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2024-09-30-accounts

Charity number: 1177687

SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

SAFE STEPS

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers 1
Trustees' report 2 - 13
Independent auditors' report on the financial statements 14 - 17
Statement of financial activities 18
Balance sheet 19
Statement of cash flows 20
Notes to the financial statements 21 - 37

SAFE STEPS

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Trustees M Aydeniz
E Daughters
L Parks, Treasurer
L Dye, Chair
L Hobbs (resigned 27 March 2024)
S Kilbey
K Imber
T Watson (appointed 2 April 2025)
L Skinner (appointed 2 April 2025)
R Eighteen (appointed 22 January 2025)
Charity registered
number
1177687
Principal office
4 West Road
Westcliff-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 9DA
Contact Details
enquiries@safesteps.org
www.safesteps.org
Chief executive officer
Sarah Conlon
Finance manager
Angela Hickman
Independent auditors
Venthams
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditor
Millhouse
32 - 38 East Street
Rochford
Essex
SS4 1DB
Bankers
Charities Aid Foundation
25 Kings Hill Avenue
West Malling
ME19 4JQ
Solicitors
Paul Robinson Solicitors
Old Bank
470-474 London Road
Westcliff-on-Sea
Essex
SS0 9LD

Page 1

SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the period 01 October 2023 – 30 September 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102 effective 01 January 2019).

FROM OUR CHAIR

This year was a year of stability and preparedness for the transformative changes to come. We came to the end of the Essex Integrated DA Service contract and our contract with Southend City Council, our unwavering attention was on ensuring we were ‘bid ready’ as we stepped into a new era of commissioning. The Pan Essex DA Commissioning Collaborative demonstrated a changing landscape as Local Authorities and PFCC worked together, combining resources to ensure best value and maximum reach. The CEO and the Senior Team worked hard this year to ensure Safe Steps submitted a bid we were proud of and we were overjoyed to have been successful.

We made considerable progress this year against our 3 year strategy in all 5 core areas; our people, our clients, our services, our organisation and our partnerships. As Chair, I am immensely proud of the steps taken to support our staff, enhance our services, strengthen our community partnerships and change the lives of those affected by domestic abuse.

As part of our ongoing commitment to grow and improve, we commissioned Making Impact Matter to complete an impact evaluation of our child and young person’s service. The report included an analysis of the services’ efficacy, areas for improvement and the social value delivered. The report highlighted significant positive outcomes, substantial improvements for those we work with as well as the economic and social value generated by our programmes, it also amplified the need for continued local authority funding.

As Safe Steps looks to the future, our focus will remain on securing the necessary funding to expand our impact and to continue our mission to transform lives and foster a safer, more supportive community. I extend my thanks to every individual who has contributed over the last 12 months, our donors and funders and for the professionalism and dedication of our CEO, staff, trustees and volunteers throughout.

Lesley Dye

Page 2

SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Objectives and activities

Our Vision, Mission and Values

OUR VISION For a brighter future free from domestic abuse

OUR MISSION Working with and for survivors, and those at risk of, domestic abuse in all its forms to be and feel safer. Together with our partners we will increase awareness of domestic abuse and advocate for change.

OUR VALUES

Individualit y – We recognise and value difference. Placing client needs at the centre of all we do. We celebrate that people are individuals, appreciate the value of diversity and recognise some sections of community need different interventions to achieve equality.

Integrity – We understand the importance of an atmosphere of openness and honesty throughout Safe Steps that promotes confidence of our clients, colleagues, stakeholders, funders and regulators.

Excellence - We review and improve our service delivery to ensure we remain a centre for excellence, going above and beyond, to support survivors of domestic abuse.

Empowering – Empowering survivors to drive positive change. Listening to survivors and being led by their experiences and insight. Empowering staff to achieve and reach their full potential. We will work to empower staff talent and initiative.

Responsive – We strive to be responsive to survivors needs applying a trauma informed response to all we do. We are responsive to changing service demands and a changing landscape, by being an organisation that is sustainable and scalable.

OBJECTIVES

Safe Steps are here to provide support to survivors, those at risk of, domestic abuse in all its forms to be and feel safer. We aim to ensure that everyone who comes to us is supported to be and feel safer.

The charity’s objectives are:

Relieve the needs of victims of domestic abuse from Essex by aiding provision on temporary accommodation, items, services or facilities and by any other means at the Trustees discretion.

To preserve and protect the mental and physical health of adults and children in necessitous circumstances in Essex.

To educate the Essex public in the causes and effects of domestic abuse and the prevention thereof, including by understanding or contributing to research and to publish the useful results of such research.

