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Elevated Aspirations CIO
ELEV TE
Annual Report 2022 - 2023
EA CIO 2022 - 2023
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## **Be Creative** Contact details Website First published on 25th July 2023 by Elevated Aspirations CIO PO Box 60052 London SW16 9FS info@elevated-aspirations.co.uk www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk Copyright © 2023 Elevated Aspirations CIO Edited by Tuaneri Akoto Published by Tuaneri and Shaka Funded by EECF, Newham Giving, London Borough of Newham ## **Contents** Chairman’s Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Elevate: The Magazine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Summer Scheme Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Photographic Modelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Catwalk Modelling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Choir/Singing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 YouTube Video Making. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Health & Nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 T-shirt Workshops. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Table-tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Salsa for Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 Youth Ambassadors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Our Impact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Trustees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Statement Of Financial Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Thanks To Our Funders, Partners, & Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Trustee’s Report 2022 - 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Independent Examiner’s Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 Notes To The Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk **----- Start of picture text -----**
BE CREATIVE
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Page 4 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk CATWALK ## WANTS YOU BE CREATIVE i n s p i r e @ e l e v a t e d - a s p i r a t i o n s . c o . u k Page 5 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Chairman’s Report** ## **Our achievements this year** Our biggest success this year, like last year, was continuing to survive the negative impacts brought about by Covid-19. Whilst we came out of lockdown 2 years ago, there is still a lasting impact & link between Covid-19 and reduced funding. The impact on us is that there has been less funding available to apply for in order to put on community projects and also youth activities. Chairman: Tuaneri Akoto ## **Our strategic focus** This year the Trustees focused on how to continue to provide services to our beneficiaries as well as stay afloat. We were largely successful in that all costs were kept to a minimum and no new expenditure was incurred. ## **Our results and impact over the past year** Elevated Aspirations CIO has much to celebrate over the past year: 1. So far we have survived the pandemic 2. We increased our membership/beneficiaries 3. We provided our core activities - We maintained our staff pool 4. 5. We collaborated with more voluntary organisations ## **Our core achievement** Our core achievement in 2022 – 2023 has to be Elevated Aspirations CIO reaching out and providing free high quality activities and provisions in low income communities. Elevated Aspirations achieved significantly more for young people and adults. This was accomplished through adopting a wider strategy to support additional demographic groups who are living in vulnerable situations. ## **Together we can achieve more** None of this would have been possible without the combined contributions from funders, partners, volunteers, staff and young people. My thanks and gratitude goes out to you for all that has been achieved throughout 2022 to 2023. Tuaneri Akoto Chairman of the Board 20th July 2023 Page 6 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 -2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Our Vision, Mission, and Values** ## Elevated Aspirations CIO’s guiding principles ## **Our Vision:** Elevated Aspirations CIO’s vision is of: “A society where individuals aspire to achieve more, are assisted to set and accomplish goals - to continuously evaluate & elevate their aspirations and achieve success. A society in which children, young people, and adults are not afraid of, or hindered in, aspiring to achieve more, aspiring to accomplishing goals, and aspiring to achieving success” ## **Our Mission:** Elevated Aspirations CIO’s mission is: "To develop a society where children, young people, and adults achieve more, accomplish goals, and attain success by providing them with physical resources, support, and training necessary for them to reach their full potential” ## **Our Values:** Elevated Aspirations CIO’s values are: The conducting of our business with integrity, honesty, transparency and accountability to our beneficiaries and stakeholders Valuing people and elevating their aspirations and achievement The promotion of equality, justice, fairness & diversity and opposing discrimination of any sort Excellence in all that we do in order to provide high quality services that result in successful intended outcomes ## **Our Goals:** Elevated Aspirations CIO’s goals are to: - A. Address children’s, young people’s, adults’, and communities’ issues through educative projects, training and community events - B. Engage with children, young people, adults, and families in providing a service with programmes of activities and training that best meets their needs and aspirations Page 7 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Introduction** ## **About us** Elevated Aspirations CIO is a registered charity directed by local professionals, highly skilled and experienced in business, youth & community work, training, community events & shows, consultation, educative projects, and partnership work. Elevated Aspirations CIO first started operating late March 2015 and was the brain child