RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE Ann eport Right to Education
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
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Contents
Executive Director Statement 3
About us 4
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Highlight I: Shaping the future of the right to education Highlight II: Challenging inequality in higher education Highlight III: Championing the rights of the youngest children Highlight IV: Challenging profit making in education Highlight V: Knowledge is power: how we inform and raise awareness How our activities lead to our impact Financials Our team and executive board
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
Executive Director Statement
The certainties upon which our world rests are in flux. States, political formations and their bases, international agreements, population patterns, predictability of seasons - the 20th Century certainties inscribed upon the world of today are increasingly unable to capture the realities we experience.
The right to education, enshrined in international law and having enjoyed a century of progress, is also in evolution. As new developments intersect with education - technology, digital tools, vastly enhanced access to information - old realities, chief among them inequality, rise to the fore.
2023 was a year of growth, learning and development for RTE. Following a comprehensive external audit in 2022, we developed an ambitious strategy which sets out our plans and direction for the coming years. In parallel, we have devised new systems to monitor, evaluate and learn from our programmatic work.
2024 promises opportunity and challenge - we will be here to meet it, and to advocate for the rights of all learners, wherever they reside and whatever their circumstances, status, or characteristics, to fully enjoy their right to education.
A huge thank you to our small but amazing team, who work with passion, dedication and generosity to carry out a number of large-scale projects in service of a broad community of actors committed to education around the world.
As ever, we are immensely grateful to those who support our work financially, in kind, or via our networks and channels. It is thanks to you that the right to education can be realised for more learners across the globe.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
About us
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We are an
international
human rights
organisation
dedicated to the
right to education.
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throughout life.
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Our vision is
a world where
everyone fully
enjoys their right
to education, and
where all human
rights in and
through education
are respected,
protected and
realised.
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We do this by
strengthening
systems while
building capacity,
creating the
conditions
for a world in
which everyone,
regardless of
their status and
circumstances,
fully enjoys their
right to education.
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Find out more about us.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
A snapshot of 2023
We launched an ambitious, bold, and focused new strategy for 2023-2026
Chief among our institutional developments this year was the development and publication of our 2023-2026 multilingual strategic plan, an ambitious document which is the product of collective reflection, consultative input, and a strategic review of the right to education and the context in which we are rooted.
Read the strategy here in Spanish, English and French.
We expanded our acclaimed monitoring guide series
Deeply committed to producing tools and resources to support the work of human rights defenders and education actors worldwide, in 2023 we developed and published ‘Monitoring Access and Participation in Higher Education From a Human Rights Perspective’ in English and Spanish. This guide sits within our existing thematic monitoring guide series, and is accompanied by a series of indicators which can be found in our interactive online monitoring tool.
We produced and supported seven research reports
We have a track recording spanning more than two decades of producing research with impact at international level. Among the highlights of 2023 include ‘Technology in education in light of human rights’, a background paper which we contributed to the 2023 GEM Report ‘Technology in education: a tool on whose terms?. The analysis provided in this paper was widely cited in - chapter 8 of the report on governance and reg ulation, demonstrating the value of our research to wider positioning on rights and accountability.
Read about the rest of our publications in 2023.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
We reported to UN human rights mechanisms about France and the UK
We used our platforms to inform and to advocate, reaching half a million people across six continents
In 2023 we were cited 20 times by the UN, UNESCO, and the press
Collective advocacy is a fundamental building block for long term change. Across the year we collaborated on a range of initiatives, and led and supported the development of two reports to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These reports, focusing on the compliance of the UK and France with their obligations regarding development finance and education and the right to higher education respectively, were drawn on in the Committee’s recommendations on both occasions. This demonstrates the value of our inputs and reflects the powerful way in which we use UN mechanisms to further the enjoyment of the right to education.
Our website and the work that we produce is of immense value to CSOs, researchers, and education actors worldwide - with our materials downloaded daily from the Philippines to Mexico, the USA to Cameroon. We reached a combined total of 556,593 people, spanning all continents and every nation state.
We believe in supporting the advocacy efforts of our partners and those working in adjacent two of our fields, and in addition to producing own statements, we joined nine global calls for change on issues ranging from tax justice, to World Bank appointments, to access to sustainable, healthy food for all children at school. Read the full list of statements here.
Our work continues to be of significant value at the highest levels of the international rights systems, with our materials, resources and monitoring guides cited in two reports by the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, on the role and rights of teachers, and advances and critical challenges in the right to education. We also were cited in or contributed to 16 UNESCO publications over the year. Finally, in 2023 we featured twice in the media - read press coverage of RTE in Times Higher Education and Equal Times.
rights: Key components and obligations’.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
How we make a difference
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The scope of the
right to education
must expand
to address new
realities
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The right to
education must
be recognised,
respected,
implemented
and enforced
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Essential:
to build on
existing legal
framework
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Our objectives
We are an international non-governmental organisation committed to collaboration and partnership. We work to influence the human rights framework at international level, while supporting national level partners to influence the changes needed on the ground. We bring our long history of successfully influencing the international human rights framework to bear while supporting those with rich local knowledge to make sure that rights are implemented, and states are held accountable.
In 2023, we achieved major impact across both of our core objectives. Read our sections on shaping the future of the right to education, championing the rights of the very youngest, advocating for the right to higher education, and challenging proft making in education to find out more about how we met our first objective of strengthening the international human rights framework.
In terms of our second objective, the strengthening of civil society actors’ capacity to understand and effectively use human rights law and mechanisms to advance the realisation of the right to education, we secured major advances.
We worked with 12 CSO organisations across three continents, supporting the development of three submissions to UN and regional human rights mechanisms and other reporting procedures.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
HIGHLIGHT I:
Shaping the future of the right to education
In July, the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Farida Shaheed, presented her first report to the UN Human RIghts Council entitled ‘Securing the right to education: advances and critical challenges’. This report, which cited RTE and our resources multiple times, drew on the contribution we submitted to her office in February 2023. Reports by the UN Special Rapporteur form the basis of ongoing policy at international level, and implementation at national level - and our inclusion into these crucial texts ensures that our positions shape the future of the right to education.
Also in July, the UN Human Rights Council adopted resolution A/HRC/53/L.10 on the right to education. This resolution draws upon many areas on which we actively work, and broadly reflects our policy positions and language on crucial areas such as Early Childhood Care and Education, education under attack, and the Abidjan Principles. In the lead up to its adoption, we took part in informal negotiations with states, UNESCO
and other civil society organisations. The inclusion of our framing and positions in international decisions and resolutions is a core aspect of our theory of change, and demonstrates the crucial role we play in shaping the international normative framework with progressive positions which will positively impact the right to education.
Throughout the year we continued to engage with UNESCO’s Initiative on the evolving right to education, maintaining our dialogue with the institution and ensuring our perspectives help inform its development. In December 2023 we attended the UNESCO Formal Dialogue on the initiative on the evolving right to education, adding our inputs to this high level forum and supporting this vital initiative, which will shape the collective understanding of the right to education for years to come. Specifically, we provided inputs to the session from the floor, sharing our reflections on the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination acting as the backbone of the right to education.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
HIGHLIGHT II:
Challenging inequality in higher education
Our work on higher education began in 2018, with a collaboration with Sciences Po Law School Clinic in Paris. This award winning initiative focused on monitoring inequalities in access to higher education in France, with specific attention on the context of place and its impact on the right to higher education. Initially proposed as a one year endeavour, the project has grown in influence and import.
