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Reg Charity No 1060869
Home to WORLDbytes: The School of Citizen TV Annual report & accounts From November 2024 to October 2025
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WORLDwrite
Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 October 2025
The trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 October 2025. 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. 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 below. 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 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 renegotiation of the charity’s lease for its volunteer centre.
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History, objectives, activities of the trust and public benefit
WORLDwrite’s first youth programmes began in 1994. The charity was formally established under a trust deed on 13 February 1997, awarded charitable status on 21 February 1997, recognised by the DfES as a National Voluntary Youth Organisation in January 1999, and granted United Nations DPI accreditation as an NGO in December 1999.
The charity’s objects are to advance the education of young people aged 13–25, particularly through international exchanges and tours, covering subjects including history, geography, politics, international affairs, culture, languages, interpersonal relationships and practical life skills, to support their development as individuals and members of society.
Initially, the charity ran global youth exchanges and educational projects, often reported through film. While retaining its international partnerships and outlook, it gradually evolved into the film-focused educational organisation it is today. The charity now delivers free film and media training to 16–25-yearolds, supporting them to research and produce alternative programmes and films for broadcast.
WORLDwrite established WORLDbytes, an online Citizen TV channel to showcase these productions, and also creates filmed works and documentaries as educational projects. The charity continues to develop partnerships to expand learning, employment and progression opportunities for young people through events, debates, commissions, CV workshops, taster sessions, talks and masterclasses.
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.
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
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Aims and achievements of the past year
The staff team and centre facilities
WORLDwrite has continued to develop 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, in the studio and on location shoots.
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:
Over the past year the charity continued to be entirely volunteer run with only occasional paid peripatetic tutors. The charity is grateful to the Director for continuing to manage the day to day running of the charity on a voluntary basis. At the charity’s volunteer centre in Hackney, London E5, facilities have been well maintained.
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To continue to develop its Citizen TV project and provide quality volunteer learner opportunities in filmmaking 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 career progression by providing work experience opportunities, workshops, ‘on the job’ learning opportunities, internships, references and credits.
Provision for volunteer-learners now includes 14 cameras (4K & UHD) and tripods, professional sound equipment, 3 AVID editing suites, a dedicated studio complete with sound-proofing, blue screen back drop, autocue, a large screen for viewings and teaching, a projector and inflatable video booth for indoor and outdoor events and shoots. The centre garden is also well maintained to provide a set for shoots, events and learning outdoors in summer.
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To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality training and volunteer-learning opportunities supported by professional staff, to fund its volunteer centre and to maintain a small reserve.
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To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
The charity has numerous subscriptions for essential software to assist with film and video production and editing.
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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, online and face to face.
Over the year the charity provided six volunteer learner packages and shorter intensive training packages to 318 young people and older citizens from diverse backgrounds. Volunteer-learners received support in: researching subjects; filming on mobile devices and laptops; professional 4K camerawork; sound; lighting; studio shooting; location reconnaissance; live shooting; interview technique; presenting and digital marketing. Regular online crew meetings as well as face to face camera training and shoots provided for the large numbers applying to take part in the charity’s programmes. A summer open day allowed people to discover what the charity can provide at its centre in person.
information of filmmaking in general. Overall it was a very good experience and I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to be part of this project."
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Lizanne Davies: I learned a lot, the course and
shooting at the Battle of Ideas was inspiring, I would
definitely recommend this experience.
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Crecina Balakrishnan : "Worldwrite provides a wonderful opportunity to get hands-on experience with cameras. The interactive sessions as well as the shoot itself was a great way to learn the basics of shooting.
Ella-May Matic : "An informative and creative opportunity to learn, gain access into the industry and support a politically important topic - FREE SPEECH!
Imogen Thomas: Training with WORLDwrite was a lot of fun and incredibly informative. I loved how diverse the crew was, and no matter your skills or experience, everyone was enthusiastic and ready to collaborate. There was definitely a lot of laughs, and I met some amazing people."
The feedback on the training the charity has provided during the year has been overwhelmingly positive, here are some examples of participants comments:
Eloise Rouse: " WORLDwrite allowed me to upskill, operate cameras and equipment I otherwise have not had the chance to, and practice working in a team to film in high-pressured live events, all for free!"
