Sense International Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Company registratlon numb•r 3742986, Charlty number 1076497 Sense International Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Contents Chair's introduction......................................................................................................, Trustees, report forthe year ended 31 March 2024..................................................... Statement of trustees, responsibililies 14 Str8teglc report for the year ended 31 March 2024..................................................... 16 Independent auditors, r&port to the mernbern ol Sense Intemalbonal .28 Statement ol fi'nancial aclivities (incofporating an income and expenditure account) ft>r the year ended 31 March 2024 .31 Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024 .32 Cash flow slatement for Ihe year ended 31 March 2024 .33 Accounting policles .. .34 Notes to the financlal statements................................................................................ 38 Malor supporters......................,.....,...,........,..........,..............,. .52 Chariiy informalk)n ,.. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Chalr's Introductlon l am pleased to introduce the Sense International 2023124 annual report. It has been another impactful year for Sense International advancing the rights of people with deafblindness and ensuring access to health, education and employment. At the same time, through advocacy, influencing national and local governments to ensure meaningful inclusion of people with deafblindness in policies, programmes and services. Our work takes a life cycle approach - we aim to identify children with deafblindness as early as possible so they can receive the support Ihey need. With our support children with deafblindness are prepared for education and transition into schooling. And as Ihey grow and become young adults, W8 continue to support many of them with vocational training and livelihoods so they can live full and independent lives. In 2023124, Sense International screened 70.887 children for deafblindness, and supported 5,586 children with deafblindness and complex disabilities to access education, 1,180 young people with deafblindness received vocational training or livelihoods support. We also trained over 9000 parents 8nd carers, health-care workers. teachers and governm8nt officials and we continued to ensure strong safeguarding systems and practice. Working alongside people with deafblindness, we have had some notable advocacy successes driving change in nalional laws. policies and budgets and improving support for people with deafbllndness and their families, for generations to come. Noteworthy this year is Sense International India's advocacy efforts that led to persons with deafblindness being mentioned in four out of the 60 recommendations submitted to G20 leaders at the 18th G20 Summit held in New Delhi, India in September 2023. Also commendable are the efforts of Sense International Romania and Sense International Tanzania in steering the formation of organisations led by persons wlth deafbllndness so they can self-advocate for their rights and push fO￿ard the disability inclusion agenda in their countries. In this report, you will read examples of accomplishments and achievements from all the countries in the Sense International family. I was particularly pleased to see Sense Intemational host a weblnar In June 2023 to support the launch of the Second Globa5 Report on the Situation of Persons with Deafblindness produced by the World Federation of Deafblindness (WFDB). The lack of credible data is one of the key reasons for significant gaps in laws, policy, programmes and services and the exclusion of persons with deafolindness. The Global Reports on Deafblindness present some of the only data available on deafblindness. 11 provides valuable insight in ralsing and highlighting the situation of persons with d8afblindness worldwide. I remain Immensely grateful to our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal and our Presidenl, Lord Levy, who continue to champion and promote our work. l am also pleased to share that Sunil Sheth was appointed Honorary President of Sense International in March 2024. Sunil Sheth previously served as Chair of Sense International and has been 8 longstanding supporter and advocate for the rights of persons with deafblindness. l am appreciative of our Board members in the UK and the national boards globally as well as our dedicated volunteers for their expertise and support. We work closely with a number of partner organisations. and together much has been achieved over the last year. It would not be possible to deliver this incredible work without the dedication of our staff and teams here in the UK and across the world. Their commitment and hard work in delivering projects, supporting initiatives and oversight of established successes is immense and I thank them Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 I would also like to thank our funders and donors for their continued support (see the list on pages 52 and 53) which among others include the Foreign, Comrnonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Guernsey Overseas Aid Commission, Comic Relief, the Nelumbo Foundation, companies. trusls and foundations. individual supporters. as well as to our parent organisation Sense for their unwavering support. 