2023-12-31-accounts - Openedge-Transforming Conflict

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OpenEdge Transforming Conflict (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Charity number: 1176903

Annual Report 2024.

www.openedge.org.uk info@openedge.org.uk

Statement of the Chair of Trustees	3
Objectives and activities for the public benefit	4
A review of our achievements and performance	5
Organisational development	8
Professional Development	9
Plans for Future Periods	9
	10
Financial review
	11
Structure, governance and management

Statement of the Chair of Trustees

I am excited to write this statement in my first period as Chair of Trustees for OpenEdge. I joined at the beginning of 2024, so the contents of this report happened before my appointment. But I am happy to support the reporting of the work of OE in 2023, and be part of what is continuing and growing in 2024 and beyond.

In 2023 OpenEdge continued service provision to third sector clients, internal organisational development, and a strategic review for the years ahead. This report gives details about our activities and an update on our organisational development to achieve our charitable purposes going forward.

OpenEdge has continued being in great demand for our Otherness Lab project in particular, as more and more organisations and individuals understand the need for engaging with systemic racism, anti-oppression and transforming inclusion. We have also been busy with our Festival of Conflict work through supporting groups and individuals in conflict, as well as helping groups to develop skills and capacities to build their own restorative conflict systems.

OpenEdge has worked with Trusts and Foundations, climate change organisations, community-based organisations, other change-making groups, educational institutions, run public workshops and collaborations, and offered a residential programme.

Excitedly, OpenEdge has grown in personnel in 2023! We welcomed darcy thiruchelvum to our core team of directors. darcy’s contributions have not only helped OE expand its capacity to deliver vital work, but have also helped us with essential organisational development and strategy. We also welcomed Linda Doyle, a new volunteer who has been giving their time and skills to help us develop our evaluation frameworks, as well as supporting our outreach. Again, these are such valuable contributions. And we welcomed Anish Chhibber, a new trustee with great academic and facilitator experience in identity and equity work. Anish has also taken on a specific role to develop our Accountability processes which, again, are essential and inspiring us forward.

The OpenEdge team would like to thank each one of you who has and who continues to support us. We value your interest and care, and would also like to hear any feedback, comments or questions.

PhD Azza Dira Chair of Trustees

Objectives and activities of the public benefit

For the public benefit, OpenEdge – Transforming Conflict will work to advance the prevention, reduction and transformation of violence and violent conflict in any part of the world with:

anyone affected by direct and/or structural violence (in the community or workplace)
individuals and groups who work with those affected by violence
and/or violent conflict (e.g. staff of NGO’s, government agencies or
organisations)
those whose activities impact and/or influence violence and violent
conflict (e.g. academics, policy makers, policy implementers, armed
actors)

Through a combination of scholarship, research, practical expertise, fund-raising, core and project funding and management, OpenEdge Transforming Conflict will guide, train, coach, facilitate, and support participants, colleagues and partners in developing their understanding, choices and actions regarding violence and violent conflict both in the UK and internationally.

Review of our achievements and performance

From January to December 2023 OpenEdge has completed the following activities

1) Friends of the Earth

3-month consultancy and training on Anti-racism and White supremacy for Friends of the Earth core staff and network.

2) Southall Trust

Systemic inequity training for family philanthropic foundation.

3) Collaborate CIC

9-month training, consultancy, leadership coaching and identity inequity mediation services for London-based systemic leadership consultancy.

4) Transition Together - THRIVE

"Power & Privilege 101#!training for Transition Network#s THRIVE programme to support their grassroots leaders to begin considering issues of power and inequity within their community-building projects.

5) Tudor Trust

Targeted support for emerging conflict following internal identity inequity learning programme. Provision of both conflict transformation support & specific anti-racism/ identity equity training for board of trustees and incoming CEO.

6) Bristol GCP – CCA Programme

Systemic equity introduction and training for Bristol Council#s Green Capital Partnership grassroots leadership programme.

7) Tipping Point UK

Whole team anti-oppression training, conflict transformation training, as well as "power audit#!process & targeted support with structural power dynamics.

8) Peace Direct

2-day NVC training with additional follow-up and conflict support to support leading peace organisation to develop internal practice and praxis of nonviolence.

9) Skylarks Transforming Inclusion Immersive Summer Camp

For the third year running, OpenEdge has collaborated with Change in Nature to deliver a 7-day residential immersive learning journey.

