2024-03-31-accounts

CLEAR VILLAGE: Trustees Annual Report 2023/24

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

Photo courtesy of Mark McNulty

CLEAR VILLAGE: Trustees Annual Report 2023/24

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ending 31 March 2024 and confirm they comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Trust Deed and the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name: CLEAR VILLAGE Charitable Trust Working name: CLEAR VILLAGE Registration: 1142779

Head Office

Small Works Victoria, Admin Office Block A Vauxhall Peabody Estate Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1TA

Trustees

CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited

Primary Administrative Staff

Frank van Hasselt Mohan Rajaratnam

Independent Examiner

Michael Stone MA ACA Jamieson Stone LLP Windsor House 40/41 Great Castle Street London W1W 8LU

Bankers

The Co-operative Bank 1 Islington High Street London N1 9TR

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CONTENTS

1: MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

• 2: STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

• 2.1 Governing document

• 2.2 Organisational structure

• 2.3 Trustees

• 3: OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

• 3.1 Objects of the charity

• 3.2 Public benefit statement

• 3.3 Main activities and public benefit

• 3.4 Projects in the 2023/24 financial year

• 4: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

• 4.1 Reserves policy

• 4.2 Details of any funds materially in deficit

• 4.3 Further financial review details

• 5: STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

• 6: CONTACT

• 7: STATEMENT OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

• 8: ACCOUNTS

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1: MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

In 2023/24, CLEAR VILLAGE reached several significant milestones. Perhaps most importantly, we successfully completed the Circuit project and approached the conclusion of the Human Cities initiative. These accomplishments represent not only the culmination of years of effort, but also a turning point as we look ahead to new opportunities.

One such opportunity lies in Penmachno, where the success of our Oriel Machno project and the expansion of our Wales-based team have opened doors for larger, community-driven initiatives. This aligns closely with my founding vision of CLEAR VILLAGE: to bring design thinking and technological innovation to overlooked rural areas. Similarly, our work on the Human Cities / SMOTIES project has not only demonstrated the value of our placemaking interventions, but also strengthened our relationships with European partners, setting the stage for future international collaborations.

This past year also brought a welcome sharpening of our thematic focus: on the interface between community, technology, and art and design, especially in rural contexts. This focus has been evident in projects like Oriel Machno, where we used art- and technology-based approaches to engage with the local community, and SMOTIES, where we developed novel technological approaches to impact assessment in rural communities across Europe.

As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering innovation that bridges the urban-rural divide and unlocks untapped potential in under-served areas. By leveraging our unique blend of expertise and collaboration, I believe CLEAR VILLAGE will continue to catalyse meaningful change for years to come.

–––––––––––––––––––-

Thomas Ermacora CLEAR VILLAGE Founder and Strategic & Creative Director

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2: STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

2.1 Governing document

CLEAR VILLAGE Charitable Trust is constituted as a charitable trust registered with the UK Charity Commission in July 2011 under charity number 1142779. It is governed by a Trust Deed dated 12th May 2010. The working name of the trust is CLEAR VILLAGE.

2.2 Organisational structure

In the course of the 2023/24 financial year, CLEAR VILLAGE had 6 members of staff: 2 members of staff were in charge of core operations, while 4 members of staff were assigned to CLEAR VILLAGE’S 4 main projects.

2.3 Trustees

The trustees of the charity are appointed by the trustees.

The trustee of CLEAR VILLAGE in the period and as at the date of approval of this report is CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited, which is an incorporated company limited by guarantee.

CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited is responsible for the management of the trust and for holding its assets. Any contract to be entered into by CLEAR VILLAGE Charitable Trust is entered into by CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited, acting in its capacity as sole trustee of the trust.

In the period and as at the date of approval of this report, CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited had 4 board members.

3: OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

3.1 Objects of the charity

The objects of the charity, as declared in the Trust Deed, are as follows:

To promote and develop the capacity and skills of members of socially, economically and ecologically disadvantaged rural, peri-urban and urban communities for the benefit of the public, in such a way that they are better able to identify and meet their needs by:

(a) bringing together professional expertise and the specific knowledge of local communities through participatory community projects,

(b) educating the public in matters associated with regeneration, community capacity building and sustainable solutions by conducting, supporting and publicising research into these topics, including but not limited to exhibitions, presentations, conferences, awards, publications and lectures in schools, colleges and universities,

(c) supporting students studying subjects associated with community capacity and skill building as well as well-being and sustainable solutions, at postgraduate level, or

(d) such other methods as the Trustees think fit.

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3.2 Public benefit statement

The trustees have complied with their duty under section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Commission in exercising their powers or duties.

