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2021-08-31-accounts

THE AWEN PROJECT Trustees Annual Report and Financial Statements Year ended 31 August 2021

“Awen has made me feel like part of a big family. It’s given us some tools that we use at home… and some wonderful new life-long friendships.”

(Awen parent)

Year ended 31 August 2021

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Contents

Welcome 4
Trustees’ annual report 5
Objectives 5
Activities 5
Achievements and performance 6
Organisational achievements 7
Impact Report 2021 8
Goals for 2021/22 9
Financial review 10
Structure, governance and management 10
Legal and administrative information 11
Statement of Board of Trustees’ responsibilities 13
Independent examiner’s report 14
�tatement o� fnancial acti�ities 15
Balance sheet 16
�otes to the fnancial statements 17

Charity number 1186305

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The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Year ended 31 August 2021

Welcome

The Covid-19 pandemic has shocked the world with devastating impact on people’s lives and health. Whilst we are still trying to overcome this current disaster, we are experiencing an increase in frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events in line with the predictions of climate scientists who warn of much worse to come.

The future looks like it’s going to be a mess; our kids are the ones who will have to face up to its challenges.

If young people are to have any hope in succeeding, we need to prepare them with the competencies and dispositions they will need to solve the complex, global challenges of our age. Doing this means that we’ve got to break with the outdated practices of conventional education that no longer serve their purpose.

The Awen Project is doing just that: we’re setting up small, free-to-attend learning communities that treat children li�e they are capable human bein�s and en�a�e �ith �amilies as partners in their child�s education� �e set up our first learning tribe in the forest in South Wales and my dream is that all our learning communities will be based outside in nature.

We know that people learn best when they are interested in something. An Awen education allows young people the �reedom to find and �ollo� their o�n interests� intellectual and creati�e� �ree �rom a ri�id curriculum that contains a load of stuff that they will never use. Our students learn to love learning and they are required to be socially responsible members o� a community� All the �hile �e�re helpin� them fi�ure out �ho they are� so by the time they�re adults they have the self-knowledge they need to lead a happy, healthy life.

Right now, most families have no choice over how their children are educated. Private schools are unaffordable and unfair and, for most working parents, home education is too much of an ask and it can be socially isolating. Mainstream schools may be brilliant for some, but most teachers would agree that they are far from optimal learning environments, and many of our young people are having a totally miserable time.

A�en �earnin� communities �ocus first on �ellbein� because i� you�re not o� you�re not �onna be learnin� anythin� anyway. We get to know each student, to understand their individual needs and passions. Our young people are not products being fed through a system, but collaborators in a community that values their opinions and efforts.

�n the last year� our students ha�e filmed a production o� �acbeth� trans�ormed trash collected in the �oods into monster sculptures to �ard o�� �y�tippers and litter bu�s� and built an online school to stay connected durin� loc�do�ns� They have participated in educational role playing games, set in the year 2050, or ancient Britain, or in modern day Afghanistan. They write poetry and paint watercolours in the forest; they learn to identify plants and observe the seasonal changes in an ecosystem that they are a part of. They learn history, languages, economics and psychology. We’re not doing anything untested or revolutionary. This is the way they do it in countries that are seen as world leaders in education. And Britain is getting left in the dust.

We are trying to do something huge here. We want to radically change the face of education by setting up learning communities all o�er the country� to o��er children and parents a choice that isn�t dependent upon financial circumstances� For this we need fellow travellers and donors who can help us turn children’s lives around, and be a part of raising a generation of intelligent, creative, responsible adults who can be the change we need to see.

Across the ��� parents can see the harms in�icted on their children by our out�dated� ine��ecti�e� and inhumane education system. The coronavirus pandemic and resulting school closures have exacerbated this further. Now, more than e�er� is the time to rein�ent our education system and ma�e it fit �or the �uture�

Charlotte Church

FOUNDER AND CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

THE AWEN PROJECT

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Trustees’ annual report

�he �oard o� �rustees� submit their annual report and the financial statements of The Awen Project for the period ended 31 August 2021.

�he �oard o� �rustees confirms that the annual report and financial statements o� the Charity comply �ith current statutory requirements, including the Charity Act 2011, as well as the requirements of the Charity’s governing document and the provisions of the ‘Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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) second edition (effective 1 January 2019)’, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Objectives

The Awen Project is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity number: 1186305).

�he ob�ects o� �he A�en �ro�ect are to ad�ance education �or the public benefit by the establishment o�� or assistin� in the establishment of, schools that are governed by participatory democracy.

Our aim is to pioneer a new model for education that is democratic, free-to-attend, and human-centred. We empower young people as participants within a learning community by providing conditions supportive of learning (rather than teaching) and supporting families to facilitate their children’s education.

�he �rustees ha�e re�erred to the Charity Commission�s �uidance on public benefit �hen re�ie�in� the Charity�s objectives and activities.

