Charity registration number: 1178336 (England) SCO53771 (Scotland)
Inside Justice
(A charitable incorporated organisation) Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
Paul Roper McKellens Limited 11 Riverview The Embankment Business Park Vale Road Heaton Mersey Stockport SK4 3GN
Inside Justice
Contents
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 14 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 15 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 16 |
| Balance Sheet | 17 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 18 to 26 |
Inside Justice
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees T Harrison (Chair of Trustees) Dr A Priston OBE (Deputy Chair) T Conti S F Fraser - appointed 01/01/2025 J Millington W O'Dell Callaway - appointed 20/10/2025 S Page - resigned 20/10/2025 J Ritchie P Watson - appointed 01/01/2025 Senior Management / Leadership S Niblock, CEO Team N Holford, Head of Casework Charity Registration Number 1178336 (England) SCO53771 (Scotland) Registered Office One Business Village Emily Street Kingston upon Hull East Yorkshire HU9 1ND Independent Examiner Paul Roper McKellens Limited 11 Riverview The Embankment Business Park Vale Road Heaton Mersey Stockport SK4 3GN Bankers Santander UK (to September 2024) Bridle Road Bootle Merseyside L30 4GB Co-Operative (from September 2024) Skelmersdale PO Box 250, Delf House Southway Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
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Inside Justice
Trustees' Report
The Trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charitable incorporated organisation for the year ended 31 May 2025.
Message from the Chair and CEO
This past year has been one of transformation and resolve at Inside Justice.
Against a backdrop of rising applications from prisoners who maintain their innocence, systemic strains on the criminal justice system, and continued financial pressures across the charitable sector, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to truth, fairness, and accountability.
In 2024-25, Inside Justice received more than 800 new applications, demonstrating the scale of need for our unique, independent expertise. Thanks to the dedication of our small team, volunteer caseworkers, and extraordinary pro bono Advisory Panel, we were able to make meaningful progress in cases where hope had all but faded. Eight new cases were brought before our Panel this year, a powerful reminder that the potential for justice is only unlocked when expertise, tenacity, and compassion combine.
We were also delighted to welcome our new CEO, Professor Sarah Niblock, in May 2024. Sarah brings a wealth of experience in leadership, media, and ethics, and is already advancing bold plans to grow our impact, diversify our income, and expand our reach into new regions, including Scotland.
Meanwhile, we’ve continued to challenge the system itself, sharing data and insights with decision-makers to help prevent future miscarriages. Our education partnerships with universities are equipping the next generation of legal and forensic professionals with the skills and values to uphold justice from the start.
This report sets out our impact, our priorities, and our deep gratitude to those who make our work possible.
We look forward to the year ahead with purpose, determination, and hope.
T. Harrison
Chair of Trustees
Professor Sarah Niblock Chief Executive Officer
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Trustees' Report
Objectives and activities
Objectives and aims
Inside Justice exists to uncover the truth, prevent miscarriages of justice, and improve the criminal justice system for everyone. We believe that justice is not a privilege, but a right. That no one should be forgotten behind bars. And that integrity, science, and compassion must sit at the heart of our legal system. Our mission is to support prisoners who maintain their innocence and to influence structural change that makes wrongful convictions less likely in the future.
Inside Justice was originally founded in 2010 as a project within Inside Time, the national newspaper for people in prison. In 2018, we became an independent charity and registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) so that we could grow our services, partnerships and impact.
The objects of Inside Justice as set out in its governing document, its Constitution, are to promote the sound administration of the law for the public benefit by:
- Providing advice and expert scientific and legal support to prisoners who may have unsafe convictions;
• Making submissions and assisting others in making submissions to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in cases of alleged miscarriage of justice;
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Encouraging good practice in the retention of evidence, in collaboration with relevant public bodies;
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Educating students and other stakeholders about investigation of crime and miscarriages of justice.
Our work is rooted in four core aims:
Casework
We provide expert advice and practical help to prisoners who may have been wrongly convicted, and to their families. Our team assesses hundreds of applications annually, progressing those with a credible claim to miscarriage of justice through scoping reviews, full investigations, and where appropriate, onward support to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) or legal representatives.
Expert investigation
We host a unique, multidisciplinary Advisory Panel of pro bono senior scientists, lawyers, investigators and forensic specialists. This panel brings together some of the country’s leading minds to reinvestigate complex cases and to examine systemic failings in the justice process.
Education
We are building the foundations for long-term change by partnering with universities and professional training bodies. By bringing real-world cases and ethical thinking into the classroom, we equip tomorrow’s practitioners with the skills and values to prevent injustice.
Systemic change
We work alongside others to identify policy gaps, promote best practice, and share our data and insight with those in a position to drive reform. From evidence retention protocols to digital case access, we contribute to national conversations with lived and learned expertise.