3.3 Main activities and public benefit

In the past year, CLEAR VILLAGE has undertaken a number of projects, summarised below, in furtherance of its charitable aims. In accordance with Section 17(5) of the Charities Act and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit throughout the planning and delivery of the projects mentioned. In particular, the guidance specifies community development as a statutory charitable purpose. Since community development and capacity-building is at the core of all the projects CLEAR VILLAGE delivered in the past financial year, the trustees believe that CLEAR VILLAGE has fully complied with the obligation to consider and achieve public benefit.

3.4 Projects in the 2023/24 financial year

3.4.1 Circuit

Circuit was a four-year Horizon Europe-funded project that ran from 2019 to 2023. It brought together partners from four city clusters- Copenhagen, Hamburg, Helsinki, and London- to advance circular economy approaches within the built environment. CLEAR VILLAGE played a key role by organising Hackathons aimed at generating innovative ideas on reusing waste materials and other related themes. In 2023/24, marking the conclusion of the project, we successfully delivered the last of our nine scheduled Hackathons. In collaboration with partners such as Grimshaw Architects, IfDo, and Meanwhile Space, we addressed challenges like designing modular exhibition furniture and developing disassembly solutions for the built environment.

3.4.2 Oriel Machno

Our community gallery Oriel Machno combines art, technology, and community to spark creativity and connection in rural Wales. Through the integration of digital fabrication, emerging technologies, and artistic practices, the project cultivates new skills, promotes economic development, and fosters social cohesion. In 2023/24, Oriel Machno established itself as a vibrant hub for workshops, events, and exhibitions in the village of Penmachno. Notable highlights included the ‘Digital Learning through Community Heritage’ project, which wove together digital and traditional crafts across three communities, and exhibitions like ‘Caban’, which celebrated the rich cultural history of quarry workers’ communal learning. Complementing these efforts were initiatives such as wildflower and archaeology days and biodiversity workshops, which further enriched the gallery’s role as a centre for cultural and environmental engagement. With the addition of new staff and volunteers, Oriel Machno continues to expand its impact, contributing significantly to the local economy and cultural life.

3.4.3 Human Cities

Human Cities IV, also known as SMOTIES, is a four-year Creative Europe-funded project aimed at bringing design and placemaking skills to remote areas across Europe. CLEAR VILLAGE plays a dual role: leading placemaking interventions in rural Wales and developing an impact assessment strategy for all SMOTIES partners. In 2023/24, CLEAR VILLAGE finalised its impact assessment methodology through collaborative workshops and partner sessions, leading to the creation of creative impact tools and a forthcoming Impact Dashboard. Placemaking activities in Wales included craft workshops, digital technology training, and nature walks with local authors and ecologists. The project was also showcased at major events, including

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an artist talk at MOSTYN Gallery and a discussion with Turner Prize-winning artist Jeremy Deller on rural galleries. Additionally, the Human Cities Toolbox was refined based on partner feedback and is now ready for publication.

3.4.4 Small Works

Our Small Works space in Peabody’s Vauxhall Estate in Victoria continues to support social enterprises and local residents through co-working facilities and a variety of workshops and activities. In 2023/24, thanks to grants from the Peabody Community Fund and Westminster Council among others, we delivered impactful programs to hundreds of local residents. Key activities included IT classes, healthy eating and well-being workshops, and mental health lectures. Our chess and lunch club for older residents offered cognitive and social benefits, while weekend Arabic classes engaged 25-30 children weekly. Additionally, we held financial skills training sessions and hosted the “Shop & Donate” food bank, which provided affordable essentials to up to 100 customers daily. Social events, volunteer activities, and community art exhibitions further fostered connections, underscoring Small Works’s role as a vibrant hub for growth and engagement.

4: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

In the 2023/24 financial year, CLEAR VILLAGE took active steps to keep organisational costs at an acceptable level. With its current projects in stable condition, CLEAR VILLAGE is well positioned to pursue future opportunities for growth to improve its overall financial performance.

4.1 Reserves policy

As a young charity, CLEAR VILLAGE is exposed to certain financial risks. The CLEAR VILLAGE trustees have implemented a Reserves Policy to assist with financial planning and guard against these risks to ensure that in times of financial difficulty:

• staff can continue working, primarily to secure new funding;

• beneficiaries are supported; and

• CLEAR VILLAGE can continue to work toward its charitable objectives.

The Reserves Policy is designed to ensure that CLEAR VILLAGE is able to maintain operations over three months should any challenging circumstances – foreseen or unforeseen – arise.

4.2 Details of any funds materially in deficit

There are no funds materially in deficit

4.3 Further financial review details

During the financial period, CLEAR VILLAGE had net incoming resources of £ 7,443 (2023: £3,445) and had unrestricted reserves of £ 19,440 (2023: £11,997).

