The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective from 1 January 2019).
Objectives and activities
MAMA Youth Project - Mission Statement:
To support motivated and under- represented young adults facing challenges into sustained employment in the media through the provision of training, hands on work experience and access to industry networks.
The Charity's objectives are specifically:
To advance the education of young people who are from disadvantaged backgrounds (including but not limited to black and other ethnic minority backgrounds) and/or who are unemployed, hereinafter referred to as "disadvantaged youth", by:
a) providing training for disadvantaged youth in the art of audio and/or visual media production (including but not limited to television production) and ancillary matters;
b) producing and staging shows, events and other productions which are aimed at educating disadvantaged youth in connection with practical issues which are of relevance to them, and producing ancillary materials; and
c) sponsoring disadvantaged youth to help them gain greater involvement in audio and/or visual media production and sponsoring events which the company thinks will help disadvantaged youth gain such greater involvement.
MAMA Youth Project is a brand that aspires to be known for giving youth of the United Kingdom from under-represented backgrounds a platform to express themselves, trusting young people, giving them the responsibility to work within a disciplined environment and supporting them with professional and personal development.
Achievements and performance
Training programmes
In 2025 MAMA Youth delivered one 8 week Broadcast and Digital Media training, 24 young people from under-represented backgrounds. All participants completed the training successfully and 21 (87.5%) were made alumni and received a minimum of 6 months of talent management support with mentoring and support into employment.
Out of 21 alumni 21 (100%) secured a paid placement/ first job opportunity and became part of the alumni pool receiving support into employment. 6 months after completion 19 out of 21 (90.5%) alumni were still employed in the media sector.
In 2025 we also launched recruitment for another cohort to start early January 2026.
The training is based on the real experience of doing the job that is assigned to a young adult. They have to perform their duties in a highly professional manner, taking full account of the discipline that goes with working in the television industry. The young trainees who take part in this unique training environment are working to produce broadcast quality content that is distributed on various social media platforms, including ITV digital.
During each boot-camp participants trained with MYP (with an allowance for travel and lunch) with the aim to enable them into employment and self-sustainability. Upon completion, participants received 6 months of “Two way” mentoring and follow up support into employment and will also became part of our talent pool, a successful source of recruitment for employers within the broadcast media industry.
The MAMA Youth training programme is broken down into 4 key stages:
1st Stage - Primarily focussed on training, consisting of soft skills - such as communication, work ethics and office etiquette - as well as job specifics skills - such as pitching ideas, production paperwork, editing on Premier Pro, camera skills, lighting techniques, sound skills, data analysis etc.
2nd Stage - The “production stage”, where trainees (under the guidance and supervision of our trainers) create their own content to be distributed on various digital platforms. During this stage participants have real work experience and are given the full responsibility of the job.
3rd Stage - CPD - Throughout the training, trainees do CV clinics, interview technique workshops, are given insight into the various roles within the broadcast and digital media, as well as advice on how to search for jobs and career progression.
4th Stage – In the final week trainees will attend interview and networking events with a view to secure a paid opportunity with one of our industry partners, adding a reputable company to their CV, putting into action some of the skills they have learnt during their time with MAMA Youth Project.
Mentoring
The “Two-way mentoring” established scheme has continued to foster a community of peer-to peer support and positive industry led conversations. Mentees have gained a better understanding of the work culture and dynamics in production environments in addition to a more balanced level of expectation management, skills in dealing with a difficult situation at work and enhanced confidence to speak out when faced with conflict.
A further 35 mentoring pairs were matched during 2025, the mentees comprising both MAMA Youth’s most recent graduates and alumni with experience at a variety of levels. The young people were paired through a bespoke matching process with mentors from MYP’s industry partners, independent volunteers and high profile alumni, many of whom are now working at executive level.
We aim to be a major service provider to youth organisations and civil bodies supporting young adults with various social issues. Although we are very strong on discipline and work ethics, MAMA Youth Project is a brand that means opportunity for young adults. We achieve this by allowing young adults to stand up for themselves, realise their potential and have the freedom to be recognised as equal and valued members of our society.
MAMA Youth Project's main training model offers training that is totally based in a working environment and the responsibility that comes with it. MAMA Youth Project is a non conventional learning institution whose main training model concentrates on vocational learning. The working environment is a place where industry professionals guide young trainees and pass on their experience of working in the broadcast and the media industries. Young people are given the confidence to conduct phone calls and correspondence with contributors from all levels of business both known and unknown to them. This helps to build self esteem and belief in their new found abilities. The training is non-accredited and focuses all its energy on finding employment, meaningful work experience or pathways into further education.
