Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From: 1st April 2024 (Period start date) To: 31[st] March 2025 (Period end date)
Charity name: The RISE Collective
Charity registration number: 1168856
Objectives and Activities
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 The RISE Collective exists to support and empower young | Para 1.17 The RISE Collective exists to support and empower young people (primarily aged 16–25) who face exclusion and inequity, by providing youth-led creative opportunities, skills development and platforms for underrepresented voices. We advance opportunities for young people through creative media, storytelling and cultural participation, helping young people to develop confidence, agency, professional skills and progression routes, while challenging structural barriers that prevent marginalised young people from being heard and fairly rewarded for their work. Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document. The objects of The RISE Collective, as set out in its governing document, are: Social Inclusion To promote social inclusion for the public benefit by preventing people from becoming socially excluded, relieving the needs of those people who are socially excluded and assisting them to integrate into society. For the purpose of this object, ‘socially excluded’ includes exclusion arising from factors such as unemployment, financial hardship, youth, ill health (physical or mental), discrimination, poor educational attainment, relationship breakdown, poor housing or involvement with crime. Young People To advance in life and help young people through the provision of recreational and leisure-time activities in the interests of social welfare, and through providing support and activities that develop their skills, capacities and capabilities, enabling them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals. |
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
During the reporting period, the RISE Collective delivered youth-led creative programmes and professional development opportunities for young people, particularly those experiencing marginalisation or exclusion. Our work supported young people to build confidence, skills, agency and professional pathways through creative media, storytelling and cultural participation. Our core activities were as follows; Youth-led media and storytelling, including press and media production, interviews, podcasts, radio content, short films and digital storytelling. Creative training and workshops, supporting skills development in media, facilitation, communication, identity, wellbeing and collective action. Progression and paid opportunities, enabling young people to move from participation into paid associate roles, commissions, facilitation and leadership opportunities. Youth voice and co-production, including youth-led editorial decision-making, youth panels and consultancy support for partner organisations. Wellbeing and safeguarding, embedded throughout delivery via trauma-informed practice, supervision, reflective spaces and proactive safeguarding measures. Partnership delivery, working with festivals, cultural organisations, community groups and youth-focused partners to place young people in real-world contexts. These activities were delivered for the public benefit by reducing barriers to participation, increasing access to skills and supportive networks and amplifying underrepresented voices in cultural and civic spaces. |
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | The trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s aims and planning activities for the year. The trustees believe RISE’s activities provide clear public benefit by supporting young people who face barriers to diverse opportunities, improving access to skills, supportive relationships and creating platforms for underrepresented voices to be visible and influential in both their own communities and society as a whole. |
Additional information
==> picture [426 x 30] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
SORP
reference
----- End of picture text -----
| SORP reference |
||
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | Volunteers supported RISE during the year by contributing time, skills and professional expertise. This support helped strengthen delivery capacity, communications and organisational development. Volunteer contributions complemented (and did not replace) paid roles for young people and core delivery staff, in line with our commitment to fair pay and ethical practice. |
Achievements and Performance
==> picture [426 x 529] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
SORP
reference
During the year, RISE supported marginalised young people to
develop creatively, personally and professionally through youth-
led, paid and supported opportunities. Young people created
and shared original content across audio, radio, film, written
and digital platforms, and participated in cultural and civic
spaces where their perspectives are often underrepresented.
We continued to build as a youth-powered organisation, with
Summary of young people co-designing programmes, shaping delivery and
the main contributing to organisational learning.
achievements
of the charity, Our participants reported increased confidence, improved
identifying the wellbeing, strengthened communication skills and greater clarity
difference the about future pathways.
charity’s work
has made to Our work contributed to wider public benefit by
the
Para 1.20
circumstances increasing visibility of underrepresented youth
of its narratives,
beneficiaries
and any wider supporting partners to improve the quality of youth
benefits to participation,
society as a
whole. challenging extractive or tokenistic approaches to youth
voice,
and modelling ethical, paid engagement of young
people in creative and media spaces.
