## **Annual Report and Financial Statement 2023/24**
**Registered Charity Number 1203948**
|Charity Name|Beautiful Noise|
|---|---|
|Charity Registration Number|1203948|
|Charity Structure|Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)|
|Principal Address|2 Manor Farm Court, Old Wolverton Road,
Old Wolverton, Milton Keynes, MK12 5NN|
|Period covered by this report|11 July 2023 to 5 April 2024|
## **Message from the Chair of Trustees - Helen Marriott Smith**
This year has been a hugely encouraging start of an exciting journey for Beautiful Noise.
Having secured a commitment to funding for the first three years of operations, we have focussed on researching the current state of music education provision in Sussex and beyond and have made a positive start on delivering musical experiences to young people.
We have demonstrated that our core Rock School offering can reach those young people in need, and have also shown that we can work flexibly, collaboratively and at pace to adapt to meet specific local needs. I am pleased with the progress we have made in the design and development of Studio Ninja, our bespoke electronic music production course and am excited for the opportunity this will provide to increase the number of young people we can support.
Most importantly, we have received really positive feedback from young people who have benefitted from our work, from their parents and carers and from our partners. The enthusiasm shown by the young people we serve is truly inspiring, and it fuels our commitment to expanding our reach and impact.
We look forward to meeting the challenges we have set ourselves for the year ahead.
## **About the Annual Report and Financial Statement**
The financial statement has been set out to comply with the Charity’s Constitution, the Charities Act of 1993 and as per the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting of Charities published in 2005.
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
Page 2 of 15
## **Beautiful Noise - Mission and Objectives**
Beautiful Noise is a registered charity based in Sussex dedicated to enriching the lives of young people through the transformative power of music.
By providing musical education experiences, we aim to inspire and bring joy to children. We focus our support and resources on young people:
- from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, currently identified as young people who are eligible for free school meals;
- with a health or developmental condition that is impacting on their everyday life, often referred to as an additional need. Additional needs could be developmental, physical, learning, behavioural or sensory.
Our **mission** is to provide musical education experiences that enable young people to develop their creativity, confidence, and self-esteem. We believe that music has the power to transform lives, inspire creativity, and bring joy and happiness to people of all ages.
Our **objectives,** as established in our constitution (dated 11 July 2023), are to promote and advance the musical education and experiences of children and young people by:
- arranging and funding musical tuition, providing performance opportunities and exposure to specialist resources
- the funding of musical resources and equipment
Music is about much more than learning notes and rhythms; it’s about nurturing cognitive abilities and fostering holistic development. Research shows that music education enhances critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and spatial awareness, empowering young people to navigate complex challenges with confidence and creativity. Participation in musical activities also fosters a sense of community and belonging, promoting empathy, collaboration, and communication skills.
Research also suggests that children who receive early exposure to music education demonstrate improved academic performance and social skills, setting them up for success in various aspects of life.
Beautiful Noise works with specialist partners to develop and deliver a range of programmes designed especially for young people. Investing in music education is an investment in lifelong learning, personal growth, and an enriched quality of life.
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Page 3 of 15
## **Headline achievements against objectives 2023/24**
- Registered as a charity on 11 July 2023 and began operational delivery
- Developed a number of music education offerings and ran pilots to test delivery mechanisms
- Successfully offered funded Rock School places during school holidays to children eligible for free school meals - in partnership with Red Butler Music School (RBMS)
- Developed a bespoke Rock School in partnership with the social prescribing leads at Foundry Healthcare in Lewes and East Sussex County Council to support young people with additional needs
- Made good progress in the development of a digital music production course - branded Studio Ninja - which will be launched in 2024/25
- Put in place the procedures, policies and infrastructure necessary for successful operations
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
Page 4 of 15
## **Strategic aims**
Prior to launch, Beautiful Noise worked with local schools and music providers to get a comprehensive understanding of current music provision in the local area and to understand the experience and trends identified by those delivering music education to children. Our key findings were that:
- The quality of music education within mainstream education is inconsistent and is generally poorly funded. As a result, young people do not receive consistent musical education and experience unless this can be privately funded by family or carers.
- There is a need to generate interest amongst young people who don’t know what’s possible from music education. In short, young people don’t know what they can gain from something they have not previously encountered. Demand will not spontaneously emerge so there is a need to encourage and inspire young people.
- While the school music curriculum, instrument tuition and music exams have their place, there is considerable scope to deliver something more inclusive and engaging for young people.
- There is a need to follow through for those who are most interested. Providing a glimpse of what is available and then not being able to follow through over time should be guarded against.
We concluded that:
- Beautiful Noise should develop a core offering that can meet our charitable objectives and which could then be built upon as we pursue our development and growth ambitions.
- We should develop a lifecycle approach which spanned introductory experiences through to deeper engagement for the most enthusiastic, committed or talented.
We have built our strategy around a Lifecycle approach which is set out in the diagram below. The diagram also sets out the products and services that form our initial building blocks or ‘pillars of provision’.
web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
Page 5 of 15
The aims of each of these pillars are:
- Group experiences - To open young people’s minds to the possibilities of music.
