## **ANNUAL REPORT** ## **2023 – 2024** Charity No: 1130886 ◆ Company No: 06825908 **CHAIRS’ FOREWORD** Sunderland BME Network have had a very busy year, building upon the hard work of previous years to establish the Network as a key organisation within the City of Sunderland. Sunderland BME Network have continued to grow and develop over the previous year. With major funding secured from the National Lottery and key roles in partnerships delivering both Household Support Fund (Rounds IV & V) and UK Shared Prosperity Fund (Enterprising Sunderland). The Network has now grown to 13 members (11 full members and 2 associate members) with the potential to grow to 16 members over the next 6 months. There is, however, still much to do and as a Network we will continue to develop, seek opportunity, improve partnerships and ultimately improve the opportunities available to BME communities in Sunderland. ## **Rachidy Bikaya** Chair – Sunderland BME Network ## **YEAR IN REVIEW** The previous year has been a busy year for SBMEN. Since the last AGM, SBMEN levered in **£112k** resources for the benefit of both the VCS sector and Global Majority residents in the city. - **57** individuals taken part in workforce development training sessions - **2** High profile celebration events held - **182** individuals benefitted from themed celebration events - **12** Global Majority VCS organisations supported - - **19** Global Majority residents assisted in business development ## **PROJECTS** ## **SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BME VCS SECTOR** funded by The National Lottery Community Fund In May 2023 Sunderland BME Network secured 3 years funding through the National Lottery Community Fund. The funding supports some of the core functions of SBMEN, including; organisation development, workforce development training, research and thematic events. ## **Organisation Development** SBMEN offer a wide range of support and advice to emerging, new and established VCS organisations within the city, including – governance structures and governing document development, policy & procedure development and business and strategic planning. Organisations Supported - New Horizon - Sunderland International Tamil Community - African Societal Artistique of Sunderland - Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre - Fightback ## **Funding Advice & Support** Offering a range of advice and services relating to funding and diversifying income streams, including; project planning and financing, funding research, assistance with funding applications, investigating contracting and trading opportunities and other non-grant funding methods Organisations Supported - African Societal Artistique of Sunderland - New Horizon - Sunderland International Tamil Community ## **Workforce Development** Across the year SBMEN have delivered **15** workforce development sessions covering a range of topics, including; - Safeguarding - Risk Assessment - Project Planning - Trustee Roles & Responsibilities - Introduction to Volunteering In total **125** training places were filled by **57** unique individuals representing **8** Global Majority VCS Organisations ## **Research** Over the reporting period SBMEN have undertaken both desk based and field research as a way of better understanding the societal, economic and cultural shifts that impact Global Majority communities in Sunderland. This has included; - Cost of Living Crisis - Asylum Seeker / Refugee Skills - VCS Workforce Development Audit - Interpretation of Census 2021 data ## **Thematic Events** During the reporting period 2 high profile events were organised and delivered by Sunderland BME Network – Volunteer Week Celebration 01/06/23 The event was planned to celebrate the contribution of Global Majority volunteers within the city and tie in with National Volunteer Week. The event was a great success with over 80 individuals in attendance – Black History Month Celebration 28/10/23 Saturday 28[th] October saw a Black History Month celebration event hosted at Sunderland City Hall. The theme of the event in 2023 was ‘Saluting Our Sisters’ and included a presentation from Marsha Garrett as well as cultural entertainment and food. Over 200 individuals of all ages and backgrounds attended the event ## **HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND** Funded by the UK Government Sunderland BME Network have been integral in securing, managing and administering all 5 rounds of Household Support Fund (Sunderland City Council). The fund is designed to support the most vulnerable residents with assistance with energy, food and other associated costs. Over the course of the rounds 1 – 4, SBMEN in partnership with delivery partners* has delivered approximately **£110,717** in awards to members of the the Global Majority community in Sunderland ## Delivery Partners - Fightback - Friends of the Drop In - International Community Organisation Sunderland - New Horizon - Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre - Youn Asian Voices HSFV is due to commence in June 2024 and run until 30[th] September 2024 ## **ENTERPRISING SUNDERLAND** Funded by the UK Government (UKSPF) In November 2023 Sunderland BME network were successful in securing approximately £22k to employ a Global Majority Enterprise Worker for 15 months, as part of the Enterprising Sunderland project funded through UKSPF. The project offers a range of support to members of the Global Majority community who may be considering