of Tuaneri Akoto (MBA M.Sc. CMI FCMI). Tuaneri and Shaka Daanwi had been working in Newham Adult Education & Youth Services for over 25 years and created numerous projects that addressed confidence, self-esteem, and morale. Furthermore, creating and delivering training, managing educative projects, and running projects that addressed social issues for children, young people, adults and families. Tuaneri, Shaka and Paul ceased working for Newham Adult Education & Youth Services early December 2014. ## **Why we are needed** No one agency can provide for all of a community’s diverse needs, wants and aspirations. Elevated Aspirations is a charity that assists in meeting any given community’s needs and aspirations. The services we offer are led by local need and the requirements of funding bodies wishing to address social and community issues. As such in order to develop and create a holistic service Elevated Aspirations CIO takes into consideration the views and opinions of the children, young people, families, and adults of whom we work for and with to provide a better outcome based service – we listen to our beneficiaries. ## **What do we do?** We provide informal and accredited educational activities to children, young people, families, adults, residents and communities. All of our projects incorporate and promote positive activities and training that increase personal and social development and elevate aspirations – we capacity build. Our goal is to provide the aspirational support that each beneficiary needs to help them achieve more in their lives, education, and social relationships. There are several strands to what we do that make this possible: funding, partnerships, donations, and community support. ## **Annual report** The following pages of this annual report highlight the work Elevated Aspirations CIO has done with and for its beneficiaries for the year 2022 - 2023 – all made possible by our funders, supporters, and volunteers. Page 8 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 Page 8 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 -2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## Be a doctor ## Model Dancer > Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 Page 9 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk **Elevate: The Magazine** Page 10 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## **Elevated Aspirations CIO’s vision is of:** “A society where individuals aspire to achieve more, are assisted to set and accomplish goals - to continuously evaluate & elevate their aspirations and achieve success. A society in which children, young people, and adults are not afraid of, or hindered in, aspiring to achieve more, aspiring to accomplishing goals, and aspiring to achieve success” ## ELEVAT E **ELEVATE IS PRIMARILY ABOUT RAISING ASPIRATIONS & INSPIRING CREATIVITY** THE MAGAZINE ## **Summer Scheme Projects** ## Summer Scheme Photographic modelling attracts a lot of would-be models The Summer Scheme, at Forest Gate Library & Stratford Library, took place over 5 weeks from, Monday 24th July to Saturday 26th August. The summer holiday scheme was based on performing arts, youth enterprises and sports. The activities ran from 11.00am to 3.00pm from Monday to Saturday. On the summer scheme Elevated Aspirations staff worked with over 60 young people from varying backgrounds and ethnicities. Considering the impact of Covid-19 and parents still reluctant to send out their children, we still had a comfortable amount of young people to work with. Catwalk Modelling Catwalk modelling is our most popular activity Page 12 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## T-shirt Projects T-shirt project: group design T-shirt Photo Modelling Q Several of our activities were run online via Zoom ## Seniors' Salsa Through dance participants worked on their health & fitness Page 13 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## **Photographic Modelling** The models really liked their pictures Photographic Modelling Movie trailer theme photographs Page 14 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 Cultural heritage photographs Poster photographs Magazine covers are popular with our models Page 15 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **Catwalk Modelling** Catwalk: pose Senior catwalk models working on their routine Catwalk Modelling Group pose Page 16 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 First group pose Youth Ambassador teaching the class End of catwalk pose Page 17 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## **Choir/Singing** Singing lyrics from the large monitor Choir and singing sessions Choir session Page 18 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## **YouTube Video Making** Making a 'Riddle me this' video Leading on the video Delivering the punch line Page 19 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## **Dance** Dance session in progress Dance Sessions Swing to the right! Page 20 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## **Health & Nutrition** Making a smoothie Nutrition workshop Discussing healthy meals Page 21 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **T-shirt Workshops** Group design T-shirts to model on the catwalk T-shirt workshop Everyone's personal designs Page 22 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 Designing the pictures Group T-shirt design Participants receiving their T-shirts Page 23 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **Table-tennis** Participants being taught table-tennis Table-tennis sessions Having fun Page 24 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## **Salsa for Seniors** Salsa get together Salsa sessions for adults Volunteers with their Elevated Aspirations' trophies Page 25 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Youth Ambassadors** ## Helping to deliver positive activities Our youth ambassadors started out as participants in many of our activities. Over time these young participants showed an aptitude to teaching other young people new skills and routines. Tutors observed the enthusiasm and willingness of these young people to help and support their peers. Out of these observations came the birth of Elevated Aspirations' Youth Ambassadors. ## **Kierra** "I was here 6 years ago for the first summer scheme. I now help run catwalk modelling and dance" ## **Dorinda** "I like helping other young people to develop skills in our activities. I help with the singing, catwalk modelling and hosting the community shows" Page 26 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Reneé** "I started summer 2016 learning catwalk modelling. I attended throughout the year and then I became a Youth Ambassador" ## **Reneé** **Reneé running the catwalk modelling session whilst the tutors supervise her as a Youth Ambassador.