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 Netr￿Tk 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 Ne￿Ork
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 S￿nt £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 Ma￿h 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 O￿lgallonS, 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
pU￿1C 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 memtr*rs 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 Gene￿IlY 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 acr￿unts 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 ￿nn￿dIon
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 $hotJld be drawn in Ihbs rep￿1 in order to enable a understanding of tho
accounts to be reached.
Da￿le1 Bishop
Daniel Bi$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 charita￿8 activ￿e$.
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"$ing. marketing and comm￿l¢ab"Oft
Freelance fees
Fundraising I stewardship
Governanc
Members actiwties
Operational cost
Other expendilu
Professional fees
Volunteer costs
1.493
15.114
1,493
15.114
6,155
297
6,1SS
382
85
175
175
238
238
260
23,297
23,SS7
Unrestn'cted Restricted Total Funds
Funds
Funds
2024
Adverb'sing, marketing and comM￿lCation
Freelance fees
Fundraising I stewardship
Governan¢e
M&mber$ 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 A￿1 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. 

20