In 2023, much of the advocacy, research, capacity building and awareness raising work done over the last five years came to fruition when, and the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights made recommendations to France on addressing territorial and socio-economic inequality in its concluding observations. These observations discuss and make recommendations on the right to higher education and the issues of territorial and socio-economic inequalities in stratifying access to and participation in higher education. The recommendations made in paragraphs 56 and 57 of this document reflect our language and positions, specifically those put forward in an alternative report to CESCR which was developed in collaboration with French civil society organisation (CSO) Fédération des Associations Générales Étudiantes (La Fage) and international CSO Global Student Forum, and drew on the Science Po students’ research. This demonstrates our success in influencing the bodies whose findings shape the international legal, political and institutional framework, and in ensuring that issues such as higher education are high on the political agenda, as well as the value of using UN mechanisms to highlight violations and shape long term change.
As part of our advocacy work regarding this report, RTE was heard by the French National Assembly’s Committee on Cultural Affairs and Education, for the drafting of a report providing a budgetary opinion on the ‘Higher Education and Student Life’ mission of the 2024 Finance Bill. The report includes a section on private higher education and refers to the concluding observations made by the CESCR.
Separately, in recognition of our remit and demonstrably successful history of raising awareness on critical and emerging issues, including highlighting gaps in legal frameworks and monitoring implementation at national level, we commenced a parallel and complementary programme of work to inform, raise awareness, build capacity and advocate on the right to higher education.
Our Monitoring Guide on the Right to Higher Education, published in English and Spanish in 2023, sits within our acclaimed series of thematic monitoring guides. These guides democratise access to reporting mechanisms and support education actors without formal legal training to document, monitor and report on the implementation of the right to education. Transformative in their potential to enable accountability, our latest ofering on higher education contributes to the realisation of the right to higher education worldwide.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
HIGHLIGHT III:
Championing the rights of the youngest children
For three years we have been working to advocate for the rights of the youngest members of society. The right to education begins at birth, and our programme on early childhood care and education (ECCE) contemplates this crucial phase for development and how international frameworks and national practice can ensure all children, everywhere, can enjoy their rights, right from the start.
In 2023, we continued to be a leading global voice for ECCE rights, shaping conversations on early childhood at international and national levels, and leading global advocacy efforts towards strengthening the legal framework on ECCE rights at the international level.
Throughout the year we continued to facilitate the ever-strengthening Global Advocacy Group, which includes UNESCO, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP), the Oxford Human Rights Hub (Oxford University), Human Rights Watch (HRW), the Latin American Campaign for the Right to Education (CLADE), the Global Campaign for Education (GCE), Education International (EI), and the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER).
This year, the Group began drafting Guiding Principles to unpack and compile the existing legal obligations of States to guarantee ECCE rights, as prescribed under international human rights law. Taking part in these high level initiatives thus demonstrates the role RTE has in shaping the future of the right to education, by contributing ideas and findings to the debates and research which frame the evolving legal frameworks.
In connection to this initiative, we supported the organisation, execution and follow up report of the UNESCO-led expert meeting on ECCE, called ‘Clarifying the legal framework of ECCE rights: key components and obligations’. Led by UNESCO but co-organised by RTE and other members of the Global Advocacy Group, the discussion and its published fndings will inform both the first inter-agency Global Report on ECCE 2023-2024, and the ongoing initiative on the evolving right to education . Crucially, the findings will also support the development process of new Guiding Principles on ECCE rights.
We also collaborated on international consultations in different regions, and continued to offer technical support to national partners to utilise human rights mechanisms to advance their advocacy aims.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
HIGHLIGHT IV:
Challenging profit making in education
Privatisation, commercialisation, and the role and regulation of non-State actors in education has been a central component of our work for many years. As one of the organisations fundamental to the development of the Abidjan Principles on the right to education, we are internationally renowned for our knowledge, expertise and intellectual property on non-state actors in education. We continued to play a central role in efforts to promote the Abidjan Principles in 2023. We supported action around the 4th anniversary celebrations, took part in an online workshop on the Abidjan Principles organised by ICJ Nepal for 21 lawyers, entitled ‘Lawyer’s advocacy on the right to education: Getting Acquainted with the International Laws and Strategies to Defend the Right to Education‘. We delivered targeted advice on how to use the Principles for advocacy and litigation, sharing judicial cases and UN treaty reporting cases. Finally, we continued to raise awareness on the Abidjan Principles in various online fora. In April, we celebrated the recognition of the Abidjan Principles by France on behalf - of 74 nation states, in a joint statement on aca demic freedom.
Given the uneasy correlation between international and development finance and privatisation, in 2023, much of our advocacy focused on raising awareness on and challenging the use of public funds for commercial and for-profit education.
In March 2023, in collaboration with nine civil society partners, we submitted a Joint report to - the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cul tural Rights (CESCR) about the UK’s support to for-proft schools in which we challenged the UK’s position that international development cooperation can support non-state providers, including low cost private schools. We drew upon
applicable international human rights frameworks in response to this position, among them the Abidjan Principles, while also noting the growing consensus that public development assistance should not support for-profit education and raising concerns regarding the impact of the UK’s corporate tax policies on the right to education. These concerns were included in the list of questions submitted to the UK by CESCR in April, to which it has until March 2025 to respond. This reflects a success both in terms of our advocacy strategy and approach, and an important step forwards in terms of the UK’s accountability regarding development finance for education.
In a parallel endeavour, we led the development of a joint brief to support the development of the UK Parliamentary Committee on International Development’s Inquiry into British International Investments. In this submission we raised concerns about UK investment in for-profit schooling, including through intermediaries investing in Bridge International Academies. These concerns were also referenced in the report, which concluded that British International Investments are ‘harming society and the environment’. In addition, together with CSO partners, we developed a joint contribution to the Call for inputs for the Working Group’s report on development fnance institutions and human rights.
As well as highlighting issues relating to public finance for for-profit education in the Anglophone world, we continued to play a leading role in efforts to convene diverse actors in the Francophone space. We delivered training, supported collective actions including the development of a statement on public education, and the celebration of the third Francophone Day of Mobilisation against the Commercialisation of Education.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
HIGHLIGHT V:
Knowledge is power: how we inform and raise awareness
Where our web audiences are based[(2023) ]
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Number of views
556,593
people
We reached over half a
United million people in all the
Kingdom countries of the world.
Canada
Germany
France
United Spain
States Pakistan
Morocco Algeria
Mexico India
Colombia Philippines
Nigeria
Ecuador Kenya
Tanzania
Peru
South
Argentina Africa
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Languages[(2023)]
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English Spanish French Arabic
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70.3%
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16.3% 8.9% 3.6%
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Our followers on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook grew by 30% over the year, and our interactions grew by more than 50%.
