Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statement for the period From 1/10/2020 (period start date) to 30/09/2021 (period end date)
Charity Name: MODEL WESTMINSTER Charity Registration Number: 1184456
Aims and Purposes
Model Westminster works to improve the political engagement of young people. We are a non-partisan, volunteer-run, and educational registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Our interactive events, spanning talks, debates and group work, are designed to illustrate how politics and policymaking interact to tackle the greatest political challenges of our time.
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s public benefit guidance.
The objects of the charity are, for the public benefit:
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The advancement of education particularly, but not exclusively, in politics and policy making.
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To advance in life and help young people through providing support and activities which develop their skills, capacities and capabilities to enable them to participate in society as mature and responsible individuals.
Summary of Activities
Our charity organises a mixture of both public events for all young people aged 16-25 and events not publicly advertised e.g. with a school and indirectly through our affiliations with UK universities.
Every event the charity runs is based on a non-partisan political issue that participants can explore. Through interactive sessions, young people develop their critical thinking skills by engaging in multi-sided discussions, debates and listening to experts from event topic’s respective fields. The events also allow young people to learn from and teach each other, which increases their sense of community and involvement in society.
Due to COVID-19 disruptions in the education space e.g., schools and universities suspending school visits from outside entities and volunteering/travel constrains, Model Westminster has been on a hiatus between March 2020 - Sep 2021, hence no current events will be listed below. September 2022 will be the first school year with no disruption from COVID, this is when we envisage programming returning to normal.
Contribution of volunteers
We are grateful that Model Westminster has been run by a team of dedicated volunteers, most of whom have been university students.
Together they have brought with them a wealth of experience from debate training, to teaching and knowledge obtained from their degrees.
In addition, we seek to invite experts into every event, these experts who volunteer their time have worked in their field e.g., diplomatic services, debate trainer, police commissioner for several years and share our mission of advancing education in policy making.
Achievements and Performance
Due to COVID 19 and our inability to maintain partnerships with schools during this time – we took a hiatus between March 2022 – Sep 2021 (where this report covers). We hope to resume normal programming by Sep 2022. Whilst we have no significant events to report, we have included our previous years achievements and performance to illustrate what we aim to achieve in a regular year where our corporate (e.g. Twitter and Hogan Lovells) partnerships and educations (e.g. Bow school and Exeter University) have the resources and legal freedom post-covid to fully participate.
PREVIOUS EVENTS:
In the year preceding our hiatus, (excluding university societies), Model Westminster has reached over 180 young people.
The Miseducation
Roundtable
This event was a joint event with non-profit organisation ‘Get IN Westminster’. Model Westminster ran ‘The Miseducation?’ as a 2-part event. The first event was focussed on developing critical thinking through debate, discussion and analyses of data and government reports. The second event was designated as a smaller event, where participants would be paired with a mentor in the civil service to learn how to write ‘parliamentary style’ analysis and recommendations based of information gathered at the previous event.
Model Westminster and Get IN Westminster set out to allow students to explore a variety of key issues that have impacted students and academics of colour currently in higher education. This included, the attainment gap, admission practices, mental health facilities in universities, representation in senior leadership and funding.
We held an interactive panel discussion that sought to hear from a variety of views from experts to faculty to students, across the political spectrum. Speakers included Dr Deborah Gabriel, senior academic based in the Faculty of Media and Communication at Bournemouth University, Paulette Williams Paulette Williams has worked in higher education for over a decade leading widening participation and student success projects; Larissa Kennedy (20) Education Officer and Deputy President at Warwick Students’ Union among others. All guests were informed of the need to remain apolitical throughout.
Mentorship
All participants (excluding faculty/experts) were invited to our second event aimed at providing young people with little exposure to politics with a mentor in the civil service. For a one-month period, participants had contact with their mentors as they learnt how parliamentary papers are written. This culminated in an event in Parliament, where the chapters were finalised. The event was successful; however, the vast majority of participants did not maintain contact with their mentors despite finding them insightful. In future we will work on maintaining links beyond the event.
The Power of Social Media
‘The Power of Social Media’ was an interactive event aimed to help young people explore social media’s impact on society. The event, hosted by Twitter UK, gave participants the opportunity to delve deeper into the links between social media and the political engagement and mental health of young people.