10) Peace Direct UK and US

Training in Nonviolent Communication for the team in the UK and US to embed nonviolent ways of working internally and align their behaviours and culture with their beliefs and values.

11) Salford and Trafford GP training programme

Training trainee GP#s on how systemic marginalisation happens.

12) Vestaire

. Sharing Nonviolent Communication approaches with the team in wellbeing week

13) Newcastle Clinical Psychology Dept

2nd year supporting students to integrate the teachings they have had on anti racism.

14) Public course in person and online

Running Beyond a Story of separation, a systemic NBC course online and in person.

15) Sharpham Trust

Sharing NVC training with staff.

16) Bristol Cable

Addressing internal conflict.

17) University of Highlands and Islands

NVC training for student group.

17) Whiteness Self-Repair Project initiation

Convening a collaborative project to develop a Whiteness programme to support changemakers and activists in engaging transformatively with emerging systemic dynamics.

18) Medicine Festival

Panel contributions and workshop offerings.

19) Co Liberation Pod, Stroud

Began and co-led a pilot project, ‘Whiteness Co liberation’ with people with experiences racialised as White and those racialised as People of Colour’. This experiment was to pilot new decolonised material and explore what the ‘co’ in co liberation actually needs to look like.

20) Environmental Funders Network

Began conversations with EFN regarding possible funding, as well as collaborations and partnerships with other grantees. Ongoing.

Organisational Development

Over the past year the OE team has focused on programme development, accountability, strategic development, processes and procedures; addressing availability and resilience within the team and looking into Trusts and Foundation fundraising.

1) Programme Development

Clear sense of the necessary ‘pillars’ and structures that need to be in place for both organisational and public offerings. Particularly around inputs and the development of a number of ‘101’s’ to equip participants with the necessary framing and understanding to engage in the relational work that is required. Also, this has been particularly important for developing our understanding and ways of working to protect those most systemically at risk of harm and marginalisation, through developing parallel learning structures and support spaces for dominant/nondominant experiences (in contrast to all working together from the beginning).

2) Accountability

A clear principle of OpenEdge’s work is in terms of how we can be accountable for our actions in the world. To operationalise this we have created a dedicated accountability role within the organisation to support us in developing our . accountability systems for public, client and internal work

3) Strategic Development

For the past 6-months OpenEdge has been working with a strategic consultant to develop our Organisational Strategy. We have been working diligently to explore and refine our vision, theory of change, purpose, and short and longer-term goals. This has been vital work to increase our attractiveness to potential funders, as well as to be more targeted in our funding strategy. In addition, this work has also been important in defining ourselves within a larger ecosystem of changemaking work, understanding what is ‘ours to do’, and in turn being clearer in our offerings and which collaborations to say yes or no to in achieving our organisational aims.

Professional Development

In the past year staff have undertaken the following professional development courses:

Online training programme: NVC for Systems Change + Facilitating Inequity
Roots Up – a programme exploring the relationship between Nature Connection methodology and social justice work
My Body & the World – Processwork seminar to understand body experiences and signals in relation to world issues
Healing History – Processwork seminar to understand body trauma in relation to histories of ongoing violence

Plans for future periods

Following our strategic review, our plans for 2025 and beyond include a significant increase in public programme offerings to develop a clearer network of interested and engaged practitioners with OpenEdge#s approach to interrupting systemic inequity and identity-based violence. This approach is based on the acquisition of core and project funding, which is a high priority focus for 2024.

Shifting to an increasing reliance on external funding does have its risks, however, to develop OpenEdge as a project within itself, it is necessary to secure funding to develop this Research and Development aspect of our organisation to share our findings and best practice with other engaged practitioners in this field.

Longer-term we are considering the possibility of a dedicated OpenEdge learning centre from which to run residential programmes.

Financial Review

Currently, our work is entirely reliant on income from the organisations and groups who engage us, plus fees for public workshops. This year OpenEdge has focused on delivering work and generating more income for a sustainable year ahead, while delivering less work and developing our organisation and raising funds.

The increase in income generated from our activities has allowed us to become more suitable and resilient covering core costs, increasing our reserves and allocating resources for other essential elements of our work, including a part-time accountability specialist, professional development, supervision and wellbeing support. The financial strategy for the forthcoming year is based upon the need to spend more time doing internal organisational work this year, and raising funding from donors. With less time to deliver work, OE will use the increased income from 2023 to carry us into a year of more organisational strategic development and fundraising.