This demonstrates our continued relevance to our wide ranging audience, and the quality and pertinence of the materials we share.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
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In 2023
We were
cited twice
in the press
We were cited
in two UN Special
Rapporteur reports
We were cited
in 16 UNESCO
publications
We took part in and led
22 events
We published
33 news
items
We published
4 blogs
We distributed
14 e-Bulletins
We developed
2 statements,
and lent our
We launched 1
voice to 9 more
new webpage:
Technology in
Education
We provided analysis of
the right to education
related content in UN CRC
General Comment 26 and
a report by the UN Special
Rapporteur on the human
rights of migrants
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
How our activities lead to our impact
Providing resources for frontline defenders, and research to shape the future
We believe in the value of knowledge production, as a means of enhancing understanding and capacity and providing the evidence needed for wider efforts for change and accountability. We also believe that tools and resources for human rights defenders and education actors should be widely available and targeted for use in diverse contexts. That’s why we continue to publish free, open source materials, where possible developing them in our core languages (English, French, Spanish, and Arabic).
Across the year, we published four reports and papers, made two submissions to UN human rights mechanisms, one submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, one submission to the UK House of Commons International Development Committee, and supported or sponsored the development of a further three publications.
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May: Background paper on the fnancing of higher education in France. This paper, written in French, was commissioned by RTE in 2022, and contributes to the body of knowledge on the right to education. It also supported our submission to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights
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July: Technology in education in light of human rights. Background paper to UNESCO GEM Report published, highlighting international legal frameworks on EdTech, and compiling a comparative analysis of 10 countries’ frameworks for data protection of children in educational settings
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November: The right to higher education and rethinking merit: briefng note compendium. This compendium, one of nine published by UNESCO IESALC in 2023, includes an article from our Executive Director, Delphine Dorsi entitled ‘Capacity or Merit? Rethinking notions in access to higher education’
RTE publications
- April: Higher education monitoring guide in English and Spanish. This targeted monitoring guide supports the documentation of the implementation of the right to higher education, and meets our objectives of clarifying international law and making it accessible, while supporting civil society to engage in monitoring from a human rights perspective
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
Publications we supported
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February: IIEP-UNESCO Toolkit and methodological guidelines. This document is based on the Abidjan Principles, and over the several years of its consultative development RTE has contributed insights, findings and written contributions.
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October: Expert workshop report on ECCE Rights. This paper summarises the discussions and conclusions reached in an online workshop on ECCE rights jointly organised with UNESCO and other partners, including RTE, in July. It was co-authored by RTE.
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December: Francophone Network research synthesis. These papers compile research conducted during the research training on the right to education co-organised by RTE in collaboration with the University of Geneva.
Informing and advocating in strategic events
Among the key events for the year included the following:
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February: CIES 2023 - we organised and facilitated an event called ‘Strengthening laws, policy, and governance for early childhood care and education: Towards an equal and inclusive education’
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April: We supported the development of a SciencePo student led online roundtable, in partnership with the Global Student Forum: -
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Collaborating for equal access to higher edu cation: an international student exchange
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April: We took part as presenters in a joint webinar led by the Initiative for Social and Economic Rights (ISER), The African Coalition for Corporate Accountability (ACCA), Centre for Human Rights, and Global Initiative for Economic Social and Cultural Rights (GI-ESCR) called ‘Unpacking General Comment 7 on State obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in the context of private provision of social services: Towards efective implementation’
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April: We presented in an OMEP Webinar entitled Early childhood education: Country progress towards national SDG 4 benchmarks
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April: We presented in an EDCAN webinar entitled ‘Realizing the Right to Early Childhood -
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Education through Courts and UN Mecha nisms’
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July: We were invited to participate as panellists in the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education’s side event at the 53rd ordinary sessions of the human rights council, ‘The mandate on the Right to Education is 25’
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July: We were invited to present at an ESCR Net webinar on Tech companies’ inroads into critical public services
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December: we participated in the UNESCO -
-
Formal Dialogue on the Initiative on the Evolv ing Right to Education, where we spoke from the floor
Co-sponsored and co-organised events:
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We co-organised the First International Symposiums on the Right to Education (SIDE, for its acronym in French). Conducted in French, this brought together practitioners, researchers and CSO representatives from multiple Francophone nations. We also presented at the event.
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We co-sponsored a session at the World Bank Spring meeting - Making a real diference? Lessons from the fnancing of health and education for the World Bank Group’s Evolution Roadmap.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
Leading and joining global calls for change
We develop statements on core issues related to our work, using our platforms and our networks to amplify collective calls:
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We published a statement for international children’s rights day calling on all state parties in conflicts to uphold the right to education
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We published a joint statement at the 53rd ordinary sessions of the UN Human Rights Council, in collaboration with the Global Initiative for Economic, Social and Cultural rights
We also lent our voice to global calls for change, supporting and endorsing the advocacy efforts of others:
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We were proud to engage in the development of the Santiago Declaration at the Our Future is Public Conference in Chile, which was published in January in three languages. The Declaration is a call for universal access to quality, gender-transformative and equitable public services as the foundation of a fair and just society. It was signed by more than 350 organisations and individuals from multiple continents
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We signed a joint letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by more than 70 youth- and student-led organisations around the world demanding action on delivering the right to education in Africa
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We took part in a civil society call to end of the ‘gentlemen’s agreement’, arguing for a merit-based, open and transparent World Bank presidential selection process
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We joined more than 200 organisations and trade unions to call for the adoption of the Africa Group resolution on a UN Tax Convention. This resolution was adopted in November 2023
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We signed a collective statement in response to reports of a child sexual abuse cover up at the World Bank
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We signed a statement advocating for access to sustainable, healthy food for all children in schools
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Following the publication of the UK House of Commons International Development Committee report, we led Privatisation in Education and Human Rights Consortium (PEHRC) members in a joint statement in response to the findings
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RTE signed a briefing led by civil society which calls for rethink of World Bank’s ‘evolution roadmap’ as part of wider reforms to highly unequal global fnancial architecture
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Alongside multiple global organisations, RTE -
-
signed a Letter of rejection of the US nomina tion of Ajay Banga, former Mastercard chief, to be World Bank president because of his lack of relevant experience and links to private equity rather than development
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
Advocating for lasting change
In addition to our advocacy on core issues such as ECCE rights, the right to higher education, and the regulation of non-state actors in education, we harnessed our channels and global audience to engage in online advocacy activity for:
-
Education Day 2023
-
International Women’s Day
In 2023, we provided
over 200 hours of in kind support ,
Providing technical, consultative and in-kind support
In line with our 2023-2026 strategy, a core component of our work is to provide technical support to civil society organisations to help support advocacy goals. This support is offered in multiple forms, delivered to best suit the needs and advocacy goals of our partners. Much of this support is delivered pro-bono, as part of our commitment to supporting, developing and capacity building the sector.
totalling
£8000 in real economic terms.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
Among the expertise offered includes the co-organisation of international events, contribution to expert workshops, the provision of training, consultation on campaign strategy and materials, technical support on how to utilise human rights mechanisms, and the provision of information on specific dimensions of human rights.
A snapshot of what we did:
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In light of our expertise and influence on ECCE, we were invited by ASEAN to provide written inputs into the Regional Consultation on Draf Declaration on Early Childhood Care and Education in Southeast Asia.
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We took part in an online workshop for lawyers on the Abidjan Principles organised by ICJ Nepal for 21 lawyers entitled ‘Lawyer’s advocacy on the right to education: Getting Acquainted with the International Laws and Strategies to Defend the Right to Education‘, as part of a wider mentorship programme that ICJ Nepal runs with lawyers.
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In collaboration with Professor Sandra Fredman, we provided inputs to the draft General Comment on the right to education developed by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the child.