These activities are guided by our governing document and in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, with particular regard to delivering clear public benefit. You can read more about our structure on p.12 of this report.
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Inside Justice
Trustees' Report
Objectives, strategies and activities
Inside Justice remains a small charity with a national footprint and our impact is only possible thanks to the extraordinary commitment, skill, and generosity of our people. Our model blends a lean core team with a growing network of highly experienced volunteers and pro bono professionals, all united by a commitment to fairness, truth, and justice.
Our operational staff team comprises fewer than two full-time equivalent posts, yet their work spans case triage, volunteer and staff management, fundraising, media relations, stakeholder engagement, operations, governance and administration.
This year we welcomed Professor Sarah Niblock as Chief Executive in May 2024, taking over from Nora Holford, who led the organisation with skill and dedication during the interim period alongside her ongoing role as Head of Casework. We extend our sincere thanks to Ms Holford for her ongoing dedication and support.
Inside Justice continues to operate as a remote organisation with minimal overheads and high digital efficiency, ensuring that charitable resources go where they’re needed most: into casework and systemic change.
Expanded pro bono network
This year, we expanded our pro bono capacity beyond casework and forensics to include: A Project Manager, supporting the development of our new CPD and educational materials A Head of Digital, advising on system improvements and data workflows Social media and communications volunteers, helping amplify our voice and campaigns A new Finance Manager and Bookkeeper, both highly experienced, ensuring robust financial oversight and reporting
These new roles reflect the growing recognition of Inside Justice as a professional, ethical, and impactful organisation, one that experienced individuals actively seek to support through in-kind service.
Advisory panel
Our Advisory Panel of over 30 pro bono experts in law, science, and investigation remains a cornerstone of our work. Their contributions are detailed in the Expert investigation - Advisory Panel section on p6 but their presence also signals the trust placed in Inside Justice’s independence, rigour, and credibility.
Culture, ethics and safeguarding
We are proud of our inclusive, values-driven culture. Safeguarding remains a live priority, particularly in relation to vulnerable applicants and the wellbeing of staff and volunteers. All staff and trustees receive regular updates and guidance in line with our safeguarding policy.
As we look to the future, we know that people are our greatest asset and we are deeply grateful to every single individual who chooses to stand with us in the pursuit of justice.
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Trustees' Report
Our impact in 2024-25 at a glance
Despite operating with minimal staff and financial resources, Inside Justice responded to rising need and seized new opportunities to grow our reach, relevance, and resilience:
881 new applications received from prisoners asserting innocence
256 applicants received a written assessment and support at Tier 1including signposting where we couldn’t take the case forward.
29 applications received from women, a group increasingly at risk of injustice and underrepresentation
266 non-applicant correspondence pieces handled
New online portal launched , enabling secure digital applications and case file uploads
Volunteer caseworker programme expanded , with 14+ new recruits clearing a significant case backlog
University partnerships expanded , offering real-world case engagement for students across multiple disciplines
Dramatic increase in public engagement , including a 674% rise in social media interactions over 90 days
Strategic partnerships sparked by our presence at CrimeCon UK - leading to new collaboration inquiries and a raised public profile
Subscription-based donor programme launched , offering exclusive content and a deeper understanding of our work
Trust and foundation bid submissions doubled , as we strengthen our income pipeline and long-term sustainability
Reserves now at £46,155 offering greater security and scope for investment in future systems and staff
This snapshot reflects our commitment not only to investigating individual cases, but to evolving as a dynamic, influential charity helping shape a fairer justice system for all, while simultaneously supporting our team.
Tackling miscarriages of justice - casework
At the heart of Inside Justice’s work lies our commitment to reviewing and investigating cases where individuals maintain they have been wrongly convicted. This year, casework continued at a high level, with 881 new applications received from prisoners across England and Wales - an exceptionally high volume, and consistent with the growing public recognition of our work.
Volunteer caseworker network
Our Tier 1 and Tier 2 review process is highly intensive, powered by a small team of highly experienced volunteer caseworkers, most of whom come from legal, policing, or forensic science backgrounds. This year, despite some turnover due to personal circumstances, we maintained a strong volunteer base of around 12 caseworkers. We successfully recruited new volunteers to maintain capacity, a testament to Inside Justice’s growing visibility and reputation. They are mentored and developed via ongoing supervision.
The team conducted 75 scoping reviews this year and, for the first time in several years, we end the reporting period without a backlog awaiting Tier 2 review.
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Barriers to progressing cases
While our internal systems are lean and responsive, our ability to move cases forward continues to be impeded by practical and financial obstacles:
Many applicants struggle to obtain key trial documents, especially where their conviction occurred some time ago.
The Judge’s summing-up transcript, often essential to understanding how a jury was directed, remains a critical gap. This document typically costs around £500, which is currently unaffordable for most applicants so places pressure on our funding remit.
