Never Such Innocence
Never Such Innocence is a UK registered charity providing free international creative arts competitions, workshops, and educational programmes for children and young people aged 9-18 to engage with themes of conflict and peace through poetry, art, speech, and song across 129+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2014
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Never Such Innocence does
Never Such Innocence (NSI) is a UK registered charity (number 1156148) founded in May 2014 by Lady Lucy French OBE, great-granddaughter of Field Marshal Sir John French who commanded the British Expeditionary Forces during World War I. Headquartered at 11 Slingsby Place, London, the organization provides free educational programmes and creative platforms for children and young people aged 9-18 to reflect on conflict through international poetry, art, speech, and song competitions. Originally designated as the official First World War centenary charity for young people during the 2014-2018 commemorative period, NSI has since transitioned to a broader three-year programme format called 'Conversations on Conflict' addressing all forms of conflict and their impact on young people globally. The organization has accumulated participation from children across 129+ countries, with 11,000+ cumulative participants since inception and 3,100+ entries received in the 2020/21 competition cycle alone.
NSI's core product portfolio includes the flagship annual International Competition, the Conversations on Conflict programme, the Voices of Armed Forces Children project for military families, Month of the Military Child activities, plus exhibitions, workshops, and roadshows. Programmes are delivered by a network of Creative Practitioners including military poet Clive Sanders, published author Nik Perring, and artist Emily Hopkins. Supporting infrastructure includes the Young Ambassadors leadership programme, educational resources (Stories of Conflict, Conflict Through the Ages), and Centenary Legacy Books available via Amazon. The charity has secured high-profile institutional partnerships with the Royal British Legion, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, British Council, Armed Forces Covenant, and various foreign High Commissions, with events held at prestigious venues including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, House of Lords, Ministry of Defence, and the Bundestag.
NSI operates as a non-profit with 14 employees and no disclosed revenue figures. Revenue derives from three primary streams: donations from individuals, trusts, and foundations; programme sponsorship from a concentrated set of corporate and foundation supporters (Royal British Legion, Eranda Rothschild Foundation, Robert McAlpine Foundation); and modest publication sales of Centenary Legacy Books. All programmes, competitions, and educational resources are provided completely free of charge to participants. The charity is led by Founder and CEO Lady Lucy French OBE, with Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence serving as President, and operates with no parent company, private equity backing, or venture capital funding.
Never Such Innocence firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Never Such Innocence
- Legal name
- Never Such Innocence
- Website
- https://neversuchinnocence.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2014
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Never Such Innocence is a UK registered charity providing free international creative arts competitions, workshops, and educational programmes for children and young people aged 9-18 to engage with themes of conflict and peace through poetry, art, speech, and song across 129+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Never Such Innocence industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Youth Education and Charitable Programmes
- NAICS
- Fine Arts Schools (61161), Educational Services (61), Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers (711510)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Creative Arts, Music & Movement Content (EDAGACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Children’s & Youth Theatre (MPAGABAE), Education in Emergencies (EiE) & Safe Schools (BPADAKAJ)
Keywords
Where Never Such Innocence is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Never Such Innocence business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: NSI operates as a registered UK charity (number 1156148) relying on donations from individuals, trusts, and foundations. The organization accepts donations via PayPal and organizes fundraising galas at prestigious venues.
- Sponsorship and Programme Support: Corporate sponsors and foundations provide financial support for specific programmes and activities. Programme sponsors include organizations like the Royal British Legion, Eranda Rothschild Foundation, and the Robert McAlpine Foundation.
- Publication Sales: NSI generates revenue through sales of centenary legacy books including the 'Never Such Innocence Anthology' and 'Stories of the First World War' available on Amazon.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Annual | Free educational programmes and competition participation for children and young people aged 9-18 |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Never Such Innocence product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Never Such Innocence runs annual international poetry, art, speech, and song competitions for children and young people aged 9-18 globally, complemented by a three-year 'Conversations on Conflict' programme cycle, dedicated Voices of Armed Forces Children and Month of the Military Child projects, and free workshops, roadshows, exhibitions, and educational resources delivered by professional creative practitioners at schools, military bases, and prestigious venues. All programmes and competition entries are provided free of charge to participants.