2024 marks 30 years of Sense International, a huge milestone for our work. Our 30th anniversary is 8 chance to celebrate our past. present and future. Whilst our work over the last three decades has made significant strides ensuring inclusion of people with deafblindness into mainstream policy, programmes and services, critical gaps and challenges still remain. We are proud to take a moment this year to celebrate our work over the last 30 years, Our people, our many accomplishments and the countless lives that have been changed for the better. We still have much more to do to ensure people with deafblindness have the Means and opportunities to realise their rights and reach their true potential. As an organisation we are very proud that Sense International continues to deliver for people with de8fblindness across four continents and we will use this milestone to build on acco lishments and successes and continue to advocate for the rights of ople with fblin ess worldwide, firm in the belief Ihat'we leave no one behind,. RgxH ah Chalr Date.. 18 November 2024 Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (including the Directors, report) The Trustees of Sense Intemational (who are also directors of Sense International for the purposes of company lawl have pleasure in presenting their report. together with the aLKlited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practi￿ 2019 (FRS102}- Accounting and Reporting by Charities. Sense Intemational is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee which was incorporated on 29 March 1999. It is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Vlslon: Our vision is of a world in which all people with deafblindness are equal and active members of society. Mission: We work with peop18 Wlth deafblindness and partner organisations. to remove barriers in societies and systems, so that people with deafolindness are fully included and can fulfil their potential. Values and Principles: 1. We champlon Incluslon: of everyone we work with in decisions affecting them, 2. We are righls.based: respecting dignity and diversity, promoting equality and respect for all human rights. 3. We value Indlvlduals: taking a person-centred approach which recognises the potential of each person, supports thelr quallty of Ilfe and keeps them safe from harm. 4. We work In partnershlp: collaborating across the world with people with deafblindness, their representative organisations, families, carers, teachers and other professionals, communities, local organisations and governments, building respeciful relationships for lasting change. 5. We uphold high standards: of accountability, integrity, quality and sustainability. To ensure that these values and principles are truly embedded across the organisation, Sense International has a set of l-statements which personalise these values for each member of the Sense International team: Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 {continued) I wlll Ilsten to others.. However something is communicated to me - whether that be by gesture, facial expression, body tension or posture. sign language, objects of reference, in writing or by voice- l actively listen. I w511 und&rstand and respond: I try to the best of my ability to understand what is being communicated to me and l always respond in a timely and respectful way. I will raspecl others: I respect and treat others as I would wish to be respected and treated myself. I will b• honèst and open: l am open about the reasons for my actions and give my honest opinion knowing that it will be respected. I wlll partlclpate and contrlbute: I participate to the best of my ability and contribute willingly and freely. I will take inform•d risk: I consider the benefits of taking a risk, as well as what might happen if things go wrong, Where possible I seek to manage risk rather than avoid it. will find things to cèlebrate: I recognise that all achievements. no matter how small they might seem to me, are cause for celebration. No declslon about me, wlthout me: l always seek to involve individuals in coming to decisions that affect Ihem. Sense International works through local Sense International offices in India, Kenya, Peru, Romania, Tanzania and Uganda and through lead partners in Bangladesh and Nepal. Voluntaars Sense International's work, including in our programmes, is supported by volunteers, who worked approximalely 2,200 hours. Additionally, significantly more time than that was worked by Irustees, volunteers in the shops that Sense manages for the benefit of Sense International, and other volunteer fundraisers in raising funds for our work. No monetary value has been placed on this support in the Statement of Financial Activilies (incorporating an income and expenditure account). Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees. report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Fundralslng and engagement We would like to thank all our incredible supporters who have helped Sense International in 2023124. In the last few years and in response to the current funding lanscape, Sense International is diversifying fundraising and has seen gr0￿h in Trusts, Foundations and Philanthropy income which has continued through this year as well as some early signs of gr0￿h in events and indivKlual giving. Our focus has also been in building stronger sustainable financial grovAh across our regional teams and the countries we operate in to support a localised agenda in fundraising, We continue to build long-temi relationships with 811 of our supporters and partners, ensurin9 we value the contribLrtion every individual. group or organisalion makes to Sense International- whether that be their time, their voice or their financial support. Our commitment to fundralse responslbly Our fundraising is carried out in line with Sense International's values which means that honesty. transparency and accountability are central to everyihing