Fiona Sharry : "The film camera training was fascinating; the tutors gave us valuable insights into aspects such as lighting, audio and contextual
Adriano Di Giovanni : "It was an incredible opportunity to grow my technical skills, expand my professional network, and collaborate on thoughtful content."
2. To ensure WORLDwrite 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 of 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 viewers. Thirty debate videos produced during the year were uploaded to
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the WORLDwrite YouTube channel to ensure their maximum dissemination. Viewings of volunteer videos were higher than ever. The Battle of Bamber Bridge , a chapter of The UK Solidarity Story documentary, received the highest viewings for a single video at 41 thousand during the year on the charity’s YouTube channel. Thousands of comments on YouTube are also evidence of how useful the public find the debates which volunteers have filmed and edited. Comments such as the following are commonplace:
The UK Solidarity Story
Comments from YouTube:
@andychristoph9836 What an absolutely brilliant piece of working class history, fantastically told. Thank you for this excellent production.
During the year, the charity completed the online release of its major feature documentary The UK Solidarity Story . The charity then entered the film into further festivals and picked up more laurels and awards. The final two standalone chapters launched within this financial year are detailed below. The full film was finally released online in December 2024.
Successful festival entries and awards provided enormous encouragement to all volunteers who had worked on this production. Releasing the film one chapter at a time ensured that festivals did not exclude the film for being already released online.
@Luckiestmanalive-bb1mi What a great video about a piece of history I never knew about. Thanks!
@patdent As late as the 1960s, it came as a complete bombshell to me that there was segregation and denial of voting rights to black people in the USA. My dad was from Lancashire and he had exactly this attitude: that working class people everywhere should stand together, regardless of creed or colour. Be proud, Bamber Bridge. This is a tragic but also wonderful story.
Why a film on solidarity?
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The film was inspired by volunteers asking members of the public what solidarity meant to them during shoots for the charity’s ‘Solidarity with Ukraine’ shorts. Many people did not know what solidarity was or saw it as purely aid-related. This led volunteers to develop plans for an educative feature documentary to develop and assist our own and public understanding.
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Throughout UK history there have been many inspiring moments when people have taken sides with their peers, often beyond their own narrow self-interest, this is what volunteers set out to explore and to document. Entitled The UK Solidarity Story the film aimed to reveal the stories of heroes and heroines who made the struggles of others their own.
On the Miners’ side
The miners' strike of 1984–1985 is regarded as the most bitter industrial dispute in British history. Alongside the dispute a large and diverse support movement developed, within Britain and internationally, which provided practical solidarity. Thousands of people collected food and money, joined picket lines and demonstrations, organised meetings, travelled to mining areas and hosted activists from the coalfields in their homes. Britain was divided between those who supported the miners and those who did not. This chapter considers what motivated solidarity groups, how important solidarity action was and why the strike nonetheless failed. Volunteers had secured and filmed great interviews with former activist David Oxley on location shoots at a Wakefield colliery (now a museum) and with trade unionist Denis Russell on this issue. Alka Sehgal Cuthbert Director of Don’t Divide Us also commented on this in an interview, as it was the miners’ strike that got her involved in politics.
Taking sides with Ukraine
On 24 February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. In March thousands took to the streets in London and across the globe in support of Ukraine and against the invasion. Fears of escalation started to be vocalised and some argued solidarity action should not include military support or weapons, although it was precisely what Ukrainians were arguing for. Thousands of refugees poured into Poland and Britain launched
a ‘homes for Ukraine’ scheme. How important is solidarity with Ukraine today? What happened to Russians who opposed Putin and took sides with Ukraine? To explore these questions for this final chapter, volunteers filmed some unique and innovative pieces. These included a round table discussion with young Russians in the UK over tea and cakes and a Ukraine Independence Day event including interviews with Ukrainians and a Ukrainian singer.
Free Speech No Ifs or Buts: A Conversation This short report formed part of WORLDwrite’s Freedom Film Project. Volunteers learning to shoot hit the streets of Hackney, Epping, and Kent to speak with members of the public and friends of the charity. Together they explore critical questions and present the case for free speech with no ifs or buts.