We continue to be a provider that is able to support survivors of domestic abuse throughout their journey. From our prevention and awareness work in schools, to supporting those in crisis with our IDVA teams, to accommodating those with an emergency need in our refuge, to our bespoke recovery programmes and counselling. We continue to be able to provide holistic support, at any point in someone’s journey, a journey that is seamless and not fragmented. We understand survivors have differing needs and experiences, but once a survivor begins with us, they can remain until our practical and emotional support is no longer needed.

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance

THE DIFFERENCE MADE THIS YEAR

This year we have continued to provide safe accommodation and community based services including high risk support, child and parent programmes, young person IDVA support, recovery work and a helpline answered 365 days a year. Our services are a vital lifeline to those at risk of

experiencing domestic abuse, currently experiencing and seeking support following their experiences of domestic abuse. Safe Steps is a service that is proud to provide a full beginning to end provision, offering support to survivors regardless of what level of risk or stage they are in.

We responded to 1255 adult and 225 child referrals this year who were supported to break the cycle of domestic abuse and recover from the trauma. Essex Compass, our pan-Essex helpline received 9475 referrals.

90% of our clients told
us they felt their
safety had improved		 89% said their
networks were
stronger and more
resilient		 96% told us they felt
more confident in
asking for help if they
needed it		 96% said they felt
better able to
recognise abusive
behaviour

From the 1255 referrals, these are some of our demographic data from the 884 adults we worked with directly.

----- Start of picture text -----
Age of our clients
76+
71-75
66-70
61-65
56-60
51-55
46-50
41-45
36-40
31-35
26-30
21-25
16-20
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Number of clients
Age range
----- End of picture text -----

Page 4

SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

----- Start of picture text -----
% of clients with additional vulnerabilities
50
45
40
35
30
95% of our adult 25
20
clients were female 15
10
5
0
----- End of picture text -----

What our clients told us they had experienced

The % of our clients who experienced......

----- Start of picture text -----
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
5809 children were
…and 1253 were 4425 young people
We supported 225
children directly supported indirectly learned about healthy indirectly supported
relationships through COMPASS
helpline
----- End of picture text -----

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

OVERVIEW OF SERVICES

At Safe Steps we offer specialised programmes, interventions, and resources designed to support individuals who are experiencing, have experienced or are at risk of experiencing abuse. Our services aim to ensure safety, provide emotional and practical support, promote recovery and help survivors rebuild their lives.

Our service provision consists of:

  1. Crisis intervention and emergency support

  2. COMPASS helpline available 365 days a year

  3. A pan-Essex central point of contact for professionals to refer into

  4. Safe Accommodation in form of a women’s refuge and dispersed flats providing 12 beds in Southend.

  5. High Risk IDVAs working with MARAC partners.

  6. Co-located IDVAs in Southend Police DA Teams.

  7. Advocacy and Legal Support

  8. Community IDVA team support providing outreach support

  9. Partner working with Immigration and Family Law specialist services

  10. Practical Support

  11. Essex Safe Start Fund providing low barrier flexible funding to improve safety

  12. Housing IDVA providing assistance to navigate through housing and homeless processes

  13. Recovery and Therapeutic Services

  14. Trauma Informed accredited services

  15. Recovery Toolkit for adult survivors

  16. Online recovery programmes to support self-directed recovery

  17. Together We Can recovery programme for parents

  18. Together We Thrive recovery programme for children

  19. SPACE parenting programme

  20. Young Persons Recovery Toolkit for teens

  21. Individual counselling for adults

  22. Specialist child counselling service

  23. Specialist Support

  24. Break The Cycle, our Young Person IDVAs supporting 13-19 year olds

  25. ISAC, ISVA and OPVA qualified staff

  26. Early Years IDVAs supporting parents through pregnancy and/or with children under 5yrs

  27. LGBTQIA+ specialist recovery programme

  28. Male survivor recovery programme

  29. Prevention and Education

  30. School and community workshops and education programmes

  31. Public awareness campaigns

  32. Community event involvement

  33. Training for professionals

Safe Steps recognises that domestic abuse affects individuals across all demographics, but its impact and the pathway to safety will be shaped by victims/survivors intersectional (race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, immigration) and differing needs (age, health and addiction). We are committed to fostering a community and shaping our services so victims and survivors of domestic abuse are able to access and feel recognised, understood and supported at Safe Steps.

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Adults

Our support in the community is made up of the following dedicated and focused teams; High Risk IDVA, Community IDVA, Early Years IDVA and our co-located IDVAs in Housing and Health. Between them we can ensure we are responsive to client referrals at any stage of their journey. The adult teams worked with 699 clients, 583 were new to Safe Steps this year, empowering them and providing essential advocacy when needed. The team additionally provided shorter information, advice and guidance to 216 survivors, professionals and third parties.