Product overview
Never Such Innocence is a registered UK charity (number 1156148) providing educational programmes and creative platforms for children and young people (ages 9-18) to reflect on conflict. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected programmes: the annual International Competition as the flagship offering, the Conversations on Conflict three-year cycle programme, the Voices of Armed Forces Children project for military families, and Month of the Military Child. Supporting these are workshops and roadshows delivered by a network of Creative Practitioners (poets, artists, songwriters), the Young Ambassadors leadership programme, educational resources (STORIES OF CONFLICT, CONFLICT THROUGH THE AGES), and Centenary Legacy Books. The organization is not a technology platform but a human-delivered educational charity.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Conversations on Conflict A three-year international programme inviting children and young people (ages 9-18) to respond creatively to key questions about conflict through poetry, art, speech, and song, with collaborative school projects and monthly questions.
- Voices of Armed Forces Children A dedicated project providing opportunities for military children in the UK to have their voices heard, including a choir that performed on Britain's Got Talent.
- International Competition Annual international poetry, art, speech, and song competition for children and young people (ages 9-18) responding to questions about conflict and its impact. Submissions received from over 129 countries.
- Month of the Military Child Annual April programme celebrating the important role of military children, providing free resources and competitions recognizing the dandelion as the official flower of military children.
- Young Ambassadors Programme for young people who have participated in NSI activities to become ambassadors representing the organization globally.
- Centenary Legacy Books Published books including the Never Such Innocence Anthology (collection of winning poems, artwork, and songs from 2014-2018) and Stories of the First World War educational resource, available on Amazon.
- Workshops Poetry, art, and songwriting workshops delivered by professional creative practitioners for schools and communities.
- Roadshows Community roadshow events bringing together children and young people to share their creative work on conflict with dignitaries and community leaders.
- Exhibitions Art exhibitions showcasing young people's creative work on conflict themes, including the 10th Anniversary Art Exhibition at the Royal Society of Arts.
Quantifiable outcome
- 11,000+ children participated in NSI competitions by 2018
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Never Such Innocence
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Never Such Innocence technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Never Such Innocence partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Reading ForceminorNSI partnered with Reading Force to share Stories from the First World War book with service children. Poetry workshops were held with book recipients, supporting military family connections.
- SOAS, University of LondonminorNSI was invited by Dr Eleanor Newbigin to visit SOAS for educational events. Students from Kingsbury High School, Lea Valley Academy, and London Nautical School participated in workshops and lectures on conflict topics.
- UK-German ConnectionminorNSI partnered with UK-German Connection for international workshops bringing together students aged 12-14 from Wales and Germany for conflict education and cultural exchange activities held in Llandudno, Wales.
- SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe)minorNSI returned to SHAPE in Belgium in October 2024 to work with students from British, Canadian, and Norwegian Sections. Students created poetry and artwork answering the competition question 'How can we prevent future wars?'
- Royal British Legion (RBL)coreThe Royal British Legion is a programme sponsor and partner for NSI activities. RBL supports the Month of the Military Child programme and collaborates on events such as the Northern Ireland Festival of Remembrance. Their logo appears on NSI's sponsor page.
- The Robert McAlpine FoundationcoreThe Robert McAlpine Foundation supports Month of the Military Child activities as part of NSI's programme sponsorship. Their logo appears alongside other programme sponsors.
- Eranda Rothschild FoundationcoreEranda Rothschild Foundation is listed as a programme sponsor supporting NSI initiatives. Their logo appears on the organization's sponsor page.
- Armed Forces CovenantcoreThe Armed Forces Covenant supports the Voices of Armed Forces Children project. NSI is recognized as providing invaluable support to the Armed Forces community, strengthening the Armed Forces family.
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC)coreCWGC partners with NSI for educational events and exhibitions. Representatives including Lynelle Howson and Max Dutton participate in NSI roadshows, providing talks about commemoration and the work of the Commission.
- Australia High CommissioncoreAustralia House generously hosted the NSI launch event in May 2014. The Australian High Commission continues to support NSI activities and was represented at the Buckingham Palace centenary finale.
- Canadian High CommissioncoreCanada House hosted a gala dinner for NSI on 23rd March 2017. The Canadian High Commissioner attended and provided support for the charity's centenary activities.
- Belgian EmbassycoreThe Belgian Ambassador and his wife hosted a fundraising event for NSI on 4th December 2014 as part of the Belgian Embassy's First World War commemorations.
- Glasnevin TrustcoreNSI partnered with Glasnevin Trust for the Island of Ireland extension of the competition and certificate-giving events at Glasnevin Cemetery Museum in Dublin.
- Jones Day Law FirmminorJones Day generously hosted the 2014 Awards Ceremony in their auditorium, providing an impressive venue for competition winners to celebrate their achievements.
