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← Refuge4pets

2024-03-31-accounts

Our impact during the year

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Trustees Annual Report & Accounts April 2023 - March 2024 Registered Charity No. 1174331

Volunteer Animal Foster Carer

Contents

Page

“I wouldn’t have left if it wasn’t for Refuge4Pets” Victim-survivor

4-5 Refuge4Pets objectives & activities . . . . 6 Introduction from our chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Message from our CEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Meet the team & trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Our volunteer animal foster carers . . . . . . 11 Our supporters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13 Timeline of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14-15 Our impact in numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17 What people say about us . . . . . . . . . . 18 Our colleagues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Training professionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21 Case studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Main priorities 2024/25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Our values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-38 Financial accounts 2023/24 . . . . . . .

Please note: We take the confidentiality of our victim-survivors (people and animals) very seriously. All the images of people and animals you see in this document (and in all our print, digital and social marketing materials) are from stock image libraries. We will never publish images of our service users or animals in our care.

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“Refuge4Pets helped keep
my family together”
Victim-survivor
4
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Refuge4Pets objectives & activities

Our vision

We are working to achieve freedom from domestic abuse for people and animals .

Our mission

We offer victim-survivors of domestic abuse a specialist animal fostering service to remove a significant barrier which prevents many victim-survivors from leaving. We empower victim-survivors to access the vital safety and support they need before being reunited with their much-loved animals.

We believe that animals are an important part of victim-survivors’ coping strategies and that the reciprocal bond between victim-survivors and animals aids recovery from trauma.

We contribute to research, policy development and education around the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse to increase the safety and wellbeing of all victim-survivors, both people and animals.

Achievements & performance

Throughout this report you will read about our key achievements and performance during the 2023/24 financial year, as well as our priorities for 2024/25.

Refuge4Pets was founded in August 2017. We are a registered charity in England and Wales and our Registered Charity Number is 1174331.

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5

Introduction from our Chair

As a founder trustee I am incredibly proud of the high-quality service we deliver to keep victimsurvivors and their pets free from abuse. As a trustee who has managed domestic abuse services I know the real need for our service.

Of course, at the heart of our service is the amazing network of passionate and committed volunteers. It is heartwarming to see the great comfort they experience from the support that they give. Opening their homes and their hearts.

Before Refuge4Pets started, my staff regularly struggled to keep victim-survivors safe because they would not leave an abusive situation without their pets. The emotional bond was too high and the trauma just too much to face. My staff were left feeling distressed and anxious because they had no practical solution to offer victim-survivors in this situation. These reallife experiences coupled with the research available motivated us to develop a service that could change this situation.

In conclusion, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to all trustees, to our inspirational CEO Mary, to our brilliant staff team, to our volunteers and to all our supporters.

Finally, a few words from Margaret Mead (cultural anthropologist) who I feel captures the essence of our charity:

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Reading this annual report, I am impressed by the amount and breadth of the service we deliver. The numbers speak for themselves but even more so, I am moved by the experiences shared by victim-survivors and by volunteers. It is a service which is changing lives on so many levels and, on some occasions, it is saving lives.

Keep Being the Change ❤

Best Wishes

Dina

Message from our CEO

There are animals in just over half (51%) of all households in the UK (PDSA, 2024). It is estimated that there are 10.6 million dogs and 10.8 million cats in UK homes as well as many other species of animal. As a service, we provide temporary care to all animals. While it is mostly dogs and cats, we have also seen exotics, ducks, rabbits, rats, hamsters and even horses come into foster care.

When I started the charity in 2017 with our founding trustees, I don’t think any of us were fully prepared for the journey that lay ahead . It just goes to show what commitment, determination, resilience and a huge amount of support from all of you can do .

The last 12 months have presented many challenges for us, most markedly continuing to meet demand for the service. Domestic abuse presents the highest overall risk to communities across Devon and Cornwall due to the scale of the problem and the devastating impact it has on lives, including the tragic loss of lives through homicide and domestic abuse related suicide.

Looking ahead, we have some exciting plans which include opening our own Refuge4Pets Sanctuary. This is now a key priority for us so that we can respond to the increase in emergency, same day referrals, as well as providing rehabilitation to the many animals we see who are deeply traumatised by their experience of domestic abuse.