‘Thank you, you are amazing, when I first completed the self referral, I did not think I would get this much support. I don't think I would have come this far without you'

The teams supported 145 clients to improve their housing situation, 352 clients reported improved mental health, 118 were better able to manage their finances and 238 parents said support had a positive impact on their parenting.

Our co-located IDVA in Housing continued to prove successful, bridging the gap between clients and the local authority to expedite action and bring about positive outcomes. While the IDVA is placed within Southend City Council, she remains a valued member of Safe Steps team ensuring she has access to line management, case reviews, training, supervision, peer support and meets all requirements as set out by our Leading Lights Accreditation. The model is to be mirrored in Health and this year we were commissioned by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to co-locate an IDVA at Southend University Hospital.

‘Without your support since I fled, I'm not sure I would of got through everything life was throwing at me. You have made such a difference and positive impact in our life. I can't express to you how much you have done being there and supporting me so thank you so much. Thank you for being so great. Thank you for everything.’

Recovery

Domestic abuse recovery programmes help survivors to rebuild their lives emotionally and psychologically by helping to process experiences, restoring self-worth and by maintaining the safety strategies and stability learned. Recovery support reduces the likelihood of returning to abusive relationships by encouraging awareness and facilitating positive and resilient support networks. This year we became a proud member of South East Essex Trauma Alliance, an accreditation we are proud of, recognising being trauma informed is not just a sense of doing, but a sense of being. Following a restructure we now have a dedicated Recovery Manager who has worked hard to develop our portfolio of recovery programmes and widen our reach as well as expand our counselling team. By introducing specialised programmes for survivors from LGBTQIA+ communities and another for male victims we are much better placed to meet our clients’ varied needs and we now have nine programmes of recovery. Safe Steps now have a programme on each day, both in person and online, ensuring survivors are able to access the programme that best meets their needs and at a time they can attend.

‘My mental health was suffering, I was struggling alone. I have been supported to reach out to professionals and be honest with them. I now have support from friends, family, neighbours and professionals. I am not alone anymore. I know I am strong enough to get through this now which, I didn't feel before.’

‘This has been simply the most important event in my recovery from serious mental health illness mostly instigated from a 25yr abusive relationship. I now have so much more confidence, self-belief, understanding and I know I'm not the only one who's been through it.’

Children and Young People

Safe Steps have been a cornerstone in supporting children and families affected by domestic abuse in Southend for many years. Funded by Southend City Council for our Fledglings Child and Family Service we

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

have always worked on the basis that children are not just passive witnesses when exposed to domestic abuse, they are direct victims. Our recovery programmes offer a lifeline to those in need of support and intervention. They are designed to provide comprehensive assistance to children, young people and non-abusing parents, facilitating recovery and resilience through tailored support strategies. Last year we worked directly with 225 children, many in our recovery programme, some were supported 1-1 within their school settings and some by our specialist children’s counselling service. 95% of the children we worked with said they knew domestic abuse was happening to their parent, with 90% of the children telling us they had directly witnessed it happening. Our Together We Can and Together We Thrive programmes focus on working with the nonabusing parent to recover and strengthen family dynamics.

‘I had fun, but it really helped me, I learnt the numbers to ring in an emergency. I learnt it’s ok to get upset or feel angry or frustrated that all feelings are ok. I learnt to never change yourself for others. I had fun and I learnt to be brave [referencing showing keyworker a dance solo]. I got a present and a certificate and I am proud of myself.’ A Child

70% of the families we worked with completed their programme of support, underscoring the effectiveness of our interventions. 85% of children attending our programmes said they knew more about how to keep themselves safe.

‘Before I did not know how to respond to my son, I would shut him down because I was overwhelmed. Now I am calming my emotions and listening to his emotions. Before we go to bed we talk about how our day was and what we did. ’ A Parent

Break The Cycle is our specialist 13-19 team focused on helping young people identify and recover from abusive and unhealthy relationships, this service includes awareness sessions in schools and community settings, along with professional training on teen relationship abuse. Their holistic approach aims to empower young people by providing them with the tools needed to foster healthy relationships, both in their personal lives and with their families. The team’s proactive approach not only addresses immediate safety needs but also promotes long -term stability through education, empowerment and community integration. 77 young people were directly supported this year, overwhelmingly 74% were within the 16-20 age range. 84% of the young people worked with completed their programme of support with many assisted into supported accommodation and back into education. The team delivered workshops on Healthy Relationships to 4445 young people this year. They also attended community events in the community, university and colleges raising awareness of domestic abuse and where to get help to a further 4200 young people.

‘I am going to university in a totally different town, I would not have been able to do this before accessing support from Break The Cycle and being able to learn coping strategies that I can take with me has made such a big difference in my life.’