** Page 27 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Fatima** "I attend all the projects that Elevated Aspirations run. I really like the YouTube videos. That's how I started as a Youth Ambassador" ## **Kareem** "I became a Youth Ambassador through helping my friend Reneé run some sessions. I really like hosting the community shows and helping other young people to learn" ## **Tianah** "I attend all the projects with my cousin Fatima. I really like and help in the YouTube Video sessions. I have my own show called 'Tianah's Gossip' " Page 28 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk Page 29 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Our Impact** ## **Our Impact** ## **Reach** This year we have managed to maintain a reasonable level of income. This has resulted in Elevated Aspirations managing to continue to impact and reach communities and young people. This is due to two reasons: firstly, an increase in applications. Secondly, being more successful in our bid applications. ## **Increased beneficiaries** By working in partnership with many organisations and venue holders, we have managed to increase the number of people to whom we provided our services. Through our summer scheme and half term activities we worked with an additional 300 young people in comparison to last year. Furthermore, we worked with an additional 150 adults through our Dancercise Inc. programme. ## **Anti-social behaviour** With funding specifically provided to address anti-social behaviour, particularly by young people, we contributed to a decrease in anti-social behaviour in Forest Gate and Stratford areas. However, do not take this as a claim to reducing it overall. Our contributions are a small cog in the big wheel. ## **Community groups** Through securing commissioning funding and improved partnership work we have managed to branch to new communities in Newham. Through commissioning, we now work in Plaistow. Through engaging with Councillors, we work in various wards in Newham – especially through Young N Gifted’s Choir partnership. Shaka receiving funding from Newham's Mayor and Deputy Mayor Page 30 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Trustees** ## **Tuaneri Akoto, MBA, M.Sc., CMI, FCMI** Tuaneri, alongside the other Trustees, is responsible for determining the strategic and policy direction of Elevated Aspirations and implementing & fulfilling the charity’s charitable objectives. Tuaneri has over 27 years’ senior and middle management experience. He has held Chair and Vice Chair positions (Youth Exchange Council Committee, British Council) and sat on various committees and boards. Tuaneri has also written a chapter on social inclusion & education in the international selling book ‘A Charge Against Society: A Child’s Right to Protection’. Tuaneri Akoto ## **Shaka Daanwi DipHE** Shaka has a wealth of experience in youth and community work. He has been employed in youth and community work for over 30 years with several youth organizations, however, primarily with Newham Youth Service until leaving in December 2013. Shaka has spent many years as a strategist and consultant for non-profit organisations. He specialises in music and has over 25 years’ experience in the music industry. Shaka Daanwi Page 31 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## **Statement Of Financial Activities** |Notes
Income
1 (d)
Donations and legacies
2
Earned Income
2
Total incoming resources
Expenditure
1 (e)
Expenditure on charitable activities
3
Total resources Expended
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward previous year
Total carried forward at 31 March 2023|2023
2023
2023
2022
Unrestricted £
Restricted £
Total
Total
-
14684
14684
9000
-
0| |---|---| ||14684
14684
9000| ||Year
2023
13840| ||13840| ||Year
2023
844
10| ||854| ## **Expenditure 2022 - 2023** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Project/s Management, Volunteers, £200, 2%
£1,296, 9%
Hire and rental, £2,922,
21%
Staffing, £7,655, 55%
Publicity, £25, 0%
Equipment, £1,742,
13%
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**Page 32** **Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 20** 2217 **-** 2018 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Thanks To Our Funders, Partners, & Volunteers** All the activities and projects covered in our annual report would not have been possible without the combined contributions from funders, partners, volunteers, staff, and young people. To all these contributors our thanks and gratitude goes out to you for all that has been achieved this year. 1. Young N Gifted 2. Advent Community Association, Kenny Price 3. Prontaprint (Barking) 4. Coneyl Taylor (Coneyl Taylor Designs) 5. East End Community Foundation 6. Forest Gate Community Neighbourhood Centre 7. London Borough of Newham 8. London Future Achievement Trust: Larmarr White and Eden Cain 9. Rueanne Duncan-Jones 10. Stratford Community Neighbourhood Centre 11. Uptown Dancing Academy: Joanne Simms 12. Youth volunteers 13. Salsa volunteers Page 33 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ELENATED ASPIRATIONS BE CREATIVE VV4 C"VV4VllnL' Ivwiv.elevated-aspirations.co.uk # **Elevated Aspirations CIO Trustee’s Report 2022 - 2023 Trustees’ Report 2022 - 2023** **(Photographic Modelling)** www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Trustees' Annual