Family pets are often victims of domestic abuse too. Perpetrators/people that harm will exploit the bond that victim-survivors have with animals to coerce, control and entrap them in the abusive relationship. Animals experience physical, sexual and emotional abuse, are neglected, denied veterinary treatment and murdered. Animals are a big barrier for families trying to escape domestic abuse, which is where we come in. At least 66% of victim-survivors will not leave if they can’t take their animals with them (Wakeham, 2021).

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our trustees, staff team and volunteers for their commitment to enabling freedom from domestic abuse for people and animals. I am immensely proud to be part of such a wonderful team.

Best Wishes

Mary

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Dina Holder Refuge4Pets Chair of the Board of Trustees

Dina spearheaded The Women Centre Cornwall’s work on inclusion, diversity and equality through leading the development of their Community Engagement projects. Dina supports women with learning disabilities and/or neurodivergence to become Peer Educators for their DIVAS project. Dina is a qualified social worker and prior to joining the Women’s Centre, worked in the probation and youth offending teams, as well as developing and establishing a number of services in Cornwall that provide vital support to survivors of domestic abuse. Dina is a committed animal keeper and Refuge4Pets brings together two areas of her life that she is passionate about - tackling domestic and sexual abuse and promoting animal welfare.

Dr Mary Wakeham BA (Hons), MA, MRes, PhD Refuge4Pets Founder and Chief Executive Officer

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Mary has over 15 years experience working in the domestic abuse sector, including founding Refuge4Pets in 2017, driven by her passion to enable freedom from domestic abuse for all victim-survivors, both people and animals. She is also an academic researcher with her specialism being the dynamics and implications of animal abuse in the context of domestic abuse. In 2021 Mary completed her PhD in the Centre for Gender and Violence Research at the University of Bristol. It was titled Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control and was the first in-depth study to explore this issue in the UK.

References

Wakeham (2021) Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control. Available at: https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/en/studentTheses/animal-abuse-as-a-strategy-ofcoercive-control (Accessed on: 15 August 2024).

PDSA (2024) PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Report. Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/media/14944/pdsa_paw-report-2024.pdf (Accessed: 14 August 2024).

6

7

Meet the team

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8
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Our board of trustees

Alongside our Chair, Dina Holder, we have six further trustees . Each trustee

gives up their time throughout the year to oversee the governance of the charity, provide support and guidance to the CEO and ensure Refuge4Pets is focused on achieving our objectives .

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Caroline Harding Trustee (Secretary)

Caroline comes from a business and marketing background and for the last 17 years has run a branding and graphic design agency with her husband. Back in 2019, she was looking for a new challenge outside of work that was related to helping animals and people and saw an article about Refuge4Pets in Cornwall Life magazine. She approached us to become a fundraising volunteer and has been helping at our events ever since, even completing a 15,000ft skydive in 2022 to raise money for the charity! Joining as a trustee in January 2024, Caroline brings her business skills to our board meetings and continues to help at our events.

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Helen Hoskin Trustee (Treasurer)

Helen works as the Finance Manager at the Devon and Plymouth Chamber of Commerce. Prior to this she worked at Citizens Advice Cornwall where she was part of their senior management team. Helen is experienced at managing budgets in excess of £1 million and multiple complex funding streams. She is a qualified accounting technician and has worked in finance for over 20 years. Helen joined Refuge4Pets as a trustee in late 2022 having been drawn to the charity due to its values and ethos, and with a desire to contribute to the work we do.

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“Please keep doing what
you do - you are amazing”
Colleague in Domestic Abuse
Professional Services
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Lesley Leahy Trustee

Laura Smit-Chesterfield Trustee

Lesley spent her career in Housing, working as Area Housing Manager for the London Borough of Ealing, Housing Services Manager at Herefordshire and as a housing consultant. Lesley is well versed in working in fast paced organisations working with people at crisis point. She is experienced in business planning and management, governance, strategic planning and public relations. Now happily retired Lesley has volunteered for Refuge4Pets since 2019, fostering dogs, fundraising, working as a peer mentor and she joined the trustee team in 2022.

Laura worked as an Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate in Cornwall and was the founding team leader of the one stop shop for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. After the arrival of her second child, Laura decided to go on to explore other passions. She now spends her days surrounded by animals and plants at the Lost Gardens of Heligan where she has worked as the Executive Director and Head of Garden Experience, and is now the Managing Director. Laura’s love of animals and dedication to providing support to victimsurvivors of domestic abuse is what inspires her to work as part of the Board of Trustees at Refuge4Pets.

