Contributing effectively to protecting the environment through tangible actions
Global Waste Cleaning Network A Charitable Incorporated Organisation
Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31[st] December 2023
Charity registration number: 1192372
Global Waste Cleaning Network
Trustees’ Annual Report and Financial Statements
For the year ended 31[st] December 2023
Contents
| Objectives and Activities ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 |
|---|
| Achievements and Performance ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3 |
| The GWCN Network ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 |
| Partnerships ................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3 |
| Member Engagement .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 |
| Events ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4 |
| Financial Review ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 5 |
| Structure, Governance, Management ......................................................................................................................................................... 5 |
| Governing Document ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 |
| Trustees ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5 |
| Reference and Administrative details ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 |
| Exemptions from Disclosure ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6 |
| Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others .................................................................................................................... 6 |
| Declarations ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 7 |
| Independent examiner’s report on the accounts .............................................................................................................................. 8 |
| Responsibilities and basis of report ...................................................................................................................................................... 8 |
| Independent examiner’s statement ....................................................................................................................................................... 8 |
| Statement of Financial Activities ................................................................................................................................................................... 9 |
| Balance Sheet................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10 |
| Statement of Cash Flows...................................................................................................................................................................................... 10 |
| Notes forming part of the Financial Statements .............................................................................................................................. 11 |
| 1. Accounting Policies ................................................................................................................................................................................ 11 |
| 2. Donations and legacies ..................................................................................................................................................................... 12 |
| 3. Expenditure .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 12 |
| 4. Trustee renumeration and related party transactions ........................................................................................... 12 |
| 5. Auditor renumeration .......................................................................................................................................................................... 12 |
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Objectives and Activities
Global Waste Cleaning Network’s purpose is the protection, preservation and improvement of the environment for the benefit of mankind through:
-
the establishment of an international network of active environmental organisations and specialists
-
raised awareness of the negative effects of waste on the environment
-
promotion of good waste management practices and the contribution to the advancement of research in waste management
Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN) aims to play a vital role in the growing worldwide movement to reduce the impact of environmental pollution on society via advocacy and the implementation of evidence-based programs to reduce pollution in oceans, coastlines, lands and the atmosphere.
GWCN showcases and connects its network members, supports their environmental activities, contributes to environmental events and discussions, and fosters environmental research.
Our primary activities over the last year have been the support of our member environmental activities and events and the partnership with major energy and environmental tradeshows and conferences from around the world. We have also continued to develop the operational systems required to manage and support our members.
The Trustees regard our core objective, being the protection, preservation, and improvement of the environment, to be of intrinsic benefit to society as a whole. All our activities are in line with this charitable objective. We therefore have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on our activities being of public benefit, whether or not they are aware of, or involved in, our work.
Achievements and Performance
The GWCN Network
The main focus of our activities since our charity was founded in May 2020 has been to establish our network of profit and non-profit organisations, including educational institutions, who have an interest in the promotion of environmental protection. This stage of growth, to achieve “critical mass”, is fundamental to achieving our other objectives. We have made significant progress in establishing this network and during the current year, we were able to maintain the status of world’s largest environmental network reaching around 2,040 member organisations in 187 countries.
Going forward into 2024, our aim is to further engage with members, allowing them to learn and network with other organisations to further their objectives.
We thank our management team of volunteers and all other short-term volunteers who have worked incredibly hard to recruit and engage with our members toward our goal of being a leading global environmental organisation. We have had a network of volunteers across many countries, and who dedicated a significant amount of their time and energy supporting our organisation. Their work varied from research, web article writing to administrative tasks and searching for potential member organisations.
Partnerships
The second main focus has been to strengthen our collaboration with the existing partners, and we made good progress towards this goal.
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Member Engagement
Our aim was to further engage with members through newsletters and our social app, allowing them to learn and network with other organisations to further their objectives.