The service was launched in 2017 following a grant from The National Lottery and funded again in 2020. This incredible level of funding came to an end in January 2024 and is currently being funded with a combination of funds from Southend City Council and our core grant while we await the outcome of the Pan Essex DA Commissioning tender.

Although our current contract with Southend City Council is set to conclude in March 2025, we are strategically positioned to continue our development and expand our services. The growing demand and our programme’s proven effectiveness place us in a strong position for 2025-2030 commissioning.

SAFE ACCOMMODATION

At Safe Steps we have 7 bed spaces in our family refuge and access to a further 5 in a dispersed model. This year we housed 19 families and provided support to help them feel safe and recover from the trauma of abuse. In addition to continuous support sessions, the team delivered programmes of recovery for the residents and their children, as well as fun activities such as craft, picnics, days out, music sessions and gardening. These helped the residents develop new interests and learn new skills.

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

The average length of stay increased this year to 11 months from 4.5 months in 2022/23, this was due to the use of the dispersed accommodation as ‘move on’ while families awaited allocation by local authorities, rather than a move into temporary accommodation, meaning we were better able to support the transition into their own permanent homes.

Only one exit from refuge was not planned this year, all others completed their programme of support and were supported either to return to their own addresses or into a new home. For these residents there was 100% cessation of physical and sexual abuse (for those who had experienced these forms of abuse) and just one resident advised there were still some incidents of emotional and financial abuse ongoing for them upon their exit from our accommodation. Four residents would be required to have ongoing contact with their perpetrator for the purposes of court ordered child arrangements but all advised they felt more confident, safer and better able to ask for help if they needed it.

COMPASS HELPLINE

Our helpline is a trusted resource offering compassionate support to survivors, crucial guidance to professionals and essential advice to concerned friends and family. It not only serves as a gateway, but as a vital lifeline with our Helpline Advisors hearing an overwhelming sense of relief from survivors once conversations start. This year the Compass team experienced a further increase in contacts, 9475 in total. 7814 of these were referrals for support; an increase of 71% on the previous year. Referrals from Essex Police now account for 52% of all referrals into Compass. With the growing increase looking to become something that is going to remain, we worked with our Police partners to provide training and give them a dedicated platform to submit their referrals through.

In line with the data from Essex Police, of the 14 districts served by Compass, Southend accounted for the highest percentage of referrals, closely followed by Colchester and then Basildon.

2779 survivors agreed to receive ongoing support and were referred onto Safe Steps Community Services, into Next Chapter, Changing Pathways or to Thurrock Safeguarding.

39% of survivors we spoke to told us they had mental health needs, 10.5% had physical health needs, 3.1% said they had alcohol support needs, 3.2% had drug support needs, 3% had their own offending needs and 4% has No Recourse To Public Funds.

ESSEX SAFE START FUND

We were so pleased to be part of an exciting new pilot developing a model of support for those experiencing domestic abuse. The model offers flexible funding to aid an individual to either access safe accommodation and/or to maintain safe accommodation. It is low barrier funding, proof of income or proof of need is not required, just a rationale presented by an approved DA Practitioner that the funding will increase that individual’s safety. This pilot began halfway through this financial year and we are hopeful we will be able to retain it in the re-commissioning of pan-Essex DA services 2025-2030. This year as Essex County Council, Southend City Council and Thurrock Council invested money into the pilot, we have invested a huge amount of time and resource into the development of a referral platform, training, processes and procedures. This year we have supported 313 individuals affected by domestic abuse with often simple, but often out of reach remedies like emergency travel, emergency overnight accommodation, replacement phones, home security measures, the costs attached to protective court orders plus many more examples.

‘The difference this has made is just unbelievable. I took an action at MARAC this morning to support a client in getting her locks changed and it was done and paid for by lunchtime’. An IDVA

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance (continued)

Delivering public benefit

Trustees can confirm that they have complied with the duty of Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 and have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.

The main activities of the charity are described above. The activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit. Further information regarding the charity's achievements is provided in the Trustees report.

Volunteers

The charity is committed to recruiting, training and retaining more volunteers from the community in the following year by identifying appropriate opportunities for volunteers to become involved in.

‘BY AND FOR’

Safe Steps current position is in part due to the vision of local survivors of domestic abuse who set up Southend’s first women’s refuge, later becoming Southend Women’s Aid in 1976. Our focus as an organisation that began as, and remains committed to, being a ‘by and for’ service for those affected by domestic abuse continues to help as many people as possible whilst contributing to Southend and Essex’s understanding of the complex nature of domestic abuse.

Financial review

a. Principle funding sources

The charity is principally funded by commissioned contracts, and charitable grant making trusts and lotteries. The majority of this funding is restricted for projects providing measurable outcomes.

b. Investment policy and objectives

The Trust Deed authorises the Trustees to make and hold investments using the general funds of the charity. The Trustees have the power to invest in any way that is appropriate and in the interests of the charity and its service users.