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Mark Randell Trustee

Kerry Whincup Trustee

Mark is a retired senior detective who now trains police officers, prosecutors and politicians globally on the importance of taking animal welfare seriously within relationships and communities. His policing background focused on understanding criminal and abuser motivation within serious crime and terrorism, then working collaboratively to protect communities. His passion has always been animals, and he uses his international policing skills to persuade others why keeping pets safe keeps people safer too.

Kerry brings her extensive experience of domestic abuse to the role of trustee. Kerry currently works for Cornwall Council as their Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Coordinator and is the current Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) Chair for Cornwall. MARAC brings professionals together to focus on safeguarding victim-survivors. Kerry believes being a Refuge4Pets trustee combines her two passions: domestic abuse and the welfare of animals. She is enjoying being able to give something back as well as learn new skills.

9

Our volunteer animal foster carers

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“We are helping animals and
people, when they are at
their lowest point”
Volunteer Animal Foster Carer
10
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Our supporters

During our 2023/24 financial year, in addition to donations from hundreds of individuals, we were also supported with grants and donations from various organisations. Thank you to everyone who made a donation, and to the following organisations…

Animal Friends Betty Phillips Charitable Trust Chelsea and Mr French Animal Welfare Fund Chrissie’s Sunshine Appeal David Gibbons Family Trust Devon County Council Jean Sainsburys Animal Welfare Trust Livewell Foundation Micheal and Shirley Hunt Charitable Trust National Lottery Norman Family Trust Oak Foundation Pets Foundation Richer Sounds Royal Mail 300 Club South West Water The Ripple Effect

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11

Timeline of the year

April 2023

New team structure went live with the introduction of new roles to help us meet increasing demand for the service .

May 2023

In addition to attending Cornwall MultiAgency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC’s) we started attending Rural South Devon, Plymouth and Torbay MARACs to promote building animals into the safety plans for families impacted by domestic abuse .

June 2023

Rhi joined the team as a full-time project worker following the successful funding for this role from Pets Foundation

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October 2023

We completed a full review of our operational policies and procedures with support from external experts .

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August 2023 We refreshed our monthly FREE training webinar content, ‘Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control: Safeguarding People and Animals’ and co-delivered the first revised session with our Links Group colleagues .

July 2023

We spoke at The Link II Conference in Lisbon to raise awareness about Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control on a global platform .

September 2023

Our work with Safelives started . We are working together to amend all MARAC administration templates and guidance to include animals as well as developing training for MARAC partners .

January 2024

November 2023

We started attending North Devon MultiAgency Risk Assessment Conference .

December 2023

Our Christmas donations appeal ‘Extra Bowl at Christmas’ was a huge success thanks to our supporters .

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We started attending Exeter and Mid and East Devon MARACs . Caroline Harding joined the team as a Trustee .

February 2024

This month we reached a record number of animals in our care at one time . During February we had a total of 67 animals in our care (30 dogs, 34 cats, 2 snakes, 1 rabbit), which is the most we’ve ever had at one time, since the charity began in 2017 .

March 2024

Another record - we reunited a record number of 13 animals with their families during this month . The team worked tirelessly to ensure this happened . Seeing families reunited with their beloved animals is incredible and it’s why we do what we do .

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12

13

Our impact in numbers

People and animals we helped in 2023/2024

People and animals we’ve helped to date

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Families indirectly Animals
Families indirectly
supported fostered
Families directly supported
supported
54 Animals
reunited
Animals 327 629
746
fostered
461
87
Families directly
Professionals supported
Animals
trained
reunited
326 Professionals
82
trained
Please note: Direct support is where families
3273 accessed our fostering service and indirect support
is where we have provided information about animal 7341
fostering services in other areas of the UK or advice.
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14

15

What people say about us

100%

of service users rated our service as excellent

Our service users (victim-survivors)

“Refuge4Pets supported us “I would have been lost without the to move away from domestic support from Refuge4Pets. Knowing abuse and gave us the the foster family was taking such reassurance that our pets would good care of our cats put my mind at be well cared for until we could rest and allowed me to find a good have them back.” home for us all.”

