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2024-03-31-accounts

We listen, believe, support.

TRUSTEE REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OCTOBER 2022 TO MARCH 2024

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: CE030380 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1200638

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD 11 OCTOBER 2022 TO 31 MARCH 2024 FOR SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

SUSAN BRIGGS

Chair of the Board

Dear Partners and Supporters of South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service (SWSDAS).

Thank you for taking time to read our Annual Report for the period ending 31st March 2024.

The Chair of Citizens Advice Waverley, our previous umbrella charity, started his report last year by saying what a difficult and challenging year it had been for so many charities across the UK. In the case of SWSDAS this has been our first, and most definitely a challenging year!

I am truly grateful to our trustee board, our CEO Cath Jago, the management team, our staff, and our growing group of volunteers. Against a background of resource pressures, and the setting up of a new charity, they have shown immense dedication and have worked so hard. As a team they have continued to deliver an excellent level of support to high numbers of both Adult and Child survivors of coercive, controlling or threatening behaviour, sexual abuse, violence, emotional, psychological or financial abuse.

Since I became Chair, we have set up as an independent charity, recruited a new trustee board, and together with our colleagues in the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership, successfully bid to renew our contract to provide county wide core domestic abuse services commissioned by Surrey County Council, Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey. We have also gone through the rigorous process of demonstrating the high level of service needed to meet the Women’s Aid National Quality Standards One, enabling funders and commissioners to be assured of the quality and safety of our service delivery.

Finally, may I express the respect, that all those in the service have for the courage and bravery of our survivors and I look forward to seeing how SWSDAS continues to evolve in the coming years.

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE

Cath Jago

The challenges faced by domestic abuse services across the country are significant. Demand for access and support continues to grow and despite an improved awareness both politically and societally, it is essential that we continue to raise our local and national profile.

We know that there are still many individuals experiencing domestic abuse living in fear and isolation and we must continue to do all we can to reach out and provide safe and effective access to the support that is needed.

The start of 2023/24 saw our service successfully achieve independent charity status having previously been hosted by various umbrella charities since 2004. The effective transition is a reflection of the dedication and commitment of all our staff, and despite many challenges, we have continued to expand our team and grow our range of services.

The recommissioning of the Surrey specialist domestic abuse outreach service contract, which we and our Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership (SDAP) partners had held since 2020/21, was again successfully secured with the new contract commencing 1 April 2024.

Through our partnership with Waverley Borough Council, we were able to secure funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to extend our outreach offer to community hubs across the areas that we serve. We have been able to grow our work with local businesses supporting them in developing their domestic abuse workplace policies, ensuring appropriate access to support is there for staff in need. Our volunteer mentoring programme has proved very beneficial and we are grateful to those who give their time to deliver this ongoing support to survivors. These are just some of the initiatives that have been taken with the aim of improving understanding and access for our local community and more widely.

Experiencing domestic abuse can have a huge impact on a survivor’s mental health. Thanks to grants being awarded to us, we have been able to continue our provision of counselling services for adult survivors and mental health support for children and young people. We have also been grateful to receive additional funding for some of our specialist roles ensuring greater accessibility to our services and providing a wider understanding of the support needs and challenges faced by some of our survivors.

The year saw our volunteer resource grow significantly. All of our volunteers are highly valued in their role whether supporting the team behind the scenes or offering direct survivor support and we are enormously grateful for their time and commitment.

As a domestic abuse service, we are very proud of what we have achieved over the past year.As CEO, I am very proud of the team whose dedication and commitment has made a positive difference to the lives of survivors and their children, providing emotional and practical support to ensure that we do all we can to meet their needs.

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OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

VISION

Our vision is to work towards the eradication of domestic abuse.

MISSION

AIMS

To reflect the voice of the survivor in our services and processes.

VALUES

WHAT WE DO

The organisation provides free, confidential, independent and impartial advice to anyone aged 16 or above affected by domestic abuse living in the boroughs of Waverley and Guildford. The service provides skilled practical help, ongoing emotional support, and information and advice on issues such as safety planning, housing rights, relationships and separation, civil and criminal court proceedings, and the needs of children and young people affected by domestic abuse.

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ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Year at a Glance

1,806 Adult Referrals

245

one to one sessions provided to children and young people We worked with

59 children on a 1:1 basis or in groups

20,043 Various actions generated (e.g., face-toface meetings, phone calls, texts, and professional meetings).

