Registered Charity no. 1191805 Small International Development Charitles Network (SIDCN) Trustees Annual Report and Accounts Year Ended 31st December 2025
Small International Development Charities Network Year End8d 31 st December 2025 Contents Page Page Legal and Administrative Infomation Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiner's Report 13 Statement of Receipts and Payments 14 Slatement of Assets and Liabilities 15 Notes to the Financial Statements 16
Small International Development Charities Network Year End8d 31 st December 2025 Trustees, Annual Report Small Inlernab'onal Development Charities NetrTk ISIDCN) was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales (Charity number 1191805125 a Charitable IncorFX)raled Organisabon ICIOI on the 14th October 2020. The Trustees of SIDCN present this report and the unaudited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025. Reference ond Admlnl$tratlve Detal Roglstered Charlty Name Small International Development Charilies NeOrk Rogi8tered AddroS8 75 Shoveller Dnve Apley Shropshi TF1 6GQ Emall Contact Web Address htt S..1.sIdCn.0r Trustees Amber-faye Shotton Elizabeth Bird Olivia Barker-white Janine Edwards Corey Karaka Madene Kawira Calerina Cedolini Zahrah Ali Awaz Raoof Ania Ferron BrookeT Yan Chen Anna Mendrek lappoinled Sept 20221 (appointed July 20221 lappoinled Aug 20231 lapwinled Sept 20231 lappoinled Sept 20231 (appointed Jan 20241 (appointed Dec 20251 lappoinled Dec 20251 lappoinled Dec 20251 lappoinled Dec 20251 {appointed Dec 20251
Trustees. Annual Report Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN) Year Ended 31st December 2025
Chair's Foreword As we say goodbye to 2025 and enter 2026, celebrating SIDCN'S 10th anniversary, l am proud to reflect on how far our community of global smalls has come. What began as a simple Facebook group in 2016 has grown into a vibrant, international network dedicated to connection, learning, and collective influence. In 2025, our members, volunteers, and small operational team continued to achieve remarkable impact. Together, we delivered more than 50 peer-leorning forums, expanded the SIDCN Fest, strengthened sector partnerships, and amplifi'ed members, voices across government, media, and international development spaces. These achievements reflect the dedication of our community and the shared commitment to doing development better. As we enter 2026, a strategy review year, our members insights will be central to shaping SIDCN'S next chapter. The world around us continues to shift rapidly, and with it the needs and opportunities for small international development charities. Through our discussions, expert contributions, and member reflections, we are building a roadmap that ensures SIDCN remains relevan¢ responsive, and rooted in solidarity. l am immensely grateful to our Trustees, volunteers, partners, and every member who contributes their time, experience, and passion. SIDCN'S strength lies in its people-and together, we look forward to a new decade of connecting, amplifying, and influencing for global smalls.
Introduction 2025 Highlights The past year hos seen continued progress across SIDCN'S programmes, working groups, and sector engagement. We extend our sincere thanks to the volunteer leoders, Trustees, ond our small but mighty operational team-Alice (Kenya) and Izzy (UK)-who continued to drive impact following staffing changes earlier in the year. "SIDCN has made a huge difference to our organisation... we ultimately converted to a grant-making model. The network helped us recognise both the scale of need and the gap in flexible. trust-based funding." SIDCN Member "I learn from listening and feel I ean ask questions... and really appreciate that." SIDCN Member
Programme Delivery & Member Engagement Membershi Growth Forums & Events Over 50 peer-learning forums were delivered during 2025, reflecting strong appetite for shared knowledge and community learning Facebook group grew by 30 new members increased by 146, moving us closer to long-term goals for formal membership recognition SIDCN Fest Registration increased to 245 (up from 230 in 2024), with an average attendance of 83, surpassing previous years Podcastin Partnershi Podoost reached 8 episodes SIDCN become on AidEx media partner, representing global smalls at conferences in Nairobi and Geneva New Pro aces ramme Introduction of new forums, including Trustees, Space and a dedicated Health forum
Advocacy & Sector Influence SIDCN strengthened its influence within the international development sector, including: 11 meetings with UK government representatives to champion the priorities of small chorities. Contributions of evidence to the Internatlonal Development Committee, attendance at the APPG on Charities and Volunteering, and representation at the Foreign Secretary's reception. Continued collaboration through our UK Allionce with Rond SoutlL WIDN CADA in Northern Ireland, Hub Cymru Africa, and SootloD enabling SIDCN to contribute to joint advocacy efforts and amplify the voice of small international development charities in UK policy and sector discussions. (See: httpQL "SIDCN has been a valuable platform... providing visibility, peer-to-peer support. and practical resources, and amplifying our voices." Critical involvement in bringing small INGOS into the SCW Big Give campaign for the first time. SIDCN Member
AGMI 2025. Board Renew The AGM saw an amazing mix of topics from across the global and multiple continents, including Venezuela, Romonia and Caribbean, as we continued to design the AGM to prioritise member voices and provide broad regional representation. However, due to short planning time, an unintended consequence was that we fell short of our usual diversity standards, particularly gender balance. Member feedback has been invaluable in keeping us accountable and, as a result, we put greater emphasis on ensuring stronger female representation at the June SIDCN Fest, exploring why fewer women were volunteering to speak, and offering support to boost speaker confidence. During the AGM, and in line with the constitution's113 rotation requirement, three board members retired and stood for re-election: Amber Shotton Chair; Lizzy Bird Treasurer,. and Olivia Barker- White - a founding Trustee. All three were re-elected with over 96/0 of the votes agreeing the re-elections. SIDCN continues its multiyear transition from Facebook- based membership to a more formal membership via the SIDCN website. As a result of this transition, the AGM voting rights are based on members in attendance, with decisions passed by a 51/. majority of participating members. This process will be reviewed annually until website membership figures better reflect the size of the community it serves.