Activities

The Awen Project is pioneering a human-centred model for education where children are valued as people in their own right who are allowed to be themselves as active participants in a community. We support them to become healthy, informed, and responsible members of a global society. Today we are running a learning community based in Dinas Powys, South Wales, developing our expertise and approach in partnership with leading experts in education and human development. We plan to extend our impact on the education system through building our home community and welcoming more students and families, piloting our Awen Lite programme that welcomes mainstream educated children and is a potential revenue stream to support the project, and offering training to teachers and education practitioners.

Our vision is to co-create a network of learning communities throughout the world where every human is valued. An Awen education empowers at all levels by training and supporting parents and carers to be present in their children’s education, bringing meaning and purpose to everyone in the community. Our team of creative facilitators are developing a relationship-based pedagogy that will form the basis of a new model for education – to replicate around the world, not �or our profit but �or the profit o� �uture �enerations�

Over the last year major progress was made in the following areas:

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Achievements and performance

Awen moved to the forest at the start of the 2020/21 academic year, with a base in Casehill Woods thanks to a new partnership with the Woodland Trust. We were drawn to this site because we are committed to helping children, families, and communities reconnect �ith nature� Children can be careta�ers o� this �ed�lin� forest, learning about sustainability in all its forms (from environmental management to eco-buildings and community energy projects), and growing up alongside this woodland.

The Woodland Trust shares many of our values and takes a unique (and research informed) approach to restoring ancient woodland. It is often possible to bring an ancient woodland back from the brink and the process is remarkably simple: Ancient woodland has the capacity to restore itself to full health; it needs only the right conditions. “Carefully increasing the light levels allows surviving plants, trees and fungi to adapt slowly, meaning restoration is much more likely to be successful.” (Woodland Trust website)

�i�e the ancient �oodland� each o� our students has the capacity to �ourish� an Awen education seeks to provide the right conditions.

Mapping the dreaming. �n the first �e� �ee�s o� learnin� in the �orest the students mapped out our tribe’s territory, naming the different areas and routes as they went, with world-renowned memory expert Lynn Kelly. By superimposing a map of the world on top of their map, we assigned certain trees and bushes as countries, pathways as seas and rivers, inspired by the aboriginal concept of “the dreaming”. We would walk into the woods along the east coast of Russia and China, down through east Asia and into the Indian Ocean where we had our main camp. Another route represented the Mediterranean, with the north coast of Africa on one side and Southern Europe on the other.

“Memories of the Future” was a live-action role-player game set in the year 2050 that we played throu�hout the Autumn and �inter o� �0�0� �ach student had a character profile specially written for them so that it would spark their individual passions and lead them to discoveries that we knew would inspire them. The game was global in its outlook and had characters from different parts of the world that was dealing with the ecological and geo-political effects of climate change. An Ecuadorian bio-engineer, the mayor of Manila, a nurse from Kiribati, an Anglican vicar, a foreign aid worker in Iraq, the head of the Tokyo Yakuza, a Vietnamese monk, the President of the Guild of Gondoliers in Venice, among others, had to manage crises through problem solving, collaboration and diplomacy. Students were emotionally invested in their character’s success and whilst performing code-breaking, letter�ritin�� public addresses� creati�e desi�n and the occasional �dice based� fist fi�ht� they �ere learning about geography, culture, politics, engineering, and ecology.

A digital Awen on Gathertown. �urin� the first

COVID-19 closures, Awen used Zoom to provide support for our students online. Moving to Gathertown transformed our online experience into a dynamic environment that we could build together with our students.

With 1980s style graphics and movable avatars, we built areas for students and staff to come together for “offerings” (optional workshops) and designed dedicated spaces for collaboration, such as Philosophy lab.

Working in this way we were able to incorporate successful educational practices from the woods to the online environment, and generate new ways of working that we continue to use in the forest.

“In the second lockdown we began a new and exciting learning platform called Gathertown. On this website you had a pixelated avatar who could move around in a customisable space. In this space we began many new lessons such as Poetry where we explored the works of Emily Dickinson, or The Logic lab where we worked on maths and science.” (Awen student)

An online open day and guided tour! Awen students invited family members, trustees, and others to join them for a tour of Château Awen and to celebrate their online home. Guests were given the opportunity to take part in offerings in our various lab spaces, such as the music room or poetry in the graveyard, and to ask students about their experience of co-creating an online learning community. Whilst everyone was eager to get back to the woods, it was important for

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our community to recognise the value of our online home during the isolation of lockdown.

Café Sensorial. As Autumn arrived in the forest and the days grew shorter, the Awen community collaborated with Theatre Director Iwan Brioc to create an immersive sensory labyrinth theatre piece set in the forest. As Iwan explained, this approach engages the “...suppressed sensitivity of human sensory perception and the suppressed capacity of luminosity inherent in everyday experience. Individual audience members journey alone through a darkened three-dimensional labyrinth and along the way encounter moments and meetings that p r o v o k e subconscious sensory memories (sensory portals) into which they are gently invited to fall.”

