OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-04-05-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5th APRIL 2024

Charity Registration Number 1152631 Charity Registration SC052271 (Scotland)

Contents

Page 1 Charity Information Pages 2-8 Trustees Report Page 9 Independent Examiner’s Report on the Accounts Page 10 Statement of Financial Activities Page 11 Balance Sheet Pages 12-17 Notes to the Financial Statements

AMPLIFYING VOICES (UK)

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Charity Number England and Wales: 1152631 Scotland: SC052271

Start of Financial Year 6th April 2023 End of Financial Year 5th April 2024

Trustees Mr Terry Edmondson (Chair) Mrs Tusa Clark Mr Thomas Stout (appointed 6[th] January 2024) Mr Christopher Dunn-Coleman (appointed 20[th] June 2024) Mrs Gail Lawther (resigned 26[th] March 2024)

Registered Office Pilgrim House 51-63 St Dunstans Road Worthing West Sussex BN13 1AA

Primary Bankers CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ

Independent Examiner Mr P Coram 30 Welland Road Worthing West Sussex BN13 3NP

1

Amplifying Voices Trustees Report to financial year-end 5th April 2024

In a year marked by global turbulence with a surge of misinformation, disinformation and hate speech, we recognize the critical role that media and communication play in shaping our communities. At Amplifying Voices, our mission has never seemed more relevant as our teams have equipped communities with media tools, to get people talking, listening to each other and taking action to improve local health, well-being and resilience.

As the charity marked its 10th anniversary in June 2023, we celebrated significant gains and witnessed how more local communities are effectively harnessing the power of local and social media to drive transformational development and promote peace in fragile contexts. In an era where information is both abundant and precarious, where it is so often used to divide rather than unite, our commitment to amplifying authentic narratives, which promote harmony, remains unwavering. With this in mind, our trustees are pleased to present their annual report and independently examined accounts for the year ended 5[th] April 2024. We confirm that they comply with the requirements of the Charities Act of 2011, the CIO’s constitution and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Trustees and organisational structure

Amplifying Voices UK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered with the Charity Commission of England and Wales (number 1152631) and in Scotland as a Cross-Border charity (number SC052271).

The trustees of Amplifying Voices are appointed in accordance with its constitution and volunteer for a term of three years. They may serve a maximum of 3 consecutive terms. As custodians of the vision, mission and values of the charity, they are responsible for its good governance and the maintenance of its charitable objects. The current trustees bring a wide range of experience from the creative, education, development, business and charity sectors.

The day-to-day running of the charity is handled by an operations team of salaried and volunteer personnel who manage the organisation’s projects around the world and who meet with the trustees four times a year.

Expenditure

This financial year a considerable amount of our charitable spending was on capital costs for three major community-centered radio projects in Africa, alongside our other activities which include ongoing training, monitoring, evaluation, project design and some support for our community partners’ operational costs. From the outset, we work closely with all our local partners to help them become locally sustainable and not dependent on long-term outside support. However we also commit to accompanying them in the long-term, to enable them to fulfill their mission and vision effectively.

2

Public benefit

The Trustees have considered the guidelines issued by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit and how the charity complies with these requirements. They are confident that they have complied with their duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 with regard to public benefit.

The trustees regularly review the organisation’s exposure to financial risks, governance and management risks, operational risks and safeguarding, as appropriate to its activities.

Serious Incident Reporting

In accordance with the Charity Commission’s serious incident reporting requirements (resulting in a significant loss of funds, or of significant risk to the charity’s property, beneficiaries or reputation), the trustees are pleased to confirm that no incidents fall into this category.

OPERATIONAL REVIEW

Projects in sub-Saharan Africa

We are currently active in five countries in this region.

Zambia

Amplifying Voices has been supporting local communities in the Pemba district of Southern Zambia to develop a radio station. Following widespread community consultations, training and discussions with the government, Simooya Community Radio began test broadcasts on 94.3 FM in early April. Against the backdrop of a severe drought, local people expressed how the radio station will play a vital role in helping them find ways to work together to overcome their greatest challenges, as well as promoting health and education.

