**Trustees Annual Report 2024-25** 

_Prepared by_ Jared Hodgson, CEO 




2024-2025 PAGE 1 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **INTRODUCTION FROM CHAIR** 

## **BY STEVE WATSON, CHAIR OF TRUSTEES** 

'How are things going? Are we achieving what we're here for?' 

Anyone who works in organisations to get something done should regularly step back and ask those questions. Especially those leading charities. As the co-founders, staff, and trustees of Hope at Home, we seek to keep that at the forefront of our mind as we take steps forward. 

This year we've had the highest record referrals since Hope at Home was founded (133). This represents both an increased knowledge of our services in the sector and a significant increase in need. We've also had the highest total number of guests accommodated in any one year (24). This is as a result of the generosity and hospitality of our wonderful hosts - so many of whom have come to love opening their homes. However, sadly, we've also had to decline 109 referrals – 82%of them. Having to turn away each one of these individuals breaks our heart. This represents the challenge facing so many survivors of Modern Slavery, and the need for safe and stable housing options. 

This has been perhaps the most challenging year for Hope at Home - both in terms of the UK's funding environment, and more acutely the political environment and consequent impact on survivors of modern slavery. The ongoing housing crisis in the UK, faced by so many, further exacerbates the pressures and challenges faced by survivors, in their journey towards recovery and independence. 

However, there's so much we're proud of this year - our outsized voice of influence in the sector, despite our relatively small size; our newly formed Guest Voices Group, our partnership working, our innovative approach, and our unique wellbeing offer for survivors. 

So, are we achieving what we're here for? 

Yes. And, in some ways, no. We are providing an increased number of safe homes for survivors. But so many don't yet have that opportunity. So, as we hinted last year, we can't afford to stand still. We don't have enough hosts and we'll continue to recruit and train more - hosting will always be a central part of our DNA. But we're adventuring into more innovation - providing safe homes through a pilot housing project. It's hard, and comes with a level of uncertainty as we develop the model. But, the mission requires it of us. To manage and mitigate the risk, to seek opportunities, ensure appropriate funding, develop the internal capacity and competency, provide the right governance and leadership, and work with all the right people and partners. 

We don't exist, to exist. We exist to provide safe homes for survivors of modern slavery by offering a range of innovative accommodation options in collaboration with other organisations. 

Thank you for your support. We couldn't do this without our hosts, friends, partners, supporters, funders, and donors. 

We hope each one of you, in your own way, will lean in further - and play your part in helping us provide safe homes for all survivors of modern slavery. 

It's why we're here. 


Steve Watson **CHAIR OF TRUSTEES** 



2024-2025 PAGE 2 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## Trustee Report Overview 

## **OBJECTIVES** 

The objective of the charity is to relieve the needs of people who are at risk of, or who have been subject to, modern slavery or human trafficking by providing access to safe housing within the community and by assisting in the provision of all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to rebuild their lives and become independent individuals and members of society. 

## **VISION & MISSION** 

**VISION** Safe homes for all survivors of Modern Slavery. 

**MISSION** Providing safe homes for survivors of modern slavery by offering a range of innovative accommodation options in collaboration with other organisations. 

## **VALUES** 

**Excellence:** We strive to be professional, honourable and full of integrity in our work. 

**Person focused:** We will always value the needs of individuals and care for them in a way that seeks to meet those needs. 

**Pioneering & Ambitious:** We are innovative and will seek new solutions until our aims are achieved. 

**Honouring:** We will always think the best of others and will be respectful in the way we treat and speak about them, understanding they are valued and bring a unique contribution. 

**Collaborative:** We recognise the benefits of building partnerships with others in order to end human trafficking. Their expertise and input are important to us and we actively seek them out. 

## **PUBLIC BENEFIT** 

The Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and planning its activities. Addressing modern slavery through providing accommodation, ensuring appropriate support, educating and influencing society and ensuring organisational sustainability are in the public interest as they support the most vulnerable in our society and help to tackle some of the core reasons that slavery exists. 




2024-2025 PAGE 3 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 


## **CASE STUDY Francisco*** 

Francisco*, a 26-year-old survivor from the EU, was referred to Hope at Home after escaping exploitation and modern slavery. Despite facing a complex immigration situation, Francisco found himself without a stable home, classified as a non-priority by the local authority. After facing street homelessness, he made the decision to relocate to stay with Hope at Home hosts, seeking safety, stability, and a fresh start. 