Report** Reference and administrative information ## **Introduction** The Trustees are pleased to present their report together with the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st March 2023.This report has been prepared in accordance with guidelines provided by the Charity Commission. ## **Reference and administrative information** Charity name Elevated Aspirations CIO Charity registration number 1161068 Operational address PO Box 60052 London SW16 9FS ## **Trustees** Under the Charitable Incorporated Organisation constitution, the Board of Trustees, will consist of not less than 2 and up to 3 Trustees as follows: - Three Trustees elected by members of the charity who are present at the Annual General Meeting - Term of Office: three years, renewable. Any amendments to how the charity is governed and of elections of Trustees must be in accordance with the governing constitution. The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of approval of the accounts were: Mr Tuaneri Akoto Mr Shaka Daanwi ## **Independent Examiner** Mr Ernald Ramsay ACCA BA Accounting and Finance ## **Bank** Co-operative Bank 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP Page 36 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk Movie superstar Idris Elba visited our catwalk modelling summer scheme project (Summer 2021) Page 37 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Structure, Governance and Management, & Governing Document** Elevated Aspirations is a registered charity, registered with the Charity Commission on 25th March 2015. It is governed by a Charitable Incorporated Organisation constitution. In the event of the charity being wound up, each Trustee has pledged to contribute £10. The constitution of the charity state its principal objects to be: “To develop the capacity of the socially and economically disadvantaged communities in Greater London boroughs in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society”. “To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life” ## **Mission Statement** Elevated Aspirations CIO's vision is of: "A society where individuals aspire to achieve more, are assisted to set and accomplish goals - to continuously evaluate & elevate their aspirations and achieve success. A society in which children, young people, and adults are not afraid of, or hindered in, aspiring to achieve more, aspiring to accomplishing goals, and aspiring to achieving success" ## **Recruitment and Appointment of the Trustees** The charity’s policy for recruitment of Trustees is governed by the Charitable Incorporated Organisation constitution. Trustees are voted in by the Board and serve for 3 years. ## **Trustee Induction and Training** All new Trustees are recruited based on guidelines issued by the Charity Commission. Newly recruited Trustees are issued with a role profile clearly setting out their legal responsibilities, what is expected of them and given a copy of the Charity Commission’s “Essential Trustee”. Chess Club Page 38 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Risk Management** Elevated Aspirations’ yearly strategic business plan outlines the policies, strategies, aims and objectives of the charity over a one-year period. The plan considers external threats and opportunities. Internal risks are eliminated or reduced by the use of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects and to ensure consistent quality of delivery for all operational aspects of the charity. These policies and procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they are fit for purpose and meet the needs of Elevated Aspirations charity. All staff and volunteers are given an email address and access code so that they can access all of Elevated Aspirations’ policies that govern their work, employment or volunteering. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Actions and Measures
Risk Policy and Procedure
in Place
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|Risk|Policy and Procedure|Actions and Measures
in Place| |---|---|---| |||| |Charity image damaged|Marketing and PR strategy(business Plan)
Disciplinary policy|On-going media
monitoring/ Staf
management| |Failure to protect against
fraud Data protection|Financial regulations,
Whistleblowing Policy/GDPR Policy
Segregation of duties|Trustee Board Meetings
or
emergencymeetings| |Loss of key staf and
knowledge|Job and knowledge sharing
Procedure documentation Succession
planning|Trustee Board Meetings
or
emergencymeetings| |Failure to maintain
satisfactory links with
key partners|Liaison and review meetings|Trustee Board Meetings
or
emergencymeetings| |Relationships with other
agencies|Declarations of confict of interest
Collaboration and resource sharing|Trustee Board Meetings
or
emergencymeetings| |3rd party involvement
in Elevated Aspirations
events/activities|Subcontractors Policy/
Declarations of confict of interest
Collaboration and resource sharing|Trustee Board Meetings
or
emergency meetings| |Board does not have
required skills|Guidelines set out by the Charity
Commission|Trustee Board Meetings
or
emergencymeetings| |Staf recruitment|Recruitment policy and procedures/
References/Induction Policy|Trustee Board Meetings
or
emergencymeetings| |Irate benefciaries or
lone working|Health and Safety Policy|Trustee Board Meetings
or
emergencymeetings| Page 39 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Organisational Structure** The Board of Trustees consists of 3 members. The Board of Trustees meet formerly quarterly and when possible to oversee the charity. However, Trustees communicated weekly as there are no other management staff and met generally every two to three weeks. As Elevated Aspirations is a very small charity there are no other staff other than part-time tutors, instructors, and youth workers. Part-time staff carry out the face-to-face work – delivery of projects. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Trustee Trustee/ Trustee
Chairman
Co-ordinator/s
Part-time Staff
Youth Workers, Instructors, Tutors
