Charity Registration No 1185078
ADVOCACY AFTER FATAL DOMESTIC ABUSE LTD
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 5 April 2022
“AAFDA UNDERSTAND AND KNOWS THE WAY WE FEEL EVEN IN OUR TIMES OF DARKNESS AND ALWAYS PUTS THEIR FAMILIES AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING THEY DO FOR OUR WELLBEING.” (FAMILY MEMBER)
Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
CONTENTS
Legal and Administrative Information Trustees Report Independent Examiner’s Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Accounts Supplementary Financial Information |
Page 3 4 17 18 19 20 24 |
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees/Directors James O’Sullivan (Chair) Heather Wilson Elizabeth Jones Becci Seaborne Jessica Stewart (resigned 30 September 2021) David Ford (appointed 22 March 2022) Treasurer David Ford Charity Number 1185078 Company Number 9527065 Registered Office 30 Commercial Road Swindon Wiltshire SN1 5NS Independent Examiner Abacus Accountancy 30 Commercial Road Swindon Wiltshire SN1 5NS
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT 2021/22
To Year Ending 5 April 2022
Foreword by AAFDA’s CEO
I am incredibly proud of the work AAFDA’s team has undertaken this year to raise the status of families left behind after fatal domestic abuse. This has helped the families to cope and recover and to be able to meaningfully contribute and influence statutory reviews and inquiries. The specialism, independence and lived experience that the team brings, means AAFDA is a unique organisation representing bereaved families. Thank you to the AAFDA team. Thank you to our Board of Trustees who provide a sounding board, advice and great assistance. Thank you to our Patrons who fly the flag and to our Ambassador Hattie Webb who does so much to support AAFDA. Thank you, all funders.
The need for our work is increasing year on year - particularly as identification of suicide or unexplained death as a result of, or following domestic abuse, increases – the VKPP research[1] project counted 15 domestic abuse related deaths between 23 March 2020 and 31 March 2021, 18% of which were suspected suicides. AAFDA is the only organisation providing specialist advocacy support to families bereaved by suicide or unexplained deaths in the context of domestic abuse and demand for our services is growing – we saw a 100% increase in referral rates this year in one period, compared to the same period last year. We have worked hard to ensure that this client group is able to access the reviews and justice they deserve, both on an individual and systemic basis, influencing key stakeholders and providing an evidence base for the need for better responses.
I am proud too that we have been continually helping to improve the standard of reviews after fatal domestic abuse, mostly in Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs). The launch of the DHR Network this year has been critical to achieving this. I am determined to ensure that reviews after fatal domestic abuse are exercises focusing on making the future safer. The process must not only respect all parties to the review, it must also free up individuals to be honest and vulnerable, a position from which most learning comes. There is a big responsibility on leaders to enable their teams to contribute in this way.
The respect that we have gained as experts at AAFDA, means we have been able to establish strong strategic relationships including with government leads, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, the Victims’ Commissioner, the National Police Chiefs Council and other key stakeholders. Working in partnership across the VAWG sector, we have helped to conceive some hugely important developments in the policy arena. For example, AAFDA successfully led, with partners, the campaign to make non-fatal strangulation a crime. And we will continue to exert our influence, and to ensure that the needs and experiences of families impacted by fatal domestic abuse inform the direction of travel. We are looking forward to supporting the DHR reform process that the Government’s Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan commits to, and to ensuring that this works for domestic abuse victims and their families to illuminate the past to make the future safer.
Frank Mullane MBE
1 Vulnerability Knowledge and Practice Programme (VKPP); Domestic Homicides and Suspected Victim Suicides During the Covid-19 Pandemic 2020-2021; Lis Bates, Katharine Hoeger, Melanie-Jane Stoneman and Angela Whitaker
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
About AAFDA
Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) was founded by Frank Mullane MBE in 2008, in memory of his sister and nephew, Julia and Will Pemberton, whose murders in 2003 prompted an inquiry exposing the difficulties families face in these circumstances. Known as the Pemberton Homicide Review, the inquiry was the first of its kind, exposing a deeply inadequate response to domestic abuse victims. The emotionally exhausting, arduous, and costly process gave Frank the resolve to ensure no-one else faced the same barriers to access justice. He then helped to establish Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs), which became law in 2011.