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We took part in a workshop organised by Education in Emergencies Hub in Geneva on the linkages between education in emergencies and human rights, whose accompanying report references RTE several times.
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We reviewed numerous legal and technical documents for partners.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
Collaborate and build bridges
We believe that more can be achieved when organisations work together, collaborating for maximum impact and minimum drain on the world’s resources. Our unique role as a small, agile organisation with a laser focus on the right to education and a capacity to work with organisations big and small, in addition to UN bodies, researchers and academics has allowed us to build an unparalleled network of global education actors with whom we enjoy a relationship of mutual esteem. A core component of our ethos is to build bridges between different disciplines, language communities, and sectors, sharing knowledge and resources for collective efforts for change. Across the year we linked academics and researchers to CSOs, made connections between members of human rights mechanisms and partners on the ground, and strengthened relationships between CSOs worldwide.
Contribution to networks
We believe in the power of partnerships and collective working for common goals. Throughout 2023, we maintained our commitment to working in collaboration with others, and took an active role in four global civil society networks. In each network, we contribute our time to collective efforts, shape advocacy and policy, and ensure that the right to education is at the heart of collaborative efforts for change. Over the year we steered the direction of international networks on education and rights, notably the Privatisation in Education and Human Rights Consortium and the Francophone network against the commercialisation of education. Our support and management of network leads, strategic steering and facilitation of meetings and sessions has ensured the right to education is central to network activity.
As in previous years, we maintained an important relationship with the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Education, supporting her office, and providing timely and relevant input to her reports.
Among the highlights of our convening and catalysing efforts include our role in the develop- ment and launch of the first International Sym posiums on the Right to Education, alongside the University of Geneva, GI-ESCR, Educoop, the Francophone research network on the privatisation of education (REFPE), and the Suisse Society for Education Research (SSRE). Crucially, this successful event was the result of several years of collaboration, of which RTE has been a central part, with Francophone academics and CSOs to make visible and strengthen the Francophone research on the privatisation of education and more broadly the right to education.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
Privatisation in Education and Human Rights Consortium (PEHRC)
Over the year we played a strategic role in PEHRC, actively shaping the direction of the network through strategic guidance, right to education advocacy and collaborative working. We are part of the facilitation group for the network which acts as its steering council, and we also played a central role in collective advocacy efforts, advising on the development of a statement on the right to public education from a content and communications perspective, and on targets and activity.
We attended 64 hours of meetings,
Francophone Network against the commercialization of education
We played a prominent role in the Francophone Network in 2023. In addition to managing the coordinator for several months and steering network activity and strategic focus, for the second year running we co-facilitated a research training programme addressing research skills for right to education advocacy, organised alongside network members GI-ESCR and the University of Geneva. One of the outcomes of the training was the publication of two articles by training participants in an academic-led scientifc review. For many years we have worked to catalyse francophone academics on the issue of privatisation, and we are delighted to see research of this calibre emerging. Finally, our Director Delphine Dorsi presented the privatisation of higher education in France at the Fran- cophone mobilisation Day against the commer cialisation of education, and we collaborated on the development of a statement on educational inequalities in the Francophone Network, in addition to coordinating its publication.
including regular sessions for four working groups,
We attended 24 hours of meetings,
11 global calls,
including
11 facilitation sessions and multiple campaign groups.
6 global calls, multiple facilitation and supervision sessions and 2 campaign session groups.
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
ESCR-Net
Financials
- Contributed to the ESCR-net Monitoring Working group with written and oral inputs, helping steer its strategic direction.
Child Rights Connect
- We joined Child Rights Connect and established a working group on monitoring the right to education.
We are immensely grateful to our supporters and partners for their belief in our work, and their financial and in kind support which helps make the right to education a reality for all.
In 2023, we were supported by the Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amnesty International, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and by individual supporters of RTE. We launched a Giving Tuesday Appeal and ‘Christmas Appeal and were overwhelmed with the responses. It is the generosity of individuals and organisations that enables us to realise the right to education for more learners across the globe.
Staff
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Executive Board
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Elin Martinez (Chair) Senior Researcher in the Children's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch
Anjela Taneja Public Services and Inequality Lead at Oxfam International
Ayan Hassan (Treasurer) Senior Control at WarChild Alliance
Nikki Skipper Freelance fundraising professional and mentor
David Archer
Head of Programmes and Influencing at ActionAid International
Bharti Patel
International human rights advocate and advisor
Dina Hashem
Director of Institutional Funding at Lumos Foundation
Salima Namusobya Vice President, Africa at the Centre for Reproductive Rights
Carole Coupez General Delegate of Solidarité Laïque
Ignacio Saiz International advocate for economic and social rights
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Right to Education Initiative Annual Report 2023
www.right-to-education.org
CHARITY NUMBERS:
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
Registered Charity No. 1173115
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
MYRUS SMITH
Chartered Accountants
Norman House 8 Burnell Road Sutton Surrey SM1 4BW
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 2 - 5 |
| Report of the Independent Examiner | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 - 13 |
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE Registered Charity No: 1173115
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Board of Trustees:
D. Archer A. Hassan (Treasurer) E. Martinez (Chair) A. Taneja D. Hashem
N. Skipper B. Patel C. Coupez I.Saiz (appointed 30 June 2023) S.Namusobya (appointed 30 June 2023)
Principal Office:
Bankers:
c/o ActionAid International 33-39 Bowling Green Lane London EC1R 0BJ
CAF Bank Limited
25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
Independent Examiner:
K.C. Fisher BA FCA CTA ℅ Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd 308 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7AL
1
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
(Inc Public Benefit disclosure)
Who we are
We are a non-governmental international human rights organisation dedicated entirely to the promotion and defence of the right to education.
Why we exist
We exist because the right to education is not fully realised, is still violated and is under constant and evolving threat. There is a demonstrable need within the human rights, education and development sectors for a civil society organisation to be an expert on the right to education and act as its guardian. We exist to promote and defend education as a human right at international level, and to support civil society actors to understand and use human rights law and mechanisms to advance the realisation of the right to education at national level, holding states accountable through monitoring, reporting, advocacy and litigation.
Our vision
Our vision is a world in which everyone can fully enjoy the right to education in all its dimensions from birth to adulthood and throughout life, regardless of their status and circumstances, and where all human rights in and through education are respected, protected and realised.
As set in our constitution, our object is to promote the right to education, as defined by international human rights law, by:
-
Sharing information, tools and resources on the right to education;
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Researching into right to education issues;
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Monitor abuses of the right to education;
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Raise awareness on right to education issues;
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Providing technical advice to partner civil society organisations on right to education issues;
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International advocacy of the right to education; and
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Promoting respect for the right to education among individuals and corporation
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
- We launched an ambitious, bold, and focused new strategy for 2023-2026
Chief among our institutional developments this year was the development and publication of our 2023-2026 multilingual strategic plan, an ambitious document which is the product of collective reflection, consultative input, and a strategic review of the right to education and the context in which we are rooted.
• We expanded our acclaimed monitoring guide series
Deeply committed to producing tools and resources to support the work of human rights defenders and education actors worldwide, in 2023 we developed and published ‘Monitoring Access and Participation in Higher Education From a Human Rights Perspective’ in English and Spanish. This guide sits within our existing thematic monitoring guide series, and is accompanied by a series of indicators which can be found in our interactive online monitoring tool.