The charity ensures that all funds held in the UK bank accounts are held at balances within government assured levels.

c. Reserves Policy

The Trustees have a reserves policy which states that the charity will hold reserves equal to 3 months of expenditure plus £20k for cancelled contracts to cover expected costs in the event of having to close the charity.

The Trustees are aware that as at 30 September 2024 this policy was not met, however as at the time of signing this report the reserve policy requirement is met.

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

d. Future Plans

We will continue to deliver excellent accredited services as part of our core contracts with Southend City Council, Essex County Council and the PFCC.

We will strengthen our pan-Essex partnerships and look to formalise our EViE (Ending Violence in Essex) Partnership; a collaboration of DA Partners that includes Safe Steps, Next Chapter and Changing Pathways working together, at all levels, to ensure those affected by domestic abuse in Essex receive the best response possible.

We will be readying ourselves for the new commissioning landscape, ensuring Safe Steps meet all requirements in the Pan Essex DA Commissioning Collaborative contract.

With our EViE partners we will be expanding our community services to additionally support those in Castle Point and Rochford, this will include our adult services, recovery and children's services. We will look to develop our safe accommodation service, we will do this by horizon scanning for suitable properties and working with partners and local authority to meet the growing need for crisis services.

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Structure, governance and management

a. Governing document

The charity operates under a governing document, a deed of trust and is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).

b. Recruitment and appointment of Trustees

As set out in the Constitution, The Chair of Trustees is nominated by their fellow Trustees. New Trustees are interviewed by a panel of existing Trustees to assess suitability for the charity.

c. Organisational structure

The day-to-day operations of the charity are delegated to the Chief Executive Sarah Conlon. The Chief Executive appoints appropriate staff to ensure services and projects are delivered to a high standard.

d. Induction and training of new Trustees

The Trustees maintain a good working knowledge of charity law and best practice by attending charity courses run by outside providers. New Trustees are supplied with an induction folder containing copies of the Constitution, current annual report, business plan and leaflets of guidance from the Charity Commission to perform their role diligently. Trustees attend two working days each year and complete Safeguarding training and Safeguarding In Practice training.

e. Related parties

Safe Steps have relationships with related parties and other charity and organisations with which it co-operates in the pursuit of its charitable objectives.

Notable relationships exist with Essex Police, MARAC, Southend Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Board (SETDAB), Essex County Council, Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner and more locally Southend City Council. Direct partnership working with The Next Chapter and Changing Pathways as part of the EVIE Partnership. Working with our statutory partners such as Southend, Essex and Thurrock Children’s Social Care and Adult Social Care, Education and Health providers to safeguard clients and their families. We have close working relationship with our voluntary sector partners; Southend Association of Voluntary Services, HARP, A Better Start Southend and British Red Cross amongst many others who assist us in providing the best possible outcome for clients.

Risk Management

The Trustees confirm they regularly review the Risk Register and are satisfied systems are in place to manage and mitigate the risks identified. The Trustees consider the main risk to the Charity currently is;

Reserves: The Board have agreed that increasing the reserves held by Safe Steps is a priority.

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SAFE STEPS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Statement of Trustees' responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the 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 & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the CIO Association. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Disclosure of information to auditors

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

Auditors

The auditors, Venthams, have indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

L Dye

Chair

Date: 18 June 2025

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SAFE STEPS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SAFE STEPS

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Safe Steps (the 'charity') for the year ended 30 September 2024 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.

This has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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SAFE STEPS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SAFE STEPS (CONTINUED)

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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SAFE STEPS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SAFE STEPS (CONTINUED)

Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors' report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

Based on our discussions with the charity’s management and the Trustees, we identified that the following laws and regulations are significant to the entity:

• Those laws and regulations considered to have a direct effect on the financial statements include UK financial reporting standards and Charity Law.

• Those laws and regulations for which non-compliance may be fundamental to the operating aspects of the charity and therefore may have a material effect on the financial statements include compliance with the charitable objectives, public benefit, fundraising regulations, safeguarding and health and safety legislation.

These matters were discussed amongst the engagement team at the planning stage and the team remained alert to non-compliance throughout the audit.

Audit procedures undertaken in response to the potential risks relating to irregularities (which include fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations) comprised of: enquiries of management and the Trustees as to whether the entity complies with such laws and regulations; enquiries with the same concerning any actual or potential litigation or claims; inspection of relevant key risk assessments and inspection reports; review of Member meeting minutes; testing the appropriateness of journal entries; and the performance of analytical review to identify unexpected movements in account balances which may be indicative of fraud.

