Years
sericcr..,...:.,-
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist Service
and changing attitudes
Annual Report and Financial
Statements
For the Year Ended 31st March 2024
Charitable Inwrporatsd Organisation ICIOI Charicy No. 1186836

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Speoalistservite
CONTENTS
Page
Charity Reference and Admlnlstratlve Detalls
Report of the Board of Trustees
Report of the Independent Audltors
25
Statement of Flnanclal ActlvltlÈs
28
Balance Sheet
29
Statement of Cash Flows
30
Notes to the Financial Statements
31

CHARITY REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE D￿AlLs
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31rt MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Speoalist Serv¢ce
Charity Namè:
SERICC
Charlty Reglstration Number..
1186836
Registered Offlce and Address:
SERICC
The Hall
West Street
Gray5
Essex RM17 6LL
Board of Trustees:
A Curnick (Chairl
G Harrington {Secretaryl
M Heine
K Dobson (resigned 01 November 20231
Senlor Mana8ernent:
Sheila Coates MBE, Director
Lee Eggleston OBE, Operational Manager
Rebekah Brant, Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Auditors
Rowland Hall
Chartered Certlfied Accountants and Registered Auditors
44154 Orsett Road
Grays
Essex RM17 SED
Bankers
CAF BANK Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent ME19 4JQ
Barclays Bank
9 High Street
Grays
E55ex
RM17 6NB
Sollcltors
Taylor Vinters
Merlin Place
Milton Road
Cambridge CB4 ODP
HR Advlsors
Moore Kingston Srnith HR Consultancy Limited
9 Appold Street
London EC2A 2AP

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist Sem
Chairwornan's report
This year we are proud to be enterin9 our 40th year OF delivering specialist services
to victims and survivors Of sexual violence and sexual abuse.
Cur dedicated stafF team has shown their commitment and expertise in deliverin9
specialist Front-line. life-chan9ing services to children. young people. adults and their
Families and carers.
This report highlights the impact and evi&nced based outcornes OF our services.
This year. we have seen again. the longer ternt consequences OF the cost OF IiviA9
crisis and the uncertainty in UK and global events directly afFecting the daily lives
and mental health QF service users. The bac4109 in the criminal courts. resultin9 in
delay5 to justice has meant the charity has needed to work with Individuals For longer
periods Of time. The fundin9 uncertainties Of these essefttial serwites are some OF the
challenges the charity will face ln the near future.
would like to thank our team OF Trustees for their on90in9 comrnitment in
supportlng SERICC and their plans to recruit new Trustees across 2024. Together.
we have risen to the challenges and continued to develop new services and projects.
consolidate and invest in our existing service provision. always with the fOCUS on the
individuals who come to US for support. The ongoing need for long-terffl funding
rernains front and center for the or9anisation.
Alison Curftick
Ycors
of challenging myths
and changing attitudes

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31sr MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist Service
The Trustees present their report and the audited financial statements of the charlty for the perlod
Aprll 2023 to 315¢ March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provlslons of the Statement of
Recommended Practice ISORPI "Accounting and Reportin8 by Charities" (FRS 1021 in preparing the
annual report and financlal statements of the charlty. The flnancial statements have been prepared
in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the
charit(s 8overning document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities:
Statement of Recommended Prartice applicable to charities preparing thelr account5 in accordance
with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16th
July 2014 las amended by Update Bulletin I published on 2nd February 20161.
TRUSTEES OF THE CHARITY
The Trustees who have Served duringthe year and since the year end were a5 follows:
A Curnlck Ichairl
M Heine
G Harrington (Secretary)
K Dob50n (resigned 01 November 20231
SERICC provides specialist services to anyone in South and West Essex who is experiencin& or who
has experienced, any form of sexual violence and abuse at anytlme in their life. Speciali5ed services
are offered to parents, carers and supporters.
Sexual violence is a term that includes any sexual behaviours that are unwanted or that happen
without a person's consent. SERICC uses a wide definition of sexual violence and abuse and includes
rape, sexual assault, domestit sexual violence and sexual abuse, child sexual abuse, non-contatt
onllne grooming, viewing and rnaking indecent images of children.
66
My whole lite I've been told and treated that I'm
worthless. I'm rK)t worthy of anything. You have
changed that l AM worthy and deserve and feel
able to look to the future. I'm smiling and found
myself singing along to a song - I started crylng
because I can't remember when I lasl sang
99

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialisc Service
SERICC uses an evidenced based approach to providing high-quality sexual vlolence services
including:
Children, young people and family's
services
preventative, educatlve and
therapeutic work, working with families
to build emotional resilience and physical
well-being and safety planning
Independent Sexual Violence Accredited
Advisers IISVAAsl provide emotional and
specialist
prartical
support
and
information to victims and survivors of
sexual violence who have reported to the
police or are considering reporting to the
police.
Emotional support servlces
telephone
triage,
early
support
providing
information on coping strategies. self-
esteem. recovery. confidence building
and self-care
Speciallst sexual violence therapeutic
interventions
one-to-one counsellin&
pre-trial therapv.
The impact of sexual abuse and violence often results in low 5elf-esteem, depression, anxlety and
mental health problems. Many individuals who contact us share their feellngs of self-blame, shame,
guilt and find it difficult to speak of their experiences, Sexual vlolence counsellin& support and
advocacy is delivered in an empathic sensitive environment to enable individuals to re8ain-control
over their lives and improvement their health and well-being.
Child and Family Services
SERICC provides an early intervention service to parents / carers whose children have experienced
sexual abuse and violence and/or where the family are engaged with Thurrock Council social care.
The Brighter Futures Programme offers an integrated and intensive service to equip families to learn
and apply parenting skills that develop resourcefulness and resllience while strengthening positive
relationships wlth their children. The Brighter Futures Programme and the Young People
counselling service is funded by Thurrock
Council for Thurrock residents. 46
66
It has been tantasti¢ for me in coping with the
incident with my daughter and most of the
fallout from my family. Having the counsellor
there to reflect and talk to has been amazing
families 119 children and 27 parents)
received 239 face to face Sessions.
99
SERICC'S internal pollcies and procedures are 5ubjett to an external annual review undertaken by
Thurrock Children's and Adult Services Commissioners. This annual quality assurance review
involves policy and procedures, staff and service user interview5.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specralistservice
Speclallst sexual violence therapeutic interventions
SERICUS coun5ellin8 service has responded to 16,726 counselling related contacts and artivities
includlng telephone calls. emails/ letters and meetings. SERICC are committed to ensuring that as
many individuals a5 P055ible can acce55 5ervice5 Wlthout len8thy waiting lists and introduced a new
servlce for individuals to access early support, SERICC collates feedback to prove outcome5 which
influence policy and prartice in the service5 they receive from SERICC and other a8encie5,
SERICC worked with 1,179 new referrals in the last year whilst working with 1,869 individuals who
had 1,276 dependants. Individuals were offered 6,035 sexual abuse and violence counselling
sesslons and 2,379 Independent Sexual Violence Accredited Adviser (ISVAAI and advocacy
sessions.
Independent Sexual Violence Accredited Advisers (15VAAs)
The ISVAA servlce provides essential specialist support to those who choose to report sexual
offences to the police. ISVAAS ensure that individuals are fully informed whilst going through the
CrlmSnal Justice System includlng Initial and ongolng police Investigatlons and support through the
courts process, The ISVAA service works in c105e partnershlp with Essex Police and Oakwood Place,
Essex Sexual Assault Referral Centre {SARCI.
There continues to be dlsruption to the Crlmlnal Justice System due to the backlog in cases
increasing the already lengthy delays.1SVAA's provided accompaniment to 24 trials and court cases,
police related appointment5, Sexual health servlces, general health and well-beln8 servlces. This
will double in 2024.
Number of Incldents reported to the pollce
36%
27.5%
22%
14%
0.5%
In last 12 mDnth5
In last 12-24
months
ore ihan 24
months
Reportgd butdate
not avallable
Not reported
to ptsilce
66
You lot are like superwomen, the stuff you do
and all the people you help, what would I do
without you
99

