South East London Arts Network
Operating as
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for
April 2023 to March 2024
Company Number: 07897115 Charity Number: 1157803
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
The Trustees, who are also directors of the Charity for the purposes of the Companies Act, and trustees for charity law purposes, submit their annual report and the accounts of South East London Arts Network Limited (Arts Network) for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) “Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (FRS 102) in preparing the annual report and accounts of the charity.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019.
AIMS OF THE CHARITY
The aims of the Charity as stated in the Articles of Association are:
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(1) To relieve the needs of people living in South East London who have severe and enduring mental health support needs by the provision of Arts activities.
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(2) To advance the education of the public in the subject of severe and enduring mental health issues.
Strategy For Achieving These Aims
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Arts Network’s main strategy is to provide a range of creative workshops and personal development opportunities for people with complex mental ill health. Members are encouraged to get involved at all levels of the organisation and take an active part in the Charity’s development. We also train members as facilitators and co-facilitators. We organise and run several external workshops where members can facilitate or co-facilitate and share the skills they have learned with members of the public.
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Arts Network actively works to fight against the stigma that exists around mental health. We achieve this in a number of ways, including exhibiting members’ work both in-house and in external exhibitions. Exhibitions are not only a great way to showcase our members’ talents; they also provide opportunities for members to get involved with planning, preparation and delivery. In addition, members are encouraged (but never pressured) to assist in the running of exhibitions, helping with things such as welcoming people and talking to them about Arts Network and their work, as well as showing visitors around.
BACKGROUND
Arts Network was originally formed as Network Arts in 1996 as an NHS pilot project. In 2012, due to the restructuring of ‘Day Services’ by South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Networks Arts was decommissioned. That same year it was reconstituted as South East London Arts Network Ltd by two of the original staff.
Arts Network is now a user-led, community arts charity that provides an inspirational and understanding environment for people with mental health support needs in South East London. Our creative programme includes access to our studio space and art workshops in Lewisham and Southwark, alongside hosting public exhibitions and events, visiting galleries, and volunteer opportunities.
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
We treat people as individuals to create an inclusive community in which they can develop their interests and personal goals. We respect the diversity of each individual’s experience and empower people to challenge themselves with kindness and self-compassion. Co-production is at the heart of what we do and we always centre the ideas, skills and practices of individuals in our community.
Since becoming a charity in 2012, Arts Network has grown from strength to strength. Enabled by the passionate work of our staff team and volunteers, Arts Network continues to develop its reputation as a thriving local charity championing individuals and raising awareness about mental health.
EXISTING BOARD
The board currently consists of six elected Chair/Trustees.
Active Trustees
Chair (Interim): Gill Phillips – appointed September 2023, trustee since 1 April 2016
Trustees : Kate Emblen, Member Representative – appointed 12 March 2019 Kate Pickering – appointed 30 November 2023 Jason Meininger – appointed 30 November 2023 Emily Rose Crane – appointed 6 February 2024 Jessica Burt – appointed 6 February 2024
Further trustees serving during 2023-24 are as follows:
Hannah Dunstan (nee Chamberlain) – resigned as Chair in September 2023
All trustees are unpaid volunteers
Registered office:
8-12 Eltham Road Lee Green London SE12 8TF
Other professional bodies associated with the Charity
Accountant:
Simon Erskine FCA FCIE DChA 61 Mortimer Road London NW10 5QR
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
STAFF TEAM
All staff are qualified in their field, and most have lived experience of mental ill health.
Brief outline of role developments over the year:
Interim CEO, 4 days per week
Founder, 2 days per week until 31 January 2024
Head of Engagement, 4 days per week until 10 January 2024
Facilitator, 2 days per week
Communications and Engagement Lead, 2 days per week
Facilitator and Member & Gallery Co-ordinator, 4 days per week. Changed roles in February 2024 to Creative Programme Manager, 3.5 days per week.
Facilitator, 2 days per week, 3 days per week. Changed roles in February 2024 to Creative Programme Coordinator, 3.5 days per week.
Fundraiser (freelance)
ORGANISATION STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
Governance
The Arts Network Board of Trustees is responsible for setting the strategy, direction and management of the Charity.
At the first meeting following the AGM the elected board members will be asked to nominate a Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, thus maintaining a link between the Board and the day-to-day running of the Charity. There is also a members’ forum consisting of a member Trustee and any Arts Network members who wish to be involved. This is designed so that there is a strong link between the membership and the Board.
It is hoped that the Board will consist of trustees with different skills and from various walks of life, including those with relevant experience in mental health, accounting, law, marketing and publicity, a carer, an artist and at least one member from the Arts Network membership.