100%

of children and young people supported via group support work have improved mental health and wellbeing. Children’s Service feedback forms

250 cases supported through MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference)

55 women supported through group work

For survivors completing a programme of support, 41% accessed the service for 20 weeks+.

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*survivor outcome monitoring form

ACHIEVEMENT AND DELIVERY OF SERVICE

Our community outreach service provides emotional and practical support to anyone experiencing domestic abuse in the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley. We use a needs-led and trauma informed approach to provide a safe space for all survivors to talk about their experiences and explore the options they have to keep safe and to overcome practical issues that may be impacting their safety. We listen, believe and support.

Our referrals come from several sources including:

We are part of the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership (SDAP) a group of 4 charities who offer domestic abuse services across the whole of Surrey, and is commissioned by Surrey County Council, Surrey Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey to provide community outreach services and specialist roles. The Partnership is supported by a Survivor Steering Group (DA SEEN) all of whom have lived experience of our support. DA SEEN are representative of all Surrey survivors and work alongside ourselves and other statutory and non-statutory agencies to improve awareness and good practice, shaping services for survivors in our area.

Clients are also able to self-refer to our service via our website, telephone, or the Surrey helpline.

Our organisation received 1,806 referrals in the year 2023-2024, an increase of over 10% on the previous year. 634 of these referrals were at High Risk of severe harm or death.

We continue to deliver outreach services predominantly face to face and by telephone to our survivors. We also deliver Recovery programmes and wellbeing programmes as well as hosting drop in coffee mornings and one stop hubs where survivors can access support in community spaces.

Each of our Outreach Workers support an average of 46 clients at any one time. Support needs may vary and clients are offered:

“Thank you, you have all been life savers, literal life savers. Without you all I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be here”

ACHIEVEMENT AND DELIVERY OF SERVICE

MARAC

HOSPITAL IDVA

Last year we advocated for over 250 clients at the MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference). These bi-weekly meetings bring together statutory and voluntary agencies to discuss and safeguard the highest risk survivors using the knowledge and resources of all agencies present. We represent the voice of the survivor during these meetings resulting in bespoke and meaningful safety planning for the individual with their input.

SPECIALIST IDVA SERVICES

We have 5 qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVA) in our Service working in varied roles. We are keen to progress all staff who want to achieve this qualification. Our Court IDVA works within the Magistrates Court alongside the Crown Prosecution Service advocating for the survivor and helping to obtain protective orders through the court system.

POLICE ADVOCATE

Our Hospital IDVA Service, based at the Royal Surrey County Hospital has been key to providing support, advice and options to patients in their times of crisis. The hospital based IDVA has met with patients face to face and received disclosures in a safe space, allowing the IDVA to safety plan for the patient and signpost out to community support on their discharge. They have worked particularly closely with the Emergency Department and Maternity teams supporting patients at their most vulnerable. They have also worked with hospital staff members around safety planning for those experiencing domestic abuse.

Training has been delivered to over 420 hospital staff by way of short training sessions on the wards and in community hospitals and also longer sessions to complete the statutory safeguarding Level 3 training for staff. We have also facilitated question and answer sessions for the student midwives attached to the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

Our Police Advocate has worked within the Domestic Abuse Team at Guildford Police station, advising and training staff, enhancing their knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse. The presence of the Police Advocate has also provided an enhanced level of support to survivors reporting to the police. The Police Advocate has attended numerous Clare’s Law disclosures (Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme), supporting survivors through the process and offering support and advice once the disclosure is made.

DISABILITIES ADVOCATE

Our Disability Advocate works across Surrey to support people living with disabilities who are affected by domestic abuse and the unique challenges they face. We provide a professional and empathetic support service on a one to one basis including advice, advocacy, safeguarding and risk assessment.

“Week after week I can see myself getting stronger, being able to cope better, and regaining my confidence and self-worth.”

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ACHIEVEMENT AND DELIVERY OF SERVICE

BRIDGE THE GAP

Our Bridge the Gap Outreach worker closely supports clients who have multiple disadvantages. This is intense, high support outreach work that concentrates on survivors who have slipped through the gaps with other services usually because there are multiple barriers to accessing support for example; addiction, learning difficulties, personality disorders, poor mental health. This work is time consuming and requires patience and resilience. However, outcomes for the individuals supported are positive and with intense support, survivors can work on moving forward and achieving their goals.