SIDCN Fest 2025 We kicked off our third festival with the quote "Be curious, not judgmental." by Walt Whitman, which had appeared on the 2019 Glastonbury Festival poster. Our branding was 'giving' music festival vibes, as it has been said that the SIDCN Fest often f eels l ike "Glastonbury for smalls!" The Fest continued to bring together members, volunteers, partners, and supporters from across the global small-charity community. It also championed SIDCN'S core mission.. connecting, amplifying, and influencing on behalf of small international development organisations worldwide. A Festval of Community and Collaboration The Fest emphasised curiosity, openness, and collective learning-values that reflect the network's commitment to fostering inclusive, respectful, and diverse spaces.
More than 2,000 small charities now form the SIDCN rnetworl with the Fest once again providing a vital platform for showcasing our members, impact, handling of challenges, and innovation. Partnershi Across the UK SIDCN used the Fest to demonstrate its place within the UK Alliance (alongside Bond, Scotland's International Development Allionce, CADA, Hub Cymru Africa, and SWIDN) and its importance in strengthening the collective voice for global solidarity. A moment of tribute was dedicated to Claire O'shea of HCA, recognising her contributions to the community. Participants were encouraged to use language that uplifts and includes, to value diverse experiences, and to approach discussions with empathy and kindness. The day was recorded to ensure access for those unable to attend live. Commitment to Diversit "The MEAL session was excellent and will make me review our approach to monitoring and evaluation-it was insightful and illuminating. My favourite takeaway. People who live the problem should lead the learning." Responding to reflections from the AGM, SIDCN made a public commitment to improving gender representation among speakers. The 2025 Fest successfully delivered an intentionally diverse line-up, thanks to the efforts of the SIDCN team. This achievement represents an important step in honouring SIDCN'S values of equity and representation. SIDCN Fest Delegate (2025) "The 'Feminist MEARL, session encouraged a Jot of reflection and ideas on how we can improve localisation and give more power to local voiees and actors." SIDCN Fest Delegate (2025)
Pro ramme hts Sponsors & Supporters The Festival drew parallels with Glastonbury- celebrating creativity, conversation, and connection. Attendees enjoyed a rich programme featuring leaders and practitioners from across the small-charity landscape. Speakers addressed themes including local leadership transitions, government partnerships, digital fundraising, monitoring and evaluation, and mental health in small charity leadership. SIDCN continue to express gratitude to F tiv and HF whose generous support made the Fest possible. Both organisations are long-standing champions of small-charity leadership and capacity building. In closing, the Fest acknowledged the increasingly challenging global context-rising hostility, widening divides, and constrained resources. Yet the message was one of resilience and shared humonity. Drawing on reflections from cultural voices, the Fest reinforced the belief that our strength lies in supporting the most vulnerable, and that diversity is foundational to o thriving world. Breakout 'stages" allowed participants to join cause-themed discussions, reflecting member feedback and creating opportunities for networking, exchange, and peer support. SIDCN extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated operations team and volunteers whose hard work-which they juggle alongside coregiving, travel, and running their own small charities-made the Fest a success. The event closed with gratitude for the learning, connections, and inspiration shared throughout the day.