we do. Ensuring that our supporters trust us is critical to all our fundraising efforts. We continue to comply with all leglslative and regulatory requirements. and ensure that our policies, guidelines and processes are r8vlewed arKI updated regularly. We have guidelines in place for fundraising from vulnerable people and never put p￿sSUre on anyone to donate. Sense International is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and works in a way that is cornpliant with the Code of Fundraising Practice. Suppliers and those fundraising on our behalf are closely rnonitored through regular meetings, and in the event of contracts not being adhered to they are brought to an end. In 2023124 we worked with one professional fundraiser and no commercial participators to support our fundraising. Last year we did not receive any complaints about Sense International's fundraising, nor were any complaints made to the Fundraising Regulator during this period. We respond quickly to requests to change the way in which we contact people and always ensure that we manage our supporters, personal detsils in a respectful and secure manner. We also review our data management procedures on a regular basis. From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, th8 team did not re￿1ve any requests from Sense International supporters through the Fundraising Preference Ser￿ICe asking us to stop sending fundraising Gommunications to them. Fundraising is overseen by the Group Director of Engagement for Sense and the Sense International Fundraising Advisory Committee (a sub-committee of the Board). Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Governance There were Iwelve Trustees on the Board during the year as detailed below: Maria Arce-moreira (to 20 December 2023) Richard Cooper Nicholas Corby Mythily Katsaris (to 23 September 2024) Suzi Nandera (from 6 April 2023) Lucy Robarts (to 3 October 2023) Raaxeet Shah (Chair) Sunil Shah Lisa Szucs (from 6 April 2023) Sian Tesni (from 23 Septmber 2024) Kiran Virde8 (from 6 April 2023) Lauren Watters Gillian Wood (to 23 September 2024) The Trustees are elected at the Annual General Me8ting (AGM) for a temi of three years. The Board may appoint members by co-option who will hold office until the following AGM and shall be eligible for re-election by the Board or election at the AGM. The Board meets four times a year and the Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. The Programme Advisory Committee is appointed by the Board and has three Twstees who meet with the DireGtor and the Senior Programmes team to discuss strategic and operational programmatic issues as well as Safeguarding. It meets four times a year and reports to the Board. The Fundraislng Advisory Committee meets regularly be￿veen Board meetlngs to discuss progress against the Fundraising Strategy and to support events and approaches to individuals, companies and Trusts l Foundations. It is made up of Trustees and one specialist volunteer. The Finance and Audit CoMM￿ee has three Trustee members who meet to review the deployment of Sense Internalional's financial resources and the effectrveness of Sense International's internal and external auditing procedures. It meets four times a year and reFM)rts to the Board. Recruitment ol new Trusteos Prospective candidates to be Trustees for Sense Intemational are inteNiewed by at least two members of the Board including the Chair of the Board and the Director following responses to an advert. or through recommendation. The appointment of new Trustees is recommended to the Board of Trustees and on acceptance by the Board they are co-opted, until standing for election at the following AGM. There is a comprehensive induction for new Trustees. The induction plan involves meetings with senior staff and internal and external training as ne￿sSary. along with an information pack. including signing up to adhere to appropriate policies e.g. Conflict of Interest and Safeguarding. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees. report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Relationshlp with related parties Sense International is an independently registered charity and company, and is a subsidiary of Sense, the National Deafblind and Rubella Association { Sense"). The Chief Executive of Sense International also holds the FX)sl of Chief Executive of Sense. The Board of Trustees reports once a year, at the AGM. to Sense, the sole member of Sense Intemalional. Sense provides support through sharing common facilities such as office space and IT, accounting and human resources support. Delegated authorlty The Board has delegated the day-to4ay operational management of the organisation to the Chief Executive. The broad areas of delegation, for which the Chief ExeGUtive is accountable, are set out in the Sense governance handbook and are similar for Sense International. To ensure these responsibilities are discharged effectively. the Chief Executive delegates responsibility to the Director of Sense International. The Director of Sense I nternational is also member of the Sense Executive Team. Publlc Benefit Trustees have referred to the information contained in the Charity Commission's guidance o public benefit when reviewing aims and objectives, and planning future activities to implement the Charity's objects. The information given about our objectives give clear examples of how our work is beneficial and brings public benefit through a wide range of activities and will continue to provide public benefit in line with our objects. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Charlty Governance Code Trustees have referred to the information contained in the Charlty Commission's guidance on public benefit when reviewing aims and objectives, and planning future activities to implemenl the charity's objects. The information given aty)ut our objectives give clear examples of how our work is beneficial and brings public benefit through a wide range of activities and will continue to provide public benefit in line with our objects. The Board of Sense Intemational believes that the policies and practice of Sense International are in keeping with the principles, rationale and key outcomes of the Charity Governan Code. In line with the requirements for chariti8S to publish a statement in their annual report explaining the use of the Code, Trustees slate the following.. Principle 3 recommerids that the Board 'understand their safeguardirvJ responsibilities,. Safeguarding is a standing agenda item in all board meetings and a safeguarding report is produced for the board. Sense Intemational conducted a refresher training for the Board of Sense International in September 2023, Principle 4 recommends that the Board 'describe the charity's approach to risk,. An updated version of the Sense International risk register is reviewed at each Board meeting. I n addition, each national 8oard review￿ the risk register for that country at each Board meeting. Principle 5 recommends that 'The board explains in the governance statement how the charity reviews or evaluates the board., Principle 6 recommends that'The board publishes an annual descriptior) of what it has done to address the diversity of the board and the charity's leadership and its performance against its diversity objectives. with an explanation of Whe￿ they have not been met., 10 Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Charity Governance Code (continued) The Board currently has a good mixture of professional skills. In terms of gender balan￿ there were five male and five female Trustees. Among the Trustees there is experience of South Asia. East AfriGa and Latin America as well as a parent of a child wilh deafblindness. When discussing new recruitment. the Board keeps diversity in mind. Ag8 is an aspect of diversity kept under review by the Board. Gender balance of management roles: The CEO of Sense and Sense International is male. The Director of Sense I nternational is female with extensive experience of international developmenl. The Associate Director Fundraising for Sense I nternational is female. The Head of FInan￿ for Sense International is male with International experlence. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Safeguarding Sense International operates a rights-based, risk-based approach to safeguarding. W8 have a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of all foms. In 2023124 routine review of policies were undertaken in line with Charity Commission guidance, Recruitment across the organisation is carried out in accordance with our Safer Recrurtment Policy. All staff complete an online training module during their probation, which serves as an introduction to child and vulnerable adult protection and safeguarding considerations and we continue with periodic refresher training for staff in all our teams Safeguarding Focal Points lead on safeguardlng in each of the country programmes. Following clear terms of reference. these individuals take responsibility for championing good safeguarding practi￿ at local level, meet regularly to share experience and feed into wider organisational work to strengthen systems and procedures. We have an established reporting system in place. During 2023124 we received five r8POrts through the safeguarding reporting channels, all focused on community-based child protection issue5, none of which met the Charity Commission's definition of a Serious Incident. For further information on Sense International's Safeguarding System and related work, please visit our website.. Safe uardin Statement senseinternalional.or Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Trustees, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Environmental Statement As Sense International is based within the Sense offices in the UK we are following Sense's environmental and carbon reporting. Sense produced their SECR Energy and Carbon report 2023-24 by following the UK HM Government"Environmental Reporting Guidelines: Including streamlined energy and carbon reporting guidance March 2019" Sense also used the GHG Reporting Protocol Corporate Standard. Over the past two years a lot of work has been done in relation to the organisation's aims of reducing energy consumption and cart)on output. Sense now has a stated vision of being carbon neutral by 2040 and to thal end has allocated resources to form a dedicated team. and a budget to carry out carbon and energy reduction projects. Sense's major contributors to carbon output (property, fleet and supply chain) are now under the direct management of the Sense Property team. This has enabled a more co-ordinated approach involving the whole organisation and Sense has published a new Environmental Policy in the first quarter of 202415 whiGh rnakes direct reference to Sense International. In addition to this, as Sense International we continue to monitor our C02 emissions from air travel on an annual basis through reports from our travel providers. Reappolntment of audltors A resolution to reappoint Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP as auditors to the company will be proposed at the I general meeting. of stees R8xHS Chalr Date: 18 November 2024 ij Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Statement of trustees, responsibilities The Trustees, (who are also directors of Sense Intemational