• We produced and supported seven research reports
We have a track recording spanning more than two decades of producing research with impact at international level. Among the highlights of 2023 include ‘Technology in education in light of human ’ rights , a background paper which we contributed to the 2023 GEM Report ‘Technology in education: a tool on whose terms?. The analysis provided in this paper was widely cited in chapter 8 of the report on governance and regulation, demonstrating the value of our research to wider positioning on rights and accountability.
Read about the rest of our publications in 2023
2
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
• We reported to UN human rights mechanisms about France and the UK
Collective advocacy is a fundamental building block for long term change. Across the year we collaborated on a range of initiatives, and led and supported the development of two reports to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These reports, focusing on the compliance of the UK and France with their obligations regarding development finance and education and the right to higher education respectively, were drawn on in the Committee’s recommendations on both occasions. This demonstrates the value of our inputs and reflects the powerful way in which we use UN mechanisms to further the enjoyment of the right to education.
• We used our platforms to inform and to advocate, reaching half a million people across six continents
Our website and the work that we produce is of immense value to CSOs, researchers, and education actors worldwide - with our materials downloaded daily from the Philippines to Mexico, the USA to Cameroon. We reached a combined total of 556,593 people, spanning all continents and every nation state.
We believe in supporting the advocacy efforts of our partners and those working in adjacent fields, and in addition to producing two of our own statements, we joined nine global calls for change on issues ranging from tax justice, to World Bank appointments, to access to sustainable, healthy food for all children at school. Read the full list of statements here.
- In 2023 we were cited 20 times by the UN, UNESCO, and the press
Our work continues to be of significant value at the highest levels of the international rights systems, with our materials, resources and monitoring guides cited in two reports by the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, on the role and rights of teachers, and advances and critical challenges in the right to education. We also were cited in or contributed to 16 UNESCO publications over the year. Finally, in 2023 we featured twice in the media - read press coverage of RTE in Times Higher Education and Equal Times.
• We provided technical and in-kind support worldwide
Committed to advancing the right to education across all dimensions, including those which do not fall into our core areas of focus but on which our expertise can add value and promote efforts for change, we provided in-kind support to partners and colleagues worldwide on diverse issues.
This ranged from contribution to expert workshops to the provision of training, from consultation on report content, campaign strategy and materials, to hands-on technical support on how to use UN reporting mechanisms for advocacy.
- We took powerful steps towards strengthening the legal framework on early childhood care and education
The Global Advocacy Group, facilitated by RTE, joined efforts to draft early childhood care and education (ECCE) guiding principles to unpack and compile the existing legal obligations of States to guarantee ECCE rights, as prescribed under international human rights law. As part of this initiative, in partnership with UNESCO, the group organised an expert consultation to foster a discussion with human rights and ECCE experts on areas of ECCE rights that deserve a better footing in the international human rights framework. The discussions and conclusions of this consultation have been published in the report: ‘Clarifying the legal framework of ECCE rights: Key components and obligations’.
3
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Results for the Financial Year Ended 31 December 2023
We are immensely grateful to our supporters and partners for their belief in our work, and their financial and in kind support which helps make the right to education a reality for all.
In 2023, we were supported by the Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amnesty International Netherlands, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and by individual supporters of RTE. We launched a Giving Tuesday Appeal and ‘Christmas Appeal and were overwhelmed with the responses, total received £2,855. It is the generosity of individuals and organisations that enables us to realise the right to education for more learners across the globe.
Total Income for the year 2023 amounted to £132,333, which was significantly lower than prior year 2022 income and resulted in £97,224 loss, which is mostly due to our main funder Open Society Foundations closing educational sector grants and giving final ‘General Purpose’ grant to RTE 2022.
Charities assets are held primarily in cash on deposit which on 31 December 2023 amounted to £128.051.
Principle risks and uncertainties faced by RTE is withdrawal of funding and impact it would have on the charity. Our main aim for 2024 is to fundraise and find new donors to broaden our funding base.
Reserves Policy
RTE aims to maintain reserves at least equivalent to three months essential operational expenditures. Reserves are established by either
-
saving the money RTE received for services or
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Saving some remaining money from grant - which is not always possible.
The trustees estimate the amount of reserves for each year budget and review it on a quarterly basis at their executive board meeting.
Risk Management
RTE trustees established a number of policies and procedures to minimise the risk charity can be exposed to. RTE has also developed detailed Risk Register which includes risk management ~~a~~ nd is discussed and updated at each board meeting.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
Based on external review made in 2022, RTE launched a new strategy in 2023 for the period 2023-26. RTE’s priority is to diversify its sources of funding while seeking a balance between core funding and project-funding for specific initiatives / priorities. We are seeking core funding support for the delivery of the strategy as a whole and specific funding for the priority threads of work outlined in this strategy document. Potential new donors have been identified to be approached.
Aside from pursuing traditional donors and projects, RTE will explore new ways of raising funds for instance through individual donations, crowdfunding, lottery, selling of products or services.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Right to Education Initiative is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales on 19 May 2017 with the charity number 1173115. RTE is governed by its constitution.
Recruitment and appointment of Members of the Council
There were 2 new trustee appointments in 2023. Ignacio Saiz and Salima Namusobya appointed both appointed on 30 June 2023 board meeting.
4
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Organisational Structure
RTE has a Board of 10 trustees who meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. At present all 10 members (listed on page 1) are from a variety of professional background relevant to the work of the charity.
The scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the management of RTE’s work rests with Executive Director. Director overseas all parts of RTE work including finances and admin as well as Policy and Communication management. The director reports directly to board members when needs arise.
Staff
Alice Beste has joined RTE as PEHRC coordination on 05.04.2023.
TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
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).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to 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 of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 29[th] Oct 2024 and signed on its behalf by
Ayan Hassan Treasurer
5
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 9 to 15.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the 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 no concerns and 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.
Kevin Fisher BA FCA CTA ℅ Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd 308 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7AL
29 October 2024
6
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Incorporating Income and Expenditure Account)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Funds | Funds | Funds | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income from: | ||||
| Charitable activities | 2 | 128,908 | 128,908 | 324,281 |
| Investments | 3 | 570 | 570 | 251 |
| Other income | 2,855 | 2,855 | 327 | |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| 132,333 | 132,333 | 324,859 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Charitable Activities | 4 | 229,557 | 229,557 | 203,680 |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| 229,557 | 229,557 | 203,680 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Net (expenditure)/income | 7 | (97,224) | (97,224) | 121,179 |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Net movement in funds | (97,224) | (97,224) | 121,179 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||
| Balance brought forward | 218,808 | 218,808 | 97,629 | |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Balance carried forward | £121,584 | £121,584 | £218,808 | |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
All income and expenditure are derived from continuing activities.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year.
The Notes form part of these Financial Statements.
7
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Current Assets | |||||
| Debtors | 8 | 232 | 318 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 127,819 | 303,666 | |||
─────── |
─────── |
||||
| 128,051 | 303,984 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 9 | 6,467 | 85,176 | ||
─────── |
121,584 | ─────── |
|||
────── |
────── |
||||
| NET ASSETS | 10 | £121,584 | £218,808 | ||
══════ |
══════ |
||||
| Represented by: | |||||
| FUNDS | |||||
| Unrestricted | 10 | 121,584 | 218,808 | ||
────── |
────── |
||||
| £121,584 | £218,808 | ||||
══════ |
══════ |
Approved by the Trustees on 29[th] Oct 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Treasurer Ayan Hassan
The Notes form part of these Financial Statements.