----- Start of picture text -----
Interviewing Community members in Simooya
----- End of picture text -----

Uganda

The Amplifying Voices team in the UK continued support for the Soot Semee project (which means ‘Voice of Compassion’ in Juba Arabic) which provides critical information for and promotes dialogue among refugees in settlements in northen Uganda. A key role of this

3

project has been to mobilise people in the refugee settlements to take action on matters that are important to them. This year our team will work with the local partner to plan how to make this project locally sustainable and prepare the many who are contemplating returning to South Sudan, as conditions there stabilize.

South Sudan

The “Hope Village” project has been running successfully for a year, using speakerbox programmes to promote peace after years of violent conflict. The community faces big challenges as they try to rebuild their lives, but even in the time that “Hope Village” has been running, community members already report improved relationships between soldiers and civilians. People said they now feel able to greet a soldier as they walk along the road without inviting violence or other abuse. Amplifying Voices has identified that a key focus in the coming year will be to support the local team in engaging more communities and expanding reach through a local radio station.

----- Start of picture text -----
Getting ready to work with Iyete FM
----- End of picture text -----

Kenya

After more than a year of planning with our partners Amani Centre and FEBC Australia, Vox Radio began relaying its broadcast from Central Tana River County via the regional capital, Hola. The relay station has helped Vox Radio connect with new communities living in the central part of the county (Galole Region) in what has been a difficult time for many families. Listeners report that the station has been a lifeline as they have faced the trauma of devastating floods following years of drought and spiraling costs, exacerbated by the war on Ukraine. Amplifying Voices also assisted in the development of a new ICT (information communication technology) hub which is co-located at the Vox Radio site. A new

programme known as L.I.F.E (an acronym that stands for Life Skills, ICTs, Financial Readiness, and Entrepreneurship) is helping to bridge the digital divide that has for years left the marginalised communities in Tana River and especially women and girls excluded from present-day opportunities.

4

North Kivu (DRC)

Against a backdrop of the continued violence and instability in North Kivu, a key development this year has been the development of a new studio building for Umoja (Unity) Radio as the old one finally

succumbed to years of damage from weather, war and termites. The Amplifying Voices team continued to provide technical support, training and mentoring for the local team. In community meetings, we were encouraged to hear how the radio station has been a constant voice providing vital information and security information as they have faced threats from armed Islamist groups hiding in the national

park. Amplifying Voices is working with the local team to develop plans to extend the signal range of the station, so that more remote communities can benefit from the broadcasts.

Measuring signal strength in Kikingi

5

Projects in South Asia

We currently have active projects in two countries in this region, Pakistan and India.

Pakistan

Amplifying Voices UK continued to support the Pakistan team to develop the “Bright Home Project” in villages in Khyber Pakhtunkwa and Punjab provinces. Harnessing the power of local radio, speakerboxes, social media and practical on-the-ground activities, the project addressed socio-economic injustices faced by women and families. Activities such as health camps and vocational training events were helpful for building trust in the early stages of relationship with the community and have brought women together in culturally acceptable spaces. These activities have built the confidence of women in their own abilities and strengths and they are now creating content about relevant family and community issues, which are aired on community speakerboxes and local radio outlets.

Supporting on the ground activities included:

----- Start of picture text -----
Interviews in the Bright Home class
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Mobile health clinic, Sargodha
----- End of picture text -----

6

India

In India, following a successful roll-out of the speakerbox campaign in several new indiginous tribal (Adivasi) villages in Maharashtra, many more villages have asked to be involved. Amplifying Voices continued to provide coaching, follow-up training and funding for the growing local teams. A rigorous monitoring and evaluation process has shown dramatic gains in health and nutrition, as a result of local families

growing kitchen gardens; many more children, especially girls, attending school; people coming out of bonded labour; reduced domestic violence and a reduction in addiction to substances.

----- Start of picture text -----
Adivasi women discussing nutrition after listening to speakerbox programme
----- End of picture text -----

Following the successful trial and learning from a mobile phone application to provide bonded labourers with vital access to information, this year has seen work on a complete redesign and redevelopment of the application, with a view to extending it to all tribal communities in multiple languages. A second app is also now in development which is based around stories to enable new learning so that local communities may embark on a journey of self-discovery with knew knowledge and wisdom for physical, emotional and spiritual life and wellbeing.