At the Café Sensorial, guests were offered a menu of experiences from which to choose, each choice curated and facilitated by different groups of students. “In accepting this invitation, constructs such as time and space, me and you, the inner and the outer start to collapse.” In devising this work, students explored ideas of human connection, con�ict� and community� re�ectin� on their personal e�periences �ithin A�en and the relationship bet�een students and families.

Macbeth. A gross and deadly plague has swept the nations of the world, killing everyone over the age of fourteen. The remaining young people have formed gaming squads that can offer protection, whilst competing to be the G.O.A.T. One such squad is led by the mysterious King Dunc… and so begins Awen’s dark reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Trash Monsters. A sculpture exhibition in Casehill

Woods made using rubbish collected from woodlands, beaches, and streets, to ward o�� litterin� and �y�tippin�� �ach monster represented the creator�s �soul� or �anima� �see Carl �un�� and students too� part in acti�ities such as �uided meditation to find their “soul-name”, or inner monster. Students’ discoveries about their inner monsters formed the basis of the Trash Monsters’ biographies, which were presented alongside each sculpture.

This immersive 14-week process formed a creative frame for the whole term, with offerings and workshops and music and play all exploring the idea of monsters: think Mary Shelley, Suede, Carl Jung, and Donald Trump. Students and their families collected trash, cleaned and prepared it for use as materials, and then constructed their sculptures on site in the woods. To protect our monsters, families took turns to wild camp and ward off any evil spirits who might be threatened by our monsters. Finally, students devised

a short theatre piece to get across their message loud and clear, and made jewellery from trash to sell and raise funds for the project.

An Awen Education. Our students have created a video about an Awen education, and why this is so important to them� �ou can find this here� https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUaUsF1HaBA

Organisational achievements

Organisation & Management

• �e are an acti�e member o� the �hoeni� �ducation �rust�s ��earnin� Communities Alliance� � a �roup specifically for people managing settings such as the Awen Project – in order to keep up to date with changes in government guidance and share, discuss, and develop solutions to common challenges.

• Recruited a diverse board of trustees, consisting of experts who can provide accountability and support by challenging our strategy, sharing advice and experience, and identifying opportunities.

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Educational practices

• �e ha�e made si�nificant pro�ress �ith our educational model� ha�in� clarified and refined our educational philosophy into a coherent approach by drawing upon relevant research and outside experts, as well as improving practice as democratic educators throu�h structured trainin�� re�ection� and �ee�ly sta�� super�ision� All o� this work has been informed by current and emerging research into educational approaches, such as self-directed education.

• �e ha�e clearly articulated our o��erin� to students and their �amilies throu�h a defined set o� protocols and an overall timetable structure that enables us to put our approach into practice.

• Awen recruited an experienced democratic educator, Phoebe Patience, who has developed an excellent partnership with educator Jonny Field, co-designing each week and supporting learning across the team.

Awen Families

• The “Guardian Gathering” meets every two weeks to provide support to the project and provide voice to our parents and carers� �e ha�e made pro�ress �ith impro�in� the sel��su�ficiency o� this �roup throu�h identi�yin� specific roles o� support� but this remains a �ocus area �or the comin� year�

• We provided a six-week online training course to parents and carers on “social pedagogy” to encourage their understanding and use of approaches to home education and parenting that align with the environment within our learning community.

Fundraising

• The Awen Project secured additional funding to continue the project for the next year from a generous philanthropic donor.

• We have compiled a case for support and agreed on a fundraising strategy. We have completed a number of applications however the (Covid-19) funding environment is very competitive, especially within education which many foundations consider a statutory activity.

• We are working to secure additional funding to support our work for another two years in order to pilot income �eneratin� acti�ities and understand the e�tent to �hich �e mi�ht become sel��financin��

Impact Report 2021

Students

Since joining Awen, our parents and carers have seen positive impact on their children:

89% said their child was happier

78% said their child was more engaged in learning

93% said their child was more collaborative

Parents and carers described the impact they had seen for their children:

“Awen has helped [my daughter] have a better understanding of democracy through practicing it. It has helped her to listen to other people’s perspectives while growing the confidence to think about and share her own. It has allowed her to be her wild natured, sensory seeking self. Awen is also helping her to understand that learning can happen outside of four walls and it is truly down to her to learn what she wants, when she wants, which is developing her intrinsic motivation and inside out approach to learning.”

“Awen has provided an environment where my son can experiment, discuss, debate and learn without fear of failure. Giving him the power of choice in his education has lessened his stress and allowed him to develop his sense of self.”