Events
GWCN supported environmental and energy related events, the most significant ones being:
| Date | Event Name | Organizer (Member / Non- Member) |
Location | GWCN Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 - 20 April 2023 | Waste Management Europe Exhibition & Conference 2023 |
Non- Member |
Bergamo, Italy | Network Partner |
| 28 - 29 June 2023 |
E-Waste World, Metal Recycling, Battery Recycling Conference & Expo |
Non- Member |
Frankfurt Messe, Germany |
Partner |
| 23 - 25 May 2023 | OMC Med Energy Conference & Exhibition |
Non- Member |
Ravenna, Italy | Network Partner |
| 14-15 March 2023 | The Distributed Energy Show |
Non- Member |
Telford, UK | Supporter |
| 23-25 January 2023 |
Empowerment Training on Climate Change in Waivou Village, Rewa Province,Fiji |
Non- Member |
Fiji Islands | Supporter |
| 21 - 22 February 2023 |
1st Investment Fair Energy in Mali (SIEMA 2023) |
Non- Member |
Bamako, Republic of Mali |
Partner |
| 9-11 May 2023 | The World Hydrogen 2023 Summit & Exhibition |
Non- Member |
Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands |
Supporter |
| 7-9 March 2023 | Middle East Energy 2023 | Non- Member |
Dubai World Trade Center, UAE |
Supporting Association |
| 10-11 May 2023 | The World Battery Storage 2023 Exhibition & Forum |
Non- Member |
Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands |
Supporter |
| 27-28 June 2023 | Reset Connect London | Non- Member |
ExCeL, London, UK |
Partner |
| 8-10 August 2023 |
2023 World Battery & Energy Storage Industry Expo |
Non- Member |
China Import & Export Fair Complex, Guangzhou, China |
Partner |
| 28-30 November 2023 |
Eastern Mediterranean Energy Conference & Exhibition(EMC 2023) |
Non- Member |
Limassol, Cyprus |
Network Partner |
| 25-26 May 2023 | 27th ICCI International Energy and Environment Fair and Conference |
Non- Member |
Istanbul, Turkey |
Supporting Association |
| 3-5 August 2023 | 18th EverythingAboutWater & Waste Expo 2023 |
Non- Member |
New Delhi, India |
Supporting Organisation |
| 5 June 2023 | Mauritius Environment Seminar 2023 |
Member | Hennessy Park Hotel, Mauritius |
Main Partner |
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| Date | Event Name | Organizer (Member / Non- Member) |
Location | GWCN Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 June 2023 | Nepal Tree Plantation Program 2023 |
Member | Kathmandhu, Nepal |
Partner |
| 19 July 2023 | Bangladesh National Environmental Olympiad 2023 |
Member | Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Partner |
| 27-28 September 2023 |
Hydrogen & Carbon Capture TechnologyExpo |
Non- Member |
Messe Bremen, Germany |
Supporter |
| 5-7 September 2023 |
6th Pacific Urban Forum 2023 |
Non- Member |
Suva, Fiji Islands |
Participant |
| 29 November – 1 December 2023 |
UNESCO MGIEP ParticipatoryForum |
Non- Member |
New Delhi, India |
Participant |
Discounts on attending most of the above events were communicated to GWCN mwmbers.
Financial Review
Global Waste Cleaning Network has a desire to be relevant and supportive to as many environmental organisations as possible to create a ‘Network Effect’ - maximise the value and potential of the network for both GWCN and our members through establishing scale. We do not currently charge membership fees and so rely heavily on our network of over 30 highly motivated volunteers to run the organisations activities, work with our partners and support our members. Without their time, energy and willingness to support GWCN’s activities we would have been unable to achieve what we’ve done in the last year.
Income for the period was mainly in the form of grants and donations to enable specific activities, e.g. Marketing, Customer relationship management. The charity holds no assets nor reserves and we have no liabilities and we have limited cash. We are very grateful to the technology organisations who have supported our operations through allowing use of their products and services.
As we move forward, we plan to build out our organisation’s finances to enable further support GWCN’s relevance, members’ activities and deeper engagement with our partners. It is envisaged this will be funded through a combination of grants and charging for member services and events.
Structure, Governance, Management
Governing Document
Global Waste Cleaning Network is a UK based Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), and it is governed under a ‘Foundation’ model charitable constitution. Our only voting members are our charity trustees. GWCN was established on May 2[nd] , 2020.
Trustees
GWCN trustees meet quarterly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. There must be a minimum of two trustees. At the end of the year the charity had two trustees from a variety of professional backgrounds relevant to the work of the charity.
Aside from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the charity trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective administration of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
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Reference and Administrative details
Charity Name: Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN)
Charity registration number: 1192372
Principal address: 27 Bilberry Close, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 8GD. United Kingdom
Members of the Board of Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report were:
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Mrs Monica Braithwaite – appointed Chairman on the 25[th] January 2023. She previously held the position of Trustee.
-
Mr Linus Ayangwoh Embe – Chairman, Founder and CEO, resigned as Chairman and Trustee on the 24[th] of January 2023 however he continues in his executive role.
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Dr Roger El Achkar - Founder, Director General and Dean of Research. Resigned as a Trustee on the 20[th] of January 2023 however he continues in his executive role.
-
Mr Kofi Atuah – Trustee
The Board resignations were to streamline legislative administration and have no bearing on the operations of the organisation. Both Linus and Roger continue to attend Board meetings and retain their executive management positions.
Exemptions from Disclosure
No exemptions claimed.
Funds held as custodian trustee on behalf of others
There were no funds held as custodian on behalf of others.