No instances of material non-compliance were identified. However, the likelihood of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is limited by the inherent difficulty in detecting irregularities, the effectiveness of the entity’s controls, and the nature, timing and extent of the audit procedures performed. Irregularities that result from fraud might be inherently more difficult to detect than irregularities that result from error. As explained above, there is an unavoidable risk that material misstatements may not be detected, even though the audit has been planned and performed in accordance with ISAs (UK).

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.

Page 16

SAFE STEPS

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF SAFE STEPS (CONTINUED)

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an Auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and its trustees, as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Venthams

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor Millhouse 32 - 38 East Street Rochford Essex SS4 1DB 23 June 2025

Venthams are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

Page 17

SAFE STEPS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activities
4
Other trading activities
5
Investments
6
Other income
7
Total income
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities
8
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
16
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
1,198
1,386,249
-
23
-
1,387,470
1,310,119
1,310,119
77,351
(10,782)
66,569
519,124
66,569
585,693		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
9,212
73,437
4,238
7,866
240
94,993
111,935
111,935
(16,942)
10,782
(6,160)
85,538
(6,160)
79,378		 Total
funds
2024
£
10,410
1,459,686
4,238
7,889
240
1,482,463
1,422,054
1,422,054
60,409
-
60,409
604,662
60,409
665,071		 Total
funds
2023
£
14,282
1,057,704
728
2,287
180
1,075,181
982,775
982,775
92,406
-
92,406
512,256
92,406
604,662

Page 18

SAFE STEPS

BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Current assets
Debtors
14
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
15
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Total net assets
Charity funds
Restricted funds
16
Unrestricted funds
16
Total funds		 200,767
525,240
726,007
(85,845)		 2024
£
24,909
24,909
640,162
665,071
665,071
585,693
79,378
665,071		 168,099
479,859
647,958
(61,329)		 2023
£
18,033
18,033
586,629
604,662
604,662
519,124
85,538
604,662

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

L Dye Chairperson

Date: 18 June 2025

Page 19

SAFE STEPS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

Cash flows from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year		 2024
£
60,882
(15,501)
(15,501)
45,381
479,859
525,240		 2023
£
129,286
(8,327)
(8,327)
120,959
358,900
479,859

Page 20

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

1. General information

Safe Steps was registered in England and Wales on 26 March 2018 under registration number 1177687. It is constituted under a CIO Association, amended 17 April 2019 and 14 October 2021.

The Charity's website address is: https://www.safesteps.org.

2. Accounting policies

2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

Safe Steps 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.

2.2 Income

All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.

Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service.

2.3 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

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

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

Page 21

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.4 Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

2.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Fixtures and fittings - 25% reducing balance
Office equipment - 25% reducing balance

2.6 Debtors

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

2.7 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.

2.8 Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

2.9 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.

2.10 Pensions

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year.

Page 22

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

2. Accounting policies (continued)

2.11 Fund accounting

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

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

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

3. Income from donations and legacies

Donations
Gift aid
Donations
Gift aid		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
1,198
-
1,198
Restricted
funds
2023
£
500
-
500		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
8,957
255
9,212
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
13,074
708
13,782		 Total
funds
2024
£
10,155
255
10,410
Total
funds
2023
£
13,574
708
14,282

Page 23

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

4. Income from charitable activities

Grants
Commissioning income
Training fees
Grants
Commisioning income
Training fees		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
528,896
857,353
-
1,386,249
Restricted
funds
2023
£
321,442
672,062
-
993,504		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
72,937
-
500
73,437
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
55,330
-
8,870
64,200		 Total
funds
2024
£
601,833
857,353
500
1,459,686
Total
funds
2023
£
376,772
672,062
8,870
1,057,704

5. Income from other trading activities Income from fundraising events

Fundraising
Restricted
funds
2023
£
Fundraising
548		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
4,238
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
180		 Total
funds
2024
£
4,238
Total
funds
2023
£
728

Page 24

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

6. Investment income

Interest receivable
Interest receivable		 Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
23
7,866
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
2,287		 Total
funds
2024
£
7,889
Total
funds
2023
£
2,287

7. Other incoming resources

Rental income
Rental income		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
240
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
180		 Total
funds
2024
£
240
Total
funds
2023
£
180

Page 25

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

8. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

Summary by fund type

Community support services
Community support services		 Restricted
funds
2024
£
1,310,119
Restricted
funds
2023
£
902,434		 Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
111,935
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
80,341		 Total
2024
£
1,422,054
Total
2023
£
982,775

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities

Community support services
Community support services		 Activities
undertaken
directly
2024
£
1,404,987
Activities
undertaken
directly
2023
£
965,266		 Support
costs
2024
£
17,067
Support
costs
2023
£
17,509		 Total
funds
2024
£
1,422,054
Total
funds
2023
£
982,775