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of victim-survivors said that Refuge4Pets meant 60% that they could leave an abusive relationship

of survivors said that Refuge4Pets enabled 64% them to access safety and support

of victim-survivors told us that knowing their animals were so 48% well cared for stopped them returning to the abusive relationship

of victim-survivors said knowing that they would be reunited with their animal(s) 88% helped increase their mental health and wellbeing

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of victim-survivors said that regular updates about animal(s) 84% helped to increase mental health and wellbeing

of victim-survivors said that Refuge4Pets enabled 68% them to form a positive support network

of victim-survivors said being united with their animal(s) will 92% help them to recover from the trauma they had experienced

of victim-survivors said being reunited with animal(s) will help their 68% children to recover from the trauma that they have experienced

“I will be forever grateful because my cat is everything to me and the kids. We have lost so much of what we knew, so to have him kept safe while we start to rebuild our lives has been a blessing.”

Our volunteers (animal foster carers)

“I am not in a position to have my own dog, fostering brings me so much joy and just being able to get out and walk a dog each day has also helped me to make friends.”

“It’s hard to say goodbye to any pet you have fostered, but it is wonderful knowing they are going back to their family who are now safe and happy.”

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of volunteers said knowing that they have helped people 81% and animals has increased their wellbeing

of volunteers said that having a foster 47% animal provided them with companionship

of volunteers said having a foster animal helped to reduce loneliness and isolation

34%

of volunteers said having a foster animal 47% increased their health and wellbeing of volunteers said volunteering enabled them 94% to feel part of a positive support network

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“It’s the best thing I’m doing right
now. It gives me purpose. I feel like
I am doing something tangible for
another human.”
17
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16

Training professionals

Our colleagues (domestic abuse-related professional services)

We work closely with our colleagues in domestic abuse-related professional services including Devon & Cornwall Police, local authority services and charities. We are proud of the work we have done to raise awareness of the link between animal abuse and domestic abuse and the support we offer our colleagues when helping people and animals to escape domestic abuse.

Through our anonymous feedback survey, we found that 100% of our colleagues rated our service as excellent.

Here is a small selection of the comments we received from our colleagues as part of this survey…

“It enables women to find a way. To know that their pet is safe gives them the green light to leave an abusive relationship knowing they will be reunited with them when they have secured safe accommodation. This brings hope, confidence and relief to the victim-survivors we work with. You help to give them back the life they deserve.”

“I have had numerous victims who have used this service, some on a temporary basis and some longer term. The team are always available on the phone. They are always helpful and happy to offer advice, even out of hours.”

“It gives people the chance to restart their lives. Accessing safe accommodation is often the scariest and most unnerving thing that people have had to experience and survive, knowing that their pet is safe and happy is vital in being able to support people.”

During 2023/24 we provided training sessions to 3273 people. The training and resources we provide are based on our domestic abuse practice and academic research expertise . We offer training to a wide range of professionals . These service providers are in touch with victim-survivors of domestic abuse and our new and innovative training is vital to help them understand the link between the abuse of people and animals . Much of the training we provide is cofacilitated with our Links Group Partners .

“You have helped so many of our women to take that final step and leave an abusive relationship. As you know, pets are the sticking point for many of them and they stay and endure further abuse as they cannot bear to be parted from their pet. Housing is a terrible worry and barrier for them as temporary housing will not accept their pets. You have enabled several of our women and animals to escape from these situations and to find peace and safety. One dog had to have several operations when he arrived with you in a state that still haunts me. He is now safe and extremely well and happy. That simply would not have happened without the support of Refuge4Pets. Thank you. The women we have been able to support, with your help, have gone on to college, work and even into new, healthy relationships. “

“It means that people can be assured that they have a kind, therapeutic organisation to support their pet, the staff are knowledgeable and super quickacting, which helps stabilise risk more thoroughly and quickly.”

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18

Case studies

The names of our service users and the animals we fostered for them have been changed, but their stories are true .

Diane and Angel

Diane had been hospitalised for nearly three months due to the injuries she sustained, following a violent attack by her partner . While in hospital Diane disclosed the extent of abuse that she had experienced over decades . We were able to bring Angel into our care so that Diane could escape to refuge safely following her discharge from hospital .

When we first met Angel she was in very poor condition . She was extremely underweight and had broken teeth and ear/eye infections due to neglect by the perpetrator . We took her straight to the vet and she received the treatment she needed . Angel is doing well in foster care and is now in much better health .

We provide Diane with regular updates, pictures and videos of Angel which she finds really comforting . We look forward to reuniting Angel with Diane when she is in permanent, safe accommodation .

Vicki and Frank

Vicki loves her dog Frank and would not leave without him . When the Police called out of hours following an incident, we knew this was our opportunity to help get them both to safety .