No one can be in any doubt that freedom of speech in the UK is under attack. With thousands arrested for statements deemed “hateful” or “offensive,” concerns are rightly growing about rising censorship and the shrinking space for open debate. The high-profile case of Lucy Connolly, imprisoned for her racist tweet, is just one example. Should our thoughts, words, what we hear, see or read ever be regulated? Featuring thoughtful insights from author and academic Joanna Williams and Tony Gilland, Chief of Staff at MCC Brussels, this video is a call to action for anyone
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concerned about freedom in modern Britain and invites the public to join the conversation.
as A History of Freedom in the UK : What do wi p AZ: you think?
While the charity is developing plans for a new documentary on the history of freedom in the UK, this short video captured the thoughts and reactions of the public from two locations: Dalston in East London and Epping in Essex. In the video, volunteers asked people whether making a documentary on the history of freedom in the UK is a worthwhile endeavour. Everyone interviewed expressed enthusiasm and encouragement, underscoring the universal appeal and importance of the topic. Their unanimous support reflects a shared interest in exploring and understanding our heritage of freedom. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the interviewees bring a sense of energy and validation to the project too. Our volunteer crew hope to pursue this project in the year ahead, if we can raise the funding.
ensure we don’t forget the disastrous consequence of giving up our liberty, the fear and distrust which not only failed to protect the vulnerable but ensured loved ones died alone. A younger generation needs to know too, how far Lockdown measures shut down life, from the taping off of benches to hunting down dog walkers to preventing children playing. Join the freedom Crew A History> ofKaIte
This short video was presented and edited for TikTok and other platforms by work experience student Lauren Metcalfe who honed her skills with the charity and presented the case for our planned documentary on the History of Freedom. Everyone was most impressed by her work.
Lockdown Five Years on: Views on the streets
To take our freedom project further and mark the fifth anniversary of lockdown, volunteers learning to shoot hit the streets of East London to ask whether we had given up our freedom too easily. Was lockdown a big mistake? Did the police abuse their power? In this video, some wise words from the public may help
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Battle of Ideas
WORLDwrite was 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-eight 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 Battle of Ideas website video pages and on the charity’s YouTube channel. The charity is delighted to announce that in the past year predominantly festival debates filmed by volunteers secured over half a million viewings! Special thanks are due to Dan Clayton who assisted as film tutor at the festival, provided additional equipment and assisted with editing, all for no remuneration.
Populism: A Response to two-tier rule?
Despite claims that the “grown-ups” are back in charge, populism endures across Europe, fuelled by frustration with unresponsive elites. Rather than addressing
grievances over migration, net-zero policies, or economic insecurity, mainstream leaders often stigmatise dissent as extremist. This “Us versus Them” approach deepens alienation and erodes democratic trust. Populism persists not as a passing protest but as a lasting reaction to exclusion and technocratic indifference.
Is Western civilisation under siege?
Perhaps the threat of civilisational challenge is what is needed to kickstart a new renaissance in the West. When some mention Russia, China or even
Islamism as civilisational competitors, are they pointing to a real threat or displaying their own uneasiness about the West? And does the West need to return to its legacy – Homer, Michelangelo, Shakespeare, Proust, Cézanne or Joyce – to find something to inspire?
The polarisation problem: can we speak across the divide?
Politics and culture appear increasingly bitterly divided, with social media intensifying hostility and recent riots revealing fractured communities. Beyond lamenting toxicity,
speakers ask what can realistically reduce polarisation, whether calls for civility lead to censorship, and whether deep political conflict is a democratic necessity or a danger.
Elections, riots and distrust: what’s the state of democracy?
Democratic accountability is becoming increasingly ring-fenced away from the electorate as decisionmaking is outsourced to unelected quangos and law courts and reined in
by transnational bodies and treaties. Such encroachments are mirrored in extra-parliamentary activity that sees democracy as a barrier to getting its way. Does this pincer movement of top-down disdain for the demos and bottom-up activist disenchantment with elected politicians threaten democracy per se?
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Integration into what? Immigration and
multiculturalism
Is it time to consider whether celebrating diversity amounts to embracing the selfseparation of communities? Can Labour politicians rise to the
challenge of integration in what feels like a disunited Britain? Or will their remaining allegiance to identity politics, and the current disdain for British history and traditions, pose problems? And is there a way of discussing the problem of mass migration without scapegoating migrants themselves?
The War Against the Past: looking to the future
Whether through toppling statues, decolonising curricula and institutions – or even erasing terms from our vocabulary – Western civilisation, and its past, is now regularly
portrayed as a story of shame. Where once society boasted of its history, marking anniversaries and celebrating great achievements, today a bleaker and more apologetic view often prevails.