Additional information
RISE made progress against its objectives by
Advancing social inclusion , supporting young people
who experience discrimination, poverty, exclusion or
Achievements
marginalisation to access creative opportunities and
against Para 1.41
professional platforms.
objectives set
Supporting young people to develop skills and
confidence , enabling progression into paid roles,
leadership opportunities and further education, training
----- End of picture text -----
| or employment. Amplifying youth voice, ensuring young people’s perspectives were visible, respected and influential in cultural, political and community contexts. Strengthening organisational practice, embedding safeguarding, wellbeing and reflective learning to support sustainable engagement. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | Fundraising activity during the year focused on securing grants and funding to support both programme delivery and core organisational capacity. Trustees monitored fundraising performance and continued to prioritise income diversification and sustainability to support the charity’s long-term aims. |
| Financial Review | Financial Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the end of the reporting period, RISE remained a small organisation operating with a combination of restricted project funding and contributions toward core costs. Trustees continued to monitor cashflow and commitments carefully to ensure the charity could meet its obligations and deliver activities safely and effectively. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The trustees recognise the importance of holding appropriate reserves to ensure organisational stability, particularly given the RISE’s size and reliance on time-limited funding. Reserves are intended to support cashflow management, essential core costs and risk mitigation. The trustees continue to work toward strengthening reserves where possible. |
| Amount of reserves held |
Para 1.22 | £2,604 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | N/A |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | N/A |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | The trustees have considered the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. Based on available information, expected income and prudent financial management, the trustees believe the charity will continue to operate for at least 12 months from the date of approval of the accounts. |
Additional information
==> picture [426 x 518] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
The charity’s principal sources of funds during the year were
grants and charitable income. This included restricted project
funding and contributions towards core organisational costs
The charity’s from grant-makers, including The Co-op Foundation, The
principal Foyle Foundation and UK Youth , alongside a charitable
sources of donation from We Out Here Festival .
Para 1.47
funds
(including any During the year, the charity also began to generate a small
fundraising) amount of earned income through commissions for creative
and media work , reflecting an early stage of income
diversification aligned with the charity’s objects and values.
The trustees have identified the principal risks facing the RISE
Collective as:
Funding and cashflow risk , due to reliance on time-
limited funding. Mitigated through careful budgeting,
monitoring and income diversification.
Capacity and key-person dependency , reflecting the
charity’s small size. Mitigated through shared
responsibilities, governance oversight and systems
development.
A description Safeguarding and wellbeing risk , arising from work
of the principal with young people experiencing complex challenges.
risks facing Mitigated through robust safeguarding policies, trauma-
the charity Para 1.46 informed practice, supervision and training.
Operational delivery risk , including pressure on staff
and young people when demand exceeds capacity.
Mitigated through realistic planning and prioritisation of
safe delivery.
Reputational and digital risk , associated with public-
facing media work. Mitigated through clear values,
consent processes, policies and oversight.
Trustees review risks regularly and update mitigation strategies
as appropriate.
----- End of picture text -----
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Governing Document |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporate d association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO |
|---|---|---|
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed in accordance with the charity’s governing document. The RISE Collective adopts a structured and inclusive approach to trustee recruitment, informed by a skills audit and the aim of achieving a Board that reflects the communities and young people the charity serves. Trustee recruitment is overseen by the Board and senior leadership team, with young people involved in shaping role descriptions, recruitment processes and interview questions. Prospective trustees are interviewed by both a youth panel and a trustee panel, including the co-founders. Successful candidates are elected following the recruitment process in line with the governing document. No external person or body is entitled to appoint trustees. |
| Additional information | ||
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 | The RISE Collective has clear policies and procedures in place for the induction and ongoing training of trustees. New trustees receive a comprehensive induction, including an induction pack covering the charity’s governing document, policies, safeguarding responsibilities, strategic priorities and current activities. Induction also includes meetings with the co-founders and opportunities to engage with staff, young people and projects, supporting trustees to develop a strong understanding of the charity’s values, delivery model and communities served. All trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and to sign key governance documents, including declarations of eligibility, conflicts of interest and confidentiality. Ongoing training is encouraged and supported, with trustees accessing role-specific or thematic training as appropriate to ensure the Board remains informed, effective and compliant. |
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The RISE Collective is governed by a Board of Trustees, which holds ultimate responsibility for the strategic direction, governance and oversight of the charity. The Board works closely with the co-founders, who are responsible for day-to-day management and delivery of the charity’s activities. Operational delivery is supported by a small staff team and a wider network of young people, associates, freelancers and volunteers who contribute to programme delivery, creative production and organisational development. Young people play |
an active role in shaping activity through co-design, youth-led delivery and reflective learning processes.