enterprise as a form of employment, this support includes; - Advice on business structures - Insurances - Finance and cashflow - SWOT / PEST analysis - Unique selling point (USP) - Risk register - Overall support with business plan development. The project commenced in January 2024 and has worked with 20 individuals (15 businesses / potential businesses) ## **FUTURE PLANS** ## Membership SBMEN will continue to work toward expanding both its full and associated membership. The Network is currently working with three organisations who will hopefully apply for full membership within the next 6 months ## Events SBMEN are working toward delivering another fantastic Black History Month event in October 2024. The theme for this years event is ‘Reclaiming Narratives’ ## **SUNDERLAND BME NETWORK MEMBERS** ## **Full Members** ## - African Societal Artistique of Sunderland - African Women Voices - Fightback - Friends of the Drop-In - International Community Organisation of Sunderland - Lighthouse - New Horizon - North of England Refugee Service - Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre - Sunderland Tamil Community Association - Young Asian Voices ## **Associate Members** - Back on the Map - - NECA ## **BOARD & STAFF** ## **Board of Directors** |**Board of Directors**|| |---|---| |Rachidy Bikaya|Chair| |(New Horizon)|| |Abu Shama|Secretary| |(Sunderland Bangladesh International Centre)|| |Lacina Diabate|Treasurer| |(African Societal Artistique of Sunderland)|| |Kumareswaradas Ramanathas|Director| |(Young Asian Voices)|| |Julia Wysocka|Director| |(International Community Organisation Sunderland)|| |**Staff Team**|| |Rob Charlton|Manager| |Halimatou Jallow John|Engagement Worke| Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charlty No. 1130886 SUNDERLAND BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC NETWORK LIMITED Directors Report and Financial Statements st For the period 1st April 2023- 31 March 2024 Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Prepared By.. Julie Maxwell MICB 11 Edith Street Jarrow NE32 5HS Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Legal and Administrative Registered office address Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network 30 Tatham Street Sunderland SRI 2QD Company Number: 06825908 Charity Number: 1130886 Offlcers Kumareswaradas Ramanathas Abu Shama Rachidy Bikaya Lacina Dlabate Julia A Wysocka Bankers HSBC Bank Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 The dlrectors for the purposes of company law have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financlal statements of Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Ltd {The Company) ft)r the period ended 31" March 2024 Prfndple Actlvitv The objects of The Company are to carry on activities, which benefit the community, and In particular (without limitation) To promote the effectlve use of charltable resources for the benefit of the public and black and minority (BME} charities and voluntary organisations in Sunderland and the North East To promote the BME voluntary sector for the benefit of the public in Sunderland and the North East. Statement of trusteds responslbllitles The directors for the purposes of company law are responsible for preparlng the Director5 Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with app15cable law and UK Accounting standards. Company Law require5 the Dlrectors to prepare financial statements for each financlal year. which give a true and fair view of the state of affalrs of the company and incoming resources and appllcatlon of resources, Sncluding the income and expendlture, of the company for that year preparing the financlal statements the dlrectors are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and apply them conslstently Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation The Direttors are responslble for keeplng accounting records that disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the financlal positlon of the company and enable them to ensure that the flnancial statements comply with the Companie5 Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence ft)r taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Thls report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within part 15 of the companles Act 2006. On behalf of the board Direttor Slgnature ... . .. .. Date . Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Independent Examiners Report I report on the financial statements of The Company for the period ended 31 March 2024 Independent Examiners Ststement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (l} Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: l. To keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and ii. To prepare accounts whlch accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2CK)6 and in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 12) To whlch, In my oplnion, attention should be drawn in order to enable to proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Date 0710612024 Julie Maxwell- Independent Examiner MICB 11 Edith Street Jarrow Tyne and Wear NE32 5HS This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 41Page Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Income and Expenditure Account Period ended 3110312024 2024 Income 86085 Expenditure 87066 Operating Surplus -981 Interest recelvable and slmllar income Surplus on ordlnary actlvltles before taxatlon -981 Tax surplus on ordinary activities March 2019 (20%) Surplus