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 315t MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Speoali5t Service
Servlces include:
Criminal, Civil & Family Justlce System
information and dedicated support
informatlon and accompaniment to
appointments
Housing support, signposting and
information in partnership with Thurrock
Council
Information about criminal injuries
compensation applications and victim's
code
66
My abuse is so unreal I don't think people believè
mé. When I told you about my past. I was waiting
for you to ask If It's true but you dldn't. You asked
me questions that made me feel you understood.
l asked you if you believed me and you said yes, I
don't think I have ever felt so supported
99
Emotlonal support services
There has also been a significant increase in the number of new referrals who self-reported multiple
needs relating to their mental and physical health..
623 individua15 Stated they are experiencin8 mental health difficultie5
122 individuals stated they have a leaming disability
149 indlvlduals stated they have a physical disability
272 individuals stated they have a dlagnosed long-term illne55
First Contact Navigators (triage seNicel provided 1.396 First meeting sessions and 13,291
assessment contacts on behalf of SERICC.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31$1 MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
SFeciali5t Serv7ce
Servlce User Demo8raphlcs
SERICC has
bespoke Data
Performance
Management System IDPMSI that collates detalled
anonymous sexual abuse and violence statistlcal
records and data In line within data protettion
le8islation to performance mana8e, Inform servlce
delivery, meet funding monitoring requirements and
identify trends and patterns.
scricc
data & insiohts
QUALITY ASSURANCE
Who uses our servlces?
The majority of individuals are women and girls:
The largest proportion of Individuals using servlces this year are aged between 18 and 54
68.7%, with children and young people (aged up to 17 years old) making up just under a
quarter of all individua15 SUPPOrted.
Nearly half, 47%, of all individuals using servlces reported having one or more dlsablllty.
Black, Asian and mlnorltised communlties has increased to 13% of all indivlduals
supported. In line with the Essex census population111.2%1.
The Criminal Justice System, the Sexual Assault Referral Centre ISARCI. Health and
Voluntary Settor Services referrals were generally the same as the prevlous year. However,
referrals from the Local Authority have decreased, there was an increase in the number of
self-referrals.
At first point of contact 25% of individuals are adult survivors of chlldhood sexual abuse.
In line with the prevlous year 7% of Indlvlduals are famlly members or friends of the
vittims and survivors.
Around 87% of sexual crimes are committed by a known individual, in just over l in 4
cases, that person is a family member, and just over a further l in 4 cases involve 3
current or ex-partner.
66
I feel so listened to and not judged I
have had no sleep du• to bolng anxious
and this appointment and you've made
ffle feel so safe. Thank you
99

REPORT OFTHE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specrdlisr Service
What 18 th• ago range ol vlctlms and 8urvlvors7
fj5 and over- 1.5%
55 to64- 6.1%
12and undor- 5.8%
13tts17- L7.8%
45to54-12%
351044-17.8%-
-18to24- 18.8%
251034-22.3%
Wh•r• do vkllms and $wvivor$ liv•7
32%
21%
15%
3%
8asildon
Brentwood
Epping
Harlow
Thjrrock
Other Essexl
Out ofArea

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
swiali￿serV1(e
How do vlctlms arKI 8urvlvor8 access 8etvl¢e8?
frof?rral •owul
Other03%
Voluntary$•¢ror- 8 5%
Localauthorlty. ll.3%
Self-2U%
Third party. L
-GJS.29296
RC. 4.7%
What are the pr•s•ntlng experfence8 of sexual vk>lence
Suppwt¢ts¢tlSurvNors
l•.&farnilyllriqnd)- 7￿]
ultvictirn818urviwrs
of R•pe& SexualAbu58
.34.
Child &Youn8People
ctimslsurvlvorsof
R•pe& S•xualAtYJ5e-
16.1%
Adult vicrimsl
survivor$ ttf Chtid
Sexual Abuse- 16.7%
Adultvictim$l survivor$of
Dom•stic Sexual A￿Se-25A%

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist Service
Who commits crlme$ of Sexual vk)lence?
LSndisclosed- 4.6%
Stran¢er-&2%
Grvupof
perpetrator5. 2%
PersonirsaPQSition
0ftn￿.%
Iniimare partmrl
•artfier-26%
Swersocial _
- Famllymember.
Is.
AcqUaint￿¢8-
Ertended f•mly
memb*r- U.8%
Achlevement5 and Performance
SERICC is commltted to upholdin8 the hlghest possible standards for staff and provldin8 intemal and
external training and evidence-based service delivery. This was achieved through:
Ensuring service users, experiences. are
heard through feedback, evaluation and
outcome data
Providing training for staff as part of
ongoing professional development and
staff health and well-being
Receiving stakeholder feedback (external
organi5ations and public bodies)
Strengthening and participating in local,
regional and national partnerships and
undertaking joint working to ensure that
service user needs, and experiences are
included in policy and procedure
Providing staff supervisioni peer
supervision and performance
management
The use of ongoing data collection
followed by data analysis for service
planning and development
66
Thank you so much for your patience, I have
never been able to speak to anyone about this
before
99
io

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31rt MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
SpecialistSeNice
Evidence based services:
SERICC undertakes client surveys before and after services. The questionnaire5 are collated and the
% reflects the overall total, A benchmark measure of 40% is used. Any % returned that is below
this value are closely examined and changes made to service provision.
Satisfaction with the service
990
of closed cases said they were satisfied with the Service
and the support was sensltive to their needs and situation
More in control of their lives
960A
of closed cases said they were now more confident and
able to make decisions about their future
Better hèalth and well beln8
of closed cases had better coping strate8ie5 and were able
to recognise the impact of sexual violence on their lives
More able to access further support
of closed cases sald they knew of resource5 and
opportunities to access education or employment
More able to develop & maintain positive relationshlps
470
of closed cases stated they felt more able to trust people
and build relationships
More able to assert their rights
98°
of closed cases stated that they knew their ri8hts and
entitlements, which included engaging with the Crlminal
Justice System, family courts andlor civil proceedings
li

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape 2nd Sexual Abuse
Specialist Serwce
SERICC participates in local, regional and national policy consultations and working groups that
relate to sexual abuse and violence in which current research and good practice can be shared
internally with staff and external practitioners and agencies. SERICC participated In
Consultations/Workin8 Groups and undertook work which included:
East Re8ion Crown Prosecution Servlce
expert panels
Support and prevention work in schools,
and other educational settings
Essex Domestic Violence Board
Thurrock Children's Commi55i0ned
Services
Essex Police Community Engagement
Group
Thurrock Community Safety Partnership
Essex Strategic Group including
sub8roups relating to high profile cases
Thurrock Council for Voluntary Service
Thurrock multi-agency Strate8ic Board
for Violence Against Women & Girls
Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic
Abuse Reference Group
Essex Sexual Violence and Sexual Assault
Strategic Partnership Board
Anglia Ruskin Universlty Child Sexual
Abuse Project
Home Offlce- Violence against Women
and Girls Stakeholders Forum
Crown Prosecution Service ICPSI Child
Sexual Abuse Stakeholders Forum
Ministry of Justice- Victim and Witness
Sector Engagement Group
National Health Service England INHSE)
sexual and domestic violence group
Memberships..
Association of Child Protection Professionals IAOCPP)
National Council for Voluntary Organisations INCVOI
Nation31 Counsellin8 and Psychotherapy Society INCPSI
Thurrock Council for Voluntary Or8anisations ITCVSI
Rape Crisis England and Wales IRCEWI
Women's Resource Centre IWRCI
66
It has changed my life to get rid of the negative
feelings and knowing l am nol to blame
99
12