for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report (including the Strategic Report) and the financial statemenls in accordan￿ with applicable law and regulation. Company law requires the Trustees. to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees, have prepared the financial stalemenls in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting StarKlard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ir@land" and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally A¢￿pted Accounting practi￿). Under company law the Trustees, must not approve the flnancial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing these finanGial statements, the Trustees, are required lo: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them wnsistently; observe the methods and principles in the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities (2019),. make judgments and estlmates that are reasonable and prudent,. stale ￿ether appllcable UK Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102, have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and prepare the financial statements on the going Co￿ern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable Company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keepin9 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charitable company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 14 Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Statement of trustees, responsibilities (continued) The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrty of the charitable company's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions, In accordance with Section 418, directors, reports shall include a statement, in the case of each director in office at the date the directors, report is approved, that.. so far as the Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware., and they have taken all the steps that they ought to have taken as a Trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that infomiation. rof te RexHS Chalr Date: 18 November 2024 15 Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 Sense International supports children and adults with deafbllndness in Bangladesh, India. Kenya, Nepal. Peru, Romania, Tanzania and Uganda. In the countries we work, people with deafblindness are more likely to live in poverty and be unemployed, with lower educational outcomes than other persons with disabilities. People with deafblindness face multiple barriers, including lack of access to healthcare, education, VOGational training and opportunities to participate in their communily compounded by lack of accessible information and communication, which makes it extremely difficult for them to voice their issues. Sense I nternational had three strategic objectives for 2023124: INNOVATE: People with deafblindness are included in national systems. INFORM., People with deafblindness, and the people who support them, have more information, skills and knowledge. INFLUENCE: People with deafblindness are recognised in laws, policies and budgets. Overall, we have delivered on our strategic objectives d8SPlte a challenging year due to a tough economic and funding landscape exacerbated by the cost of living pressures faced globally. In fonnulatiThJ and reporting on our strategy, we include all members of the Sense International family, Sncludlng Sense Intem8tional Indla. Sense Intemational India is a fully Independent charty. Only a small part of its expenditure is funded through Sense International aryl only this part of its expenditure Is Included in Sense International's financial statements, 16 Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Strategic objective 1: People with deafblindness are included in national systems We innovate and,working in partnership with governments, public structures including schools, hospitals and health facilities, Org8nis8tions of Persons with Disabilities (OPDS), parents and others, show how people with deafblindness can be included in national systems such as healthcare, education and vocational training. Screenln and Earl Intervention We take a life cycle approach. identifying children with deafblindness as early as possible and supporting them throvgh their life stages from education through to employment and family and community lrfe. Through our work, we demonstrate to governments, health authorities, families and communities how early screening and InteNention can make a huge difference to a child's life. We screened 70,887 ¢hildr•n for deafbllndness. Total receiving early intervention therapy and support: 967 In Tanzania, 40,618 children were screened over the year. Thls was part of the Caretech Foundation funded three-year Sensory Screening and Early Intervention project.. Out of the 40,618 chlklren screened, uslng the flrststsge risk factor screening questionnaire. 6.101 children were ￿ferred to the Early Intervention units for secondstage, hearing and eye screening and assessment. In the year 4,916 children actually managed to attend their second stage screening, and 159 children were identified with complex disabilities, including deafblindness. These children are now enrolled in the Early InteNention seNices and logether with their caregivers and Occupational Therapist are VKJrking to achieve their developmental milestones. In Kenya, we successfully completed th8 FCDO UK Aid Match funded Ihree-year Early Intervention project. During the year, 23,016 children were screened. Over the three years, lotal of 84,126 (F 40,0111 M 44.115) children have been screened at the first stsge far exceeding Ihe target of 55.000. 10,912 (F5.23915.673) children were further screened at the second stage exceeding the target of 6,875. 