AAFDA is also a centre of excellence for reviews into domestic homicides, suicides and unexplained deaths following domestic abuse. We are particularly skilled in DHR methodology and best practice, having been closely involved in developing the model with the Home Office since 2008, three years before they became law. Using our specialist knowledge and collective insights, we provide for the needs of families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse, and help agencies to refine their services for victims suffering domestic abuse and to review domestic abuse related deaths more effectively. We provide a unique national voice for the learning that each DHR generates. While no two cases are the same, we believe that each DHR is an opportunity to end domestic abuse.
AAFDA’s Vision: A future free of domestic violence.
AAFDA’s Mission: We advocate, educate and influence to ensure victims’ voices are heard, driving change.
Support families after fatal domestic abuse, listening, informing, advising, guiding, enabling and advocating.
Advance education of the public as regards domestic abuse.
Aims of AAFDA
Improve the standards and impact of reviews into fatal domestic abuse and serious injuries.
Other charitable purposes as the Trustees determine, for example helping agencies improve prevention services.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
Our work with families impacted by fatal domestic abuse
Advocacy
AAFDA’s specialist and expert advocates are at the heart of the charity. They have lived experience and understanding of the issues faced. Our advocates provide specialist and expert advocacy and peer support, working with the family to secure their right to an adequate investigation and equal treatment within the postfatal domestic abuse process. They challenge disadvantage, raise the status of the victim in the case narrative, and ensure that the family is integral (not just involved) within post-homicide reviews. AAFDA’s trauma-informed service, providing long-term advocacy, goes ‘above and beyond’ to restore dignity and relief for families.
Some highlights of the advocacy support provided in 2021/22 include:
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Securing 15 DHRs where it was not the intention of the commissioning authorities to undertake one.
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Successfully influencing the police in multiple areas to reopen several criminal investigations and improving interaction between bereaved families and the police and/or the coroner.
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Securing pro-bono legal representation for families at inquests, providing the families with strong support before the coroner. This support helps ensure coroners write regulation 28, ‘Preventing Future Deaths’ reports.
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Eight families impacted by suicide have benefitted from at least six sessions of specialist trauma therapy – this is a gap in provision for this client group and AAFDA is the only service facilitating this, funding this from income earned through delivering training.
The number of family members impacted by suicide or unexplained death following domestic abuse that AAFDA has supported has grown significantly and reflects growing national awareness of the connection between suicide or unexplained death and domestic abuse. AAFDA is the only provider of specialist and expert advocacy and peer support to people bereaved by suicide and unexplained death where there was a history of domestic abuse.
Peer support
Initially set up in response to the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, our drop-in peer support sessions (facilitated online at least once a week by an AAFDA team member) have now become an established safe space to enable families impacted by fatal domestic abuse to connect and share ways to cope with their loss. These sessions also enable families who wish to remain in touch with AAFDA to do so once their advocacy support ends.
Each month we have facilitated sessions with guest speakers, as requested by the family members, covering topics such as:
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
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Self-care following bereavement.
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Biological responses to bereavement.
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What to expect from, and the benefits of, psychotherapy.
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Trauma responses and mindfulness/grounding techniques.
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Commemorative sessions at Christmas and in October (to coincide with All Souls Day).
We have also provided live music from internationally established artists. Additionally, a number of sessions have enabled us to connect with families who wanted, in a workshop environment, to explore the impact of losing a sibling or a parent and we have provided male only peer support.
Support for children and young people
Whilst the Home Office Multi-agency Statutory Guidance for the Conduct of Domestic Homicide Reviews (2016) acknowledges that children should have the opportunity to participate in reviews, this rarely happens, with professionals involved in DHRs lacking the knowledge and tools to facilitate this. And there has been no specialist support available to assist children impacted by fatal domestic abuse. In response to these identified needs, in 2021/22 AAFDA has:
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Launched a dedicated support service for children bereaved by fatal domestic abuse with Specialist and Expert Children and Young People’s Advocates joining the team.
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Worked with a very experienced DHR Chair and a local Community Safety Partnership (CSP) to produce the first Child Friendly DHR.