8
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of preparation
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
b) Income recognition
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
Grant income is recognised in accordance with agreed budgets and specified timeframes. Amounts received but which relate to future reporting periods are accounted for as deferred income. In the case of multi-year grants, the aggregate amount of future instalments not yet received or accrued and which are subject to satisfactory performance is disclosed as a contingent asset.
c) Expenditure recognition
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is included under the heading ‘Charitable activities’ which includes all costs directly associated with meeting the charity’s objectives and also those costs necessary to support such activities.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the associated expense heading.
d) Debtors and creditors
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and which are receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure
e) Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purpose. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.
9
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
/cont
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES /contd…
f) Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme open to employees with an Employer’s Contribution fixed at 5.5% of gross salary. Employees can voluntarily contribute to the scheme at a level decided by them. Employees wishing to opt-out may do so. The board of trustees has agreed to allow staff members to operate an alternative pension scheme to be agreed with the management at a Council meeting. Contributions payable to the scheme are charged as an expense in the period to which they relate.
g) Operating Leases
Operating lease payments are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
h) Foreign Currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. In the case of multi-year grants received in instalments, exchange gains and losses are calculated by reference to the exchange rate prevailing at the time the grant was awarded. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate ruling at the balance sheet date. All exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
3.
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Grants and Contracts | |||
| UNESCO | 288 | 288 | 7,640 |
| Wellspring (2021 via CRIN) | 28,237 | 28,237 | 66,245 |
| Open Society Foundations | 49,430 | 49,430 | 250,396 |
| NEF | 41,000 | 41,000 | - |
| Foreign Ministry of Portugal | 8,700 | 8,700 | - |
| Amnesty International Netherlands | 1,253 | 1,253 | - |
────── |
────── |
────── |
|
| £128,908 | £128,908 | £324,281 | |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
|
| INVESTMENT INCOME | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Bank interest | 570 | 570 | 251 |
════ |
═══ |
═══ |
10
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
/cont
| 4. | EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | ||
| Funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | |||
| Direct Costs | ||||
| Salaries, fees and related costs | 214,164 | 214,164 | 198,753 | |
| Foreign exchange losses/(gains) | 1,853 | 1,853 | (16,392) | |
| Travel and subsistence | 3,431 | 3,431 | 13,927 | |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| £219,448 | £219,448 | £196,288 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Support Costs | ||||
| Office and administration costs | 248 | 248 | 581 | |
| Website, computer and IT costs | 1,077 | 1,077 | 981 | |
| Governance (see note 5) | 1,800 | 1,800 | 1,800 | |
| Insurance | 680 | 680 | 1,104 | |
| Subscriptions | 1,102 | 1,102 | 2,824 | |
| Advertising, printing & design | 5,202 | 5,202 | 102 | |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| £10,109 | £10,109 | £7,392 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| £229,557 | £229,557 | £203,680 | ||
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
||
| All expenditure relates to the unrestricted funds. | ||||
| 5. | GOVERNANCE COSTS | |||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Independent examination | £1,800 | £1,800 | ||
══════ |
══════ |
|||
| 6. | STAFF COSTS | |||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Wages and salaries | 139,175 | 94,817 | ||
| Social security | 19,291 | 16,277 | ||
| Pension costs (defined contribution schemes) | 9,689 |
6,562 | ||
────── |
────── |
|||
| £168,155 | £117,656 | |||
══════ |
══════ |
The average number of employees in the year was 4 (2022 : 3). The average number based on full time equivalents was 3 (2022 : 3).
One employee (2022: 1) received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) in excess of £60,000.
The Trustees were not remunerated during the year. No trustees were reimbursed any expenses during the year.
11
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
/cont
6. STAFF COSTS /cont
The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel was £73,642 (2022: £68,402). Under FRS102, employee benefits include gross salaries, employer’s National Insurance contributions and employer’s pension contributions.
7. NET INCOME
| 7. | NET INCOME | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| Net income is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||||
| Independent examination | £1,800 | £1,800 | |||
═════ |
═════ |
||||
| 8. | DEBTORS | ||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Prepayments | 232 | 318 | |||
───── |
───── |
||||
| £232 | £318 | ||||
═════ |
════ |
||||
| 9. | CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year | ||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Accruals | 1,800 | 6,235 | |||
| Deferred income | - | 77,666 | |||
| Other creditors | 4,667 | 1,275 | |||
────── |
────── |
||||
| £6,467 | £85,176 | ||||
══════ |
══════ |
||||
| Balance at | Additions in | Released to | Balance at |
||
| 1 January | the year | income | 31 December | ||
| 2023 | 2023 | ||||
| Analysis of deferred income | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Open Society Institute | 49,430 | - | 49,430 | - |
|
| Wellspring | 28,236 | - | 28,236 | - |
|
────── |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| £77,666 | £Nil | £77,666 | £Nil |
||
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
Deferred income relates to grant income received in advance of the next financial year.
12
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
/cont
10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS | BETWEEN FUNDS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total 2023 | Total 2022 | |
| Funds | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | - | - | - |
| Current assets | 128,051 | 128,051 | 303,984 |
| Current liabilities | (6,467) | (6,467) | (85,176) |
────── |
────── |
────── |
|
| As at 31 December 2023 | £121,584 | £121,584 | £218,808 |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions in 2023 (2022 : Nil)
12. TAXATION
The charity is exempt from taxation on income and gains to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
13. LIABILITY OF MEMBERS
The charity is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation. In the event of the charity being wound up, members have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.
13
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
Registered Charity No. 1173115
REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
MYRUS SMITH
Chartered Accountants
Norman House 8 Burnell Road Sutton Surrey SM1 4BW
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees’ Annual Report | 2 - 5 |
| Report of the Independent Examiner | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 - 13 |
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE Registered Charity No: 1173115
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Board of Trustees:
D. Archer A. Hassan (Treasurer) E. Martinez (Chair) A. Taneja D. Hashem
N. Skipper B. Patel C. Coupez I.Saiz (appointed 30 June 2023) S.Namusobya (appointed 30 June 2023)
Principal Office:
Bankers:
c/o ActionAid International 33-39 Bowling Green Lane London EC1R 0BJ
CAF Bank Limited
25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
Independent Examiner:
K.C. Fisher BA FCA CTA ℅ Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd 308 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7AL
1
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
(Inc Public Benefit disclosure)
Who we are
We are a non-governmental international human rights organisation dedicated entirely to the promotion and defence of the right to education.
Why we exist
We exist because the right to education is not fully realised, is still violated and is under constant and evolving threat. There is a demonstrable need within the human rights, education and development sectors for a civil society organisation to be an expert on the right to education and act as its guardian. We exist to promote and defend education as a human right at international level, and to support civil society actors to understand and use human rights law and mechanisms to advance the realisation of the right to education at national level, holding states accountable through monitoring, reporting, advocacy and litigation.
Our vision
Our vision is a world in which everyone can fully enjoy the right to education in all its dimensions from birth to adulthood and throughout life, regardless of their status and circumstances, and where all human rights in and through education are respected, protected and realised.