Francisco was welcomed into the home of a wonderful host family. Like many of our hosts, they are ordinary people with a spare room who wanted to offer support to someone in need. The Hope at Home hosting scheme provided Francisco with a safe, welcoming environment to help him heal from the trauma he had endured and work towards his personal goals. 

Francisco quickly settled into his new home. His hosts have described him as thoughtful, sensitive and caring. Francisco has shown respect and gratitude, always giving his hosts the space and privacy they need. The bond between Francisco and his host family has grown through shared experiences such as Parkrun and family meals, giving him a sense of belonging and community. 

One of Francisco’s main goals when he arrived at Hope at Home was to find employment and secure private rented accommodation. We are pleased to report that Francisco successfully secured a job within just six weeks of his placement. His determination to rebuild his life was evident in his speedy progress. Francisco is now saving up for his future, taking control of his finances and working towards securing permanent housing. 

The support from his hosts and the safety of his placement have given Francisco the space and peace of mind to focus on his future. He is making strides toward achieving his long-term goals, including stable housing and continuing his journey to full independence. 

*Guest names are changed for confidentiality purposes. 



2024-2025 PAGE 4 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **2024-2025 ACHIEVEMENTS** 

This year has been year two of our three year strategy. Below we will address our achievements so far. 

**Figure 1: Hope at Home’s strategy map** 

## **SAFE HOMES** 

guests **24** 

**13** female **11** male 



2024-2025 PAGE 5 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## 2024-2025 

## **ACCOMMODATION AT POINT OF REFERRAL** 

## **SURVIVORS’ MOVE-ON DESTINATIONS** 

Survivors’ reported accommodation status at point of referral to Hope at Home. 

Survivors’ reported move-on destination when exiting Hope at Home hosting. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
10<br>5<br>asylum accommodation 8<br>5<br>6<br>homeless/rough sleeping<br>4 4<br>friends/family<br>8 2<br>safehouse<br>0<br>2<br>other<br>Asylum seeker<br>IMMIGRATION Refused asylum seeker<br>Discretionary Leave to Remain<br>STATUS<br>Indefinite Leave to Remain<br>Survivors’ reported<br>immigration status at point EEA Pre Settled<br>of referral to Hope at Home.<br>EEA Settled Status<br>Other<br>0 1 2 3 4 5 6<br>Family/friendsAsylum accommodationLA housingNRM safehousePrivate rentedOther charity accommodationOtherContinued to next FY<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **IMMIGRATION STATUS** 

Survivors’ reported immigration status at point of referral to Hope at Home. 



2024-2025 PAGE 6 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **GUEST COMMENTS** 

**“With my hosts, this is the first time that I have seen family together.”** 

**“I prayed for a safe place to be and then my support worker told me about Hope at Home.”** 

**“I have a family I can go to whenever I'm at risk or need support... honestly, they are angels.“** 

**“I don't know what I would do without your help . I feel blessed with the family I live with, and that my life is in your very safe hands.”** 

**“Thank you so much to my hosts. They were wonderful and really supported me. Being able to use the gym has helped me get fit and take my mind off difficult things.”** 

**“My host is a good lady who gives me hope, she is always positive and she encourages me and teaches me when there are things I need to learn.”** 

**“I am full of hope every day because I know that God loves me. I see his work and his love in what humans like my host and you all at Hope at Home are doing to help me.”** 



2024-2025 PAGE 7 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **WHAT HAVE GUESTS BEEN DOING?** 

Having the stability of a home has meant that guests have been able to think about rebuilding their lives. Over this year, these are some of the activities our guests have taken part in: 


## **WELLBEING PACKAGE** 

We offer guests gym membership, destitution payments, travel passes and therapy sessions to encourage independence, community integration and rebuilding. This year **17 guests** have joined a gym, **14 guests** have accessed therapy, **8 guests** have used a regular bus pass and **5 guests** have received destitution payments. 



2024-2025 PAGE 8 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **WHAT HAVE GUESTS BEEN DOING?** 

We have been tracking guest outcomes throughout the year. Here are some positive outcomes for guests surveyed: 

**Outcomes Number of Guests Employment 9 guests found employment Seeing friends/family (positive Guests saw friends / family at least relationships) 47 times this FY 43 different ‘new activities’ tried this Learning something new year by guests Taking up therapy offer (wellbeing 14 guests package) Taking up gym membership 17 guests (wellbeing package) Taking up bus pass (wellbeing 8 guests package) Taking up destitution payments 5 guests (wellbeing package) Attending Guest Voices Group 4 guests** 



2024-2025 PAGE 9 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **WHAT HAVE GUESTS BEEN DOING?** 

