MEL Productions (Music Education Language Productions) CIO
Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 7 December 2025
The trustees present their annual report for MEL Productions CIO for the year ended 7 December 2025.
Public Benefit Statement
The trustees confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit when planning the charity's activities. MEL Productions CIO's objectives --- the advancement of education, the promotion of social inclusion, and community development --- are intended to benefit the public in West London. Our planned AI learning, ICT, literacy, numeracy, music and employability programmes are designed to provide accessible, inclusive opportunities that support personal development, skills growth and improved community cohesion.
Structure, Governance, and Management
The charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and is governed by its constitution. The trustees are Yusuf Chadun (Chair), Ashley Dublin, and Jon Staples. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration.
The trustees have focused on establishing the essential operational foundations for the charity's future work.
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the charity's constitution. The board meets regularly to oversee governance, strategic planning and compliance with statutory duties.
Risk Management
The trustees have considered the major risks facing the charity during this developmental stage, including financial sustainability and project delivery risks. These are monitored regularly, and appropriate mitigation measures are being put in place as operations grow.
Community Support and Partnerships
During this foundational year, the charity has been greatly encouraged by the proactive and skilled support from the West London community. The essential refurbishment works at our premises were significantly advanced through the generous contribution of professional builders and skilled tradespeople from the local area, who volunteered their time and expertise. This donated labour
was instrumental in moving the capital project forward efficiently and represents a substantial in-kind benefit.
Furthermore, local volunteers have successfully organized and facilitated the use of other community spaces, offered in kind. This has allowed us to run small-scale pilot projects and planning sessions for several hours at a time. This early, practical collaboration has been invaluable for building relationships, testing initial ideas, and strengthening the community networks that are central to our mission.
Objectives and Activities
Our charitable objects are the advancement of education, the promotion of social inclusion, and community development in West London. Our planned activities include ICT, literacy, and numeracy training, music workshops, and employment support.
While direct service delivery was not the focus this year, the trustees have undertaken vital preparatory work. This has included developing program plans, consolidating community partnerships, and achieving relevant quality standards to ensure we are ready to deliver impact.
Achievements and Performance
The trustees have continued to progress the charity's major capital project: the transformation of our permanent community premises at 116 Avenue Road, secured in 2023. Over the reporting period, we have overseen essential refurbishment works to make the core spaces safe, functional, and operationally ready.
This phased development strategy has provided the charity with a growing and tangible asset. We have established a solid foundation from which to launch our programs, with several areas of the building now active for planning and partnership work.
Our immediate strategic priority is to secure the final phase of funding required to complete the refurbishment of the main hall. This critical space will enable the full commencement of our planned community activities, including AI Learning, music, education, and training workshops.
Financial Review
The charity received no income and incurred no expenditure during this initial setup year. All progress in developing our premises and preparing for programme delivery was supported through trustee and volunteer contribution, the value of which is not reflected in these financial statements.
The trustees have actively pursued project funding through various grant applications. This process has proven challenging, with competitive funding landscapes leading to delayed decisions on submitted bids, some of which we are still awaiting. We are currently in the process of writing further funding applications. Recognising this common challenge, trustees have engaged with funders and peer organisations at networking events to discuss strategies for improving our bid writing and strengthening our chances of success.
The trustees' policy is to build sufficient unrestricted reserves to support core operational costs once charitable activities commence. Fundraising for the next phase of development --- including completion of the main hall --- will be prioritised in the forthcoming year.
Future Plans
With a fully operational base now secured, the trustees' focus for the forthcoming year is to seek project funding and commence the delivery of our core educational and community programs for the benefit of the West London community.
Approval
This report was approved by the board of trustees on 7 December 2025.
Signed on behalf of the trustees:
Yusuf Chadun, Chair