Retrieving documents such as witness statements, MG5 case summaries, or defence case statements is frequently difficult due to retention issues or passage of time.
This year, we have begun exploring potential solutions to this systemic challenge, which we will take forward into 2025.
A trauma-informed, supportive approach
Every application is treated with care, diligence, and respect, even where we cannot take a case forward. We understand the emotional toll on those imprisoned while claiming innocence and aim to offer honest, informed feedback, alongside signposting to other services where appropriate. We have built an extensive, comprehensive signposting portal for caseworkers to provide applicants and enquirers with the details of appropriate support organisations.
Digital innovation
In June 2024, with funding from the WCIT Charity, we launched a secure digital casework portal, enabling applications and case materials to be submitted online. This modernised system improves our ability to work efficiently and securely, especially across a distributed volunteer team. Inside Justice’s casework function continues to operate with rigour, compassion, and determination, ensuring that those with credible claims of wrongful conviction are not forgotten by the system.
- Expert investigation Advisory Panel
Inside Justice’s Advisory Panel (AdPan) is a unique and vital element of our model - a collaborative forum of over 30 leading experts from the fields of law, forensic science, policing, and investigation, all of whom contribute their time and knowledge entirely pro bono. These experts apply their decades of specialist experience to some of the most complex and contested criminal cases in the UK. Their work is pivotal to Inside Justice’s ability to rigorously re-examine convictions where new evidence or interpretation may justify a review.
How the Advisory Panel worked in 2024/25
The full Panel met five times across the year, with smaller sub-groups convened in between to focus on active cases and thematic concerns.
Panel meetings were used to:
Assess the viability of newly escalated cases Guide strategic investigative steps
Identify systemic issues within the criminal justice process
Case examples from 2024-25
(The following are anonymised to protect confidentiality.)
Case A (with CCRC): A complex forensic case where one of our Panel members collated key reports to help the CCRC’s case manager navigate conflicting evidence strands.
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Case B (arson): Our fire investigation expert identified flaws in the original court evidence. Although not sufficient on their own to form a submission, the work clarified the evidential landscape for the applicant and their legal team.
Case C (new submission): Raised serious concerns around forensic interpretation. The case has progressed to police engagement to confirm exhibit retention and next steps.
Case D (vehicle-related): Identified as potentially unsafe following expert analysis by a caseworker with specialist policing knowledge. However, delays in accessing the judge’s summing-up are holding back progression.
Case E (forensic): Concerns were raised about delays in forensic follow-up by the CCRC. One of our Panel members produced a detailed report emphasising why specific investigative steps were essential.
Each of these cases involves a carefully selected subgroup of Panel members, chosen for the precise nature of the questions at hand.
Beyond individual cases
In addition to case reviews, the Advisory Panel contributed to Inside Justice’s wider goals: Informing systemic change recommendations; Highlighting failings in forensic or investigative protocols; Strengthening the evidence base for our influencing and education work;
Their involvement not only brought credibility and expertise to our investigations, but also modelled how a collaborative, pro bono approach can drive forward justice even in the most complex and under-resourced cases.
Education and prevention
A core part of Inside Justice’s mission is not only to respond to miscarriages of justice, but to help prevent them from occurring in the first place. One of the most impactful ways we do this is through our education partnerships with universities, offering students real-world experience in understanding how wrongful convictions can happen and how they might be avoided. During 2024-25, we collaborated with four universities across England and Wales. These partnerships were led by our casework team in collaboration with academic staff, and involved an immersive, practice-based learning model:
Students were introduced to the appeals system in England and Wales, and to the structural causes of miscarriages of justice. Inside Justice staff delivered presentations highlighting real case examples and investigative principles. Working in groups, students were granted supervised access to anonymised real case files from our applicants. They were tasked with analysing the evidence, identifying potential issues, and determining whether grounds for appeal might exist. Each group presented their findings and recommendations at the end of the programme, often with input or feedback from Inside Justice’s team.
Feedback from both students and academic staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Students report that the hands-on nature of the experience deepens their understanding of criminal procedure, sharpens their critical thinking, and enhances their ability to work with complex, sensitive material. By equipping future legal, forensic, and investigative professionals with a deeper understanding of how wrongful convictions happen - and how to spot red flags early - Inside Justice is actively investing in a more just and accountable system for tomorrow.
We plan to expand this programme further in 2025-26, including new institutions in Scotland, and to embed these partnerships more deeply into professional training pathways.
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Trustees' Report
Systemic change and policy engagement
Inside Justice exists not only to investigate individual miscarriages of justice, but to help prevent them from happening in the first place. Every case we handle provides a window into where the system is failing and fuels our drive for wider reform. The failings we see are not one-offs - they are often symptoms of entrenched systemic issues, such as poor evidence retention, inaccessible appeal pathways, and inadequate forensic scrutiny.
