing his job and being unable to pay his rent – he was having difficulties getting on benefits, and the housing allowance would not cover the price of his accommodation. Amir found himself rough sleeping.

A few days before he was due to move on, Amir finally confided that he did have an alcohol misuse problem and requested help with this. Together, we made a referral to CGL and we also found local AA meetings he could access.

Referred to us by Webber Street homeless day centre, Amir’s benefits were quickly sorted, and he found some casual work. However, this was cash in hand, and we encouraged Amir to find legitimate work, assisting him to go on a course to upskill him.

Although Amir initially denied it, there were concerns that he may have an alcohol misuse problem. We continued to gently explore this with Amir, in the hope that we could get him the appropriate help. Despite these concerns, Amir worked well with our advice workers, and was proactive in helping to find move on accommodation.

Our advice workers helped with property searches and attended viewings with Amir, and once appropriate and affordable

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Former shelter guest. To protect the guest’s
identity, story and photo are unrelated
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Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 11

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Winter Night Shelter Daniel’s story

Daniel and Spires, with his benefit issues being resolved and various referrals for accommodation made. A month after the shelters closed, Daniel moved into Emmaus, where he receives accommodation, meals and employment in their social enterprise. Daniel has settled in really well and is looking to resume his studies later this year.

Daniel initially became homeless when he lost his job and was unable to afford his rent. For three years after this, he struggled to find regular employment or secure housing, working various temporary and casual jobs and doing a combination of sofa surfing and rough sleeping.

When Daniel was referred to Robes by Spires, he had been rough sleeping for several months, was having difficulties with the job centre and was not in receipt of benefits. This was due to a course that he had been on, which he withdrew from as he was being bullied.

Daniel was accepted right at the end of the season as a “respite only” guest – these are guests we are happy to accommodate to provide them with respite, but due to how soon the shelters will be closing we make both the referring agency and guest aware that they are the ones with primary responsibility for finding alternative accommodation as we are unlikely to due to time constraints.

Shelter guest. To protect the guest’s identity, story and photo are unrelated

Unfortunately, Daniel’s benefit issues were not resolved at the time of the shelter closing, and he was unable to find accommodation. However, Robes continued working with

Winter Night Shelter

Guests comments

The service provided by the Robes Project is excellent not only during the nights with shelter, but also the advice and support given afterwards even if you are not a homeless person any longer. You do a great job therefore I express my gratitude and admiration.” Robes Guest

I was pleased with the way I was treated humanely.” Robes Guest

I enjoyed living together with people from other traditions and cultures.” Robes Guest

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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Winter Night Shelter

Wednesday Club

Outcomes

Shelter move on accommodation

Key outputs

Shelter advice sessions

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Housing
Welfare
Health
Immigration
Education
Employment
Legal
0 50 100
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150 200
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The Wednesday Club is Robes weekly year round provision, providing day services for guests old and new at Crossways URC in Elephant & Castle. Here our current and former guests can access support and guidance from our advice workers, a continental breakfast, warming nutritious lunch, showers, the internet, a warm space, charging facilities, activities, and most importantly a warm welcome and a friendly ear.

We were sad to say goodbye to Wootton this year, who stepped down as Wednesday Club Coordinator, and want to pay tribute to his hard work and dedication. We haven’t let

him down, as our core team of volunteers have increased and the club has gone from strength to strength.

We’d like to thank the volunteers who support Wednesday Club. We have seen a number of corporate partners volunteer this past year and are grateful for their help. We owe a particular debt of gratitude to our core team of regular volunteers who cook, clean, and welcome and entertain our guests all year round. Between them they have given over 800 hours of their time this past year to support our guests.

The games, the banter, the warmth, the laughter, the food, the atmosphere, and yes – even the scrabble competitions, all combine to create a place of safety and familiarity where guests known they will be supported, listened to, and helped.

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Wednesday Club meal
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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Wednesday Club

Jacob’s story

A former guest, Jacob is a Russian man who came to the UK about 12 years ago. Of Greek descent, he also holds a Greek passport. He came back to the Wednesday Club after about three years’ absence, as he wanted support around his immigration.

He was sign posted to an advice centre that specialises in advising Eastern European nationals. After this, Jacob started attending Wednesday Club more regularly, accessing further support from the advice workers.

He has been assisted to change GP and register to vote. Jacob has also been supported around his benefits.

