worldwrite FRONT COVER worldbytes
Reg Charity No 1060869
Home to WORLDbytes: The School of Citizen TV Annual report & accounts
From November 2021 to October 2022
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WORLDwrite
Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 October 2022
The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 October 2022. The financial statements have been prepared based on the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s trust deed and the requirements of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP). WORLDwrite is a charity registered with the Charity Commission under registration number 1060869.
Legal and administrative information
The Trustees for the period were: Dr Graham Barnfield Kirk Leech Dr Shirley Lawes
Registered office & operational address
The WORLDwrite Volunteer Centre Millfields Lodge, 201 Millfields Road
London E5 0AL Tel (+44) 020 8985 5435 Email: world.write@btconnect.com Websites: www.worldwrite.org.uk www.clrjames.uk
Correspondent
Director Ceri Dingle
Independent Examiner
Jane Sandeman
Member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants
Bankers
The Cooperative Bank PLC
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WORLDwrite Structure, governance and management
The trustees who held office during the financial year are set out on page 1. The trust deed provides for a minimum of three trustees. When there is a requirement for new trustees, these are identified and appointed by the remaining trustees. Over the past year the charity was administered by a management committee comprising of:
Dr Graham Barnfield...................................................... ......... Trustee and Chair Kirk Leech .....................................................................................................Trustee Dr Shirley Lawes ..........................................................................................Trustee Andrew Hirst ...............................................Camera Tutor & Building Manager Ceri Dingle.................................................................Director & Acting Treasurer Fraser Myers .......................................................................... Production Advisor Kate Abley .....................................................Volunteer Production Coordinator Marisa Pereira ...........................................................................................Producer Rob Harris .............................................................................Film Director & Tutor Sally Millard .......................................................................Finance & Fundraising Stuart Simpson ....................................................................................Accounting Toby Marshall ............................................................................Education Officer Tsedal Powell ..............................................................Volunteer Representative Viv Regan ............................................................... Advisor Youth work & media
The trustees annually review the risks that the charity faces. These include areas of risk relating to employing staff, the involvement of volunteers and work with young people to ensure best practice procedures, policies and insurance cover. The charity undertakes this review annually and takes steps to lessen any strategic or operational risks. In the past year this has included measures to ensure the premises, staff and volunteers are Covidsecure and to improve Cybersecurity.
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History, objectives, activities of the trust and public benefit
WORLDwrite’s first youth programmes took place in 1994. The charity was officially constituted under a trust deed dated the 13th day of February 1997 and awarded charitable status on the 21st February 1997. The charity gained DfES recognition as an NVYO (National Voluntary Youth Organisation) in January 1999 and United Nations DPI accreditation as an NGO in December 1999.
The legal objects of the charity are to advance the education of young people between the ages of 13 and 25 inclusive, particularly by way of international exchanges and tours, in subjects such as history, geography, politics, international affairs, culture, languages, in interpersonal relationships and practical life skills so as to assist young persons in growing to full maturity as individuals and as members of society.
Historically, the charity ran global youth exchange programmes and educational projects often reporting back ‘on film’. While maintaining global partners, its global reach and internationalist principles, the charity gradually evolved to become the film-focussed educational entity it is now. Today, the charity works to realise its charitable objectives by providing free film and media training to young people and supporting them to research and produce alternative programmes for broadcast.
The charity set up WORLDbytes, a pioneering online Citizen TV channel to showcase and share the programmes made. The charity also produces filmed works and documentaries as specific educational projects. The charity works to maintain and develop partnerships to provide further opportunities for young people to improve their learning, future prospects and access work opportunities. These opportunities include events, debates, commissions, CV workshops, taster sessions, talks and master-classes.
Public Benefit & compliance
As trustees we confirm WORLDwrite has complied with the duty in section 4 of the Charities Act 2006, with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations of 2008 and Charities Act of 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on charities and public benefit, when exercising any
powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant. The charity is fully compliant with the Charities act of 2016. It does not use professional fundraisers and seeks to comply with best practice in all fundraising activities. WORLDwrite’s charitable objects are enshrined within its governing documents and the trustees ensure that these are carried out for public benefit through:
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[the maintenance of the charity’s unique ‘open ] door’ volunteer-learner policy to ensure access for all;
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[providing free film and digital media training to ] young people who could not otherwise afford it;
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[assisting young people to develop new skills ] and knowledge, to access the world of work, to become active citizens and to use their own concerns and ideas to research and develop educative programmes;
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[developing and disseminating media based ] educational projects which challenge contemporary prejudice and stereotypes;
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[promoting local and global understanding and ] the advancement of new knowledge to the wider world through programme making, exchange partnerships, documentaries and events;
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[encouraging young people and volunteers to ] assist their peers locally and globally.
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Aims and achievements of the past year
The staff team and centre facilities
Over the past year WORLDwrite has maintained a small staff team consisting of a Director, a parttime Volunteer production coordinator, peripatetic camera tutors, three paid interns and a core crew of volunteers. At the charity’s volunteer centre in Hackney, London E5, facilities include 12 cameras, professional sound equipment, 2 AVID editing suites, a dedicated studio complete with sound proofing, a discussion show studio and set, blue screen back drop, autocue, a large screen for viewings and teaching, a projector and maintained gardens with Gazebos for outdoor events and shoots.