Organisational Structure
Arts Network’s current staff team is made up of five people on PAYE contracts, working between 14 and 28 hours per week, and one person on a freelance contract. The Interim Chief Executive is accountable to the Board of Trustees. The Interim Chief Executive manages the Creative Programme Manager and Communications & Engagement Lead. They also work closely with the Freelance Fundraiser. The Creative Programme Manager manages the facilitator team and volunteers.
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
Continuing Professional Development
Arts Network strives to provide opportunities for all staff to develop in ways that are relevant to both the individual and the organisation. This year, the team has undertaken safeguarding training. We continue to work with Flourishing Lives to deliver Reflective Practice sessions for the team, which are facilitated online by a trained counsellor. The sessions provide structure for emotional support and in-depth reflection on working practice. Alongside this, we have established a continuous process of identifying areas of development for the team by discussing and setting goals to work towards throughout the year. We also planned an away day for staff to socialise and build on working relationships while supporting wellbeing.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Details of the income and expenditure for the year are given in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 13 and the Balance Sheet is set out on page 14. Free reserves at the end of the year amounted to £13,498, which is below the reserves policy which calls for them to amount to 25% of running costs – i.e. approximately £50,000. The purpose of reserves is to pay redundancy costs if this becomes necessary; to pay for running costs during the wind-up period; and to cover unforeseen or unexpected costs.
The Charity management and board are prioritising the need to build up reserves. Much of the Charity’s project funding came to an end during the year, so much of our fundraising has focused on generating income to continue our regular programme of activity. This has been successful and now allows the Charity to turn its focus to increasing unrestricted funds to cover core costs and hold as reserves. Plans for this include developing donor income streams such as online and regular giving programmes.
PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITY
Context
We are keen to build on our growing work over the past three years that has supported a community who are discovering the transformational impact that creative art practice has on mental health and wellbeing. With this at the forefront of our development, this year we launched the Create & Connect project. This project will continue our existing work at our base in Lewisham and will also enable us to welcome and support new beneficiaries across other locations in the area, directly supporting 1,500 beneficiaries each year and connecting generally with 5,000 people in the wider community. Our members are fully involved, shaping the direction of the project, helping to deliver workshops as trained co-facilitators, and having opportunities for their own artwork to be seen and experienced by others.
Create & Connect focuses on three strands of work:
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Continuing long-term engagement with people with severe mental health problems through our Studio Membership.
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Running short, flexible creative workshop courses across South East London, designed to welcome those with mild to moderate mental health problems.
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Engaging with our wider community through public workshops, open days and exhibitions to foster greater understanding and support for those struggling with mental ill health.
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
At our recent ‘Festival of Belonging’ project, a member wrote: “I am most comfortable to belong at Arts Network. My soul is here with members, staff, trustees, co-op members. It’s a place to call home.”
In-person creative workshops in Lewisham
Alongside our open studio sessions, we continued to offer workshops based on member consultations. This included the introduction of structured workshops exploring creative skills such as fabric printing, macrame, sculpture, character design and photography. These have been co-facilitated and supported by six volunteer members. In total, we have delivered 341 workshops (an 8% increase), with 108 members taking part. These workshops have included nature workshops in local green spaces over the warmer months, which encouraged our members to explore the benefits of being outdoors in nature through a creative lens. We explored mediums such as charcoal, water colours, mindful exercises and more. Our weekly Craft Group, facilitated by two volunteer members, included a very successful project creating tote bags and learning basic sewing machine skills. Our members also completed a communal blanket, with members learning how to crochet and contributing a square to the blanket, which was then displayed in a group exhibition to showcase the workshops.
In-person creative workshops in Southwark
Funding from National Lottery, City Bridge Foundation and Peabody has enabled Arts Network to continue outreach work in Southwark. We have focused on short series of workshops in a variety of locations. We simplified our referral process, so participants do not need to become Studio Members of Arts Network to take part. After participating, a number of people have gone on to complete a full referral for Studio Membership, proving that the outreach workshops are useful in engaging people who may need longer-term support. We had a total of 45 participants taking part across Southwark, supported by two volunteer members.
Dulwich Picture Gallery , Southwark – we completed residencies at the gallery, where participants explored the temporary exhibitions through creative activities and a showcase of work made during the sessions.
Darwin Court, Southwark – through a grant from the Peabody Community Fund, we continued working at Darwin Court on a series of self-referral workshops which began in January 2023. The sessions run in 10-week projects, including work with clay and sculpture. The building is in the direct locality of the new development that Arts Network has secured, so our work at Darwin Court is important in building our presence in the community ahead of the eventual expansion to Southwark.