Our advice workers have helped him understand the importance of reporting changes to Universal Credit and how to do this, and have explained how to upload documents and photos to his journal. When the system wasn’t working properly and Jacob couldn’t do this, he was advised to go to the Job Centre in person as he faced a deadline for submission.

Jacob has been in stable hostel accommodation for at least the last two years and would now like to find employment having been a lorry driver in the past.

We helped Jacob to complete a DVLA application to exchange his Greek driving licence for a British one, and advised him that his GP would need to supply information as to his suitability for driving.

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Wednesday Club guest. To protect the guest’s
identity, story and photo are unrelated
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Wednesday Club Our volunteers

A special thank you to Crossway URC who have hosted our Wednesday Club. It has given us an opportunity to feed our guests with the assistance of our dedicated volunteers, and provide advice and guidance. Vilma is one of our incredible Wednesday Club volunteers.

Vilma

Volunteering with Robes since August 2023, Vilma offers support to our guests both at our Wednesday Club and in the night shelter at St Johns Waterloo. In addition to cooking delicious lunches and dinners for our guests, Vilma also helps with both cleaning duties, and hosting – playing games with our guests and providing a friendly ear.

Vilma enjoys the engagement with our guests – having conversations, listening to their stories, and being able to engage in meaningful conversation. Her most memorable day at Wednesday Club was when we celebrated Christmas with a traditional lunch, it was heartwarming for her to see guests in their best dress overjoyed for this celebration lunch.

Vilma feels Robes has had a significant impact on the community by providing a safe and secure place for homeless people to sleep along with a hot meal and showers. She feels we are not only providing necessities but also the sense of dignity and community for those that need it the most.

Vilma said that volunteering with Robes has deepened her understanding and empathy towards homeless people highlighting the resilience in humanity. She says it has been a very rewarding experience and she encourages others to get involved, it is a very good way to give back to the community and make a positive impact.

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Wednesday Club volunteers
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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Wednesday Club

Outcomes

Key outputs

Wednesday Club advice sessions

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Housing
Health / Welfare
ee
Immigration / Legal
Benefits / Budgeting / ID
Employment / Education / Training
Other
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
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Wednesday Club Corporate partnerships

A helping hand

Volunteering at the Wednesday Club of The Robes Project was profoundly impactful. It was incredibly rewarding to prepare and share meals with the guests and see firsthand the positive difference Robes makes in their lives. The enthusiasm and dedication of both the AWS and Robes volunteers created a collaborative and supportive environment. This initiative strengthened our team’s bond and deepened our understanding and commitment to addressing homelessness in London. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful cause and look forward to continuing our partnership with Robes.”

Our corporate teams have supported us to run our Wednesday Club – providing ingredients and cooking as a team to feed our hungry guests.

We greatly appreciate their support providing tangible assistance – tackling homelessness in partnership.

Wednesday Club corporate supporters

Nika Lippert, Security Strategist at Amazon Web Services

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One of our corporate teams at Wednesday Club
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Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Advice work

Advice work

Jane’s story

At Robes, our experienced Advice Workers are dedicated to supporting our guests in finding their way out of homelessness and into stable accommodation.

We do this by supporting the guests in all aspects of their lives that have an impact on their housing situation, signposting them to relevant organisations who may specialise in fields such as immigration or employment.

It is important to us to have a strong network of partner organisations, creating web of support for our guests.

The journey starts with a referral from our partner agencies – local charities, day centres and homeless outreach teams. We review the referrals and invite potential guests in for an interview. If accepted into the shelter, guests will be provided with a warm, safe space to sleep at night, a hot and nutritious breakfast and dinner, and travel allowances to access appointments and other commitments.

We work collaboratively with the guest and referral agency in finding stable accommodation and are always available to support former guests as they navigate the new chapter of their lives and focus on tenancy sustainment.

Above all, the advice team at Robes is committed to highlighting the strengths of the guests they work with, fostering a supportive environment conducive to personal growth and empowerment.

Advice Worker with guest at Wednesday Club

Jane became homeless after her child passed away six years ago and she struggled to cope. At the time she was trying to get her immigration issues resolved and had strong support through her local faith community. Jane withdrew from all support in place and did not get assistance to help her through her bereavement, leading her to rough sleep.

Over the following years, Jane has alternated between sofa surfing and rough sleeping. She has struggled to come up with the fees to apply for leave to remain and to find legal representation. Jane also struggled to find resources to feed herself.