- Visits - To encourage a deeper appreciation of music and live performance.
- Rock School - To provide an entry point for collaborative music making and performance.
- Studio Ninja - To provide longer term skills development and collaborative opportunities in music throughout the year, not only during school holidays.
- Grants and Bursaries - To provide individual support for the most gifted and committed.
During 2023/24, Rock School has been our core offering and we have worked with a local partner both to find ways of reaching young people in need and to deliver musical education experiences. Progress has also been made on our Studio Ninja product which is being designed and developed by Beautiful Noise.
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
Page 6 of 15
## **Achievements and Performance 2023/24**
During the first year of operation, Beautiful Noise has been relatively cautious in its approach. The charity has offered a small number of places on pre-arranged Rock School events run by Red Butler Music School (RBMS), our current primary current delivery partner, in order to assess how our proposed operating model functions in practice.
Initial approaches offering Rock School places to young people within our charitable objects (those eligible for free school meals) via mailings to parents and carers directly from local schools yielded no applicants. RBMS is a registered provider for the Half term Activities and Food (HAF) programme (funded by East Sussex County Council) and places on its Rock School via this route are usually oversubscribed. Beautiful Noise funded places were offered to the RBMS waiting list for the HAF Programme with better results.
## _**Pillar 3 - Rock School Summer 2023**_
- Places were taken up by 17 young people (aged 5 to 14) for a total of 43 days - food was funded for these participants.
- All participants were in receipt of Free School Meals and some also had parentreported additional needs including ADHD, anxiety, dyslexia, and speech and language limitations.
- All parents who responded to the HAF feedback survey gave a score of five out of five to the core feedback statements:
- There is a good range of activities on offer
- My child(ren)'s specific needs were taken into account.
- It was a safe environment for my child(ren)
- My child(ren) would like to attend this activity again in the future
## _**Pillar 3 - Rock School Winter 2023**_
- Places were taken up by three young people who attended for a total of 11 days - food was funded for these participants.
- Two participants required travel to take part and this was also funded.
- All parents who responded to the HAF feedback survey gave a score of five out of five to the core feedback statements (see above).
> Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Page 7 of 15
## _**Pillar 3 – Rock School - Social Prescribing Pilot February 2024**_
- Beautiful Noise co-ordinated, and part funded, a pilot exercise working with Social Prescribing leads at East Sussex County Council (ESCC) and Foundry Healthcare in Lewes
- Beautiful Noise arranged a new Rock School event at Star Fish Studios in Lewes – tutored by RBMS.
- ESCC funded the venue hire and BN funded the tutoring and food provision
- Foundry hand-selected children with mental health and socialisation difficulties who might benefit from the offer
- Four young people (aged 10-12) participated over the 4 days of the course.
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Page 8 of 15
## _**Pillar 4 – Studio Ninja**_
During 2023/23, Beautiful Noise:
- Contracted a music technology professional to produce lesson plans and resources for a six-lesson course covering the fundamentals of electronic music production.
- The course has undergone a first round of testing and will be adapted based on feedback and tested with a group of selected young people during 2024/25.
## **Strategic Objectives for 2024/25**
Beautiful Noise has agreed the following high-level strategic objectives for the coming year. We aim to:
- Build on the success of Rock School to reach a larger number of young people in need.
- Begin operational delivery and evaluation of Studio Ninja.
- Evaluate the scope to expand our geographical reach and to identify other possible delivery partners.
- Expand and diversify our income streams.
- Build our reach and impact through social media channels.
- Begin to develop a research and resources function to be delivered via our website .
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
Page 9 of 15
## **Financial Position**
## **Summary of Financial Performance at year end**
- Total income: £25,628
- Total expenditure: £23,696
- Net position: £1,932
## **Overview of Income and Expenditure**
- Income: Individual donations (£25,628)
- Expenditure:
- Programme costs (£4,285)
- Staff costs (£17,601),
- Operational costs (£1,810)
## **Financial Health and Sustainability**
Beautiful Noise is financially healthy having secured a commitment of funding for the first three years of operations. This funding is from a single source, so a priority for the coming year is to diversify our sources of income to mitigate the risks associated with this by:
- Applying for additional grants from national and local funding bodies.
- Building a corporate sponsorship program.
- Launching fundraising campaigns to engage individual donors.
## **Reserves Policy**
Beautiful Noise does not currently hold any reserves.
We plan to build up a prudent reserve over the coming year to cover operating and programme costs for a period (as yet to be determined) in the unlikely event that the committed funds cannot be accessed.
A formal Reserves Policy will be produced and approved by the charity’s trustees.
> Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
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## **Financial Statement**
Our accounts have been produced on a Receipts and Payments basis and have been reviewed by our independent examiners – Ad Valorem Accountancy Services - in line with our statutory obligations as detailed in the Independent Examiner’s Report.
