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← The Ideas Partnership UK

2024-03-31-accounts

The Ideas Partnership UK

Charitable Incorporated Organization Registered Charity No. 1161389

Trustees’ Annual Report

1st April 2023 – 31st March 2024

Reference and administrative details

Name:

The Ideas Partnership UK (commonly ‘TIPUK’)

Registration no.:

Registered Charity Number 1161389, with the UK Charity Commission, 22nd April 2015

Address:

17 The Terrace, Port Isaac, Cornwall PL29 3SG

: Trustees on date of approval of report Elizabeth Katherine Gowing Keith Robert Hill Norgenta Lata Sybille Idrac Raphael Aurelie Viard-Cretat Nicola Jane Williams Robert John Wilton

The CIO has no corporate trustees, and no trustee has held title to property belonging to the CIO during the reporting period nor on the date of approval of the report.

Structure, Governance and Management

TIPUK is a Charitable Incorporated Organization (CIO) governed by its Constitution, which uses the Charity Commission’s ‘Foundation Model’ template, and was developed with Charity Commission guidance during the process of registering, validated by them and formed part of the basis of the original registration. It has not been amended. Additional policies/procedures, including on grant-making and safeguarding, elaborate but do not supersede the Constitution. The Constitution describes the process for the proposal and approval of new Trustees by the existing set.

The appointment of one new Trustee during the previous reporting year has usefully enhanced the Board’s breadth of perspective and practical capacity.

Objectives and Activities

As registered with the Charity Commission, the objects of The Ideas Partnership UK (hereafter ‘TIPUK’) are, for the public benefit, by the making of grants and raising awareness using social media:

(1) the promotion of community capacity building to develop the capacity and skills of the members of the social and economically disadvantaged community of the Roma, Ashkali and Egyptian community in Kosovo and South Eastern Europe, in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs and to participate more fully in society;

(2) the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in social and economically disadvantaged communities in South Eastern Europe; (3) the promotion of the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment in South Eastern Europe;

(4) to advance the education (including social and physical training) of people under the age of 25 years in South Eastern Europe in such ways as the charity trustees think fit;

(5) to advance the education of people in South Eastern Europe in the traditional folk cultures of the region.

In this, the ninth year of its operation, TIPUK’s activities continued essentially unchanged.

  1. TIPUK collected money – a combination of one-off and regular donations – in its UK bank account, as the basis for its funding of activities to advance its objects.

  2. Consistent with its procedures and objects as defined by its Constitution and Grant-Making Policy, in 2023-24 the CIO offered grants from these funds, for work in south-eastern Europe, to advance its objects.

i) The Ideas Partnership charity in Kosovo applied for a renewal of the arrangement for support from the previous year. Their proposed work for the new year incorporated a range of activities to support the education, health, empowerment and integration of disadvantaged ethnic minority groups. They proposed a focus on the large number of participants in their two kindergartens, their young social worker and young leader programmes in four locations, as well as literacy classes, parenting classes, a science club and a girls’ club, among other things. They had a track record of achievement in supporting and educating the most marginalized minority communities, with practical and impactful projects and programmes on the ground, and high credibility among donors, institutional partners and beneficiaries. Their application noted their

parallel fund-raising to ensure that they were not solely dependent on the CIO, and continued to draw on the lessons of previous experience. Aware above all of the very substantial compatibility of the applicants’ activities and plans with the objects of the CIO, the Trustees agreed to maintain a Fund, the Community Empowerment Kosovo Fund, to gather donations to be granted to this beneficiary for the advancement of their work. UK donors aware of this work could choose to specify that their donations were for this destination, and such donations were placed in the Fund. The Trustees further agreed that a proportion of the general donations received would be allocated to the Community Empowerment Kosovo Fund. Transfers from the Fund were made to the beneficiaries during the year, and after the end of the year the beneficiaries submitted a full report of their activities and their impact.

ii) Under TIPUK’s ‘micro-project’ facility, offering smaller grants through a simplified process (which nevertheless maintains the CIO’s insistence on consistency of values and objects and safeguarding), the CIO accepted applications and awarded grants of between just under €500 and €1000 to seven

iii) A number of other applications were rejected, following Trustee discussion and sometimes preliminary exploration with applicants, based on doubts about compatibility with the CIO’s objects or about the credibility of the proposal.

Achievements and Performance

Grants of money raised by TIPUK continue to have practical ground-level impact on the relief of poverty and the improvement of the conditions of life in social and economically disadvantaged communities in South Eastern Europe, to empower disadvantaged communities, and to pursue good work in education, environment and cultural heritage.