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## **Objectives and Activities** ## Activities Elevated Aspirations is small charity which is essentially run by the Trustees without pay. It is primarily course based and provides community activities and youth provisions. For the time being it operates in Newham where it was founded. Our objectives are: “To develop the capacity of the socially and economically disadvantaged communities in Greater London boroughs in such a way that they are better able to identify, and help meet, their needs and to participate more fully in society”. “To provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation of individuals who have need of such facilities by reason of their youth, age infirmity or disability, financial hardship or social circumstances with the object of improving their conditions of life”. Elevated Aspirations will seek guidance from the Charity Commission on public benefit when reviewing its aims and objectives for future activities potentially outside of the constitution. Page 40 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Achievements and Performance** Elevated Aspirations CIO primarily engages with its beneficiaries through the running of courses, secondarily through projects, and thirdly through providing positive activities for young people. Through each of these methods of engagement the ideal is to capacity build, personal resilience and community inclusion. We have performed well in each of these methods of engagement whether by way of obtaining direct or inkind funding or through partnership work. Areas of achievement have been in targeting specific demographics and communities and running particular courses and activities identified through surveys of the targeted demographic groups. ## **Particular successes throughout the year:** ## **1. Summer Scheme funding** Elevated Aspirations was successful in its bid to secure summer scheme funding. This was a fantastic achievement for us especially as our perseverance paid off. We secured funding to run a 5 week, 4 days a week summer scheme in Forest Gate Library (aka The Gate). ## **2. Continuity in providing Sing4Peace** Peace, harmony and social inclusion is a hallmark of Elevated Aspirations CIO’s community work. We believe that through peace, harmony and social inclusion communities can better live together and integrate. We assist this process with our Sing4Peace project in partnership with Young n Gifted. We were able to secure funding to continue with the Sing4Peace project. ## **3. Continuity in providing Dancercise Inc.** Elevated Aspirations CIO is committed to increasing the health of Newham’s residents and senior members. Through our Dancercise Inc. programme we provided dance as a means to keep fit and active. We managed to secure funding to continue with this work - specifically targeting Newham’s’ over 45s residents. However, this year we could only provide dance in parks as a social event with Covid-19 measures in place. ## **4. Elevated Aspirations website** We secured funding which enabled us to continue to provide a website informing communities of our services and activities. This goes hand in hand with also being able to provide personnel with their own e-mail addresses. ## **5. Increased membership** Through all of the above we have managed to maintain our membership and services to a wider population of Newham’s communities and residents. Our membership - beneficiaries has stayed at around 450 people (children, young people and adults). Page 41 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## **Review of the year** ## **Our strategic focus** We successfully managed to expand our age group to provided services to all age groups in Newham. This was achieved through our Dancercise Inc. programme and youth activities. The Dancercise Inc. programme specifically targeted over 45s. Over the past year the Trustees widened Elevated Aspirations’ demographic community strategy to include all age groups. This was motivated by our desire to have the highest impact we could and ensure that we make as valuable a contribution not just to Newham’s 11 to 18 year olds but also to all its diverse communities and residents. ## **Our results and impact over the past year** The impact that we had during 2022 - 2023 has been maintaining some level of funding and partnerships. Maintaining funding, like last year, has been difficult due to Covid-19 and funding streams being redirected to Covid-19 projects. As with most fund seeking voluntary organisations Elevated Aspirations CIO still receives far less funding than the total amount of application bids that we complete and send in. ## **Our core achievement** Our core achievement for 2022 - 2023 was our successful application to run a performing arts summer scheme and an October half term scheme. Furthermore, a HAF (Newham) Easter break food programme. ## **Partnerships** Through partnership projects Elevated Aspirations CIO has managed to achieve far more than on its own. Furthermore, we have managed to reach out to a wider audience. Partnership projects has afforded Elevated Aspirations CIO to engage in work with our beneficiaries where we have been unsuccessful in bid application or where we have neither had the expertise nor time at hand. ## **Going concerns** There are no Going Concerns or uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for the foreseeable future. **Page 42** Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk Independent Examiner’s Report I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2019 which are set out on ## **Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner** The Trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: • examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act • follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act - state whether particular matters have come to my attention ## **Basis of independent examiner’s report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: • to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and • to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. HAF Easter Scheme 2022 Page 