NETWORK FOR A BETTER WORLD Registered Charity Number 1151591 TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2025
Reference and administration details
Charity name: Network for a Better World Other names Charity is known by: N4BW Registered Charity Number: 1151571 Charity’s principal address: St Vincent’s School, Yew Tree Lane, Liverpool, L12 9HN
Contact: Mrs Barbara Charles Telephone: 0151 228 9968 Website: www.n4bw.org,uk Email: enquiries@n4bw.org.uk
Names of trustees who managed the charity during 2025:
Mr Andrew Clark (Chair) Mrs Mary Clark (Data Protection) Ms Sheila Cogley (Safeguarding) Ms Alice Davidson (Founder and main fundraiser) Ms Marian Kearney (Projects & Publicity) Mr Marcin Witkiewicz
Principal Bankers: The Co-operative Bank, PO Box 250, Delf House, Skelmersdale, WN8 6WT Independent Examiner: Dominic Ion
Structure, governance and management
Governing Document
Network for a Better World became a registered charity on 10th April 2013 under a trust deed signed on 4th February 2013 and operated in accordance with the provisions of that document.
Trustees
Network for a Better World appoints trustees according to skills and experience, especially relevant experience of working in the developing world. The trustees administer the charity and take decisions on the deployment of funds and human resources to meet the charitable objectives of N4BW. The trustees who served during the year are listed above.
Officers
In addition to the trustees a number of other officers are appointed to assist with the organisation and administration of the charity. Together with the trustees they form the management team and regularly attend or report to quarterly meetings.
Secretary and Administration Officer: Mrs Barbara Charles Treasurer: Professor Ken Holden.
1
Active Supporters
A number of other people attend meetings regularly and play an active part in fundraising, promotional activities and short-term volunteering overseas.
Meetings
Trustee meetings are held quarterly with an Annual General meeting held usually in the spring. At the AGM all trustees present will vote for the office bearers. The annual accounts will also be presented and a review of the organisation’s yearly objective will take place. The organisation will also agree on priorities for the next year. In 2025 the trustees met 3 times and the AGM was held in July.
Induction and training
Induction and training is through attendance at trustee meetings and the Annual General Meeting. All trustees, officers and supporters give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or other benefits. Volunteers receive induction and training prior to travelling overseas and are required to hold a DBS Clearance. N4BW is registered with CSAS (Catholic Safeguarding Advisory Service). This means that we are able to process DBS checks for our volunteers rather than relying on other agencies. There is a Safeguarding policy which all trustees, officers, active members and volunteers are required to follow. This includes a reporting procedure in case of any safeguarding issues occurring either in the UK or in our overseas field of operations. To date no safeguarding incidents requiring investigation have been reported.
Objectives and activities
The objects of the charity are:
(1) The prevention or relief of poverty anywhere in the world by providing grants, items and services to individuals in need and/or charities, or other organisations working to prevent or relieve poverty. (2) The prevention or relief of poverty anywhere in the world by providing or assisting in the provision of education, training, healthcare projects, and all the necessary support designed to enable individuals to generate a sustainable income and be self-sufficient.
Public Benefit
The objects of the charity are to act as a forum for the missionary members to promote their aims and objectives within the wider context of the Roman Catholic Church of England and Wales. When planning the activities of the charity, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Our humanitarian work in the developing world is primarily focused on the relief of poverty and sustainable development to enable disadvantaged people to support themselves and their families. Although we are a lay missionary organisation we make no distinction in the religion or cultural background of our beneficiaries and seek to help people of all faiths or none.
Overview of Activities in 2025
In 2025, Malawi faced significant economic and social challenges: high inflation, ongoing fuel shortages, and severe climate events particularly droughts, which worsened food insecurity across the country. These difficulties were compounded by weak infrastructure, unreliable power and internet access, governance challenges, and high levels of poverty, particularly in rural areas Despite these challenges, local action, supported by N4BW, continued to make a meaningful difference, particularly in and around Sitima Parish, with lasting improvements in education, skills and environmental resilience.
2
Over the course of the year, seven volunteers from the North West, North Wales and the Midlands gave a combined 24 weeks living and working in Malawi. These volunteers shared their time, skills and talents with the Sitima community, and by fundraising at home provided finance for developing projects. These volunteers covered their own travel expenses and were accommodated free of charge in our volunteer house, ‘Bessies’ which was built by the charity over 12 years ago.
Achievements and Performance in 2025
School Improvements.