  1. Disbursements from the Community Empowerment Kosovo Fund to The Ideas Partnership charity in Kosovo enabled a sustained programme of support to particularly marginalized minority communities, not only aiding but also empowering them and thereby contributing to wider social cohesion, and

helped a young and volunteer-centred NGO to continue to learn and develop. TIPUK’s funding enabled among other things: programmes of remedial and supplementary education to marginalized community children in four different locations; the expansion of kindergarten provision; the empowerment of women, especially from ethnic minority groups, through education and healthcare support; urgent basic healthcare support, and advice for new or expectant mothers; support to children with special needs; activities against early marriage; a literacy and numeracy programme for young women; a ‘science club’ to help 20 (typically marginalized) young students gain skills and develop interest in techn(olog)ical areas; a bursary programme for marginalized community individuals to complete schooling or further education; a programme to promote community leadership among young people; a programme to promote social work among young people; the promotion of volunteerism; and continuous professional development of the beneficiary’s young team. The CIO helped the beneficiary at last to complete its new activity centre which is more sustainably, economically and effectively delivering benefits to those in most need. Other locations of beneficiary activity also saw increased participation thanks to the new capacity and supplies funded by the CIO. 625 children and 371 adults have been part of these activities, helped by 155 volunteers – an increase on the previous year at every level among both male and female participants. Because support to this beneficiary has been continuing, the CIO has been able to focus on medium-term empowerment around e.g. continuing professional development and grant writing/reporting, which improves individual skills and multiplies the CIO’s impact.

  1. Because of the CIO’s smaller grants:

  2. SOS Youth conducted a survey and, consequently, a series of five discussions and an awareness-raising campaign around the issue of bullying in schools. - The Amputee Footballers’ Club of Kosovo were able to continue their activities (including representing their country), enabling young people whose opportunities are normally very limited.

  3. Assist Kosovo were able to bring marginalized young (11-19) women together and provide them with necessary equipment to participate, socially and competitively, in sport.

  4. United Towards Art youth group put on two performances, with audience participation/discussion, to explore themes of identity and racism.

  5. 50 children (most from marginalized minority communities) received school bags and stationery, enabling them to attend and participate in mainstream school;

  6. Future Bright early education centre was able to continue its activities, and was mentored in developing its fundraising for the medium term;

  7. Tourism and Agriculture Development Fund held a successful event to promote local culture and tourism. This was the first time that the CIO was able to support the very marginalized Serbian minority in Kosovo – a welcome step.

The greater number of small grants relative to previous years reflects Trustee intent to maximize and diversify CIO impact. These details have been drawn from beneficiary reporting, submitted in accordance with grant agreement, supplemented by CIO Trustee visits. These are all meaningful achievements in the context of TIPUK's stated objects, specifically numbers 1,2, 4 and 5 (the Tourism and Agriculture Development Fund was a satisfactory focus on heritage as well as minority empowerment).

  1. TIPUK continues to develop its processes and habits based on experience, and to try to sustain good habits:

i) the CIO raised a substantial amount of donated funding, and disbursed it in a way that led to tangible benefits for beneficiaries, consistent with the CIO's objects. The CIO applied its Constitution and Grant-Making Policy, with positive impact and without difficulty. The Trustees exercised their right to ask further questions of applicants before agreeing to a grant, helping to develop a more robust agreement and also fulfilling the Trustees’ wish to help develop beneficiary NGOs more sustainably

ii) the CIO has continue to review and improve the accessibility of its application process, recognizing that the most deserving beneficiaries may well be those least equipped to fulfil conventional text-based and bureaucratic procedures. During the reporting year much of the website (already available in the first language) was made available in the second language of the principal area of grant activity;

iii) the CIO this year continued to benefit from the provisions of Gift Aid on private donations;

iv) the more focused and regular Trustees’ meeting to review project applications and implementation has continued to facilitate more efficient decision-making and beneficiary relations. Face-to-face engagement with beneficiaries where possible and appropriate, and consistent with the safeguarding policy, has enabled more strongly-grounded and nuanced decisions, and pro bono advice and support, further upholding the CIO’s intent to empower beneficiaries. The CIO has continue to look to the development as well as support of beneficiaries, encouraging appropriate project enhancements and good practices;

v) Trustees continued to do almost all meetings online, supplemented by email discussion. This enabled us to sustain our diverse Trustee representation, and avoided unnecessary costs;

vi) in the one case where there is an ongoing relationship with a beneficiary, the

CIO continues its annual monitoring of personal data compliance and arrangements for reporting any ad hoc problems, consistent with the General Regulation on Data Protection. A review of any data issues is prompted as a standing item for Trustee meetings;

vii) the CIO continues to require beneficiaries to demonstrate satisfactory safeguarding habits and procedures as a condition of a grant, and if appropriate looks to help them strengthen their approach. Consistent with procedure, the safeguarding policy was reviewed this year and posted on the CIO website not only in English but also in the majority language of many beneficiaries. A review of any safeguarding issues is prompted as a standing item for Trustee meetings.

Financial Review

At the end of the reporting period the CIO had £753.06 in its current account. The CIO has no other bank accounts. The CIO has no investments, nor other assets. The CIO’s income is almost entirely from small private donations, many of them regular.

Accounts have been prepared for financial year 2023-24. Consistent with the requirements of the Charity Commission, the accounts have been formally reviewed by an Independent Examiner, who in his report dated 6 January 2025 confirms that he has found no material matters giving cause to believe that in any material respect accounting records were not kept in accordance with relevant legislation or that the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; he notes that he has no concerns and has come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

The CIO has no formal policy on holding reserves. With the exception of negligible administrative costs, the only CIO’s only outgoings are grants approved by the Trustees, so the Trustees do not judge a formal reserve necessary.