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In collaboration with AVA (Against Violence and Abuse), produced guidance for professionals, carers and children and young people to help support children effected by DHRs.
Residential peer support event
In March 2022, AAFDA facilitated a unique three-day residential peer support event for families bereaved by suicide and unexplained death to help them cope and find ways to continue to recover from their loss. The event included trauma counselling sessions and professionally led workshops for people to connect, share ways to cope with their loss, as well as tools and strategies (including physical resources) for families to strengthen their mental and physical health, resilience, and their own family relationships.
The family members took away with them a variety of tools and strategies to help them to cope better with the impact of their loss, including:
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Writing notebooks that they had started at the event.
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Strategies that gave them the permission and inclination to think positive thoughts.
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An introduction to mindfulness. Families thought this would enable them to recreate this sanctuary whenever they needed it.
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Individual painting canvases to take home, plus a group painted canvas being held by AAFDA.
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An understanding of how being in nature enables recharging and connecting with oneself.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
- The ability to have a new community with others who have shared experience and shared trauma.
Families enjoying a day at the beach at the residential peer support event.
Giving families a platform to influence change
AAFDA has always held in high regard the personal testimonies of the families and friends who use our services and the importance of these in influencing improvements to policy and practice. Further, we recognise that, for some family members, telling the story of their lost loved one and ensuring that lessons are learned is critical to their recovery process. AAFDA invites contributions from family members to all of our training and significant events.
In January 2022, on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, AAFDA facilitated two workshops – one with adults bereaved by fatal domestic abuse and one with young people bereaved as children – to ensure that their unique experiences and views were represented in the Ministry of Justice consultation ‘Delivering justice for victims: A consultation on improving victims’ experiences of the justice system’.
In March 2022, AAFDA facilitated a learning day, bringing together 10 family members bereaved by suicides or unexplained deaths following domestic abuse and the Metropolitan Police Service Assistant Commissioner, National Police Chief’s Council lead for domestic abuse, police colleagues, and VKPP project representatives. The purpose of the day was to give families a platform to share their experiences of police responses and to facilitate better understanding of what needs to improve regarding police responses to suicides or unexplained deaths that occur following domestic abuse.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
Our impact:
In 2021/22 AAFDA provided active advocacy support to 181 family members impacted by fatal domestic abuse. Of these, 121 were impacted by domestic homicide and 60 by suicide or unexplained death following domestic abuse.
As a result of AAFDA’s support:
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89% of families felt better able to cope with the emotional and/or practical challenges they faced.
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84% felt less isolated.
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79% felt their well-being had improved.
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74% felt better connected to other people.
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72% felt helped to move on positively with their lives.
“Before I contacted AAFDA I was dreading 2022 and the prospect of having to return to work, burdened with so much frustration and anxiety, due to the anxiety about coping and I am returning to work part-time next week.” (Family member)
“I also just wanted to pass on my sincere thanks to the children who were involved in this process, it was
humbling to hear their views. I will ensure that I always listen and put into practice what we have talked about today.” (Professional)
In 2021/22 AAFDA facilitated 87 peer support sessions which were attended by between six to 11 families per session.
“Initially my confidence had gone to zero. I didn’t want to go out but after joining AAFDA I felt I was not alone and was able to talk.” (Family member)
The three-day residential peer support event was attended by 17 family members affected by fatal domestic abuse. Of these, as a result of the event:
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88% reported that they are better able to cope with the emotional and practical challenges after fatal domestic abuse.
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88% reported improved well-being and being helped to move on positively with their lives.
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100% reported feeling reduced isolation and more social interaction.
“My mind was clear for the first time. Not worrying about anything else except living in the present. I worry about meeting people and suffer from PTSD. This was the first time I didn’t feel as many symptoms over a period of days. I only had one episode of each trigger, anxiety and one bad dream
which to me is extremely positive and this was all due the service we had received, the attention to detail of the whole planned event that helps us. AAFDA understand and knows the way we feel even in our times of darkness and always puts their families at the heart of everything they do for our wellbeing.” (Family member – residential event attendee)
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
In 2021/22 eight family members contributed to training or other events held by AAFDA and 22 family members were involved in consultation workshops.
