THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
Registered Address: 87-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE Charity Number: 1198468
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
For the year ended 1 October 2024
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO) CONTENTS PAGE
| Trustee Report | 2 |
|---|---|
| Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities | 5 |
| Independent Examiners Report | 6 |
| Receipts and Payment Accounts | 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9 |
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
Trustee Report
Structure, Governance and Management
The Equiano Project was granted charitable status on 31 March 2022 as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
The organisation consists of four trustees, including a Director (also a trustee), a freelance Head of Content, and a network of approximately a dozen voluntary contributors. The Director also provided paid services in a project management capacity, which were properly authorised and disclosed in the financial statements.
Trustees
Oliver Langton Wright (Chair) Inaya Folarin Iman Katharine Moana Birbalsingh CBE Dr Marie Kawthar Daouda LLA
All trustees were appointed on 31 March 2022.
Charity number: 1198468
Registered office: 87-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE
Objectives and Activities
The Equiano Project exists to advance the education of the public—particularly young people—on the subjects of tolerance, universalism, freedom of expression, and citizenship, as the charity trustees see fit. Its charitable aims are:
A. The elimination of discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion, e.g., by delivering training and advisory services to organisations.
B. Advancing education and raising awareness of equality and diversity, e.g., by publishing reports, reviews, and articles, and making resources publicly available.
C. Promoting activities that foster understanding between people from diverse backgrounds.
D. Cultivating a sentiment in favour of equality and diversity.
- E. Hosting events, talks, and discussions.
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
Public benefit
The charity has referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing its aims and objectives and in planning future activities. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives that they have set.
Achievements and Performance
In the 2023–2024 financial year, The Equiano Project significantly expanded its reach and deepened its impact through a diverse programme of events, publications, and public engagement:
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On 14 November 2023, Director Inaya Folarin Iman spoke at a major town hall-style debate in Doha, Qatar, in collaboration with Doha Debates, Lusail Museum, and VCUarts Qatar. The event explored the evolution of Western perceptions and the cultural legacy of Orientalist art.
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On 11 December 2023, The Equiano Project hosted a joint event with Don't Divide Us on the subject of contemporary antisemitism in Britain.
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On 22 January 2024, we co-hosted an in-person discussion with Persuasion titled "The Culture Wars: An American Import?".
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On 12 February 2024, the Director participated in a panel at BFI Southbank reflecting on the film American Fiction and its exploration of racial politics.
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On 18 March 2024, we co-hosted a book event with the Free Speech Union on Lord Tony Sewell's latest publication titled Black Success: The Surprising Truth .
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On 26 March 2024, the Director spoke at UCL's Bloomsbury campus on the theme "Disagreeing Well in an Online World." and spoke about how the politics of identity undermines free speech.
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On 24 April 2024, The Equiano Project hosted an online discussion with prominent commentator Coleman Hughes about his latest publication End of Race Politics, The: Arguments for a Colorblind America.
Over the reporting year, The Equiano Project:
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Reached over 1,000 people in person through public events
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Generated nearly 1 million views on YouTube
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Achieved 12+ media mentions including in the Daily Mail, Spiked, BBC Radio 4, The Spectator, Sky News, and The Critic
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
- Grew its newsletter to 2,000+ Substack subscribers, alongside dozens of published articles
These activities contributed directly to our charitable goals by encouraging public dialogue on contentious and complex issues in a thoughtful and inclusive manner.
Financial Review
The charity received total income of £31,675.67 during the year, of which £29,004.60 came from donations and £2,660.80 from charitable activities. Investment income (CAF bank interest) was £10.27.
Total expenditure for the year was £31,238.95, which included:
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£31,232.02 spent on charitable activities, including public events, speaker fees, and project management.
-
£6.93 on governance and administrative expenses
The net income for the year was £436.72, bringing the charity's closing funds to £8,046.14, from an opening balance of £7,609.42.
All funds are unrestricted.
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds, which have not been designated for a specific use, should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six months’ expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised.
This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks.
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and UK Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
They are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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State whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed;
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless inappropriate.
Trustees must also:
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Keep adequate accounting records;
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Ensure the financial statements comply with charity law;
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Safeguard the assets of the charity and take reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and irregularities.
Approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
Trustee: Oliver Wright
Chair of Trustees: Oliver Wright
Date: 08 Jul 2025
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE EQUIANO PROJECT
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Equiano Project for the year ended 1 October 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee’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 2011 Act.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their Opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently, I express no opinion as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and my report is limited to those speci fi c matters set out in the independent examiner's statement.
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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records.
(3) 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.
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
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.
Hopper Williams & Bell Limited
Michaela Johns FCCA Hopper Williams & Bell Limited Chartered Accountants Highland House Mayflower Close Chandler's Ford Eastleigh Hampshire SO53 4AR
08 Jul 2025
Date ………………………………………...
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
Financial Statements
For the year ended 1 October 2024
Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA): Receipts and Payment Account
| Category | Category | 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total Funds (£) | Total Funds (£) | |||
| Funds (£) | Funds (£) | |||||
| Receipts from donations 4,366.74 |
24,637.86 | 29,004.60 | 10,280.71 | |||
| and legacies | ||||||
| Receipts from charitable 2,660.80 |
2,660.80 | 2,500.00 | ||||
| activities | ||||||
| Investment Receipts 10.27 |
10.27 | - | ||||
| Total | Receipts | 7,037.81 | 24,637.86 | 31,675.67 | 12,780.71 | |
| Paymentson charitable 6,594.16 |
24,637.86 | 31,232.02 | 6,146.29 | |||
| activities | ||||||
| Payments on | 6.93 | £6.00 | 25.00 | |||
| Governance and | ||||||
| Administration | ||||||
| Total Payments | 6,601.09 | 24,637.86 | 31,238.95 | 6,171.29 | ||
| Net Cash | 436.72 | - | 436.72 | 7,609.42 | ||
| receipts/payments | ||||||
| Reconciliation of | funds | |||||
| Total funds brought 7,609.42 |
- | 7,609.42 | - | |||
| forward | ||||||
| Total funds carried 8,046.14 |
8,046.14 | 7,609.42 | ||||
| forward |
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THE EQUIANO PROJECT (CIO)
Balance Sheet
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Amount (£) | Amount (£) |
| Current assets | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 8,046.14 | 7,609.42 |
| Total current assets | 8,046.14 | 7,609.42 |
| Liabilities | - | - |
| Net current assets | 8,046.14 | 7,609.42 |
| Total assets | 8,046.14 | 7,609.42 |
| Unrestricted funds | 8,046.14 | 7,609.42 |
| Restricted Funds | - | - |
| Total charity funds | 8,046.14 | £7,609.42 |
Funds Reconciliation
| Funds Reconciliation | |
|---|---|
| Opening funds (1 Oct 2023) | £7,609.42 |
| Net income for the year | £436.72 |
| Closing funds (1 Oct 2024) | £8,046.14 |
| All funds are unrestricted. |
Payment to Trustees
For the delivery of major projects and project management services, Inaya Inaya Folarin Iman (Trustee) was paid a day rate of £250. This totalled £3,650 for the year ending 1 Oct 2024 (2023: £800).
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Issuer
HWB Chartered Accountants
Document generated Wed, 2nd Jul 2025 16:53:00 BST
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Tue, 8th Jul 2025 12:06:33 BST Tue, 8th Jul 2025 13:32:10 BST Tue, 8th Jul 2025 13:32:10 BST Tue, 8th Jul 2025 13:32:10 BST
Oliver Wright - Signer (40fc0dbd9b4caee58a55724df2552a6c) Michaela Johns - Signer (2c86665515a62bea4e54dc27020d0d0c) Gemma Wood - Copied In (3e42070576979059b65a0f836dd24f00) Inaya Folarin Iman - Copied In (f239ca38eabcf1d2635969f027a61988)
Audit history log
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Michaela Johns opened the document email. (82.132.246.59) Michaela Johns opened the document email. (82.132.246.59) Michaela Johns viewed the envelope (82.132.246.59) Michaela Johns signed the envelope (82.132.246.59) Sent the envelope to Gemma Wood (gemma.wood@hwb-accountants.com) for signing (82.132.246.59) Sent the envelope to Inaya Folarin Iman (inayafolarin@gmail.com) for signing (82.132.246.59) This envelope has been signed by all parties (82.132.246.59) Document emailed to gemma.wood@hwb-accountants.com Document emailed to inayafolarin@gmail.com