We have monitored out guests at the start, mid-point and end of their placement with Hope at Home hosts. Here’s what we revealed: 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Outcomes Percentage of Guests<br>75% guests start placement<br>Feeling loved 81% guests mid placement<br>100% guests end placement<br>82% guests start placement<br>Feeling safe 100% guests mid placement<br>100% guests end placement<br>75% start placement<br>Feeling optimistic about future 82% guests mid placement<br>100% guests end of placement<br>75% guests start placement<br>Feeling able to make up own mind 90% guests mid placement<br>85% guests end placement<br>62% guests start placement<br>Feeling confident 73% guests mid placement<br>100% guests end placement<br>75% guests start placement<br>Feeling close to other people 82% guests mid placement<br>100% guests end placement<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>




2024-2025 PAGE 10 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **HOSTS** 

Recruiting new hosts continues to be impacted by the cost of living crisis and the political narrative around migrants. However, we have trained **8 new hosts** this year. **20 hosts** opened their homes to guests this year, with some welcoming more than one guest. 

## **HOST QUOTES** 

**“Hosting has given me a sense of purpose, I have made new friends and I see that I have more to give than I had previously realised.”** 

**“Hope at Home give hosts full and invaluable support. I would not consider hosting with any service that does not give such a level of support.”** 

## **HOST TRAINING & SUPPORT** 

Hosts are offered two initial training sessions which cover Modern Slavery, the UK Asylum system, safeguarding, setting boundaries, cultural differences, trauma and self-care. 

## **“Hosting has brought joy to my life.”** 

Hosts have regular calls with one of the Hosting Team for support as well as bi-monthly host zoom calls and a host WhatsApp group. 

**100% of hosts felt well supported and resourced by Hope at Home this year.** 




2024-2025 PAGE 11 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 


## **WHAT HAVE HOSTS GUEST VOICES BEEN DOING? GROUP** 

No of occasions 

**Supporting guests with 26 reading letters Supporting guests with 37 shopping Supporting guests with 24 appointments Supporting guests with 38 travel Meaningful & positive 1112 interactions with guests** 

This year we began our ‘Guest Voices’ group. This is a small group of current and previous guests who meet once a month, currently facilitated by our Operations Director. The purpose of the group is to ensure we are listening to our guests and providing opportunities to not just input into Hope at Home but also offer progression and employability pathways. 

The group have reviewed our Host Training, worked with our Digital Communications Officer to develop guest information on our website, reviewed our referral and placements processes and are currently inputting into the developing of our next 3 year strategic plan. Members of the group have also attended external events where lived experience experts have been involved such as updating the Human Trafficking Foundation Survivor Care Standards. 

One group member has been part of an interview panel as we recruited a new Hosting Coordinator. We are excited to develop the input from people with lived experience further in the next year. 

Figures for this financial year 



2024-2025 PAGE 12 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 


## **PARTNERS** 

We work in partnership with agencies who refer into us and provide casework support for our guests. Feedback from partners has been overwhelmingly positive: 

**“(Hope at Home excels at)….standing in the gap where so many survivors and victims of modern slavery are excluded from a safe and secure place to live, and also doing it with excellence, compassion, boundaries and the wellbeing of both your hosts, and guests at the centre. You are also incredibly collaborative as an organisation, consistently- throughout the existence of Hope at Home, working with and hearing from interested parties and stakeholders to contribute to your direction and get feedback about how to best meet the needs of the guests you serve.”** 

**“The support and care that Hope at Home offers their hosts, through training and support is second to none - working with such a vulnerable group of people entering hosting, even from the outside you can see how well-prepared hosts are by the team. I also think that the team's willingness to share what's working (and what's not) is incredible …. it's just a joy to work with people who are willing to be so open to share.”** 

**“The best part about my job has been (besides working and getting to know the amazing survivors) collaborating with people like you.”** 

**“Thank you so much for all your support and I for your kind words. I’m beyond grateful to have been able to work alongside you.”** 




2024-2025 PAGE 13 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **FUTURE PLANS** 

## **2025 – 2026 sees us enter the third year of our three year strategic plan.** 

## **STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT** 

We expect to continue to grow our hosting base, offering more safe homes to survivors of modern slavery. We also plan to continue our popular Guest Wellbeing package, offering therapy sessions, gym membership, bus passes and destitution payments to guests who wish to take this up. Our Guest Voices Group will continue to input into the development of our work, including the next three-year strategic plan. 