Online creative workshops
We host one online workshop per week, as feedback from members tells us they are accessible and relevant. We combine discussion on art with practical creative activities. In order to help members who are not able to attend in person to feel less isolated, we now deliver the sessions online from our studio alongside other workshops, so they feel part of the community and wider activity.
Stay Connected magazine
Publication of this popular magazine was put on hold while funding was sought to continue its production. It is part of the Create & Connect project and we hope to publish one issue in 2024 or some type of printed matter, and from
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
2025 onwards we hope to publish at least one issue annually. It will continue to be circulated to our membership alongside partner organisations and mental health wards across South East London.
Trips
Arts Network continues to work with cultural venues and organisations across London to provide opportunities for our members to visit exhibitions and events, often including a creative workshop. The trips provide opportunities for members to gain confidence in using public transport, visiting new places and socialising. The trips this year included:
Kew Gardens – a visit for Community Open Week, where members took part in a variety of creative workshops and a tour of the gardens.
Horniman Museum – our partnership has enabled free access to ticketed venues and events at the museum, including the Butterfly House and the Jerk Cookout – a festival celebrating Jamaican culture.
The Design Museum – Ai Weiwei exhibition River Darent – River wading and wellbeing walk Down House – Home of Charles Darwin
Mudchute Farm V&A Young – Japan Myths to Manga Maritime Museum Lesnes Abbey Woods – Fossil hunting Mithraeum Temple in Bank Christmas Lights Walk
Volunteer Programme
The volunteer programme at Arts Network continues to develop and ensure that members have opportunities that are relevant to them. We held training in April 2023 and we have since increased our regular volunteers from four to six members. Volunteers have since supported and delivered sessions at Arts Network and our other venues and partnerships such as Darwin Court and Dulwich Picture Gallery. Volunteers provide support on a weekly basis, helping us to deliver our core workshops and gallery programme, including by facilitating their own sessions and offering members support in our regular studio sessions, as well as by helping us to install our latest shows. Two of our volunteers have gone on to support sessions within SLaM, both online and in-person, after the training they undertook with us.
Exhibitions
Arts Network has a member of staff working as gallery co-ordinator, which ensures that we have a regular programme of exhibitions at the Arts Network gallery and external venues. The exhibitions offer members the opportunity to showcase their work to peers and the public, resulting in increased confidence in sharing and talking about their work. The exhibition programme this year included:
Arts Network Gallery
March-June 23, artist showcase – displaying the works of 33 members with 42 pieces on display.
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
July-October 23, workshop showcase – highlighting works from our recent workshops including masks, sculpture, crafts and botanical print work.
November 23-January 24, joint exhibition – showcasing the works of Miss Rope and Mark Hibbert. January 24 onwards, solo exhibition – showcasing the works of Debra Malley.
External exhibitions
Somerset House – Arts Network members were invited to create their own AI works using Midjourney, and these works were then displayed in Somerset House. The workshops were hosted at Arts Network and facilitated by students from King’s College.
Lewisham Hospital Mural – Arts Network members were invited to be involved in a mural for Lewisham Hospital and took part in a mono-printing workshop to collect the work that was then put together into the final design. The mural explored and celebrated Lewisham’s radical and resilient communities. The final mural design was displayed at Goldsmiths University in their Living Memory exhibition and was also put on display in Lewisham shopping centre.
Snack ‘n’ Chat
Held on a quarterly basis, Snack ‘n’ Chat meetings continue to be a valuable space for members to offer feedback and ideas on the creative programme and operations at Arts Network. Suggestions for workshops and visits are discussed with members and built into the programme of activity for the following months. The member-trustee is present at the meetings to provide updates on governance and ensure a direct link between members and the Board of Trustees.
Member support
Significant time has been delegated to our management team to provide flexible support to members outside of our creative programme. This includes spending time with members who are struggling with their mental health or have a practical issue for which they need advocacy or assistance. When required, we liaise with their care team and make referrals to other local organisations who can provide specialist support. In addition, we monitor member attendance and, after a short period of absence, check in with a phone call – firstly to the member and then to their care team or carer if we are concerned for their wellbeing, or have not had contact for some time. In recognition of the cost-of-living crisis, we signpost all members to local food banks and community meals.
A new taster session was developed to introduce new members. To support the capacity of referrals coming in, we have changed the format for introducing new members to the space from one-to-one initial meetings to monthly group taster sessions. This has been very successful, with the majority of attendees taking the step to become a member and subsequently attending sessions.
Digital engagement
Arts Network’s digital presence continues to develop across three areas:
Social media – engagement across Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube has continued to steadily increase. Engagement on Instagram is particularly successful, with follower numbers growing beyond 1,200, and care is taken to ensure a visually exciting, relevant and regular stream of content is published. This year we delivered a social media-driven fundraising campaign as part of the Big Give’s inaugural Art for Impact opportunity that raised over £2,200 through online donations and match funding.