WORLDwrite adapted quickly to the post-Covid situation, developing hybrid ways of working. Over the past year, we have effectively combined online and intensive face-to-face learning in all aspects of Citizen TV production, with practical shoots for uniquely crowd-filmed reports and documentaries.
The charity worked to realise its public benefit commitment by fulfilling the following aims as set out in the previous year’s annual report, these were:
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To continue to develop its Citizen TV project and provide quality volunteer learner opportunities in Citizen TV making and the production of programmes. This may take place online and, when possible, face to face.
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To ensure WORLDbytes continues to give voice to alternative views and benefit the public through exploring challenging ideas and disseminating programmes which advance fresh thinking, are of educational benefit and use as campaign tools.
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To assist unemployed young volunteer-learners with work experience opportunities, references and credits.
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To continue screenings, dissemination and promotion of the charity’s major documentaries, where possible.
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To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality Citizen TV training and volunteer-learning opportunities supported by professional staff.
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To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
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To raise funds to maintain a volunteer centre and to maintain a small reserve.
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1. To continue to develop its Citizen TV project and provide quality volunteer-learner opportunities in Citizen TV making and the production of programmes. This may take place online and, when possible, face to face.
This year the charity provided eight online and face-toface volunteer learner packages and five shorter intensive weekend training packages and a partnership programme with the Young Journalists Academy to a total of 411 young people from diverse backgrounds.
Volunteer-learners received free training and support in: researching subjects; filming on mobile devices and laptops; professional camerawork; sound; lighting; studio shooting; live shooting; live-streaming, interview technique; presenting; autocue use and digital marketing.
Alongside training sessions and workshops the charity hosted film screenings and virtual events including meetings for young people to hear from professionals in production, film-finance and journalism and discussion of contemporary issues under-represented in the mainstream media. The shorts, reports, programme and debates volunteer learners filmed and worked to produce over the period, reflect the concerns and creativity of the young adults the charity worked with.
2. To ensure WORLDbytes continues to give voice to alternative views and benefit the public through exploring challenging ideas and disseminating programmes which advance fresh thinking, are of educational benefit and use as campaign tools.
WORLDbytes Citizen TV programmes have as their criteria: involvement and engagement of the maximum number of volunteer-learners possible; subject matter suggested by volunteers which isn’t already in the mainstream; programmes which are campaigning in nature; programmes which explore challenging ideas and are of educational benefit for the makers and the viewer. Most of the videos produced during the year have been uploaded to WORLDbytes and video hosting sites, to ensure their maximum dissemination.
During the year WORLDbytes used its existing pioneering formats such as Views on the Streets as well as new formats to enable volunteers to raise
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their concerns and cover challenging issues of public interest. Following the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022, our young crews and volunteers were most concerned to support their Ukrainian peers. The resulting programmes made, include the following:
by Ukrainian refugees in Poland we learn that solidarity means more than pity, of the actions to stop trade with Russia at the Belarussian border and hopes for Ukraine’s victory.
Do not lose your voice
From GB With Love: Messages of Support for Ukraine
Volunteers learning to shoot with the charity, produced this first episode of a short solidarity video for Ukraine. On the streets of Dalston, East London, volunteers and passers-by provide eloquent testimony to the strength of support in the UK for Ukrainian people. With additional interviews provided by a brave Russian protestor and refugees in Warsaw we learn of the hopes for Ukraine’s victory, for an end to Putin’s tyranny and for peace between former neighbours and friends.
From GB With Love Episode 2: Messages of Support for Ukraine
On the streets of East London, volunteers and passers-by explain why they support Ukraine. Has media coverage become a pityfest young presenters ask? With additional interviews provided
This clever short campaigning video was produced with our Ukrainian interns to promote film making and understand the tools required to get your message across and be heard.
Trigger Warnings: Don't Shout at the Telly Change the Message On It!
Early in the year, some volunteers asked whether the charity provides Trigger Warnings on its videos, much debate ensued and it was agreed to host a discussion programme on the subject, to consider why it does not. The charity was delighted that renowned writer Mick Hume, author of the book of the same name agreed to take the hot seat for a ‘Don’t shout at the Telly-change the message on it’ show. In the programme he explains that Trigger Warnings are a bottom-up call for censorship and a dangerous development. Volunteers raise some of the big questions too from ‘where do we draw the line’ to whether words are as deadly as guns and knives.
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Mick Hume tells us, our attitude to free speech often reflects our attitude to humanity. When society is optimistic, free speech comes into fashion. If you distrust people and think the mass of people are an ignorant mob and you lose confidence in humanity as we have in the modern era, then free speech goes out of fashion.
Kickstart a Career in Citizen TV
In this short video, volunteers tell us why working with WORLDwrite is great for them. Anyone can apply and no one is turned away.
Why Volunteering with Citizen TV is Worth It!
Volunteers agreed to help the charity promote the opportunities it provides while developing their own skills. They embarked on the creation of a series of shorts to represent what the charity can offer in terms of its free camera and film training for all 16-25’s interested in tackling challenging ideas.