Please see our accompanying financial returns for more details.

Structure, Governance and Management

Chair: Azza Dira (Chair)

Trustees: Kevin Gough (Treasurer), Anish Chhibber, Rakesh Prashara Charity number: 1176903

Key personnel:

Sophie Docker, Director

d’arcy thiruchelvum (formally known as Declan D’Arcy), Director

Sarri Bater, Founder, Director

Contact information

OpenEdge - Transforming Conflict

% UKY Hacker Young

168 Church Lane Brighton BN3 2DL

00447475714188 info@openedge.org.uk www.openedge.org.uk

nEd e-Transformin Confli Unaudited Financial Statements For The Accountin Year Ended 31st December 2023 Charity Registration Number. 1176903

enEd e-Transfonnin Conflict Contents Pa Trustees, Annual Report Statement of Finan(aal Acbvth"es Statement of Financial Posrtion Notes to Financial Statements

enEd e-Transfonnin Conflict Com an Inforniation Registered Chartty OpenEdge-Tranth)ming Confflict Charty Registration.. 1176903 The Trustees.. Paul Bazety Anish Chhibber lappointed 20.02.2023 Dr. A2za Dirar lappointed 30.11.2023) Kevin Gough Rakesh Prashara (appointed 30 11_2023) Principal Office.. 168. Church Road HOVE East Sussex BN3 2DL Accounlants". K.M.G. Taxatson Ground Floor 76, Hhdown Road HOVE East Sussex BN3 6EB

nEd e-Transfomiin Conflict Trustees Annual Re The Trustees presents thr reF)Ort and the unaudited financial statements for the rIOd from 1st January 2023 to 31st Dernber 2023 Objectives and Activities Public workshops and presentatt"ons. Events wjth other organisats.ons and groups. Partnership, department of peace studies and intemational development al Bradford University- Partr)ership with youth led groups in Sri Lanka. Techn1 advisors to peace and community ath"on. Online leadership courses_ Education,. Cibzenship or community developmenL" Human Rights To promote conflict resolution and reconciliats'on for the public benefil through the preventson and reduction of Violen and conflid by the provision of advice and support lo individuals affeded in the communty and or workplace. The Charity was established on 30th January 2018. Financial Revigw The Trustees have assessed the rnajor risk5 to which the Charity is exposed, in particular, those related lo the OFeralion and finances of the Charity, and are satisfied thal systems are in place to mitigate the exposure lo major risks. The Trustees Annual Report was approved on 26th October 2024, and signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees by., Paul Bazely Trustèe & Secretary

nEd e-TranSfOIn Conflict Accountants Re I report lo the Tnjslees on my examinalHJn of the Financial Statements of OpenEdge-Transfoming Confiict ('the Charity'l lor the accounts.ng peric¥J ended 31st December 2023. R•sponsibilities and Basis of Report As the Trustees of the Charty you a resp)nsible for the preparation of Ihe Financial Statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 Ilhe ACVI I report in respect of my exarninalion of the Charitys Financial Statements carTbed out under Sectr"on 145 of the 2011 Act. and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145{5}{bl of the ACL Independent Examinerfs Statement I have completed my examination. I confim) thal no material matters have come to my attention in connection wrth the examinatson giving me cause lo believe that any material respect". 1. Accountsng records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by Seth"on 130 of the Act," or 2. The Financial Statements do not aco)rd wth those records,. or 3. The Financial Statements do not compty with the appluble requirements conceming the form and content of the accounts set oul in the Charities {Accounts and Reports) Regulattons 2008, other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fai whi¢h is not a matter considered as part of an independent examinatx)n. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention shcmjld be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. K.M.G. Taxation Ground Floor 76, Highdown Road HOVE East Sussex BN3 6EB

O nEd e-Tra orrnin statement of Financial Activities ForThe Accountin Year Ended 31st December 2023 Year Ended 31st l>ecember 2023 Ygar Ended 31st December 2022 Income & Endowments Donations and Legacies Investment Income 65.626 19,820 Total Income 65,626 19.820 Expenditure Expenditure on rasing funds Expenditure on Charitable Actiwties 59,302 27,052 Total Expenditure 59.302 27,052 Not incom8 and net movement in funds 6.324 7,232 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds earried fonvanl 6,324 7,232 The statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from ¢¢tInUIng acts"vilies.