“[Our son] has become more creative and enthusiastic about his learning whereas he was very switched off in school and scared of the discipline style and ethos.”

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Families

Awen parents and carers also reported positive impacts for themselves:

89% have become more confident as parents

79% have a better relationship with their children

86% are more engaged in their children’s learning

“Being part of Awen has made me realise I can be more active in shaping my own life as well as my children’s future. I have pushed (and continue to push) my comfort zones in order to grow and develop personally.”

“Awen has opened my eyes to a different way of educating our children which involves the whole family and community, through relational connections, creativity and democracy.”

(Results from impact survey of parents and carers completed June 2021)

Goals for 2021/22

The overarching aim for next year is to look outward.

�e ha�e a clear understandin� o� our educational approach and are ready to �or� �ith others to raise our profile� create a sustainable income stream, and support other communities to get off the ground.

Fundraising

• Our target is to raise £120k – £150k to cover core operating costs for the next two years. In this time, we will establish a set of income streams and develop a regular-giving base. We believe that philanthropic / major donors will offer the best chances of success and enable us to develop a network of partners who support our vision of a new, more human form of education.

• We will pilot ideas for Awen Lite - an offering for children who are educated in mainstream schools - such as after-school and holiday clubs. We hope to understand the level of demand, establish a pricing structure, and iron out any operational di�ficulties in deli�erin� such a ser�ice�

• Improve fundraising infrastructure, in particular the Awen Project’s website, mailing list, and social media. Using these tools effectively will enable us to make the most of engagement with like-minded families and supporters to grow our community and raise funds.

Educational practices

• Maintain developmental approaches for staff (such as weekly supervision) that are working well to improve awareness and practice.

• Continue to formalise and document our educational model as we recognise the habits and structures that best support our students to �ourish� reco�nisin� that the process o� re�ection and disco�ery is more important than the outcome and that there is no one�si�e�fits�all approach�

• Clarify areas of responsibility within the Learning Community (staff / students / families) and, wherever possible, the community should see� sel��su�ficiency�

Looking outwards

• Bring together like-minded parents and educators and support them to establish an Awen (or Awen-inspired) setting in their local community. Through collaborating with others, we will necessarily take a critical look at our own ways of being and doing at the same time as nurturing a new educational setting.

• Talk about our work, our approach, and why this is an important (and under-valued) educational discussion. Collaborate with other Learning Communities to critique and support each other and develop practice across our wider community.

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Financial review

�urin� the current financial period� �hich is also the first financial period o� the Awen Project, the charity achieved a surplus of £32,878 (2020: £24,775), increasing total reserves at year end to £57,653 (2020: £24,775). Income for the period was £80,000 (2020: £166,367) and expenditure was £47,122 (2020: £141,592).

However, within expenditure in the prior period is a one off expenditure item of �6���06 spent on reno�atin� the Anne� at the �pinney �see note 5 o� the financial statements).

Of the reserves held at year end £57,653 (2020: £24,775) were unrestricted in nature.

Reserves policy

The trustees are currently in the process of putting together a formal reserves policy, ho�e�er the current reser�es o� �5��653 ��0�0� ������5� are deemed su�ficient �or the sta�e at �hich the Charity currently is and the current financial obli�ations o� the organisation.

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The Charity was registered on 12 November 2019 as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) governed by its constitution and whose only voting members are the Trustees.

Recruitment and appointment of Trustees

Trustees are elected onto the Board through nomination by the current Trustee Board. New Trustees are provided with an induction by the current members.

Under the governing document, the number of Trustees shall not be less than three with no maximum number. A quorum is formed when one half of the Trustees are present or three, whichever is the greater number. All decisions are made by the Trustees.

Risk management

�he trustees re�ie�� on an annual basis� the ma�or ris�s �hich the charity �aces to ensure that it has su�ficient resources in the event of adverse conditions. The trustees have examined the operational and business risks which the charity �aces and confirm that they are satisfied that systems and controls are established o�er �ey financial systems to miti�ate any si�nificant ris�s�

The main risks facing the Charity are as follows:

Education Outcomes, Legislation, and Compliance

�or�in� �ith youn� people is a pri�ile�e that comes �ith si�nificant responsibility� �n promotin� an alternati�e approach to mainstream education, we must not assume that because we have positive intent that this will automatically yield positive results for the young people in our care.

To ensure the well-being and development of our young people:

• Students participate in weekly coaching sessions to discuss their aims, progress, and any challenges they may currently be facing;

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a range of holistic measures (a broader set of measures than mainstream schools, that includes academic outcomes);

• We engage our parents / carers as partners in their children’s education, which necessitates far better, deeper, and more frequent dialogue than would be normal for a mainstream setting;

• Most importantly, we listen to our young people: they are in charge of their own learning, with choice and real power over what they do and how their community is run.