The Volunteers' Tale: Free Camera Training with WORLDwrite
Great TV professionals need to produce quality news fast. In camera training with WORLDwrite, volunteers explain, you can learn and have a go at everything needed to create quality productions.
WORLDWrite's Free TV Production Package
Volunteers outline what WORLDwrite has to offer, whether you are a Hollywood Director or have never picked up a camera, you can make an impact.
A Crew Worth Joining
Volunteers outline how you can make an impact and improve your skills.
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I'm Lada from Ukraine Why Not Work With Me
Lada, a refugee from Ukraine and intern with the charity explains that she is looking for like-minded people to join her to work on two documentaries: one on the history of solidarity in the UK and one on the meaning of sovereignty.
Thank You to the Jack Petchey Foundation
In 2022, the Jack Petchey Foundation provided a Reignite grant to the charity to enable us to provide free film and tv training to young media makers. This is a short thank you video made by Hleb and Lada our two interns from Ukraine that young crews helped fundraise to support.
Remembering Helene
Author and writer Helene Guldberg, a longstanding friend of the charity WORLDwrite, passed away on Saturday 2nd July aged just 56 after a lengthy struggle
with cancer. She was a great humanist, writer, free thinker and mother and will be missed by all who knew her. This video was released in her memory. It comprises an unedited interview she did in 2018 for WORLDwrite’s film Women: a success story, only a minute of which featured in the final film. Her engaging and wise words are a joy to hear as she shares her thoughts on teenage life, MeToo, men and equality. Her legacy will be far reaching and there is no doubt her works will continue to inspire.
Why Sovereignty Matters Part 1: Making the case at a picnic
Following on from their filming around Ukraine, volunteers wanted to understand why Sovereignty matters. The charity was delighted to host as guest speakers, writers and commentators Jon Holbrook and Ella Whelan along with Ukrainian intern Lada Velikova at a filmed picnic in the WORLDwrite gardens. In the first episode, the speakers make a compelling case for sovereignty as a matter of principle.
Why Sovereignty Matters Part 2: Raising Questions
Having listened to the case for sovereignty made by speakers, in this second episode, volunteers raise their questions and are answered with panache.
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Battle of Ideas
WORLDwrite and its Citizen TV station
WORLDbytes were delighted to once again be an official media partner at the Battle of Ideas Festival. The charity trained and enabled a large crew of volunteer-learners to film and attend debates. It provided a unique opportunity for participants to listen and film internationally renowned speakers, to take part in the most forward-looking, free-thinking festival around and be the media professionals at this
prestigious event. Twenty-two debates were filmed, edited and distributed during the year, bringing discussions led by exceptional global speakers to a new audience. These are now available as valuable educative resources and are listed below. All are available to view on the WORLDwrite website, on the Battle of Ideas website video pages and on the charity’s YouTube channel.
The Irish border question: can the union survive?
A highly engaging panel and thoughtful audience share their perspectives on the Union, and whether it can or should survive. Some argue that the impact of Brexit and the Protocol disguise deeper problems with the Union. Irish political allegiances seem in turmoil
and the whole question of the North-South border is back on the agenda. Do these developments make a united Ireland inevitable in the long term? A must-watch debate on the 100th anniversary of partition, the charity is delighted that this video was widely shared on websites and blogs and viewings on YouTube exceeded seven thousand.
Twenty years in Afghanistan: what happened?
In this vital debate, an exceptional panel and audience discuss what’s happened in Afghanistan. Was intervention ever justified? Could there have been a different outcome or was disaster always on the cards? The speakers don’t all agree but share their valuable insights.
A ‘nudge’ too far? The rise of behavioural science and technocratic rule
Is ‘nudge’ just a harmless effort by those who know best to modify our behaviour or an anti-democratic instrument that needs to be challenged? What happened to the self-directing citizen? In this excellent debate straight-talking speakers and a feisty audience discuss what's going on.
Will green jobs save us?
There are frequent claims that the transition to a low-carbon economy will provide a boost to output. But many observers are sceptical that such gains could be made. Is the ‘green economy’ just the latest Big Idea to boost growth that will ultimately prove illusory? In this debate, a panel of experts share their insights.
Hate, heresy and the fight for free speech
In this telling debate, the speakers and audience discuss what’s happened to free speech and the way forward. The Kathleen Stock case is on the agenda too as she declines her place on the panel due to transphobia allegations and a witch hunt on campus. It's a must-watch and it becomes clear there are no easy answers.
Is there a case for fossil fuels?
How can we get secure supplies of energy that are reliable and affordable? Have we been too hasty in phasing out fossil fuels? Is there still a place for them until a new technology, like nuclear fusion, can easily supply all the energy we need? In this short panel discussion, filmed in the run-up to COP26, the speakers challenge eco-doom mongers and put the case for a people-first approach.
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From profits to prophets: why has big business gone woke?
In this fascinating debate, an engaging panel of speakers and a lively audience discuss the pros & cons of Woke Capitalism and what’s driving it. Is it all ‘woke wash’ and what does it mean for democracy if corporations play an increasingly activist role in pursuing a liberal agenda?