As set in our constitution, our object is to promote the right to education, as defined by international human rights law, by:
-
Sharing information, tools and resources on the right to education;
-
Researching into right to education issues;
-
Monitor abuses of the right to education;
-
Raise awareness on right to education issues;
-
Providing technical advice to partner civil society organisations on right to education issues;
-
International advocacy of the right to education; and
-
Promoting respect for the right to education among individuals and corporation
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
- We launched an ambitious, bold, and focused new strategy for 2023-2026
Chief among our institutional developments this year was the development and publication of our 2023-2026 multilingual strategic plan, an ambitious document which is the product of collective reflection, consultative input, and a strategic review of the right to education and the context in which we are rooted.
• We expanded our acclaimed monitoring guide series
Deeply committed to producing tools and resources to support the work of human rights defenders and education actors worldwide, in 2023 we developed and published ‘Monitoring Access and Participation in Higher Education From a Human Rights Perspective’ in English and Spanish. This guide sits within our existing thematic monitoring guide series, and is accompanied by a series of indicators which can be found in our interactive online monitoring tool.
• We produced and supported seven research reports
We have a track recording spanning more than two decades of producing research with impact at international level. Among the highlights of 2023 include ‘Technology in education in light of human ’ rights , a background paper which we contributed to the 2023 GEM Report ‘Technology in education: a tool on whose terms?. The analysis provided in this paper was widely cited in chapter 8 of the report on governance and regulation, demonstrating the value of our research to wider positioning on rights and accountability.
Read about the rest of our publications in 2023
2
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
• We reported to UN human rights mechanisms about France and the UK
Collective advocacy is a fundamental building block for long term change. Across the year we collaborated on a range of initiatives, and led and supported the development of two reports to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These reports, focusing on the compliance of the UK and France with their obligations regarding development finance and education and the right to higher education respectively, were drawn on in the Committee’s recommendations on both occasions. This demonstrates the value of our inputs and reflects the powerful way in which we use UN mechanisms to further the enjoyment of the right to education.
• We used our platforms to inform and to advocate, reaching half a million people across six continents
Our website and the work that we produce is of immense value to CSOs, researchers, and education actors worldwide - with our materials downloaded daily from the Philippines to Mexico, the USA to Cameroon. We reached a combined total of 556,593 people, spanning all continents and every nation state.
We believe in supporting the advocacy efforts of our partners and those working in adjacent fields, and in addition to producing two of our own statements, we joined nine global calls for change on issues ranging from tax justice, to World Bank appointments, to access to sustainable, healthy food for all children at school. Read the full list of statements here.
- In 2023 we were cited 20 times by the UN, UNESCO, and the press
Our work continues to be of significant value at the highest levels of the international rights systems, with our materials, resources and monitoring guides cited in two reports by the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education, on the role and rights of teachers, and advances and critical challenges in the right to education. We also were cited in or contributed to 16 UNESCO publications over the year. Finally, in 2023 we featured twice in the media - read press coverage of RTE in Times Higher Education and Equal Times.
• We provided technical and in-kind support worldwide
Committed to advancing the right to education across all dimensions, including those which do not fall into our core areas of focus but on which our expertise can add value and promote efforts for change, we provided in-kind support to partners and colleagues worldwide on diverse issues.
This ranged from contribution to expert workshops to the provision of training, from consultation on report content, campaign strategy and materials, to hands-on technical support on how to use UN reporting mechanisms for advocacy.
- We took powerful steps towards strengthening the legal framework on early childhood care and education
The Global Advocacy Group, facilitated by RTE, joined efforts to draft early childhood care and education (ECCE) guiding principles to unpack and compile the existing legal obligations of States to guarantee ECCE rights, as prescribed under international human rights law. As part of this initiative, in partnership with UNESCO, the group organised an expert consultation to foster a discussion with human rights and ECCE experts on areas of ECCE rights that deserve a better footing in the international human rights framework. The discussions and conclusions of this consultation have been published in the report: ‘Clarifying the legal framework of ECCE rights: Key components and obligations’.
3
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Results for the Financial Year Ended 31 December 2023
We are immensely grateful to our supporters and partners for their belief in our work, and their financial and in kind support which helps make the right to education a reality for all.
In 2023, we were supported by the Portugal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amnesty International Netherlands, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, and by individual supporters of RTE. We launched a Giving Tuesday Appeal and ‘Christmas Appeal and were overwhelmed with the responses, total received £2,855. It is the generosity of individuals and organisations that enables us to realise the right to education for more learners across the globe.
Total Income for the year 2023 amounted to £132,333, which was significantly lower than prior year 2022 income and resulted in £97,224 loss, which is mostly due to our main funder Open Society Foundations closing educational sector grants and giving final ‘General Purpose’ grant to RTE 2022.
Charities assets are held primarily in cash on deposit which on 31 December 2023 amounted to £128.051.
Principle risks and uncertainties faced by RTE is withdrawal of funding and impact it would have on the charity. Our main aim for 2024 is to fundraise and find new donors to broaden our funding base.
Reserves Policy
RTE aims to maintain reserves at least equivalent to three months essential operational expenditures. Reserves are established by either
-
saving the money RTE received for services or
-
Saving some remaining money from grant - which is not always possible.
The trustees estimate the amount of reserves for each year budget and review it on a quarterly basis at their executive board meeting.
Risk Management
RTE trustees established a number of policies and procedures to minimise the risk charity can be exposed to. RTE has also developed detailed Risk Register which includes risk management ~~a~~ nd is discussed and updated at each board meeting.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
Based on external review made in 2022, RTE launched a new strategy in 2023 for the period 2023-26. RTE’s priority is to diversify its sources of funding while seeking a balance between core funding and project-funding for specific initiatives / priorities. We are seeking core funding support for the delivery of the strategy as a whole and specific funding for the priority threads of work outlined in this strategy document. Potential new donors have been identified to be approached.
Aside from pursuing traditional donors and projects, RTE will explore new ways of raising funds for instance through individual donations, crowdfunding, lottery, selling of products or services.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Right to Education Initiative is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered in England and Wales on 19 May 2017 with the charity number 1173115. RTE is governed by its constitution.
Recruitment and appointment of Members of the Council
There were 2 new trustee appointments in 2023. Ignacio Saiz and Salima Namusobya appointed both appointed on 30 June 2023 board meeting.
4
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Organisational Structure
RTE has a Board of 10 trustees who meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. At present all 10 members (listed on page 1) are from a variety of professional background relevant to the work of the charity.
The scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the management of RTE’s work rests with Executive Director. Director overseas all parts of RTE work including finances and admin as well as Policy and Communication management. The director reports directly to board members when needs arise.
Staff
Alice Beste has joined RTE as PEHRC coordination on 05.04.2023.
TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
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).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to 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 of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
-
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. 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.
The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 29[th] Oct 2024 and signed on its behalf by
Ayan Hassan Treasurer
5
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 9 to 15.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do 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 no concerns and 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.
Kevin Fisher BA FCA CTA ℅ Kingston Burrowes Audit Ltd 308 Ewell Road Surbiton Surrey KT6 7AL
29 October 2024
6
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (Incorporating Income and Expenditure Account)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | Funds | Funds | Funds | |
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income from: | ||||
| Charitable activities | 2 | 128,908 | 128,908 | 324,281 |
| Investments | 3 | 570 | 570 | 251 |
| Other income | 2,855 | 2,855 | 327 | |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| 132,333 | 132,333 | 324,859 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Charitable Activities | 4 | 229,557 | 229,557 | 203,680 |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| 229,557 | 229,557 | 203,680 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Net (expenditure)/income | 7 | (97,224) | (97,224) | 121,179 |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Net movement in funds | (97,224) | (97,224) | 121,179 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||
| Balance brought forward | 218,808 | 218,808 | 97,629 | |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Balance carried forward | £121,584 | £121,584 | £218,808 | |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
All income and expenditure are derived from continuing activities.