In 2024-25, we:
Contributed to multiple CCRC submissions and legal appeals and reviews, flagging recurring procedural flaws. Raised formal concerns about the cost and availability of judges’ summing-up transcripts, which often block meaningful appeal.
Continued to analyse applications to extract common trends and actionable insights.
Manifesto for Justice - launched ahead of the 2024 General Election
Ahead of the UK general election, Inside Justice published and promoted its first Justice Reform Manifesto - a call to action grounded in our lived case experience. The manifesto outlines five key priority areas: Evidence preservation and disclosure; Forensic standards and independent oversight; Access to appeal and legal aid reform; Family support and trauma-informed communication; Data transparency and system accountability.
It was shared with policymakers, media, professional bodies, and justice reform advocates and has already begun shaping conversations about reform.
Political and stakeholder engagement
In 2024-25, we strengthened our influencing capacity by:
Holding targeted meetings with MPs and parliamentary researchers, briefing them on issues emerging from our casework;
Building new relationships with stakeholders across justice, science, and civil society, including at the joint AI and Miscarriages of Justice conference we co-hosted with the British Academy of Forensic Sciences and Kings College London;
Igniting new partnerships and media interest following our impactful presence at CrimeCon UK 2024;
These efforts are helping to ensure that the real-world consequences of wrongful convictions for victims, families, and communities are not ignored in public policy debates. Inside Justice will continue to work with integrity, evidence, and empathy to influence a criminal justice system that upholds fairness, scrutiny, and accountability for all.
Plans and priorities for 2025-26
The year ahead will be one of strategic growth, creative engagement, and deeper systemic impact. Inside Justice remains committed to uncovering the truth and preventing future miscarriages of justice - and we are scaling up to meet the growing demand.
- Expanding our reach across the UK
We are proud to be expanding into Scotland, laying the foundations for long-term partnership and impact. This includes cultivating relationships with legal, academic, and public audiences via engagement events supported by our new funded project, Access Unlocked. We aim to build meaningful collaborations with Scottish universities and stakeholders, and ensure our work reflects the distinct justice landscape across nations
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2. Driving systemic change through partnership
With the support of Shoosmiths Foundation, Access Unlocked will explore how miscarriages of justice arise and how they can be prevented through systemic reform. This project will bring together experts, public, media, and practitioners to drive lasting policy and practice improvements alongside public awareness.
We will also continue to promote our Justice Reform Manifesto, and engage parliamentarians and decision-makers in both Westminster and devolved administrations.
3. Strengthening casework delivery
We will continue to grow and support our volunteer caseworker team, increasing our ability to process and review high volumes of applications. Efforts will continue to overcome practical barriers in progressing cases, including securing access to key documents such as judges’ summing-up transcripts. We will monitor and evaluate use of our digital application portal, seeking continuous improvement.
4. Expanding education and awareness
Our education programme with universities will be further developed and expanded, particularly in Scotland. We will produce new CPD and public education materials to help ensure that investigative and legal professionals are equipped to prevent injustice from the outset. Through podcasts, conferences, and media partnerships, we will continue to raise public awareness of wrongful convictions.
5. Diversifying and strengthening income
In addition to growing individual regular giving through our Insiders programme, we will: Increase applications to charitable trusts and foundations.
Expand corporate partnerships, particularly with values-aligned firms in law, media, and professional services. Pilot new approaches to digital fundraising, community events, and major donor engagement.
This coming year, Inside Justice will focus on deepening our roots, growing our reach, and creating long-term impact - one case, one conversation, and one reform at a time.
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Trustees' Report
Public benefit
When reviewing the charity’s aims and objectives and planning future activities, Inside Justice provides public benefit in the following key ways:
By investigating potential miscarriages of justice
We provide free expert legal and scientific support to prisoners in England and Wales who maintain their innocence. These services, including case review, investigation, and advice, are offered without charge and are often the only hope for those unable to access legal aid.
By contributing to fairer and more transparent justice processes
Through our pro bono Advisory Panel and published insights, we identify procedural flaws, systemic weaknesses, and forensic errors that inform broader improvements in investigative and judicial practice.
By supporting families of those affected by miscarriages of justice
Our team provides trauma-informed communication and practical signposting to families who are often isolated, distressed, and unsure where to turn for support.
By educating future professionals and the wider public
Our collaborations with universities and CPD partners educate students, legal professionals, and forensic scientists about how miscarriages happen, and how they can be prevented. These efforts help improve standards across the criminal justice system.
By promoting policy and practice reform
Inside Justice contributes to the public good by advocating for policy change that benefits not just individuals on our case load, but society at large. This includes work on evidence retention, appeals processes, forensic review standards, and digital access to justice.