7

AViD Projects (Amplifying Voices in Disaster)

Recognising the vital role that communication plays at times of disaster, whether natural or man-made, in 2019 Amplifying Voices set up a project to respond to special circumstances, which by-pass our normal ways of working. The purpose is to help communities to respond to and recover quickly from disaster, growing in confidence, capacity, and resilience as they do so.

In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Amplifying Voices has been working with local partners to provide a backpack studio which is now on site. At the time of writing this report UNICEF and local partners were using the studio to co-create lifesaving audio content, which, when it is possible to do so, will be disseminated through social and broadcast media. Messages, songs and announcements will provide displaced children and families with vital information for safely accessing relief and shelter, and for staying healthy.

The Year Ahead

In the light of our growing experience of operating in fragile states, Amplifying Voices has been asked by partners to consider working in other regions of sub-Saharan Africa, which are unstable, and our team is currently exploring options.

The charity however is committed to the ongoing accompaniment of its existing partners with the tools and resources to strengthen their capacity and maximise their impact, while assisting them in their journey to becoming fully locally sustainable. Alongside this our team will continue to support local partners to ensure that monitoring, evaluation and learning is taking place.

From a governance perspective, the board of trustees has reviewed a number of key policies and undergone training this year, especially around Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and operating in fragile states. With a number of long-standing trustees having recently retired, we are actively looking to expand our board of trustees and develop new skill-sets which reflect the changing nature of the environment in which we operate.

Terry Edmondson, Chair of Trustees of Amplifying Voices

8

Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts

Report to the trustees and members of Amplifying Voices UK (Charity Numbers 1152631 and and SC052271) on the accounts for the year ended 5th April 2024.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act), and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention

P. Coram 30 BN13 3NP

22nd July 2024

9

Amplifying Voices (UK)

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5th April 2024

Notes
Income from:
Donations and Legacies
2
Bank Interest
Total
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
Charitable Activities
3,4
Other
5
Total
Net Income/(Expenditure)
Transfers Between Funds
Total Funds Brought Forward
Total Funds Carried Forward
Unrestricted
Restricted
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
122,777
133,184
255,961
2,407
-
2,407
125,184
133,184
258,368
5,052
5,052
94,937
74,915
169,852
1,271
1,271
101,260
74,915
176,175
23,923
58,269
82,192
(3,669)
3,669
-
87,344
30,287
117,631
107,598
92,225
199,823
-
-
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
79,330
121,951
201,281
464
-
464
79,794
121,951
201,745
4,585
-
4,585
65,409
108,909
174,318
748
-
748
70,742
108,909
179,651
9,051
13,042
22,093
-
-
-
78,293
17,245
95,538
87,344
30,287
117,631

Movement on all reserves and recognised gains/lo s ses where appropriate are shown above All of the operations are classed as on-going

The notes on pages 7 to 11 form part of these accounts

10

Amplifying Voices (UK)

Charity Numbers 1152631 and SC052271

BALANCE SHEET

5th April 2024

Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
5
(Net of Depreciation)
Current Assets
Prepaid expenses
6
Cash at Bank
Total Current Assets
Creditors: Falling due within
6
one year
Net Current Assets
Funds of the Charity
General Reserve
General Funds
Restricted Funds
Total Funds
Unrestricted Restricted
2024
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
107,598
92,225
199,823
107,598
92,225
199,823
-
-
-
107,598
92,225
199,823
10,000
-
10,000
97,598
-
97,598
-
92,225
92,225
107,598
92,225
199,823
Unrestricted Restricted
2023
Funds
Funds
Total
£
£
£
1,271
-
1,271
-
-
-
86,072
30,287
116,359
86,073
30,287
116,359
-
-
-
87,344
30,287
117,631
10,000
-
10,000
77,344
-
77,344
-
30,287
30,287
87,344
30,287
117,631

Approved by the Trustees on 22nd July 2024

Signed on their behalf ……………………………………………………………………………………… T. Edmondson, Chair of Trustees

11

Amplifying Voices (UK) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5th April 2024

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Income

Income is recognised in the SORP From donations and grants when:

there is evidence of entitlement to the gift

receipt is probable

and its amount can be measured reliably.

> Incoming Resources with related expenditure

Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contract income) the incoming resource 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 gift aid tax reclaims are included in the SOFA in the period in which they are received

> Donated Services and Facilities

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

> Investment Income

This is included in the accounts when received.