“For two years I’ve been hopping onto short courses and stuff like that for film production, but they didn’t seem to have the same experience that MAMA Youth gives.”
“Being here made me learn that I do work well under high stress and high pressure environments.”
“Whilst being here, you don’t have the chance to shut yourself off. You have to really be willing to connect and grow with people. I realised that’s the only way you’re going to get forward, especially in this industry.”
“Going uni was nothing compared to here. This challenges you, pushes you, and drives you to areas that you didn’t know you had”. - MAMA Youth 2025 Alumnus
From 2005 to 2025 MYP have managed to change the lives of over 1000 young adults who had little hope of finding employment within the media industry. We have also helped give many young adults the confidence and realisation that they can contribute to society as they now know that they are employable.
In 2025 MAMA Youth advertised 459 roles across more than 20 industry partners including the BBC, Sky, Disney, WBD, ITV Gravity Media, Pottermore Publishing, SISTER, Buzz 16, Banijay, Whisper, Objective Media Group, Cold Glass Productions, Audible, CPL Productions, Paramount, AELTC, Jackson River Films, The Farm, Atomized Studios and more.
Additionally, MYP have facilitated numerous adhoc collaborations with Vic Roye Talent (who provide talent for Bold Print Studios, Doc Hearts, After Party, Cardiff Productions, Salamanda, Stellify, Title Role and Southshore) and Team People, Box to Box, Arsenal and Chelsea Football, Garden Studios, Hidden Lights, Pulse Films, Formula One, Crackit North Productions, Three Arrow Media
In December 2025, MAMA Youth Project marked its 20th anniversary with a landmark celebration and fundraising event at BAFTA, sponsored by Fremantle. The Anniversary and event brought together high-profile industry professionals, partners, alumni and celebrity supporters, attracting widespread tributes and reinforcing MAMA’s impact over two decades. Alongside this, we expanded our communications by showcasing the stories of successful alumni across our newsletters and social media networks, highlighting the long-term outcomes and industry contribution of the programme.
The 20th Anniversary celebrations centred around the campaign for the annual Big Give fundraising event, match funded by Disney and raising a Total: £58,140
In addition, the following Grants were secured in 2025:
Chesterhill Charitable Trust Limited £1,000
Enterprise Holdings Foundation £2,500
Adobe Foundation £15,008
Enterprise Holdings Foundation £3,500
Inner London Poor Box Magistrates £5,000
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 2 (1) (b) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit, 'Charities and Public Benefit'.
The result for the year to 31 December 2025 shows total income of £380,982 (2024: £580,126) and total expenditure of £642,540 (2024: £732,341).
MAMA Youth Project will raise more funds through the Talent Pool memberships and an increase of contributions from our patron and corporate partners. We also look to improve revenue from positive employment outcomes achieved from delivering Skills Bootcamps. Another form of revenue we will be exploring is providing services to our partners outside of London like Banijay and Kudos Knight who support the charity financially.
Reserves policy
MAMA Youth Project aims to retain sufficient free reserves. These reserves will be held in case of any sudden decline in income and ensure continuing commitments to providing services for the young adults. The trustees recognise the importance of rebuilding free reserves and have taken steps to improve the charity's financial position. The charity's cash position remains stable, with partnership contracts in place and currently retaining healthy bank balances, providing sufficient liquidity to meet current obligations and support ongoing service delivery.
The trustees will continue to monitor reserves closely and aim to increase the level of free reserves over the coming years through the generation of operating surpluses, careful cost management and the maintenance of sustainable income streams. Based on current forecasts and performance, the trustees are satisfied that the charity remains a going concern and is able to meet its commitments as they fall due.
The deficit arose primarily due to a significant reduction in funding received from both corporate donors and third sector funders during the year. Despite taking steps to manage expenditure, the reduction in income could not be fully offset, resulting in the use of the charity's available free reserves to maintain the delivery of its charitable activities and support its beneficiaries.
The Trustees recognise the importance of maintaining adequate reserves to safeguard the charity's financial sustainability. The charity's reserves policy is to hold free reserves equivalent to three months of operating expenditure. This level is considered appropriate to provide sufficient working capital, manage unexpected reductions in income, and ensure continuity of services while alternative funding is secured.
