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← School Of Civic Education

2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1173608 (England and Wales)

Company registration number 09958251

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Dr I Krastev Honourable T Gati H H M Levy Mr J Lloyd Amb. R Nyberg Mr M Sohlman Ms E Millar Amb. F O'Donnell Mr A Alexandersson Amb F Von Loringhoven Ms B N Lindeman Charity number (England and Wales) 1173608 Company number 09958251 Principal address 102 Colney Hatch Lane London N10 1EA Registered office 2 Leman Street London United Kingdom E1W 9US Auditor Gravita Audit II Limited Aldgate Tower 2 Leman Street London United Kingdom E1 8FA

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 6
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities 7
Independent auditor's report 8 - 10
Statement of financial activities 11
Balance sheet 12
Statement of cash flows 13
Notes to the financial statements 14 - 20

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

Purposes and Aims

The SCE’s main purpose, as set out in the Objects and Powers in its Memorandum and Articles of Association, is to promote on the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

SCE understands the importance of raising awareness and expanding public space for civil society activists and representatives of NGOs, educational, scientific and cultural communities and the media, as well as engaging with the international expert community on topics critical to the development of civil society.

Strategies for achieving aims and objectives

The main objectives of SCE are the following :

To meet these objectives SCE annually develops and implements a comprehensive educational programme consisting of the following key directions of its activities:

  1. A cycle of seminars for new participants;

  2. Freedom of Speech, Media, and Society for journalists and media professionals;

  3. Law and Democracy Programme for lawyers and human rights defenders;

  4. Advanced Programme for alumni;

  5. Resilience Building Workshop;

  6. Issue-Based workshops in partnership with and hosted by SCE’s academic partners;

  7. Sapere Aude media projects.

  8. 1 -

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Activities

Activities Delivered During the Reporting Period

1)The Programme on Fundamentals of Democracy and Civic Engagement

An annual cycle of the programme included three four-day-long seminars held in Prague, Riga and Vilnius. In total, over 190 young people, including civic activists, journalists and media professionals, human rights activists, representatives of NGOs as well as educators participated in the programme. The carefully designed curriculum of the seminars included lectures by renowned speakers, capacity-building sessions and interactive activities to facilitate networking and improve the participants' knowledge and ability to engage actively in the processes of enhancing democratic governance and the rule of law. The programme also aimed to empower participants to be active agents of democratic transformation, both in exile and in their home countries. A high-quality, stimulating and interactive educational environment fostered engagement within the framework of civic and professional activities.

More than 90% of participants of all seminars reported that they were fully and quite satisfied with the participation in the seminar; around 90% of respondents reported on recommending candidates to the SCE programme, and over 90% of respondents noted that they are interested in the participation in further educational programmes for alumni.

2) The seminar for journalists and media professionals

In April, a four-day-long seminar was held in Riga, Latvia, attended by 36 journalists and media professionals. The participants were from Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia, including those working in exile, as well as renowned experts from all over the world.

The seminar aimed to enhance journalistic skills and introduce new perspectives on addressing complex issues through professional, ethical, legal and philosophical approaches. The programme included masterclasses, interactive discussions on professional and ethical choices and sessions on the use of artificial intelligence. Given the central context of the war in Ukraine, a significant part of the agenda was devoted to journalism in times of war. The participants reported that they had established new professional links between the countries. The workshop also contributed to building a sense of solidarity and mutual understanding among media professionals working under increasing pressure.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3) Law and Democracy Programme for lawyers and human rights defenders

Over the course of 2024, two workshops on Human Rights Defenders for Peace and Justice were held in Vilnius and Prague, each attended by over 30 representatives from the human rights communities of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, as well as international organisations, diplomats, and experts. Offline meetings were complemented by online activities and networking. A key outcome of the programme has been the formation of a sustainable — community where human rights defenders and lawyers not only network but also collaborate on projects offering legal aid, sharing expertise, verifying information, seeking funding and supporting advocacy. The final meeting focused on impunity, documenting war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the use of universal jurisdiction as a legal tool to counter injustices. Recommendations developed during the session showed strong support within the legal community for strengthening universal jurisdiction mechanisms and forming a working group to promote the issue across professional and civil society circles — not only in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, but also in Europe and the United States. This work could lead to more training initiatives for legal professionals and stronger advocacy for adapting EU national legislation to enable universal jurisdiction, advancing efforts toward fair and just trials in response to war crimes.