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3151 MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist Servi
Subscriptions
Clinks (supporting the voluntary sector working in the Criminal Justice System)
CIPD- HR-inform
Breathe HR
Civil Society
Award5
SERICC successfully completed the natlonal standards required to be awarded a Trauma Kite Mark
from the National Charity One Small Thlng Ivalld until July 20261.
Partnership workin8
SERICC works in partnership Wlth Southend on Sea Rape Crisis ISOSRCI, and Centre for Action on
Rape and Abuse ICARAI North and mid Essex. Together we form the Syner8y Essex Partnership to
ensure services are accessible pan Essex, Centres offer services through primary funding 50urces
from: the Essex Police, Flre and Crime Commissioner and the Minlstry of Justice. More victim5 can
be supported through the partnership and the provlslon of a triage system and accessto immediate
specialist support.
Better Outcomes through Unked Data IBOLD).
SERICC completed the BOLD project with the Ministry of Justice in August. BOLD 15 a Bovernrnent
data-Sinking programme which aims to improve the connectedness of government data in England
and Wales. The final Ministry of Justice report will be published in the autumn of 2024.
Social Impact and Soclal Value
SERICC adhere5 to the Rape Crisis England & Wales and Ministry of Justice monitoring and
evaluation framework which Is almed at reporting on the improvements to emotional and physical
health after using SERICC services.
SERICC distributes and clrculates information on education, skills and self-help via the SERICC
website and outreach sites. The materials and information on SERICC'S website, has the added
benefit of increasing well-being, improving resilience and reducing isolatlon.
The Synergy Essexand SERICC websites continuesto grow and adheretothe good prartice guidance
of Browse Aloud which offers a range of accesslble tools and lan8ua8es on the web sites.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31$¢ MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialisc Serw¢*
SERICC has a dedicated area on the website for anyone to
access self-help resources. Service users are encouraged to
suggest content or let us know what Is useful to them or their
famllles.
sericc
our
oce
To date, more than 250 people have signed up to Your Space with a satisfaction rate of lOO%.
SERICC:
This past year has seen an Increase in requests from service users for
subsldlsed travel, food vouchers and essentials such as baby food and
items, school uniform and furniture and information about debt
management.
In addition to helping with financial hardship, SERICC offers accompaniment to
appointments, such as welfare reviews and medical appeals.
oc]E]
SERICC undertakes advocacy work to enable individuals who are experiencing
housing or debt difficulties to address and resolve problems, enabling them to live
independently. Relieving pressure on Statutory servlces e.g. housing, GPS, mental
health seNlces etc. In Thurrock, this service received dedicated funding and enables
the Floatlng Support worker to provide longer term support, particularly to those who have
experienced domestic sexual violence.
SERICC held a Christmas party in December 2023, with
a traditional Santa presenting the toys and gifts to 33
children. 5ERICC staff delivered fresh food parcels,
toys and gifts, all hand-picked, packed, wrapped and
personally delivered to homes across the SERICC
service delivery areas supporting 73 adults and 108
children.
60
No one usually believes me this is the first
time I have felt someone understsnds me
••
14

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3151 MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
SpKialisi Service
Delivering Public Benefits- Achievements and Performance
The core services provlded by SERICC is the provision of specialist, independent, community based
sexual abuse and violence 'face to face, counsellin8, SUPPOrt, advocacy, telephone servlce and
information sUPPOrt and outreach. The sexual abuse and violence counselling and ISVAA servlces
operate at the 5ERICC head office based In Thurrock, its satellite base in Thurrock Council for
Voluntary Service (Beehive Centrel and across outreach sites including schools across South and
West Essex.
After refurbishing our sites in Thurrock and Harlow, a pilot group for girls ha5 been successfully
delivered with plan5 for delivering three future groups between 2024 and 2025.
GIRLS GROUP
sericc
Harlow Venue
Thjnkyou foFa¢cepiinpourlnvltat4on tololn 5w••k iupport 9foibP
deslgn4d to ImpFoveyoury•ll ￿1￿9 and9N•you a￿leSpectIO mwroth•r
glrfswhtshave OXPbrf•ncod 5•xuoI ￿01*nGe.
Th14ts1rJ¢onfirmyourpla¢• In ¢h•gr•up ar￿ t•ll you thef￿￿)4￿4ny Irrfvrmwtlork
se brlngy¢JurcDn5vntfvrmwifh
bya parqnt orcarqv Ifyou
h•v• r4tst4lr•adysMi th15 bx*.
SÉAICC al Latlon BUS￿ CM1878L
Oates..
14th. 21st 8 28th Septemlxr
5th &12th Octobgr
W• knk k*rwwd to rnwtln4yoy on
thv14ths•prember. pleaselot onoof
us know Ifyou annot•tt•ffAlfoT
ng reason.Thankyou.
Tlmo..
MeEt in Aecep￿0Th at&45pffL
finlsh by 7..15pm
07508 554564
SERICC has undertaken an internal audit of policies, procedures and internal systems in relation to
succession, recruitment and retirement, working with LEEP Consultancy to ensure that all are robust
and up to date. SERICC is professionally approved through the Rape Crisis England and Wales sexual
violence and abuse National Service Standard5. The Rape Crisis England and Wales Service Standards
are due for renewal by March 2025.
SERICC provided 113 hours of dlrect technical support to Rape Crisis Centre5 regarding the Data
Performance Management System IDPMSI and 18 hours per month engagement on behalf of Rape
Crisis England & Wales at national strategic groups includin& Home Office. Ministry of Justice and
NHS England influencing policy and practice for victims and survivors of sexual abuse and violence.
15

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
spec￿115[ SeNice
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The charity, with the ald of sound financial management and the support of both its staff and
Trustees, generated a positive financial outcome for the period.
Princlpal Funding Sources
SERICC'S main source of income is project-specific grants, contracts and Service Level AEreements
which include:
Essex Police. Fire and Crime
Commissioner
Rape Crisis England and Wales
Thurrock Council / Thurrock Integrated
Care Board 'Better Care Fund,
Ministry of Justice
The National Lottery Community Fund
Thurrock Council {Development Fund,
Strategic Fund, Housing Related Support.
Brighter Futures, Young People
Counsellorl
These Income sources are dependent on the ability and willin8ness of external agencies and
government departments/local authorities to support the provision of specialist sexual violence
services.
66
You have helped me to understand how
trauma has affected my ways of trying to cope
Risk Revlew
The level of income kept in reserves is based on a realistic assessment of the charity's future income.
needs and expenditure. The funding landscape is stlll complex and dynamic with unpredictability of
existing government funds, limited availability of larger grants from trusts and local authorities
declaring bankruptcy. No inflationary increases have been applied by any funders again this year.
SERICC continues to look at ways of diversifying income sources.
The wider economic climate, fuel and energy increases, and the overall cost of living increase has
affected on our staff team which SERICC recognised and responded to by increases to salaries and a
cost-of-living award. Premises that SERICC rent to deliver services have incurred increased fuel costs
16