There are many laws and regulations that govern the education and care of young people. We currently operate as a learning community of Elective Home Educated children and our provision is for fewer than 17 hours per week / 50% of a standard school week.

Financial sustainability

We are a young organisation and have not yet established reliable income sources with which to sustain ourselves over the longer term. To address this we are engaging with potential donors to provide further funding, with support from experienced fundraisers. Covid-19 has materially affected trusts and foundations resulting in a more challenging funding environment, especially for less well established charities like us.

There are opportunities for us to create reliable income streams by expanding our offering to include mainstream educated children and teachers, and we plan to launch pilot programmes over the next 12 months to test the market.

Health and safety

As our community is based primarily in the forest, there are many risks we need to be aware of and these change over time, for example trees may fall down after a storm and high winds make the site unsafe. In addition to basic safety checks and policies, our students perform regular site audits. We have appropriate insurance in place for an education setting, including public liability insurance.

Legal and administrative information

Charity name

The Awen Project

Charity registration no.

Company registration no.

1186305 CE019562

�e�istered o�fice

The Spinney Twyncyn Dinas Powys CF64 4AS

Trustees

Charlotte Church Chair Hannah Fitt Vice-Chair appointed 21 April 2021 Sean Bellamy appointed 10 May 2021 Nicola Blenman appointed 12 May 2021 John Farrell appointed 14 June 2021 Jonathan Powell resigned 10 May 2021 Kevin Rahman-Daultrey resigned 21 April 2021 Stella Smith appointed 10 May 2021

Independent examiner

Andy Nash Accounting & Consultancy Ltd Units 24 & 25 Goodsheds Container Village Hood Road Barry CF62 5QU

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Trustee spotlight: Hannah Fitt

Hannah Fitt is a Charity Director, Public Speaker, Life Coach, Musician and Screenwriter as well as mama to two incredible small people, Matilda and Stan.

Hannah co-founded The SAFE Foundation, an international sustainable development charity, which she set up with her Identical Twin Sister in 2006. Through SAFE Hannah has been able to reach over 10,000 people across Africa and Asia and help them access vital health, education and skills resources to lift communities out of poverty.

Hannah is also the Director of Programs and Operations at Keep A Child Alive, the international charity of Grammy award winning artists and activist, Alicia Keys - dedicated to providing health, education and support services to children who have been left behind all over the world.

What was it that attracted you to the Awen Project?

I have never taken for granted what a great education can do. Working all over the world with children who just don’t get the opportunity to access education has instilled in me a sense of responsibility - we owe it to our children to get this right. And it cemented my personal philosophy: If we can, we should.

At the SAFE foundation, when talking about global issues, we were often met with the same attitudes - “why does it matter to us?; charity begins at home; I bet our money doesn’t even get to these places”.

Instead of pushing harder we started asking ourselves - how can we challenge this stigma and misconception about charity and particularly international charity? We knew critical thinking and global education was pivotal in this plight against this misinformation - that was readily available in schools. But what about the children who didn’t learn well in that environment? What about the kids who weren’t in that mainstream school setting? How could they access this information in a truly meaningful way? So, we developed a global citizenship education program for children not in ‘mainstream’ or who had different learning needs.

We spent a lot of time researching and developing comprehensive modules of learning on things like cultural sensitivity, sustainability, stigmas and judgements, and a load more - and we were able to produce some great immersive and exciting tools to deliver these - we made our own Virtual Reality experience for example.

�hat �e �ound �as �hen �ids �eel confident� they learn and they retain that learnin� too� �elpin� them �eel li�e they belong, like they had agency over their decisions and choices was critical. It actually was an incredibly powerful experience to hold space and time and energy with kids that had been written off - and see their true authentic attitudes to things like race, gender, politics and the world we live in.

So when Charlotte started to talk to me about The Awen Project and her hopes and dreams for education, it certainly ignited a spark in me. The philosophy and values of the project matter - and the children, parents, educators, trustees - everyone involved is passionate about making a real lasting difference to an education system that, simply put, doesn’t cater for all children.

I hope to contribute my experience of the charity sector and working with young people to help the Awen Project build something really special that can be an example far and wide for an inclusive and accessible education system.

Hannah Fitt

HANNAH FITT

TRUSTEE

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Statement of Board of Trustees’ responsibilities

�he �rustees are responsible �or preparin� the �rustees� Annual �eport and the financial statements in accordance �ith applicable law and regulations.

Charity la� re�uires the �rustees to prepare financial statements �or each financial year� �nder that la� they are re�uired to prepare the financial statements in accordance �ith �� Accountin� �tandards and applicable la� ��� Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

�nder charity la� the �rustees must not appro�e the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they �i�e a ‘true and fair’ view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the excess of income over expenditure for that period. In preparin� these financial statements� the �rustees are re�uired to�

• prepare the financial statements on the �oin� concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue its activities.