Summary of 2025 Trustee Recruitment Success SIDCN'S 2025 trustee recruitment was hugely successful, attracting 57 applications and leading to a strong shortlist of fi've outstanding candidates. Although the original plon was to recruit three trustees, the board recognised both the calibre of applicants and the organisational capacity to expand-and unanimously agreed to appoint all five. ember v in governance. To support this, SIDCN will develop a small advisory board in 2026, offering contributions for members, time. he recruitment proce Iso reaffi'rmed SIDCN'S commitment to developing new sector leaders. The board appointed a new Vice Chair based on values, potential, and alignment with SIDCN'S mission-not solely on post board experience. New Trustees receive support through training, mentoring and access to our membership with the Association of Chairs. A key strength of the process wa offering candidates a realistic insight into SIDCN by inviting them to attend both a Working Group meeting and a Board meeting. This transparency helped ensur a strong mutual fit, and all five candidates confirmed their desire to join the board. Overall, the 2025 recruitment round strengthened SIDCN'S governance, broadened skills and perspectives, and upheld the organisation's commitment to inclusive, values- led leadership development. While none of the new trustees were existing SIDCN members- reflecting the heavy workloads faced by small charity leaders-the board is committed to maintaining
The Future Conclusion & Thanks 2026 marks a significant milestone for SIDCN as we celebrate our 10th anniversary. Over the past decade, SIDCN has grown from a small Facebook community into a thriving global network committed to strengthening and amplifying the work of global smalls. Given this milestone and the changing international development landscape, we will begin the year with a comprehensive review of our current strotegy, which has guided SIDCN for the past three to four years, to ensure it remains relevant and responsive to sector needs. The 2026 AGM will kick start this review process by listening to members, reflections on: On behalf of the Trustee Board, we extend our deep gratitude to: Our volunteer community,. Our operational team,. Our partners and collaborators,. and Most importantly, our members. Your contributions, insights, and commitment ensure that SIDCN continues to champion, connect, and omplify the voices of global smalls. A special mention to our regular giver, who continues to support our work with your kind monthly gift. Thank you. And with thanks to Karina Wong for designing and compiling our annual impact report. What SIDCN does well," Areas for improvement; and We look forward to 2026, our anniversary year, and to embarking on the next decade of impact together. The evolving needs of global smalls. Insights from breakout sessions will inform the shaping of our new strategy for the next three to five years. -I love this group - wish I'd found it soonerl" SIDCN Member io
Small International Development Charities Network Year Ended 31st December 2025 Trustses, Annual Report Public Benefit Statement SIDCN benefits the public by supporting small charities working overseas as they deliver their charitable seNices. The Trustees give due consideration lo the Charity Commission's published guidance on the Public Benefit requirement under the Charities Act 2011. Financial Review During 2025, we ceiVed £25,677 in grant funding and donations. and Snt £23.557. We are grateful to Bond Ilhrough FCDO UK Aid) for their contribution lo the running of our organisalion, enabling SIDCN lo continue ils work with small charities across the globe. Wo contlnue to thank our rngular glvttrl As an infraslruclure supwrt organisation. it is ra lo be gifted income from individual supporters, as our services are second tier. directed lo suppcKting small charities directty delivering support and therefore do not have the immediate emotional appeal Ihal other Charitable causes do. Thank you- you ¢ontinug to know who you •rg1 Al the end of the year, SIDCN hekl £3,739 of unrestricted funds and £1.172 of the FCDO grant that was fully delivered by the 3111 Mah 2026. Re8erves Policy SIDCN held £3,739 in free reserves at the end of December 2025. As SIDCN has a small lumover and limited conlraclual OlgallonS, Ihe Trustees feel Ihere is little need lo hold more than 3 months of spending in reserve. For 2025, this was £5,824. The trustees recognise that they are holding just below the level of reserve quIred. As a small and aliVe young charity. we are slowly building our reserve$ through unrestricted Income received Ihiough eamed income and we aim to continue lo build the reserves over the coming years. Governance and Management Al the end of 2025, SIDCN had a full board of 12 Irustees, who met regularly throughout the year to sel vision, lead on strategy and, along with the wort(ing group vc4unteets, carry out the aims and pU1C benefit of the charity. Amber Shollon is the Chair of trustees. and as mentioned atM)ve. Ihe board recruited 4 new members of the Trustee board during 2025, including a Vice Chair. Awaz Ra¢))f. New trustees are recruited lo the board by invitation, open advertisement and through our netwth. Applicants complete a vetting and approval process with the exisling lThrd. All memtrrs of the existing tr)ard were involved in the recruitment and selection process.