Having produced a feasibility study and detailed theory of change (available on request), we are now exciting to be taking the next steps on our 3-year Housing Pilot. Initially we expect to provide housing for male survivors of modern slavery with recourse to public funds. 

We will also be consulting with staff, guests, hosts, stakeholders, funders and trustees to develop our next three-year strategic plan (2026-2029). 

Hope at Home was constituted using our governing document as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission in January 2018. Our fantastic Board of Trustees gather for Board meetings four times each year, along with various sub-committee meetings outside of these main Board meetings. 

These meetings cover various topics including: financial oversight, operational updates and decision making, ensuring that we continue to deliver the best possible services for our beneficiaries in line with Charity Commission guidance, risk management, HR reviews, ensuring we remain true to our charity objectives and vision, and that we deliver these things in line with our 5 core values: 

**(Excellence / Person Focused / Honouring / Collaborative / Ambitious and Pioneering).** 




2024-2025 PAGE 14 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **RISK MANAGEMENT & SAFEGUARDING** 

Our principal risks in 2024-25 were: 

- **Ensuring we had enough hosts to meet the need for referrals.** 

- **Changes to policy and legislation that affected trafficked persons.** 

- **Ensuring that we secured enough funding to continue to run the charity for our beneficiaries within this financial year and the years ahead.** 

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibility for the management and control of the organisation and are involved in the key aspects of the risk management process, identifying risks and taking these into consideration when making decisions. 

An overall risk review activity is included in the Charity's annual governance calendar and is reviewed at each trustees meeting. The major risks, as above, to the Charity have been reviewed during the year, and control systems and policies are in place to ensure that risks are appropriately identified and managed at all levels of the organisation. No serious incidents have been reported in this financial year. 

Under the direction of the Trustees, the CEO has reviewed appropriate insurance and ensured that the cover provided is adequate for the services provided by the organisation. This will be revisited each year as the policies in place come up for renewal. In addition, we have outsourced HR to a third party who provides relevant expertise. As a result, the Trustees are confident that the organisation complies with current legislation and effectively manages the related risks. 




2024-2025 PAGE 15 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **BOARD OF TRUSTEES INFORMATION** 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
Name Start date<br>Steve Watson (Current Chair) May 2023<br>Helen Lambert (Vice Chair) May 2023<br>Joanne Badger (EDI Lead) July 2023<br>Tina Davies (Treasurer) May 2019<br>Jill Pargeter May 2020<br>Louise Calvey (Safeguarding Lead) July 2024<br>Shayne Tyler January 2020 (resigned Oct 2024)<br>**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## **ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** 

**Charity Number:** 1176802 **Registered Address:** PO Box 17404, Bromsgrove, B60 9NL **Bankers details:** CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ / Unity Trust Bank, PO Box 7193, Planetary Road, Willenhall, WV1 9DG 

**Accountant details:** Ian Jarvis, Vertis Accounting, 2nd Floor, Independence House, 16 Queen Street, Worcester WR1 2PL 

**Independent examiner:** It Doesn't Have to Cost the Earth Ltd, 47 St Dunstans Close, Worcester, WR5 2AJ 



2024-2025 PAGE 16 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **FINANCIAL REVIEW** 

Accruals accounts have been prepared for the financial year ended 31st March 2025, and the prior year accounts have been restated as accruals accounts in order to be comparable. 

Hope at Home report a deficit of £31,344 for the year ended 31st March 2025 (2023-24 deficit of £1,542). The deficit was driven by expenditure of £276,074 - an increase of £32,240 over the previous year spend of £243,834. Salary costs in particular grew during 2024-25 and were £27,411 (18%) higher than in 2023-24. Service delivery costs also grew substantially year on year. Income of £244,731 was £2,439 higher than the previous year figure of £242,292. 

Overall funds of £139,784 (2023-24 £171,128) included £138,828 of unrestricted reserves, and a balance of £956 of restricted funds (2023-24 £3,706). 

## **RESERVES POLICY** 

Our year end for 2024 to 2025 shows that we have Circa £140K in reserves at present and no other available bank funds. 

For the 2025 to 2026 financial year, our reserves policy has been rewritten, and we have the intention of holding in reserve 4 months of running costs at an amount of £142K (assuming the charity meets its goals around income of £427K, which includes the launch of our new Housing pilot). This expansion of our services requires an increased degree of financial planning and prudence, hence the desire to increase our reserves. 

Should we not reach the desired income to launch the housing project, our current position on reserves is equal to approximately 6 months of running costs 



2024-2025 PAGE 17 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing a trustees’ annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). 