From social media to AI: a tech moral panic?
Social media and smartphones spread faster than almost any technology before them and are now blamed for many social problems. This debate questions
whether technology is truly responsible for today’s anxieties, or whether critics confuse correlation with causation and repeat familiar patterns of technological moral panic.
Is anti-extremism a threat to liberty?
“Extremism” is widely used to discredit opponents, from populists to environmentalists. Amid real security concerns, speakers ask whether expanding restrictions
protects society or undermines civil liberties, whether the term has become meaningless, and how democracies can defend freedom while confronting genuine intolerance.
The queering of society: Introductory speeches
What is behind the complete shifting of language and the attempt to re-write the past, present and future through a ‘queer lens’? Is queering simply a new way of
looking at the world, one which we should embrace it with an attitude of ‘live and let live’? Or is there something to be defended in our understanding of binaries and boundaries, that help our understanding of each other rather than harm?
Identity politics and the rise of ethnic conflict
Are social tensions driven by racism, identity politics, class inequality, or failures of integration? This debate challenges official narratives, examines immigration and economic
pressures, and asks whether Britain can sustain an open discussion without accusations of extremism, while developing a civic identity beyond ethnic divisions.
Islam vs Islamism vs Islamophobia
Discussions about Islam are often clouded by censorship and taboo, tip-toeing through concerns about criticism of a religion (Islam), a political ideology
(Islamism) and anti-Muslim prejudice (Islamophobia). Concerns also exist that what is perceived as prejudice against Muslims may actually be legitimate criticism of Islamism, which seeks an Islamic state under Sharia law.
October 7 one year on: new world disorder?
The barbaric terrorism of Hamas fighters against Israel on 7 October 2023 seemed to once again upend geopolitics. Where does this leave the global balance of power? What
have wars in Ukraine and in Gaza exposed about the global order? Are we witnessing a re-ordering of the world amid American decline and Chinese ascendence? Are we on the verge of a new cold war, or is the culture war becoming globalised?
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What’s the endgame for Ukraine?
Entering its third year, the Ukraine war faces wavering international support, manpower shortages and growing calls for negotiation. Despite resilience,
uncertainty deepens over strategy, sovereignty and Western commitment. This discussion explores possible outcomes, global consequences, and whether a new approach to supporting Ukraine is required.
Dr Az Hakeem on Detrans: When transition is not the solution
Dr Az Hakeem and contributors examine the overlooked experiences of people who regret gender transition. Challenging the “affirmative” medical model, they discuss
psychological factors, irreversible harms, and social hostility toward detransitioners, arguing for greater caution, open debate and recognition of long-term consequences.
Will A New Race Equality Act Improve Race Relations?
After the summer riots, UK race relations feel fragile. But some fear labour’s promised new law might be both unnecessary and, worse, could create unnecessary dividing lines,
encouraging a racialised view of everyday life. Critics question whether disparity proves discrimination, whether more legislation improves relations, and whether positive action policies risk deepening divisions rather than strengthening social cohesion in already fragile communities.
Defending the West in a dangerous world
With war in Ukraine, Middle East instability and US–China rivalry, Western readiness is under strain. Speakers assess military capacity, recruitment problems, depleted
resources and public support, and ask whether defending the West requires not only weapons, but renewed clarity about its values and purpose. Do we have to ask a more fundamental question: what is the West, and is it worth fighting for?
A sense of place: how to create community in a fractured world
Loneliness now overlaps with a deeper loss of belonging and trust. This discussion explores the decline of shared institutions, fragmented identities and weakened
civic bonds, asking whether genuine community can be rebuilt, or whether modern life inevitably pushes people toward isolation and tribalism.
Boomers vs Zoomers: bridging the generational divide
In popular debate negative stereotypes abound as the older and younger generations are pitted against each other. Boomers are blamed for prosperity hoarding;
Zoomers for apathy and entitlement. This debate examines how fair these stereotypes are, how housing, work, climate and pandemic experiences shape attitudes, and whether generations truly explain social conflict or distract from deeper economic and political problems.
Decolonised or Patriotic Curriculum?