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
E-newsletters – we continue to send a monthly newsletter to stakeholders and associate members, via email, which provides updates on our programme, public workshops and showcases member work and news.
Website – the Arts Network website hosts a digital archive of our Stay Connected magazine and YouTube workshops, all of which is free and open access. Options to sign-up to the newsletter and make a monetary donation continue to be used by the public and stakeholders. Our Communications & Engagement Lead ensures the website is kept up to date with relevant information and has worked with Trustee support to improve the site’s online discoverability – search engine optimisation (SEO). Discussions on redeveloping the website to ensure clarity and accessibility are ongoing, with additional funding required to facilitate this.
PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Wex Photography – Working with visual artist and creative health expert Daniel Regan, in collaboration with Wex Photography. Arts Network members were invited to join an onsite photography project that explored themes of the self and identity over two sessions. This was a successful collaboration and resulted in some beautiful, thoughtprovoking work from the members and also the generous donation by Wex Photography of some Instax cameras.
King’s College – Students from King’s College collaborated with us to run a workshop aimed at using AI as a form of creative expression. The workshop was very successful with a high attendance rate and culminated in an exhibition of the final work at Somerset House. Upon reflection on the project, King’s College were eager to continue the partnership with Arts Network and proposed a series of workshops for the following year. This project was also supported by a donation from the Young Foundation.
IGEN – Arts Network were invited to collaborate with five organisations who are also supported by IGEN Trust – Bolton Octagon, Dark Horse, Bolton Solidarity (BSCA), Converge (Northumbria/York) and Chapel FM – on a project called the ‘Festival of Belonging’. Arts Network contributed towards the project in the form of an art installation and a complementary soundscape discussing the theme of belonging. Overall, more than 30 members took part in the project. The work is due to be presented at the IGEN conference in Newcastle in July 2024.
Clarion – With funding from Clarion, Arts Network engaged people from the local community in six creative sessions on customising and reworking clothes using fabric painting, lino printing and badge making. People from the local area came together in a safe and supportive space to create alongside one another, with the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere being highlighted in feedback by over half of all participants. People engaged in conversation with each other and made new connections. Participants reported feeling “calm”, “chilled” and “inspired”, and a recurring positive outcome for many was learning new creative skills.
Dulwich Picture Gallery – In addition to our current partnership, Arts Network members were invited to contribute their thoughts towards a new display at Dulwich Picture Gallery called ‘Oracle Cards’ , created by artists in residence YARA + DAVINA. Arts Network members attended a steering group workshop at Dulwich Picture Gallery where they contributed their thoughts and ideas to the Oracle designs and messages, with the cards displayed publicly from March to July 2024.
– SLaM Volunteer Programme Arts Network sits on the South London and Maudsley volunteer consortium (VolCo). This group meets every three to four months to share best practice and discuss further opportunities for volunteers. Arts Network volunteers are offered the opportunity of training through the SLaM volunteer programme and are supported to apply for a free DBS check upon completion. This year, Arts Network members who have completed our co-facilitator training have been invited to volunteer in a peer-support role with an online art group for people
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
accessing SLaM services, facilitated by Occupational Therapists.
National Network – At the start of the pandemic, we established a national network to exchange thoughts about ways of working and best practice. The group also noticed a lack of diversity within the sector and Arts Network has led the way on producing and managing an inclusion training programme. Meetings take place on a quarterly basis, usually online. Members of the National Network can be found on our website: https://artsnetwork.org.uk/wp/national-network/
Wild Cat Wilderness – Arts Network have continued to offer workshops in partnership with Wild Cat Wilderness to make use of their outdoor space. We have a designated area in their community gardens where our members are invited to take part in a series of workshops during summer months. Some members have also co-facilitated nature workshops. This outdoor space has had a great impact on wellbeing and provides a chance for members who are cautious of meeting in groups indoors to join a session outside where they might feel more comfortable. We plan to continue these sessions throughout 2024.
IMPACT
Evaluation across our projects this year found that Arts Network continues to provide a welcoming and safe space for people with severe mental illness and those looking to support their wellbeing. Below are some brief examples of our impact this year.
Some positive experiences from members include:
“Arts Network has helped me in a social and creative environment and helped me learn new things.”
“Zoom sessions are invaluable since the pandemic and because of my mobility issues.”
“[I] described my feelings to a staff member and they understood because they had lived experience.”