Workshops
Critical thinking is a skill that Model Westminster aims to foster and encourage in young people. After hearing from industry professionals, participants took part in two workshops, (Using social media to make an impact and Mental Health and social media) allowing them to think through and challenge the information that has been presented.
Using social media to make an impact
Katy Minshall , Head of UK Government, Public Policy and Philanthropy Twitter addressed participants on how charities and campaigners can make the most of social media e.g Twitter. Following this talk and Q&A, participants will leave with knowledge of how to harness social media for campaigns that will make a positive difference in society. In addition, as a group, participants drafted a letter of advice, which participants could send to their MP’s about how they can better engage with young people using social media.
Mental Health and Social Media
The second workshop focussed on Mental health and social media.
Dr Becky Inkster , NSPN Senior Manager & Wolfson College Research Associate, Cambridge Neuroscience, University of Cambridge delivered a talk focusing on social media and young people’s mental health and well-being. Becky explored the potential effects of social media. She discussed her calls-to-action to mitigate the negative effects.
Following this talk and Q&A, we read a report titled the ‘Impact of social media and screen-use on young people’s health’ published by the House of Commons Science
and Technology Committee in January 2019. In groups, participants used this framework to brainstorm new policy recommendations to solve some of the highlighted issues.
As always, Model Westminster takes a non-partisan stance on all issues and aims to improve the political engagement of young people by bringing them closer to issues that may affect them.
Of the attendees who filled in our feedback form, 100% of attendees would recommend our events to a friend, 100% say they are more likely to engage in politics after attending this event (directly demonstrating our public benefit) and 70% had not studied politics formally at university. One participant noted that the speakers selected were very informative.
Louder London
The purpose of this event was to provide young people with an opportunity to learn debating skills from a Model Westminster’s debate trainers. We provided an opportunity to practise these skills in a debating competition and receive feedback from judges.
This event was about creating a fun and free way for young people with limited debating experiences to discuss important issues with each other. Participants gained more confidence in voicing their opinions and analysing arguments, which aims to help them reach their own judgements about real decisions being made in the UK.
This was a non-partisan debate; no party politics was permitted at any point, only policies relating to specific issues for educational purposes were used. Team, judges and guests were informed that overtly partisan politics may lead to disqualification or deduction of points.
In the feedback form 100% of participants in this event agreed they would be more likely to engage in politics after attending the event and 60% had never studied politics in a formal capacity.
Bow School
In a bid to increase our reach and benefit to the public, we sought to partner up with a local school. Bow School is a comprehensive secondary school and sixth form for boys and girls, located in Bromley-by-Bow in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, England. It has a roll of 600 pupils, and we partnered with school staff to create a short programme of events.
Introductory Assembly
We introduced Model Westminster to the whole of Bow School Sixth Form, outlining our mission, how they could engage in our events and how we would get involved with their school.
General Election
Model Westminster ran a General Election workshop for the sixth form, as some were of voting age. We informed pupils of the role of local and national elections, how parliament is organised and how to contact their MP.
We also facilitated a class debate on general topics to foster familiarity with discussing issues amongst their peers.
Migration Workshop
As part of a larger conference within the school, Model Westminster ran a migration workshop focussing on immigration rules around the world. We then introduced and facilitated a class debate on whether the UK should switch to a solely points based immigration system. Students were allocated a side, to encourage them to think of arguments outside their own perspective.
Due to COVID-19 and the heavy restrictions on schools, we were not able to continue with our programme of events. However, our intentions are to expand and include more schools when possible.
University Societies
Model Westminster is a standalone CIO; however, we have links with ‘Model Westminster Societies’ in one UK university. These societies are independent, and Model Westminster does not take any liability for them. These societies agree to follow the objectives and aims of Model Westminster for the benefit of students at their respective universities. Our first was in Durham, this society ran for one academic year, however due to lack of committee members it closed in October 2018.
‘MW EXE’, the Exeter university society is still running, with a wide programme of events and a full committee. It has run for approximately 3 years and has had guests from Alastair Campbell to Mr Ben Bradshaw is the Labour MP for Exeter.
Whilst remaining separate from our charity, these organisations help us increase the benefits we can offer to the public outside London.
To protect Model Westminster’s brand and reputation, we have a clear set of guidelines for societies to follow including remaining apolitical and non-partisan.