DECOLONISED Should education reflect OR PATRIOTIC one’s identity – be it CURRICULUM? British, black or gay – or be a means to moving beyond it? Is it socialisation or indoctrination to promote a decolonised or patriotic curriculum? Can schools be kept out of divisive politics and domestic culture wars, or should curriculum matters be left to the academic experts? Who should decide what schools teach?
Powerhouse to Populism : Germany Today
Germany faces economic slowdown, costly net-zero policies and rising distrust in mainstream parties. Both right- and left-wing populists gain ground as voters lose confidence in
solutions to migration and living standards. This discussion asks whether Germany risks becoming Europe’s new “sick man.”
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The turn against (over) tourism
We all love a holiday – indeed, ‘seeing the world’ is something many of us still hold as an essential experience. With cheap flights, social norms more accustomed to
international travel and more people seeking out the same destinations, how should we balance the lives of locals with the desires of out-of-towners? Shouldn't we defend cheap flights, stag do's abroad and seeing the wonders of the world?
Ian Acheson on Screwed: Britain’s prison crisis and how to escape it
Former prison governor Ian Acheson describes the collapse of Britain’s prison system: overcrowding, early releases, probation failures and staff shortages. Drawing on his
book, he explains how decades of neglect turned a disciplined service into dangerous disorder, threatening public safety and justice.
Kamalamania, Trump and the vibes election
Within days of being announced as the Democratic nominee, Kamala Harris went from the most unpopular vice president in 50 years – to a viable presidential
candidate. Was Kamalamania a sincere phenomenon, an exercise in how people can change their mind out of convenience, or a complete fiction produced by the Democratic Party machine?
The Great British Energy Crisis
Labour plans to decarbonise electricity by 2030 using renewables while nuclear stations close. Supporters promise cheaper, secure power; critics warn of
intermittency, subsidies and blackouts. This debate weighs climate goals against energy security, living standards and the risks of rapid transition. Are higher bills a price worth paying or, when global emissions are still climbing, a pointless sacrifice of British jobs and living standards?
Demographic change: Will we run out of workers?
Ageing populations and falling birth rates raise fears of labour shortages and slower growth. Speakers examine whether demographic decline is an unavoidable
burden, how population structure affects prosperity, and whether healthier ageing or new policies can sustain economies with fewer young workers.
OBR: Independent oversight or anti-democratic quango?
Created after the financial crisis, the Office for Budgetary Responsibility aims to depoliticise economic forecasting. Critics argue it constrains elected governments. This
debate asks whether the OBR protects stability and credibility or undermines democratic control over fiscal policy.
Could AI break the productivity impasse?
UK productivity has stagnated since the financial crisis. This discussion asks whether artificial intelligence could revive growth, especially in services, or whether
energy demands, limited applications and inflated expectations mean AI is another technological hype cycle rather than an economic turning point.
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3. To assist unemployed young volunteerlearners with work experience opportunities, references and credits.
During the year the charity continued to provide many references for young people for employment in the media, for college places and many other positions.
The Jack Petchey foundation provides £300 for each achievement award for items of benefit to young volunteers who determine what their award should be spent on. The leaders award provides a £1000 grant which the winner approves. Louise’s award contributed to Battle of Ideas festival training and filming costs.
The charity provided internships for two German school students Emma Balzar (pictured above) and Amelie Huegan. They learned to shoot and edit ‘on the job’ and worked effectively to produce and present a short film on free speech today. The charity also provided a work placement for school student Lauren Metcalfe who developed, produced and disseminated a short video on the charity’s planned film on the history of freedom.
Award winners
We are delighted that, thanks to the Jack Petchey Foundation, volunteers were able to collect important awards for their endeavours during the year. The following nine young volunteers, some of whom feature below, were achievement award winners for November 2024 to October 2025: Kejsi Vuibert, Evangeline Appiah-Nuamah, Holly Allwright, Lauren Metcalfe, Hannah Wilkinson, Gabriela Caparanga, Crecina Balakrishnan, Daniela Elliot and Maybri Boyle. Long-standing volunteer Louise Guthrie was awarded a much-deserved Leaders Award.
4. To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality Citizen TV training and volunteer-learning opportunities supported by professional staff.
Now that DVDs have gone out of fashion, the charity does not have the same ability to distribute its documentaries directly and make them available in libraries, colleges and bookshops globally. Vimeo has become very expensive too which leaves YouTube as the main distribution point for all the charity’s films.