SANCTUARY SCHEME / HOUSING

Our Housing Specialist facilitates the Sanctuary Scheme for Guildford and Waverley. This supports domestic abuse survivors to remain in their own homes by providing property safety measures free of charge to those who are high-risk. This scheme assesses a client's property inside and outside and recommends safety measures for optimum security. We liaise with local contractors to install these measures allowing the survivors and their families to feel much safer. We also supply panic alarms and watches in some cases, enhancing a client’s sense of safety and freedom of movement. Last year we helped 156 clients through this scheme.

LGBTQ+ ADVOCATE

Our LGBTQ+ Advocate has worked within the community promoting the inclusivity of our service and working with other statutory and non-statutory agencies to educate and inform around the extra barriers to accessing support that are faced by the LGBTQ+ population. They have facilitated an LGBTQ+ drop-in group for survivors, worked closely with local refuge offering self-contained refuge space and support, and advocated for survivors at county events. Our LGBTQ+ Advocate was the winner of Surrey Health or Support Service of the Year Award in 2023.

COUNSELLING SERVICE

Our service engages 2 counsellors who deliver face to face or video counselling to survivors. The counsellors have been working with our service for many years and have an in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse. We are able to offer counselling for 8 clients per week. Last year our counsellors helped 56 survivors.

“I just wanted to say a deep thank you for the recovery programme and the wellbeing course. Each week it has been a wonderful support through such a turbulent time for me - it has been like a lifeline and I’ll be forever grateful.”

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ACHIEVEMENT AND DELIVERY OF SERVICE

LEGAL SUPPORT

Our outreach team assist survivors with obtaining protective court orders and accessing solicitors who can provide legal aid. We signpost to solicitors who offer pro-bono advice and support. We provide an interpreter through a translation service if necessary, and have also worked with specialist immigration solicitors for clients who have no recourse to public funding. Our volunteer service can accompany a client to court.

DIRECT CLIENT SUPPORT

As well as outreach support, we have received funding from borough councils and Surrey County Council’s Household Support Fund to support our clients in hardship. We can provide food parcels and supermarket vouchers, as well as funding for essential household items, utility bills and school uniforms / warm winter clothing etc. With rises in fuel and food prices we have found there has been a great need for this support in our area.

SURREY SURVIVORS STEERING GROUP (DA SEEN)

We are pleased to work alongside the Survivors Steering Group who bring their lived experience and expertise to help guide new policies, good practice frameworks and agency consultations within Surrey. Their voice is being heard in wider circles. They are the only truly independent Survivor Steering Group in the country.

COMMUNITY BASED SUPPORT WORK

----- Start of picture text -----
Really good course,
amazing people.
A big eye opener that it
wasn't my fault and I'm not
the problem.
Just amazing”
----- End of picture text -----

THE RECOVERY PROGRAMME

We held 3 daytime and 3 evening Recovery programmes over the past year supporting 32 survivors. This empowerment programme helps survivors understand the attitudes and beliefs of abusive partners and identify red flags in relationships. The group work sessions provide vital peer support and are run by an accredited facilitator. Support for our survivors is also provided by Outreach Workers and volunteers who attend.

WELLBEING PROGRAMME

This follows the Recovery programme, with the purpose of building up survivors’ sense of worth and self-esteem. Self-care, positivity, achieving goals and looking to the future are discussed along with practical advice and support around coping mechanisms and living life well.

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ACHIEVEMENT AND DELIVERY OF SERVICE

DROP IN COFFEE MORNINGS

These are held 3 times a month in different locations allowing access for clients in all areas. They are facilitated by Outreach Workers and volunteers and offer a safe space for clients to drop in and get some advice and peer support or just have a chat. We are able to facilitate a pro-bono telephone call with a solicitor during these sessions and also offer signposting and a safe space to speak.

ONE STOP HUBS

These have taken place on a monthly basis in some of our rural areas allowing survivors to access a range of support networks in one space. We have facilitated these groups and have regular attendance from NHS Nurses, Waverley Housing, Citizens Advice and Surrey Police as well as outreach support. We have also distributed food vouchers through this scheme and reached some of our most vulnerable community, allowing them access to immediate face to face support.

RAISING AWARENESS AND TRAINING

We work hard to raise awareness around domestic abuse and its impact on families and businesses in our area. We participate in community events, train local businesses, support services and charities and engage with local partners and communities to raise understanding and awareness.

