About the Organisation
Ella’s is a London-based organisation working with women who have survived trafficking and sexual exploitation. They were established six years ago and have been set-up as an independent charity for 3 years.
They are passionate about providing the best care for as many survivors as they can. Their vision is to see people free from slavery and exploitation and their mission is to ensure survivors of trafficking and exploitation have all that they need to recover and build a life that is safe and free.
They provide regular, direct support for around 40 women a year across London and help for many more who are further afield.
Their work includes safe house accommodation for women when they are at their most vulnerable, care to help them recover and move forward, and long-term community-based support to help survivors build safe, independent lives. They also support campaigns and initiatives nationally and globally to tackle issues of exploitation and improve the lives of survivors.
They currently run two safe houses in the East and South of London, housing eight women in total. There is high demand for rooms and when a room comes free in one of the houses, it’s filled within hours. Without a safe place to stay, many of the women Ella’s work with would be pushed back towards danger and re-exploitation.
Request details
Ella’s are in the middle of purchasing a new house. The Trustees have been advised to obtain a report to assess the suitability of the purchase of the property in furthering the purpose of Ella’s, and to limit their liability in respect of the acquisition of the property.
They would therefore be very grateful for pro bono support from a surveyor to provide this service.
Details of the advice they have received are as follows:
Obtain a designated adviser’s report: The Charity Commission recommends obtaining a report from an adviser acting solely for the Trustees. The adviser should be a professional of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors, a fellow of the Central Association for Agricultural Valuers or a fellow of the National Association of Estate Agents Property mark.
The report should cover all factors relevant to the proposed purchase, including but not limited to:
- a description of the land;
- details of any planning permission needed;
- a valuation of the land;
- a description of any repairs or alterations the trustees would need to make, and the estimated cost;
- anything else that could be done to ensure that the terms of the proposed purchase are the best that can reasonably be obtained for the charity; and
- anything else the designated adviser thinks relevant, including a description of any restrictive or other covenants to which the land is subject.
Timeline
ASAP