REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1191408
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR
THE PERIOD 1[st] January 2023 TO 31[st] December 2023
FOR
THORNTON EDUCATION TRUST
THORNTON EDUCATION TRUST CIO
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR PERIOD ENDED 31[st] DECEMBER 2023
Foreword from Chair
Founded in 2020, Thornton Education Trust (TET) was established with a mission to engage teachers and educationalists in recognizing the significant role architecture and the built environment can play as a creative learning tool. The aim was to integrate this understanding into curriculum subjects, providing educators with the necessary resources to leverage their surroundings as a powerful educational instrument. However, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic posed challenges to direct engagement with schools and educators. In response, TET pivoted its strategy by developing a programme titled Inspire Future Generations , which introduced an awards scheme that allowed the built environment sector to showcase achievements in engaging young people through their projects. This initiative also fostered a 'community of practice' dedicated to this field. The success of the awards, particularly the third ceremony in 2023, enabled TET to compile a resource bank, offering a valuable reference for ongoing and future development in the field.
In 2023, TET aimed to share the insights gained from three years of awards submissions. This effort culminated in the publication of Empowering Environments , a report that highlights areas with the most activity, geographical reach, and funding opportunities within the sector. Additionally, TET continued its TET Dialogues series, an online platform that facilitates the exchange of knowledge between educationalists and built environment professionals. Alongside this, TET also produces a regular newsletter for its community, which not only showcases TET’s initiatives but also highlights other relevant projects and programmes. This ongoing dialogue and information-sharing underscore the value of engaging children and young people in their built environment, strengthening the network’s collective impact.
A significant milestone in TET’s journey was the launch of the ENGAGE initiative, made possible through a grant from the Marchus Trust. This initiative brought together various stakeholders within the built environment sector to discuss and demonstrate the value of empowering children and young people to have a voice within their communities. A symposium held in association with the London School of Architecture marked the beginning of this initiative, setting the stage for the development of the ENGAGE Toolkit in 2024. This toolkit is expected to be a crucial resource in guiding future efforts to involve young people in conversations about
their environment and ensuring their perspectives are considered in community planning and development.
Returning to its original objective of integrating architecture into the education curriculum, TET launched a pilot awards scheme in 2023, supported by a grant from Twelve Healers. Initially titled Architecture into Education , this pilot programme aimed to understand the needs of teachers, educationalists, and collaborators. Insights gained from this pilot led to a reassessment of the award scheme, which was subsequently renamed Creative Thinking Awards . TET plans to launch this refined awards scheme within the next 18 months, with the goal of further embedding architectural thinking into educational practices and fostering creative problem-solving among students.
As part of its ongoing research efforts, TET produced the Learning Environments Report , authored by Rosie Murphy. This report identifies UK Schools of Architecture that incorporate outreach programmes for children and young people as part of their training, highlighting best practices and opportunities for expanding such initiatives. Another key piece of research conducted by TET analysed the value and lessons learned from the Inspire Future Generations Awards winners and shortlisted entries over the past two years. This research identified gaps and challenges in ensuring that children and young people have a voice in their community, both now and in the future. Through these initiatives, Thornton Education Trust continues to advocate for the integration of architecture into education, with the ultimate goal of empowering the next generation to shape their built environment.
Victoria Thornton, OBE (Chair/Founder)
THORNTON EDUCATION TRUST CIO
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
TRUSTEES REPORT
The Trustees are pleased to present their Annual Report together with the Financial Statements of the Charity for the period from 1[st] January to 31[st] December 2023.
The Financial Statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the constitution, 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).
The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity.
Objectives and Activities
The advancement of education in the subject of architecture and urban design for children and young people through creative learning, the provision of grants, resources and research to support teachers and educationalists.
Beneficiaries of our Activities
The primary beneficiaries of our activities are educationalists, built environment professionals and teachers and through them the future generation’s children and young people
Achievements and Performance
This was our third year of Thornton Education Trust and continued the expansion of the Inspire Future Generations Awards not only in submissions of 120 in 2023 but also developing new categories relevant to empowering the future generations to have a voice in their present and future environment. In addition, the publication of two reports Empowering Environments and Learning Connections. Our network is now 2000 strong through our regular TET Newsletter.
Our Associates continue to grow and we were able to accept an internship from the London Interdisciplinary School and a post-internship from the New London Architecture.
THORNTON EDUCATION TRUST CIO
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Future Plans
Thornton Education Trust is set to continue its mission of integrating architecture into education with several significant initiatives planned for the upcoming year. We will be updating our Inspire Future Generations Report – Empowering Environments alongside our Learning Connections Survey . This effort aims to consolidate the research gathered through our various initiatives and share this valuable knowledge with our growing community of practice. By integrating findings from these reports, we hope to further refine our understanding of how best to engage children and young people in architectural and environmental education.