4) Advanced Programme for alumni

Over the course of 2024, four four-day long seminars were successfully held in various European cities for 29 prominent alumni from across Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia, including those working in exile. A year-long curriculum of the Advanced Programme ensured a highly qualitative, stimulating and interactive educational environment for socially active young people. The format of each seminar included a combination of keynote speeches on key global issues delivered by renowned experts and public figures, along with interactive workshops aimed at strengthening the skills necessary for participants to develop civic projects. Close communication during and between the seminars, as well as work on joint projects, facilitated networking and reconnection among civically active people across the countries. SCE recorded 21 social projects and initiatives developed and launched by alumni. The projects were designed for a wide range of target groups, including projects focused on anti-war efforts and anti-propaganda.

5) Resilience Building Workshop for alumni

From September 16-18, 2024, a seminar titled " Systemic Transformation and the Crisis of Rule of Law, Democracy and Human Rights : Lessons from Poland " was held in Warsaw. This event, a joint initiative between the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights in Poland and SCE, revived the tradition of holding seminars in Poland and aimed to strengthen long-standing ties with the country's intellectual and civic leaders. The seminar provided participants with a deeper understanding of the significance of the Polish elections for both Poland and Europe, and explored how Polish society has demonstrated that democracy can endure even amid global challenges.

Thirty-two alumni from different cohorts of the School were invited, representing various Eastern European countries and neighboring regions. The seminar successfully reinforced the alumni community, laying the foundation for future collaboration on joint projects, initiatives and advocacy efforts in support of democratic transformation and human rights.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

7) Sapere Aude media projects

The School regularly updated its Sapere Aude YouTube channel with expert interviews and produced weekly podcasts where alumni discussed their anti-war and social initiatives. In addition, we translated and shared the works of leading thinkers, offering global perspectives on current events. Our Civic Life Herald magazine and books were available for free download, providing access to Russian speaking readers.

To expand our reach, the School established over 30 media partnerships, including prominent outlets such as Echo of Moscow, which had a monthly audience of 1.4 million. Our content was shared across multiple platforms— Telegram, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. This wide distribution amplified our impact, engaging a diverse Russian-speaking audience and fostering important discussions on democracy, human rights, and global issues.

How The SCE’s activities deliver public benefit

SCE has operated successfully since 2016 to promote the principles of democracy, rule of law, civic education, and civic engagement in the Russian context. SCE is a unique organisation due to its extensive network of Russian civil society actors and academic experts. In very demanding circumstances, SCE has managed to find innovative ways to maintain and expand its activities. Demonstrating remarkable flexibility in adapting to increasingly repressive politics in Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine, SCE continues to support its commitment to promote civic education and empower socially active citizens through the implementation of its seminars and online development.

Programme Management and Evaluation

SCE programmes are supervised and directed by the Board of Directors on a regular basis, and in accordance with the practices and procedures set out in UK legislation applicable to companies with charitable status.

Checks and balances are ensured by a clear division of responsibilities between the following persons: the Finance Committee, the Finance Director and independent accountants. The general audit of SCE’s accounts is conducted annually by external auditors. This ensures internal control of the SCE administration and eliminates the risk of potential conflict of interest or corruption.

With regard to measuring the effectiveness and efficiency of the Objects, SCE monitored and evaluated programme deliverables in accordance with set targets, collected relevant data, prepared reports and organised evaluation meetings. The evaluation process included the collection of data, feedback from participants and the development of relevant questionnaires/templates, along with the collection of information on local projects/ initiatives implemented by programme participants.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The Statement of financial activities and the balance sheet are presented on pages 12 and 13, respectively.

Financial review

Principal Funding Sources

SCE works to strengthen its financial sustainability and diversify its sources of core and project-related funding.

The main sources of funding for the charity are grants made by governmental institutions and private foundations in different countries. The donor institutions that supported SCE’s activities during the reporting period were as follows: Stockholm Institute of Transition Economics (SITE); Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Finland; The Council of Europe; Supporters of Civil Society (USA); Prague Civil Society Centre, Open Society Foundation (OSF).