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist Service
and rent increases. The Board of Trustees are satisfied that risk management steps will mitigate the
identlfied rlsks to the charity and are regularly reviewed. SERICC approach to risk management:
ACCESSTHERI
WHAT1S7HEIMPACT
PLANTHERESPOMSE
AGRÉETHEPL4N
AEVIEW& UPDATE
Rlsk Management
Internal financial controls, policy and procedure5 are in place to ensure compliance and are in line
with the Charlty Commission guidance on financial controls. These procedures are periodically
reviewed to ensure that they contlnue to meet the needs of the charity. Quarterly monitoring
reports to external funders ensure a consistent quality of delivery for the operatlonal aspects of the
harity.
SERICC work with a range of external experts as part of good practice forthe overall governance and
risk management, For exafflple, Human Resources IHRI are provided by Moore Kingston Smith,
Subjett access requests and data protection advice is provided by A Jolly Consultancy. SERICC were
certified as Cyber Essential Plus for the second year workin8 With our IT support provider Sprint
Integration.
The Senior Management Team have supported Trustees in the overall management and monitoring
of finance and staffing matters by providing a suitable level of scrutlny of the finances and HR policies
and prattices to make recommendations on these mattersto the trustees fortheir decision. SERICC
trustees acknowledge their responsibility for naming and prudently managing the risks to which the
charity is exposed. An annual review of the financial risk re8lSter ensures that the trustees are well
informed to arrive at a set of parameters and decisions for risk they consider to be acceptable. The
trustees continue to review and question the reserves policy to Set up and agree a suitable level of
reserves, With thi5 information, the trustees can make informed choices about the strategic
proposals putfon¥ard bythe Senior ManagementTeam. The principal risk, which continuesto cause
uncertainty for 5ERICC 15 its dependence on the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner IPFCCI
who, In addltion to their contract, administrate 8rants made avallable from the Ministry of Justice
which are due to cease in March 2025. This has provided, alon8With the PFCC contract 37% of SERICC
Income and continues to be a significant uncertainty beyond the end of the current grant period in
March 2025. The procurement for these services wlll '80 ouv to competitive tendering in the
Summer of 2024.
17

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist SeNice
The charity manages risks through reserve5 to keep essential staff, operations and services stable
whllst contingency plans are implemented.
Reserves
The Trustees are satisfied that risk management steps will mitl8ate the identified risks to the charitv.
SERICC Trustees have considered the wider economic climate and the likelihood of reduced levels
of local authority funding which may affect reserves.
Trustees recogni5e the need to ensure adequate operational costs are held in unrestricted reserves
to account for contractual obligations to staff, risk management and any unanticipated redurtion in
income. This is set at the beginning of the financial year and Is subject to review based on actual
expenditure across the financial year. The level set in relation to the year to 31" March 2024 was
£716,111 for 26 weeks16 months) running costs.
The level of reserves required is based on:
An understanding of operating activities
to be maintained
Possible delays in restricted funding to
on-going projects
Potential risks to Sta￿Ing costs such as
long-term staff illness or maternity leave
Potential risks of funding cuts
Potentially reduced unrestricted funding
Potential unanticipated need for new IT
equipment
Amounts are set aside to meet the provision for an orderly winding-down of operations in the event
of a significant adverse event that Is outslde the control of SERICC. This may include:
Statutory redundancy payments
Staff salary and expenses to oversee the
winding down
Exiting contracts such as those for mobile
phones, rent and broadband
Any professional fees needed e.g.
accountancy and legal
The continuation of an internet presence
for a period of time
SERICC Trustees have agreed to designate funds for the potential future acquisition of a property.
As at 31st March 2024 SERICC total funds were £1,625,894 which included restricted funds of
£23,554, designated funds of £1,008,386 and unrestricted funds of £593,954.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist Service
Any surplus funds will be used to increase capacity by recruiting new staff for both central servlces
and frontline Staff.
Due to the nature of SERICC'S work, particularly with vulnerable clients, it is vltal specialist
counsellin& support and advocacy services are completed with each individual client in a time
sensitive manner, particularly for clients who have reported to the police and are awaiting crlminal
justice outcomes. These individuals, and in particular children, can wait up to eighteen month5 or
longer from reporting the offence to the police to attendance in court. Since the disruption to the
Criminal Justice System this has extended to end of 2026- beginning of 2027.
Service development and staff recruitment is affected by lack of funding certainty causing multiple
organisational problems including employment issues such as posts being vacant due to short-term
or fixed-term contract5. The charity need5 reserves to evidence sound financial management,
partlcularly when applying for grants and contracts and can demonstrate reliable services or funding
overthe longerterm. As lead partner in the Essex Partnership, reserves are held to ensure payments
can be made in advance to partners to ensure seamless service delivery. This has been particularly
challenging due to delayed payments or part year awards for funding paid in significant arrears.
Future Developments
Continuing to build on the success of a designated venue for children and families, services
and opportunlties for dlversifying income streams, SERICC will be integrating service user
questionnaires to ensure areas of development will be undertaken.
SERICC will proartively seek to income generate to future proof the delivery of services.
5ERICC will be increasing its capital fund to a more reallstic figure. SERICC will take advice
on investments and opportunities and Trustees will only art on profe55ional advice about
any potential property investments.
Fundraislng
The Charity has not undertaken any significant fundraislng activlties with the public in the year but
has welcomed donation5 from local individuals and organisations which goes towards the SERICC
'hardship' fund which is used when service users face economic or other adversltles. This includes
supporting families in emergency accommodation or supplying emergency food and clothin& and
transport. SERICC a150 ensures interpreters are available for service users and meets thls cost wlth
this fund.
19

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
sericc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist Service
STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governlng docurnent
The organisation is a charity that merged with South Essex Rape and Incest Crisis Centre and
incorporated with the Charity Commission on 9th December 2019.
As a Charitable Incorporated Organi5ation ICIOI, the objects of the Charlty as detailed in the SERICC
Constitution are:
to relieve sickness and distress amongst those affected by any form of sexual violence and
abuse, particularly, but not limited, to women and girls and the community in Essex and the
surrounding areas within East Anglia. and including the families and friends of those affected
and others affected who are in need, in particular by the provision of counselling and 5UPPOrt
for such persons; and
to advance education of the public in the subject of sexual violence and abuse, including by
but not limited to, the provision of training and publication of information and guidance.
Recruitment and appolntment of the Board of Trustees
SERICC is governed by a Board of Trustees made up of no less than three and no more than twelve
Trustees with a range of skills, knowledge and experience. Trustees that hold honorary positions
serve for 12 months, after which they must be re-elected at the Annual General Meeting.
The Board of Trustees meets on a regular basis and is responsible for the ongoing viability, strategic
development and direction of the organisation. Trustees hold overall responsibility for the
organisation's continued success, it is vital that its Trustees have the necessary skills and knowledge
to enable them to carry out thls functlon. Trustees are encouraged to take part in all appropriate
trainin8 Opportunities, to contlnue to develop their skills and update their knowledge of legal
requirements. funding issues and other developments and finance information is shared. Board
meetings continue to take place virtually. Information from the Charity Commission publications
and the Commission's guidance is distributed.
The SERICC Board of Trustees confirms that they have complied with the duty In Section 17 of the
Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charities
Commission.
Organisatlonal strurture
SERICC is a South Essex based charity providing essential services to individuals who have
experienced any form of sexual violence and child sexual abuse. A range of specialist seNlces are
provided in Thurrock, Brentwood, Southend and Harlow with hub outreach sites across the districts,
20