“I can’t bring back (my sister) but if I can change the way things are done, teach other agencies what signs to look out for… then that’s something.” (Family member)
Our work with professionals
In addition to the direct work our advocates undertake with agencies and professionals to improve their responses to individual cases, AAFDA has a wide-ranging training and professional development offer, with the aim of improving practice. We examine ways to increase their status, particularly in the reviews that follow fatal domestic abuse.
Training
Given the importance of DHRs in driving improvement in domestic abuse services, a primary focus for AAFDA is the professional development of DHR Chairs. This year we facilitated five deliveries of our accredited national DHR Chair training with 66 participants. These sessions incorporated presentations from several external speakers, including family members who have previously undertaken the DHR process and Professors from Oxford University and Gloucestershire University. In addition, we delivered two refresher courses for more experienced Chairs.
Additionally, AAFDA delivered accredited national training on “Being an Effective DHR Panel Member”, “Reviewing Suicide and Unexplained Deaths” and “Managing a Domestic Homicide Review”, as well as many other topic related training events.
Funded by Northumbria PCC, between July 2021 and March 2022 AAFDA delivered 10 one-day training sessions to 237 staff in the Northumbria PCC area (six Local Authorities) to inform professionals on the benefits of including children in the DHR process. We also developed an online resource pack for use after the training, which contains a range of further reading in a variety of mediums, including videos, slides, PDFs and website links.
The DHR Network
This year AAFDA created the DHR Network. It is primarily for professionals involved in DHRs, including CSPs and Independent Chairs. Its chief goal is to create a consistently high standard of DHRs and offer resources and support for the key professionals involved, and since its launch in the Spring of 2021, we have been busy developing resources and providing learning and connecting opportunities. This includes:
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An online DHR Network Discussion Forum.
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Quarterly e-bulletins with news and updates.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
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A Directory of Independent Chairs and DHR alerts, to connect Chairs with CSPs undertaking a DHR.
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Short monthly learning and connecting events, as well as quarterly events with expert speakers.
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A repository of research, articles and resources for our members.
Our impact
In 2021/22:
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AAFDA advocates have supported 119 statutory agencies to meet the needs of bereaved families.
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A total of 642 professionals have received training by AAFDA.
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The DHR Network grew to more than 200 members and 86% of DHR Network event attendees thought that the Network was doing ‘very well’ or ‘quite well’ at improving the standard of DHRs.
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“Will share the learning with colleagues, it has changed my perception of retraumatising the child when actually they want to be heard and kept fully informed.” (Training participant)
“So beneficial to have open discussions with experienced chairs and authors for advice.” (Training participant)
Our national influence
Leadership in the public policy agenda
The Domestic Abuse Bill was signed into law in 2021/22, the launch of the government’s Violence against Women and Girls Strategy, the launch of the government’s Tackling Domestic Abuse Plan, and consultation on the proposed Victims' Bill, "Delivering Justice for Victims". AAFDA has continued to exert strategic influence, representing the needs of those affected by fatal domestic abuse and the professionals involved in this work. To this end:
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We initiated a meeting with the National Police Chiefs Council, the Victims’ Commissioner and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s office to agree actions to improve police response to suicides when there was a history of domestic abuse. This included updating the Suicide Authorised Professional Practice (APP) to include signs of domestic abuse and the risk of suicide in cases of domestic abuse.
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Informed by consultation with family members, we submitted a written response to The Ministry of Justice’s ‘Delivering justice for victims: A consultation on improving victims’ experiences of the justice system’.
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We wrote to the Domestic Abuse Commissioner and the Victims’ Commissioner in February to share our concerns in relation to the narrowed definition of “victim” in the Victims Code, which was being used as a basis for the Victims’ Bill consultation. They and we then wrote to the Deputy Prime Minister to request that the definition in current statute (the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004) was protected.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
- AAFDA was credited by the Victim’s Commissioner and the Domestic Abuse Commissioner for its key role in securing the non-fatal strangulation offence in the Domestic Abuse Act (2021).
The establishment by AAFDA of a national DHR Network Steering Group with representation from the Home Office, Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s Office, and Local Government Association has ensured the national work on developing DHRs stays connected and complimentary.