- The Royal Society of Arts (RSA)coreRSA hosted NSI's 10th Anniversary Art Exhibition in July 2024 with over 30 pieces of artwork by children from around the world displayed at the prestigious venue.
- British CouncilcoreThe British Council in Greece held a special ceremony for NSI competition winners from Greece. The British Council collaborated on the 'A Fight for Freedom' competition strand highlighting Commonwealth contributions during WWII.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Never Such Innocence competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- War Child: UK-registered charity focused on the protection and education of children affected by war and armed conflict. Highly comparable to NSI in beneficiary group (conflict-affected and conflict-aware youth) and educational/arts-based delivery model, though War Child's focus is operational humanitarian support rather than creative-arts expression.
- Anne Frank Trust: UK charity using Anne Frank's story to deliver anti-prejudice and conflict-awareness education to young people through exhibitions, peer programmes, and school workshops. Closely comparable to NSI in mission (youth education on conflict and remembrance), delivery format (workshops and exhibitions), and target audience (UK schools).
Broad incumbents
- British Council: UK's international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, operating in 100+ countries. Comparable to NSI in international education and cultural-exchange delivery, and already a confirmed NSI partner through the Greece office.
- UNICEF UK: UK arm of the UN children's agency, with education, advocacy, and rights-based programming for children globally. Comparable to NSI in its global child-welfare mission and schools-based delivery, though UNICEF operates at vastly greater scale and broader thematic remit.
- Imperial War Museums: UK national museum organisation covering conflicts from WWI onward, with significant schools and young-people education programming. Comparable to NSI in delivering conflict-related education to youth, but through museum-based rather than competition/workshop-based formats.
- Prince's Trust: Major UK youth-development charity supporting 11–30 year-olds through education, training, and enterprise programmes. Comparable to NSI in delivering structured arts and personal-development programming to UK youth, though focused on employability rather than conflict remembrance.
- Royal British Legion: The UK's largest armed forces charity, providing welfare, remembrance, and education services including youth programmes. Directly comparable to NSI in its remembrance and military-family mission, though RBL operates at vastly greater scale and NSI already counts it as a programme sponsor.
- Commonwealth War Graves Commission: Intergovernmental organisation maintaining war graves and commemorative sites across 150+ countries. Comparable to NSI in its commemoration mission, educational remit, and global footprint; CWGC is already a confirmed NSI programme partner providing speakers and co-hosted events.
Emerging players
- Children's Peace Museum Project: Emerging initiative focused on building a child-curated museum of peace and conflict. Comparable to NSI in its child-voice-centred approach to conflict history, though operating as a museum development project rather than a sustained educational programme.
Regional players
- Poppyscotland / Poppyscotland Schools: Scottish veterans' charity delivering remembrance education and support to service children in Scotland. Comparable to NSI in its military-children and remembrance-education focus, with overlapping geography in Scotland but operating primarily as welfare rather than creative-arts delivery.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Never Such Innocence social profiles
Digital presenceNever Such Innocence financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Never Such Innocence leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Never Such Innocence funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Never Such Innocence M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Never Such Innocence
What does Never Such Innocence do?
Never Such Innocence runs annual international poetry, art, speech, and song competitions for children and young people aged 9-18 globally, complemented by a three-year 'Conversations on Conflict' programme cycle, dedicated Voices of Armed Forces Children and Month of the Military Child projects, and free workshops, roadshows, exhibitions, and educational resources delivered by professional creative practitioners at schools, military bases, and prestigious venues. All programmes and competition entries are provided free of charge to participants.
Is Never Such Innocence a public or private company?
Never Such Innocence is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Never Such Innocence founded?
Never Such Innocence was founded in 2014. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Never Such Innocence based?
Never Such Innocence is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Never Such Innocence make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are sponsorship and Programme Support and publication Sales.
Who are Never Such Innocence's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are War Child and Anne Frank Trust. Broad incumbents are British Council, UNICEF UK, Imperial War Museums, Prince's Trust, Royal British Legion and Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Children's Peace Museum Project is listed as an emerging player. Poppyscotland / Poppyscotland Schools is listed as a regional player.
Does Never Such Innocence have an API?
No public API is recorded for Never Such Innocence.
What industry is Never Such Innocence in?
Never Such Innocence's product category is Youth Education and Charitable Programmes. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAGACAG, Creative Arts, Music & Movement Content, with a secondary code of MPAGABAE, Children’s & Youth Theatre. Its NAICS code is 61161.