The charity’s work serves the public interest by promoting fairness, scrutiny, and integrity within the criminal justice system, principles that benefit all members of society.
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Use of volunteers
Our volunteer caseworker team, many of whom are retired professionals from criminal justice and legal roles, play a vital role in delivering Tier 2 scoping reviews, file summaries, and applicant engagement. In 2024-25, we maintained a strong team of around 12 active caseworkers, and we continued to recruit selectively as capacity allows. These experts provide their time free of charge on Inside Justice cases.
Their collective contribution was essential in clearing review backlogs and progressing deserving cases to our Advisory Panel. The value of this freely given expertise is unquantifiable.
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Financial review
How we use donations
Every pound we receive is used with care, accountability, and purpose. At Inside Justice, we operate with minimal overheads, a lean staff team, and a powerful network of volunteers and pro bono experts. This means donations go further, directly supporting our efforts to investigate miscarriages of justice, prevent future failings, and drive meaningful reform.
In 2024–25, Inside Justice received £60,560 in unrestricted income, the majority of which came from individual donations, charitable trusts, and earned income through university partnerships.
In addition, we secured restricted grants to support specific initiatives, notably:
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Improving access to justice for women prisoners, and
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Enhance our secure online casework portal to modernise and streamline the application process.
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Expansion into Scotland
We operate with minimal overheads and no central office. This means every pound is carefully directed toward delivering our charitable aims. Based on our full-year accounts:
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Around 82% of income came from donations and grants
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16% came from our education partnerships with universities
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The remainder was made up of bank interest
On the expenditure side, more than 50% of our direct costs related to:
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Reviewing and investigating prisoner applications
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Funding forensic or legal expert input
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Preparing material for Advisory Panel review
The remaining expenditure supported:
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Fundraising and donor stewardship
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Signposting and support for families and applicants not taken forward
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Media relations, communications, and marketing
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Education and university outreach
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Policy engagement and manifesto work
Crucially, this breadth of activity was only possible because of the extensive pro bono contributions from our Advisory Panel, caseworkers, digital experts, project managers, finance professionals, and media volunteers whose in-kind support multiplies the impact of every donation.
Our model is lean, ethical, and impact-driven ensuring donor support helps unlock expertise, challenge injustice, and shape a fairer future.
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Inside Justice remains a lean and highly cost-conscious charity, with a strong emphasis on value for money and maximum impact per pound spent. We continue to manage our finances with rigour and transparency, ensuring that the majority of our income goes directly into front-line casework, systemic reform, and public education.
Income and Expenditure
In 2024-25, our income was £75,560 (2024: £120,460), reflecting a year of growth and diversification. This included:
Increased engagement from regular individual donors, following the successful launch of our Insiders stewardship programme;
A marked increase in applications to trusts and foundations, building on learnings from previous years; One-off income from events and partnership collaborations, including opportunities stemming from our presence at CrimeCon UK;
Cost control and value
We continue to operate without a central office, minimising overheads. Our model relies heavily on a small, part-time staff team, significant pro bono contributions from legal, forensic, digital, and financial professionals, a growing base of trained volunteer caseworkers. This enables us to deliver a highly efficient service. For every £1 spent, the majority is directly attributable to work that advances our charitable objectives.
Acknowledgements
We extend our sincere thanks to all those who supported us financially this year, whether through one-off or regular donations, grant funding, or in-kind contributions. Every gift, large or small, enables us to continue our mission to uncover the truth and restore justice.
Reserves policy
The Trustees have a policy to hold reserves equivalent to three months’ running costs. This equates to approximately £22,000 and reserves at the year end stood at £46,155. This exceeds the minimum reserves policy of three months’ operating costs and provides a modest buffer to navigate cashflow variability and to begin investing in new systems and strategic initiatives.
Trustees are committed to maintaining a prudent reserves policy while making thoughtful use of any surpluses in order to enhance impact. For example in developing digital infrastructure or commissioning expert reports.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Inside Justice is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission under charity number 1178336. It is governed by a Constitution adopted on 4 May 2018. The charity’s registered address is:
One Business Village, Emily Street, Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, HU9 1ND.
Recruitment and appointment of Trustees
The charity is overseen by a Board of Trustees, which meets at least four times a year and is responsible for the strategic direction, oversight, and governance of the organisation. Trustees are drawn from diverse professional backgrounds including forensic science, law, policing, business, and finance.
Trustees are recruited either through open advertisement or by invitation from among those with a longstanding relationship with the organisation (such as Advisory Panel members or sector colleagues). Appointments are made based on skills needs, governance diversity, and alignment with the charity’s values and objectives.