Raising the profile and understanding of domestic abuse and fatal domestic abuse
AAFDA has continued to provide strong leadership in building the knowledge base about domestic abuse and fatal domestic abuse, the needs of those impacted by it and best practice responses.
AAFDA ran eight online events over the 16 days of action in November and December 2021. Events included family speakers and professional speakers from around the world, providing peer support and learning for professionals and key government stakeholders.
AAFDA offered a series of free webinars with webinar themes including DHRs and older people, best practice in DHR suicides, from findings to change in the DHR process, restoring humanity in the DHR process, and what families being integral to a review means. Feedback on these events has been overwhelmingly positive.
In preparation for the introduction of the new offence of Non-Fatal Strangulation (NFS), we have codeveloped a first responders’ factsheet (incl. police, emergency medical practitioners and social workers) to help professionals recognise when the offence has occurred and/or the life or health of a victim of NFS may be at risk.
We have also been involved in multiple academia led projects contributing to the evidence base, including:
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The VKPP research of fatal domestic abuse during the pandemic.
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The HALT project, evaluating learning from DHRs to influence policy and practice to prevent domestic homicide nationally.
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University of Central Lancashire’s research into families’ experiences in DHRs.
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The University of Stirling review of children’s involvement in DHRs.
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Work with Respect and academics to review the efficacy of perpetrator programmes.
AAFDA partnered with 10 other charities in the Shadow Pandemic, Domestic Abuse Learning Partnership. Set up with the support of The National Lottery Community Fund, the partnership set out to bring together the voices of survivors and practitioners, relevant research from each organisation, and practical and policy expertise, to demonstrate how the response to domestic abuse needs to change in the long-term, after and as a result of Covid-19. This culminated in the publication of a report, The Shadow Pandemic – shining a light on domestic abuse during Covid , which called for a funding solution that is long-term, sustainable and ensures survivors from minoritised groups have better access to specialist support services.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
Our CEO, Frank Mullane, was invited to address multiple audiences as keynote speaker or presenter, including events held by Probation, the Police, the Church of England in Durham Cathedral, NHS, GPs and many others. Additionally, AAFDA has issued press releases on relevant topics and Frank was regularly approached to provide comment in national and local media, including a two-page feature on his own story in The Guardian.
The website www.aafda.org.uk continues to be a key source of information for both families impacted by fatal domestic abuse and professionals. We have further built upon our online presence throughout 2021 and into 2022, including through a dedicated peersupport mailing group, to share information about third party research and support available for families. In 2022-23, the website will be re-vamped.
AAFDA has continued to assess DHRs as a member of the Home Office Quality Assurance Panel.
Our impact:
In 2021/22 a total of 1,356 professionals attended AAFDA webinars and events.
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In 2021/22, along with sector partners, AAFDA’s influence saw the following achievements:
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The creation of a new offence of non-fatal strangulation or suffocation of another person.
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Having children classified as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.
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Families bereaved by fatal domestic abuse being classed as victims and having access to the Victims’ Code.
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Government commitment to reform the DHR process.
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A heightened awareness of and improving responses to suicide and unexplained deaths following domestic abuse.
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Increased attention on the impact of the pandemic on victims.
“Moreover, the work of the charity Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse has been pivotal in getting us here today. I have huge respect for the chief executive Frank Mullane, who works tirelessly to help support traumatised families and ensures that professional training is given towards understanding domestic homicide reviews.” (Baroness Newlove - March 2021)
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
Good governance and management
During 2021/2022, our Board consisted of five trustees. New member Jessica Stewart joined and gave enormous assistance before resigning due to work commitments. In the year 2021/2022 our Board of Trustees included a local authority strategic Violence Against Women and Girls lead and expert in the criminal justice sector, a restorative justice practitioner, a safeguarding lead for a Clinical Commissioning Group and senior health advisor, a business and finance specialist, and a trust funding manager.
Our Board meets, at minimum, on a quarterly basis. The Chair and Treasurer have regular and frequent contact with the CEO. During Board meetings the CEO and Deputy CEO report on the main aspects of the charity (work with beneficiaries, impact on victims, emerging issues, finance, strategic plan, operational performance, and risk).