The charity would like to congratulate them and thank them for their exceptional input and commitment.
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Thankfully, now with a growing subscriber base on YouTube of 15,166, the charity’s documentaries are gradually becoming better known. The charity’s feature documentary 1917: Why the Russian Revolution Matters has wracked up viewings of 37,000 which is heartening and impressive.
5. To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
The charity raised and provided £705 for Ghana during the year. Further donations amounting to £500 were made directly by individuals and do not feature here. This is a small token of support for Millicent, a longtime 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 and given the hardship they face, recipients of support from the charity when possible.
The charity’s aims for the year ahead
The Trustees believe the charity has met its aims during the past year despite very limited funding. The Trustees and Management Committee have agreed the following aims for November 2025 to October 2026:
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To continue to develop its Citizen TV project and provide quality volunteer-learner opportunities in filmmaking 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 young volunteer-learners with career progression by providing opportunities, workshops, ‘on the job’ learning opportunities, internships, references and credits.
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To ensure further funding is secured to provide quality training and volunteer-learning opportunities to fund its volunteer centre and to maintain a small reserve.
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To continue financial support to WORLDwrite’s Ghanaian partners.
Pictured here are some of the recipients: Patience, Elizabeth, Awanem, Comfort and Cephus.
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Financial review and reserves
Income
During 2024-2025 income received by WORLDwrite totalled £39,160. This consisted of £5,700 in restricted funds and £33,460 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 £15,954 in the year. The charity’s Friends scheme raised £7,275 including Gift Aid claimed from H.M.R.C. The sale of the charity’s services and second-hand book sales showed slowed a little compared to the year before and amounted to £10,231 in unrestricted income. The charity was delighted to receive continued support from the Jack Petchey Foundation through its Achievement Award scheme. Grants received by the charity as restricted funds totalled £5,700.
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the year amounted to £40,595. WORLDwrite managed to keep the costs of managing and administering the charity over the past year down to £735 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 £5,920 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 down in general or off in the summer months. Centre costs amounted to £21,973 in the year. The slight decrease on the previous year was due to a small fall in utility bill prices and economies made. WORLDwrite’s biggest cost is usually its staffing but once again major economies were made. In the year only nominal freelance fees were paid for additional camera tutoring and editing totalling £3850.
The charity is grateful to staff for providing many hours on a voluntary basis to keep the charity afloat. The charity’s staff team count averaged 0.1 full-time equivalent staff during the year, a reduction from the previous 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. It was able to do so during the year.
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Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 October 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted Restricted |
Restricted 24 to 25 |
23 to 24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Incoming Resources | Notes | funds | funds funds |
funds Total |
Total |
| £ | £ £ |
£ £ |
£ | ||
| Donations and fund-raising appeals | 2 | 15,954 | 15,954 0 |
0 15,954 |
15,957 |
| Friends scheme | 3 | 7,275 | 7,275 0 |
0 7,275 |
11,920 |
| Grants received in furtherance of the charity's objectives | 4 | 0 | 0 5,700 |
5,700 5,700 |
2,700 |
| Activities for generating funds: | |||||
| Sale of tickets,DVDs,Books,Services | 5 | 10,231 | 10,231 0 |
0 10,231 |
13,536 |
| Total incoming resources | 33,460 | 460 5,700 |
700 39,160 |
44,113 | |
| Less: cost of generating funds | |||||
| Fund-raising costs | 6 | 108 | 108 108 |
108 216 |
504 |
| Net incoming resources available for charitable application | 33,352 | 33,352 5,592 |
5,592 38,944 |
43,609 | |
| Charitable expenditure | |||||
| Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives | |||||
| Exchange programmes outward & inward + partner support | 7 | 705 | 705 2,000 |
2,000 2,705 |