Basis Of Preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. In preparing the financial statements the charity follows best practice as laid down in the Statement of Recommended Practice 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' FRS 102 SORP 2015.

Expenditure and Liabilities

> Liability Recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources

> Governance Costs

Whilst no longer required to be shown separately they will (when charged) include costs of preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and the cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters

> 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 is no conditions to be met relating to that grant

2. Assets

Are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500.

They are valued at cost. If gifted, at the value to the charity upon receipt

The Trustees have decided to depreciate all assets on a 4 year straight line method

12

Amplifying Voices (UK) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5th APRIL 2024

Income Unrestricted Restricted 2024
Notes Funds Funds Total
£ £ £
2a Donations, Grants and Legacies
General 122,777 - 122,777
Support - 5,876 5,876
Projects - 127,308 127,308
Legacies - - -
Gifts in kind - - -
Other donations and gifts - - -
Total 122,777 133,184 255,961
Summary of Donations, Grants and Legacies
General Fund 120,777 - 120,777
Restricted - 5,876 5,876
Project - India 2,000 46,797 48,797
Project - Kenya - 2,589 2,589
Project - Kenya Admin - 2,561 2,561
Project - Zambia - -
Project - Pakistan - 1,500 1,500
Project - DRC 61,935 61,935
Project - South Sudan - 5,000 5,000
Project - Uganda - -
Project - Somalia 6,928 6,928
122,777 133,184 255,961
2b Unrestricted Restricted 2023
Notes Funds Funds Total
£ £ £
Donations and Trusts
General 79,293 - 79,293
Support - 8,101 8,101
Projects 37 113,850 113,887
Legacies - - -
Gifts in kind - - -
Other donations and gifts - - -
79,330 121,951 201,281
Summary of Donations and Legacies
General Fund 79,293 - 79,293
Restricted - 8,101 8,101
Project -India 37 18,742 18,779
Project - Kenya - 80,064 80,064
Project - Sierra Leone - - -
Project - Zambia - 14,947 14,947
Project - Pakistan - 97 97
Project - DRC - - -
Project - Malawi - - -
Project - Uganda - - -
Project - Covid - - -
79,330 121,951 201,281

13

Amplifying Voices (UK) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5th APRIL 2024

3a Expenditure on Charitable Activities Unrestricted Restricted 2024
Notes Funds Funds Total
£ £ £
Operations 13,973 - 13,973
Travel 1,917 - 1,917
Gifts and Gift Aid passed On - 5,766 5,766
Hospitality 1,059 - 1,059
Premises Costs 2,868 - 2,868
Projects 75,120 69,149 144,269
94,937 74,915 169,852
`
Summary of Expenditure on Charitable Activities
General Fund 19,817 - 19,817
Restricted - 5,766 5,766
Project - India 15,259 10,000 25,259
Project - Kenya 240 3,936 4,176
Project - Kenya Admin - 2,550 2,550
Project - Zambia 24,084 8,976 33,060
Project - Pakistan 18,970 1,500 20,470
Project - DRC - 37,187 37,187
Project - South Sudan 7,458 5,000 12,458
Project - Uganda 7,609 - 7,609
Project - Somalia - - -
Project - AVid 1,500 - 1,500
94,937 74,915 169,852
3b Expenditure on Charitable Activities Unrestricted Restricted 2023
Notes Funds Funds Total
£ £ £
Operations 18,664 - 18,664
Travel 1,977 - 1,977
Gifts and Gift Aid passed On 5,231 5,231
Hospitality 77 - 77
Premises Costs 2,868 - 2,868
Equipment (not capitalised) - - -
Projects 41,823 103,678 145,501
65,409 108,909 174,318

14

Amplifying Voices (UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5th APRIL 2024