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the charity for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are required to: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP; make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures that must be disclosed and explained in the financial statements; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. 

The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements. 

## **The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Annual Report.** 

## **Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:** 

## **Signature:** 


**Full name:** Steve Watson 

**Position:** Chair of Trustees **Date:** 1st September 2025 

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 applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 



2024-2025 PAGE 18 

**HOPE AT HOME: TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT** 

## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT** 

**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF HOPE AT HOME (‘THE CHARITY’)** 

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31st March 2025. 

## **RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT** 

As the trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). 

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT** 

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: 

- 1.accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or 

- 2.the accounts do not accord with those records; or 

- 3.the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content    of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 

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. 

**Signed: Date:** 2nd September 2025 

**Teresa Fennell, ACMA CGMA It Doesn’t Have to Cost the Earth Ltd 47 St Dunstans Close, Worcester, WR5 2AJ** 



## **Statement of Financial Activities** 

|**Notes**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Total**<br>**Funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**Income from:**<br>Donations<br>2<br>140,033<br>102,141<br>**242,174**<br>Investments<br>3<br>2,522<br>35<br>**2,557**<br>Other Income<br>0<br>0<br>**0**<br>**_Total income_**<br>142,554<br>102,177<br>**244,731**<br>**Expenditure**<br>Raising Funds<br>15,719<br>3,821<br>**19,540**<br>Charitable activities<br>4<br>155,429<br>101,106<br>**256,535**<br>**_Total expenditure_**<br>171,148<br>104,927<br>**276,074**<br>**Net income/(expenditure)**<br>(28,593)<br>(2,750)<br>**(31,344)**<br>**Transfer between funds**<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>**_Net movement in funds_**<br>(28,593)<br>(2,750)<br>**(31,344)**<br>**_Reconciliation of funds:_**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>13<br>167,421<br>3,706<br>**171,128**<br>**_Total funds carried forward_**<br>13<br>**138,828**<br>**956**<br>**139,784**<br>**31st March 2025**|**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Total**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>50,216<br>190,314<br>**240,530**<br>749<br>879<br>**1,628**<br>0<br>134<br>**134**<br>**31st March 2024 (restated)**|
|---|---|
||50,965<br>191,328<br>**242,292**<br>39<br>15,876<br>**15,915**<br>50,971<br>176,948<br>**227,919**|
|**_Total expenditure_**|51,010<br>192,824<br>**243,834**|
|||
|**Net income/(expenditure)**|(46)<br>(1,496)<br>**(1,542)**|
|**Transfer between funds**<br>**_Net movement in funds_**|0<br>0<br>0|
||(46)<br>(1,496)<br>**(1,542)**|
|**_Reconciliation of funds:_**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>13|167,467<br>5,203<br>**172,669**|
|**_Total funds carried forward_**<br>13|**167,421**<br>**3,706**<br>**171,128**|



The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. 

The notes on pages 21 to 27 form an integral part of the financial statements. 

19 



## **Balance Sheet** 

|**31st March 2025**<br>**Notes**<br>**Total Funds**<br>**£**<br>**Current assets**<br>Debtors<br>9<br>5,088<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>10<br>169,905<br>**_Total current assets_**<br>174,993<br>Creditors: amounts fallingdue within oneyear<br>11<br>35,209<br>**_Net current assets/(liabilities)_**<br>139,784<br>**_Total assets less current liabilities_**<br>139,784<br>**_Total net assets / (liabilities)_**<br>**139,784**<br>**Funds of the Charity**<br>Unrestricted funds<br>13<br>138,828<br>Restricted funds<br>13<br>956<br>**_Total funds_**<br>**139,784**|**31st March 2024 (restated)**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>1,921<br>170,983|
|---|---|
||172,904|
||1,776|
||171,128|
|||
||171,128|
||**171,128**|
||167,421<br>3,706|
||**171,128**|



The notes on pages 21 to 27 form an integral part of the financial statements. 

Approved by the trustees on                                               and signed on their behalf by:1[st] September 2025 

**Steve Watson, Chair of Trustees** 

Approved by the Trustees on 1[st] September 2025 and signed on their behalf by: 


Steve Watson, Chair of Trustees 

20 



## **Notes to the Accounts** 

## **Note 1: Accounting Policies** 

## **Charity Information** 

Hope at Home is a charitable incorporated organisation (charity number: 1176802) and its registered office is PO Box 17404, Bromsgrove, B60 9NL. 

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows: 

## **a) Basis of preparation** 

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), second edition - October 2019 (Charities SORP (FRS 102)),the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). 