The Board is very aware of its responsibilities to identify and manage risk. A risk management register is reviewed regularly by the CEO who highlights to the Board any increased or new risks identified.
The Board complies with statutory obligations to submit Full Year Accounts, a Trustees' Annual Report, and an Annual Return to the Charity Commission.
Trustee induction and training
We review the composition and skills of the Board each year to ensure that AAFDA has the skills and knowledge to allow the Board to provide robust governance. All new trustees are supplied with a copy of “The Essential Trustee”, provided by the Charity Commission, and relevant training is provided to support trustees in their role.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
Finance
Change of Corporate Structure
Following a period of preparation and a formal resolution of the Trustees on the 16 February 2021, the assets, liabilities and operations of AAFDA were transferred from the unincorporated charity (No 1125973) to a company limited by guarantee (No 1185078 and company No 9527065). All governance and board arrangements remain unaltered by this corporate structural change.
As part of the transfer, the employees are now employed by Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd, following TUPE rules. All other assets were transferred and as a result, the new company has paid off all liabilities that were transferred at the same time. All operations, contracts, obligations and income generated since 6[th ] April 2021 have been accounted for and been transacted by the new company.
The attached accounts, in Note 2, contain full details of the assets and liabilities that were transferred.
The Charity Commission transfer register has been updated to confirm this transfer.
As a result, the unincorporated charity has been deregistered from the Charity Commission register and is being formally dissolved.
Commentary on 2021/22
AAFDA has seen its income for 2021/22 significantly increase to £706K. The major reason for this increase has been because of new grants from PCCs and the John Ellerman Foundation.
This increased revenue has enabled AAFDA to invest, in line with the restricted nature of the grants, in more support for families. In addition, the Charity has seen an uplift in costs consistent with an organisation growing in size. More funds have been expended in developing the Charity's infrastructure and systems, to increase efficiency and sustainability.
As AAFDA grows, the Trustees are allocating more resources to ensure good governance, improved internal controls and compliance with regulations. This includes planning to re-arrange the organisation's banking arrangements to increase investment income and minimise risk.
Five-Year Trading History
Note 2 in the attached Supplementary Financial Information on page 24 contains details of the Charity’s Five-Year Trading History, irrespective of the legal entity through which the Charity was trading at the time.
Reserves Policy
To ensure the long-term success and sustainability of AAFDA amidst a very uncertain funding and operating environment, the Trustees aim to maintain free reserves (which exclude restricted grants) equivalent to between three to six months of budgeted operating costs. These free reserves include designated funds which are set aside for specific projects decided by the Board.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
Public Benefit Statement
The Trustees understand it is their duty in exercising their powers to meet the obligations as outlined by the Charity Commission. For example, these responsibilities include being clear that the activities undertaken by AAFDA are for the public benefit and meet the objectives outlined in the Charity's Articles of Association.
The Trustees’ Annual Report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 6 September 2022.
James O’Sullivan Chair
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF ADVOCACY AFTER FATAL DOMESTIC ABUSE LTD
I report on the accounts for the period ended 5 April 2022, which are set out on pages 10 to 14.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The Charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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a) Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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b) To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act and
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c) To state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items of disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner’s Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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a) Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act
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To prepare accounts in accordance with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met
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b) To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed Independent Examiner
____Abacus Accountancy 07/09/2022
Abacus Accountancy 30 Commercial Road Swindon Wiltshire SN1 5NS
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 5 APRIL 2022
| Unrestricted Restricted Designated Total | Unrestricted Restricted Designated Total | Unrestricted Restricted Designated Total | Unrestricted Restricted Designated Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ £ | |||
| £ | ||||
| Incoming resources | ||||
| Donations | 4,289 | - | - | 4,289 |
| Charitable Activities | 65,150 | - | - | 65,150 |
| Grants | - | 628,786 | - | 628,786 |
| Other Income | 8,200 | - | - | 8,200 |
| Total Incoming Resources | 77,639 | 628,786 | - | 706,425 |
| Resources expended | ||||
| Charitable Activities | 8,988 | 628,786 | - | 637,774 |
| Net Income in Excess of Expenditure | 68,651 | - | - | 68,651 |
| Other recognised gains/( losses) | - | - | - | - |
| Net movement in funds | 68,651 | - | - | 68,651 |
| Net funds transferred from old Charity | 118,248 | - | 15,000 | 133,248 |
| Transfer between funds | (35,000) | - | 35,000 | - |
| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | £151,899 |
- | £50,000 | £201,899 |
CONTINUING OPERATIONS
All incoming resources and resources expensed from continuing activities.