Members commented that the flexibility and understanding offered at Arts Network is important to them. Sometimes, a break from attending can be necessary due to ill health but they feel welcomed and excited to return when they are able:
“[I] returned often because AN has always been here rain or shine and always new and similar. Ongoing sense of community. Being held during difficult times. Real people doing real things very constructive. I came back because it’s great!”
“I sporadically come into [the studio] because I just cannot get up in the mornings at times. It is still nice to have a place to go back to.”
Our weekly sessions at Darwin Court have been accessible and welcoming. Participants provided feedback saying that they leave sessions feeling more “energized”, “productive” and “positive” than before the session. A referrer noted that for a participant “this weekly engagement has had a positive impact so far and gives them something interesting to look forward to.” The routine of attending sessions has allowed participants to build a friendly and creative rapport with one another, which has positively contributed to their wellness, and has allowed them to engage with each other's art, offering celebratory words and encouragement.
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
FUNDING SOURCES
Arts Network would like to thank our funders for the financial and additional organisational support they have kindly provided. Their support has allowed us to grow and develop while continuing to provide a supportive and creative community to those in need.
This year we have been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund (Reaching Communities); City Bridge Foundation; IGEN Trust; the London Community Foundation (Peabody Community Fund); and Clarion Futures.
During the year funding has also been awarded by Garfield Weston Foundation, the Drapers’ Charitable Fund and the Resilience Programme (Fusion21 Foundation, Clarion Futures & Places for People), which will support us to continue our work into 2024 and beyond. Arts Network also received grants carried over from the previous financial year from Pegasus and London Borough of Lewisham.
We also send our thanks to members of the community who have generously donated to the Charity throughout the year. In March 2024, Arts Network took part in the Big Give ‘Arts for Impact’ online fundraising campaign and raised over £2,200 in public donations.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS
Programme
We will continue to embed user leadership and co-production into the programme to develop activities that are relevant and accessible to our members and participants. Our volunteer programme is an important focus throughout 2024-25 as we expand opportunities in-house and through SLaM and new partners to develop clear development pathways. As new members join, and throughout membership, we will request feedback on the different types of activities we offer to give every member the chance to shape the programme and to ensure that there is a variety of structured workshops, events and trips.
Following the success of our outreach projects and learning from the piloting of social prescribing, we are continuing to build short-term engagement into our programme and plan to organise more drop-ins and public events to raise awareness around mental health and increase engagement. We currently run a weekly self-referral group through Peabody Housing Association in Southwark, and we hope to offer more of these public opportunities in Lewisham and across other boroughs of South East London. We will also review our communications and process for keeping in touch with members, to ensure that we are maximising and sustaining engagement, with accessibility embedded into this process.
Relocation
Arts Network has been given notice to vacate the Lee Gate premises in October 2024. Lewisham Council are supporting the relocation process and helping to find an interim premises until the longer-term property is available.
Arts Network has secured space in a new-build site to be located on Rodney Road in Southwark. We will be the tenants of a community space housed on the first floor of the building, which will primarily hold a hotel, in addition to a shop. Planning permission was granted in February 2023, with Arts Network’s use of the community space being a key factor in the application. Arts Network would be the first occupier of the community use on site, which in addition to accommodating Arts Network will also provide a space for community provisions such as after schools club, a meeting space for local tenant’s association, art and creative workshops. Arts Network intend for 60% of the space to be made available to other community groups and like-minded charities in addition to a public gallery space. A memorandum has been entered whereby Arts Network will be the intended end-user for a minimum of ten years. The build is expected to be completed in 18 months from breaking ground, which has not yet started.
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED TRUSTEES' REPORT for the year ended 31 March 2024
The lease will be secured for 10 years, with no rental payments. We will be responsible for ensuring that other local community groups and organisations also have free access to the space. The building will be accessible and is well located for public transport. Plans for the space include: a public gallery, studio and workshop spaces, a café area and meeting rooms. The space will become Arts Network’s main base; however, we will retain a presence in Lewisham to ensure that our existing membership have options for accessing our programme.
Funding strategy
Over the course of this year, Arts Network has been awarded sufficient funding to continue its work for the year ahead, with some grants running into 2026 and 2027. Planning and applications are under way to ensure we can continue to develop our creative programme while adapting based on learning from the past few years. We have positive relationships with our current funders and will be returning to them for new and continued project funding, while identifying other trusts and foundations to approach where needed, particularly for unrestricted grants. We plan to diversify our income through public events and campaigns to increase online donations and individual giving.
Preparation of the report
This report has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies exemption of section 415A of the Companies Act 2006.
This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 10 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by: GS PhLues Gillian Phillips Chair (Interim)
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of South East London Arts Network Limited for the year ended 31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 15 to 24.