43 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## **Financial review of the year** Elevated Aspirations CIO funding was down on the previous year. In order to address this our strategy is simply to increase the amount of fund applications and to improve on our bid writing. An area of concern has been the continuation of the Covid-19 pandemic. A continued challenge for Elevated Aspirations CIO is the administration elements of the charity. In order to provide a service to our beneficiaries all the administration of the charity is being met by the Trustees at no cost. The important aspect to note is that the Trustees are doing the work that really needs to be allocated to paid staff or third party agencies. This will be reviewed when funds are available. We are extremely grateful to our donors, supporters, volunteers & staff for helping and supporting Elevated Aspirations CIO. ## **Incoming resources** Total income was higher than in 2021 - 2022. This was because of an increase in application submissions. ## **Charitable expenditure** Total expenditure on charitable activities was about ensuring that we used secured income on what it was allocated to us to provide. All income was spent providing much needed resources & provisions for our beneficiaries. Expenditure went down in line with the decreased income. Administration costs are at £0.00. Whilst Elevated Aspirations is a small charity, Trustees are taking on all responsibilities, tasks, and aspects of administration free of charge. ## **Project management** Elevated Aspirations continued to purchased new software, website usage, and insurance necessary for projects to run: software (Microsoft Word, Adobe etc.), insurance (Public and Liability Insurance), website and e-mail services. We develop and manage our own website. ## **Cash flow** Cash flow for the year was £10. Please note £10 was carried over from the previous year. Elevated Aspirations does not do investments. Elevated Aspirations has not engaged in any financing of activities ## **Reserves** Elevated Aspirations CIO’s intended reserves will be divided between unrestricted funds, restricted funds and endowment funds (should we get endowments). The reserves policy and level of unrestricted reserves will be reviewed by the board of Trustees annually. **Page 44** Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Unrestricted funds** Elevated Aspirations received unrestricted funds of £9346 through earned income. The charity aims to hold sufficient unrestricted reserves to meet day-to-day operating costs as well as to meet the needs that our services and equipment may want in the future. However, once we receive a sufficient amount of Unrestricted Funds, the charity’s Reserve Policy aims to allocate £2000.00 of Unrestricted Funds to meet day-to-day operations for two months. This is based on current activities for 2022 – 2023. ## **Restricted funds** These consist of income received that can only be spent on the particular purposes stated by donors and thus will vary from year-to- year in line with donations received. Restricted income dropped similar to 2020 -2021. Many funding streams were directed at Covid-19 projects. The graph below shows where funding was spent. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Expenditure 2022 - 2023
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Project/s Management, Volunteers, £200, 2%
£1,296, 9%
Hire and rental, £2,922,
21%
Staffing, £7,655, 55%
Publicity, £25, 0%
Equipment, £1,742,
13%
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 45 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** **YouTube Live Streaming Workshops** **Page 46** Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Governance** Tuaneri Akoto continues as Chairman and is responsible for determining the strategic and policy direction of Elevated Aspirations. Tuaneri has over 30 years of middle and senior management experience. Tuaneri has an MBA (International Business) and has worked in public, private and 3rd sectors. The three Trustees together, making up the board, bring with them a wealth of knowledge and breadth of experience from the music industry, management, adult education, youth work, training, gangs and knives work, youth panels, community shows, teaching/tutoring, graphics design, videography, working with disaffected young people, and residential work, Elevated Aspirations has scheduled full Trustee Board Meetings once a quarter. - The 2 Trustees were voted in again to manage the charity for another three years. - Tuaneri Akoto: Chairman (Trustee)v - Shaka Daanwi: Trustee ## **Fundraising** Elevated Aspirations, to date, has received its funding primarily through grants applications. This has enabled the charity to run courses and projects for its beneficiaries. However, being solely reliant on grant funding is a potential liability in continuing to meet the needs of our beneficiaries. This means that the charity has to consider other forms of funding that complies with our ethical funding policy. This year Elevated Aspirations manage to achieve earned income for its services provided the Newham and local agencies. Seeking private donations and corporate sponsorship are avenues to explore as well as local authority commissioning. ## **Outline plans and objectives for 2023 – 2024** In addition to scalability avenues raised in Elevated Aspirations’ charity business plan: - Increase Elevated Aspirations’ number of bid applications - Apply to the Big Lottery for funding aimed at specific projects - - Look into providing projects and activities in another London borough - Maintain and enhance existing partnerships - Increase the number of partnerships - Through partnership work raise Elevated Aspirations’ reputation - Increase projects and activities for Newham’s senior residents - Provide another summer provision for young people - Increase work with London Borough of Newham to increase credibility - Work with more demographic groups - Seek grant funding to support new projects, alternative sources of non-grant income - Add new activities to our current programme Page 47 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## **Reserves Policy** Elevated Aspirations will use a portion of unrestricted funds as working capital in the event of unforeseen circumstances. This should cover two months of working capital. However, there should be no build up of reserves in excess of £2000. This policy will be regularly reviewed by the Trustees in the light of prevailing financial circumstances. PLEASE NOTE: At present Elevated Aspirations is currently not in a position to apportion unrestricted funds as reserves. ## **Investment Policy** Elevated Aspirations does not invest revenues, finance, or donations – unrestricted funds. ## **Responsibilities of the Trustees** The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Elevated Aspirations will prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for the year. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: 1. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently 2. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 3. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent 4. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements 5. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Trustees and authorised to sign on their behalf Shaka Daanwi Trustee 20th July 2023 **Page 48** Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk Summer Scheme funders Catwalk Modelling (Partners) Page 49 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## **Independent Examiner’s Report** I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March 2023 which are set out on pages 52 to 59. ## **Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner** The Trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to: - examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act - follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act - state whether particular matters have come to my attention ## **Basis of independent examiner’s report** My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent examiner’s statement** In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities have not been met; or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Ernald Ramsay, ACCA BA Accounting and Finance 1cember 2019 Date:10th July 2023 **Page 50** Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ## ! ## **Be Creative** **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## Statement of Financial Activities |Notes
Income
1 (d)
Donations and legacies
2
Earned Income
2
Total incoming resources
Expenditure
1 (e)
Expenditure on charitable activities
3
Total resources Expended
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward previous year
Total carried forward at 31 March 2023|2023
2023
2023
2022
Unrestricted £
Restricted £
Total
Total
-
14684
14684
9000
0
-
0
0| |---|---| ||0
14684
14684
9000| ||0
13840
13840
9000| ||0
13840
13840
9000| ||844
0
10
10| ||854
10| **Page 52** **Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 20** 2217 **-** 2018 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## Balance Sheet Statement ||Notes|2023|2023|2022|2022|2023|2022| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||Unrestricted|Restricted|Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total| |||£|£|£|£||| |Fixed Assets|1 (g)||||||| |||||-|-|-|-| |||0|0|0|0|0|0| |Current Assets|||||||| |Cash and Deposits|2|0|844|0|10|844|10| |||0|844|0|10|844|10| |Liabilities|1 (i)||||||| |||0|0|0|0|0|0| |Net current assets|2|0|844|0|10|844|10| |Total assets less||0|844|0|10|844|10| |current liabilities|||||||| |Funds of the charity|||||||| |Un/Restricted|2|0|844|0|10|844|10| |Charityfunds||0|844|0|10|844|10| |Carried over from||||||10|| |previousyear|||||||| |Total charityfunds||||||854|| (Please see notes 2 P59 for a detailed breakdown of Income) ## Expenditure Sheet Statement ||Notes||Unrestricted 2023|Restricted 2023|Total 2023|Total 2022| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |HAF (Newham)||1)||4840|4840|| |Newham Giving (EECF)||1)|-|9000|9000|9000| |Total Expenditure|||-|13840|13840|9000| (Please see notes 3 P59 for a detailed breakdown of expenditure) > Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 Page 53 |**www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk**||| |---|---|---| |Cash Flow Statement||| |Cash fow from operating activities
|Year 2023|| |Net Income
|844|| |Adjustments||| |0.00||| |Net provided by operating activities
|844|| |Cash fow from investing activities||| |0.00||| |Net cash provided from investing activities|0.00|| |Cash fow from fnancing activities||| |0.00||| |Net cash provided by fnancing activities|0.00|| |||..| |Increase/decrease in cash
|844|| **Page 54** **Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 20** 2217 **-** 2018 2023 Elevatea Aspiration8 WWW.ELEVATED ASPIRATIONS.CO.UK **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## **Notes To The Account** ## **1. Accounting policies** The financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards in the United Kingdom, the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements, incorporating a statement of financial activities, have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) Accounting and Reporting by Charities, published in March 2005. The Trustees have reviewed Elevated Aspirations’ financial position considering impact of future activities to ensure it is appropriate to produce the accounts on a going concern basis. A summary of the accounting policies, which have been consistently applied, is set out below. ## c. Basis of accounting - The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost basis of accounting. ## d. Accounting for income All incoming resources are recognised once the charity has entitlement to the resources, it is certain that the resources will be received and the monetary value of incoming resources can be measured with sufficient reliability. ## e. Resources expended All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs relating to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Governance costs are the costs associated with the