The notes form part of these financial statements.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 5 APRIL 2022
| Unrestricted £ Fixed assets Tangible assets - Investments - Total Fixed Assets - Current assets Debtors - Cash at bank 151,899 Total Current Assets 151,899 Creditors: amounts falling due - within one year Net current assets 151,899 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year - Total assets £151,899 Funds of the Charity Unrestricted 151,899 Designated - Total funds £151,899 |
Restricted Designated £ £ - - - - - - 1,980 245,927 50,000 247,907 50,000 247,907 - - - - - - £50,000 - - - 50,000 - £50,000 |
Total £ - - |
|---|---|---|
| - 1,980 447,826 |
||
| 449,806 247,907 |
||
| 201,899 - |
||
| £201,899 | ||
| 151,899 50,000 |
||
| £201,899 |
The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 6 September 2022.
James O’Sullivan Chair
The notes form part of these financial statements.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 5 April 2022
1 Accounting Policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historic cost in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice FRS 102 Accounting and Reporting by Charities with Accounting Standards and with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 200 8.
Incoming Resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
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the Charity becomes entitled to the resources,
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the Trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources, and
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the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising and charitable activities) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.
Unrestricted grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the Charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Restricted grants are included in the SoFA at a gross level with the assumed related expenditure accrued for, also at a gross level with any excess funds duly transferred to unrestricted funds once the performance conditions required the donor have been satisfied.
Volunteer help received by the Charity is not included in the SoFA.
Resources Expended
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation – committing the Charity to pay out resources.
Governance costs include costs of the preparation and examination of the statutory accounts, the cost of Trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to Trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Support cost included costs associated with all central functions including finance, marketing and management.
Tangible Assets
Assets are capitalised and written off over their useful life if they cost in excess of £1000, otherwise they are treated as resources expended.
Taxation
The Charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Trustees.
Value Added Tax
The Charity is not required to register for VAT. All expenses include irrecoverable VAT where charged by suppliers.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
Going Concern
The Charity’s accounts are prepared on a going concern basis.
2 Significant Event
On 6 April 2021, the assets and liabilities of the Charity known as Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (Charity No 1125973) were transferred to Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd (Charity No 1185078 and Company No 9527065) which, until that date, had been dormant since its formation in 2015. This transfer was approved by the Trustees of both charities and registered as a transfer with the Charities Commission.
The assets and liabilities transferred were:
| Current Assets Debtors – Restricted Funds Cash at Bank – Unrestricted – Restricted – Designated Total Assets Creditors – Restricted Net Assets Funds of Charity Unrestricted Designated |
£ 118,248 320,070 15,000 |
£ 32,446 453,318 |
|---|---|---|
| 485,764 (352,516) |
||
| £133,248 | ||
| 118,248 15,000 |
||
| £133,248 |
The transferred assets and liabilities were treated as opening entries of the new Charity for the financial year ending on 5 April 2022.
As the new Charity was previously dormant there are no comparative figures shown in the Statement of Financial Affairs or the Balance Sheet. However, the details of the assets and liabilities transferred as shown above represent the state of affairs of the old Charity on the 5 April 2021.
3 Trustee Expenses/Board of Governance
The Trustees ordinarily receive no remuneration or benefits. However in the year ending 5 April 2022, one Trustee received a payment of £9915 in remuneration for carrying out a project related to the development of the DHR Network. Following an appropriate process and as authorised by the Articles of Association, the Board decided that, in the absence of alternatives and as urgent action was required, to appoint that Trustee to carry out this project. The Network was successfully launched by the Trustee and has been developed further by other resources since this initial project.