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Page 11 of 15
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948 web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Page 12 of 15
## **Structure, Governance, and Management**
## **Overview of the Charity’s Structure and Governance framework**
The charity’s constitution was registered on the 11th July 2023. The charity is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Beautiful Noise is governed by a Board of Trustees which oversees the strategic direction and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.
## **Information on Sub-Committees and their Roles**
At present Beautiful Noise does not operate any sub-committees and all oversight is undertaken by the full Board of Trustees.
## **Trustee Selection**
Trustees are selected based on their skills and commitment to our mission.
New trustees are being sought to join our Board during 2024/25 to provide advice on achieving our future strategic objectives.
## **List of Current trustees and their roles**
- Chair: Helen Marriott Smith (2 year term from 11 July 2023)
- Trustee: Tom Ragan (3 year term from 11 July 2023)
- Trustee: Benedict Rumbold (3 year term from 11 July 2023)
## **Changes to the Board during the Year**
- None.
## **Information About Key Staff**
Our operations are undertaken by a Chief Executive Officer who manages all day-to-day activities to deliver on the strategy agreed by the trustees. The CEO provides a monthly update on key activities and actions achieved during the month and seeks the views and advice from the board to ensure operations align with strategic direction.
Chief Executive Officer: Allan Marriott Smith
> Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Page 13 of 15
## **Key Risks Identified**
Safeguarding risks were identified as the key risk by the Trustees. Beautiful Noise does not work directly with young people (all contact is through delivery partners). We have a comprehensive Safeguarding and Child Protection (SCP) Policy to protect children participating in our programmes.
The Chief Executive of Beautiful Noise has received enhanced DBS clearance, and this level of clearance is also required from all staff and contractors of our delivery partners who work with children.
## **Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities**
**Trustees’ Responsibilities in Preparing the Report and Financial Statements** The trustees are responsible for ensuring that the annual report and financial statements are prepared in accordance with applicable law and regulations, providing a true and fair view of the operations and financial arrangements of Beautiful Noise.
**Confirmation of Compliance** The trustees confirm that this report and the associated financial statement comply with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the charity’s governing documents.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s Trustees.
Helen Marriott Smith
Chair of trustees
14 July 2024
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
Page 14 of 15
## **Acknowledgements and thanks**
**Donors, Sponsors, and Partners** We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our donors and delivery partners for their generous support. Your contributions make our work possible.
## **Contact Information**
Beautiful Noise 2 Manor Farm Court, Old Wolverton Road, Old Wolverton Milton Keynes MK12 5NN
Email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk Phone: 07919523594
**Website** www.beautifulnoise.org.uk
> web: https://beautifulnoise.org.uk/ email: enquiries@beautifulnoise.org.uk phone: 07919523594
Beautiful Noise - Charity Number: 1203948
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**----- Start of picture text -----**
Charity Name No (if any)
Beautiful Noise 1203948
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period 01/07/2023 05/04/2024
To
from
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Donations 25,620 - - 25,620
Interest income 8 - - 8
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total (Gross income
25,628 - - 25,628
for AR)
A2 Asset and investment
sales, (see table).
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total - - - -
Total receipts 25,628 - - 25,628
A3 Payments
Audit & Accountancy 1,485 - 1,485
Charitable & Political Donations 4,285 - 4,285
Insurance 29 - 29
IT Software & Consumables 266 - 266
Salaries 17,601 - 17,601
Bank charges 30 - 30
Sub total [ 23,696 ] - - 23,696
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total [ - ] - - -
Total payments 23,696 - - 23,696
Net of receipts/(payments) 1,932 - - 1,932
A5 Transfers between funds - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end - -
Cash funds this year end 1,932 - - 1,932
**----- End of picture text -----**
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
11/06/2024
1
|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of**|**Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of**|**the period**||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Categories**
Signed by one or two trustees
on behalf of all the trustees
**B5 Liabilities**
**B3 Investment assets**
**B2 Other monetary**
**assets**
**B4 Assets retained for**
**the charity’s own use**
**B1 Cash funds**|**Details**
**Details**
**_Total cash funds_**
Bank Current Account
**Details**
**Details**
**Details**
Salaries
Signature|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**1,932**
**1,932**
**-**
**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**Restricted**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**asset belongs**
**Cost (optional)**
**-**
**-**
**Fund to which**
**liability relates**
**Amount due**
**(optional)**
3,231
**-**
Print Name||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**|
|||||**-**|
|||||**Endowment**
**funds**
**to nearest £**
**-**
**-**
**Current value**
**(optional)**
**-**
**Current value**
**(optional)**
**-**
**-**
**When due**
**(optional)**
Date of
approval|
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
11/06/2024
2
CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Independent examiner's report on the
accounts
Section A
Independent Examiner's Report
Rèport to the trusteesl
members of
Chaiiiy Name
BEAUTIFUL NOISE
On accounts for the y•ar
ended
5 APRIL 2024
Charity no
(if any)
1203948
Sèt out on pages
1 & 2 of the r8C81Pts and payments fomi included.
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