Feminism’s civil war
Are the current divides reflective of a sea-change for feminism, or does the current infighting stem from its roots in identity politics? Can feminism survive its current civil war, or is it time for a new women’s liberation movement? This panel of speakers explain where they stand on current issues.
The post-pandemic recovery: how is it going?
In this debate, a panel of experts and a highly engaged audience discuss the state of the UK economy postpandemic.
Is levelling up really levelling down? The great inequality debate
Can the free market provide adequately for all or should we demand more pay for the hardest, worst-paid jobs? The speakers in this engaging short debate at the Battle of Ideas festival don't agree but do raise plenty for us to consider.
Who is the party of the poor?
The panel discusses the shifts which seem to have changed the political landscape beyond recognition. How much of the recent realignment of the parties can be attributed to generational events such as Brexit, and how much is the work of broader trends? What will be the
From GB News to Ben & Jerry’s: boycotts or censorship?
A compelling panel give us plenty to chew on. Are boycotts simply legitimate expressions of preference or political opinion? Or, if they stray into the territory of suppressing political debate, do they then become more of a threat? Are boycotts an attack on free expression or a weapon for those fighting for accountability?
The FSU files: how to fight cancel culture and win
The Free Speech Union (FSU) was launched in February 2020. Less than two years later, the FSU has almost 9,000 members and has provided support, including legal support, for over 500 people to push back against cancellation. In this session, we hear from individuals who’ve experienced first-hand what it’s like to be cancelled, but fought back – often successfully.
Care for the elderly: the forgotten minority?
It is often said that one of the measures of a civilised society is how well it looks after the most vulnerable members of its society. At the start of the pandemic, while everyone was prepared to rally round to protect older citizens, official policy led to deaths from Covid in care homes.
Many relatives have complained of appalling treatment that has led to the deterioration of dementia sufferers, acute loneliness for thousands and a miserable end-of-life for many. The panel considers what lessons have been learnt from the pandemic.
Assisted dying: has its time come?
Throughout the pandemic, questions of life and death were unusually visible. From lockdowns to rapid vaccine development, huge resources were expended to save lives. Perhaps, then, it is an unusual moment for the UK to be considering legalising assisted dying. Or has the pandemic reinforced questions of what constitutes a good life – and a good death? Should people be given the choice, and assistance, to end their lives, or is it a threshold which must not be crossed?
consequences of a shift in representation of the workingclass vote? Who speaks for the poor today?
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Can our data be used for good? The ethics of research
When governments around the world announced that they would be using tracking apps to monitor and control the spread of coronavirus, they highlighted the huge possibilities afforded by using our data – but also raised a number of ethical questions and challenges. Can individuals trust governments, companies or public bodies to use this data safely and protect their privacy? Is ‘anonymous’ data ever truly safe from being re-identified, and if not, how can we balance risk with the benefits afforded by the digital revolution?
Girl, boy, other: how do we talk to kids about gender?
The discussion about transgender rights often becomes most fraught when kids are involved. Schools have invited greater discussion about gender and sexuality within RSE classes, and specialised gender clinics (like the Tavistock centre) have reported an increase in children
coming forward with desires to change their gender identity. Both have become the source of controversy. How should we talk to kids about gender? Is it small-minded to feel uncomfortable about a more open discussion of sex and identity, particularly with younger children at school? Or are we allowing political trends in the adult world to interfere with what’s best for kids?
Is it time to rethink the precautionary principle?
The idea that a lack of firm evidence should not stop us from introducing regulations has been an important idea in government in recent decades, particularly in the EU. Has this emphasis on caution been beneficial or has it caused more harm than good?
Can sport survive the culture wars?
From Jesse Owens defying Hitler at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin to Tommie Smith and John Carlos giving a ‘black power’ salute at the Mexico Olympics in 1968, politics has long mixed with sport. But is sport in danger of being consumed by wider cultural issues today or is it part of a healthy cleansing process? This feisty panel filmed at the Battle of Ideas Festival 2021 have plenty to say on the matter.
The status of science after the pandemic
As we emerge from the impacts of Covid, what should we conclude about scientific authority and accountability? An esteemed panel debate some big questions. In what circumstances, and in what capacity, should scientists feel free to speak their mind publicly?
Protection for me but not for thee? The equality conundrum
Achieving equality has been the goal of progressive movements throughout the ages. In the eighteenth-century American and French revolutions, the fight for equality was bound up with questions of liberty. In recent decades, movements striving for equality began to talk less about ‘freedom’ and more about ‘protection’. The 2010 Equality Act became the legal expression of this political shift, designed to protect people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society.
Racism and how to fight it
This discussion, arranged in partnership with Don’t Divide Us, looks beneath the surface at what is going on and considers key questions. Is the contemporary anti-racist route of exposing white privilege the right way to challenge discrimination? Or does accentuating racial difference
risk defeating any prospect of solidarity? Is contemporary anti-racism helping or hindering freedom and equality for people of colour, and who should have a say in how to fight for their rights.
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3. To assist unemployed young volunteerlearners with work experience opportunities, references and credits.