Page 26

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs

Staff costs
Rent and venue hire
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Staff training and welfare
Travel and motor
Recruitment and redundancy
Project costs
Premises, water and security costs
Subscriptions
Repairs, renewals and cleaning
Sundries and refreshments
Legal and professional
IT and computer expenses		 Community
support
services
2024
£
1,151,124
24,207
4,236
4,304
12,904
14,385
29,772
9,962
5,446
72,616
8,502
1,279
833
7,691
25,259
32,467
1,404,987		 Total
funds
2024
£
1,151,124
24,207
4,236
4,304
12,904
14,385
29,772
9,962
5,446
72,616
8,502
1,279
833
7,691
25,259
32,467
1,404,987

Page 27

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of direct costs (continued)

Staff costs
Rent and venue hire
Insurance
Light and heat
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Staff training and welfare
Travel and motor
Recruitment and redundancy
Project costs
Premises, water and security costs
Subscriptions
Repairs, renewals and cleaning
Sundries and refreshments
Legal and professional
IT and computer expenses		 Community
support
services
2023
£
801,725
22,287
3,923
4,337
10,558
13,836
20,788
7,682
857
9,898
13,796
856
1,237
4,444
20,721
28,321
965,266		 Total
funds
2023
£
801,725
22,287
3,923
4,337
10,558
13,836
20,788
7,682
857
9,898
13,796
856
1,237
4,444
20,721
28,321
965,266

Analysis of support costs

Bank and finance charges
Depreciation
Governance costs		 Community
support
services
2024
£
630
8,625
7,812
17,067		 Total
funds
2024
£
630
8,625
7,812
17,067

Page 28

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

9. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs (continued)

Bank and finance charges
Depreciation
Governance costs		 Community
support
services
2023
£
540
9,487
7,482
17,509		 Total
funds
2023
£
540
9,487
7,482
17,509

10. Auditors' remuneration

2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor for the audit of the Charity's annual
accounts 6,732 6,540
Fees payable to the Charity's auditor in respect of:
Payroll services 1,080 942

11. Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes		 2024
£
1,045,107
87,092
18,925
1,151,124		 2023
£
731,752
56,060
13,913
801,725

Page 29

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

11. Staff costs (continued)

The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows:

Management
Administration
Service delivery		 2024
No.
2
2
34
38		 2023
No.
2
2
27
31

No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in either year.

12. Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL) .

During the year ended 30 September 2024, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2023 - £NIL) .

Page 30

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

13. Tangible fixed assets

Cost or valuation
At 1 October 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 30 September 2024
Depreciation
At 1 October 2023
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 30 September 2024
Net book value
At 30 September 2024
At 30 September 2023
Debtors
Due within one year
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
2,902
479
-
3,381
1,418
499
-
1,917
1,464
1,484		 Office
equipment
£
35,088
15,022
(2,424)
47,686
18,539
7,103
(1,401)
24,241
23,445
16,549
2024
£
189,255
254
11,258		 Total
£
37,990
15,501
(2,424)
51,067
19,957
7,602
(1,401)
26,158
24,909
18,033
2023
£
157,557
272
10,270
200,767 168,099

14. Debtors

Page 31

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

15. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Other taxation and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2024
£
7,687
22,346
3,911
51,901
85,845		 2023
£
4,724
15,487
2,703
38,415
61,329

Page 32

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

16. Statement of funds

Statement of funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
A Better Start Southend -
IDVA
Restricted funds
Ministry of Justice - Stalking
Essex County Council -
Compass Project
Essex Community Foundation
- Website
Southend City Council -
Refuge
ECC IDVA Project
Essex Safe Start Fund
Ministry of Justice - Critical
support
Active Essex
National Lottery Community
Fund - Break the Cycle (2)
Ministry of Justice - Victim
Support Grant
Ministry of Justice - IDVA
Essex County Council - DA
Grant Housing
Various Youth and Childrens
funds
Southend City Council -
Housing
Other small restricted funds
Total of funds		 Balance at 1
October
2023
£
85,538
-
85,538
2,500
42,408
824
226,302
15,720
-
16,000
970
25,502
37,051
19,280
3,071
2,654
122,584
4,258
519,124
604,662		 Income
£
22,121
72,872
94,993
27,900
252,072
-
255,078
152,910
173,681
32,000
-
-
111,304
153,414
35,587
-
179,500
14,024
1,387,470
1,482,463		 Expenditure
£
(39,143)
(72,792)
(111,935)
(10,100)
(228,996)
(824)
(198,535)
(140,965)
(100,648)
(42,477)
(611)
(25,502)
(124,641)
(153,347)
(35,079)
(493)
(232,974)
(14,927)
(1,310,119)
(1,422,054)		 Transfers
in/out
£
10,782
-
10,782
-
(3,600)
-
-
(2,675)
(907)
-
-
-
(1,814)
-
-
-
(1,786)
-
(10,782)
-		 Balance at
30
September
2024
£
79,298
80
79,378
20,300
61,884
-
282,845
24,990
72,126
5,523
359
-
21,900
19,347
3,579
2,161
67,324
3,355
585,693
665,071