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.  The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. 

Hope at Home meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes. 

The financial statements for 2024/25 have been prepared on an accruals basis which is a change in accounting policy from 2023/24 where they were prepared on a receipts and payments basis.  The effect of this change in policy on the 2024 figures is detailed in note 15. 

## **b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis** 

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. 

## **c) Income** 

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

Income for government and other grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

Donations are recognised when the charity receives the funds. 

## **d) Tax reclaim on donations and gifts** 

Gift aid is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor.  Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of the gift and is treated as an addition to the same fund as the initial donation unless the donor or the terms of the appeal have specified otherwise. 

## **e) Donated services and facilities** 

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably.  In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) general volunteer time is not recognised but is referred to in the trustee's annual report. 

21 



## **f) Fund accounting** 

Unrestricted funds are funds received which have no restrictions placed on their use and are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. 

Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. 

Restricted funds are funds which the donor has specified are solely to be used for particular activities. 

## **g) Interest receivable** 

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliabilty by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the Bank. 

## **h) Expenditure** 

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 

Expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated governance and support costs. 

Other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor specifically part of its expenditure on charitable activities. 

All expenditure is shown inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. 

## **i) Allocation of support costs** 

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs. Support costs have been allocated between governance costs and other support.  Governance costs comprise all costs involving public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. 

## **j) Financial Instruments** 

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial Instruments are Initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective Interest method. 

## **k) Debtors** 

Debtors (including trade and other debtors) are measured on initial recognition at settlement amount after any trade discounts.  Subsequently, they are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be received. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. 

## **l) Cash at bank and in hand** 

Cash at bank and 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. 

## **m) 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. 

## **n) Corporation Tax** 

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. 

22 



## **o) Key estimates and accounting judgements** 

In applying the charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions in determining the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities. The Trustees’ judgements, estimates and assumptions are based on the best and most reliable evidence available at the time when the decisions are made, and are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be applicable. Due to the inherent subjectivity involved in making such judgements, estimates ad assumptions, the actual results and outcomes may differ. 

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated.  Revisions to the accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised, if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of revision and future periods, if the revision affects both current and future periods.  The Charity does not currently have any significant accounting estimates or areas of judgement. 

## **Note 2: Analysis of Income from Donations and Grants** 

|||**2025**||**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|**Total**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Grants Received**|||||
|AB Charitable Trust|20,000||20,000|0|
|Albert Gubay||35,000|35,000|35,000|
|Albert Hunt||7,000|7,000|7,000|
|Arnold Clark Community Fund|1,000||1,000|0|
|Awards for All / National Lottery Community Fund||20,000|20,000|10,000|
|Benefact Trust|18,600||18,600|18,600|
|Bromley Trust|15,000||15,000|15,000|
|Charles & Elsie Sykes Trust|2,500||2,500|0|
|Charles Platter Trust||16,342|16,342|0|
|Eleanor Rathbone Trust|3,000||3,000|0|
|Eveson Trust||5,000|5,000|0|
|Farthing Trust||5,000|5,000|5,000|
|Hobson CT||3,799|3,799|0|
|Homeless Link|||0|22,840|
|NACCOM|15,000||15,000|0|
|Pat Newman Trsut|1,000||1,000|0|
|RENATE|1,500||1,500|0|
|Sisters of the Holy Cross|||0|20,000|
|Souter|5,000||5,000|0|
|Southall Trust|5,000||5,000|5,000|
|Others|15,000|10,000|25,000|43,100|
|**Donations**|||||
|Major Giving|||0|20,000|
|Gift Aid Donations|13,206|0|13,206|14,174|
|Other Donations|24,226|0|24,226|24,816|
|**Total**|**140,033**|**102,141**|**242,174**|**240,530**|
|**Analysis of Government grants included above:**|||||
|The National Lottery Community Fund|0|20,000|**20,000**|**10,000**|
||**0**|**20,000**|**20,000**|**10,000**|



23 



## **Note 3: Income from Investments** 

|**Note 3: Income from Investments**||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||**2025**|||**2024**|
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total funds**||**Total**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**||**£**|
|Interest from current and savings accounts|2,522|35||2,557|1,628|
|**Total**|**2,522**|**35**||**2,557**|**1,628**|



