About Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope

Investing Charity Funds Policy and Procedures

 

  1. Introduction

This policy sets out how Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope manages, invests, and monitors its financial assets in line with the charity’s objectives, risk tolerance, and legal responsibilities. The charity recognises that prudent investment of its funds contributes to long-term sustainability and impact.

 

  1. Legal and Regulatory Framework

This policy complies with the Charities Act 2011, which requires trustees to:

  • Act prudently and responsibly when investing charity funds
  • Ensure investments are suitable and diversified
  • Act in the best interests of the charity
  • Seek professional advice where necessary

 

  1. Purpose of the Investment Policy
  • To maximise the return on surplus funds while managing risk.
  • To ensure that investments align with the charity’s values, ethics, and objectives.
  • To protect the charity’s capital for the benefit of current and future beneficiaries.
  • To set clear procedures for decision-making, monitoring, and review.

 

  1. Scope

This policy applies to all charity funds not required for immediate operational use, including:

  • General reserves
  • Designated funds
  • Legacies and donations held for future projects

Note: Restricted funds may only be invested in accordance with donor terms.

 

  1. Principles and Objectives

The investment strategy will be guided by the following principles:

  • Capital Preservation: Maintaining the real value of capital over time
  • Liquidity: Ensuring sufficient funds are available when needed
  • Risk Management: Avoiding undue exposure to high-risk assets
  • Ethical Alignment: Avoiding investment in areas contrary to the charity’s values (e.g. tobacco, arms, gambling)
  • Return on Investment: Achieving a reasonable return within acceptable risk boundaries

 

  1. Investment Options and Restrictions

Permitted investment types may include:

  • Interest-bearing savings or deposit accounts
  • Fixed-term investments with reputable institutions
  • Charity-authorised investment funds (e.g. COIF, CAF)
  • Low-risk bonds or gilts

Not Permitted:

  • High-risk speculative investments (e.g. cryptocurrency, derivatives)
  • Shares or funds that conflict with the charity’s ethical stance

 

  1. Responsibilities and Governance
  • Trustees hold ultimate responsibility for investment decisions.
  • The Treasurer or Finance Subcommittee may be delegated to make and monitor investments in line with this policy.
  • Trustees must seek independent financial advice where investments are substantial or complex.
  • All investment decisions must be recorded in meeting minutes.
  1. Monitoring and Reporting
  • Investment performance will be reviewed quarterly by the Board or delegated committee.
  • Any material loss, ethical concern, or change in market risk must be reported immediately.
  • Investment balances and performance will be included in the annual accounts.

 

  1. Ethical and Social Responsibility

Safe Haven – A Ray of Hope will avoid investment in companies or sectors that:

  • Exploit vulnerable populations
  • Contradict the charity’s mission of safeguarding and support
  • Are involved in environmentally or socially harmful practices

 

  1. Review of Investment Strategy

This policy and the investment strategy will be formally reviewed annually, or earlier if there are significant changes in charity income, financial forecasts, or market conditions.

Approved by:

Blessing Olalemi: May 30th

Kerry- Ann Batten: May 29

John Olalemi: May 30th

 

Last reviewed: May 30th 2025 | Next review: June 2026