�he �rustees are responsible �or �eepin� ade�uate accountin� records that are su�ficient to sho� and e�plain the Charity�s transactions and disclose �ith reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position o� the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply �ith the Charities Act �011� �hey ha�e �eneral responsibility �or taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Charity and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

�he �rustees are responsible �or the maintenance and inte�rity o� the corporate and financial in�ormation included on the Charity’s website.

�e�islation in the �� �o�ernin� the preparation and dissemination o� financial statements may di��er �rom le�islation in other �urisdictions� �n addition� the �rustees confirm that they are happy that the content o� the Annual �e�ie� in pa�es 5-13 meet the requirements of the Trustees’ Annual Report under charity law.

�hey also confirm that the financial statements ha�e been prepared in accordance �ith the accountin� policies set out in the notes to the accounts and comply with the Charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102, The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published on 16 July 2014.

This report was approved and authorised for issue by the Board of Trustees on 13 June 2022 and signed on its behalf by:

CHARLOTTE CHURCH

FOUNDER AND CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

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Independent examiner’s report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Awen Project (charity number 1186305) for the year ended 31 August 2021 set out on pages 15 to 24.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The CIO’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act). The CIO’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

This report, including my statement, has been prepared for and only for the CIO’s trustees as a body. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the CIO’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the CIO and the CIO’s trustees as a body for my examination work, for this report, or for the statements I have made.

Basis of independent examiner’s statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the CIO and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters.

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner’s statement

� ha�e completed my e�amination� � confirm that no material matters ha�e come to my attention in connection �ith the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

• 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.

ANDREW PHILIP NASH ACA

MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES – 2461833

DATED: 13 JUNE 2022

Andy Nash Accounting & Consultancy Ltd Units 24 & 25 Goodsheds Container Village Hood Road Barry CF62 5QU

Charity number 1186305

14

Year ended 31 August 2021

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Statement of financial activities

For the year ended 31 August 2021

Notes
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activites
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Reconciliation of funds:
Balance brought forward
9 & 10
Balance carried forward
9 & 10		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2020
£
£
£
£
80,000
-
80,000
166,000
-
-
-
367
80,000
-
80,000
166,367
2,297
-
2,297
-
44,825
-
44,825
141,592
47,122
-
47,122
141,592
32,878
-
32,878
24,775
24,775
-
24,775
-
57,653
-
57,653
24,775

�he notes on pa�es 1� to �� �orm part o� the financial statements�

All the above results arise from continuing activities.

There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above.

Charity number 1186305

15

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Year ended 31 August 2021

Balance sheet

As at 31 August 2021

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible fxed assets
6
Current assets
Debtors
7
Cash at bank and in hand
Total current assets
Creditors -
amounts falling due within one year
8
Net current assets
Net assets
Funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds
General funds
9 & 10
Total funds		 163
53,986		 Total
Funds
31 Aug 2021
£
7,394



50,259




154
25,701		 Total
Funds
31 Aug 2020
£
-



24,775
54,149
(3,890)		 25,855
(1,080)
57,653

24,775
57,653 24,775

57,653
24,775

57,653 24,775

�he notes on pa�es 1� to �� �orm part o� the financial statements�

All the above results arise from continuing activities.

There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above.

�hese financial statements �ere appro�ed and authorised �or issue by the �oard o� �rustees on 13 �une �0� and si�ned on their behalf by:

CHARLOTTE CHURCH

FOUNDER AND CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

Charity number 1186305

16

Year ended 31 August 2021

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Notes to the financial statements

1. Accounting policies

�asis o� preparation o� the financial statements

�he financial statements ha�e been prepared in accordance �ith �Charities ���� ���� 10�� � Accountin� and �eportin� 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) second edition (effective 1 January 2019)’, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), including Update Bulletin 1, and relevant charities law.

The effect of any event relating to the period ended 31 August 2021, which occurred before the date of approval of the financial statements by the �oard o� �rustees has been included in the financial statements to the e�tent re�uired to show a true and fair view of the state of affairs at 31 August 2021 and the results for the year ended on that date.

�he �unctional currency o� the Charity is sterlin� and amounts in the financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.

Using the exemption available to smaller charities the Board of Trustees has chosen not to include a Statement of Cash �lo�s �ithin the financial statements�

Legal status

�he A�en �ro�ect is a charitable incorporated or�anisation re�istered in �n�land � �ales� and meets the definition o� a public benefit entity� �he re�istered o�fice is �he �pinney� ��yncyn� �inas �o�ys� C�6� �A��

Going concern

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern basis is appropriate and have considered possible e�ents or conditions that mi�ht cast si�nificant doubt on the ability o� the Charity to continue as a �oin� concern� �he �rustees ha�e made this assessment �or a period o� at least one year �rom the date o� appro�al o� the financial statements.