In the past 5-6 years our main focus has been on supporting schools, in particular the primary sector. Our aim is to improve the learning environment for primary age children to give them the best possible means to access secondary education, which is not compulsory in Malawi but is the key to career opportunities and a better future. Our work involves not only improvements to school buildings, the provision of school furniture and other resources but also providing teacher training and supporting initiatives in partnership with the Education Authority to address the problem of absenteeism.
a) Improved Learning Environments
Thanks to some very generous donations from our benefactors, we were able to make improvements to the physical environment of several schools. Fourteen classrooms were renovated at five primary schools. Works included re-roofing, new windows, re-laying floors, re-plastering and painting walls, creating safer, brighter classrooms for learners. As a result, another 180 students now have desks at three schools. This forms part of a wider programme to ensure all learners have desks and chairs, replacing floor-based learning. In addition to this work four long-drop toilets were provided to two primary schools, and feminine hygiene kits were distributed to support girls’ wellbeing.
One school, St Michael’s, benefitted from the construction of an administration block, providing an office for the headteacher and a dedicated preparation and workspace for the teachers.
b) Work with headteachers, teachers and learners.
Education is at the forefront of our work sometimes approached in a creative way as we work in partnership with a number of groups and organisations to break the cycle of poverty as we aim to build sustainable futures. This year 120 senior school learners took part in public exam revision programmes in English, Maths and Geography, strengthening confidence and performance in key subjects.
In July, following a visit by two of our teacher volunteers, it was heartening to hear that schools had reported better results after their visit the previous year and requested their return next year. A lot of the children who had left school early because of the poor conditions were now asking to return to complete their education.
Community Projects
Work has continued in support of the community in the following areas:
- a) Green initiatives – training and supporting villagers in creating kitchen gardens, supporting teachers and pupils in growing fruit and vegetables. 1600 trees were grown from seed and distributed to schools and the villages, providing food, shade and long-term environmental benefits. Households in one village received training in creating garden allotments, providing them with an increased range of food for eating and for making a small income through selling on surplus food.
3
-
b) Women’s group – two of our volunteers had worked with this group of 30 women, teaching skills such as crochet and other crafts. The sisters who run the group are focussing on the empowerment of women, developing their skills, which include soap-making, the manufacture of Lifesaver bags which are sold on the market, goat-breeding etc. A kitchen garden is also being developed and the women are learning how to manage their profits. In order to support this group, N4BW provides grants and guidance in setting up small businesses.
-
c) Arts and crafts for children. 200 children participated in arts and crafts workshops, encouraging creativity and self-expression.
-
d) Sport and Development – Netball and football leagues for people of differing ages continue to be supported and funded by our volunteers and well-wishers.
-
e) Distributions – girls' personal hygiene kits, baby clothes to new mothers, knitted woolly hats and clothing.
-
f) Support for prisoners – regular assistance with toiletries and foodstuffs. Setting up of skill-based workshops.
Volunteers
We are grateful to all our volunteers who are prepared to travel to Malawi for short periods to share their skills and provide much-needed support for our projects. One enormous challenge is finding volunteers who are prepared to spend longer periods in the country in order to project-manage some of the developments which we have initiated, and ensure that our funding is invested appropriately in sustainable development for the benefit of the whole community rather than individuals. We have been engaging with other charitable organisations in order to recruit a long-term volunteer, - this remains a challenge and is one reason why our funding is sometimes held back until we are able to guarantee appropriate oversight for its effective deployment.
Priorities for the future
Despite the significant and ongoing economic and environmental challenges facing Malawi, in 2025 N4BW once again demonstrated the power of partnership, volunteer commitment and local action. Together, we are creating safer schools, stronger learners and more resilient communities. In the coming year we will continue working on improving schools – this encourages children to keep attending and fulfil their potential to access secondary education. Our work with the women’s group helps them to find ways to generate income to better support their families.
We are delighted that several volunteers have expressed a wish to travel to Malawi next year, including one or two new recruits who will be accompanied and supported by experienced volunteers. We will continue our search for a long-term Overseas Projects Officer.
We will continue to build on the success of the tree planting and kitchen garden schemes, address the practical problems and extend to a wider area.
We will continue to support development of entrepreneurial initiatives, such as the soap-making enterprise run by the women’s group which has led to the creation of a small co-operative.
Our Parish Appeals programme will continue – this is an important activity which not only generates much needed income but is also our main source of volunteer recruitment.