Other than this payment Board Governance costs were £2110 in the year to 5 April 2022.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
4 Fees for Independent Examination of Accounts
The Independent Examiner charged the Charity £100 for their review. They were also paid £2,694 in other fees for advice and accountancy services in the year ended 5 April 2022.
| 5 Staff Costs Gross Salaries Employee National Insurance Pension Costs Total |
£ 316,390 22,618 8,667 |
|---|---|
| £347,675 |
During the year no benefits in kind were made available to employees.
The average number of full-time equivalent employees employed during the year and the parts of the Charity in which they worked were:
| Fundraising Charitable Activities Total |
1 12 |
|---|---|
| 13 |
- 6 Debtors and Prepayments
Amounts receivable within one year include: Expenses paid in advance £1,980
- 7 Creditors and Accruals
Amounts payable within one year were for:
| Deferred Grant Income Total |
£ 129,672 118,235 |
|---|---|
| £247,907 |
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8 Restricted and Designated Funds
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8.1 Designated Funds
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The Charity maintains a designated fund to facilitate its ability to build and maintain its charitable activities. On the transfer of assets and liabilities on 6 April 2021 (see note 2) this fund had a balance of £15,000. During the year ending 5 April 2022, the Trustees decided to increase this fund to £50,000 by transferring £35,000 from general reserves.
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8.2 Movement of Major Restricted Funds
- During the year ended 5 April 2022, the Charity received the following restricted grants:
| Major Trusts and Foundations Government Grants Sundry Grants |
£ 173,719 309,148 145,919 |
|---|---|
| £628,786 |
Expenditure, either expended or accrued against these restricted incoming resources was £628,786.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
8.3 Movement in Unrestricted Funds
On the transfer of assets and liabilities on 6 April 2022 (see Note 2) the Charity’s general unrestricted funds were £118,248. These funds were increased during the year ending 5 April 2022 by £33,651 after a transfer of £35,000 to designated funds to total £151,899 at that date.
The Trustees of AAFDA Ltd certify that payments of funds awarded under grant contracts, and recognised in the financial statements, have been and are being fully and correctly utilised by the Charity for the purposes of fulfilling the grant obligations.
9 Cashflow Statement
Net Incoming Reserves for the year ending 5 April 2022 £68,651
| Adjustment in Working Capital Movements in Accrual and Deferred Income Movements in Debtor and Prepayments Opening Bank Balance transferred on 6 April 2021 Closing Bank Balance as at 5 April 2022 |
(104,609) 30,466l |
|
|---|---|---|
| (5,492) 453,318 £447,826 |
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10 Controlling Policy
The Charity is controlled by its Trustees.
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION
1 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 5 April 2022
| Income Donations and Gift Aid Grants Speaking, Consultancy and Training Fees Domestic Homicide Review Network Fees Total Income Expenditure Charitable Activities Employment Cost Travel Expenses Domestic Homicide Review Network Project Partner Costs Support Materials Equipment Renewal Trauma Therapy Peer Support Supervision and Staff Welfare Training and Recruitment Monitoring and Evaluation Strategic Review and Capacity Development Advocacy Awareness Cost Adjustment Support Costs Fundraising IT Systems and Website Telephone and Postage Security Office Supplies and Utilities Insurance HR Services Legal and Professional Accountancy Fees Board Governance |
£ 347,675 12,397 31,849 17,058 7,140 10,667 13,500 21,479 9,075 36,516 25,739 26,342 (5,511) 553,926 24,842 14,556 3,312 8,130 5,652 4,303 5,940 12,209 2,794 2,110 83,848 |
£ 4,289 628,786 65,150 8,200 |
|---|---|---|
| £706,425 |
637,774 £68,651
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Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse Ltd
2 Five Year Trading History
In recognising that the Charity transferred its assets and liabilities on 6 April 2021 to a Limited Company, it was thought to be useful to show the Charity’s five-year trading history, irrespective of which organisation was active at that time. The summary information is as follows:
| £000's Gross Income Total Expenditure Net Income/Expenditure Income from Government Grants |
2018 229 232 (3) 5 |
2019 367 354 13 139 |
2020 343 356 (13) 100 |
2021 451 454 (3) 286 |
2022 706 638 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 68 | |||||
| 309 |
The figures for 2018-2021 were reported under the old Charity (Charity No 1125973), whereas 2022 is for the new Charity (Charity No 1185078).
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