## **Note 4: Expenditure on Charitable Activities** 

|Staff & staff related costs<br>Guest Wellbeing & Travel<br>Host Recruitment & Support<br>Destitution Payments<br>Development Costs<br>Other Direct Costs<br>Support costs (note 5)<br>Governance costs (note 5)|**2024**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**Total funds**<br>**Total**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>117,049<br>72,350<br>189,399<br>163,994<br>5,243<br>5,881<br>11,124<br>814<br>7,965<br>5,329<br>13,294<br>15,413<br>1,131<br>2,384<br>3,515<br>0<br>5,739<br>7,526<br>13,265<br>21,180<br>7,703<br>4,462<br>12,165<br>10,555<br>9,094<br>1,594<br>10,689<br>8,935<br>1,504<br>1,580<br>3,084<br>7,029<br>**155,429**<br>**101,106**<br>**256,535**<br>**227,919**<br>**2025**|
|---|---|



## **Note 5: Support & Governance Costs** 

|||**2025**||**2024**|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total funds**|**Total**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|**Support costs**|||||
|Computer Costs|2,187|184|2,371|2,916|
|Insurance|2,086|0|2,086|1,729|
|Payroll Fees|848|264|1,112|1,091|
|Accountancy fees|966|366|1,332|202|
|Other Support Costs|3,007|780|3,787|2,997|
|**Total Support costs**|**9,094**|**1,594**|**10,689**|**8,935**|
|**Governance Costs**|||||
|Independent Examination fees|750|0|750|700|
|Costs relating to Trustee meetings & training|754|1,580|2,334|6,329|
|**Total Governance costs**|**1,504**|**1,580**|**3,084**|**7,029**|
|**Note 6: Details of Certain items of expenditure**|||||
|Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging:|||||
||||**2025**|**2024**|
||||**£**|**£**|
|Fee for the preparation of the financial statements|||500|0|
|Independent examiners fee|||750|700|



24 



## **Note 7: Staff Costs** 

|Salaries and wages<br>Social security costs (net of Employment Allowance)<br>Pension costs (defined contribution scheme)<br>**Total staff costs**|**2025**<br>**£**<br>169,274<br>8,536<br>5,551<br>**183,361**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>145,447<br>5,670<br>4,832|
|---|---|---|
|||**155,950**|



No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000 (2024: none) 

## **Average head count in the year** 

## **Total** 

|**2025**||**2024**||
|---|---|---|---|
||8||8|
||8||8|



## **Key Management Personnel** 

The trustees consider the Charity's key management personnel to be the trustees and the CEO.  The aggregate remuneration of key management personnel during the year was £34,117 (2024: £32,876). 

## **Note 8: Trustee Remuneration, benefits and expenses** 

No trustees were remunerated, and no trustees received any benefits in cash or in kind (2024: £nil). Six of the Trustees claimed or had expenses met by the charity totalling £1,944 (2024: £6,239).  Expenses included the costs of travel, subsistence and accommodation relating to their duties as trustees. 

Trustee indemnity insurance is covered in the Charity insurance policy. 

## **Note 9: Debtors** 

|Accrued income<br>**Note 10: Cash at Bank and in Hand**<br>**Note 11: Creditors**<br>Deferred Income (Note 12)<br>Accounts Payable<br>Accruals<br>Pensions Payable<br>**Total Creditors**<br>Prepaid expenses<br>**Total Debtors**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Total Cash at Bank and in Hand**<br>Accounts Receivable|**2025**<br>**£**<br>4,088<br>0<br>1,000<br>**5,088**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>169,905<br>**169,905**<br>**2025**<br>**£**<br>30,000<br>763<br>2,750<br>1,696<br>**35,209**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>172<br>749<br>1,000|
|---|---|---|
|||**1,921**|
|||**2024**<br>**£**<br>170,983|
|||**170,983**|
|||**2024**<br>**£**<br>0<br>383<br>700<br>694|
|||**1,776**|



25 



## **Note 12: Deferred Income** 

|**Note 12: Deferred Income**|||
|---|---|---|
|Balance at 1 April<br>Amount released to Income from Charitable Activities<br>Amount deferred in year<br>Balance at 31 March|**2025**<br>**£**<br>0<br>0<br>30,000<br>**30,000**|**2024**<br>**£**<br>0<br>0<br>0|
|||**0**|