With no outstanding obligations, a positive balance in its current account, and a set of regular monthly donations, at the date of approving the report and accounts there is no uncertainty about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.

No fund or subsidiary undertaking is materially in deficit.

Exemptions from disclosure

TIPUK neither seeks nor exercises any exemption from disclosure for this

report.

Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others

The Trustees of TIPUK have been willing in principle to receive in the UK and transfer to Kosovo money intended for other charitable or social enterprises in Kosovo, where the intended activities are consistent with the objects of TIPUK and the transfer is fully compliant with all relevant legislation and regulation. There have been no such transactions during the reporting year.

Trustees’ Approval

In approving this report, the Trustees of TIPUK confirm that in exercising their powers or duties they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the Charity Commission.

Approved by the Trustees (individual electronic correspondence available) on 24th January 2025

and submitted on their behalf by

Robert Wilton Trustee 24th January 2025.

THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH 2024

CHARITY COMMISSION REFERENCE 1161389

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THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 MARCH 2024
GENERAL FUND COMMUNITY
EMPOWERMENT
KOSOVO FUND		 TOTAL 2024 TOTAL 2023
£ £ £ £
FIXED ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash at Bank 2,781 -2,028 753 3,121
2,781 -2,028 753 3,121
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors
2,781 -2,028 753 3,121
REPRESENTED BY
OpeningBalance of Funds 4,159 -1,038 3,121 16,482
Adjustment to Funds(note 8) -17,109 17,109 0 0
Surplus/Deficit for theyear 15,731 -18,099 -2,368 -13,361
2,781 -2,028 753 3,121

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THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENT ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2024
GENERAL FUND COMMUNITY
~~EMPOWERMENT~~		 TOTAL
2023/24 2022/23 2023/24 2022/23 2023/24 2022/23
£ £ £ £ £ £
INCOME
Gift Income(Gift Aidable) 17670 12767 7082 6967 24752 19734
Gift Income(no Gift Aid) 1847 3172 25149 15535 26996 18707
Interest 0 0
19516 15939 32231 22502 51747 38441
EXPENDITURE
Grants 3259 15477 50329 35871 53588 51347
Shipment Costs 0 0
Expenses 526 455 526 455
3785 15932 50329 35871 54114 51802
SURPLUS/DEFICIT OF FUNDS FOR THE YEAR 15731 7 -18099 -13368 -2368 -13361
SURPLUS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS 4159 16903 -1038 -421 3121 16482
TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS -17109 -12751 17109 12571 0 -180
SURPLUS FUND CARRIED FORWARD 2781 4159 -2028 -1038 753 3121

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THE IDEAS PARTNERSHIP UK NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounts are prepared on a cash basis with fixed assets recorded in the notes to the accounts. Accounts are prepared to the year ending 31st March.

2. ADMINISTRATION

The Trustees do not charge any fees for their administration of the Charity

3. INVESTMENT POLICY

The investment policy of the trust is conservative having regard to the funds available.

4. REGISTRATION

The Ideas Partnership UK was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation on 22 April 2015.

5 THE TIP FUNDS

The Ideas Partnership maintains two fund accounts: A General Fund (GEN)

The Community Empowerment Kosovo Fund (CEK) Gifts nominated directly for the Community Empowerment Kosovo Fund are credited to that fund account. The disposition of gifts for the General Fund is determined by the Trustees.

6 TAX REFUNDS

The Charity is entitled to claim for refund of tax paid on Gift Aid donations. Such gifts together with associated tax refunds are marked accordingly in the accounts. Actual receipts claimed and received from HMRC in 2023/24 totalled £11,155.48, and relate to donations in 2021/22 and 2022/23. The estimated value of claims related to 2023/24 Gift Aid is £3,399; the actual receipt will be shown in the accounts once received. Other gifts include donations processed through charitable giving agencies; the tax refund element of these gifts is not separately identified.

7 FIXED ASSETS

No fixed assets are currently held.

8 TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS

During the year the Trustees transferred £17,108.52 from the General Fund to the CEK Fund. TIP occasionally agrees to receive remittances for named NGOs or social enterprises whose objects and activities the Trustees judge to be fully consistent with those of the CIO. These are remitted on in full and are not shown in the income and expenditure of TIPUK. The amounts are: 2023/24 2022/23 Sa Pune £0.00 £0.00 OJQ Vision02 £0.00 £900.00

9 DESIGNATED REMITTANCES

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Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees/ The Ideas Partnership UK members of On accounts for the year 31 March 2024 Charity no 1161389 ended (if any) Set out on pages 1 to 5

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/03/2024.

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

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

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

Date: 06/01/2025 ~~—~~

Signed: Name: Alan Wilfred Packer ~~Pe~~ Relevant professional FCCA (retd) qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 18 Tweed Green Peebles EH45 8AR

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October 2018

IER