The Saffires Project
Report and Accounts Year ended 31 March 2024
1 Lamb's Passage, London EC1Y 8AB www.stewardship.org.uk
THE SAFFIRES PROJECT
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
ADDRESS FOR CORRESPONDENCE c/o Central Baptist Church Charles Street Leicester LE1 1LA GOVERNING DOCUMENT CIO Foundation registered February 2021 as amended April 2021 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER 1193407 TRUSTEES RESPONSIBLE FOR Susan Bamber MANAGING THE CHARITY Deborah Bryan (appointed September 2024) Andrew Elton Claire Greaves Rebecca Panting BANKERS CAF Bank Ltd INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Jaimée Young Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB
INDEX
Page 1 Legal and Administrative Details Pages 2-4 Trustees' Report Page 5 Independent Examiner's Report Page 6 Receipts and Payments Account Page 7 Statement of Assets & Liabilities Pages 8-9 Notes to the Accounts
Page 1
THE SAFFIRES PROJECT
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
Objects of the charity
The charity is governed by a constitution and is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation. The charity's principal objects, as set out in its governing document, are:
-
To advance the Christian faith in accordance with the Statement of Faith;
-
To relieve the charitable physical, emotional and spiritual needs of people who are involved in the sex industry in particular, but not exclusively, by:
(a) providing outreach and support services directed to such needs; and
-
(b) raising awareness and educating the general public about the condition and needs of sex industry workers;
-
To relieve and prevent poverty among people who are involved in the sex industry in particular, but not exclusively, by operating a hardship fund to provide financial assistance to such persons who are in or at risk or poverty
In each case in the city of Leicester and in such other parts of the United Kingdom or the world as the charity trustees may from time to time think fit.
We, as trustees, recognise that it is our legal obligation to ensure that the charity’s activities are in line with our objectives and activities and we are satisfied that this is the case for the period in question. The trustees also confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
Governance
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Constitution. New trustees are advised of their obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Constitution as well as the structure and decision making process of the charity. Trustees who are also members generally meet quarterly but will also meet more frequently if the need arises. Meetings are minuted.
The trustees determine the day-to-day operations of the charity or appoint appropriate officers to whom this responsibility is delegated.
Achievements and Performance
Outreach
Street and Parlour Outreach activities continued during this period, and formed the bulk of our activity with beneficiaries. During this period 37 street outreach sessions took place, during which 38 women were engaged with 127 times. These interactions involved sharing information about dangerous customers, providing drinks and snacks, condoms, warm gloves, gifts at particular times of year, as well as a friendly face to talk to. Where appropriate, prayer was offered to women.
Parlour outreach visits took place 70 times, visiting 4 parlours where we engaged with 43 women 148 times. During these visits, gifts were delivered, safety information shared, and relationships invested in as the teams spent time getting to know each woman.
Page 2
We also offered bespoke support to 6 women across 83 sessions during this period. Support needs varied across individual women and the length of time support was offered was determined by each individual - some have accessed ongoing support on a regular basis, others for a short period or for specific needs. Examples of support offered include: accessing clothing etc for a woman’s new baby, support to access interest groups or activities, offering a safe space to talk in a moment of need, and support to move house.
A key encouragement during this period has been the development of a relationship with one particular woman who, with our support, has stopped selling sex and using drugs, and has engaged with church activities from time to time.
Safeguarding
A full internal audit was carried out of our safeguarding policies and practices with many changes to policy and practice being introduced. An expansion to our existing database was purchased which allows for more accurate reporting of safeguarding concerns and has significantly improved the trustees ability to monitor and review safeguarding matters. Our safeguarding policy was reviewed and updated, and externally reviewed by our safeguarding umbrella organisation, thirtyone:eight.
Recruitment
Staff levels have remained largely unchanged during this period, aside from the addition of a Fundraiser part way through the year. This has had a significant impact on the financial position of the charity, as outlined below. Volunteer recruitment has continued to be a significant challenge and impacted our ability to strengthen and expand our outreach services.