1,478 |
| Film facility project- News channel | 7 | 12,546 | 12,546 2,420 |
2,420 14,966 |
22,756 |
| Volunteer centre costs | 8 | 21,973 | 21,973 0 |
0 21,973 |
22,633 |
| Managing and administrating the charity | 9 | 563 | 563 172 |
172 735 |
650 |
| Total charitable expenditure | 35,787 | 35,787 4,592 |
4,592 40,379 |
47,517 | |
| Total resources expended | 35,895 | 35,895 4,700 |
4,700 40,595 |
48,021 | |
| Net incoming resources | (2,435) | (2,435) 1,000 |
1,000 (1,435) |
(3,908) | |
| Total funds brought forward | 11 | 8,070 | 8,070 0 |
0 8,070 |
11,978 |
| Total funds carried forward | 5,635 | 5,635 1,000 |
1,000 6,635 |
8,070 | |
| The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses | |||||
| recognised in the year |
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Charity Balance Sheet as at 31 October 2025
| 31 | 31 31 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| October | October October |
||
| Notes | 2025 | 2025 2024 |
|
| £ | £ £ |
||
| Fixed assets | |||
| Tangible assets | 10 | 0 | 0 0 |
| Current assets | |||
| Accrued income *1 | |||
| Cash at bank & in hand | 6,635 | 6,635 8,070 |
|
| Net current assets | 6,635 | 6,635 8,070 |
|
| Current liabilities | |||
| Creditors falling due within one year: | |||
| Net current assets | 6,635 | 635 8,070 |
|
| Funds | |||
| Unrestricted funds: general reserves | 5,635 | 5,635 8,070 |
|
| Restricted funds | 1,000 | 000 0 |
|
| Total funds | 12 | 6,635 | 635 8,070 |
The report of the trustees and financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Signed GC (7 Banfi {) Date: 31st January 2026 Dr Graham Barnfield, Chair of the Trustees
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Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2025
(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.
(d) Fundraising costs
These include direct expenditure and overhead costs of staff and volunteers in the UK who promote fundraising, including events.
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.
(e) 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.
(f) 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.
(c) Resources expended
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.
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 straightline basis over their estimated usefulness of four years.
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2 Donations and fund raising appeals
| Unrestricted | 24 to 25 | 23 to 24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | Restricted funds | Total | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Donations and fund-raising | ||||
| appeals | 15,954 | 0 | 15,954 | 15,957 |
| 3 Friends scheme | ||||
| Unrestricted | 24 to 25 | 23 to 24 | ||
| funds | Restricted funds | Total | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Friends scheme | 7,275 | 0 | 7,275 | 11,920 |
4 Grants received in furtherance of the charity's objectives
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 24 to 25 | 23 to 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| VINSON FAMILY | 2,000 | 2,000 | 0 | |
| Jack Petchey Awards | 3,700 | 3,700 | 2,700 | |
| Grants received | 0 | 5,700 | 5,700 | 2,700 |
| 5 Sale of | ||||
| Tickets/DVDs/books/services | ||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 24 to 25 | 23 to 24 | |
| funds | funds | Total | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Sale of tickets/DVDs | 10,231 | 10,231 | 13,536 | |
| Sale of tickets/DVDs/books/services | 10,231 | 0 | 10,231 | 13,536 |
6 Fund-raising costs
| Unrestricted | Restricted | 24 to 25 | 24 to 25 | 23 to 24 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | Total | Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Materials/JustGiving | 108 | 108 | 216 | 504 | |
| 108 | 108 | 216 | 504 |
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7 Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives 7 Costs of activities in furtherance of the charity's objectives
| Film | Film | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange | Exchange Exchange |
facility / | facility / | |||
| programme | programme programme |
News | News 24 to 25 |
24 to 25 | 23 to 24 | |
| outward | outward UK |
Channel | Channel | Total | Total | |
| £ | £ £ |
£ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Partner support | 2,705 | 2,705 | 2,705 | 1,478 | ||
| Equipment (items under £500) | 1,243 | 1,243 1,243 |
855 | |||
| Depreciation (items over £500) | 0 | 1,223 | ||||
| Freelance staff & Interns | 3,850 | 3,850 3,850 |
8,300 | |||
| Volunteer support | 5,920 | 5,920 5,920 |
3,238 | |||
| Publicity | 15 | 15 | 15 | 0 | ||
| Wages/NI/Pensions | 0 | 3,016 | ||||
| Books/materials/filmstock | 23 | 23 | 23 | 49 | ||
| Subscriptions/Software | 3,378 | 3,378 3,378 |
4,267 | |||
| Screenings/festivals | 237 | 237 | 237 | 1,455 | ||
| Postage/phones/internet | 0 | 236 | ||||