Plans for the Future

SCE will continue to fulfil its mission of building a network of civic actors open to dialogue and ways of strengthening the fundamental principles that support civil society. These principles include the rule of law, sound legal frameworks, well-functioning civic institutions and the support for human rights, all of which are crucial to the sustainable prosperity and success of modern states and democratic institutions.

With this in mind, SCE works to search for new donors and establish new partnerships with leading think tanks and academic institutions in order to benefit from additional funding and sound expertise. SCE continues to engage current and potential donors through accurate, targeted, and timely communication, taking into account the specific interests and requirements of individual donors.

Structure, governance and management

Governing Documents

SCE is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 19th January 2016 and registered as a charity on 29th June 2017. It was established under a Memorandum of Association which sets out its Objects and Powers, and is governed by its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up, each member is required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Dr I Krastev Honourable T Gati H H M Levy Mr J Lloyd Amb. R Nyberg Mr M Sohlman Ms E Millar Amb. F O'Donnell Mr A Alexandersson Amb F Von Loringhoven Ms B N Lindeman

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

Under the requirements of the Memorandum of Articles of Association the members of the Board of Directors are elected to serve for a period of three years , after which they may be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTOR'S REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Risk Management

Risk assessment and management is an important priority for the SCE Board of Trustees and management in order to identify and address risks or factors that may threaten the achievement of SCE objectives. In 2024, the SCE Board of Trustees observed a systematic approach to risk assessment and management

Organisational structure

Organisational Structure

The SCE’s Board of Directors meets a minimum of three times a year to decide on the strategic direction SCE should follow, and to assess the effectiveness of its risk management and policy. Led by two co-chairpersons, the SCE Board of Trustees consists of 11 members from different countries and with various professional backgrounds.

The Finance Committee assists the Board in fulfilling its functions in terms of internal control and financial reporting, and also with respect to monitoring compliance with the Charity Commission’s legal and regulatory requirements and assessing the effectiveness of the internal audit function.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

H H M Levy Marcia Levy, Trustee

11 September 2025

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees, who are also the directors of School of Civic Education for the purpose of company law, 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).

Company law 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, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that 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 Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

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.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of School of Civic Education (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE MEMBERS OF SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the Trustees' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE MEMBERS OF SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

We assessed the susceptibility of the charitable company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charitable company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company’s members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Paul Woosey FCA, FCCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Gravita Audit II Limited, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants Aldgate Tower 2 Leman Street London E1 8FA United Kingdom 12 September 2025

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2024
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
41,037
1,151,824
Total income
41,037
1,151,824
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
3
-
25,643
Charitable activities
4
41,037
1,119,689
Total expenditure
41,037
1,145,332
Net income
-
6,492
Transfers between
funds
(681)
681
Other recognised
gains and losses:
Other losses
9
(1,518)
-
Net movement in
funds
(2,199)
7,173
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January
2024
-
-
Fund balances at 31
December 2024
(2,199)
7,173		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
2023
£
£
£
1,192,861
3,087
1,064,017
1,192,861
3,087
1,064,017
25,643
-
26,508
1,160,726
3,087
1,037,509
1,186,369
3,087
1,064,017
6,492
-
-
-
-
-
(1,518)
-
-
4,974
-
-
-
-
-
4,974
-
-		 Total
2023
£
1,067,104
1,067,104
26,508
1,040,596
1,067,104
-
-
-
-
-
-

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
Notes
£
Current assets
Debtors
10
81,226
Cash at bank and in hand
90,796
172,022
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
11
(167,048)
Net current assets
The funds of the charity
Restricted income funds
12
Unrestricted funds
13		 2023
£
£
166,027
12,609
178,636
(178,636)
4,974
7,173
(2,199)
4,974		 £
-
-
-
-

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 11 September 2025

H H M Levy Marcia Levy, Trustee

Company registration number 09958251 (England and Wales)

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024
Notes
£
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from/(absorbed by)
operations
15
Net cash generated from investing activities
Net cash generated from financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2023
£
£
£
78,187
(45,442)
-
-
-
-
78,187
(45,442)
12,609
58,051
90,796
12,609

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

School of Civic Education is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 2 Leman Street, London, United Kingdom, E1W 9US.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Incorporation, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.7 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Impairment of financial assets

Financial assets, other than those held at fair value through income and expenditure, are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. Financial assets are impaired where there is objective evidence that, as a result of one or more events that occurred after the initial recognition of the financial asset, the estimated future cash flows have been affected.

