Specialist Support for Refuge Services
CHARMS Women's Refuges is a secure, trauma-informed platform designed specifically for domestic abuse services. Originally developed in 1999, CHARMS has evolved into the leading software for social care services across the UK. Our system helps you manage safe accommodation, client support, and staff safety while maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality and compliance.
Key Features for Refuges
Secure Client Records
Protected case files with restricted access, alias management, and automatic location redaction for safety. Upload support plans, health records, and documents directly into secure digital case files.
Safe Accommodation
Manage refuge placements, room allocations, and property safety checks with discreet labeling. Create personalized housing plans including tenancy searches and benefits support.
Risk Management
DASH risk assessments, safety planning tools, and automated high-risk alerts to safeguarding teams.
Child & Family Support
Track children's needs, school placements, and family court proceedings in linked records.
Health & Wellbeing
Record health needs, mental health support, and referrals to specialist services.
Instant Referrals
Enter referrals in seconds and notify refuge managers immediately. All staff are aware of the new referral and all associated documentation is attached in CHARMS.
Voice-to-Text Notes
Staff can dictate notes on any device for fast, effortless record keeping.
Mobile Access
Fully responsive design works perfectly on smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Building Compliance Tracking
Log fire tests, safety checks, and facility maintenance in one centralized system. Red, amber, green alerts when key dates approach.
"OMG" - Online Mail Grabber
Instantly save emails and attachments from Outlook or Gmail directly into resident records - no more manual filing. Secure email integration for safe communications.
Outcomes Tracker
The unique Outcomes Tracker tool can be tailored for your unique environment and allows you to demonstrate people's progress in all areas of support.
Staff Management
Fully featured personnel management system. Keep complete records of recruitment, manage staff rotas, sickness monitoring, annual leave, supervisions, and appraisals.
Safety & Compliance Features
CHARMS meets all refuge-specific requirements:
GDPR-Compliant
End-to-end encryption and strict access controls for sensitive data.
DASH Integration
Built-in domestic abuse risk assessment framework with scoring.
Multi-Agency Working
Secure information sharing with MARAC and other approved partners.
Comprehensive, Structured Data
All elements of women's and children's sensitive information stored and accessible to all staff for safeguarding.
Regulatory Compliant
the principles of information recording are in line with Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024. Pre-built reports for enable the monitoring of support provided and all activity in support of the residents..
Accessibility is the Priority
Opendyslexic font and Voice to Text technology.
Why Choose CHARMS?
Human-Led Technology for Human-Led Care
Free Implementation
Includes secure data migration and tailored training for your team.
Real Support From Real, Human, Experts
Real support from real experts - no chatbots, no offshore calls, just dedicated UK-based professionals who understand your world. All of our staff hold enhanced DBS checks.
Social Enterprise
We're a social enterprise - every penny we earn goes back into improving support for the sector, not shareholder profits.
Custom Reporting
Tailored reports created by your account manager at no extra cost.
Real-Time Reporting
Generate insights for internal teams, funders, and stakeholders at the click of a button.
Direct UK-Based Support
One helpdesk number (0161 237 1872) with no menu systems. Get straight through to experienced, non-technical UK support team.
Trusted Nationwide
CHARMS is used by local authorities, charities, and private providers across the UK. Over 50,000 users trust CHARMS for secure, reliable care management.
Instant Information Access
Find any resident information at the touch of a button. No more endless trawling through paper files or unsafe spreadsheet trackers.
Voice-to-Text, Read Aloud Technology
One of CHARMS' most popular features - speak notes directly into the system using any device. Saves time and ensures records are updated immediately.
Customizable Workflows
Tailor forms and processes to your specific service model and requirements.
Free Implementation & Data Transfer
We handle the complete migration of your existing data securely and at no extra cost. Face-to-face and Teams training from experts.
Custom Development
All system developments funded by SCN. Custom reports built free of charge. Continuous innovation based on user feedback and sector needs.
We Are A Social Enterprise
Established in 1996, we're a social enterprise - not a corporate giant. That means: • Zero profits to outside investors - every penny is reinvested in better support for you. • No pressure to cut corners with AI - we answer to the sector, not shareholders. • A long-term commitment to ethical tech in social care. Built on more than 25 years of experience CHARMS is one of the most mature, safe, reliable systems available.
Ready to Enhance Your Refuge Services?
Discover how CHARMS can help you deliver safer, more effective support.
orCall 0161 237 1872 for immediate assistance