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2025-04-05-accounts

Draft Financial Statements

Charity registration number 1186634 (England and Wales)

THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Ms S Kirkley (Resigned 1 January 2025)
Mr C Miller
Ms A Weir (Resigned 1 January 2025)
Ms A Cutler
Ms N Patel
Ms J Pearce
Ms D Mistry
Ms L Brown
Ms A Lorek
Mr D Goosey
Mary Emson (Appointed 1 January 2025)
Anita Erhabor (Appointed 1 January 2025)
Management committee Ms S Kirkley (Resigned 1 January 2025)
Mr C Miller
Ms A Weir (Resigned 1 January 2025)
Ms A Cutler
Ms N Patel
Ms J Pearce
Ms D Mistry
Ms L Brown
Ms A Lorek
Mr D Goosey
Mary Emson (Appointed 1 January 2025)
Anita Erhabor (Appointed 1 January 2025)
Charity number 1186634
Independent examiner Afford Bond Holdings Limited
31 Wellington Road
Nantwich
Cheshire
CW5 7ED

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 13

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Background

The Charity was formed in November 2019 as a successor body to the Association of Independent LSCB Chairs – (“AILC”). AILC performed a similar function to that now carried by the Charity but as a company limited by guarantee. TASP seeks to be an influential voice for safeguarding which both represents the views of its members, while working to safeguard children and the vulnerable. To achieve this the Charity seeks to attract members from a wide range of safeguarding backgrounds.

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are to improve safeguarding structures and safeguarding understanding within and between organisations whose people or activities bring them into contact with children or vulnerable adults. They also act as a voice for the safeguarding workforce so that concerns and developments can be communicated and escalated.

The Charity’s objects are:

To promote for public-benefit the safeguarding of children and vulnerable people by:

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The charity has performed well during the year

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Financial review

The charity aims to hold sufficient funds to ensure it is able to meet any financial obligations as they fall due. The charity is currently undergoing a re-structuring of its operations and the trustees are of the opinion the charity is well on course to meeting its aims in the short to medium term.

The Statement of Financial Activities for the year is set out on the following pages. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with their related notes. A summary of the financial results and the work of the charity is set out below. In the opinion of the Board of Trustees, the future prospects for the Charity are considered satisfactory.

The Trustees report a successful year in relation to our goal of growing into a strong and relevant safeguarding association.

We believe that we are helping to improve safeguarding knowledge and skills for those who belong to or work with our organisation.

We are currently in a reasonably strong position in relation to our finances and more importantly our growing reputation and footprint. We hope the members can see how their vision which we encapsulate is taking shape.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Structure, governance and management

The charity was registered on 28 November 2019.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Ms S Kirkley (Resigned 1 January 2025) Mr C Miller Ms A Weir (Resigned 1 January 2025) Ms A Cutler Ms N Patel Ms J Pearce Ms D Mistry Ms L Brown Ms A Lorek Mr D Goosey Mary Emson (Appointed 1 January 2025) Anita Erhabor (Appointed 1 January 2025)

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Membership developments

There are 140 statutory safeguarding children partnerships/sets of arrangements in England. In addition, there are myriad bodies, whose remit is to safeguard the vulnerable in sports, religious and charitable settings and individuals, whose professional role includes a safeguarding function.

When we established our goal was to have as members at least 75% of statutory partnerships and as many other non- statutory organisations and individuals as feel that TASP is a place of support and advice for them.

Our membership of statutory partnerships, bodies with a safeguarding function and individuals have grown annually since our establishment and is now at:

Activities

Webinars and Podcasts

The principal activity of the Charity since its inception has been the hosting of webinars. Using a professional facilitator, the Charity in the past year has run the following 12 free webinars, which have attracted an average of 130 attendees (214 top for the year and 88 lowest):

Plus two further Podcasts where Webinar presenters were invited back to dive a bit deeper into some of the conversations generated at the webinar:

The webinars have been recorded and are available to members, on the Charity website (https:// www.theasp.org.uk)

Website

Our website is a repository for a range of material generated through webinars and posted by members and other organisations. We also have a vacancies section which enables those seeking experienced domain experts to access the right people directly.

Work with Kings College London and Others

For much of the reporting year we worked with Kings College London on the final stages of a two-year project funded by The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) which evaluated the multi-agency child safeguarding reforms. As well as Kings College other partners included the University of Bedfordshire & Camden Safeguarding Children Partnership, the Family Rights Group and the Association of Child Protection Professionals.

Its aim was to provide evidence about what makes LSCPs effective and to develop a tool which could systematically assess effectiveness of multi- agency working. This tool is now available as a members’ resource.