nEd e-Transfornii Corfflict Statement of Financial Positron as at 31st December 2023 Year Ended Year Ended 31$t December 2023 31st December 2022 FixedAssets Intangible Assets Tangible Assets Current Assets Stock & Woth in ProgTess Dèbtors Cash at Bank and in Hand 6,375 6.375 4,959 4,959 cditorS.. amounts 18lling due within one year Net Current Assets 6,375 4,959 TotslAssets Le Current Liabililves 6,375 4.959 credIt.. amounts lalllng due after more thart ono year Net Assets 6,375 4,959 Funds of the Charlty Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds rotal Charity Furtds 6,375 6.375 4,959 4.959 The Financial Staternents were aP[ved by the Board of Trustees, and authorised for iwue, on 26th October 2024, and are signed on behalf of the IxMrd by". Payl Baxely Trustee & Secretary

enEd e-Transfomiin Conflict Notes to the Financial Ststements For The Accountln Year Ended 31st December 2023 1. General Informatlon The Charrty is a public benefrt enb.ty and a registered tharity in England and Wales. and is unincorporated. 2. Statement of Compliance These Financial Slalements have been prepared in compliance wth FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, the Slalemenl of Recommended Practice aptyicable to tharities pparIng their a(xounts in accordance wrth the Finan31 Repolting SlandaTd aPIcable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102) (Charities SORP {FRS 1021 and the Charities Act 2011. 3. Ac¢ounfjng Pollcles Basis of Preparation The Financial Statements have been prepared the historical cost basis. as modified by the revaluati) of certain financial assets and liabilities and in¥estmenl properties measured al fair value through incorne or expenditure_ The Financial Statements are prepared in Sterting, which is the fUb"Onal currency of the enb'ly. Golng Concern Theie are no material uncertainties ab(Krt the Charitys abilty to ntinUe.

enEd -Transforniin Conflict Notes to the Financial Statements For Thè Aeeauntin Year Ended 31st December 2023 4. Fixed Assets Fixtures. Freehold Plant & Fittings & Motor Propèrty MaChiry Equipment Vehicle 20% 20¥. 25¢ Total Co¥t At 1 st January 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 st D8cèmbac 2023 Depreciation Depreciation Blfv Charge lor Year Disposals Oepreciabon Clfv Net Book Values At 31sl December 2023 Al 1st January 2023 S. Debtors Year Ended 31st Decernber 2023 Year Ended 31st December 2022 Prepayments and Auxued Incorne Other Debtors 6. Creditors: amounts falling due within onè year Year Ended 31$t December 2023 Year Ended 31st December 2022 Accurals and Deferred Income

nEd ethTJansforniin Confll¢t Notes to the Financial Ststernents For The Accountin Year Ended 31st December 2023 7. Independent Examination fees 2023 Fees payable to the independent examiner for, Independent examinabon of the Finanual Statements . Staff Costs The total staff costs and empk)yee beneffts for the reportt'ng penod are analysed as follows,. The average headcounl of employees during the period was Nil. No employee received employees benefits during the accounting period. 9. Analysis of Charitable Funds 2023 Unrestricted funds brought forward Income Expenditure Unrestrrted funds carried forward 65.626 59,302 6,324 10. Trustee Remuneratlon and Expenses No remuneralK)n or other benefits from employment with the Charity, or a related entity, were received by the Trustees.

nE e-Transfornii Connict Detailed Tradin For The Accountin and Profit and Loss Account Year Ended 31$t December 2023 Year Ended Year Ended 31st December 2023 31st LJe¢ember 2022 Income and Endowments. Donations and Legacies Donations Gfft Aid Reip1S 65.626 19.820 65.626 19,820 Investh?ent Income Bank Interest Receivable Total Income 65.626 19,820 ExpèndlknrÈ Costs of raising donations and legaties Expendityre on ¢haritsble aclivities Consultants. Training & Event Costs Purchases Insurance Legal & Professional General Administralion costs 58,828 24,771 52 251 1,794 2S Total Expenditure 59.302 27,052 Netln¢ome for the perlod 6.324 7,232

nEd e-Transformin Confli Unaudited Financial Statements For The Accountin Year Ended 31st December 2023 Charity Registration Number. 1176903

enEd e-Transfonnin Conflict Contents Pa Trustees, Annual Report Statement of Finan(aal Acbvth"es Statement of Financial Posrtion Notes to Financial Statements