Notes Unrestricted Restricted 2023
Funds Funds Total
£ £ £
3b ctd Summary of Expenditure on Charitable Activities
General Fund 23,586 - 23,586
Restricted - 5,231 5,231
Project - India 573 20,492 21,065
Project - Kenya 366 80,089 80,455
Project - Sierra Leone 517 3,000 3,517
Project - Zambia 2,960 2,960
Project - Pakistan 16,779 97 16,876
Project - DRC 3,783 3,783
Project - Malawi 1,110 - 1,110
Project - Uganda 10,872 - 10,872
Project - South Sudan 4,863 4,863
65,409 108,909 174,318
4a Other Expenditure Unrestricted Restricted 2024
Notes Funds Funds Total
£ £ £
Depreciation 1,271 - 1,271
Total 1,271 - 1,271
4b Other Expenditure Unrestricted Restricted 2023
Notes Funds Funds Total
£ £ £
Depreciation 748 - 748
Total 748 - 748
5 Tangible fixed assets Unrestricted Unrestricted
2024 2023
Equipment
Cost
At 6th April 2023 6,216 5,175
Additions - 1,041
At 5th April 2024 6,216 6,216
Depreciation
At 6th April 2023 4,945 4,197
Charge for year 1,271 748
At 5th April 2024 6,216 4,945
Net Book Value
At 5th April 2024 - 1,271
At 6th April 2023 - 978

15

Amplifying Voices (UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5th APRIL 2024

6 Debtors, Prepayments and Creditors, Accruals and Deferred Income

There were no Debtors, Prepayments and Creditors, Accruals and Deferred Income at the end of this or the previous financial year.

7 Staff Costs, Numbers and Key Personnel Management

Total employment costs (including basic pay, NI and employer pension contributions amounted to £38,773 (2023: £37,000).

Freelancers are paid via invoices submitted based on projects undertaken and hours worked. Our Associates are responsible for raising their own support with Stewardship being their preferred channel. They are eligible to reclaim their expenses and related costs for the work they do on behalf of the charity.

Nothing has been paid to Key Personnel (which comprises Associates and Trustees) in the year. (2023: Nil)

The trustees consider it clearer to record the amount relating to donated services in this note. The estimated figure for the current year is £75,000 and for 2023 £73,500.

8 Trustees and Other Related Parties

No payments were made to trustees or any persons connected with them during this financial year. No material transaction took place between the charity and a trustee or any person connected to them. (2023: Nil)

The aggregate total of donations made by trustees in the year amounted to £13,300 (2023: £4,550)

9a Analysis of Restricted Reserves - 2024

Project Opening
Balance
Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Balance
Associates 1,172 5,876 5,766 - 1,282
India 10,000 46,797 10,000 - 46,797
Kenya 1,347 2,589 3,936 -
Kenya Admin 2,820 2,561 2,550 6,169 9,000
Zambia 14,947 - 8,976 - 5,971
Pakistan - 1,500 1,500 - -
DRC - 61,935 37,187 (2,500) 22,248
South Sudan - 5,000 5,000 - -
Uganda - - - - -
Somalia - 6,928 - - 6,928
Totals 30,287 133,184 74,915 3,669 92,225
ysis of Restricted Reserves - 2023
Project Opening
Balance
Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Balance
Associates 1,122 5,281 5,231 - 1,172
Pakistan - 97 97 - -
Kenya 1,372 80,064 80,089 - 1,347
Kenya Admin - 2,820 - - 2,820
India 11,750 18,742 20,492 - 10,000
Zambia - 14,947 - - 14,947
Sierra Leone 3,000 - 3,000 - -
Totals 17,245 121,951 108,909 - 30,287

9b Analysis of Restricted Reserves - 2023

16

Amplifying Voices (UK)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 5th APRIL 2024

10 Risk Assessment

Following a major review carried out by an external consultant, the trustees looked again at the major risks which the charity faces on a regular basis particularly concerned with Safeguarding and GDPR. The recommendations suggested are being implemented. As Amplifying Voices operates in a number of fragile states, the trustees and operational team regularly monitor the work of the charity to mitigate risk, especially with respect to financial controls, travel, health and safety of personnel.

11 Reserves

The trustees regularly review their reserves in the light of the Charity's size and financial commitments. They aim to ensure that the charity will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives whatever the level of income or in the face of unexpected expenditure Nominally the trustees have decided to maintain a level of reserves unchanged from last year.

12 Public Benefit

The charity acknowledges its requirement to demonstrate clearly that it must have charitable purposes or 'aims' that are for the public benefit. Details of how the charity has achieved this in some of the most volatile parts of the world are provided in the trustees report. The trustees confirm that they have paid due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit before deciding upon which activities to undertake.

17