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Induction and training of Trustees
New trustees receive an induction including:
Charity Commission guidance The Constitution and key strategic documents Access to recent Board minutes and financial reports Invitation to Advisory Panel meetings to observe the charity’s core work Briefings from the CEO and Chair
Organisational structure
Operational leadership is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, who works closely with the Board and manages a small staff team and a wider group of volunteers and pro bono professionals. The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day running of the charity, income generation, stakeholder relationships, and delivery of the strategic plan.
The charity has adopted a remote working model with robust digital systems to support collaboration, data security, and volunteer engagement.
Risk Management
The Board maintains an active approach to risk, reviewing the risk register at least quarterly and overseeing mitigation measures. Key risks identified during the year include:
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Financial sustainability: mitigated through a diversified fundraising strategy, enhanced donor engagement, and increased applications to trusts and foundations.
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Capacity constraints: addressed through the recruitment of additional volunteers and pro bono professionals.
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Document access delays: including challenges in obtaining trial transcripts, mitigated through dialogue with
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legal contacts and exploration of potential funding solutions.
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Safeguarding and well-being: monitored through policy review, case supervision, and trustee oversight.
The charity’s reserves policy is to maintain at least three months’ running costs, and the current level of unrestricted reserves exceeds that benchmark, providing a financial buffer during continued growth.
Safeguarding
The Trustees recognise the importance of safeguarding in their work with vulnerable adults. The safeguarding policy was reviewed and updated in 2025 and is actively applied in all relevant casework and staff/volunteer procedures. Staff and trustees bring considerable professional safeguarding experience and offer internal guidance and peer supervision as needed.
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees (who are also the directors of Inside Justice for the purposes of company law) 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), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland".
Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards, comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The annual report was approved by the Trustees of the charity on 14 January 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
Tim Harrison
......................................... T Harrison (Chair of Trustees) Trustee
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Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Inside Justice ('the Company')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the year ended 31 May 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s Trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of Inside Justice as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)].
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.
...................................... Paul Roper McKellens Limited Chartered Accountants 11 Riverview The Embankment Business Park Vale Road Heaton Mersey Stockport SK4 3GN
Date:.............................
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Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 May 2025 (Including Income and Expenditure Account and Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses)
| Total | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 2025 | |||||||||||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||||
| Income and Endowments from: | |||||||||||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 46,680 | 15,000 | 61,680 | |||||||||
| Other trading activities | 4 | 12,171 | - | 12,171 | |||||||||
| Investment income | 5 | 1,709 | - | 1,709 | |||||||||
| Total income | 60,560 | 15,000 | 75,560 | ||||||||||
| Expenditure on: | |||||||||||||
| Raising funds | 6 | (250) | (1,344) | (1,594) | |||||||||
| Charitable activities | 7 | (70,538) | (4,310) | (74,848) | |||||||||
| Other expenditure | 8 | (11,475) | (727) | (12,202) | |||||||||
| Total expenditure | (82,263) | (6,381) | (88,644) | ||||||||||
| Net (expenditure)/income | (21,703) | 8,619 | (13,084) | ||||||||||
| Net movement in funds | (21,703) | 8,619 | (13,084) | ||||||||||
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||||||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 67,858 | 7,000 | 74,858 | ||||||||||
| Total funds carried forward | 15 | 46,155 | 15,619 | 61,774 | |||||||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |||||||||||
| funds | funds | 2024 | |||||||||||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||||
| Income and Endowments from: | |||||||||||||
| Donations and legacies | 3 | 94,986 | 9,400 | 104,386 | |||||||||
| Other trading activities | 4 | 12,889 | - | 12,889 | |||||||||
| Investment income | 5 | 3,185 | - | 3,185 | |||||||||
| Total income | 111,060 | 9,400 | 120,460 | ||||||||||
| Expenditure on: | |||||||||||||
| Raising funds | 6 | (155) | - | (155) | |||||||||
| Charitable activities | 7 | (57,732) | (5,668) | (63,400) | |||||||||
| Other expenditure | 8 | (19,707) | (2,400) | (22,107) | |||||||||
| Total expenditure | (77,594) | (8,068) | (85,662) | ||||||||||
| Net income | 33,466 | 1,332 | 34,798 | ||||||||||
| Net movement in funds | 33,466 | 1,332 | 34,798 | ||||||||||
| Reconciliation of funds | |||||||||||||
| Total funds brought forward | 34,392 | 5,668 | 40,060 | ||||||||||
| Total funds carried forward | 15 | 67,858 | 7,000 | 74,858 |
The notes on pages 18 to 26 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 16
Inside Justice
(Charity Registration number: 1178336) Balance Sheet as at 31 May 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | ||||
| Current assets | ||||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 13 | 68,815 | 82,026 | |||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year | 14 | (7,041) | (7,168) | |||
| Net assets | 61,774 | 74,858 | ||||
| Funds of the charity: | ||||||
| Restricted income funds | ||||||
| Restricted funds | 15,619 | 7,000 | ||||
| Unrestricted income funds | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 46,155 | 67,858 | ||||
| Total funds | 15 | 61,774 | 74,858 |
For the financial year ending 31 May 2025 the charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
-
The members have not required the charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476; and
-
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The financial statements on pages 16 to 26 were approved by the Trustees, and authorised for issue on 14 January 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
Tim Harrison
......................................... T Harrison (Chair of Trustees) Trustee
Wendy O'De l Ca l away
.........................................