If an asset is impaired, the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount and the present value of the estimated cash flows discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment loss is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

If there is a decrease in the impairment loss arising from an event occurring after the impairment was recognised, the impairment is reversed. The reversal is such that the current carrying amount does not exceed what the carrying amount would have been, had the impairment not previously been recognised. The impairment reversal is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

Derecognition of financial assets

Financial assets are derecognised only when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled, or when the charity transfers the financial asset and substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to another entity, or if some significant risks and rewards of ownership are retained but control of the asset has transferred to another party that is able to sell the asset in its entirety to an unrelated third party.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8 Foreign exchange

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All gains / losses are recorded in income or expenditure as appropriate

2 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds
2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Grants 41,037 1,151,824 1,192,861 3,087 1,064,017 1,067,104

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

3 Expenditure on raising funds
Restricted Restricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Seeking donations, grants and legacies 25,643 26,508
4 Expenditure on charitable activities
Charitable Charitable
activities activities
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Accomodation and meals 372,498 288,041
Conference Facilities - 10,182
Expert Fee & Travel 240,272 193,130
Interpreter and translation fee 62,910 71,282
Project consultants 204,133 209,232
Web project maintenance 93,833 69,085
Printing material 117 10,245
Publishing 15,368 12,621
Project assistant 23,060 23,684
Sundry 588 -
Photo & Video 33,838 36,135
1,046,617 923,637
Share of support and governance costs (see note 5)
Support 100,519 91,327
Governance 13,590 25,632
1,160,726 1,040,596
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 41,037 3,087
Restricted funds 1,119,689 1,037,509
1,160,726 1,040,596

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

5 Support costs allocated to activities

Office, Admin and Finance costs
Telephone
Travel
Bank charges
Rent
Sundries
Governance costs
Analysed between:
Charitable activities
Governance costs comprise:
Legal and professional
Auditors remuneration		 2024
£
75,182
572
4,502
3,796
9,523
6,944
13,590
114,109
114,109
2024
£
2,190
11,400
13,590		 2023
£
65,815
1,560
6,270
2,742
8,688
6,252
25,632
116,959
116,959
2023
£
-
25,632
25,632

6 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

7 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
Total - -

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

8 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

9
Other gains and losses
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Gains/(losses) upon:
£
£
Foreign exchange
1,518
-
10
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Other debtors
81,226
128,313
Prepayments and accrued income
-
37,714
81,226
166,027
Other debtors include grants receivable of £78,183 (2023 £128,313).
11
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Accruals and deferred income
167,048
178,636		 9
Other gains and losses
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Gains/(losses) upon:
£
£
Foreign exchange
1,518
-
10
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Other debtors
81,226
128,313
Prepayments and accrued income
-
37,714
81,226
166,027
Other debtors include grants receivable of £78,183 (2023 £128,313).
11
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Accruals and deferred income
167,048
178,636		 9
Other gains and losses
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2024
2023
Gains/(losses) upon:
£
£
Foreign exchange
1,518
-
10
Debtors
2024
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
£
Other debtors
81,226
128,313
Prepayments and accrued income
-
37,714
81,226
166,027
Other debtors include grants receivable of £78,183 (2023 £128,313).
11
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£
£
Accruals and deferred income
167,048
178,636
2023
£
128,313
37,714
166,027
2024
£
167,048		 2023
£
178,636

12 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

At
Previous year:
At		 1 January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
-
1,151,824
(1,145,332)
1 January
2023
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
£
-
1,064,017
(1,064,017)		 Transfers
At 31
December
2024
£
£
681
7,173
Transfers
At 31
December
2023
£
£
-
-

SCHOOL OF CIVIC EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

13 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers Gains and At 31
2024 resources expended losses December
2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
General funds - 41,037 (41,037) (681) (1,518) (2,199)
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources Transfers Gains and At 31
2023 resources expended losses December
2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
General funds - 3,087 (3,087) - - -

14 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

15 Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations 2024 2023
£ £
Surplus for the year 6,492 -
Adjustments for:
Foreign exchange differences (1,518) -
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 84,801 (49,408)
(Decrease)/increase in creditors (11,588) 3,966
Cash generated from/(absorbed by) operations 78,187 (45,442)
16 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no material debt during the year.