We were able to continue to provide references for young people for college places and employment in media industries as well as other jobs. We also provided work experience placements for four young people as well as paid internships to the three unemployed young adults featured below, thanks to the Sadhavi Sharma memorial fund. Volunteers worked hard to fundraise and provide two of these paid internships to two refugees from Ukraine, Gleb Voukau and Vladlena Yelovikova allowing them to progress their careers and be more than refugees. Match funding from Sadhavi Sharma’s partner has allowed the charity to continue this scheme.
Stephan DJaniro De Barros Olaio
“Following a couple of preparatory crew meetings over Zoom and one weekend of camerawork instruction and shooting vox pops on the street, I felt I had learnt more during the few days I spent with WORLDwrite than I did in my first few months of uni. Film as a career prospect suddenly felt more tangible. This was the beginning of a year-long engagement in which I got to meet an immense amount of people similarly invested in both filmmaking and direct action on social issues. I had the chance to deconstruct all types of topics ranging from the invasion of Ukraine and sovereignty to the criminalisation of abortion and draconian legislation. The work I had been doing with the charity left me with such a sense of purpose that when I was eventually offered an internship, I immediately accepted and was keen to fulfil a more integral role in future projects as Volunteer Coordinator and an Assistant Producer.”
Gleb Voukau Use Pic 10 Hleb
“My internship at WORLDwrite has been a really insightful citizen experience and a great help for my career. For me it’s difficult to speak up on some topics in Britain, as I feel that I’m not as educated as some people are. That’s where WORLDwrite helps. I started as a camera operator and video editor. We created a number of videos for all the Social Media platforms the charity uses. We came up with the names, titles and questions for all the programs and reports together. Slowly, but gradually I started forming my own beliefs and views on the current state of the world. I also increased my technical skills in video production by creating content on a daily basis. In addition, we organised a fundraising event to promote the Solidarity Film. Now I feel like I have become an efficient allrounder in the TV industry, in Social Commentary and Documentary-making. I will always be grateful to the charity and everyone who has fundraised for providing me with this amazing opportunity.”
Following his internship, the charity is delighted Gleb has gained full time employment at a prestigious college as their Videographer.
Vladlena Yelovikova Use Pic 11 Vladlena
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“I greatly appreciate my time at WORLDwrite. I gained great communication skills and very important journalistic experience for my future career. I witnessed how WORLDwrite aims for the best things. They make real Citizen TV content in Britain and I was very happy to have an internship there as a Social Media Marketing manager. I had many challenges, one of which was to discuss political questions about my home country Ukraine with real British experts who visited WORLDwrite’s TV shows and documentaries regularly. This is a media experience that will definitely help me in the future. I learned how to use a range of professional cameras as well as how to maintain social pages on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. This internship has already helped me to find production work and shoots where I earn money now. If you are interested in challenging today’s ideas and learning TV industry skills professionally, sign up for a WORLDwrite package and find out what we have next!”
Award winners
We are delighted, thanks to the Jack Petchey Foundation, young volunteers were able to collect important awards for their endeavours during the year. These provide a great addition to young volunteers’ CVs. The following nine young people, who feature below, were richly deserving achievement award winners for 2022:
The charity would like to congratulate them and thank them for their exceptional input and commitment. The foundation provides £300 for each achievement award to be spent by the charity on items of benefit to young volunteers. During the year award winners nominated their awards to go towards the cost of two new 4K film cameras.
From left to right: Zakariya Irfan Age 23, Ajman Abdi Age 21, Stephan De Barros Age 19, Maria Grigoyeva Age 23, Aisha Uddin Age 19, Tara Rafaty Age 19, Alexander Edoh Age 23, Anne-Sarah Huet Age 25 and Louise Guthrie Age 23
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4. To continue screenings, dissemination, and promotion of the charity’s major documentaries, where possible.
All the charity's award-winning feature-length documentaries have now been made freely available to view on the charity’s YouTube channel. Online screenings and discussions continued during the year with new groups of young volunteer learners voting for which documentary they would like to watch. 1917: Why the Russian Revolution Matters proved the most popular choice on numerous occasions.
In August 2022 we held a Garden Party with screenings at our centre to celebrate volunteers’ work and thank people for supporting our Ukrainian interns.
5. To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality Citizen TV training and volunteer-learning opportunities supported by professional staff.
The Jack Petchey Foundation Reignite Grant
The support of this grant from the Jack Petchey Foundation was not only transformative but key in allowing the charity to continue developing and delivering its training packages for London-based young media makers. It helped the charity: build on and develop its now ‘hybrid’ form of free media training and
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volunteer opportunities for young people; provide an additional summer partnership package with the Young Academies Group for would-be young journalists; host regular practical ‘train & shoots’ and programme making, and to begin the work of developing a major quality feature documentary. With the foundation’s support, an ambitious year of activities was made possible, providing more young people with a hearing and a platform by enhancing and expanding available provision for young media makers.
The Sadhvi Sharma Memorial Scholarship Fund
This important fund was established in honour of long-term WORLDwrite Management Committee Member Sadhvi Sharma who died in March 2021 aged just 39. Set up as a scholarship fund it was developed to assist individuals interested in following a similarly inspiring and fearless path by developing media skills as Sadhvi did, to share ideas with the world that will make it a better place for us all. The fund was designed to provide paid internships for individuals interested in working with the charity and using film, TV and journalism to promote the best for humanity. During the year the charity provided paid internships to two young Ukrainian refugees as detailed above and to an aspiring young film student. Considerable fundraising efforts by more than 30 volunteers and match funding support by Sadhvi’s husband helped make this a huge success.