Seeking assistance, she was referred to Robes Winter Night Shelter. Here she found safety and warmth, a bed to rest in, two meals a day and essential toiletries. What Jane appreciated most was the support from the advice workers.

Robes supported Jane in registering with a GP, and sought the right immigration support for her – she was supported to apply for leave to remain, and is now awaiting a result from the Home Office. Jane was also offered a referral to counselling to assist her with her

low mood, but decided not to take this up. Although options for someone with no recourse to public funds who cannot work is limited, Robes were able to refer her to a longer-term shelter that had spaces for no recourse guests. Jane remains hopeful that once her immigration is sorted, she will be one step closer to returning to a normal life.

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Wednesday Club continental breakfast
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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

3. How to get involved

Events and future plans for 2024-2025

Shelter

Robes are always looking for new fundraising opportunities and partnerships to ensure we can continue to provide support to our guests.

Throughout August 2024 Community Chow Down Event

17[th] August 2024

Musical fundraiser to be held at Amott Road Baptist Church

12[th] September 2024

Corporate team AMV BBDO fundraising day for Robes

25[th] September 2024

AGM event at Southwark Cathedral

4[th] November 2024

Start of Shelter Season

29[th] November 2024

SleepOut 2024 - Registration now open Further details: robes.org.uk/sleepout-robes

30[th] March 2025

End of shelter season

26[th] April 2025

We are hoping to run two circuits this year, so if your church hasn’t been involved before, or it’s been a while, please get in touch: project.officer@robes.org.uk

Wednesday Club

Our Wednesday Club service continues at Crossway United Reform Church, providing stability and security for our current and former guests. We have been fortunate to have a number of corporate partners supporting this year, and look forward to more.

Volunteers

Robes would be nothing without the incredible support of our volunteers. If you would like to join them and make a difference to those experiencing homelessness, then please contact: project.offier@robes.org.uk

Fundraising & events

Robes has been fortunate to have various corporate teams, community teams and individuals support us with fundraising this year. It’s simple to do, and anyone can put on a fundraising event. For more information, go to: robes.org.uk/fundraise

Team Leader thank you dinner

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Southwark Diocesan Board of Education Multi-Academy
22 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30 [th] April 2024 Charity Number - 1174060Trust team at SleepOut
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Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 23

Charity Number - 1174060

Southwark Cathedral SleepOut for Robes

“Thou Shalt Not Lie” as it proved a hit the previous year.

On a cold Winter’s night at the end of November Southwark Cathedral once again hosted the annual SleepOut under the stars. This is one of the main fundraising events that takes place for Robes.

This year we raised nearly £60,000 which will go a good way to helping the work of Robes. Each year we now also welcome young people. If old enough they sleep with an appropriate adult outside with the very young sleeping inside the Cathedral. It’s always an enjoyable and thoroughly worthwhile event and we are

Those who participate in the SleepOut have the opportunity to get a glimpse into what many of our guests have to endure every night. We are very grateful to all those who bed down in the churchyard. We are also grateful to those who sponsor our brave participants, and to those who donate to come to the entertainment portion of the evening.

grateful

to all those who work hard to make it a success.

Maggie Still

Chair of the SleepOut Committee

In addition to those braving the cold there is a regular army of volunteers who are there to keep everyone secure, providing hot drinks throughout the night, cooking a hearty breakfast early the next morning and a myriad of other tasks that need doing to make the evening go well.

The evening begins with a programme of entertainment before everyone beds down for the night. This year the popular South London Jazz Orchestra put on a brilliant performance (and incited some enthusiastic dancing by some of the audience)! Prior to the music we reprised the quiz show

Our supporters

Partners

Referral organisations

Churches who assisted with Shelters, volunteers and gifts for guests

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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

4. Financial overview

Operational information

Structure, governance and management

The Trustees are pleased to present their Annual Report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 30 April 2024.

Governing document

The Robes Project was initially set up as an unincorporated charity by a Constitution adopted 1 October 2008, amended by Special Resolution on 20 July 2009. It was registered as a Charity on 10 November 2009 and is governed by a Committee of Trustees elected at the Annual General Meeting. The areas of benefit are the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Southwark.

On 1 August 2017 the Charity set up a separate Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) called ‘Robes Project’. The Charity and the CIO were merged on 18 January 2020. An asset transfer order was signed on 18 January 2020. The assets have now been transferred to the CIO and the old un-incorporated charity closed.