Awareness
Twice yearly we hold an awareness-raising information evening for anybody interested in the work of the charity or who may be considering volunteering. These events were attended by several people, and plans are in progress to expand this aspect of our work in the next financial year. Our Project Manager also spoke at several other groups by invitation, including several Women’s Institute groups. The feedback from these events has been very positive.
Financial review
During the year income increased by £6,050, to £45,750, and expenditure increased by £7,980, to £41,770. As a result the cash held by the charity increased by £4,000, to £29,890, of which £20,520 is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purpose.
In June 2024 the charity recruited a part-time Fundraiser which has had a significant impact on the sustainability of the charity. It has also allowed the trustees to consider future development opportunities. At the beginning of 2024 we received additional funding to expand this role and build capacity.
Finances are reviewed each month by two trustees and at each trustee meeting.
Page 3
Reserves policy
The reserves policy is to aim to hold unrestricted cash reserves equivalent to at least 3 months of core expenditure: comprised of the total of salaries/pensions/tax, admin costs including insurance and subscriptions, and rental costs (equivalent to £9,246). This is in addition to any fixed assets held and used for the charity's aims and purposes. This level of reserves should ensure that at any time of the year the charity is not required to borrow funds on overdraft from its bankers. Any additional reserves are generated with a view to fund longer-term projects.
Financial updates, including the level of unrestricted cash reserves, are produced for the trustees for each trustee meeting, or monthly in times of high inflation, and at the end of the financial year.
At the year end, the charity held unrestricted cash of £20,520 and the charity is complying with its reserves policy.
Responsibilities of trustees
Charity law requires us as Trustees to prepare financial statements for each accounting year which record the receipts and payments of the charity for the year.
We are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable us to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011.
We also have a responsibility to safeguard the assets of the charity and to take reasonable steps to prevent fraud or any other irregularities.
Approval
This report was approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
RPanting ____ RPanting (Nov 6, 2024 13:24 GMT) Rebecca Panting Nov 6, 2024 Date:_____
Page 4
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
THE SAFFIRES PROJECT
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Saffires Project ('the charity') for the year ended 31 March 2024 on pages 6 to 9 following.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
J Young J Young (Nov 7, 2024 13:10 GMT)
______ Jaimée Young
Stewardship 1 Lamb's Passage LONDON EC1Y 8AB Nov 7, 2024 Date: __
Page 5
THE SAFFIRES PROJECT
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| Notes Income receipts Donations Gift aid receipts Grants HMRC [maternity] Interest Other Total receipts Payments 2 Total payments Transfers between funds 4 Net movement in funds Cash funds as at last year end Cash funds at this year end A Net of receipts / (payments) before transfers Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly |
General Designated Funds Funds £ £ 15,714 - - - 11,010 - - - 271 - 93 - 27,088 - 31,726 - 31,726 - (4,638) - 5,994 - 1,356 - 19,161 - 20,517 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted Funds £ 5,913 - 12,745 - - - 18,658 10,018 10,018 8,640 (5,994) 2,646 6,731 9,377 |
Total 2024 £ 21,628 - 23,755 - 271 93 45,746 41,744 41,744 4,002 - 4,002 25,892 29,894 |
Total 2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Funds £ 15,714 - 11,010 - 271 93 27,088 31,726 31,726 (4,638) 5,994 1,356 19,161 20,517 |
|||||
| 14,379 1,593 19,197 4,426 98 - |
|||||
| 39,693 | |||||
| 33,765 | |||||
| 33,765 | |||||
| 5,928 - |
|||||
| 5,928 19,964 |
|||||
| 25,892 |
The notes on pages 8-9 form part of these accounts.
Page 6
THE SAFFIRES PROJECT
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
AS AT THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| A Cash funds Cash at bank with immediate access Petty cash B Other monetary assets Gift aid due to charity C Liabilities Falling due within one year: Taxes due Fee for Independent Examination |
General Designated funds funds £ £ 20,490 - 27 - 20,517 - 1,210 - 1,210 - 270 - 840 - 1,110 - Unrestricted Funds |
Restricted funds £ 9,377 - 9,377 - - - - - |
Total 2024 £ 29,867 27 29,894 1,210 1,210 270 840 1,110 |
Total 2023 £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25,892 - |
||||
| 25,892 | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - - |
||||
| - |
| D Assets retained for charity's own use Equipment |
Fund to which asset belongs General |
Value 2024 £ |
|---|---|---|
| 9,171 | ||
| 9,171 |
The trustees have used insurance values as the trustees are unable to reliably estimate current values; insurance values may differ materially from current values.