This report is made solely to the Trustees, as a body, in accordance with regulations made under section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Trustees matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Trustees for my independent examination work, for this report, or for the statement I have given below.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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•1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
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the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
Simon Erskine FCA FCIE DChA
61 Mortimer Road London NW10 5QR
10 September 2024
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 March 2024
| Unrestricted Funds Notes 2024 £ INCOME FROM: Grants and donations 2 1,929 Hire of studio space 11,413 Other income - External Workshop Sales 900 Interest Income 348 TOTAL 14,590 EXPENDITURE ON: Staff costs 3 7,542 Freelance contractors - Fundraising fees 8,965 Support costs 4 8,003 Staff Training - Project costs: Stay Connected - Lambeth and Southwark - Lewisham - Materials - Equipment - Advocacy and Advice - Event / Exhibition Costs - Travel - Other project costs - TOTAL 24,510 (9,920) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 30,751 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 20,831 £ Net income/(expenditure) |
Restricted Funds 2024 £ 134,087 - - - - 134,087 132,604 - - - 745 40 1,126 270 246 105 - 227 236 282 135,881 (1,794) 15,821 14,027 **£ ** |
Total Funds 2024 £ 136,016 11,413 - 900 348 |
Total Funds 2023 £ 150,890 10,505 349 150 60 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 148,677 | 161,954 | ||
| 140,146 - 8,965 8,003 745 40 1,126 270 246 105 - 227 236 282 |
149,707 6,084 - 32,073 1,106 3,193 303 2,333 606 676 1,120 230 372 - |
||
| 160,391 | 197,803 | ||
| (11,714) 44,239 |
(35,849) 80,088 |
||
| 32,525 **£ ** |
44,239 _£ _ |
NOTE ON COMPARATIVES
An analysis of the comparatives between restricted and unrestricted funds is given in Note 12 on page 24.
The annexed notes form part of these financial statements
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SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED (company limited by guarantee reg. no. 07897115)
BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2024
| Notes | 2024 | 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||||
| FIXED ASSETS | |||||||
| Tangible assets | 6 | 4,761 | 7,142 | ||||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||||||
| Debtors | 7 | 4,500 | - | ||||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 21,941 | 21,403 | |||||
| Deposit account | 13,992 | 40,079 | |||||
| 40,433 | 61,482 | ||||||
| CREDITORS: amounts falling due | |||||||
| within one year | 8 | (12,669) | (24,385) | ||||
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 27,764 | 37,097 | |||||
| NET ASSETS | **£ ** | 32,525 | _£ _ | 44,239 | |||
| FUNDS | |||||||
| Restricted funds | 9 | 14,027 | 15,821 | ||||
| Unrestricted funds: | |||||||
| Designated property fund | 9 | 5,000 | 12,000 | ||||
| General fund | 9 | 13,498 | 16,418 | ||||
| 18,498 | 28,418 | ||||||
| **£ ** | 32,525 | _£ _ | 44,239 |
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.
For the year ending 31 March 2024 the Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Directors' responsibilities:
(i) The members have not required the Charity to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476;
(ii) The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts.
The financial statements were approved, and authorised for issue, by the Trustees on 10 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by:-
GILLIAN PHILLIPS, Chair (Interim)
The annexed notes form part of these financial statements
14
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) General information and basis of preparation of financial statements
South East London Arts Network Limited is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England; its registered office is as shown on page 2. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 (SORP 2019), FRS 102, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
(b) Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.
(c) Income recognition
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
No amount is included in the financial statements for volunteer time in line with the SORP 2019.
The charity receives government grants from the London Borough of Lewisham to help with its work. Income from government and other grants are recognised at fair value when the charity has entitlement after any performance conditions have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. If entitlement is not met then these amounts are deferred.
15
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2024
(d) Expenditure recognition
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as an expense against the expenditure heading for which expenditure arose.
(e) Debtors and creditors receivable / payable within one year
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price.
(s) Leases
Assets acquired under finance leases are capitalised and depreciated over the shorter of the lease term
Rentals payable and receivable under operating leases are charged to the SoFA on a straight line basis
(u) Employee benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution plan for the benefit of its employees. Contributions are expensed as they become payable.
(v) Tax
The charity is an exempt charity within the meaning of schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011 and is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes.
(w) Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern.
(x) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
No judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies and there are no key sources of estimation uncertainty.