The charity works in partnership with a range of cultural, community and youth-focused organisations, festivals and venues. These partnerships enable young people to access real-world platforms, develop professional experience and amplify their voices in public-facing spaces, extending the charity’s reach and impact beyond direct delivery.
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | The RISE Collective |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses |
RISE |
| Registered charity number |
1168856 |
| Charity’s principal address |
38 Crown Hill, Bristol BS7 5JP |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
==> picture [452 x 176] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
Dates acted
Name of person (or body) entitled
Trustee name Office (if any) if not for
to appoint trustee (if any)
whole year
1 Saira O’Mallie
2 Olubusayo Abidakun
3 James Cantley
4 Tia Spencer
5 Noah Ball
----- End of picture text -----
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date
CHARITY (OMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES The RISE Collective Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period To 0110412024 31103r2025 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Last year tothe neartst £ to Ihè nèarÈst£ tothe nÈarest£ tothe nearest£ to the nearest£ A1 Recei Grfts and Donations Events Grants ricket Sales Workshops Consuhancy Intern Income 8,251 225 10.128 8251 225 20.128 3,452 10.0 10.128 339 750 3,450 1,050 1968 1,050 19.868 3.945 Sub totsl{Gross income for ARJ 43N67 10,IW)O 53A67 18,119 A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). Sub total 43.467 10.000 53,467 18,119 A3Pa Staffing Small Equipment Project Runnirvj Costs Office and Admin Costs Overheads GoveTnance Merkeling ments 18.621 10,OLMJ 28.621 10.681 14 2,316 935 1,597 10.245 2,705 17.974 10.245 2,705 17.974 407 407 Sub total 49.962 10.000 59.962 15.$42 A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) Sub total 49,962 10,000 59,962 15,542 Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 6.495 6,495 2,576 9.099 2.604 9.099 2.604 6,523 9,099 CCXX R1 accounts ISSI 2910112026
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted funds to nÈarert£ Restricted funds to nèarest£ Endowment funds Categories Details t%) nearÈst£ B1 Cash funds Cutrent AccouTrt 620 Creditor5 3,023 Accrued expenses PaYrt 619 Debtors 225 Total cash funds 2,604 tourtisii Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Details to nearest£ to nearest£ to neare8t£ Fund to wthich asset belon Details Costloptionall Currèni value loptionall Fund to which asset belon Details Cost loptionall Currèni value loptionall B4 Assets retained for the charity's own use Fund to whlch relates Amountdue onal When due loptlonall Details BS Liabilities Signed by one or fvvo iwstees on behalf of all the trustees Signature Print Name Date of approval Saira O'mallie 01/30126 CCXX R2 accounts ISSI 2910112026
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ THE RISE COLLECTIVE members of On accounts for the year 31 March 2025 ended Set out on pages 1 to 2
Charity no 1168856
Respective The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. responsibilities of The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year trustees and examiner under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act,
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of independent My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given examiner’s statement by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently 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.
1
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
Date: 30 January 2026
Name: Ily Maisanda
Relevant Professional : ACMA, CGMA (CIMA) Qualifications or body
Address: Sobus Hub, 196 Freston Road, Kensington W10 6TT