We attend local statutory and non-statutory meetings representing our service and putting the spotlight on survivors and the support they need. We are open to all local services to give advice and guidance, and have trained a network of Domestic Abuse Champions in local businesses to support survivors in the workplace and signpost to our service.

“For the first time I felt I was being heard, that I was understood.”

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CHILDREN’S OUTREACH SERVICES

Our Children’s Outreach Service provides one to one and group therapeutic support and recovery work to children who have been affected by domestic abuse. We improve the young person’s environment by working with both the non-abusive parent and the children holistically.

This work has been created in order to both educate and challenge children’s beliefs around domestic abuse. They are provided with a safe nonjudgemental platform in which to express their feelings and worries. Our aim is to help them to develop their self-esteem and break the cycle of abuse in their young lives by learning that these experiences are not their fault.

Therapeutic interventions such as ours help these children and young people in the worst of circumstances to begin to understand their experience of domestic abuse and move forward with confidence and improved self-worth.

“I just wanted to send an email to say Thank You! Seeing you has made such a difference to his mental health, and I can really see a change in him. It was really important that he had a safe space to be able to talk about any of his worries and you gave him that. I really appreciate all your help and feel very lucky that we have been able to access this.”

This kind of support offers children and young people reassurance that they are not alone, are not to blame and that they can be supported by others who have had similar experiences. Crucially, they can understand and recognise the signs of abusive behaviours, helping to make informed choices, keeping them physically safe by developing safety plans in the event of further exposure to abuse. All support is child centred and need led.

BETWEEN APRIL 2023 AND MARCH 2024, WE SUPPORTED 50 CHILDREN.

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CHILDREN’S OUTREACH SERVICES

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PRACTITIONER

The development of our Children’s Service grew this year with additional funding to host a Youth Engagement Practitioner. Within the past year we have successfully delivered workshops, group work, completed 1:1 work and have been busy raising awareness throughout our community. This work is targeted and aims to support teenagers in recognising abuse within their own intimate relationships and is vital in helping prevent young people from experiencing domestic abuse.

Our work with young people has made it apparent that they do not always recognise abuse in relationships as domestic abuse, they are more likely to call it ‘Toxic’ or an ‘Unhealthy relationship’. This programme supports the young person to understand how unhealthy relationships impact the way they feel about themselves and the impact on mental health and wellbeing.

It also gives the young person an increased awareness of how and of where to get help and stay safe – leading to improved progress at school and college, and in decision making relating to healthy life choices.

86.5%

recognise that an unhealthy relationship can impact their mental health and self-esteem

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS (VAWG) PREVENTION AND ENGAGEMENT WORKER

The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Prevention and Engagement Worker made significant strides in raising awareness and offering prevention strategies across South West Surrey. The role focuses on education, community engagement and fostering partnerships with agencies to address and prevent VAWG, with a specialism for domestic abuse. Within the year 2023-2024, the VAWG project has produced training sessions for teachers across multiple primary and secondary schools; delivered workshops to students, and has engaged with diverse stakeholders across the boroughs including within health, law and community sectors. This project has not only enhanced understanding of domestic abuse and VAWG, but also strengthened multi-agency collaborations, including contributions to the Surrey-wide #OkToAsk Campaign, and training initiatives for frontline professionals.

“The training was excellent. [VAWG Worker] was so engaging and we all learnt a lot from the training. We all left with a better understanding and confidence.”

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VOLUNTEERS

We are supported by an amazing team of 11 volunteers who give their time and support to the organisation.

In 2023/2024 volunteers contributed a significant number of hours supporting South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service. This is an important and much valued contribution and demonstrates how much more we can deliver with this additional support. Our volunteers contribute to the wellbeing of clients and provide positive energy and creativity, together with promoting our services.

Volunteers are involved with a wide variety of activities to support SWSDAS including:

We are extremely pleased that our outreach volunteer team continues to grow from strength to strength and the volunteers’ professionalism, dedication, empathy and patience ensure that the support to survivors is of a very high quality and meets the complex needs of survivors.

We were delighted that one of our longstanding volunteers won the Godalming Mayor’s Volunteer Award for all her hard work and commitment to the organisation.