The number of Trustees shall not be less than 5, and until otherwise determined by a General Meeting, no more than 9.

26 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 Charity Number - 1174060SleepOut participant

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Charity Number - 1174060

Operational information

Objectives

The objects of the CIO are the relief of poverty among people who are homeless in the London boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth by the provision of winter night shelters, food and advice, support and re-settlement services so as to help them rebuild their lives.

Public benefit statement

The Trustees consider that the work of the Robes Project is to provide relief to poor and disadvantaged people in the London Boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth by the provision of winter shelter, food and support helping to make these boroughs a safer, more humane place for everyone. All Trustees give their time voluntarily and no Trustee receives any private benefit from the Charity.

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities act 2006 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission in determining the activities undertaken by the Charity.

Governance and management

The Charity is run by its Trustees who meet bi-monthly to determine the strategy of the Charity, to discuss operational matters and to formulate policy. The Charity Manager attends all Trustee meetings. Sub-committees dealing with specific functions support the Board of Trustees and certain items of executive responsibility are delegated to individual Trustees to facilitate decision-making and to support staff efforts. All delegated matters are closely reported upon to the Trustee Board.

The Trustees delegate responsibility for delivering day to day services to our guests primarily to the Charity Manager, staff and volunteer teams.

The Charity Manager is responsible for individual supervision of the staff team and also ensuring that the team continue to develop their skills and working practices in line with good practice.

Recruitment and appointment of

new trustees

The Committee seek to recruit Trustees from among the churches participating in the Project who have relevant skills and experience to assist in running the Project. New Trustees are given an induction pack.

Risk management

The Trustees recognise that there are risks to which the Charity is exposed. Systems have been established to mitigate known risks, including financial controls, employment procedures, agreements with participating churches and volunteer training. The Trustees keep proper accounting records and take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Health and safety, equal opportunities and quality standards are prioritised. Records and archives are securely stored and electronic data carefully protected.

A significant risk the Charity faces is its over reliance on the SleepOut as a fundraising event, as reflected in the events of both the current and previous year. It looks to mitigate against this risk by diversifying its funding sources which has continued to prove a successful venture. Another significant risk would be if a serious safeguarding issue were to cause the Charity to lose the confidence of guests and referring partners. The Charity mitigates against this by thorough training for staff and volunteers.

Financial review

Total expenditure for the year ended 30 April 2024 was £290,147, up from £230,552 in the previous year. This is due to an increase in staffing levels during the current year, exacerbated by a period in the prior year where the charity was recruiting a full new team. During the year, income increased by £35,198, an increase of 18% on the previous year, mainly due to a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund as part of their Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund.

At 30 April 2024, the total reserves stood at £246,111, Of these reserves, £1,421 is restricted to our ongoing projects. Another £80,000 of unrestricted reserves is designated to support ‘Inn from the Cold’ moving forward, leaving £164,690 as general funds.

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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Operational information

Reserves policy

As part of the annual review of the reserves policy, the Trustees of the Robes Project assess the financial risks surrounding the Charity’s ability to provide the services we offer to the homeless in Lambeth and Southwark. In so doing the Trustees aim to hold a minimum free reserves level of £80,000 - £150,000. The current free reserves of £164,690 are safely, but not excessively, above this limit.

Statement of Board of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Charity law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law they are required to prepare the financial statements in accordance with UK Accounting Standards and applicable law (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Under charity law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a ‘true and fair’ view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the excess of expenditure over income for that period.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the Charity’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

In addition, the Trustees confirm that they are happy that the content of the annual review in pages 4 to 31 of this document as well as the legal and administrative information on page 45, meet the requirements of the Trustees’ Annual Report under charity law.

They also confirm that the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the Charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement

of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014.