Page 33

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
General Fund
A Better Start Southend -
IDVA
Restricted funds
Ministry of Justice - Stalking
Essex County Council -
Compass Project
Essex Community Foundation
- Website
Southend City Council -
Refuge
ECC IDVA Project
Ministry of Justice - Critical
support
Essex Community Foundation
- Counselling
Active Essex
National Lottery Community
Fund - Break the Cycle (2)
Ministry of Justice - Victim
Support Grant
Ministry of Justice - IDVA
Essex Community Foundation
- Consultation room
Essex County Council - DA
Grant Housing
Various Youth and Childrens
funds
A Better Start Southend -
IDVA
Southend City Council -
Housing
Essex Youth Trust -
Counselling		 Balance at
1 October
2022
£
75,223
-
75,223
-
14,617
8,218
187,811
5,192
-
3,686
2,023
1,587
45,976
61,904
-
21,776
5,925
639
71,164
1,412		 Income
£
25,299
55,330
80,629
2,500
182,917
-
255,078
36,773
16,000
-
-
93,141
111,304
91,384
5,740
17,794
375
-
179,500
-		 Expenditure
£
(24,296)
(56,045)
(80,341)
-
(155,126)
(7,394)
(216,587)
(24,430)
-
(3,686)
(1,053)
(69,226)
(118,434)
(133,101)
(5,740)
(35,501)
(3,646)
-
(126,083)
(1,412)		 Transfers
in/out
£
9,312
715
10,027
-
-
-
-
(1,815)
-
-
-
-
(1,795)
(907)
-
(998)
-
(639)
(1,997)
-		 Balance at
30
September
2023
£
85,538
-
85,538
2,500
42,408
824
226,302
15,720
16,000
-
970
25,502
37,051
19,280
-
3,071
2,654
-
122,584
-

Page 34

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

16. Statement of funds (continued)

Statement of funds - prior year (continued)

Balance at
Balance at 30
1 October Transfers September
2022 Income Expenditure in/out 2023
£ £ £ £ £
Southend Emergency Fund
Client Vouchers 369 - (369) - -
Other small restricted funds 4,734 2,046 (646) (1,876) 4,258
437,033 994,552 (902,434) (10,027) 519,124
Total of funds 512,256 1,075,181 (982,775) - 604,662
Summary of funds
Summary of funds - current year
Balance at
Balance at 1 30
October Transfers September
2023 Income Expenditure in/out 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 85,538 94,993 (111,935) 10,782 79,378
Restricted funds 519,124 1,387,470 (1,310,119) (10,782) 585,693
604,662 1,482,463 (1,422,054) - 665,071
Summary of funds - prior year
Balance at
Balance at 30
1 October Transfers September
2022 Income Expenditure in/out 2023
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 75,223 80,629 (80,341) 10,027 85,538
Restricted funds 437,033 994,552 (902,434) (10,027) 519,124
512,256 1,075,181 (982,775) - 604,662

17. Summary of funds

Page 35

SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

18. Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current period

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
Total		 Restricted
funds
2024
Unrestricted
funds
2024
£
£
-
24,909
585,693
140,314
-
(85,845)
585,693
79,378
Restricted
funds
2023
Unrestricted
funds
2023
£
£
-
18,033
519,124
128,834
-
(61,329)
519,124
85,538		 Total
funds
2024
£
24,909
726,007
(85,845)
665,071
Total
funds
2023
£
18,033
647,958
(61,329)
604,662

19. Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities

Net income for the period (as per Statement of Financial Activities)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges
Decrease/(increase) in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by operating activities		 2024
£
60,409
8,625
(32,668)
24,516
60,882		 2023
£
92,406
9,487
17,840
9,553
129,286

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SAFE STEPS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024

20. Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Cash in hand
Total cash and cash equivalents		 2024
£
525,240
525,240		 2023
£
479,859
479,859

21. Analysis of changes in net debt

At 1 At 30
October September
2023 Cash flows 2024
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 479,859 45,381 525,240

22. Pension commitments

The charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the charity to the fund and amounted to £18,925 (2023 - £13,913). Contributions of £3,911 (2023 - £2,703) were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date.

23. Related party transactions

The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 30 September 2024.

During the year key management personnel received remuneration of £57,013 (2023 - £52,364).

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