Prior to Vicki and Frank escaping, professionals had visited the property and observed how nervous Frank had been . Since coming into foster care Frank has come out of his shell . He has formed a close bond with his carer and has even started to play!

We keep Vicki updated regularly, which provides her with great reassurance .

Shelly and Tilly

Shelly, her two children and dog (Tilly) had experienced extensive abuse . The perpetrator is a prolific domestic abuse offender . He threatened Shelly at knife point in front of the children and there have been numerous physical attacks and threats made to her . The children were so scared that they told their social worker to call the Police as he is a ‘bad man and is going to kill Mummy’ .

We were able to work quickly alongside the Police and domestic abuse team to get Tilly into foster care so that the family could escape to safety .

Shelly had told Police that the perpetrator also abused Tilly, and she gave a statement about this abuse . After six months in foster care, we had the pleasure of reuniting Tilly with her family to carry on their lives together in safety .

Simon and Cally

Simon’s friend contacted initially to find out more about our service . Simon had been violently attacked by a family member and needed to get to a place of safety . He has a dog called Cally who means the absolute world to him . We were pleased when Simon called us directly and, after taking all the information about Cally, we found a wonderful foster home for her, and Simon went to a refuge .

Cally stayed in foster care for six months with the same family and their own dog . Pictures and updates were really important to Simon during the fostering process as a reminder that the day would come when they were back together . When that day came it was so wonderful to see Cally clap eyes on her Dad with her endless wiggles of joy .

“Refuge4Pets got me through some very traumatic months. Regular contact by phone and photos of my dog were the only joy I had in my life.” Victim-survivor

20

Main priorities 2024/25

As we move into the next financial year, our main priorities and expected outcomes for 2024/25 are:

Our values

Refuge4Pets determination in achieving our main priorities are derived from our five core values:

Empathy

We understand what people and animals have been through and work in an empathetic and non-judgemental way .

Outcome:

We are reaching victimsurvivors of domestic abuse across Devon and Cornwall who need our support .

Outcome:

More people and animals are safeguarded because of our contribution to research, education, policy and practice change in relation to the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse .

Equity

We believe that everyone is equal and has the right to live free of violence and abuse .

Empowerment

We empower victim-survivors to regain control of their lives .

Effectiveness

We work efficiently and effectively to achieve our vision .

Integrity

Outcome:

Greater community ownership and awareness about the link between domestic abuse and animal abuse to build a bystander community .

Outcome:

We are developing and delivering innovative solutions that enhance our reach and impact in terms of maximising the safety of victimsurvivors of domestic abuse, both people and animals .

We are honest and have strong moral principles .

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23

Refuge4Pets Trustees Annual Report

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Reference and Administrative Details

Charity Name Refuge4Pets Charity Registration Number 1174331

Company Registration Number CE010822

Registered office PO Box 160 Liskeard Cornwall PL14 9DR

Directors and Trustees

The Directors of the charitable company are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law. The following Directors and Trustees served during the year and up to the date of signing this report.

Caroline Harding (Appointed 25th January 2024) Dina Holder (Chair) Helen Hoskin Lesley Leahy Mark Randell (Appointed 2nd August 2024) Laura Smit-Chesterfield Kerry Whincup (Appointed 9th May 2024)

Mary Wakeham (CEO)

Key Management Personnel

Bankers

Lloyds Bank The Parade Liskeard Cornwall PL14 6AW

Independent Examiner Debbie Risborough (FCCA) Cornwall Community Accountancy Service The Elms 61 Green Lane Redruth TR15 1LS

Financial review

Recruitment & induction of trustees

Incoming resources for the period are £291,405 (2023: £323,428) and resources expended are £273,918 (2023: £256,885) leaving an overall surplus for the year of £17,487 (2023: £66,543) . Total unrestricted funds carried forward at the end of the year are £75,440 (2023: £82,245) with £15,174 (2023: £18,041) of this in designated funds . In addition, there remains £110,125 of restricted funds carried forward (2023: £85,833) .

Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed for a term of three years by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees . In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the current trustees consider the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of Refuge4Pets . Induction includes familiarisation of all trustees with our objectives, policies and procedures, operating methods and financial reporting .

Reserves policy

Refuge4Pets’ reserves policy is to maintain its level of unrestricted funds and maintain funds at a position where the minimum level of free reserves that Refuge4Pets will hold in unrestricted funds, excluding fixed assets, will cover three months of core running costs plus any potential liabilities in the event of Refuge4Pets having to cease its activities . Our aspiration is to increase our level of free reserves held in unrestricted funds from three months to six months of core running costs and any liabilities .