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
sc(icc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Specialist SèrvKe
schools and colleges, hospitals and voluntary sertor buildings and are dellvered by professlonal and
experienced staff.
SERICC'S prlmary beneflciarles are Indivlduals affected by any fomi of sexual violence and sexual
abuse, partlcularly, but not Ilmlted, to women and 8lrls and the community in South Essex and the
surrounding areas.
Secondary beneficiaries include the community, or8anisations and agencies that access awareness
raising relating to the impact of sexual abuse and violence.
SERICC is a needs-led service in whlch the needs of service u5er5 influence the strategic and
operational development of the organisation. Service users play a central role through the provision
of ongolng individual feedback and evaluation. SERICC also facilltates focus groups with service
users to ensure thelr vlews and oplnlons are included in the development and monitoring process.
SERICC Operatlonal Chart:
seficc
peènd SexuatAbus¢
Swlwserwc
. Dhvel0rofo￿rII￿￿ It
Tram I pr01llc*L￿?ds
The central servicesteam including Dirertor, Sheila Coates MBE, Operations Manager Lee Eggleston
OBE and Deputy Chief Operations Offlcer, Rebekah Brant provlde the overall management of
SERICC.
Team Leaders are In place to provlde dally Ilne management of staff team5. SERICC staff receive
Individu31 and peer supervislon In recognltlon of the impact of working with trauma and adhering
to professional code of ethics. In addition to providing clinical 5UPPQrt, 5uperv151on a150 plays an
important role In the contSnued professional development of all staff, ensuring they are up to date
21

REPORT OF THETRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
SpecialisE SeNce
wlth therapeutic and other developments in the sector and related fields. SERICC is committed to
the ongoing professional and personal development of all its staff and volunteers (including
Trustees}, of which trainin8, and supervision is an integral part. The training needs of all staff are
closely monitored to ensure that individuals and the staff team are provided with opportunities to
develop or improve their practice and stay up to date with new developments, legislation and
procedures.
Remuneratlon
SERICC is committed to careful management of its charity funds. In so doing, it ensures the greatest
effectiveness in delivering its charitable objectives and meeting the needs of service users. After
undertaking a benchmarking exercise with LEEP consultancy, SERICC have established salary
bandings and descriptions for the majority of p05ts, and salary allocations are based on the
requlrements of the post, including experience of staff and the funding available for the post. Cost
of living increases are considered in line with any NJC recommendatlons and in the future an
inflationary rise will be applied to salaries in 2024. The annual accounts disclose the number of staff
receiving salary of more than £60,000 per annum, in bands of £10,000.
SERICC makes pension contributions equivalent to a minimum of 3% of gross salaries on behalf of
its employees. Employees are Auto Enrolled into the scheme on employment. The contributions are
charged to the statement of financial activities on an accrual basis. The charity has no liability under
the scheme other than for the payment of those contributions.
SERICC Trustees are not paid for their work as a Trustee but are offered reimbursement for
reasonable out of pocket expenses should they arise.
SERICC'S Board of Trustees takes legal, HR or any other advice. when necessary, from experts that
SERICC contracts with.
Organisational values
SERICC'S services are evidenced based. Recording {monitoringl the service delivery outcomes and
outputs inform service delivery and measures performance. Monitoring informs all aspects of the
organisation, from service gaps in provision, governance and any change5 to service provision.
5ERICC offer creative and innovative services that best meets the needs of service users and the
local communities in which SERICC serves.
At the time of this report SERICC employs 27 staff and contracts with sessional coun5ellors and
consultants who have speclfic areas of expertise, when necessary.
22

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31$t MARCH 2024
scricc
Rape and Sexual Abuse
Speaalist SeNice
INVESTMENT POLICY
SERICC Trustees. where necessary. will seek advice from an independent flnancial advisor regarding
any future financial investments. Should the national financial position change and stabilise, the
charity would reassess its position whilst continuing to adhere to the Charity Commission guidance
on investments.
TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES IN RELATION TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The charity Trustees are responsible for preparing a Trusteeg annual report and financial
statements in accordance wlth applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards Iunited
Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Pratticel.
The law applicable to charities in En8land and Wales requires the charity Trustees to prepare
financial statements for each year that glve a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity
and of the incoming resources and application of resources, of the tharity for that period. In
preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to..
Select suitable accounting policies and
apply them consistently
State whether applicable accountin
standards have been followed, subject to
any material departures dlsclosed and
explained in the financial statements
Observe the methods and principles in
the applicable Charities SORP 2019 (FR
1021
Prepare the financial statements on the
going concern basi5 it is inappropriate to
presume that the charity will continue in
operatlon
Make judgements and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent
The Tru5tee5 are responslble for keeping proper accounting records that disd05e with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial posltion of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the
financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charitles (Accounts and Reports)
Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust Deed. They are also responslble for safeguarding
the assets of the charity and taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detettion of f raud and
other irre8ularitles.
The Trustee5 are responslble for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial
information induded on the charitvs website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the
preparation and dissemination of financial statement5 may differ from legislation in other
jurlsdictions.

REPORT OFTHETRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
scricc
RapÈ and Sexual Abuse
SpecialistS￿1ce
th
Approved by the Trustees on 25 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Alison Curnick
Chair of Board of Trustees
24

SERICC
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TOTHE MEMBERS OF SERICC
Opinion
We have audlted the flnancial statements of SERICC Ithe 'charit¢l for the year ended 31st March 2024
which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the cash flow statement and notes
to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting
framework that has been applied in their preparation 15 applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting
Standards, including Financial Reportin8 Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the
UK und Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our oplnion the financial statements..
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31st March 2024, and of its
incoming resources and application of resources, including Its income and expenditure for the
year then ended:
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accountin8 Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements ofthe Charities Act 2011,
Basis for oplnion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and
applicable law. Our responsibllities under those standards are further described In the auditorf5
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are Independent of the
charity in accordance with the ethical requlrements that are relevant to our audit of the financial
statements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have
obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provlde a basls for our opinion.
Conclusions relatlng to goin8 concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Tru5tees' use of the going concern basis
of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate,
Based on the work we have performed, we have not Identified any material uncertainties relatin8 to
events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to
continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements
are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibillties of the Trustees wlth respett to going concern are described
in the relevant sertlons of this ￿pOrt.
Other information
The other information comprlses the information included in the Trustees, annual report. other than the
financial statements and our auditorf5 report thereon, The Trustees are responsible for the other
information. Our oplnion on the financial statements does not cover the other Information and, except
to the extent otherwise explicitly Stated In our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion
thereon.

SERICC
REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE MEMBERS OF SERICC
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other
information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the
course of the audit or otherwise appear5 to be materially misstated. If we identify such material
inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a
material misstatement in the financial statements themselves, If, based on the workwe have performed.
we conclude that there is a material misstatement of thls other information, we are required to report
that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters In relation to which the Charities (Accounts
and Reports) Re8ul3tions 2(K)8 require us to report to you if. in our opinion:
the information given in the financial statements is incon515tent in any materlal respert with
the Trustees, report; or
the charity ha5 not kept adequate accounting records; or
the financial statement5 are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns,. or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of Trustees
As explained more fully In the Trustees, responsibilities statement set out on page5 23 and 24, the
Trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements and for belng satisfied that they give
a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determlne is necessary to enable the
preparation of flnancial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or
error.
In preparin8 the financial statement5, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charitls ability to
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matter5 related to going concern and using the
going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease
operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Audltorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financlal statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Att 2011 and report in accordance
with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements 35 a whole are
free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditorfs report that
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an
audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.
Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or In the
aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the
basis of these financial statements.
26