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DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING

Thank you to the following organisations who have provided financial support for our work:

Surrey County Council Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Surrey Surrey Police Waverley Borough Council Guildford Borough Council Community Foundation for Surrey Guildford Poyle Charities The National Lottery C7 Architects Five Twenty LLP Spacehive The Loseley and Guildway Charitable Trust Shanly Foundation Co-op Local Community Fund

Thanks also to all our individual donors, local businesses and community organisations and other charities who provided generous donations this year for our service.

We would like to thank the local solicitors who volunteered their time and expertise free of charge to help our clients.

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OUR VALUE TO SOCIETY

APPROXIMATELY 1 IN 5 PEOPLE EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC ABUSE IN THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 2023

EIGHT WOMEN A MONTH ARE KILLED BY A CURRENT OR FORMER PARTNER IN ENGLAND AND WALES

Source: SafeLives Marac national dataset (2023) https://safelives.org.uk/about-domestic-abuse/what-is-domesticabuse/facts-and-figures/

Source: Crime Survey for England and Wales, year ending March 2023 https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandju stice/articles/domesticabuseprevalenceandtrendsenglandandwales/ yearendingmarch2023

KEY FACTS

AROUND TWO IN THREE PARTNER ABUSE VICTIMS (65.7%) REPORTED EXPERIENCING NON-PHYSICAL ABUSE (EMOTIONAL, FINANCIAL).

THE CRIME SURVEY FOR ENGLAND AND WALES ESTIMATED THAT 2.1 MILLION PEOPLE AGED 16 YEARS AND OVER (1.4 MILLION WOMEN AND 751,000 MEN) EXPERIENCED DOMESTIC ABUSE IN THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 2023.

Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) from the Office for National Statistics, year ending March 2023. https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/cri meandjustice/articles/partnerabuseindetailenglandandwales /yearendingmarch2023

(Same figures also available from Safelives National MARAC dataset 2023)

I really liked how inclusive they both were when not specifying genders, it was really engaging as well as fun to engage in.”

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OUR VALUE TO SOCIETY | KEY FACTS

WOMEN WHO SUFFER DOMESTIC ABUSE ARE THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY THAN THEIR PEERS TO TRY TO TAKE THEIR OWN LIFE

Source: The Guardian, February 2023 from a UK survey of adult mental health through Agenda Alliance - https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/feb/22/women who-suffer-domestic-abuse-three-times-as-likely-to-attemptsuicide

The most common reason for a victim not leaving accommodation shared with an abusive partner was love or feelings for partner, followed by presence of children and nowhere to go.

THE POLICE RECORDED 1,453,867 DOMESTIC ABUSE-RELATED INCIDENTS AND CRIMES IN ENGLAND AND WALES (EXCLUDING DEVON AND CORNWALL) IN THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 2023. 889,918 OF THESE WERE RECORDED AS DOMESTIC ABUSE-RELATED CRIMES.

(Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) from the Office for National Statistics. Year ending March 2023)

“I will forever be eternally grateful for supporting us and making a great difference.”

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OUR VALUE TO SOCIETY | KEY FACTS

“The therapy sessions with your Children’s Worker have quite literally saved my life. After leaving the family home, I felt lost, confused and overwhelmed. It is only after your Children’s Worker offered to help me and my children, my life turned around.”

OVER 105,000 CHILDREN LIVE IN HOMES WHERE THERE IS HIGH-RISK DOMESTIC ABUSE

SafeLives Marac national dataset (2023)

78% OF CHILDREN LIVING WITH DOMESTIC ABUSE ARE DIRECTLY HARMED BY THE PERPETRATOR OF THE ABUSE, IN ADDITION TO THE HARM CAUSED BY WITNESSING THE ABUSE OF OTHERS.

SafeLives Marac national dataset (2023)

IN ALMOST ONE-THIRD OF HOUSEHOLDS WHERE THERE WAS A VICTIM OF PARTNER ABUSE, THERE WAS AT LEAST ONE CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 16 YEARS LIVING THERE AT THE TIME OF THE ABUSE (32.4%)

Source: The Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW) shows, for the year ending March https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice /articles/partnerabuseindetailenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2023 2023

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LOOKING FORWARD

RESPONSIVENESS AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT

COMMUNICATION AND PARTNERSHIP

We recognise that demand for our services will continue to grow and we aim to ensure our organisation continues to be there for all who require support. We aim to maintain a strong, committed and flexible workforce who can move between projects and services in response to changes in demand and funding arrangements.