147 children with complex disabilities were enrolled into the Early Intervention programme. Two Occupational Therapists (OTS) hired by the project are now fully assimilated into county payroll with a further 2 OTS are in the Pro￿S5 of being taken up by the county govemment. This is a huge influencing win for Sl Kenya, contributing to the sustainability of our Early Intervention work in Kenya. Sense International India opened a new centre for persons with deaft)lindness and multiple disabilities in Bengaluru to provide early intervention. education and vocational training for persons with deafblindness and multiple disabilities. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Inclusive Education Every Ghild has the right to an eduGation. We work with families, schools, colleges. partner organisations, government institutions and Ministries of Education, to enable learners with deafblindness to fulfil their potential, by getting the educational support that they need. This may be home-based, centre-based or in a mainstream school where the child receives support from a leaming support assistant. W8 do what is needed to enable children with deafblindness to learn- from training parents and leachers, to providing specialist technology and adapting school facilities, curricula and learning materials. Across all countries, we supported 5,586 children with deafblindness to access education. In Kenya. we successfully closed out the FCDO funded Disability Inclusive Development (DID) project on home-based education. Out of the 45 learners recruited into this project. 18 have transitioned to school-based education so far. Sense International Kenya will continue working with the School-based Inclusion Teams (SBIT) based within the mainstream schools on the importance of accepting and including learners with disabilities in schooling. In Bangladesh, the Shikhbo Shobai {Education for all) project which aims to prepare the children with multiple disabilities for schooling successfully provided home-based education support to 160 children. with 57 of them transitioning from home-based to school-based education, and 45 of the 57 successfully graduating into the next grade. This transition signifies a significant milestone in the education and independent living skills of the children. In Uganda, we successfully completed the three year 'Holistic Early Childhood Development services for children with complex disabilities, project in the 6ight districts of Central and Eastern part of the country with funding from Comic Relief. In total, 305 children accessed holislic early childhood development services. Through this, 221 children showed improved health, nutrition, safety and general well-being, Sense Intemational Peru received an Honourable Mention for its human rights work as part of the Xll Edition of the "Javier Pérez de Cuellar. Award promoted by the French Embassy in Peru. The award specially recognised our project "Improving Educational Inclusion for Boys and Girls with Deafblindness and Multiple Disabilities in 8 neglected regions of Peru" which has been running since February 2021. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 {continued> Vocatlonal tralnln and Ilvellhoods Like any young person, young people with deafblindness want to be as independent as possible, earn a living and contribute to their families and communities. We support young people with deafblindness through the different stages of this process, enabling them to join vocational training centie. become an apprentice, or plan to start their own business. 1,180 young people were supported with vocational training or opportunities to earn across our eight countries. In Bangladesh, out of the 4 youth with deafblindness (2 males and 2 females) who received six months vocational training. under the Skills Training for Advancing Resources (STAR) model developed by BRAC, an apprenticeship type model where trainees receive training from a Master Craft Person in their communities in trades such as sewing, carpentry computers and batik, 2 {1 male and 1 female} have been placed in jobs, both now receiving a regular monthly income. Sense International Indla supported over 1000 adults with deafblindness and multiple disabilities with vocational training and livelihoods, In Kenya, under the FCDO-funded Disability Inclusive Development {DID) InBusiness projecl, 36 microentrepreneurs had improved access to the market after receivlng Intenslve business training and being supported with business growth kits and linkage to supply chain avenues. Five micro entrepreneurs (3 females and 2 males) actively participated in a two. day exhibition organized by the Kakamega Small and Medium Entrepreneurs, The event aimed to display diverse businesses, providing a platform for meaningful ne￿Orking, raise awareness on Gomplex disabilities and successful income generation 19 Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Strategic objective 2: People with deafblindness, and the people who support them, have more information, skills and knowledge We share information and train people with deafblindness. their families and carers, health- workers, educators and other professionals, communities and decision-makers, so that people with deafblindness get better support. Across all countries. 