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Declarations
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom accounting standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Charity law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the incoming resources and application of resources for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP;
-
Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable UK accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
For the first time, due to our increased income, the charity was required to obtain an independent examiner’s report under the Charities Act (November 2016 guidance). This has been included on page 8.
The Trustees’ Report and financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 18[th] October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Monica Braithwaite
Chairman
Date:
Page | 7
Independent examiner’s report on the accounts
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Global Waste Cleaning Network (charity number 1192372) for the year ended 31[st] December 2022 as set out on pages 9 to 12.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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The accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
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The accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
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The accounts did 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.
Claire Powers, CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant)
Date:
Address: 22 High View Drive, Kingswinford, West Midlands. DY6 8HT
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Statement of Financial Activities
For the year ended 31[st] December 2023
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Gross income Expenditure on: Raising funds 3 Charitable activities 3 Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2023 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Restricted Funds 2023 Total Funds £ £ £ 33 46,033 46,066 33 46,033 46,066 0 42,581 42,581 33 3,452 3,485 33 46,033 46,066 0 0 0 0 0 0 100 0 100 100 0 100 |
2022 Total Funds £ 96,476 |
|---|---|---|
96,476 |
||
94,465 1,911 |
||
96,376 |
||
100 |
||
100 |
||
0 |
||
100 |
The charity has received no government grants in the reporting period.
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Balance Sheet
As at 31 December 2023
| Current assets Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Total net assets Funds of the Charity Unrestricted income fund Total funds |
2023 Unrestricted Funds 2023 Restricted Funds 2023 Total Funds £ £ £ 100 0 100 100 0 100 100 0 100 100 0 100 100 0 100 |
2022 Total Funds £ 100 |
|---|---|---|
100 |
||
100 |
||
100 |
||
100 |
There were no fixed assets, fixed asset transactions or creditors. Cash was held as cash or cash equivalents.
Statement of Cash Flows
For the year ended 31[st] December 2023
| Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period |
2023 Total Funds £ 0 0 100 100 |
2022 Total Funds £ 100 |
|---|---|---|
100 0 |
||
| 100 |
Please note the net cash provided by (used in) operating activities is the same as the net income from the Statement of Financial Activities.
The note on pages 11 to 12 form part of these accounts.
Accounts, including the balance sheet, were approved by the Board of Trustees on 18[th] October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Monica Braithwaite
Chairman
Date:
Page | 10
Notes forming part of the Financial Statements
For the year ended 31 December 2023
1. Accounting Policies
The principal accounting policies are summarised below.
Basis of accounting
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2019.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis.
a) Accounting period
These financial statements were prepared for the year ended 31[st] December 2023.Comparatives relate to the year ended 31[st] December 2022.
b) Fund accounting
-
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
-
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
c) Income
All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to, and virtually certain to receive, the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following policies are applied to particular categories of income:
-
Offsetting: There has been no offsetting of assets and liabilities, or income and expenses, unless required or permitted under FRS102 SORP.
-
Grants and donations are only included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the general income recognition criteria are met.
-
Donated goods, services and facilities: Donated goods, services and facilities are included in the SOFA when received at the value of the gift to the charity, provided the value of the gift can be measured reliably. Donated services and facilities that are consumed immediately are recognised as income with an equivalent amount recognised as an expense under the appropriate heading in the SOFA.
-
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the trustees’ annual report.
-
Foreign currency transactions: Value of grants utilised in $ were converted to £ using the official published HM Revenue and Customs monthly rate for the month the grants were 'drawn down'.
d) Expenditure and liabilities
- Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.
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-
Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
-
Foreign currency transactions: Value of expenditure in $ was converted to £ using either the £ cost relevant to the transaction when it occurred (if the specific expense was directly converted to £), or the official published HM Revenue and Customs monthly rate for the month the costs were incurred.
2. Donations and legacies
| Donations and gifts Donated goods, facilities and services 3. Expenditure Raising Funds Advertising, marketing, direct mail and publicity Charitable activities Software Total expenditure |
2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds £ £ £ 33 0 33 0 46,033 46,033 33 46,033 46,066 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds £ £ £ 0 42,581 42,581 33 3,452 3,485 33 46,033 46,066 |
2022 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds £ £ £ 123 0 123 0 96,353 96,353 123 96,353 96,476 2022 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds Total Funds £ £ £ 0 94,465 94,465 23 1,888 1,911 23 96,353 96,376 |
|---|---|---|
3. Expenditure
GWCN had no employees during the period. No staff costs or employee benefits were incurred.
4. Trustee renumeration and related party transactions
No Trustee received any renumeration nor received any other benefits or expenses during the year. No trustee or other person related to the charity had any personal interest in any contract or transaction entered into by the charity during the year.
5. Auditor renumeration
There was no renumeration provided to our independent examiner.
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