governance arrangements of the Charity that relate to the general running of the Charity as opposed to those costs associated with fundraising or charitable activity. These costs include their fair share of support costs Support costs, which include management, budgeting and accounting, payroll administration, human resources, information technology, are allocated under Project Management. Irrecoverable value added tax (VAT) is included in the relevant expense categories. **Page 56** Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## f. Tax Elevated Aspirations is exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes. ## g. Fixed assets Elevated Aspirations at this time has no fixed assets. - (i) Equipment - Equipment is stated in the balance sheet at cost, less depreciation provided to write off the equipment over a period of identified years. However, no equipment is depreciated. Assets held fall within current assets on the balance sheet. ## h. Fund accounting The Charity has various types of funds for which it is responsible, and which require separate disclosure. These are as follows: - (ii) Restricted funds - These funds are restricted by the donor for specific purposes. Revenue funds restricted by the donor are held in restricted reserves and funds are matched against expenditure as appropriate. - (ii) Unrestricted funds - These funds contain accumulated surpluses and deficits on general funds that are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects of the charity and that have not been designated for other purposes. ## i. Liabilities Future liabilities are recognised when Elevated Aspirations has a legal or constructive financial obligation, that can be reliably estimated and for which there is an expectation that payment will be made. ## j. Reserves Policy Elevated Aspirations will use a portion of unrestricted funds as working capital in the event of unforeseen circumstances. At present Elevated Aspirations is currently not in a position to apportion unrestricted funds as reserves. Page 57 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## k. Investment policy The Charity has no underlying supporting funds or investments. Consequently, an investment policy is inappropriate. ## l. The financial statements - These consist of the following and include comparative figures for the previous year: - (i) Statement of financial activities showing all resources available and all expenditure incurred and reconciling all changes in the funds of the charity. - (ii) Balance sheet setting out the assets, liabilities and funds of the charity. - (iii) Cash Flow Statement setting out movements of cash throughout the year - (iv) Notes to the financial statements explaining the accounting policies adopted and explanations of information contained in the financial statements. ## m. Expenses Policy Elevated Aspirations has a Finance policy that covers expenses for employees, Trustees, and volunteers in place. Expenses which have necessarily been incurred by employees, Trustees, and volunteers in performance of their duties are recoverable from Elevated Aspirations. Expenses will only be reimbursed if they meet the following criteria: - No personal benefit could be derived from the expenditure by the employee concerned - The expenditure is reasonable and represents only additional costs to those that would normally arise on a personal basis - There is a clear charity justification for the costs - The expenditure does not represent a form of payment to a third party for work undertaken on Elevated Aspirations’ behalf Any expenses which do not meet the criteria above are regarded as a benefit by HMRC and as a matter of policy Elevated Aspirations does not reimburse such expenses. 'Bear' necessities **Page 58** Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **2. Income** Income |Donations and legacies|Notes|Unrestricted 2023|Restricted 2023|Total 2023 Total 2022|Total 2023 Total 2022| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |HAF (Newham)|i)|0|5684|5684|| |Newham Giving (EECF)|i)|0|9000|9000|9000| |Total||0|14684|14684|9000| ~~.~~ All income during 2022 – 2023 was from grant applications. ## **3. Expenditure** Expenditure |Expenditure|| |---|---| |Expenditure on
charitable activities
Stafng
Equipment
Publicity/Advertising
Accreditation
Project/s Management
Hire/Rental (Room hire)
Photocopying
Volunteers|Notes
Unrestricted 2023
Restricted 2023
Total 2023
Total 2022
a)
0
7655
7655
5775
b)
0
1742
1742
879
c)
0
25
25
0
d)
0
0
0
0
e)
0
1296
1296
696
f)
0
2922
2922
1450
g)
0
0
0
0
h)
0
200
200
200| |Total Expenditure|0
13840
13840
9000| - a. Staffing: The charity employs staff to work with its beneficiaries (tutors, instructors, and youth workers). - b. Equipment: All equipment was of a small nature and fell within current assets - c. Publicity (Flyers) - d. Accreditation (Courses) - e. Project Management: resources to assist in the management of projects - f. Items come under equipment but for clarity of expenditure are separate - g. Photocopying for administration - h. Volunteer expenses Page 59 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 **www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk** ## **4. Trustees** In the capacity of being Trustees no Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year 2022 - 2023. ## **5. Employees** The number of part-time staff employed throughout the year were 11. These were employed in the capacity of tutors, instructors and youth workers. One Trustee tutored Salsa and another Trustee did youth work. As a CIO and in the governing document Trustees can be paid for any services outside of their role as a Trustee for Elevated Aspirations CIO (Page 3: 6.2.a). Elevated Aspirations CIO has no full time staff. ## **Niké Designs (T-shirt workshop partner)** **Page 60** Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 www.elevated-aspirations.co.uk ## **Youth Ambassadors** Page 61 Elevated Aspirations CIO Annual Report 2022 - 2023 ELEITATED A>PIRATIONS J4114dV I14lJ W'èhl KV I IfaLle* BE CREATIVE (-vLviin .144 Ivw.elevated-aspirations.co.uk