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Business Managers’ Network

Business managers in a local partnership safeguarding setting are vital to ensuring quality outcomes for children. They are a highly skilled group of staff, who because of the nature of their work can be isolated. The Charity has run a series of network meetings for business managers to provide opportunities for support and the sharing of good practice and emerging issues. These are very popular events, with up to 50 attendees at our monthly sessions.

The Scrutineers’ Network

This was established by our director and two trustees in the past year and has begun to develop a range of members materials as well as providing opportunities to work cooperatively to identify and respond to challenges, while incubating and disseminating good practice.

Wider networks and Engagement Plans for next year

The Charity’s staff and trustees meet with a wide range of representatives from Government, the National Panel and other bodies, who have a safeguarding remit.

An important part of these conversations with the wider safeguarding community is to enable the Charity to develop its voice and presence. In the past year we have held regular meetings with:

We also attend the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Partner and Child Protection Working Group, a group coordinated by the DfE

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Child Protection

In March 2024 TASP hosted a workshop at Tech UK for safeguarding specialist interested in helping with the development of AI tools which might enhance safeguarding practice.

Following on from that workshop TASP has been working with the NSPCC, and some tech companies to develop tools which will:

Payment to Trustees

In June 2024 one of the TASP staff resigned without giving notice. The trustees decided to contract one of the trustees to fill the gap that this sudden unexpected departure created.

A recruitment exercise to replace the departed staff member, which was costly in time and resource, then failed to attract a suitable candidate.

On that basis the Trustees decided to retain the trustee as a contractor for the rest of the reporting year.

The cost of this is recorded in the relevant section of the accounts.

Plans for next year

We are committed to developing our offering to members and our influence among a wide group of safeguarding stakeholders. Our webinars will continue to be a focus for our work.

In the autumn and winter of 2025 we will be working with Durham University and a range of other partners to conduct research into how partnerships manage extra familial harm and child criminal exploitation.

We are in the process of upgrading our website and Customer Management System (CMS) and that will continue for the next year.

We will continue to develop our regular contact networks and in addition to those mentioned in 'Wider Networks' will be meeting regularly with:

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

.............................. Mr C Miller Trustee

Date: .............................................

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Charitable activities 3 95,392 94,887
Total income 95,392 94,887
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 81,720 79,571
Other expenditure 8 950 3,000
Total expenditure 82,670 82,571
Net income and movement in funds 12,722 12,316
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024 52,651 40,335
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 65,373 52,651

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

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

2025
Notes
£
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
10
Current assets
Debtors
11
45,068
Cash at bank and in hand
25,746
70,814
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
12
(6,164)
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Unrestricted funds
13
The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .........................
..............................
..............................
Mr C Miller
Ms A Cutler
Trustee
Trustee		 £
723
64,650
65,373
65,373
65,373		 2024
£
45,020
17,382
62,402
(9,751)		 £
-
52,651
52,651
52,651
52,651

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Association of Safeguarding Partners is an unincorporated entity established under a trust deed dated 28 November 2019. The charity's correspondence address is 36 Stock Lane, Shavington, Crewe, CW2 5ED.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations, but which has since been withdrawn.

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

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus, the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

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

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures and fittings 25% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Charitable income
Sale of goods 81,833 76,508
Other charitable income
Ancillary trading income 13,559 18,379
95,392 94,887

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

4 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staff costs 53,466 55,433
Depreciation and impairment 82 -
Insurance 404 380
Advertising 575 480
Professional mfees 16,807 12,600
Accountancy 2,844 2,856
Computer 4,790 6,241
Telephone 924 884
Printing, postage and stationery 207 375
Sundry - 101
Travel 1,621 202
Bank charges - 19
81,720 79,571
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 81,720 79,571
5 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements - -
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 82 -

6 Trustees

During the year the charity paid £11,925 to Via Volenti Ltd, a company in which Chris Miller has a material interest. Payment was made for bona fide services rendered.

7 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
1 2

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7 Employees (Continued)
Employment costs 2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 53,466 55,433

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

8 Other expenditure

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Bad debts 950 3,000

9 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

10 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures and
fittings
£
Cost
Additions 805
At 31 March 2025 805
Depreciation and impairment
Depreciation charged in the year 82
At 31 March 2025 82
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025 723

Draft Financial Statements THE ASSOCIATION OF SAFEGUARDING PARTNERS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11 Debtors

Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
43,577
1,491
45,068		 2024
£
45,020
-
45,020

12 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other taxation and social security
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
1,782
-
704
3,678
6,164		 2024
£
-
6,000
691
3,060
9,751

13 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2024 resources expended 2025
£ £ £ £
General funds 52,651 95,392 (82,670) 65,373
Previous year: At 1 April Incoming Resources At 31 March
2023 resources expended 2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 40,335 94,887 (82,571) 52,651