Small International Development Charities Network Year Ended 31st December 2025 Trustses, Annual Report Trustees Responsibilities The trustees are responsitrAe for maintaining adequate accounting records which disclose wth reasonable accuracy at any lime the financi81 wsilion of the charity and which are sufficient lo show and explain the charity's transactions and enatrAe them lo ensure that the financial slalemenls comply with the relevant Charity Law. They are also $x>nSib1e for safeguardin9 the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of frdud and other irregularities. The Iruslees are spOnsitAe for preparing the Trustee's Annual ReF<)rt and financial statements in accordance with the applicable law and the United Kingdom GeneIlY Accepted Accounting Practice. The Trustees, Annual Report was approved on behaf of the trx)ard of Iruslees by.. Name: Amber Shotton Signed: 1 OIC612026 Date:
Small International Development Charities Network Year End8d 31 st December 2025 Independent Examiner's Report I report to the charty trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Small Intemational Development Charities Nets+[k {SIDCNI for the year ended 31 December 2025. Responsibilities and Basis of Report As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the acrunts in acLordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 20C61'lhe 2006 Act'l. Having satisfied mysev that the accounts of the MpanY are not required lo be audited ynder Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your company's accounts as carried out uThJer secb'on 145 of the Charities Act 2011 I'the 2011 Act'l. In carying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Chanty Commission under 5ethon 14515llbl of the 2011 ACL Indepondent Examlnorfs Statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no matters have lo my attention in nndIon th the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. 1. Accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 01 the 2006 Act., or 2. The a¢counls do not accord wrth those records., or 3. The financial statements do not comply with the applicaLle requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in ihe Charibes (Accounts and Reports) Regulats'ons 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'lrue and fairf view which is not a mètter considered a$ part of an independent examinats'on. I have no concerns and have Come 8¢ro$$ no other matters in connection with the ex3min3lion lo which attention $hotJld be drawn in Ihbs rep1 in order to enable a understanding of tho accounts to be reached. Dale1 Bishop Daniel Bi$hop Dale 15K612026 12, Escombe Drive Guildford GU2 9RE
Small International Development Charities Network Year End8d 31 st December 2025 Statement of Receipts and Payments 2025 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 2024 Total Fund$ Note Receipts Donations and legaaes Charitable A¢b'vitie$ Investments 60 900 13 24,704 24,764 900 13 8,293 350 Totsl R•¢•lpts 973 24.704 25,677 8,650 Paymonts Expenditure on charrtatAe ath'vities 260 23.297 23,557 8,574 Total Payments 260 23.297 23,557 8,574 Not rn¢•lptsiipaym•nts} 713 1,407 2,120 76 Not movement In funds (Cashl Total funds (Cash) brought forward Transfers 3,026 {2351 2,791 2,715 Totsl fund8 Icashl forward 3,739 1,172 4,911 2,791 14
Small International Development Charities Network Year End8d 31 st December 2025 ststement of Assets and Liabilities 2025 2024 Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets Curr•nt ass•ts Cash at bank 4,911 2,791 Totsl a$s•ts hold at yoar •nd 31$t 2021 4,911 2,791 Funds of th• charlty Unrestricted fvnds Designated Restricted funds 3.739 3,026 1.172 12351 Totsl ¢harlty funds 4,911 2,791 These financial stalemenl$ were approved by the boafd of Iw8lees or SIDCN and signed by.. Amber Shotton Nam•: Slgn•d'. 1010612026 Dat• of approval.. 15
Small International Development Charities Network Yèar Ended 31st December 2025 Notes to the Financial Statements 1 Atcountlng Pollcles Basis of Prgparation The linanaal statements have been prepared on a cash basis when receipts and payments take place through the bank account or petty cash. As$gssmgnt of Going Concgm Preparation of the accounts is on a going concem basis. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertaim'es about the Charitys ability to continue as a going concem. Fund Accountlng Unrestricted funds comprise those fvnds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in furtherance of the charilalJe objects. unresth.ded lunds indude designated funds where thè Iruslees. at their dis¢reli. have set ¥de rewur¢es for a $peufi¢ purpose. Restricted fvnds are funds which are to be uyed in accordance with specific re$th'ctions imposed by the donor or the tem of Speufic appeal. Further explanation of the nature and purp)se of each fvnd 1$ induded in the notes to the account8. In¢oming R¢8our¢es All incoming resources are rewnised (ce the charity has entillement to the resources and the money has been paid. R•8oure¢$ xp¢ndèd Expenditure is recognised on an cash basis when payments have been made through the bank account or by petty cash. Taxatlon The charity is exempt from tax on lis charita8 active$. 16