To rebuild free reserves to the target level, the Trustees have implemented a recovery plan that includes strengthening fundraising activity, increasing applications to charitable trusts and foundations, developing new corporate partnerships outside of the industry, diversifying income streams by launching commercial courses, and closely monitoring expenditure to ensure resources are used efficiently. The Trustees will continue to review the charity's financial position and reserves at each Board meeting and will update the reserves strategy as necessary to ensure progress towards achieving the target level of free reserves.
At the year end, the charity held free reserves £nil (2024: £236,879).
During 2025 MAMA Youth worked to diversify the revenue streams even more, by developing bespoke courses like the 4 weeks Scripted Production Training and the 4 weeks Vodcast and Podcast Production Training. We will be seeking to develop further paid courses including launching the MY Academy to deliver short specialist courses. We will seek to increase the number of partners moving from the talent pool to corporate partners. Our commercial arm, Licklemor Productions will continue to build on its reputation of producing new and authentic programming. In 2023 we welcomed our Fundraising manager and we are continuing to strengthen relationships with third sector and local government funding.
Looking ahead, to 2026 MAMA Youth Project has begun expanding its regional footprint with plans for the establishment of a Birmingham production office, building on previously successful training delivery and outcomes for young people, as well as industry partnerships in the West Midlands. The charity is now seeking funding to roll out dedicated programmes aimed at local young people, while also engaging corporate organisations with in-house media functions to create new entry-level pathways and employing local staff to help facilitate training, in response to growing demand for opportunities beyond London.
MAMA Youth Project is a company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 20th December 2006 and registered as a charity on 16th May 2007. Its governing documents are the Memorandum and Articles of Association. The founder, Bob Clarke, who started the organisation in 2005, has been a professional editor in broadcast television for over twenty years.
Potential trustees are scrutinised by the current trustees and are subject to competitive interview. All new trustees are required to undertake an induction programme and undergo a structured introduction to the operation of the Project.
The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Trustees are sought in a variety of ways involving exploration of the field of potential candidates, including recommendations from existing trustees and supporters of MAMA Youth Project. Potential trustees are scrutinised by the current trustees and are subject to competitive interview. All new trustees are required to undertake an induction programme and undergo a structured introduction to the operation of the Project.
The Chief Executive, Bob Clarke, reports to the trustees on managing risk. The key risks identified within MAMA Youth Project are recorded in a Headline Risk Register (HRR) which is presented to the Trustees quarterly. The HRR details the scope of each risk, actions taken to mitigate that risk and the assessment of the degree to which the risks are being managed. Actions to address risks are planned and monitored in these quarterly reviews and used to update the HRR. The trustees are responsible for setting the goals of the charity.
The trustees are responsible for setting the goals of the charity. The day to day management is the responsibility of the executive management team which has overall responsibility for delivery of services and activities including financial, management and fundraising.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies’ exemption.
The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of MAMA Youth Project (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 386 of the Companies Act 2006.
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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 financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
MAMA Youth Project is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 325-327 Oldfield Lane North, Greenford, Middlesex, UB6 0FX.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.
A subsidiary is an entity controlled by the charity. Control is the power to govern the financial and operating policies of the entity so as to obtain benefits from its activities.
At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
Leases are classified as finance leases whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessees. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Assets held under finance leases are recognised as assets at the lower of the assets fair value at the date of inception and the present value of the minimum lease payments. The related liability is included in the balance sheet as a finance lease obligation. Lease payments are treated as consisting of capital and interest elements. The interest is charged to net income/(expenditure) for the year so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Activities undertaken directly
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
The key management personnel of the charity comprise the trustees, the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Operations.
The total employee benefits of the key management personnel of the charity were:
The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
The long term loan is a government-backed loan accessed under a small business loan scheme for businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It provides a full guarantee against the outstanding guarantee facility balance.
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following balances held for specific purposes:
City Bridge Trust
Each year the MAMA Youth Project will support 23 disadvantaged and marginalised young people (YP) with the skills and experience that will help them to secure long-term and fulfilling employment in the TV and media industry. We will run an 8-week intensive bespoke media training bootcamp for young people aged 18-25 years old from London.
The aim is to enable them into employment and self-sustainability. Participants will intensively train with MYP for 8 weeks (with an allowance for travel and lunch). Training takes place from 8.30am to 5pm giving young people a foundation and introduction to a working environment. Upon completion, participants will receive 6 months of follow up support into employment and will also become a part of our talent pool, a successful source of recruitment for employers within the broadcast media industry.
At the year end, an amount receivable of £16,716 (2024: £16,716) was due from Licklemore Productions Ltd, a company controlled by the charity.