E Guarantees and secured debts
The charity has not given any guarantees and has not provided its assets as security for any liabilities.
The accounts were approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
by date RPanting (Nov 6, 2024 13:24 GMT) _____Rebecca Panting RPanting _____ Nov 6, 2024
The notes on pages 8-9 form part of these accounts.
Page 7
THE SAFFIRES PROJECT
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
1 Accounting policies
The accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis and comprise a statement that shows the charity's receipts and payments, a statement that summarises the charity's assets and liabilities and related notes. The accountancy profession have determined that only accounts prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards present a 'true and fair' view and, as these receipts and payments accounts have not (and cannot) be prepared in accordance with accounting standards, these accounts do not present (and are not intended to present) a 'true and fair' view of the charity's financial activities and state of affairs.
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. Restricted funds are donations which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors; they include donations received from appeals for specific activities or projects.
| 2 Payments in relation to charitable activities undertaken directly Employment costs Outreach, activity costs and training Rent Administration and support |
Unrestrict | Designated funds £ - - - - - ed Funds |
Restricted Funds £ 9,219 799 - - 10,018 |
Total 2024 £ 34,346 2,515 2,071 2,812 41,744 |
Total 2023 £ |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General funds £ 25,127 1,716 2,071 2,812 31,726 |
||||||
| 28,404 681 2,321 2,359 |
||||||
| 33,765 |
3 Transactions with related parties
Rebecca Panting served as manager and was paid £17,199 for serving in that capacity, not for serving as a trustee; these payments are permitted by the charity's governing document.
No payments were made to any other trustees or persons related to them, except for reimbursement of expenses paid out on behalf of the charity.
Page 8
THE SAFFIRES PROJECT
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024
| 4 Movement of funds General funds Restricted funds The Howard Foundation The Shannon Trust Street Christmas Easter Parlour Parlour - Inspire bags Wellbeing packs Total funds |
Opening balance £ 19,161 19,161 5,014 819 898 - - - - - 6,731 25,892 |
Receipts £ 27,088 27,088 - - 9,745 288 200 5,925 500 2,000 18,658 45,746 |
Payments £ (31,726) (31,726) - - (3,334) (128) (200) (5,885) (309) (163) (10,018) (41,744) |
Transfers £ 5,994 5,994 (5,014) (819) - (161) - - - - (5,994) - |
Closing balance £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20,517 | |||||
| 20,517 | |||||
| - - 7,308 - - 40 191 1,837 |
|||||
| 9,377 | |||||
| 29,894 |
The Howard Foundation remaining funds have been transferred to the general fund (the original donor confirmed the funds were not restricted). The Shannon Trust remaining funds have been transferred to the general funds as the trustees are confident these were never restricted. Street relates to funds raised to support the work of our teams who head out to the streets on a Friday night.
Christmas - funds were raised in excess of what was needed for the Christmas project, so the remaining funds have been transferred to general funds with permission from donors.
Easter - funds given for the Easter outreach project have been fully spent.
Parlour - Inspire bags are bags we took to each parlour 4 times a year. These included a range of creative activities and resources to give women opportunities to try something new, exercise creative skill and hopefully build connections with others as they worked together on a creative project. Activities included making Christmas cards, making their own grounding kit, stone painting, and some reading material/puzzle books.
Wellbeing packs are packs that contain a variety of items to improve women's wellbeing. Items include safety information, signposting leaflets, personal alarm, sexual health items for physical wellbeing, a notebook, pen, candle, sweet treat, fidget toy, wellbeing booklet, colouring activity and pencils for mental and emotional wellbeing. These are primarily being offered through online outreach but will be used across the project as appropriate.
Page 9