Small International Development Charities Network Year Ended 31st December 2025 Not8S to the Financial Statements 2 Analysis of Receipts Unrestricted Restricted Totsl Funds Funds Funds 202S Donatlons •nd lry¥¢1os Donations Grants 60 60 24.704 24,704 Charitable Activities Event income 900 900 Inv¢$tm•nts Interest 13 13 Total R•c•lpts 973 24,704 25,677 Gov¢rnmont Gronts SIDCN received £24.70412024.'7.7071 from the FCDO through Bond and the UK Alliance for their work supporting international development charities. Unrestn'cted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 Donations and legacbe# Donations Grants 123 123 8.170 7,707 Charitabl• Activltles Event Income 350 350 Investments Interest Total Receipts 943 7,707 8,650 17
Small International Development Charities Network Year Ended 31st December 2025 Not8S to the Financial Statements 3 Analysis of Payments Unrestricted Restricted Totsl Funds Funds Funds 202S Adverb"$ing. marketing and comml¢ab"Oft Freelance fees Fundraising I stewardship Governanc Members actiwties Operational cost Other expendilu Professional fees Volunteer costs 1.493 15.114 1,493 15.114 6,155 297 6,1SS 382 85 175 175 238 238 260 23,297 23,SS7 Unrestn'cted Restricted Total Funds Funds Funds 2024 Adverb'sing, marketing and comMlCation Freelance fees Fundraising I stewardship Governan¢e M&mber$ a¢liwtie$ Operational cost Other expenditure Professional fees Volunteer costs 49 830 4,456 878 4,456 472 2,372 285 2,843 397 632 7,942 8,574
Small International Development Charities Network Year Ended 31st December 2025 Not8S to the Financial Statements 4 Analysis of Charitable Funds 1stJan 202S 31¥t Dec 202S Income Expendiiure Transfers Unro$trl¢t•d Fund$ General funds 3.026 973 {260) 12601 3,739 3,026 973 3,739 Rostricted Funds BOND & UK Alliance grant 12351 24,704 24,704 123.297) 1.172 1.172 12351 123,297) Total Funds 2,791 25,677 123,5571 4,911 Fund descrlptlon BOND & UK Alliance Grant given to support'Brib'sh Overseas NGO'S for Developmenf (Bond). grant 1st Jan 2024 318t Dec 2024 In¢omo Exptrnditurn Tr*n$ftrn Unf¢$trI¢t Funds General funds 2,71S 943 {632) 1632) 3,026 2,715 3.026 Restricted Funds BOND & UK Alliance grant 7,707 17.942} 12351 7.707 17,9421 12351 Tatsl Fund$ 2.715 8,650 18,5741 2,791 Funds in dèfieit BOND & UK Alliance This grant is an annual grant runniThJ from A1 to March, paid quarterly, the grant overspend in the third quarter. will be covered by the grant income in the fourth quarter. Due lo these accounts being on a cash basis the fourth quarter grant has not been recognised as income during the year. 19
Small International Development Charities Network
Year Ended 31st December 2025
Notes to the Financial Statements
5 Trustees Remuneration
During the year one trustee incurred out of pocket expenses of £146 for travel expenses.
During the year Marlene Kawira, was paid £1,200 as a freelance worker, for her expertise's to complete the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning report for the FCDO grant. Remuneration was agreed by the board of trustees, The role was separate from her role as a trustee, and she did not receive remunerating for her role as trustee of SIDCN.
6 Related Party Transactions
Throughout the year, many small international development charities are given gifts for their contributions to speaking at our events, on our podcasts, sharing newsletter stories, research discussion groups or completing our surveys. Some members of the board work in international development charities that are part of the network.
During the year, Kids Club Kampala ( charity number 1152451) received £200 of gifts for their contributions to the network activities, Kids Club Kampala is a related party due to Olivia BarkerWhite being employed by Kids Club Kampala.
During the year, Power for the People ( charity number 1162330) received £100 of gifts for their contributions to the network activities, Power to the people is a related party due to Janine Edwards being employed by Power to the People.
During the year, Afrikala Arts Ltd, Nairobi, was awarded the contract to provide our pilot (Radical Change) podcast episodes, they received £4,000 for the cost of production of 10 podcast episodes. Afrikala Arts Ltd is a related party due to Marlene Kawira is a director of Afrikala Arts Ltd.
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