W O'Dell Callaway - Trustee
The notes on pages 18 to 26 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 17
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
1 Charity status
The charity is a charitable incorporated organisation.
2 Accounting policies
Summary of significant accounting policies and key accounting estimates
The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)) (issued in October 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Basis of preparation
Inside Justice 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.
Going concern
Income and expenditure is regularly monitored by the Trustees who are actively seeking further funding and managing costs. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern nor any significant areas of uncertainty that affect the carrying value of assets held by the charity.
Exemption from preparing a cash flow statement
The charity has adopted Update Bulletin One published on 2 February 2016 and have therefore not included a cash flow statement in these financial statements.
Income and endowments
Income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Donations and legacies
Donations are recognised when the charity has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance by the charity before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that these conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Page 18
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
2 Accounting policies (continued)
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Deferred income
Where a donation is made explicitly to cover costs over a specified period of time, the income is matched against that timeframe.
Investment income
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, for example, allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and Trustees’ meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Page 19
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
2 Accounting policies (continued)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Trade creditors
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if the charity does not have an unconditional right, at the end of the reporting period, to defer settlement of the creditor for at least twelve months after the reporting date. If there is an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least twelve months after the reporting date, they are presented as non-current liabilities.
Trade creditors are recognised initially at the transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Borrowings
Interest-bearing borrowings are initially recorded at fair value, net of transaction costs. Interest-bearing borrowings are subsequently carried at amortised cost, with the difference between the proceeds, net of transaction costs, and the amount due on redemption being recognised as a charge to the Statement of Financial Activities over the period of the relevant borrowing.
Interest expense is recognised on the basis of the effective interest method and is included in interest payable and similar charges.
Borrowings are classified as current liabilities unless the charity has an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the Trustees' discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Page 20
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
3 Income from donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Total | ||||||||||||
| General | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||||
| Donations and legacies; | |||||||||||||
| Donations from companies, trusts | |||||||||||||
| and similar proceeds | 33,500 | - | 33,500 | 50,918 | |||||||||
| Donations from individuals | 13,180 | - | 13,180 | 43,890 | |||||||||
| Gift aid reclaimed | - | - | - | 178 | |||||||||
| Grants, including capital grants; | |||||||||||||
| Grants from other charities | - | 15,000 | 15,000 | 9,400 | |||||||||
| 46,680 | 15,000 | 61,680 | 104,386 | ||||||||||
| 4 | Income from other trading activities | ||||||||||||
| Unrestricted | |||||||||||||
| Total | Total | ||||||||||||
| General | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||||
| Events income; | |||||||||||||
| Conferences and similar events | - | - | - | 207 | |||||||||
| Other events income | 12,171 | - | 12,171 | 12,682 | |||||||||
| 12,171 | - | 12,171 | 12,889 | ||||||||||
| 5 | Investment income | ||||||||||||
| Unrestricted | |||||||||||||
| Total | Total | ||||||||||||
| General | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||||
| Interest receivable and similar | |||||||||||||
| income; | |||||||||||||
| Interest receivable on bank | |||||||||||||
| deposits | 1,709 | - | 1,709 | 3,185 |
Page 21
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
6 Expenditure on raising funds
a) Costs of generating donations and legacies
| Unrestricted | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Total | ||||||||||
| General | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||
| Donations | 250 | 1,344 | 1,594 | 155 | |||||||
| 7 | Expenditure on charitable activities | ||||||||||
| Unrestricted | |||||||||||
| Total | Total | ||||||||||
| General | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||||
| Staff costs | 69,324 | 4,310 | 73,634 | 57,927 | |||||||
| Allocated support | |||||||||||
| costs | 14 | - | 14 | 4,317 | |||||||
| Governance costs | 9 | 1,200 | - | 1,200 | 1,156 | ||||||
| 70,538 | 4,310 | 74,848 | 63,400 | ||||||||
| 8 | Other expenditure | ||||||||||
| Unrestricted | |||||||||||
| Total | Total | ||||||||||
| General | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||
| Other resources expended | 11,475 | 727 | 12,202 | 22,107 | |||||||
| 11,475 | 727 | 12,202 | 22,107 |
Page 22
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
9 Analysis of governance and support costs
Governance costs
Unrestricted
| Unrestricted | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Total | ||||||||
| General | Restricted | 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Independent examiner fees | |||||||||
| Examination of the financial | |||||||||
| statements | 540 | - | 540 | 520 | |||||
| Other fees paid to examiners | 660 | - | 660 | 636 | |||||
| 1,200 | - | 1,200 | 1,156 |
10 Trustees remuneration and expenses
During the year the charity made the following transactions with Trustees:
J Ritchie
£274 (2024: £Nil) of expenses were reimbursed to J Ritchie during the year.