## **Note 13: Statement of Funds** 

|Unrestricted Funds<br>Designated funds<br>General funds<br>Restricted Funds<br>Other Restricted Projects<br>Albert Gubay (2023+)<br>Albert Hunt<br>Awards for All / National Lottery<br>Charles Platter Trust<br>Eveson Trust<br>Farthing Trust<br>Hobson CT<br>Homeless Link<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Balance at 31**<br>**March 2024**<br>**(restated)**<br>**Incoming**<br>**Resources**<br>**Resources**<br>**Expended**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>60,000<br>43,600<br>38,600<br>107,421<br>98,954<br>132,548<br>167,421<br>142,554<br>171,148<br>2,321         10,000         11,687<br>150         35,035         35,185<br>0<br>7,000           7,000<br>0 20,000         20,000<br>0 16,342         16,342<br>0<br>5,000           4,678<br>0<br>5,000           5,000<br>0<br>3,799           3,799<br>1,235<br>0<br>1,235<br>3,706<br>102,177<br>104,927<br>**171,128**<br>**244,731**<br>**276,074**|**Transfers**<br>**Balance at 31**<br>**March 2025**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>0<br>**65,000**<br>0<br>**73,828**|
|---|---|---|
|||**0**<br>**138,828**|
|||0 634<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0 322<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0<br>0|
|||**0**<br>**956**|
||||
|||**0**<br>**139,784**|



A number of significant restricted grant awards were received during the year including the following for the purposes described: 

**Albert Gubay:** providing safe accommodation and support for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the Northern Region and extended to include the rest of England. 

**Awards for All / National Lottery:** restricted towards Hosting Managers salary and the salary of a regional hosting co-ordinator. 

**Charles Platter Trust:** restricted to funding a part time hosting co-ordinator. 

## _**Prior Year Comparative (restated)**_ 

|Unrestricted Funds<br>Designated funds<br>General funds<br>Restricted Funds<br>Other Restricted Projects<br>Albert Gubay 2023<br>Homeless Link<br>National Lottery / Awards for All<br>Sisters of the Holy Cross<br>**TOTAL FUNDS**|**Balance at 31**<br>**March 2023**<br>**Incoming**<br>**Resources**<br>**Resources**<br>**Expended**<br>**Transfers**<br>**Balance at 31**<br>**March 2024**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>50,000<br>0<br>0<br>**10,000**<br>**60,000**<br>117,467<br>50,965<br>51,010<br>**(10,000)**<br>**107,421**<br>167,467<br>50,965<br>51,010<br>**0**<br>**167,421**<br>5,203       103,488        106,369<br>0 2,321<br>0 35,000         34,850<br>0 150<br>0 22,840         21,605<br>0 1,235<br>0 10,000         10,000<br>0<br>0<br>0 20,000         20,000<br>0<br>0<br>5,203<br>191,328<br>192,824<br>0<br>3,706<br>**172,670**<br>**242,292**<br>**243,834**<br>**0**<br>**171,128**|
|---|---|



26 



## **Note 14: Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds** 

||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total funds**|
|---|---|---|---|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Net assets / (liabilities)|138,828|956|139,784|
|**_Prior Year Comparative (restated)_**||||
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total funds**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Net assets / (liabilities)|167,421|3,706|171,128|



## **Note 15: Related Parties** 

The related parties of Hope at Home include the trustees, the CEO and the spouse of the CEO. 

The total remuneration of the CEO is included in note 7.  The total remuneration of the spouse of the CEO was £25,666 (2024: £23,016). 

## **Note 16: Notes on Comparative Figures** 

The 2024 accounts were prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis, and have been restated on an accruals basis in line with the Charities SORP (2019) in order to be comparable with the reporting year.  The effect of the restatement is shown below: 

|**Income from:**<br>Donations<br>Investments<br>Other Income<br>**Total Income**<br>**Expenditure**<br>Raising Funds<br>Charitable activities<br>**Total Expenditure**<br>**_Net movement in funds_**<br>**_Reconciliation of funds:_**<br>Total funds brought forward<br>**_Total funds carried forward_**|**Previous report**<br>**(Receipts &**<br>**Payments**<br>**Basis)**<br>**Accruals**<br>**Prepayments**<br>**Restated 2024**<br>**(Accrual basis)**<br>**£'s**<br>**£'s**<br>**£'s**<br>**£'s**<br>240,530<br>240,530<br>879<br>749<br>1,628<br>134<br>134<br>**241,543**<br>**749**<br>**0**<br>**242,292**<br>16,915<br>1,000<br>15,915<br>227,219<br>700<br>227,919<br>**244,134**<br>**700**<br>**1,000**<br>**243,834**|
|---|---|
||**_(2,591)_**<br>**_49_**<br>**_(1,000)_**<br>**_(1,542)_**|
||**172,669**<br>**172,669**|
||**170,079**<br>**49**<br>**(1,000)**<br>**171,128**|



27