One of the key milestones for 2024 is the completion and launch of the ENGAGE Toolkit . Scheduled to debut at the London Festival of Architecture in June, this toolkit will be showcased alongside an in-person event. The event will highlight practical examples from the toolkit, offering attendees insight into how the resources can be utilized to empower young people in their communities. This launch represents a significant step in our ongoing efforts to provide tangible resources that support the integration of architectural thinking into education and community engagement.
To support these growing initiatives, we plan to create a part-time position for a Programme and Development Manager. This role will be crucial in managing the day-to-day operations of our programmes, ensuring that they run smoothly and effectively. Additionally, the Programme and Development Manager will be responsible for developing a Sponsorship and Friends Scheme, which will be essential in securing the financial support needed to sustain and expand our efforts.
THORNTON EDUCATION TRUST CIO
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Financial Review
Thornton Education Trust is entirely dependent upon voluntary income mostly in the form of grants from trusts and foundations, sponsorship and other income. During the reported period income from charitable activities amounted to £17,357 whilst donations and legacies amounted to £3,300
Expenditure was £24,257 was entirely spent on delivering the charitable activities with a restricted income for the ENGAGE programme totalling £6,250
The closing balance at year end 2023 was £6,302 unrestricted reserves. There is a reserves policy of 3 months overheads although the Trustees maintain a policy of not committing expenditure before funds are in place. They believe that these reserves together with good prospects for further fundraising are sufficient to ensure the continuing activities of the charity.
Reporting requirements for charities that fundraise
All income generation activities are undertaken in compliance with the requirements of: the Fundraising Regulator; Charities Acts; Charity Commission regulations; HMRC regulations; the Gambling Act; local licensing laws, GDPR and Data Protection legislation. This list is not exhaustive.
We adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice.
During the year ending 31 December 2023, we received no complaints relating to fundraising activity. Furthermore, we know of no failure by the charity or by a person acting on its behalf, to comply with fundraising standards.
Governance and Management
Governing document
Thornton Education Trust is a registered charity governed by a constitution. The charity was registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on 22 September February 2020 by the Charities Commission
Governance
The trustees undertake periodic reviews of governance and these include skills audits for the current board. When a vacancy occurs on the trustee board it will be advertised via appropriate media, with an indication of the skills that are sought. Applicants are invited to apply by CV and covering letter with suitable candidates interviewed. A recommendation to appoint a suitable candidate will be put to the whole board for their approval.
The Charity is managed by the Board of Trustees which meets at least 2 times per year.
Risk management
The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. The Trustees are mindful of this and put policies and controls in place to mitigate risks as appropriate and to be reviewed in 2025.
THORNTON EDUCATION TRUST CIO
REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
Reference and Administrative Details
Charity Name Thornton Education Trust CIO
Charity Number 1191408
Trustees
Victoria Thornton, OBE Chair
Kenneth Allinson, RIBA (Reappointed 29[th] September 2023 for a term of 3 years)
Neil Pinder (Reappointed 30[th] September 2022 for a term of 3 years)
Trustees Remuneration and Benefits
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 30 November 2023
Trustees Expenses
Victoria Thornton £115 during the period ended 31 December 2023. These relate to travel expenses paid on behalf of Thornton Education Trust
Staff Costs
There were no employees during the period ended 31 December 202
Tangible Fixed Assets
There were no fixed assets.
Debtors Amounts falling due within one
There were no debtors.
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
There were no creditors.
Related Party Disclosures
No related party disclosures
Registered Address 8 Vineyards, Bath BA1 5NA
Bankers CAFBank
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the truste members of Thomton Education Trust On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 Charity no (If any) 1191408 Sot out on pages 1 arK12 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Yhe Tru¥t') for the year ended 3111V2023. Rg•pon8lbllltlos and As the charity trustees of the Trust. you are responsible for the preparation basls of report of the accounts in accordance wilh the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 llhe ). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out urKler section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination. I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under 8ectton 14515llbl of the A(. I hav• eomplotod my •xgmination. I confimi that no matorial mattera hov¢ come to my attention in conneclion with the examination which giv88 me Cause to b81ieve that in, any material Spect.. accountirg records were not kept in accordance wrth sedion 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with aceoijnting raeAJrrlR Ind•p•nd•nt examinerfs statement I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reach8d. Slgnod: Mfirk Ri6haYr4so 28° August 2024 Namg: Mark Richardson Relevant proffrs8ional qualificationls} or body (if any): ACA Address: 16 map Grove, Bath BA2 3AF Section B Disclosure Only complete rfthe examiner needs to hNJhlight matters of concem (see CC32. Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidanc6 for examiners). IER October 2018
Glve here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER October 2018
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