The Danceathon
Eighteen intrepid volunteers took part in a Dancethon hosted by Director Ceri Dingle. This fun and successful fundraiser, raised almost £10,000 enabling the charity to cover the centre costs for our Ukrainian interns.
Individual fundraising efforts
Lots of young volunteers made an exceptional individual effort during the year cycling, hitchhiking and walking to great effect. Management committee member Toby Marshall also organised a band night complete with satirical fancy dress. The charity is incredibly grateful for all their inspiring effort.
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In memory of Helene Guldberg
It was with great sadness we said goodbye to Helene Guldberg, a founder of spiked and an indefatigable, huge-hearted humanist warrior and great friend of WORLDwrite. Helene died on Saturday 2 July 2022 after a long struggle with cancer. She was 56. Her family generously asked for donations to the charity in her memory and a collection was made at her memorial service for WORLDwrite. The charity will continue to be inspired by Helene’s writing and contribution and aim to do justice to her memory.
6. To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
The charity is delighted to have raised £1756 during the year as a small token of support for Millicent, a long-time WORLDwrite volunteer and her family along with families in Tsibu Bethel in the Volta region and in Old Fadama in Accra. These families featured in the series of films the charity shot in Ghana in 2000-2005 and remain the charity’s longstanding friends. Pictured here along with Millicent Kumeni and Patience Agbetti are some of the recipients: Elizabeth, Awanem, Comfort, Cephus, Jonathan and Fortune.
7. To raise funds to maintain a volunteer centre and to maintain a small reserve.
The charity and volunteers have worked hard to maintain the centre over the past year. A huge rise in gas and electricity prices are a major worry in our draughty Victorian building and will require major work to raise funds and heat over the next winter. The charity has negotiated a further six years at the same rent for the building with Hackney Borough Council, which is some relief. The charity aims to keep £5000 as a reserve each year and has done so this year.
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The charity’s aims for the year ahead
The Trustees believe the charity has met its aims during the past year despite managing on a very slim budget. The Trustees and management Committee have agreed the following aims for November 2022 to October 2023.
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To continue to develop its Citizen TV project and provide quality volunteer learner opportunities in film making and the production of programmes, online and face to face.
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To ensure WORLDbytes continues to give voice to alternative views and benefit the public through exploring challenging ideas and disseminating programmes which advance fresh thinking and are of educational benefit.
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To assist unemployed young volunteer-learners with work experience opportunities, internships, references and credits.
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To continue screenings, dissemination and promotion of the charity’s filmed works.
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To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality training and volunteer-learning opportunities supported by professional staff.
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To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
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To raise funds to maintain a volunteer centre and to maintain a small reserve.
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Financial review and reserves
Income
During 2021-2022 income received by WORLDwrite totalled £95,006. This consisted of £17,700 in restricted funds and £77,306 in unrestricted income.
The charity has continued to develop and utilise online methods and social media to attract donations through the website ‘Justgiving’ and through a PayPal account. This has helped volunteers to raise funds online. Donations and appeals raised £31,968 in the year.
The charity’s Friends scheme raised £33,336 including Gift Aid claimed from H.M.R.C.
With the lifting of Covid restrictions, the sale of the charity’s services and second-hand book sales showed some improvement on the year before and amounted to £12,002 in unrestricted income.
The charity was delighted to receive continued support from the Jack Petchey Foundation through its Achievement Award scheme and its transformative Reignite Grant. Grants received by the charity as restricted funds totalled £17,700.
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the year amounted to £85,193.
WORLDwrite managed to keep the costs of managing and administering the charity over the past year down to £1,230 and are grateful to all staff and volunteers who have carried out this work unpaid and provided resources. This has allowed the charity to maximise funding for direct charitable projects in another very financially difficult year.
The charity continued to cover volunteer expenses and provide for subsistence and travel which totalled £1,169 in the year, ensuring best practice in volunteer engagement and provision.
The charity sought to cut its centre costs where possible by ensuring all heating was turned off from May onwards. Centre costs amounted to £21,716 in the year.
WORLDwrite’s largest cost was its staffing. In the year the charity paid one Director, a Volunteer Production Coordinator, 3 interns and peripatetic camera and edit tutors at a total cost of £51,174. The charity is grateful to staff for accepting above minimum wage, but below-average remuneration to make this possible and for providing many additional hours on a voluntary basis to keep the charity afloat. The charity’s staff team count remained at an average of 2.25 full-time equivalent staff during the year.
The charity recognises the need to maintain a small free reserve of £5,000 to ensure it is able to respond to emergencies and safeguard the future of the charity.