SERICC
REPORT OFTHE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
TO THE MEMBERS OF SERICC
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design
procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect
of irregularities, including fraud. The specific procedures for this engagement and the extent to which
our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud 15 detailed below:
Obtaining an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to the entltyi
including but not limited to the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities SORP;
Enquiry of management, those charge with governance, and the entiws legal advisors around
actual and potential Iltigation and claims;
Review of legal costs to ascertain the nature of costs and possible related non-compllance.
Reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance-
Performing audit work over the risk of management override of controls, including testing of journal
entries and other adjustments for appropriateness, evaluating the busine55 rationale of significant
transactions outside the normal course of business and revlewln8 accounting estimates for bias.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities,
including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with
regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the
events and transactlons reflected in the financial statements, a5 we will be less likely to become aware of
instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularitie5 occurring due to fraud rather
than error, as fraud involve5 intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission, or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the FRCS website at:
htt s://www.frc,or
.uk/auditorsresDonsibilities. This descriptlon forms part of our auditorfs report.
Use of our audlt report
This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state
to the charitvs Trustees those matters we are requlred to state to them in an auditor's report and for no
other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibillty to
anyone other than the charity and the charitvs Trustees as a body. for our audit work, for thls report, or
for the opinions we have formed.
44154 Orsett Road
Grays
Essex
ROWLAND HALL (Statutory Auditor)
Chartered Certified Accountant5
and Registered Auditors
th
27 September 2024
Rowland Hall is eligible for appointment as audltor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment
as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
27

SERICC
STATEMEhrr OF FINANCIAL AcfiviTIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
Total
Total
Funds
Fund5
to
to
31.03.24 31.03.23
Unrestrirted Unrestrirted
Designated
General
Fund5
Funds
Restrlcted
Funds
Notes
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies:
Donations
Grants
Charitable activities..
Grants and contracts
Fees for services & direct work
Other
Other trading activities
Investments
Other Income
8,649
56,828
8,649
56,828
6.991
63,142
492,458
2,226,189
91,5Crf)
2,718,647 2,672,462
91,500
4,247
20,847
20,847
5,121
1,000
Totsl Income
492.458
2,404,013
2,896,471 2.752,963
Expenditure on:
Raising fijnds
Charitable activities
490,999
2,397,455
2,888,454 2,827.165
Total Expenditure
490,999
2,397,455
2,888,454 2.827.165
Net Income/lexpenditurel
1,459
6,558
8,017
174,2021
Transfers between funds
2,525
12,5251
Net movement in funds:
3,984
4,033
8,017
174,2021
Reconcillatlon of funds:
Total funds brought forward
19,570
1,008,386
589,921
1.617.877 1,692,079
Totsl funds carried forward
23,554
1,008,386
593,954
1.625,894 1,617,877
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recogni5ed in the year.
All income and expenditure derlve from continuing activities.
Movements in funds are disclosed in note 15 to the financial statements.
The notes on pages 31 to 45 form part of these financial statements.
28

SERICC
BALANCE SHEET
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
31.03.2024
31.03.2023
Notes
Fixed Assets:
Tangible assets
12
916
Total fixed assets
916
Current assets:
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
13
186,048
1,497,805
201,319
1,486,290
Total current assets
1,683,853
1,687,609
Liabilities:
Creditors falling due within one year
14
57,959
70,648
Net current assets
1,625,894
1,616,961
Total assets less current Ilabllltles and
Net assets
1,625,894
1,617,877
The funds of the charlty:
Restricted income funds
23,554
19.570
Unrestrirted income funds-.
General fund
Designated fund
593,954
1,008,386
589.921
1,008,386
Total unrestrirted funds
1.602,340
1.598,307
Total diarity funds
1.625,894
1,617,877
The notes on pages 31 to 45 form part of these financlal statements.
th
Approved by the Trustees on 25 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Ali50n Curnick
Chair of Board of Trustees
29

5ERICC
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31# MARCH 2024
Total
Funds
to
31.03,24
Total
Funds
to
31.03.23
Noles
Net Cash used In Operatlng Artivities
22
19,3321
193,0381
Cash flowsfrom Investlng artlvltles..
Interest
Purchase of equipment
20,847
5,121
Net cash provlded by (used in) investing activities
20,847
5,121
Cash flows from flnanclng actlvlties
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the perlod
11,515
{87,9171
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward
1,486,290
1,574,207
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward
1,497,805
1,486,290
Cash and cash equivalents conslst of:
Cash at bank and in hand
1,497,805
1,486,290
Short term deposits
Cash and cash equivalents at 31.03.24
1,497,805
1,486,290
The notes on pages 31 to 45 form part of these financial statements.
30

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General Informatlon and Basls of Preparation
SERICC is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England. The address of the
charity 15 given in the charity information on page l of these financial statements. The nature
of the charit(s operations and principal activlties are detailed in the Report of the Trustees on
pages 2 to 25.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost
convention in accordance with items reco8nised at cost or transaction value unless otherwlse
stated in the relevant notelsl to these financial statements. The financlal 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 issued in October
2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021,
the Charities Att 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accountln8 Practlce.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the financial currency of the charlty.
Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entlty as defined by FRS 102.
b. Fund Accounting
Restricted funds comprise grants made for specific purposes as laid down by the donor le.8. for
specific projects). Expenditure that meet5 these specific purposes is matched a8ain5t grant
income and analysed over the appropriate cost. Further details regarding restricted funds are
provided in note 16.
Unrestricted funds Comprlse other income received or generated for charitable purposes but
which may be Spent at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
Deslgnated funds are those unrestricted funds that have been earmarked by the Trustees for a
purpose.
G Income Recognltion
Income from government and other 8rantS 15 recognised when the charity has entitlement to
the fund, any performance conditions attached have been met, it is probable that the income
will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
Income generated from contract5 for services is recognised as earned.
Investment income and all other incoming resources are accounted for in the period in which
they are received.
d. Expenditure Reco8nitlon
Resources expended are recognised in the perlod in whlch they are incurred.
31

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
The charity is not registered for VAT and all expenses are inclusive of VAT where appropriate.
Charitable activities 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 and
assist with the governance of the charity.
Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory
requirements of the charity and include audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management
of the charlty.
All cost5 are allocated between the expenditure categories of the SOFA on a basis designed to
reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular activity are allocated directly,
others are apportioned on an appropriate basis e.g. per capita, floor space or estimated usage
as set out in notes 6, 7 and 8.
Flxed A￿et$
Depreciation on fixed assets has been calculated to write off the cost of each asset over its
estimated useful life at a rate of 25% on written down values. It is the charitvs policy to
capitalise assets costing in excess of £10,000.
staff and Pension Costs
Counselling staff c05t5 are allocated in the Statement of Financlal Activities on a dirett basis per
individual employees and time spent on charitable activities. Other non-counselling staff c05t5
are allocated on the basis of estimated time and resources expended by the charity overall on
each charitable activity. Pension costs are accounted for in the period to which they relate and
are similarly allocated on a direct basis.
g. Operatlng Leases
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Attivities as
incurred over the period of the lease.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discounts
offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any trade
discount due.
Credltors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resultin8 from a past event
that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle
the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their
settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
32

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
Going Concern
The Trustees consider that there is a risk of financial uncertainty due to a significant contract
with the Police and Crime Commlssloner potentlallycomlngto an end atthe end of March 2025.
The Charity has varied funding streams as well as contingency plans and reserves In place should
the contract not be renewed. The financial statement5 have therefore been prepared on a 8oin8
concern basls.
2. JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY
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. Artual
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
revisions affects only that period, or in the period of the revislon and future periods where the
revision affects both current and future period5.
33