We will continue to be a resilient and flexible organisation ensuring that our infrastructure enables us to appropriately support our teams. We will continue our partnership with education and organisations supporting young people to deliver domestic abuse healthy relationship awareness sessions.

We aim to increase our visibility and accessibility by further developing our existing communication channels, both online and in person.

We aim to develop further partnership working in collaboration with statutory, voluntary and corporate agencies to achieve a co-ordinated response to domestic abuse. We remain committed to our membership of the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership.

We will continue our work with local businesses and offer training to HR departments and managers in domestic abuse awareness and how employees affected by domestic abuse can be supported.

FUNDRAISING

We aim to maximise our income streams and decrease dependency on a smaller number of funders by continuing to apply to relevant national and local organisations for grants, and to vigorously explore all financial support available.

“Thank you for your ongoing support. We love our working relationship with Outreach and know we can always rely on you for support.”

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

GOVERNING DOCUMENT

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) governed by its Constitution incorporated 11 October 2022. It is registered as a Charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES

We recruit Trustees through an open, competitive process using channels including local media, trustee recruitment platforms and our own network to find people with suitable skills and experience to provide good leadership and make sound decisions. New Trustees are provided with an Induction and have meetings with other Trustees and members of the management team. This provides an opportunity to learn more about the organisation’s work, focus on current Board priorities and assess any individual training needs.

The Board of Trustees sets the vision and strategic direction for the Charity in line with its stated mission. The Trustee Board meets at least four times a year. A scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the provision of services rests with the Chief Executive Officer along with the Senior Management Team. The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for ensuring the Charity delivers the services specified and follows the strategy developed by the Trustees.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The Trustees are responsible for the effective management of risk and for making sure the internal controls are in place and operating as designed. The Trustees have reviewed their procedures in the light of corporate governance guidance contained in the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting for Charities”. A risk assessment report is contained in the business plan and anticipates potential changes to the environment in which we work and how these would impact on our services. In addition, the Trustees maintain and regularly review a risk register which identifies key risks including funding.

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

In the period covered in this report, SWSDAS generated income of £803,139. 22% derives from the core outreach contract awarded to the Surrey Domestic Abuse Partnership (of which SWSDAS is one of four members). The other income comes predominately from grants including the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey (OPCC). Restricted funding from the OPCC makes up 36% of the total income.

Overall, funding has enabled SWSDAS to extend adult and children’s outreach services and make it possible to continue supporting survivors of domestic abuse who require specialist services. It has funded specialists in the following areas; LGBTQ+, support for survivors with multiple disadvantages, support for those in the care of the hospital, those living with a disability, adolescents and young adults. It has also funded our Police Advocate and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Prevention and Engagement Worker.

Restricted funding from borough councils enabled us to continue our specialist housing provision.

Total expenditure for the period was £723,839. The largest proportion of expense is staff salaries and associated costs including training, helping ensure the attraction and retention of a skilled workforce delivering front line services during a cost of living crisis.

The unrestricted reconciliation of funds of £294,141 comprises monies generated by the service prior to the de-merger from Citizens Advice Waverley on 1st April 2023. This includes a proportion of sanctuary scheme funding.

During the period, we received local authority funding to support survivors in need of urgent household support and sanctuary to establish a safe place to live free from domestic abuse harm. Some of this funding was received in the latter half of the period. Remaining funding is carried forward to the next financial period to continue to assist survivors in profound need.

RESERVES POLICY

The Trustees examined the requirement for reserves and considered key risks to the charity. A reserves policy was approved for the beginning of ‘active trading’ on 1st April 2023.

The policy requires SWSDAS to protect itself from unforeseen financial changes and retain unrestricted operating costs for a minimum of three months. These expenses include staff costs and other overhead commitments such as rent. This ensures continuity of the delivery of the service to survivors of domestic abuse.

Cashflow and restricted income has been strong throughout the stated period. However, maintaining good levels of unrestricted funds will become an increasing challenge as costs rise.

The Trustees review the reserves policy on an annual basis.

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REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law for the period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wit the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective January 2019).