| Stationery | 300 | 300 | 300 | 117 | ||
| Costs of activities in furtherance of the | ||||||
| charity's objectives | 2,705 | 2,705 0 |
14,966 | 14,966 17,671 |
24,234 | |
| 8 Volunteer centre costs | ||||||
| Unrestricted | ||||||
| funds | Restricted funds | Restricted funds 24 to 25 Total |
24 to 25 Total 23 to 24 Total |
23 to 24 Total | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Rent, utilities & bills | 18,947 | 18,947 | 18,947 | 19,104 | ||
| 0 | 0 | 97 | ||||
| Centre Maintenance/H&S/supplies | 2,217 | 2,217 | 2,217 | 2,489 | ||
| Insurance | 809 | 809 | 809 | 802 | ||
| Volunteer support | 0 | 0 | 141 | |||
| Volunteer centre costs | 21,973 | 0 | 0 | 21,973 | 21,973 | 22,633 |
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9 Managing and administrating the charity
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | 24 to 25 | 24 to 25 | 23 to 24 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds Restricted funds |
Total | Total | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Postage & phones | 448 | 448 | 97 | 545 | 91 | |
| Stationery | 113 | 113 | 75 | 188 | 455 | |
| Subscriptions | 0 | 104 | ||||
| Bank charges | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | ||
| Managing and administrating | ||||||
| the charity | 563 | 563 | 172 | 735 | 650 | |
| 10 Tangible fixed assets | ||||||
| Unrestricted funds | Restricted funds | 31 October 2025 | 31 October 2025 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | ||||
| Cost | ||||||
| As at 1st Nov 2024 | 1,245 | 13,327 | 14,572 | |||
| Additions | 0 | |||||
| At 31 October 2025 | 1,245 | 13,327 | 14,572 | |||
| Depreciation | ||||||
| As at 1st Nov 2024 | 1,245 | 13,327 | 14,572 | |||
| For the year ending 31 Oct 2025 | 0 | |||||
| At 31 October 2025 | 1,245 | 13,327 | 14,572 | |||
| Net book value | ||||||
| At 31 October 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| At 31 October 2024 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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11 Restricted funds
| Balance at 1 | Incoming | Resources | Balance 31 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2024 | resources | expended | Oct 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| VINSON FAMILY | 0 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 0 |
| Jack Petchey Awards | 0 | 3,700 | 2,700 | 1,000 |
| Restricted funds | 0 | 5,700 | 4,700 | 1,000 |
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 and a Leader’s award. 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. A £1000 leader award was granted due to the impressive contribution of volunteer Louise Guthrie and was expended supporting over 60 volunteers training to film at the Battle of Ideas festival. A grant from the Vinson family was processed by the charity for The Campaign for Freedom in Everyday Life CAFEL (formerly the Manifesto Club). The charity agreed to facilitate this grant as the association does not have charitable status and their work is in keeping with the charity’s objectives and has informed its projects.
12 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| funds | Restricted funds | Restricted funds Total funds |
||
| £ | £ | £ £ |
||
| Fixed assets | 0 | 0 | 0 0 |
|
| Cash at bank | 6636 | 0 | 0 6636 |
|
| 6636 | 0 | 0 6636 |
||
| 13 Paid Employees | ||||
| 13.1 Staff Costs | ||||
| Unrestricted Funds | Restricted Funds | 24 to 25 | 24 to 25 | 23 to 24 |
| Total | Total | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| 3850 | 0 | 3850 | 11,346 |
13.2 FTE in the year
| 13.2 FTE in the year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full-time equivalent | 24 to 25 | 23 to 24 Total |
| Director | 0 | 0.15 |
| Peripatetic tutors & editors | 0.1 | 0.35 |
| Total | 0.1 | 0.5 |
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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 2024 to 31 October 2025 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:
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;
or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed Jan. Set”
on this day: 29th January 2026
Jane Sandeman
Member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants
98 Beech Hall Road
London E4 9NX
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Thank you
Thank you from the WORLDwrite Crew
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 all the volunteers who have worked so hard and provided new insights.
A special thank you is due to Andrew Hirst for all the work preparing these accounts over the year for no remuneration and to Stuart Simpson for meticulously checking these.
Thanks are due to volunteer photographers Zakariya Irfan and Jeff Rowland for some of the photographs featured.
For designing this annual report a special thank you is due to Niall Crowley.
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