This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 18 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Paul Venning Chair of Trustees

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Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Independent examiner’s report

Independent examiner’s report to the Board of Trustees of Robes Project Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Robes Project (charity number 1174060) for the year ended 30 April 2024 set out on pages 34 to 44.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The CIO’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act). The CIO’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

This report, including my statement, has been prepared for and only for the CIO’s trustees as a body. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the CIO’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the CIO and the CIO’s trustees as a body for my examination work, for this report, or for the statements I have made.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the CIO and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Since the CIO’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

Bianca Permal FCA

For and on behalf of Dux Advisory Limited

Dated: 18 September 2024

32 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 33

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 30 April 2024

Unrestricted Restricted
funds year funds year Total funds Total funds
ended ended year ended year ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-23
Notes £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations 2 211,681 15,168 226,849 193,817
Investments 3 3,883 - 3,883 1,717
Total income 215,564 15,168 230,732 195,534
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 4 11,734 - 11,734 11,445
Charitable activities 4 & 5 258,715 19,698 278,413 219,107
Total expenditure 270,449 19,698 290,147 230,552
Net income/(expenditure) (54,885) (4,530) (59,415) (35,018)
Transfer between funds 10 - - - -
Net movement in funds (54,885) (4,530) (59,415) (35,018)
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 10 & 11 10 & 11 299,575 5,951 305,526 340,544
Total funds brought forward 10 & 11 10 & 11 244,690 1,421 246,111 305,526

The notes on pages 36 to 44 form part of the financial statements.

Balance sheet

As at 30 April 2024

Total funds Total funds
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-23
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets:
Debtors and prepayments 8 1,748 1,250
Cash at bank and in hand 254,892 313,814
Total income 256,640 315,064
Creditors:amounts falling due within one year 9 (10,529) (9,538)
Net current assets 246,111 305,526
Net assets 246,111 305,526
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 10 & 11 1,421 5,951
Unrestricted funds:
Designated funds 10 & 11 80,000 80,000
General funds 10 & 11 164,690 219,575
244,690 299,575
246,111 305,526

The notes on pages 36 to 44 form part of the financial statements.

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 18 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Asad Ansari Treasurer

34 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 35

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Notes to the financial statements

1. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation of the financial statements The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with ‘Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) second edition (effective 1 January 2019)’, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

The effect of any event relating to the year ended 30 April 2024, which occurred before the date of approval of the financial statements by the Board of Trustees has been included in the financial statements to the extent required to show a true and fair view of the state of affairs at 30 April 2024 and the results for the year ended on that date.

Under the exemption available to smaller charities the Board of Trustees has chosen not to include a Statement of Cash Flows within the financial statements. The functional currency of the Charity is sterling and amounts in the financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis as the Board of Trustees is confident that future reserves and future income is more than sufficient to meet current commitments. There are no material uncertainties that impact this assessment and the ongoing economic environment has no impact on this assessment due to the high reserves held by the Charity.

Fund Accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise of unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund are set out in note 10 of the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds that are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or that have been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in note 10 of the financial statements.

Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance indicators attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably.

Donations and income from fundraising events are recognised in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when entitled, receipt is probable and when the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Gift aid receivable is included when claimable.

Grant income is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless the grant relates to a future year, in which case it is deferred.

Notes to the financial statements

Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been included under expense categories that aggregate all costs for allocation to activities.

Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, are allocated proportionate to direct staff costs allocated to each project area, as outlined in note 4 of the financial statements. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of expenditure for which it was incurred.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

All assets costing more than £1,000 are capitalised. There are no assets held over this level currently.

Operating leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are taken to the statement of financial activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Pensions

The Robes Project operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Pension contributions are charged to the statement of financial activities when due and payable. These contributions are invested separately from the charity’s assets.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand, deposits with banks and funds that are readily convertible into cash at, or close to, their carrying values, but are not held for investment purposes.

Debtors and prepayments

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount is applied. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party, and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

Critical estimates and judgements

In preparing financial statements it is necessary to make certain judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts recognised in the financial statements. In the view of the Trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a significant risk of material adjustment in the next financial year.

Financial instruments

Basic financial instruments are measured at amortised cost other than investments which are measured at fair value.

Legal status

The Robes Project is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England & Wales and meets the definition of a public benefit entity. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability is limited to £1 per member of the Charity. The registered office is 11B Park Street, London, SE1 9AB.

Income from charitable activities is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or receivable whichever is earlier, unless it relates to a specific future period or event, in which case it is deferred. Interest is recorded when it is receivable.