No Trustees, nor any persons connected with them, have received any remuneration from the charity during the year.
11 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||||
| Staff costs during the year were: | |||||
| Wages and salaries | 53,684 | 32,598 | |||
| Freelance | 19,950 | 25,329 | |||
| 73,634 | 57,927 |
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year was as follows:
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No | No | ||||||
| Management | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Casework | 2 | 1 | |||||
| 3 | 2 | ||||||
Page 23
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
11 Staff costs (continued)
Contributions to the employee pension schemes for the year totalled £1,097 (2024 - £730).
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year.
12 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
13 Cash and cash equivalents
| 13 Cash and cash equivalents | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Cash at bank | 68,815 | 82,026 | ||
| 14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||||
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Trade creditors | 3,629 | 3,256 | ||
| Other taxation and social security | 1,083 | 1,192 | ||
| Accruals | 2,329 | 2,720 | ||
| 7,041 | 7,168 |
15 Funds
| 15 Funds | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | Incoming | Resources | Balance at 31 | ||||||||
| June 2024 | resources | expended | May 2025 | ||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||||||
| General | 67,858 | 60,560 | (82,263) | 46,155 | |||||||
| Total unrestricted | 67,858 | 60,560 | (82,263) | 46,155 | |||||||
| Vulnerable women prisoner fund | 7,000 | 12,000 | (5,548) | 13,452 | |||||||
| Other restricted funds | - | 3,000 | (833) | 2,167 | |||||||
| Restricted | 7,000 | 15,000 | (6,381) | 15,619 | |||||||
| Total funds | 74,858 | 75,560 | (88,644) | 61,774 |
Page 24
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
15 Funds (continued)
| 15 Funds (continued) | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at 1 | Incoming | Resources | Balance at 31 | |||||||||
| June 2023 | resources | expended | May 2024 | |||||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||||||||
| General | 34,392 | 111,060 | (77,594) | 67,858 | ||||||||
| Expert advisory panel fund | 1,668 | - | (1,668) | - | ||||||||
| Vulnerable prisoners outreach | ||||||||||||
| fund | 3,000 | - | (3,000) | - | ||||||||
| Welsh prisoner and families | ||||||||||||
| outreach fund | 1,000 | - | (1,000) | - | ||||||||
| Vulnerable women prisoner fund | - | 7,000 | - | 7,000 | ||||||||
| Other restricted funds | - | 2,400 | (2,400) | - | ||||||||
| Restricted | 5,668 | 9,400 | (8,068) | 7,000 | ||||||||
| Total funds | 40,060 | 120,460 | (85,662) | 74,858 |
The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:
A grant was received to fund a quarterly conference for our pro bono volunteer Expert Advisory Panel to meet to protect Human Rights, drive policy change and investigate miscarriages of justice. This grant funding was fully expended in the year to 31 May 2024.
In 2024 grant funds were expended through both the Welsh Prisoner and Families Outreach and Vulnerable Prisoners Outreach programme funds. These were restricted fund programmes that ran in the Northwest and Merseyside.
Grants funds were awarded by The Hilden Charitable Fund in both 2024 and 2025 towards our work on a Vulnerable Women Prisoners Programme and in 2024 a grant was received to fund the development of an online portal. This grant income and the costs associated with the project were expended through 'Other restricted income' in the year to 31 May 2024.
In 2025 grant income was received from the Souter Charitable Trust towards Inside Justice's expansion into Scotland and included in the restricted fund 'Other restricted funds'. Grant income was also received from The Allen Lane Foundation towards the Vulnerable Women Prisoner Programme.
Page 25
Inside Justice
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 May 2025
16 Analysis of net assets between funds
| 16 Analysis of net assets between funds | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total funds at | |||||||
| funds | Restricted | 31 May | ||||||
| General | funds | 2025 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Current assets | 50,739 | 18,076 | 68,815 | |||||
| Current liabilities | (7,041) | - | (7,041) | |||||
| Total net assets | 43,698 | 18,076 | 61,774 | |||||
| Unrestricted | Total funds at | |||||||
| funds | Restricted | 31 May | ||||||
| General | funds | 2024 | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||||
| Current assets | 75,026 | 7,000 | 82,026 | |||||
| Current liabilities | (7,168) | - | (7,168) | |||||
| Total net assets | 67,858 | 7,000 | 74,858 |
Page 26