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
3. GRANT AND CONTRACT INCOME
31.03.24 31.03.23
Total
Total
Restricted Unrestricted
Donations and legacles:
Thurrock Borough Council
Development Fund
56,828
56,828
63,142
56.828
56,828
63,142
In the year to 31.03.24, of the grant income classified as Donatlons and Legacies income, £nil12023:
£nill was attributable to restricted income funds with the balance of £56,828 {2023'. £63,142) adding
to unrestricted funds.
Income from Charltable artlvltles:
Thurrock Borough Council
Children and Families
YP SV Counsellor Children & Families
Housing Related Support
Brighter Futures
Thurrock CCG/Better Care Fund
Flexible New Burdens Fund
5,000
71,000
38,772
49,988
5,000
71,000
38,772
49,988
43,170
10,364
10,000
72,000
41,746
44,988
43,170
20,729
43,170
10,364
Essex Police Crime Commlssioner
Sexual Violence Counselling
MOJ ISVA
1,516,138
531,791
1,516,138 1,758,488
576,724 531,791
44,933
National Lottery Communlty Fund
Rape Crisis England & Wales
External Relations Prograrnme
Essex Community Foundation (CARA)
Basildon Borough Council
393,991
393,991
82.050
13,500
13,500
33,500
16,O¢XJ
18.OCKI
492,458
2,226,189
2,718,647 2,672,462
In the year to 31.03.24, of the grant and contract income classified as Income from Charitable
Activities, £492.45812023- £179,949) was attributable to restricted income funds with the balance
of £2,226,18912023'. £2,492,513) adding to unrestricted funds.
£2,367,984 12023: £2,604,054) of government grant and contract income was received for
delivering charitable activities and operational costs. There were no other contingencie5 or
unfulfilled conditions attaching to the government grants.
34

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
4. INCOME FOR SERVICES & DIREcf WORK
31.03.24 31.03.23
Total
Total
Restricted Unrestricted
MOJ Contract IBOLD}
Rape Crisis - Hostin8 and Other Fees
Coun5ellin8 Sessions
Trainin8
Other Services & Dlrect Work
76.260
2,280
76,260
2,280
3,947
300
12,960
12,960
91,500
91,500
4,247
In the year to 31,03.24, of the Fees for Services and Dirert Work income, £nll12023: £nill was
attributable to restritted income funds with the balance of £91,50012023: £4,247) adding to
unrestricted funds.
INVESTMENT INCOME
31.03.24 31.03.23
Total
Total
Restricted Unrestrlcted
Bank Interest
20,847
20,847
5,121
In the year to 31.03.24, of the Investment income, £nil12023: £nill was attributable to restricted
Income funds with the balance of £20,84712023: £5,121) adding to unrestricted funds.
35

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 315t MARCH 2024
EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Counselling
Prevention
& Advocacy & Education
31.03.24
Total
31.03.23
Total
Counselling Staff Salary costs
Counselling Consultants
Staff training
Travel & Subsistence
Supervision/Safeguarding
Health & Wellbeing
Service User Costs
Counselling Telephone costs
Language & Sign Interpreters
Essex Partnership payments
Governance costs Inote 71
Support costs {note 81
736,903
33,919
6,275
15,064
9,716
1,454
622
18,629
3,488
1,466,132
271,661
87,906
125.575
862,478
870,416
33.919
39,225
6,972
14,493
16,738
8,252
10,795
10,175
1,454
2,583
622
2,743
20,699
26.444
3,488
7,158
1,466,132 1,334,449
339,577
328,903
125.580
182,324
697
1.674
1,079
2,070
67,916
37,674
2,651,769
236,685
2,888,454 2,827.165
Of the £2,888,45412023.' £2,827,165) expenditure in the year to 31.03.24 £490,99912023:
£167,304) was charged to restricted funds and £2,397,45512023- £2,659,861) to unrestricted
funds.
Costs relating directly to charitable activities have been allocated between the two key activities
on a direct basis or on a per capit3 staff basis depending on the nature of the expense.
Governance and supportCOSt5 have been apportioned as detailed in notes 7 and 8 respertively.
36

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE COSTS
Coun5elling
Prevention
& Advocacy & Education
31.03.24
Total
31.03.23
Total
Non-counselling Staff Salary cost5
Payroll/AccountinB fees
Audit fee
Legal & Professional fees
Consultancy
Project Monltorlng
Insurances
194,905
4,334
5,678
30,761
28,800
1,760
5,423
48,726
1,084
1,420
7,690
7,200
440
1,356
243,631
5,418
7,098
38,451
36,000
2,200
6,779
227,351
13,618
6,900
39,529
36,OCKJ
5,505
271.661
67,916
339,577
328,903
Governance costs are apportioned between the two key charitable activities based on the level
of resources and time expended by the charity as a whole on each activity.
8. ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS
Counselllng
& Advocary
Prevention
& Educatlon
31.03.24
Total
31.03.23
Total
Rent
Heat and Light
Cleanin& Repairs and maintenance
IT Equipment & software
IT Support & development Costs
Printing, stationery & postage
Publications, subscriptions & publicity
Non-counselling Telephone costs
Hospitality & refreshments
General expenses
Depreciation & Loss on Disposal
Bank charges
37,016
3,078
9,384
12,756
11,522
7,010
4,467
1,091
673
15,864
1.319
4,021
5,467
4,938
3,005
1,915
467
288
52,880
4,397
13,405
18,223
16,460
10,015
6,382
1,558
961
57,013
4,517
38,465
29.502
37,453
8,577
3,180
1,990
993
641
268
275
115
916
383
304
330
87,906
37,674
125,580
182,324
Support costs are apportioned between the two key charitable activities on the basis of the
level of resources and time expended by the charlty as a whole on each activity.
37

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
STAFF COSTS AND KEY PERSONNEL
31.03.24
Total
31.03.23
Total
Salaries and Wages
Socizl Security Costs
Pension cost5
978.925
101,669
25.515
977,036
95,344
25,387
1,106,109 1,097,767
Average head count (number of staff employed)
28
27
Duringthe year, the number of higher paid employees was as follows:
£60,000-£69,999
£70.000-£79.999
Total redundancy/termination payments amounted to £nil12023: £26,497},
The Trustees received no remuneration nor were they reimbursed for any expenses during the
vear12023: £nill.
The charity considers its key management personnel comprlse the Trustees, the Director and
Operations Manager. The total employment benefits including employer pension contributions
of the key management personnel were £125,12712023: £120,182).
10. PENSIONS
The charlty offers a defined tontribution pension scheme for the benefit of employees. The
asset5 of the Scheme are administered by an independent pension provider, Royal London.
Contributions are charged to the SOFA in the period to which they relate. The charge for the
year was £25,51512023- £25,387).
11. AUDITORS REMUNERATION
31.03.24
Total
31.03.23
Total
Audit fees
Other Services
7.098
5,418
6,900
3,780
12,516
10,680
38

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL sfATEMEMrs
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31$t MARCH 2024
12. FIXED ASSErs
Office
Equlpment
COST
As at 1st April 2023
Addbtions
Disposals
2,034
12,0341
As at 31st March 2024
DEPRECIATION
As at 1st April 2023
Charge
Eliminated on disposals
1,118
11,118)
As at 31" March 2024
NET BOOK VALUE
At 315r March 2024
At 315t March 2023
916
13. DEBTORS
31.03.24
Total
31.03.23
Total
Grants and fees receivable
Prepayments and accrued Income
Other debtor5
22,652
25,354
138,042
48.065
4,315
148,939
186,048
201,319
Other debtors comprise interest free loans of £138,042 of which £108,454 is recoverable after
more than one year.
39