16
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 2. INCOME FROM DONATIONS AND GRANTS Unrestricted Funds 2024 2024 £ Pegasus Charitable Trust - IGEN Trust - The National Lottery Community Fund - Maudsley Charity - City Bridge Trust 640 London Borough of Lewisham - Peabody London Community Fund - Clarion - FUSS (Lochaber) - Garfield Weston Foundation - Donations 1,289 1,929 £ 2023 Pegasus Charitable Trust 20,000 IGEN Trust - The National Lottery Community Fund - Maudsley Charity - - - - 10,000 4,780 34,780 £ 3. STAFF NUMBERS AND COSTS Wages and salaries Leaving payment Social security costs Pension costs Peabody London Community Fund City Bridge Trust London Borough of Lewisham Garfield Weston Foundation Donations |
Restricted Funds 2024 £ - 33,206 35,603 - 42,400 1,500 9,984 11,294 100 - - 134,087 £ - - 50,000 6,237 45,757 4,132 9,984 - - 116,110 _£ _ |
Total Funds 2024 £ - 33,206 35,603 - 43,040 1,500 9,984 11,294 100 - 1,289 136,016 £ 20,000 - 50,000 6,237 45,757 4,132 9,984 10,000 4,780 150,890 £ 2024 £ 121,326 13,000 3,357 2,463 140,146 **£ ** |
Total Funds 2023 £ 20,000 - 50,000 6,237 45,757 4,132 9,984 - - 10,000 4,780 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150,890 _£ _ |
|||
| 2023 £ 140,793 - 6,623 2,291 |
|||
| 149,707 _£ _ |
The average weekly number of employees during the period was 6.6 (2023 - 7.1).
No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000.
17
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2024
4. SUPPORT COSTS
| SUPPORT COSTS Property service charges Business rates Equipment depreciation Fees payable to independent examiner Professional fees Accountancy and payroll fees Insurance Building costs (fire and alarm) Gas, electricity, water (see below) Telephone & Internet Sundry expenses |
2024 £ 5,402 384 2,381 1,960 937 200 199 328 (6,176) 1,306 1,082 8,003 **£ ** |
2023 £ 5,975 1,913 2,380 1,960 2,324 - 514 1,677 13,678 298 1,354 |
|---|---|---|
| 32,073 _£ _ |
As at 31.3.23 the Charity was in dispute with its utilities supplier. The latter had claimed that £15,000 was owing and this was accrued in full in the 2023 accounts. However the Charity challenged this resulting in a settlement of the claim at just £7,500 rsulting in £7,500 being written back in the 2024 accounts.
5. TRUSTEES, KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or reimbursed expenses (2023 - the same).
As well as the Trustees, the Charity's key management personnel comprise the Strategic Director, a freelance consultant who was paid fees of £ (2023 - £6,084), and the senior staff comprising Chief Executive, Operations Manager and maternity cover for the latter; these senior staff received employment benefits of £69,666 (2023 - £87,450).
There were no other related party transactions.
6. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| Cost At 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024 Depreciation At 1 April 2023 Charge for the year At 31 March 2024 Net book value At 31 March 2023 At 31 March 2024 |
Equipment £ 11,903 |
|---|---|
| 4,761 2,381 |
|
| 7,142 | |
| 7,142 _£ _ |
|
| 4,761 **£ ** |
18
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2024
| 7. DEBTORS Due within one year Prepayments Sundry debtors 8. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Salaries payable Social security and other taxes Accruals 9. STATEMENT OF FUNDS Brought Incoming Resources 2024 Forward Resources Expended £ £ £ RESTRICTED FUNDS IGEN Trust - 33,206 (33,206) The National Lottery Community Fund 8,333 - (8,333) City Bridge Trust - 42,400 (42,400) Peabody London Community Fund 7,488 9,984 (14,245) Create and Connect - 35,603 (34,803) Create and Connect - 1,500 (1,500) Clarion Futures - 11,294 (1,294) FUSS (Lochaber) - 100 (100) 15,821 £ 134,087 £ (135,881) £ Pension contributions payable |
2024 £ 1,500 3,000 4,500 £ 2024 £ 6,991 1,888 207 3,583 12,669 £ Transfers £ - - - - - - - - Nil £ |
2023 £ - - |
|---|---|---|
| Nil £ |
||
| 2023 £ - 5,267 543 18,575 |
||
| 24,385 _£ _ |
||
| Carried Forward £ - - - 3,227 800 - 10,000 - |
||
| 14,027 **£ ** |
The grant from Igen Trust was given towards the delivery of a membership programme including staff costs.
The grant from the National Lottery was given towards the cost of four senior management posts and associated running costs.
The grant from City Bridge Trust was given towards the cost of two facilitator posts and management costs for member support.
The grant from Peabody London Community Funds was given towards the delivery of sessions at Darwin Court, Southwark, for local and Peabody residents – including facilitator and management time and project costs
19
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2024
The National Lottery provided funding for the Create & Connect project, including staff salaries and associated running costs.