4
Financial Review
Sources of funding
As registered members of the CMU (Catholic Missionary Union of England and Wales) we have an annual programme of mission appeals in designated parishes. The purpose is not only to raise funds but to promote the missionary aspect of our work and encourage support from people who are inspired by our endeavours.
Other regular sources of funding have continued:
-
Standing orders
-
Sponsored events by individuals
-
59 Club - lucky numbers scheme
-
One-off donations
-
Internet fundraising
Accounting
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the trust and ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity Commission’s SORP 2005.
Reserves Policy
The General Reserve represents the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. It is the policy of the trustees to maintain reserves at an adequate level, being at least 12 months’ expenditure. The trustees continue to monitor the level of free reserves and believe that the charity will be able to fulfil its objectives in the short to medium term.
Risk Management
The trustees have considered the risks to which the charity is exposed and have reviewed those risks and established systems and procedures to manage them. The trustees consider the principal risks to be related to an inability to provide the necessary continuity of funding to enable the projects to continue.
Financial Outcome
For the financial year ending 31 December 2025 the charity’s income was £42,362 and the charity’s spending was £27,405. The bank balance on 31 December 2025 was £84,940 which included substantial amounts earmarked for further building and community projects.
5
Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above. Signed on behalf of the charity s trustees Hi Mach Signature: Full Name: Position: Date: ANAREW CLARK Chair. 19/04/26 6
| N4BW Final Accounts for Year Ending | N4BW Final Accounts for Year Ending | 31.12.2025 |
|---|---|---|
| As agreed | by the Independent Examiner | |
| Income | 2025 | 2024 |
| Personal Donations | £14,569.80 | £7,258.97 |
| HMRC Gift Aid Refund | £5,032.99 | £4,330.91 |
| CMU Parish Appeals | £7,803.23 | £10,069.05 |
| Other Corporate Donations | £4,770.00 | £28,681.16 |
| Internet Fundraising | £2,577.10 | £3,605.44 |
| Deposit Account Interest | £919.67 | £397.56 |
| 59 Club Gross Income | £6,690.00 | £6,540.00 |
| Total Income | £42,362.79 | £60,883.09 |
| Expenditure | ||
| Charitable Expenditure | ||
| Education & School Buildings | £21,475.78 | £11,491.42 |
| Community & Health Projects | £702.52 | £845.46 |
| Disabled Assistance | £0.00 | £79.30 |
| Prisoners' Aid | £308.48 | £353.12 |
| Small Projects | £266.81 | £271.03 |
| Bessie's Place | £649.37 | £137.67 |
| Total Charitable Expenditure | £23,402.96 | £13,178.00 |
| Other Expenditure | ||
| CMU Fundraising Expenses | £476.36 | £332.10 |
| Office Costs: internet, postage etc | £88.61 | £169.25 |
| Bank Charges (UK & Malawi) | £80.10 | £68.76 |
| 59 Club Prizes | £3,357.50 | £3,335.00 |
| Total Expenses | £4,002.57 | £3,905.11 |
| Total Expenditure | £27,405.53 | £17,083.11 |
| Surplus/Deficit | £14,957.26 | £43,799.98 |
| Available UK funds: | At 1/1/26 | |
| Coop Current Account | £1,011.91 | |
| Coop Deposit Account | £84,000.00 | |
| Less Reserve for Emergencies | £5,000.00 | |
| Balance available for spending | £80,011.91 | |
| Available Malawi funds | At 1/1/26 | |
| Sterling @ £1 = K 2428 | ||
| Malawi Current Account | £257.12 | |
| Cash held for Trustees | £0 | |
| Day Book balance | -£328.19 | |
| Total | -£71.07 | |
| Total Funds | £84,940.84 |
CHARITY COMMISSION Independent examiner's report on the FOR ENGLAND AND WALES accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees Network for a Better World On accounts for the year ended 31st December 2025 Charity no 1151591 (if any) Set out on pages 1-2 Responsibilities and basis of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (the Trust") for the year ended 31.12.2025. As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that, in any material respect: • the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or • the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or • 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 other 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. * Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: 1.7 lan Date: 1s April 2026 Name: lan Dominic lon Relevant professional Fellow Chartered Public Finance Accountant qualifications) or body (if any): IER 1 Oct 2018
Section B Address: 9 Oakmere Drive Greasby Wirral Merseyside CH49 2RU Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). None. Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER 2 Oct 2018