Risk management

The trustees regularly review the risks to the charity from both external factors and its operations . The trustees consider that they have taken appropriate steps to reduce such risks .

Good practice is to keep a risk register that identifies all risks and steps to reduce risks which the charity has in place .

Structure, governance & management

The charity was registered with the Charity’s Commission on 22nd August 2017 as a CIO . The charity is governed by its governing document dated 15th August 2017 .

Trustees Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and the applicable Statement of Recommended Practice . The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities .

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime as set out in Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 and in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) .

Approved by the Board on 19th September 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Dina Holder Chair of the Board of Trustees

24

25

Independent Examiner's Report

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 27 to 38.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ("the 2006 Act") and the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”). The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is needed.

The charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as 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.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

~~for the year ended 31 March 2024~~

Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Total
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
Total
Net income/(expenditure)
Net income/(expenditure) before
investment gains/(losses)
Other gains and losses:
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
47,495
42,665
90,160
96,965

96,965
(6,805)
(6,805)
(6,805)

82,245
75,440		 Restricted
income
funds
2024
£
-
201,245
201,245
176,953

176,953
24,292
24,292
24,292

85,833
110,125		 Total
funds
2024
£
47,495
243,910
291,405
273,918
273,918
17,487
17,487
17,487

168,078
185,565		 Prior year
funds
2023
£
73,342
250,086		 Prior year
funds
2023
£
73,342
250,086
323,428
256,885
256,885
66,543
66,543
66,543

101,535
168,078

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

2) or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

....................................................... ………………………

Debbie Risborough, Chartered Certified Accountant Date: Cornwall Community Accountancy Service The Elms, 61 Green Lane, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 1LS

26

27

Notes to the Accounts

Balance Sheet

As at 31 March 2024

Net current assets
Total assets less current
liabilities
Net assets
The funds of the charity:
Restricted funds
13
Unrestricted funds
General funds
13
Designated funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total charity funds
Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
10
Current Assets
Debtors
11
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: Amounts falling
due within one year
12		 2024
170,998
185,565
185,565
110,125
60,266
15,174
75,440
185,565
£
£
14,567
14,567
4,158
170,530
174,688
(3,690)		 2023
150,037
168,078
168,078
85,833
64,204
18,041
82,245
168,078
£
£
18,041
18,041
19,395
136,384
155,779
(5,742)		 2023
150,037
168,078
168,078
85,833
64,204
18,041
82,245
168,078
£
£
18,041
18,041
19,395
136,384
155,779
(5,742)

174,688
(3,690)
155,779
(5,742)
60,266
15,174		 64,204
18,041
168,078
85,833
82,245
168,078

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

For the year ended 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.

Approved by the Board on 19th September 24 and signed on its behalf by:

1 Accounting policies

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with: - 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 (FRS102) second edition - October 2019 (effective 1 January 2019);

The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS102

1.2 Change in basis of accounting or to previous accounts

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and method of accounting) since last year and no changes have been made to accounts for previous years.

1.3 Fund accounting policy

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

Designated funds are amounts that are allocated for specific purposes by the charity itself.

Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.

Revaluation funds are unrestricted funds which include a revaluation reserve representing the restatement of investment assets at their market value.

1.4 Income

There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted by the FRS102 SORP or FRS102.

Items of income are recognised and included in the accounts when all of the following criteria are met:

==> picture [174 x 30] intentionally omitted <==

Dina Holder Trustee

28

29

Notes to the Accounts

Notes to the Accounts

Donations and legacies are voluntary income received by way of donations and gifts. It is included within the accounts when receivable and only when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the income.

Tax reclaims on donations and gifts are included in the accounts at the same time as the gift/donation to which it relates

Donated goods and services are only included in income (with an equivalent amount in expenditure) where the benefit to the Charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material.

The value of services provided by volunteers is not included within the accounts.

1.5 Resources expended

Liabilities are recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and includes the attributable value added tax which cannot be recovered.

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is conveyed to the recipient except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year-end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.

Support costs are the those costs required to support the charity in carrying out its activities and meeting its objects.

Governance costs include costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the Charity, including the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and other costs linked to the strategic management of the Charity including the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

All assets costing more than £100 are capitalised.

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation.

Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, which is reviewed annually. The rates used are as follows:-

~~1.8 Stocks~~

Stock is included at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Donated items of stock are recognised at fair value which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay for the items on the open market.

1.9 Debtors

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

1.10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.11 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions 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. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

1.12 Pension costs

The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions are charged in the statement of financial activities as they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.

1.13 Leases

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

1.14 Statement of cash flows

The charity is exempt from preparing a statement of cash flows on the grounds that it is a small charity

2 Company Status

The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation and has no share capital. The charity is incorporated in England.

In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £nil per member of the charity.

The members of the charity are the trustees named on page 24.

Motor vehicles - 25% reducing balance Office equipment - 25% reducing balance

1.7 Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

30

31

Notes to the Accounts

Notes to the Accounts

3 Statement of Financial Activities - prior year

Income
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Total
Expenditure
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
6
Total
Net income/(expenditure) before
investment gains/(losses)
Net income/(expenditure)
Other recognised gains/(losses):
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
62,494
14,023		 Restricted
income
funds
2023
£
10,848
236,063		 Total funds
2023
£
73,342
250,086
76,517 246,911 323,428
41,553 215,332 256,885
41,553 215,332 256,885
34,964 31,579 66,543
34,964 31,579 66,543
34,964
47,281		 31,579
54,254		 66,543
101,535
82,245 85,833 168,078

4 Donations and Legacies

Legacies
Appeals and donations
Gift Aid
Dog Sponsorship		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
income
funds
£
£
10,030
-
34,826
-
2,599
-
40
-
47,495
-
 Total funds
2024
£
10,030
34,826
2,599
40		 Prior year
funds
2023
£
-
68,649
4,638
55

73,342
47,495

5 Incoming resources from charitable activities

Grant Income:
Jean Sainsburys
Norman Family Trust
Pets At Home Foundation
Lottery Awards
Lush
National Lottery Community
Fund
Pet Plan
Kennel Club
The Fore
Livewell Foundation
David Gibbons Trust
Devon County Council
Oak foundation
Manola Blahnik
Betty Phillips
Richer Sounds
South West Water
Souter
Primary Purpose Trading:
Training Income
Income from Events
Online Shop		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
income
funds
£
£
-
-
-
2,500
-
27,901
-
-
-
-
-
75,176
-
-
-
25,000
-
-
-
-
-
1,200
-
13,468
30,000
-
-
36,000
-
10,000
-
10,000
2,000
-
2,000
-
450
-
1,147
-
7,068
-
42,665
201,245
 Total funds
2024
£
-
2,500
27,901
-
-
75,176
-
25,000
-
-
1,200
13,468
30,000
36,000
10,000
10,000
2,000
2,000
450
1,147
7,068
243,910
 Prior year
funds
2023
£
5,000
500
22,000
9,046
3,500
106,017
20,000
30,000
30,000
10,000
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,000
3,624
7,399
250,086

32

33

Notes to the Accounts

Notes to the Accounts

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Direct costs
Pet food
Fostering expenses
Kennel fees
Vet fees
Online shop merchandise
Events
Volunteer training and DBS
Support costs
Wages and salaries
Staff NIC (Employers)
Pensions
Staff training
Staff Welfare
Rent and rates
Insurance
IT expenses
Telephone and fax
Printing, postage and
stationery
Subscriptions
Sundry expenses
Motor expenses
Advertising & Marketing
Legal and professional fees
Bank charges
Depreciation
Total Support Costs
Governance Costs
Accountancy fees
The audit or independent
examination of the charity's
accounts
Total Governance Costs
Total Charitable Expenditure		 Unrestricted
£
1,328
1,867
5,545
(200)
-
767
112		 Restricted
£
1,081
922
4,943
31,483
-
1,309

18		 Total
2024
£
2,409
2,789
10,488
31,283
-
2,076

130		 Prior year
2023
£
4,031
2,632
6,034
32,166
2,063
545

110
9,419 39,756 49,175 47,581
58,491
-
1,127
2,393
-
1,512
1,769
2,943
3,135
144
1,212
4,767
299
4,842
1,269
737
1,699		 95,821
8,445
1,979
1,741
1,018
504
1,728
241
888
20,012
-
1,860
-
-
174
96
552		 154,312
8,445
3,106
4,134
1,018
2,016
3,497
3,184
4,023
20,156
1,212
6,627
299
4,842
1,443
833
2,251		 134,585
5,618
2,765
2,401
506
8,717
2,979
2,865
4,031
22,206
4,826
3,540
205
5,954
2,370
886
1,343
86,339 135,059 221,398 205,797
57
1,150		 2,138
-		 2,195
1,150		 2,532
975
1,207 2,138 3,345 3,507
96,965 176,953 273,918 256,885