The Trustees have considered the Charity’s forecasts and projections and have taken account of pressures on income. A�ter ma�in� en�uiries� the �rustees confirm that the Charity has ade�uate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that there are no material uncertainties that would impact this assessment. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has had no material impact on this assessment. The Charity therefore has adopted the �oin� concern basis in preparin� its financial statements�

Fund Accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which 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.

�estricted �unds are �unds that are to be used in accordance �ith specific restrictions imposed by donors or that ha�e been raised by the Charity for particular purposes. The cost of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific �und� �here are currently no restricted �unds �ithin the Charity�

Income

All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity has entitlement, there is probability of receipt and the amount is measurable.

For donations and gifts this is when they are received. Gift Aid is recognised on a receivable basis as part of the income to which it relates.

Income from charitable activities and grants is credited to the Statement of Financial Activities when received or recei�able �hiche�er is earlier� unless it relates to a specific �uture period or e�ent� in �hich case it is de�erred�

Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and liabilities are recognised as expenditure when there is a legal obligation committing the Charity to the expenditure, it is probable that settlement will be made, and the obligation can be measured.

Charity number 1186305

17

The Awen Project

Year ended 31 August 2021

Annual report and financial statements

Non-recoverable VAT is included against the expenditure heading to which it relates.

Indirect costs, including governance costs, which cannot be directly attributed to activities, are allocated between activities proportionate to the direct costs incurred in those activities.

Taxation

As a registered charity income and gains are exempt from Corporation Tax to the extent that they are applied to the charitable objectives.

�an�ible fi�ed assets and depreciation

�an�ible fi�ed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses� �ith indi�idual assets over £500 being capitalised. Depreciation is provided for at a rate to ensure the items are written down over their useful economic life as follows:

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash in hand, deposits with banks and funds that are readily convertible into cash at, or close to, their carrying values, but are not held for investment purposes.

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount is applied.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party, and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

Financial instruments

�asic financial instruments are measured at amortised cost other than in�estments �hich are measured at �air �alue�

Critical estimates and judgements

�n preparin� financial statements it is necessary to ma�e certain �ud�ements� estimates and assumptions that a��ect the amounts reco�nised in the financial statements� �he treatment o� tan�ible fi�ed assets is sensiti�e to chan�es in useful economic lives and residual values of assets. These are reassessed annually.

In the view of the Trustees in applying the accounting policies adopted, no judgements were required that have a si�nificant e��ect on the amounts reco�nised in the financial statements nor do any estimates or assumptions made carry a si�nificant ris� o� material ad�ustment in the ne�t financial year�

Charity number 1186305

18

Year ended 31 August 2021

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

  1. Comparative statement of fnancial activities
3. Income from donations and legacies
Notes
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable activites
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
Charitable activities
5
Total expenditure
Net income/(expenditure)
Reconciliation of funds:
Balance brought forward
9 & 10
Balance carried forward
9 & 10
Donations
Total income from donations and legacies
Donations
Total income from donations and legacies		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020
£
£
£
166,000
-
166,000
367
-
367
166,367
-
166,367
-
-
-
141,592
-
141,592
141,592
-
141,592
24,775
-
24,775
-
-
-
24,775
-
24,775
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021
£
£
£
80,000
-
80,000
80,000
-
80,000
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
Year ended
Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020
£
£
£
166,000
-
166,000
166,000
-
166,000

3. Income from donations and legacies

Charity number 1186305

19

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Year ended 31 August 2021

4. Income from charitable activities

. Total expenditure
Direct expenditure on raising funds includes the following items:
Contributions for activities
Total income from charitable activities
Contributions for activities
Total income from charitable activities
Raising funds
Charitable activity
Total expenditure
Raising funds
Charitable activity
Total expenditure
Fundraising consultancy support
Total direct expenditure on raising funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
£
-
Restricted
Total

Funds
Funds

Year ended
Year ended

31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021

£
£

-
-
-
-
-
Unrestricted
Funds
Year ended
31 Aug 2020
£
367
Restricted
Total

Funds
Funds

Year ended
Year ended

31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020

£
£

-
367
367
-
367
Direct
costs
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
£
2,000
39,034
Indirect
Total

costs
Funds

Year ended
Year ended

31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021

£
£

297
2,297

5,791
44,825
41,034
6,088
47,122
Direct
costs
Year ended
31 Aug 2020
£
-
136,121
Indirect
Total

costs
Funds

Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020

£
£

-
-

5,471
141,592
136,121
5,471
141,592
Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2020
£
£
2,000
-
2,000
-
  1. Total expenditure

Direct expenditure on raising funds includes the following items:

Charity number 1186305

20

Year ended 31 August 2021

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Direct expenditure on charitable activities includes the following items:

Educationalists and other consultants
Refurbishment of the Annex at the Spinney
Other direct expenditure
Total direct expenditure on charitable activities		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2020
£
£
33,787
57,972
-
64,406
5,247
13,743
39,034
136,121

�urin� the prior financial period �6���06 �as spent on re�urbishin� the Anne� at the �pinney �hich is also the residential address for Charlotte Church and Jonathan Powell, who at the time were both trustees of The Awen Project. The expenditure included construction costs as well as consultancy and planning fees to enable an area separate from the main portion of the property, that had previously been utilised as a studio, to be altered to allow it to be used for educational activities for a temporary period up to 30 July 2020. The work carried out including installing toilets suitable for pupils, as well as amending access to the building. This was deemed to be a suitable temporary location for the activities of the charity whilst more permanent options were explored. Expenditure on provision of educational �acilities is in line �ith the charitable ob�ects o� �he A�en �ro�ect� �he �or� brin�s no financial benefit to the t�o trustees as the space �ould need si�nificant �or� be�ore it could be used �or residential purposes�

This expenditure has not been capitalised in the accounts as, in line with the planning permission granted by the Vale of Glamorgan Council, this area is no longer being utilised for this purpose.

In addition, the expenditure incurred on this refurbishment was more than covered by unrestricted donations into the Charity by trustees (see note 12) and so no publicly raised funds were spent on this, and no gift aid has been claimed on those donations.

Indirect costs includes the following items:

Administration and other costs
Governance
Total indirect expenditure		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2020
£
£
3,408
2,827
2,680
2,644
6,088
5,471

Governance costs includes the following items:

Insurance expense
Independent examination
Total expenditure on governance		 Total
Total
Funds
Funds
Year ended
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2020
£
£
1,600
1,564
1,080
1,080
2,680
2,644

Charity number 1186305

21

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Year ended 31 August 2021

6. Tangible fxed assets

7. Debtors
8. Creditors-amounts falling due within one year
Cost
As at 1 September 2020
Additions in year
As at 31 August 2021
Accumulated depreciation
As at 1 September 2020
Charge in year
As at 31 August 2021
Net book value
As at 1 September 2020
As at 31 August 2021
Prepayments
Total debtors
Accruals
Total creditors - amounts due within one year		 Container
£
-
8,380		 Computer

equipment
Total

£
£

-
-

1,499
9,879
8,380
1,499
9,879
-
2,258
-
-

227
2,485
2,258
227
2,485
-
-
-
6,122
1,272
7,394
Total
Total
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2020
£
£
163
154
163
154
Total
Total
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2020
£
£
3,890
1,080
3,890
1,080

Charity number 1186305

22

Year ended 31 August 2021

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

  1. Analysis of charity funds
0. Analysis of net assets
Unrestricted funds
Total charity funds
Unrestricted funds
Total charity funds
Fixed assets
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total charity funds
Current assets
Current liabilities
Total charity funds		 Balance
brought
forward
Year ended
31 Aug 2021
£
24,775
Income
Expenditure
Balance

in
in
carried

period
period
forward

Year ended
Year ended
Year ended

31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021

£
£
£

80,000
(47,122)
57,653
24,775
80,000
(47,122)
57,653
Balance
brought
forward
Year ended
31 Aug 2020
£
-
Income
Expenditure
Balance

in
in
carried

period
period
forward

Year ended
Year ended
Year ended

31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020

£
£
£

166,367
(141,592)
24,775
-
166,367
(141,592)
24,775
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021
31 Aug 2021
£
£
£
7,394
-
7,394
54,149
-
54,149
(3,890)
-
(3,890)
50,259
-
50,259
Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Funds
Funds
Funds
31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020
31 Aug 2020
£
£
£
25,855
-
25,855
(1,080)
-
(1,080)
24,775
-
24,775

10. Analysis of net assets

Charity number 1186305

23

The Awen Project Annual report and financial statements

Year ended 31 August 2021

11. Trustee remuneration

During the year, no Trustee received any remuneration (2020: £Nil). No members of the Board of Trustees received reimbursement of expenses related to attendance at Trustee meetings (2020: £Nil).

12. Related party transactions

During the current year, Jonathan Powell, who was formerly a trustee and is spouse of Charlotte Church, Chair of the Board of Trustees was remunerated a total of £2,810 for his role as a educational consultant after resigning as a trustee. This is permitted under the consitution and Charlotte was not involved in the decision making process nor the discussions around remuneration. His remuneration was at the same rate as other consultants, all of whom are paid below market rates.

There were no related party transactions during the prior period other than the expenditure on the refurbishment of the Annex at The Spinney noted within note 5 above.

Total unrestricted donations from trustees amounted to £Nil (2020: £166,000) in the period.

13. Guarantees and secured charges

As at 31 August 2021 the Charity did not have any outstanding guarantees to third parties nor any debts secured against assets of the Charity (2020: £Nil).

Charity number 1186305

24