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5: STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The charity trustees are responsible for preparing an annual report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees of CLEAR VILLAGE to prepare financial statements according to suitable accounting policies and the Charities SORP (FRS102) taking into account the annual revenue of the charity and giving a fair and true view of its financial status.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity. For this purpose, CLEAR VILLAGE has contracted with the accountancy firm of Jamieson Stone LLP and has attached the current independently examined financial records for review.

The trustees for the purposes of charity law who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on the inside front cover of this report.

This annual report and the attached accounts have been approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Thomas Ugo Ermacora Chair of CLEAR VILLAGE Trustee Limited 24/01/2025

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6: CONTACT

CLEAR VILLAGE

Small Works Victoria, Admin Office Block A Vauxhall Peabody Estate Vauxhall Bridge Road London SW1V 1TA [phone] [e-mail]

Thomas Ermacora

Chairman and Founder Creative and Strategic Director [phone] [e-mail]

Frank van Hasselt Chief Executive [phone] [e-mail]

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEE OF CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustee is responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity trustee considers that an audit is not required for this period under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

• Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,

• To follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and

• To state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner’s report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 trustee concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect:

• 1) accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or

• 2) the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or

3) the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Michael Stone MA ACA Jamieson Stone LLP Windsor House 40/41 Great Castle Street London W1W 8LU

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)

	Notes	Unrestricted	Restricted	2024	2023
		Funds	Funds	Total	Total
		£	£	£	£
INCOMING RESOURCES
Donations	2	69,600	-	69,600	53,993
Grant Income	2	-	48,024	48,024	72,379
Other Income	2	6,025	-	6,025	18,762
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Total incoming resources		75,625	48,024	123,649	145,134
		---------	---------	---------	---------
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Grant & Project Expenditure		66,862	48,024	114,706	140,369
Governance Costs		1,500	-	1,500	1,320
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Total resources expended		68,182	48,024	116,206	141,689
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Net incoming/(outgoing)
resources before transfers		7,443	-	7,443	3,445
Gross transfers between funds		-	-	-	-
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Net movement in funds		7,443	-	7,443	3,445
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Total funds at 1 April 2023		11,997	-	11,997	8,552
		---------	---------	---------	---------
Total funds at 31 March 2024		19,440	-	19,440	11,997
		---------	---------	---------	---------

All amounts relate to continuing operations. All gains and losses recognised in the year are included in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The accompanying notes on pages 13 to 15 form part of these financial statements

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

	Notes			2024	2023
			£	£
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors and prepayments		4	22,964	7926
Cash at bank and in hand			1,271	8,178
			----------	----------
Total current assets			24,235	16,104
			----------	----------
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year		5	4,795	4,107
			----------	----------
Net current assets				19,440	11,997
				----------	----------
NET ASSETS				19,440	11,997
				----------	----------
FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
Unrestricted funds				19,440	11,997
Restricted funds				-	-
				----------	----------
Total funds				19,440	11,997

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 24th January 2025 and signed on their behalf.

………………………… ………………………… Thomas Ermacora Simon Parkinson

The accompanying notes on pages 13 to 15 form part of these financial statements

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION

These accounts have been prepared on the accruals basis of historic cost (except that investments are shown at market value) in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities – Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP (FRS 102)) and with Accounting Standards and with the Charities Act 2011.

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Incoming Resources

Recognition of incoming resources: These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources; the trustees are virtually certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Incoming resources with related expenditure: Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.

Grants and donations: Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Tax reclaims on donations and gifts: Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.

Contractual income and performance related grants: This is only included in the SoFA once the related

goods or services have been delivered.

Gifts in kind: Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity of the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.

Donated services and facilities: These are only included in incoming resources (with equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonable quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

Volunteer help: The value of any volunteer help received is not included in the accounts.

Investment income: This is included in the accounts when receivable.

Investment gains and losses: include any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss resulting from revaluing investments to market at the end of the period.

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Expenditure and Liabilities

Liability recognition: Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Grants with performance conditions: where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SoFA once the recipient of the grant has provided the specified service or output.

Grants payable without performance conditions: these are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity.

Assets

Tangible fixed assets for use by charity: these are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt.

Investments: Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the period end. Other investment assets are included at trustees’ best estimate of market value.

Stock and work in progress: These are valued at the lower of cost or market value.

3. DETAILS OF CERTAIN ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE

		2024	2023
		£	£
Independent Examiner’s remuneration:
For reporting on the accounts		1,500	1,320
		--------	--------
4.	DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS	2024	2023
		£	£
Trade debtors		22,964	7,926
		--------	--------

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CLEAR VILLAGE CHARITABLE TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5. CREDITORS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

		2024		2023
	£		£
Social security and other taxes		-		2,329
Other creditors		2,979		322
Accruals and deferred income		1,816		1,456
		--------		--------
		4,795		4,107
		--------		--------

6. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

No remuneration or benefits were paid to trustees in the period.

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