Clarion Futures gave funding of £1,294 for public outreach workshops in Lee for local people including Clarion residents; this grant was fully expended in the year. They also paid £10,000 towards the cost of a new Finance & Operations Manager post, to be recruited in May 2024.
The grant from FUSS was given towads the cost of a Winter Gathering party for members.
The grant from the London Borough of Lewisham funded a project in the Council's Borough of Culture scheme.
| 2024 SUMMARY OF FUNDS Designated property fund General fund Restricted funds |
Brought Forward £ 12,000 16,418 28,418 15,821 44,239 **£ ** |
Incoming Resources £ - 14,590 14,590 134,087 148,677 **£ ** |
Resources Expended £ - (24,510) (24,510) (135,881) (160,391) £ |
Transfers £ (7,000) 7,000 - - Nil £ |
Carried Forward £ 5,000 13,498 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18,498 14,027 |
|||||
| 32,525 **£ ** |
The Charity's property is due for redevelopment and the lease can be terminated at 6 months' notice. The purpose of the designated property fund is to cover the costs in seeking new premises and any other related costs.
| 2023 RESTRICTED FUNDS Pegasus Charitable Trust The National Lottery Community Fund Maudsley Charity City Bridge Trust London Borough of Lewisham and Micro Bid Drapers Charitable Fund |
Brought Forward £ 10,000 - 3,118 - - - 13,118 _£ _ |
Incoming Resources £ - 50,000 6,237 45,757 4,132 9,984 116,110 _£ _ |
Resources Expended £ (10,000) (41,667) (9,355) (45,757) (4,132) (2,496) (113,407) £ |
Transfers £ - - - - - - Nil £ |
Carried Forward £ - 8,333 - - - 7,488 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15,821 _£ _ |
The purpose of all the grants were as for 2024 except for the Igen funding which was given towards the cost of two salaries, three workroom facilitators and associated running costs.
| 2023 SUMMARY OF FUNDS Designated property fund General fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds |
12,000 54,970 66,970 13,118 80,088 _£ _ |
- 45,844 45,844 116,110 161,954 _£ _ |
- (84,396) (84,396) (113,407) (197,803) £ |
- - - - Nil £ |
12,000 16,418 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28,418 15,821 |
|||||
| 44,239 _£ _ |
20
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS for the year ended 31 March 2024
10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| Unrestricted Funds Designated General 2024 fund fund £ £ Tangible fixed assets - 4,761 Net current assets 5,000 8,737 5,000 £ 13,498 £ Unrestricted Funds Designated General 2023 fund fund £ £ Tangible fixed assets 7,142 Net current assets 12,000 9,276 Nil £ 16,418 £ 11. OTHER FINANCIAL COMMITMENTS Not later than one year Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the following periods are as follows: |
Restricted funds £ - 14,027 14,027 £ Restricted funds £ 15,821 15,821 £ 2024 £ 4,200 |
Total Funds £ 4,761 27,764 |
|---|---|---|
| 32,525 **£ ** |
||
| Total Funds £ 7,142 37,097 |
||
| 44,239 _£ _ |
||
| 2023 £ 3,830 |
21
SOUTH EAST LONDON ARTS NETWORK LIMITED
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year ended 31 March 2024
| 12. COMPARATIVE SOFA FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2023 2023 Notes £ £ INCOME FROM: Grants and donations 2 34,780 116,110 Hire of studio space 10,505 - Other income 349 - External Workshop Sales 150 - Interest Income 60 - TOTAL 45,844 116,110 EXPENDITURE ON: Staff costs 3 49,990 99,717 Freelance contractors - 6,084 Support costs 4 32,073 - Staff Training - 1,106 Project costs: Stay Connected - 3,193 Lambeth and Southwark - 303 Materials - 606 Equipment - 676 Advocacy and Advice - 1,120 Events/exhibitions - 230 Travel - 372 TOTAL 82,063 113,407 (36,219) 2,703 RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS: TOTAL FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD 66,970 13,118 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 30,751 £ 15,821 £ Net income/(expenditure) |
Total Funds 2023 £ 150,890 10,505 349 150 60 |
|---|---|
| 161,954 | |
| 149,707 6,084 32,073 1,106 3,193 303 606 676 1,120 230 372 |
|
| 195,470 | |
| (33,516) 80,088 |
|
| 46,572 _£ _ |
NOTE
In the 2021 statutory accounts Hire of studio space was included as part of Grants and donations; this year they have been shown separately. The Trustees consider that it is more helpful to have the above detail of expenditure and have therefore re-stated the comparatives shown above accordingly.
As explained in Note 9 the split of the brought forward balances between Restricted funds and the General fund have been changed for the current and prior year.
22