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Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 October 2022
| Incoming Resources Donations and fund-raising appeals Friends scheme Grants received in furtherance of the charity's objectives Activities for generating funds: Sale of tickets, DVDs, Books, Services Total incoming resources Less: cost of generating funds Fund-raising costs Net incoming resources available for charitable application Charitable expenditure Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives Exchange programmes outward & inward + partner support Film facility project- News channel Volunteer centre costs Managing and administrating the charity Total charitable expenditure Total resources expended Net incoming resources Total funds brought forward |
Notes Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 21 to 22 Total 20 to 21 Total |
|---|---|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| 2 31,968 0 31,968 24,573 |
|
| 3 33,336 0 33,336 14,201 |
|
| 4 0 17,700 17,700 42,603 |
|
| 5 12,002 0 12,002 6,316 |
|
| 77,306 17,700 95,006 87,693 |
|
| 6 562 0 562 277 |
|
| 76,744 17,700 94,444 87,416 |
|
| 7 1,756 1,756 1,848 |
|
| 7 52,032 7,897 59,929 50,262 |
|
| 8 17,407 4,309 21,716 22,685 |
|
| 9 1,230 0 1,230 1,424 |
|
| 72,425 12,206 84,631 76,219 |
|
| 72,987 12,206 85,193 76,496 |
|
| 4,319 5,494 9,813 11,196 |
|
| 11 26,645 (4,294) 22,351 11,155 |
|
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Charity Balance Sheet as at 31 October 2022
| Notes | 31 October 2022 |
31 October 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fixed assets | ||
| Tangible assets 10 |
2,446 | 0 |
| Current assets | ||
| Accrued income | ||
| Cash at bank & in hand | 29,719 | 22,351 |
| Net current assets | 32,165 | 22,351 |
| Current liabilities | ||
| Creditors falling due within one year: | ||
| Net current assets | 32,165 | 22,351 |
| Funds | ||
| Unrestricted funds: general reserves | 30,964 | 26,645 |
| Restricted funds | 1,200 | (4,294) |
| Total funds 12 |
32,164 | 22,351 |
The report of the trustees and financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Signed Date: 27th January 2023 Dr Graham Barnfield, Chair of the Trustees
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Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2022
(a) Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities published on 16 July 2014.
(b) Incoming resources
Grants, donations and all income are included in the financial statements during the period in which they are received. All grants received are treated as restricted income to be expended according to their intended purpose. Grants which are intended to fund activities beyond the financial year in which they are received are carried forward as a balance to be expended as intended in the following year. Income from donations, the charity’s friends scheme and appeals is treated as unrestricted income and is available for expenditure approved by the management committee unless the donor has specified the manner in which the income is to be spent, in which case it is treated as restricted income.
(c) Resources expended
(e) Fundraising costs
These include direct expenditure and overhead costs of staff and volunteers in the UK who promote fundraising, including events.
(f) Costs of managing and administering the charity
These represent costs incurred by the organisational administration of the charity and compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements.
(g) Funds accounting
Funds held by the charity are: Unrestricted general funds - these funds which can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees. Restricted funds – these are funds that 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 accounts.
(h) Taxation
As a registered charity, the organisation is exempt from taxation on its income and gains to the extent that they are applied for its charitable purposes.
Expenditure is included when incurred. The majority of costs are directly attributable to specific activities. Certain shared costs are apportioned to activities in furtherance of the objects of the charity. Office costs and property related costs are apportioned on the proportion of floor area occupied by the activity. Staff costs and office costs are allocated in the same proportion as directly attributed staff costs.
(d) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
All assets costing more than £500 are capitalised. Depreciation is not charged on historic artefacts as the residual value is considered to be higher than carrying value. Furniture and equipment is written off on a straight-line basis over their estimated usefulness of four years.
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2 Donations and fund-raising appeals
| Donations and fund-raising appeals 3 Friends scheme Friends scheme |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 21 to 22 Total 20 to 21 Total £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| 31,968 0 31,968 24,573 |
|
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 21 to 22 Total 20 to 21 Total £ £ £ £ |
|
| 33,336 0 33,336 14,201 |
4 Grants received in furtherance of the charity's objectives
| Hackney discretionary grant HMRC JRS GRANT Jack Petchey Awards Betty Messenger Jack Petchey CRG Jack Petchey Reignite Grants received in furtherance of the charity's objectives |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 21 to 22 Total 20 to 21 Total £ £ £ £ 0 7,350 0 17,003 2,700 2,700 2,250 0 1,000 5,000 5,000 15,000 10,000 10,000 0 |
|---|---|
| 0 17,700 17,700 42,603 |
5 Sale of tickets/DVDs/books/services
| Sale of tickets/DVDs/books/services 6 Fund-raising costs Materials/JustGiving |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 21 to 22 Total 20 to 21 Total £ £ £ £ |
|---|---|
| 12,002 0 12,002 6,316 |
|
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 21 to 22 Total 20 to 21 Total £ £ £ £ |
|
| 562 0 562 277 |
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7 Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives
