National Education Opportunities Network (NEON)
Trustees Annual Report
For the year ended 31stof July 2024
Objectives and Activities
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document.
NEON works for the public benefit to promote routes into, and success in, higher education in such ways as the charity trustees think fit, including by:
-
Supporting organisations to work with all learners, especially those from underrepresented groups.
-
Identifying, and researching, barriers to higher education and sharing potential solutions.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.
NEON believes that access to, and success in higher education should not be related to social background but based on ability and willingness to participate. In order to achieve this, we support our members to both identify and address challenges that may both stop learners being able to enter, or succeed within higher education through a comprehensive events programme, research reports and a weekly newsletter.
Over the period of this report NEON has held 25 events. The aim of these events is to help educational practitioners understand barriers that learners face, in terms of gaining entry to, and achieving success within, higher education, and to learn from policy, research and practice to help inform their own strategies and activities with learners. The events also present the opportunity for attendees to network, and engage with, other attendees, make connections and share practice. These events are open to all with the majority of them being held online.
In addition to these events NEON offers its members the opportunity to attend themed, online working group meetings based around key topics of concern. These include:
-
Access and outreach for disabled learners
-
Addressing differential outcomes for ethnically diverse learners
-
Establishing evidence and measuring impact
-
Mature learners
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
1
-
Mentoring to widen access
-
Primary age outreach
-
Supporting access, success and progression for vocational learners
-
Widening participation in postgraduate study
The meetings give attendees the space to consider these topics, discuss and debate current approaches and decide upon possible future actions to address challenges that arise. They work on producing resources and examples of practice that are made available to all NEON members. Outcomes of the meetings are shared online, being available to any person accessing our website.
Each year NEON holds an annual conference, the NEON Summer Symposium, offering those concerned with widening access the opportunity to hear from key policy makers, stakeholders and other practitioners about the importance of widening access. This twoday event is the largest UK conference dealing with these issues.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, both in agreeing NEON’s aims and objectives, and in planning all future activities. Our work focuses upon equitable access to higher education for all learners who are able to benefit from it and we work closely with other organisations within the Education sector in order to achieve this.
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.
We are pleased to be able to report on another very successful year for NEON, despite the prevailing challenges of funding in the Higher Education sector. We have enjoyed our first full year as an independent charity and strengthened our relationships with the sector, our members and our hosts, the University of West London.
We have been able to advance our objectives in a variety of ways, for example by advocating for educational opportunity, providing professional development for our members, encouraging networking and the exchange of good practice through working groups, the dissemination of knowledge through our annual symposium and our ‘NEON Summits’ both online and in person. We were also able to successfully run our Annual NEON Awards with many excellent nominations, 77 in all, but the unexpectedly early General Election meant that we had to postpone the Award Ceremony, due to be held in May at the Palace of Westminster, until early in the next academic year (December 2024).
The Trustees have endorsed a funding model that charges a modest membership fee and raises income to maintain the work of the charity through charging for attendance at meetings and seeking external funding for research. At the end of the period we had 149 member organisations, of which 106 are universities.
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
2
Our finances remain healthy, and we have made a surplus of £87k on a total turnover of £187k. As the charity now employs four staff, through the University of West London as employer, we aim to build a reserve equivalent to at least sixth months operating costs. The University of West London will also make a charge for the hosting of NEON, and we anticipate this will be in the region of £65k to cover the previous years they have hosted NEON, and then an annual payment thereafter. This will be finalised in 2024/25.
The highlight of the year was undoubtedly our Annual Symposium, held in London for the first time at the University of West London. Some 211 persons attended this two-day meeting.
We held five on-line and one in person NEON Summits on various key issues suggested by our members, which attracted 174 attendees in total. The lower average attendance than expected perhaps reflecting the time pressures in a stressed working environment.
Our professional development work via our ‘Access Academies’ continued to be well regarded and the total attendance at 15 events was 237.
Some 50 people came as invited guests to two advocacy events. A major focus of our advocacy this year has been the effect on disadvantaged students of the proposed defunding of certain BTEC qualifications. We have worked with the ‘Protect Student Choice Campaign’ to explain the issues to policy makers and educationalists.
For the first time this year we ran a Workshop which attracted 44 participants.
The many member-led Working Groups on topics of mutual interest continue to help disseminate practice amongst colleagues. NEON staff provide administrative support and 10 meetings were held with 161 attendees. A new Working Group on estranged students is in the process of establishment.
We have continued to engage in research and advocacy. This includes the work to protect student choice cited above as well as events on skills and lifelong learning. A research report on progression to higher education entitled ‘Universities not for everyone: levelling up and who is missing out on higher education in England’ was launched at the Palace of Westminster. A second part is now in preparation with more granular information. NEON also made a submission to the Parliamentary Enquiry on ‘Boys’ Attainment and Engagement in Education.’
Following the generous allocation of funding from the Saville Foundation in South Africa, NEON was able to host a meeting to discuss relaunching the World Access to Higher Education Network (WAHEN) in Oxford in September 2023. The meeting was attended by interested parties from across the world with 29 leaders concerned with social mobility in attendance. We continue to build our social media presence.
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
3
Achievements against objectives set
This year saw our second highest number of delegates (211) attending our annual conference. In terms of events held this year saw an increase in their numbers, with a slight reduction in average attendance. Widening access remains an important area to our members and, with a new Labour Government, is likely to remain so. We continue to offer a high level of support both to our members and the broader education sector.
Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period
The charity is in a strong position given this is the second year of its operation as a charity and has a financial surplus.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held
The trustee’s policy is to build up unreserved funds that amount to six month’s running costs, which amounts to £70,000 to allow for adverse economic conditions and other potential threats, safeguarding NEON’s long-term future as well as a further £65k to cover potential hosting charges from the University of West London.