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised during the year.
The Notes form part of these Financial Statements.
7
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023
| Notes | 2023 | 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Current Assets | |||||
| Debtors | 8 | 232 | 318 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 127,819 | 303,666 | |||
─────── |
─────── |
||||
| 128,051 | 303,984 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 9 | 6,467 | 85,176 | ||
─────── |
121,584 | ─────── |
|||
────── |
────── |
||||
| NET ASSETS | 10 | £121,584 | £218,808 | ||
══════ |
══════ |
||||
| Represented by: | |||||
| FUNDS | |||||
| Unrestricted | 10 | 121,584 | 218,808 | ||
────── |
────── |
||||
| £121,584 | £218,808 | ||||
══════ |
══════ |
Approved by the Trustees on 29[th] Oct 2024 and signed on their behalf by:
Treasurer Ayan Hassan
The Notes form part of these Financial Statements.
8
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a) Basis of preparation
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated.
b) Income recognition
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
Grant income is recognised in accordance with agreed budgets and specified timeframes. Amounts received but which relate to future reporting periods are accounted for as deferred income. In the case of multi-year grants, the aggregate amount of future instalments not yet received or accrued and which are subject to satisfactory performance is disclosed as a contingent asset.
c) Expenditure recognition
Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure is included under the heading ‘Charitable activities’ which includes all costs directly associated with meeting the charity’s objectives and also those costs necessary to support such activities.
Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the associated expense heading.
d) Debtors and creditors
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and which are receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure
e) Funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purpose. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.
9
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
/cont
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES /contd…
f) Pensions
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme open to employees with an Employer’s Contribution fixed at 5.5% of gross salary. Employees can voluntarily contribute to the scheme at a level decided by them. Employees wishing to opt-out may do so. The board of trustees has agreed to allow staff members to operate an alternative pension scheme to be agreed with the management at a Council meeting. Contributions payable to the scheme are charged as an expense in the period to which they relate.
g) Operating Leases
Operating lease payments are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.
h) Foreign Currencies
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction. In the case of multi-year grants received in instalments, exchange gains and losses are calculated by reference to the exchange rate prevailing at the time the grant was awarded. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rate ruling at the balance sheet date. All exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
3.
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | 2023 | 2022 | |
| £ | £ | ||
| Grants and Contracts | |||
| UNESCO | 288 | 288 | 7,640 |
| Wellspring (2021 via CRIN) | 28,237 | 28,237 | 66,245 |
| Open Society Foundations | 49,430 | 49,430 | 250,396 |
| NEF | 41,000 | 41,000 | - |
| Foreign Ministry of Portugal | 8,700 | 8,700 | - |
| Amnesty International Netherlands | 1,253 | 1,253 | - |
────── |
────── |
────── |
|
| £128,908 | £128,908 | £324,281 | |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
|
| INVESTMENT INCOME | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Bank interest | 570 | 570 | 251 |
════ |
═══ |
═══ |
10
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
/cont
| 4. | EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total | Total | ||
| Funds | 2023 | 2022 | ||
| £ | £ | |||
| Direct Costs | ||||
| Salaries, fees and related costs | 214,164 | 214,164 | 198,753 | |
| Foreign exchange losses/(gains) | 1,853 | 1,853 | (16,392) | |
| Travel and subsistence | 3,431 | 3,431 | 13,927 | |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| £219,448 | £219,448 | £196,288 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| Support Costs | ||||
| Office and administration costs | 248 | 248 | 581 | |
| Website, computer and IT costs | 1,077 | 1,077 | 981 | |
| Governance (see note 5) | 1,800 | 1,800 | 1,800 | |
| Insurance | 680 | 680 | 1,104 | |
| Subscriptions | 1,102 | 1,102 | 2,824 | |
| Advertising, printing & design | 5,202 | 5,202 | 102 | |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| £10,109 | £10,109 | £7,392 | ||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| £229,557 | £229,557 | £203,680 | ||
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
||
| All expenditure relates to the unrestricted funds. | ||||
| 5. | GOVERNANCE COSTS | |||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Independent examination | £1,800 | £1,800 | ||
══════ |
══════ |
|||
| 6. | STAFF COSTS | |||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||
| £ | £ | |||
| Wages and salaries | 139,175 | 94,817 | ||
| Social security | 19,291 | 16,277 | ||
| Pension costs (defined contribution schemes) | 9,689 |
6,562 | ||
────── |
────── |
|||
| £168,155 | £117,656 | |||
══════ |
══════ |
The average number of employees in the year was 4 (2022 : 3). The average number based on full time equivalents was 3 (2022 : 3).
One employee (2022: 1) received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) in excess of £60,000.
The Trustees were not remunerated during the year. No trustees were reimbursed any expenses during the year.
11
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
/cont
6. STAFF COSTS /cont
The total amount of employee benefits received by key management personnel was £73,642 (2022: £68,402). Under FRS102, employee benefits include gross salaries, employer’s National Insurance contributions and employer’s pension contributions.
7. NET INCOME
| 7. | NET INCOME | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| Net income is stated after charging/(crediting): | |||||
| Independent examination | £1,800 | £1,800 | |||
═════ |
═════ |
||||
| 8. | DEBTORS | ||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Prepayments | 232 | 318 | |||
───── |
───── |
||||
| £232 | £318 | ||||
═════ |
════ |
||||
| 9. | CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year | ||||
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Accruals | 1,800 | 6,235 | |||
| Deferred income | - | 77,666 | |||
| Other creditors | 4,667 | 1,275 | |||
────── |
────── |
||||
| £6,467 | £85,176 | ||||
══════ |
══════ |
||||
| Balance at | Additions in | Released to | Balance at |
||
| 1 January | the year | income | 31 December | ||
| 2023 | 2023 | ||||
| Analysis of deferred income | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Open Society Institute | 49,430 | - | 49,430 | - |
|
| Wellspring | 28,236 | - | 28,236 | - |
|
────── |
────── |
────── |
────── |
||
| £77,666 | £Nil | £77,666 | £Nil |
||
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
Deferred income relates to grant income received in advance of the next financial year.
12
RIGHT TO EDUCATION INITIATIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
/cont
10. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
| ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS | BETWEEN FUNDS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Total 2023 | Total 2022 | |
| Funds | |||
| £ | £ | ||
| Fixed assets | - | - | - |
| Current assets | 128,051 | 128,051 | 303,984 |
| Current liabilities | (6,467) | (6,467) | (85,176) |
────── |
────── |
────── |
|
| As at 31 December 2023 | £121,584 | £121,584 | £218,808 |
══════ |
══════ |
══════ |
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions in 2023 (2022 : Nil)
12. TAXATION
The charity is exempt from taxation on income and gains to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
13. LIABILITY OF MEMBERS
The charity is constituted as a charitable incorporated organisation. In the event of the charity being wound up, members have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its debts and liabilities.
13