INCORPORATION

The charitable company was incorporated on 11 October 2022 and commenced trading on 1 April 2023. Three Trustees were appointed prior to incorporation in order to establish the Charity.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The objects of the Charity are to promote the protection of adults and children who have suffered from or are exposed todomestic violence or other domestic abuse by such means as are charitable including (but without prejudice to thegenerality of the foregoing) the preservation and protection of their mental and physical health, the relief of need, theprovision of advice and information.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

CE030380 (England and Wales)

Registered Charity number 1200638

Registered office

Sandhurst House 297 Yorktown Road Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 0QA

Trustees

S Briggs - Chair of Trustees (appointed 01.07.22) J Moore (appointed 01.07.22) (resigned 1.4.24) J Armstrong (appointed 01.07.22) D Campbell (appointed 9.1.23) J Sparks (appointed 9.1.23) K A Spresser (appointed 9.1.23) R Welby (appointed 26.4.23) M L Sandison (appointed 26.4.23) L K Tunbridge (appointed 26.4.23) D K Do Nascimento (appointed 26.4.23)

Independent Examiner

Kings CAP Limited Unit 4 Grovelands Boundary Way Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 7TE

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 16/12/2024 and signed on its behalf by:

........................................................................ S Briggs - Trustee

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of South West Surrey Domestic Abuse Service ('the Company')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Company for the period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees of the Company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Company as required by Section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of Section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities (applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Sara Brown FCA

Kings Chartered Accountants 4 Grovelands Boundary Way Hemel Hempstead Hertfordshire HP2 7TE

Date: ......19 December 2024....

23

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
2,773
Charitable activities
5
Charitable activities
199,862
Other trading activities
3
-
Investment income
4
7,265
Total
209,900
EXPENDITURE ON
Raising funds
6
-
Charitable activities
7
Charitable activities
192,377
Total
192,377
NET INCOME
17,523
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
294,141
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
311,664		 Restricted
funds
£
3,502
586,670
3,065
-
593,237
150
531,311
531,461
61,776
30,570
92,346		 Total
funds
£
6,275
786,532
3,065
7,265
803,137
150
723,688
723,838
79,299
324,711
404,010

The notes form part of these financial statements

24

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

BALANCE SHEET

31 March 2024

Unrestricted
funds
Notes
£
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
12
72,920
Cash at bank and in hand
339,300
412,220
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
13
(100,558)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
311,662
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
311,662
NET ASSETS
311,662
FUNDS
14
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Restricted
funds
£
-
92,348
92,348
-
92,348
92,348
92,348		 Total
funds
£
72,920
431,648
504,568
(100,558)
404,010
404,010
404,010
311,662
92,348
404,010

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the period ended 31 March 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the period ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 16/12/2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

.............................................

S Briggs - Trustee

The notes form part of these financial statements

25

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations
1
Net cash provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received
Net cash provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Opening funds from Citizens Advice
Net cash provided by financing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the reporting period		 £
99,672
99,672
7,265
7,265
324,711
324,711
431,648
-
431,648

The notes form part of these financial statements

26

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

1. RECONCILIATION OF NET INCOME TO NET CASH FLOW FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES £

£
Net income for the reporting period (as per the Statement of Financial
Activities)
Adjustments for:
Interest received
Increase in debtors
Increase in creditors
Net cash provided by operations		 79,299
(7,265)
(72,920)
100,558
99,672

2. ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET FUNDS

At 11.10.22 Cash flow At 31.3.24
£ £ £
Net cash
Cash at bank and in hand - 431,648 431,648
- 431,648 431,648
Total - 431,648 431,648

The notes form part of these financial statements

27

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Hire purchase and leasing commitments

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

Donations
Gift aid		 £
6,175
100
6,275

continued...

28

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

3. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

Fundraising events
INVESTMENT INCOME
Deposit account interest
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Activity
Contractual income
Charitable activities
Other income
Charitable activities
Services
Charitable activities
Grants
Charitable activities
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
CFS Clinical Psychologist
Changing Futures (via ESDAS)
Funding from Borough Councils
Grants
HIDVA
Housing IDVA
OPCC
Other small grants
Police Advocate
Rural IDVA
Sanctuary Scheme Funding
UKSPF
VAWG worker
Youth engagement		 £
3,065
£
7,265
£
179,273
448
3,771
603,040		 £
3,065
£
7,265
786,532
£
9,600
23,275
21,500
21,370
47,859
54,161
182,484
95,820
21,000
8,882
2,000
58,000
32,482
24,607
603,040

4. INVESTMENT INCOME

5. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

continued...