~~7 Net income/ expenditure~~

This is stated after charging:

~~Net income/ expenditure~~
This is stated after charging:
2024 2023
£ £
Auditors' / Examiners' remuneration 1,150 975
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 4,842 5,954

8 Staff costs

The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:

Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs of these persons were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security
Pensions		 2024
£
154,312
8,445
3,106		 2023
£
134,585
5,618
2,765
165,863
142,968
No employee received emoluments in excess of £60,000 in either the current
Total employee benefits received by key management personnel		 or the prior
46,620		 year.
35,863
The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:
2024 2023
Number Number
Staff in charitable activities 7 6
Volunteers (nos of people involved excluding Trustees) 145 151

9 Trustees' remuneration and expenses

Trustees received no remuneration, benefits in kind or expenses during the current or prior year.

34

35

Notes to the Accounts

10 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
As at 1 April 2023
Additions
As at 31 March 2024
Depreciation
As at 1 April 2023
Charge for the year
As at 31 March 2024
Net Book Value
As at 31 March 2024
As at 31 March 2023
Debtors
Prepayments
Other debtors		 Motor
Vehicles
£
19,833

-		 Equipment
£

8,299

1,368		 Total
£

28,132
1,368
19,833 9,667 29,500
(5,888)

(3,486)
(4,203)

(1,356)
(10,091)
(4,842)
(9,374) (5,559) (14,933)
10,459 4,108 14,567
13,945 4,096 18,041
2024
£
4,158
-		 2023
£
-
19,395
4,158
19,395

11 Debtors

12 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
Other creditors		 2024
£
2,540
-
1,150
-
3,690		 2023
£
193
4,133
975
441

5,742

Notes to the Accounts

~~13 Movement in funds~~

Restricted Funds
National lottery 1st Reaching
Communities
Pets At Home Foundation
Jean Sainsburys
Norman Family Trust
Kennel Club
Betty Phillips
David Gibbons
Devon County Council
Monolo Blahnik
Richer Sounds
Pet Plan 2
The Fore
Livewell Foundation
General Funds
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
Capital Expenditure
Oak Foundation
Total Unrestricted funds
Total funds		 As at 1
April
2023
£

23,226
3,877
15,595
-
5,097
-
-
-
-
-
20,000
8,038
10,000		 As at 1
April
2023
£

23,226
3,877
15,595
-
5,097
-
-
-
-
-
20,000
8,038
10,000		 Incoming
Resources
£
75,176
27,901
-
2,500
25,000
10,000
1,200
13,468
36,000
10,000
-
-
-		 Resources
Expended
£
(68,753)
(11,437)
(5,000)
(2,500)
(30,097)
(1,940)
(1,200)
(8,081)
(11,349)
-
(19,566)
(7,030)
(10,000)
(176,953)

(62,730)
(4,842)
(29,393)

(96,965)
(273,918)
 Transfers
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,368)
1,368
-
-
-
 As at 31
March
2024
£
29,649
20,341
10,595
-
-
8,060
-
5,387
24,651
10,000
434
1,008
-
110,125
60,266
14,567
607
75,440
185,565
85,833 201,245
64,204
18,041
-
60,160
-

30,000
82,245
90,160
168,078

291,405

36

37

Notes to the Accounts

14 Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible assets
Current assets
Creditors: Amounts falling
due within one year
Net Assets		 Unrestricted
funds
14,567
64,563
(3,690)		 Restricted
income funds
-
110,125
-
110,125		 Total funds
14,567
174,688
(3,690)		 Prior year
funds
18,041
155,779
(5,742)
75,440 185,565 168,078

15 Related party disclosures

Controlling party

The charity is managed by the trustees; thus no single party controls the company.

==> picture [596 x 842] intentionally omitted <==

38

Correspondence Address

Refuge4Pets PO Box 160, Liskeard, Cornwall PL14 9DR T 0300 4000 121 E info@refuge4pets.org.uk www.refuge4pets.org.uk

==> picture [142 x 49] intentionally omitted <==

Refuge4Pets is a registered charity in England and Wales. Charity No. 1174331