Amount of reserves held
£120,786
Details of fund materially in deficit
There are no funds in deficit.
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern There are no concerns about NEON continuing as a going concern.
The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)
-
Income from NEON events.
-
Membership subscriptions.
A description of the principal risks facing the charity
-
A fall in membership subscriptions.
-
Reduced income from events programme.
-
Changes in government policy regarding participation in higher education.
-
The loss of key staff from NEON.
Structure, Governance and Management
Description of charity’s trusts:
- Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter): Constitution.
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
4
-
How is the charity constituted ? Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
-
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees Election by members with option to co-opt (with regard for experience and skills).
-
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees : New trustees receive full information about the workings of NEON.
-
Other : Before becoming a CIO, NEON was based at the University of West London. Since becoming a CIO, the University continues to employ NEON staff.
Reference and Administrative details
-
Charity name : National Education Opportunities Network
-
Other name the charity uses: NEON
-
Registered charity number: 1199280
-
Charity’s principal address:
c/o University of West London St Mary’s Road Ealing London W5 5RF
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Ofice (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|---|---|---|
| Margaret Greenfelds | ||
| Hannah Merry | ||
| Anna Toyne | 01.08.23 - 11.12.23 | |
| Les Ebdon | Chair | |
| Peter John | ||
| Peter Riley | 01.08.23 - 11.12.23 | |
| Sarah Harder-Collins | 01.08.23 - 11.12.23 | |
| Ellie Rowley | 01.08.23 - 11.12.23 | |
| Sam Dunnett | 01.08.23 - 11.12.23 | |
| Karen Lipsedge | 11.12.23 - 31.7.24 | |
| Anna Wooley | 11.12.23 - 31.7.24 | |
| Lynne Downey | 11.12.23 - 31.7.24 | |
| Stacey Mottershaw | 11.12.23 - 31.7.24 |
Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name: Martin Webster
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
5
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity: None
Martin Webster Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members:
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
-
Signature:
-
Full name: Sir Professor Les Ebdon
-
Position: Chair of NEON
-
Date: 27[th] May 2025
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
6
National Education Opportunities Network No - 1199280
Recei ts and ay ments accounts p pay y
p pay CC16a Period start date Period end date For the period To from 1/8/2023 31/07/24
Section A Receipts and payments
| Section A Receipts and payments |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 100,884 35,723 50,567 267 - - - - 187,442 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ - - - - - - - - - |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|
| Events | 100,884 | - | - | 100,884 | 173,692 | |
| Projects | 35,723 | - | - | 35,723 | 73,699 | |
| Membership | 50,567 | - | - | 50,567 | - | |
| Other Income | 267 | - | - | 267 | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) |
187,442 | - | - | 187,442 | 247,391 |
----- Start of picture text -----
A2 Asset and
investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 187,442 - - 187,442 N/A
----- End of picture text -----
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
7
| A3 Payments | 32,650 54,244 6,576 5,890 847 - - - - 100,208 |
- - - - - - - - - - |
- - - - - - - - - - |
32,650 54,244 6,576 5,890 847 - - - - 100,208 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Staffing | 32,650 | - | - | 32,650 | 150,546 |
| Events | 54,244 | - | - | 54,244 | 48,361 |
| Consultancy | 6,576 | - | - | 6,576 | 11,138 |
| Expenses | 5,890 | - | - | 5,890 | 3,794 |
| Publications | 847 | - | - | 847 | - |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| - | - | - | - | - | |
| Sub total | 100,208 | - | - | 100,208 | 213,839 |
A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table)
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | |||||||||
| - | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Sub total | ||||||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||
| Total payments | 100,208 | - | - | 100,208 | 213,839 | |||||||
| Net of | ||||||||||||
| receipts/(payments) | 87,234 | - | - | 87,234 | 33,552 | |||||||
| A5 Transfers | ||||||||||||
| between funds | - | - | - | - | - | |||||||
| A6 Cash funds last | ||||||||||||
| year end | 33,552 | - | - | 33,552 | - | |||||||
| Cash funds this | ||||||||||||
| year end | 120,786 | - | - | 120,786 | N/A |
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
8
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories B1 Cash funds B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use |
Details Balance at the end of July 2024 Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details Details Details |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 120,786 - - 120,786 OK Unrestricted funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Fund to which asset belongs |
Restricted funds to nearest £ - - - - OK Restricted funds to nearest £ - - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - Cost (optional) - - - - - |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| OK | ||||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| Current value (optional) |
||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| Current value (optional) |
||||
| - | - | |||
| - | - | |||
| - | - | |||
| - | - | |||
| - | - |
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
9
----- Start of picture text -----
- -
- -
- -
- -
Fund to which Amount due When due
Details liability relates (optional) (optional)
B5 -
Liabilities
-
-
-
-
Signed by
one or two
Date of
trustees on Signature Print Name
behalf of all approval
the trustees
LES EBDON
27/05/2025
----- End of picture text -----
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
10
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees/ Charity Name members of NEON On accounts for the 31[st] July 2024 Charity 1199280 year ended no (if any) Set out on pages 7, 8, 9 and 10 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/07/2024
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.
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
11
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,:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
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.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
----- Start of picture text -----
Signed: Lynn Hill Date: 28/05/2025
Name: Lynn Mary Hill
Relevant professional
qualification(s) or body
Fellow of Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (FCMA)
(if any):
Address:
----- End of picture text -----
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
12
Section B Disclosure
Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).
Give here details of any None items that the examiner wishes to disclose .
NEON is a charitable incorporated organisation, No. 1199280
13