9,178 people were trained to support people with deafblindness. We were successful in securing a second phase of funding from the Nelumbo Foundalion for the Global Inclusive Education programme that will be implemented over three years in all eight countries. This programme will also s88 the launch of the Global Resource Hub, a digital platform with information and resources for people with deafblindness and the people who support them. We continue to develop the hub with accessible information and resources for people with deafblindness and those who support them, including parents, Garegivers. teacher5 and NGO workers. We currently have resources in English, Spanish, Nepali. Hindi, Romana and Swahili and will soon add resources in Bangla. In Uganda. we successfully launched five ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) centres at five schools equipping th8m wilh computers and assistive technology equipment for deaf and blind children with funding from the MTN Foundation. Thls intervention has beneflted over 1000 learners with hearing and visual impairments and over 50 teachers now have access to online inform8tion for educational purposes and also improved ICT skills. In Romania, we successfully organised the first training course on deafblindness for sign language interpreters. Attended by 17 inlerpreters, this course combined theoretical information and practical exercises, equipping interpreters to interpret for people with deafblindness. Sense International Romania closely Collaborated with Sense International, Sense and Sense International India on the course.Sense International Romania have now been invited by the University of Bucharest, the Facully of Journalism and Soclal Sciences, to deliver the deafolindness module of the sign language interpretation course as a postgraduate course, beginning next academic year. In Peru, 99 education professionals from Ancash, La Libertad and Piura regions, registered and participated in the virtual technical assistance programme on deafblindnes and 162 participants attended the face-to-face workshops. Topics Covered included.. understanding of deafblindness and multiple disabilities: individual education plans for students with deafblindness and reasonable accommodations based on the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) approach, Additionally, parents and family members from Alto Amazons (Loreto region) received one-to-one socioemotional virtual support sessions. These sessions helped parents and family members with challenges around developing emotional relationships, lack of emotional boundaries and need of empowerment and trust within families. 110 virtual sessions were delivered to 17 families in the last quarter of the year. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Strategic objective 3: People with deafblindness are recognised in laws, policies and budgets We advocata for change based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and other International legal instruments, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child. We support people wlth deafblindness to self-advocate, work with organisations led by people with deafbiindness and parents, groups, and gather rigorous research and evidence. On 29￿ June 2023, Sense International delivered a webinar on the Second Global Report on the Situation of Persons with Deafblindness launched by the World Federation of Deafblindness In Nepal, a tactile sign language workshop was conducted by Sociely for Deafblind Parents (SDBP). with representatives from Deaf Association of Nep21 {DAN), the Ministry and Departments of Education in attendance. Following this workshop. Minislry representatives vol￿d their commilment to sustaining the programme and providing support for tactile communication in their next fiscal year budget. Additionally, the local government in Pokhara has allocated a budget of NPR 1 million (approximately £6060) to start a resource class on deafblindness in Kaski. This is a significant accomplishment following coordination and advocacy efforts of our partners in Nepal. In Tanzania. we hosted three meetings with youth with deafblindness and supported them to develop their constitulion and choose leaders ready to register their own organization of youth with deafblindness. These youth with deafblindness were also supported by Sense International Tanzania to participate in the status report on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS). In the UK, the Bond Disability and Development Group and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO} hosted a celebration for Inlernational Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December 2023) through an event at the Parliament Offices on 4 December 2023. The event consisted of a panel dlscusslon wlth mlnistry officials alongside testimonials from persons with disabililies from around the world. It showcased a video presentation of Mwanaasha, a woman with deafblindness supported by our programme in Tanzania who spoke about the barriers she faced and how Sense International supported her in becoming financially independent, starting her own business, and also helped her in amplifylng her volce advocating for the rights of people with deafblindness to be realised. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Objectlves for 2024125 Our objectives for 2024125 continue to be as set out in our 2022-27 strategy, nam81y: Mission: We work in partnership with people with deafblindness and others, to remove barriers in societies and syslems, so that people with deafblindness are fully included and can fulfil their potential. Strategic Objective 1 (Innovate) People wlth deafbllndness are included in national systéms: we innovate and show how people with deafblindness can be included in national systems such as healthcare. education and vocational training, working in partnership with governments, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities. parents and others, Strategic Objective 2 (Inform) People wlth deafblindness. and th6 peopl8 who support them, have more information, skllls and knowledge.. we share information and train people with deafblindness, their families and carers, health-workers, educators and other professionals, communities and decision-makers, so that people with deafblindness get better support. Strategic Objective 3 (Influence) People with deafblindness aro recognised In laws, pollcles and budgets: we support people with deafblindness to self-advocate, join advocacy efforts by organisations of people with deafblindness and parents, groups. gather rigorous research and evidence, and meet decision-makers. Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 {continued> Objectives for 2024125 (continued) A few of our priorities for 2024125 include (not an exhaustive lisl).. In Latin America, we will work through a partner in 8 new geography, Ecuador, and expand our education and livelihoods work to reach more peop18 With deafblindness In Kenya. working with local authorities and partners, we will set up hearing screening and early inte￿entionS services in Garissa and Kwale counties. and train local health workers and professionals on early intervention approaches to identify and support children with deafblindness. In Nepal, we will enable children and youth with deafblindnesslmulti-sensory impairments to have access to early screening. education. lifelong leaming and skills training in Kathmandu, Kaski, Rupandehi and Morang districts in Nepal. In India, through a new ￿0-year partnership with the John Lewis Partnership, we will support young people with deafblindness and multi-sensory impairments to aGGess employment in Delhi and Alleppey. In Uganda, we will expand our early intervention services to new districts. We will continue to deliver our Global Inclusive Education programme ensuring more children with deafblindness and complex disability have access to education. As part of this programme, we will launch our Global Resource Hub, a digital platform with infomiation and resources for people with deafblindness and the people who support them. Lastly, to mark 30 years of Sense Intemational in 2024. we are holding a series of campaigns and events, including a gala held in September 2024, to raise awareness and enhance support for people with deafblindness and our work, 24 Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued) Internal Financial Control The systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable assuran￿ against material financial misslatement or loss. They include: An annual budget and op8rational plan approved by the Trustees. A number of matters are specifically reserved for the Trustees approval. There is a clear organisational structure with appropriate lines for reporting. Regular review and Gonsideration by the Trustees of financial results, variances from budgets, reforecasts and non-financial performance indicators. Policy documents covering major strategic and operational activities are developed and reviewed wrth appropriate regularity and consultation. Regular monitoring of budgets, operational plan and financial activities by the Director of Sense International with the Management Team. Identification and management of risks The Trustees adopted 8 risk management policy in December 2018 which was UFyJated on 26th November 2019. Trustees have delegated day-to-day responsibility for the management of risks to the Director of Sense International. An ongoing risk management process assesses business risks and implements risk management strategies, This involves identifying the types of risks the Charity faces, prioritising them in terms of potential impad and likelihood of occurrenc8, and regularly updating an action plan to allow satisfactory mitigation and management of Ilkely rlsks. This occurs as an intrinsic part of the annual operational planning process and Is then reviewed in regular meetings of senior managers, ￿ported to the Trustees each quarter both in the Finance and Audit Committee and in Board Meetings. It is further overseen by the Sense audit committee. The Trustees have developed systems to respond quickly to evolving risks arising from factors within the Charity and to changes in the external environment, including procedures for reporting failings immediately to appropriate levels of management, the Trustees, and when required to other external authorities such as the Charity Commission, together with details of corrective action being undertaken. 2J Sense International Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic report for the year ended 31 March 2024 (continued> Identification and management of rlsks (continued) The principal risks are as follows: Fundraising.. Sense Internalional's fundraising team in the UK and the in-country teams fail to reach targets. This risk is mitigated by the adoption of a realistic fundraising strategy, by a focussed and highly skilled team of fundraisers concentrating on Sense International, and by the close involvement of Trustees in fundraising efforts, complian￿.. In Lauren Watters Company secretary RiGhard Kramer Key management personnel Chlef executlve Richard Kramer DlreGtor Kavita Prasad Reglslered offlce 101 Pentonville Road London N1 gLG 54 Sense International Annual report and financial statement for the year ended 31 March 2024 Charlty Informatlon (contlnued) Bankers National Westminster Bank plc Chancery Lan8 & Holborn (D) Branch POBox159 332 High Holborn London WC1V 7PS Solicitors Wilsons Solicitors LLP Alexandra House St John Street Salisbury SP12SB Trowers & Hamllns LLP 3 Bunhill Row London EC1 Y 8YZ Independent Auditors Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP 1 Embankment Place London WC2N 6RH 55