| Partner support Equipment (items under £500) Depreciation (items over £500) Freelance staff & Interns Volunteer support Publicity Wages/NI/Pensions Books/materials/filmstock Subscriptions/Software Screenings/festivals Centre maintenance/H&S/supplies Postage/phones/internet Stationery Insurance Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives |
Exchange programme outward Film facility / News Channel 21 to 22 Total 20 to 21 Total £ £ £ £ 1,756 1,756 1,848 260 260 3,201 1,223 1,223 975 20,437 20,437 15,242 1,958 1,958 1,169 94 94 0 30,738 30,738 25,863 686 686 0 1,718 1,718 1,837 0 131 221 221 12 1,319 1,319 625 205 205 93 30 30 167 1,043 1,043 947 |
|---|---|
| 1,756 59,929 61,686 52,110 |
8 Volunteer centre costs
| Unrestricted | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | Restricted funds | 21 to 22 Total | 20 to 21 Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Rent, utilities & bills | 15,287 | 4,300 | 19,587 | 19,775 |
| 200 | 200 | 0 | ||
| Phone and internet | 0 | 241 | ||
| Centre maintenance/H&S/supplies | 1,839 | 9 | 1,848 | 2,669 |
| Subscriptions/software | 80 | 80 | 0 |
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| Volunteer centre costs 9 Managing and administrating the charity Postage & phones Volunteer support Program costs Printing Stationery Bank charges Managing and administrating the charity 10 Tangible fixed assets Cost As at 1st Nov 2021 Additions At 31 October 2022 Depreciation As at 1st Nov 2021 For the year ending 31 Oct 2022 At 31 October 2022 Net book value At 31 October 2022 At 31 October 2021 |
17,407 4,309 21,716 22,685 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 21 to 22 Total 20 to 21 Total £ £ £ £ 360 360 156 0 77 55 55 0 775 775 1,190 40 40 0 0 1 |
|
|---|---|---|
| 1,230 0 1,230 1,424 |
||
| Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 31 October 2022 £ £ £ 0 12,127 12,127 1,868 1,800 3,668 |
||
| 1,868 13,927 15,795 |
||
| 0 12,127 12,127 623 600 1,223 |
||
| 623 12,727 13,349 |
||
| 1,245 1,200 2,446 |
||
| 0 0 0 |
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11 Restricted funds
| Jack Petchey Awards Jack Petchey CRG Jack Petchey Reignite Restricted funds |
Balance at 1 Nov 2021 Incoming resources Resources expended Balance 31 Oct 2022 £ £ £ £ 0 2,700 1,500 1,200 (4,294) 5,000 706 0 0 10,000 10,000 0* |
|---|---|
| (4,295) 17,700 12,206 1,200 |
*Represents the amount yet to be depreciated on this year’s camera purchases by this grant.
Restricted Funds
The nature and purpose of the restricted funds can be summarised as follows:
The Jack Petchey Foundation recognised WORLDwrite as a member of its Gold scheme and provided a youth achievement awards grant over the year. Awards are given to nominated young volunteers at WORLDwrite, who then decide how the charity uses the funds on items for the benefit of all young people working with WORLDwrite.
Jack Petchey Covid Recovery Grant (CRG): This grant was fully spent in the previous year in keeping with the time period agreed by the foundation. The carry forward negative figure of £4294 represents the spending of this grant prior to receiving the final grant instalment. The grant enabled the charity to recommence Citizen TV training with young people in 2021.
Jack Petchey Reignite Grant: This stand-out grant was a lifesaver for the charity enabling it to maintain, develop and expand its provision for young people aged 16-26 post Covid in 2022.
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12 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | Restricted | funds | Total funds | |||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Fixed assets | 1,245 | 1,200 | 2,446 | |||
| Cash at bank | 29,719 | 0 | 29,719 | |||
| 30,965 | 1,200 | 32,165 | ||||
| 13 Paid Employees | ||||||
| 13.1 Staff Costs | ||||||
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted | Funds | 21 to 22 | Total | 20 to 21 Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| 44769 | 6406 | 51174 | 39565 | |||
| __________ |
13.2 FTE in the year
| Full-time equivalent | 21 to 22 Total | 20 to 21 Total |
|---|---|---|
| Director | 1 | 1 |
| Volunteer Production Coordinator | 0.50 | 0.75 |
| Peripatetic tutors | 0.25 | 0.25 |
| Paid Internships | 0.50 | 0 |
| 2.25 | 2 |
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Independent examiners report to the trustees of WORLDwrite
I report on the accounts of the charity WORLDwrite for the period 1 November 2020 to 31 October 2021 set out in this report.
Respective responsibilities of the Trustees and Examiner
As the trustees of WORLDwrite, a charity registered with the Charity Commission, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts: you consider that the audit requirements of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) does not apply.
It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in the audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.
Independent examiner’s Statement
In connection with the examination, no matter has come to my attention:
(i) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with accounting requirements of the Act have not been met;
(ii) or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
on this day: 20th January 2023
Jane Sandeman
Member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants 98 Beech Hall Road
London E4 9NX
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Thank you
WORLDwrite would like to thank friends of the charity and individuals for the invaluable support they have provided over the past year, allowing the charity to survive. The charity would also like to thank the volunteers who have continued to support the charity and provide new insights.
For designing this annual report a special thank you is due to Niall Crowley.
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WORLDwrite Help us make an epic documentary on the history of soLidarity while learning to film www.worldwrite.org.u www.clrjames.uk ,email world.write@btconnect.com 208 985 5435 ittrvottmteer Centre M illfields Road ondon E5 OAL WORL • Registered Charity no. 1060869 worldbytes