36 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 37

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Notes to the financial statements

2. Income from donations & legacies

2 i i
. Income from donatons & legaces Unrestricted Restricted funds Total funds year
funds year ended year ended ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24
£ £ £
Donations 95,127 - 95,127
SleepOut 60,241 - 60,241
Other fundraising events 7,445 - 7,445
Trusts and foundations 48,868 15,168 64,036
211,681 15,168 226,849
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds year
year ended year ended ended
30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23
£ £ £
Donations 112,105 - 112,105
SleepOut 47,724 - 47,724
Other fundraising events 6,988 - 6,988
Trusts and foundations 27,000 - 27,000
193,817 - 193,817

Notes to the financial statements

4. Total expenditure

i
4. Total expendture Other direct
Staf costs costs year Indirect costs Total costs
year ended ended year ended year ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24
£ £ £ £
Raising funds - 10,065 1,669 11,734
Charitable activities 170,774 68,031 39,608 278,413
170,774 78,096 41,277 290,147
Other direct
Staf costs year costs year Indirect costs Total costs year
ended ended year ended ended
30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23
£ £ £ £
Raising funds - 9,446 1,999 11,445
Charitable activities 115,860 64,982 38,265 219,107
115,860 74,428 40,264 230,552

Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, were allocated between cost centres proportionate to the direct costs allocated to those activities. The prior year figures have been reallocated to show the support costs attributed to each activity.

All expenditure on raising funds was unrestricted in nature in both the current and previous financial years.

An analysis of charitable activities split between restricted and unrestricted funds can be found in note 5.

3. Income from investments

3 I i
. ncome from nvestments Unrestricted Restricted funds Total funds year
funds year ended year ended ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24
£ £ £
Bank interest 3,883 - 3,883
3,883 - 3,883
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds year
year ended year ended ended
30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23
£ £ £
Bank interest 1,717 - 1,717
1,717 - 1,717

An analysis of staff costs can be found in note 6.

Total costs year Total costs year
ended ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-23
£ £
Ofce rent 16,586 14,036
IT and communications 6,104 7,037
Administrative costs 2,949 4,348
Finance support 10,429 9,871
Governance costs 5,209 4,972
41,277 40,264

38 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 39

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Notes to the financial statements

4. Total expenditure continued

i
4. Total expendture continued Total costs year Total costs year
ended ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-23
£ £
Independent examination fees 1,764 1,680
Statutory accounts preparation 1,536 1,536
Insurance 1,909 1,756
5,209 4,972

Notes to the financial statements

6. Staff numbers and costs Total costs year Total costs year
ended ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-23
£ £
Gross salaries 155,378 106,205
Employer’s national insurance 9,926 6,082
Employer’s pension 5,470 3,573
170,774 115,860

The average headcount during the year was 5 persons (2023: 4 persons).

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 (2023: NIL).

The total remuneration paid to key management personnel during the year was £57,645 (2023: £32,350).

5. Expenditure on charitable activities

. xpenure on carae acves Unrestricted Restricted funds Total funds year
funds year ended year ended ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24
£ £ £
Staf costs 115,860 12,233 170,774
Other direct costs 61,398 6,633 68,031
Indirect costs 38,776 832 39,608
258,715 19,698 278,413
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Total funds year
year ended year ended ended
30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23
£ £ £
Staf costs 158,541 - 115,860
Other direct costs 64,982 - 64,982
Indirect costs 38,265 - 38,265
219,107 - 219,107

7. Pension costs

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the schemes are held separately from those of the charity in independently administered funds. Contributions payable by the charity amounted to £5,470 (2023: £3,573).

£477 of employer contributions were outstanding at year end (2023: £270).

Pension costs are allocated between activities and funds on the same basis as relevant salary costs.

8. Debtors and prepayments Total costs year
ended		 Total costs year
ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-23
£ £
Prepayments 1,748 1,250
1,748 1,250
9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Total costs year
ended		 Total costs year
ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-23
£ £
Trade creditors 3,684 3,436
Accruals 3,666 3,582
HMRC control account 2,321 2,034
Pension control account 858 486
10,529 9,538

40

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 41

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Notes to the financial statements

10. Analysis of charity funds Balance
brought		 Income Expenditure Transfers
between		 Balance
carried
forward for the year in the year funds forward
year ended year ended year ended year ended year ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Inn from the Cold 80,000 - - - 80,000
80,000 - - - 80,000
General funds 219,575 215,564 (270,449) - 164,690
299,575 215,564 (270,449) - 244,690
Restricted funds
National Lottery - 15,168 (15,168) - -
Inn from the Cold 5,951 - (4,530) 1,421
5,951 15,168 (19,698) - 1,421
305,526 230,732 (290,147) - 246,111

Notes to the financial statements

Balance Transfers Balance
brought Income Expenditure between carried
forward for the year in the year funds forward
year ended year ended year ended year ended year ended
30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Inn from the Cold 80,000 - - - 80,000
80,000 - - - 80,000
General funds 254,593 195,534 (230,552) - 219,575
334,593 195,534 (230,552) - 299,575
Restricted funds
Inn from the Cold 5,951 - - 5,951
5,951 - - - 5,951
340,544 195,534 (230,552) - 305,526

The Inn from the Cold designated fund has been earmarked for providing help with the up-front costs of housing, direct access to landlords and ongoing support once in accommodation.