Financial Review
The payments and receipts accounts show £0 in all areas as no payments or receipts have gone through a Model Westminster account. In the same way we have not accepted any assets or liabilities.
We intend to raise funds and obtain grants in the future to help us meet our charitable aims, but at present due to volunteer support and minimal resources required – we have decided to run the charity with no budget in its initial year and due to complications due to COVID.
Gifts in kind of services are not required to be stated in the receipts and payments or assets and liability.
We currently hold zero reserves as our charity does not require cash to continue to meet its charitable aims. At present we partner with schools and organisations, so we have venue space and resources such as paper, to teach.
In the future this will change, and we hope to obtain grants to expand our operations, we will still endeavour to run a lean and low budget operation where possible to best utilise potential donors’ money or grants.
The budget of the charity is not a going concern of continuity, so long as we continue to work with organisations such as schools that allow us to keep our running costs extremely low. The trustees are aware that for the long-term health of the charity, holding reserves would be beneficial for the security and longevity of Model Westminster.
Structure, Governance and Management
Type of governing document
The organisation is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered on 17 July 2019. This charity does not own and/or lease land or property. The original Constitution Of Model Westminster was signed on 07/01/2018 by Grant Fisher, Chair of Trustees.
If the CIO is wound up, each Member of the CIO is liable to contribute to the assets of the CIO such amount (but not more than £1) as may be required for payment of the debts and liabilities of the CIO contracted before that person ceases to be a member, for payment of the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for adjustment of the rights of the contributing members among themselves.
Trustee selection methods
We currently have 3 trustees.
According to our governing documents, each Trustee shall retire from office at the third Annual Retirement Meeting following the commencement of his or her term of office. The Annual Retirement Meeting shall be the meeting of the Trustees at which the accounts of the CIO are adopted.
Retiring Trustees may be reappointed.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
CHARITY NAME: Model Westminster OTHER NAME CHARITY USES: MW REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1184456 CHARITY’S PRINCIPAL ADDRESS: 68 HINDES ROAD HARROW HA1 1SL
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Name | Role | Date of | Other | Reporting status of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| appointment | trusteeships | other trusteeships | ||
| Alice Dermody- | Trustee | 21 September | None on | |
| Palmer | 2018 | record | ||
| WILL DYER | Trustee | 23 May 2019 | None on | |
| record | ||||
| GRANT FISHER | Chair | 07 January 2018 | None on | |
| record |
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
The charity and its trustees are not acting as custodian trustees.
Name of Chief Executive /Director
Anwulika Elliott
Other optional information
A record of services given in kind:
- None for this financial year
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Grant Fisher Position (eg Chair of Trustees Secretary, Chair, etc) Date 30/09/21
| Model Westminster | Model Westminster | Model Westminster | Model Westminster | Model Westminster | 1184456 | 1184456 | 1184456 | CC16a | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For the period from |
17/07/2019 | To | 30/09/2020 | ||||||
| Section A Receipts and payments | |||||||||
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
Last year to the nearest £ |
||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||
| 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| Sub total | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
|||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Sub total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
|||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||
| Sub total | 0 | 0 | |||||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||||||
| 0 | |||||||||
| 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| 0 | 0 |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| CCXX R1 accounts (SS) Categories B2 Other monetary assets B1 Cash funds |
~~1~~ Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 0 0 0 0 OK Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 0 0 |
Restricted funds to nearest £ 0 0 0 0 OK Restricted funds to nearest £ 0 0 |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| OK | ||||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| ~~1~~ | 0 | 0 | ~~28/07/2021~~ 0 |
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
|||||
| B3 Investment assets | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| 0 | 0 | |||||||
| Details | Fund to which asset belongs |
Cost (optional) | Current value (optional) |
|||||
| B4 Assets retained for the | 0 | 0 | ||||||
| charity’s own use | ||||||||
| 0 | 0 | |||||||
| 0 | 0 | |||||||
| Fund to which | Amount due | When due | ||||||
| Details | liability relates | (optional) | (optional) | |||||
| B5 Liabilities | 0 | |||||||
| 0 | ||||||||
| Signed byoneor two trustees on | ||||||||
| behalf of all the trustees | Signature | Name | Date of approval |
|||||
| Grant Fisher | 28/07/2021 |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
28/07/2021
2