29

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

6. RAISING FUNDS

Raising donations and legacies

£ 150

Raising donations and legacies £ £
Fundraising expenses
7.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
Support
Direct
costs (see
Costs
note 8)
£
£
Charitable activities
575,311
148,377
8.
SUPPORT COSTS
Charitable activities
9.
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):
Other operating leases
10.
TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31 March 2024.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the period ended 31 March 2024.
11.
STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The average monthly number of employees during the period was as follows:
Charitable activities
Support staff		 150
Totals
£
723,688		 150
Other
£
148,377
£
32,640
£
492,184
33,916
13,419
539,519
20
4
24

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

continued...

30

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade debtors
Prepayments
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Accruals and deferred income		 £
2,000
70,920
72,920
£
855
8,994
90,709
100,558

13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Unrestricted funds
Core Funding
Restricted funds
Borough Council Household Support
HIDVA
Ministry of Justice OPCC IDVA Services
OPCC rural IDVA
Sanctuary Scheme
SCC Emergency Household Support
UKSPF Project Funding
Women's Aid Flexible Fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 At
11.10.22
£
294,141
-
12,275
-
-
18,295
-
-
-
30,570
324,711		 Net
movement
in funds
£
17,521
4,014
-
26,496
8,882
(16,413)
12,616
25,883
300
61,778
79,299		 At
31.3.24
£
311,662
4,014
12,275
26,496
8,882
1,882
12,616
25,883
300
92,348
404,010

continued...

31

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

14. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
Core Funding
Restricted funds
Borough Council Household Support
CFS Fundraising Lead
CFS LGBTQ+
Changing Futures
Children's Services
Counselling (Survivors)
HIDVA
Housing
Ministry of Justice OPCC IDVA Services
OPCC Disabled Survivors
OPCC Police Advocate
OPCC rural IDVA
OPCC Steps to Change
OPCC VAWG
Recovery Programme
Sanctuary Scheme
SCC Emergency Household Support
Translation Services
UKSPF Project Funding
Women's Aid Flexible Fund
Youth Engagement
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
209,900
10,000
6,750
2,829
23,345
25,644
20,250
47,858
54,161
175,184
32,689
21,000
8,882
22,056
32,482
1,000
2,000
20,000
2,000
57,999
2,500
24,608
593,237
803,137		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(192,379)
17,521
(5,986)
4,014
(6,750)
-
(2,829)
-
(23,345)
-
(25,644)
-
(20,250)
-
(47,858)
-
(54,161)
-
(148,688)
26,496
(32,689)
-
(21,000)
-
-
8,882
(22,056)
-
(32,482)
-
(1,000)
-
(18,413)
(16,413)
(7,384)
12,616
(2,000)
-
(32,116)
25,883
(2,200)
300
(24,608)
-
(531,459)
61,778
(723,838)
79,299

15. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the period ended 31 March 2024.

Page 25

32

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
Donations
Gift aid
Other trading activities
Fundraising events
Investment income
Deposit account interest
Charitable activities
Contractual income
Other income
Services
Grants
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Raising donations and legacies
Fundraising expenses
Charitable activities
Wages
Social security
Pensions
Telephone
Postage and stationery
Sundries
Volunteer expenses
Recruitment & Training
Membership Services
SWSDAS Project Costs
Support costs
Other
Wages
Social security
Pensions
Carried forward		 6,175
100
6,275
3,065
7,265
179,273
448
3,771
603,040
786,532
803,137
150
426,479
27,134
12,183
8,645
868
180
292
12,663
928
85,939
575,311
65,705
6,782
1,236
73,723

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

33

SOUTH WEST SURREY DOMESTIC ABUSE SERVICE

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024

DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the Period 11 October 2022 to 31 March 2024
Other
Brought forward
Rent and service charge
Insurance
Marketing & PR
Bank service charge
Sundries
Accountancy & reg office
Consultancy Expenses
Data Protection Provision
DBS Checks
Life Assurance
Quickbooks monthly fee
Salary Preparation
Subsistence & Staff Welfare
Travel & Parking
Office Furniture & Equipment
IT/IT Upgrade
Maintenance & Support (Oasis)
Office Equipment
Printer/Photocopier
Total resources expended
Net income		 £
73,723
32,640
3,099
2,346
60
23
120
3,718
6,520
828
588
245
2,516
1,993
8,549
24
10,002
228
83
1,072
148,377
723,838
79,299

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

34

Registered Charity No. 1200638. Registered in England and Wales.

swsda.org.uk