The National Lottery restricted fund consists of a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund as part of their Community Organisations Cost of Living Fund.

The Inn from the Cold restricted fund consists of donations and grants to support guests in accessing the private rented sector by providing help with the up-front costs of housing, direct access to landlords and ongoing support once in accommodation.

42 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024 43

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

Notes to the financial statements

11. Analysis of net assets General
Funds		 Designated
Funds		 Restricted
Funds		 Total
Funds
Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended
30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24 30-Apr-24
£ £ £ £
Current assets 175,219 80,000 1,421 256,640
Current liabilities (10,529) - - (10,529)
164,690 80,000 1,421 246,111
General Designated Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Year ended Year ended Year ended Year ended
30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23 30-Apr-23
£ £ £ £
Current assets 229,113 80,000 5,951 315,064
Current liabilities (9,538) - - (9,538)
219,575 80,000 5,951 305,526

11. Analysis of net assets

12. Trustee remuneration

During the year, no trustee received any remuneration (2023: £NIL). No members of the Board of Trustees received reimbursement of travel and subsistence expenses (2023: £NIL).

13. Related party transactions

During the year there were no transactions (2023: £NIL) carried out with related parties other than unrestricted donations received from trustees totalling £2,850 (2023: £1,200).

14. Guarantees and secured charges

Legal & admin

Legal and administrative information for the year ended 30th April 2024.

Trustees

Paul Venning – Chair Asad Ansari – Treasurer Elinor Wakefield Matthew Hanney Myfanwy Lloyd Neil Tryner Sam Forsdike Sam Johnson-Hill Wendy Thompson

Secretary to the Trustees

Nick Hodgson

Principal Bankers

The Co-operative Bank PO Box 250 Skelmersdale WN8 6WT

Accountant

Enaid Accountancy Ltd Units 24 & 25 Goodsheds Container Village Hood Road Barry CF62 5QU

Charity Registration Number

1174060

Registered Address

Robes Project Southwark Cathedral Montague Close London SE1 9DA

Contact us

As at 30 April 2024 Charity did not have any outstanding guarantees to third parties nor any debts secured against assets of the Charity (2023: £NIL).

Independent Examiner

Dux Advisory Limited Kennel Club House, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP19 8DB

robes.admin@robes.org.uk 020 7407 5623 robes.org.uk

@robesproject_

XT f] @robesproject

44

45

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Charity Number - 1174060

Charity Number - 1174060

An Ode to Robes

A cozy place to go to bed, Fluffy pillows to rest your head, Secure and snug in your home, A place that you can call your own.

For many this is not the case, Abandoned by the human race And left to sleep out on the street Not knowing when they next will eat.

A group of people said “no more – We have to help the homeless soar” They said that something must be done And were led by Reverend Anderson

Volunteers came on board, Churches opened up their doors. Robes was born and started to meet Those needing shelter from the street.

And in Winter those needing respite Were welcomed in from the cold night, And given a warm meal that they could eat,

And somewhere comfortable to rest their feet.

This vital support continues on, The churches help is still strong, And warmly welcoming the guests, The amazing volunteers – they are the best!

And after the guests have had a rest, Robes staff do their very best To help them find a place of their own Of safety, that the guests can call home.

They settle in and Robes is there To help with any challenges they bear, Advice is provided throughout the year, Guests can always find a friendly ear.

Finally…..

They have a cozy place to go to bed, Fluffy pillows to rest their head, Secure and snug in their home, A place that they can call their own.

----- Start of picture text -----
Wednesday Club volunteers
----- End of picture text -----

46 Robes Annual Report and Accounts - Year ended 30[th] April 2024

Charity Number - 1174060

Southwark Cathedral’s SleepOut 2025 for Robes

Friday 21[st] November 2025 7pm to 7am Saturday morning

Further details can be found at robes.org.uk or @RobesProject. Support those experiencing homelessness locally and join in our sponsored SleepOut.