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
14. CREDITORS
31.03.24
Total
31.03.23
Total
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other taxation and social security
10,056
16,370
31,533
8,922
28,318
33,408
57.959
70,648
IS. ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
Balance
Income
Expendlture Transfer
Balance
B/f
C/f
Restrlcted Funds:
Counselling & Advocacy:
Thurrock CCG/Better Care Fund
National Lottery Community Fund
Thurrock Borough Council New
Burdens Flexible Fund
MOJ ISVA (Additionall
43.170
393,991
145,6951
1393,8961
2,525
95
19,570
10,364
44,933
16,4751
144,9331
23,459
19,570
492,458
1490,9991
2,525
23,554
Deslgnated Funds:
Contingency Fund
Capital Fund
Legal Fund
858,386
loo,000
50,000
858,386
loo,000
50,000
1,008.386
1,008,386
Unrestrirted Funds
589,921 2,404,013
12,397,455) {2,5251 593,954
1,617,877 2,896,471
12,888,454)
1,625,894
40

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
15. ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENT IN FUNDS continued
Analysls of movement In funds-previous year
Balance
Transferred
Income
Expendlture Transfer
Balance
Clf
Restrlcted Funds:
Counselling & Advocacy:
Thurrock CCG/Better Care Fund
National Lottery Fund
Essex Community Foundation
Basildon Borough Council
Thurrock Borough Council New
Burdens Flexible Fund
43.170
82,050
16,000
18,000
{48,0821
1102,0641
{16,0001
4,912
385
19,629
118,0001
20,728
11,1581
19,570
19,629
179,948
1167,3041 112,7031 19.570
Designated Funds:
Contingency Fund
Capital Fund
Legal Fund
791,748
loo,000
50,000
66,638 858,386
loo,000
50,000
941,748
66,638 1,008,386
Unrestricted Funds
730,702 2,573,015
12,659,861) 153,9351 589,921
1,692,079 2,752,963
12,827,165)
1,617,877
The details of each restricted fund are provided in note 16.
The details of designated funds are provided in note 18.
41

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 20Z4
16. RESTRICTED FUNDS
Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group
Better Care Fund
Grant funding and contracts have been utilised to meet operational and delivery costs of a
Thurrock sexual abuse and violence counsellor.
The National Lotte
Communitv Fund
The First Contact Navigator team which provides the triage
support both to service users and professionals across the Essex
Partnership wa5 Successfully funded to start the project from I,
April 2023 for three years.
COMMUNITY
FUND
Thurrock Borou
h Council:
New Burdens Flexible Fund for providing practical support to victims
who have experienced sexual and domestic violence.
THURROCK
COUNCIL
Minist
of Justice
MOJ
During the year the MOJ made additional ISVA funding available to increase
staffing capacity.
Ministry
of Justice
17. PRINCIPLE UNRESTRicfED FUNDING SCOURCES
Essex Police Fire and Crime Commissioner
pcc
This core contract enables the Essex Rape Crisis services to provide
specialist services for wrap around counselling and ISVA services. As POLICI FIRE AND CRIME
the lead partner for the PFCC contract, SERICC ensures contrart
COMMISSIONERFOR ESSEX
compliance on behalf of the Essex Rape Crisis Centres ISOSRC and CARA). This contract is in
place until Marth 2025.
PFCC=
In addition to the PFCC core contract, additional funding has been made available to increase
capaclty, meetlng operatlonal costs, and fundlng ISVA and counselling services to adults,
children, young people.
Ministr
of Justice
MOJ
Rape Support Fund
ISVA funding
Domestic And Sexual Violence Fund
Ministry
of Justice
MOJ Men's Fund
This fund has enabled SERICC to work with men and boys in South East Essex by contracting
with a dedicated male counsellor. This fund ceased 31 March 2024.
42

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 315t MARCH 2024
Rape Crisis En
land and Wales
RCEW .' Poli
and Strate
ic Work
Delivering national policy and strategic work on behalf of Rape Crisis England &
Wales. This includes responding to national consultations, attending national
stakeholder meetings and ensu ring that policy is informed by frontline practice,
victin15 and survivor5 experience5. Thi5 fund ceased 31 March 2024.
RIPE
CEiri
England &Wales
SERICC provlde support to RCEW member centres in relation to thelr use of the Data
Performance Management system. This contrad ends July 2024.
BOLD January_2023
The Mlnistry of Justice IMOJ) is leadin8 a group of government or8anisation5
in a programme to link data on vulnerable people. Named the Better
Outcomes through Linked Data IBOLDI programme, it is aimed at providing 0thrn15byun￿wl￿l
more joined up services and improving the evidence base for policy creation
and operational decision making. This contract started in January 2023 and ended on 31, August
2023.
BOLD
Thurrock Borou
h Council:
Brighter Futures contract for provldlng Early Interventions wlth
children and families
New Burdens Fund for providing support to victims who have experienced sexual domestic
abuse
New Burdens Flexible Fund for providing emotional and prattical support to victlms who
have experienced domestic violence
Young Peoples Counselling contract
Development 8rant for operational and dlrect staff costs
Strategic and operational grant for involvement in strategic and operational
meetings ceased in the autumn of 2023.
Independent Housing support for provlding advocacy and support to enable individuals to
live independently.
THURROCK
COUNCIL
18. DESIGNATED FUNDS
The Contingency Fund is maintained for the potential expenditure that would be incurred in
the event that funding is withdrawn from SERICC. At the period end, the Trustees reviewed the
level of the Contingency Fund and took the decision that this level of contingency was
st
appropriate a5 Qf 31 March 2024.
The Capital fund is for future and additlonal capital costs that may include additional premise5
In order to dellver Services effectively in the community.
Whilst there are no existing or pendin8 claim5 against the charity, the Trustees have taken
advice and maintalned a designated Legal fund as a cautionary measure in order to meet any
legal and professional fees and ancillary c05t5 that may arlse Sn the future as a result of any
potential claim against the charity or in connection with its operation5.
43

SERICC
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31" MARCH 2024
19. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSEfs BEfwEEN FUNDS
Restrirted
Designated Unrestrirted
Total
31.03.24
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current Liabilities
29,785
16,2311
1,008,386
645,682 1,683,853
151.7281 157,9591
23,554
1,008,386
593,954 1,625,894
Analysis of Net A$5ets between Funds- Prevlous year
Restricted
Deslgnated Unrestrlcted
Total
31.03.23
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Current Liabilities
916
916
658.033 1,687,609
169,0281 {70,6481
21,190
11,6201
1,008,386
19.570
1.008,386
589,921 1,617,877
20. COMMITMENTS
At 31, March 2024, the charity was committed to three formal premises leases.
Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows:_
31.03.24
31.3.23
Not later than one year
Later than one and not later than five years
22.886
32.447
39,560
55,334
55,333
94,894
The financial Statements for the period include lease payments recognised as an expense of
£39,309.
21. RELATED PARTY TRANSAcfioNS
At 31" March 2024, an amount of £138,042 was owed to SERICC by ICENA, an entity in which
certain key management personnel of SERICC are directors. This loan is interest free and
repayable in instalments. as agreed between the two parties.

SERICC
NOTES TOTHE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH 2024
22. RECONCILIATION OF NEf MOVEMENT IN FUNDSTO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING
AcnviTIES
31.03.24
31.3.23
Net movement in funds
Add back depreciation charge
Deduct interest income shown in investing activities
Decrease/llncreasel in debtors
IDecreasel/lncrease in creditors
8,017
916
120,847}
15.271
112,6891
174,202)
304
15,121}
141.1181
27,099
Net Cash used In Operatlng Actlvltles
19,332) 193.038)
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET DEBT
At
01.04.23
Cashflows
Total
31.3.24
Cash and cash equivalents
1,486,290
11,515 1,497,805
Total Net Debt
1,486,290
11,515 1,497,805
45