of the flnanclal year -981 Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Statement of Financial Position perlod ended 3110312024 2024 2024 2024 2023 Restricted Income £ 83,316 Unrestrlcted Income £ 1,500 1,269 Income Grant Income Other Income Bank Interest Misc Income Total £ 84,816 1,269 Total £ 76479 349 Total Income 83,316 2,769 86.085 76828 men Staff Costs 31,452 1,693 33,145 3119 Running Costs 5,512 1,887 7,404 5291 Governance 150 150 350 Direct Expenses 46,065 46,065 95914 Travel and Subs Consultants 282 21 303 Total Payments 83,311 3.750 87.066 104,674 Net Recelpts -981 -981 -27.847 Transfer between funds Balance at 0110412023 14220 14.220 42066 Balance at 3110312024 13.239 13,239 14,219 Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Balance Sheet as at 3110312024 2024 2024 2023 2023 Fixed Assets 0.00 0.00 Current Assets Debtors Deposits at Cash and Bank 13,594 14,570 Current Uabilitles Credltors: Short Term Prepayments 355 350 355 350 Current Assets less Current Llabllltles 13,239 14,220 Total Assets less Current Llabllltles 13,239 14,220 Long Tem Llabllltles Total Assets Less Total Llabilltles 13,239 14,220 Represented By: Balance Bfwd Proflt and Loss Account Balance 14,220 -981 13,239 42,065 14,220 For the Flnancial Year In question, The Company was entitled to exemptlon under section 477 of the Companies Act 2(X)6 relating to small companies. No members have required The Company to obtain an audit of its account5 for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The Directors acknowledge their responsibS1ity for complying with the requirements of the Act wlth respect to accounting periods and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions appllcable to companies subject to the small companie5 regime and in accordance with FRS 102 SORP Approved by the Board for issue on Direttor Name ... Director Signature Company No. 06852908 Charity No. 1130886 Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Notes l. AccountlnB Pollcle5 Accounting Convention These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Income Income from fees Is recognised in the accounts when invol￿d unless it relates to future accounting periods, in which case it is deferred and included in creditors Grant51 Income receivable are crediled to incorning resources on the earller date of when they are recelved or when they are receivable. unless they relate specifically to a future accounting period, in which case, they are deferred, Where a grant Is recelved relatlng to a future accountin8 period, the profit and105s account shows the gross amount together with the chan8es in the amount deferred to future accounting perlod5. Deferred grant income at the year*nd15 Included In creditors. Expendlture Expenditure is brought in to the financial statements on the accruals basis Tanglble flxed assets and depreclatlon Flxed Assets are Inltlally recorded at cost Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of the assets, less its estimated resldual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: 2(M stralght Ilne 2 Trading Profit and Losses 2024 Balance B/Fwd 14,220 Profits used against trading profits 19811 13,239 81Page Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 3 Taxation on ordinary actlvities 2024 Current Tax Tax based on period 31st March 2021 Amount written back from previous period Tax Charge to Income and Expenditure 4 Tangible Flxed Assets Net Book Value on transfer Additions in perlod Cost at 31st March 2022 Depreciation Charge for year Total as at 319t March 2023 Net Book Value At 1st April 2023 5 Debtors.. 2024 6 Credltors: falling due In one year 2024 Trade Creditors Accruals - Accounts Other 350 355 Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 7. Funds Balance ot IstApril 2023 Balan￿ at 315t March 2024 Recelpts Poyments Transfvr Restrlcted The National Lottery Communtty Fund - Reaching Communities North East and Cumbrla HSF111 and IV 44,566 38,750 44,566 38,750 83,316 83,316 Unrestrlcted 14,220 2,769 3,750 13,239 Total Funds 14.220 86,085 87,066 13,239 IOIPage Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Income and Expenditure 2024 Income Restricted Unrestricted Total The National Lottery Communlty Fund - Reachlng Communities North East and Cumbria, 44,566 38,750 44,566 38,750 Sunderland City Council HSF IV Sunderland City Councll Partnershlp New Horlzon other 1,500 1,183 86 2,769 1,500 1,183 86 86,085 83,316 Dlrect Expenses Delivery Partners - HSF III Delivery Partners - HSF IV Events Stsff Costs (Inc Ni ) Consultants 5,635 36,744 3,686 31,452 5,635 36,744 3,686 33,144 1,692 Total Dlrect Experses 77,517 1,692 79,209 Gross Profltl(Loss): 5,799 1.077 6.877 Ovetheads Annual Accounts Telephone & Broadband Rent Insuran Fees and Subs Sundries EqUi￿ent Professlonal Fees 350 423 673 104 169 34 289 21 350 2,114 3,400 522 846 34 289 303 1,692 2,727 417 676 282 Totsl Overheads 2,063 7,858 Net Profit/(Loss): £5 -£986 -£981 11 Ipage Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charlty No. 1130886 SUNDERLAND BLACK AND MINORITY ETHNIC NETWORK LIMITED Directors Report and Financial Statements st For the period 1st April 2023- 31 March 2024 Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Prepared By.. Julie Maxwell MICB 11 Edith Street Jarrow NE32 5HS Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Legal and Administrative Registered office address Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network 30 Tatham Street Sunderland SRI 2QD Company Number: 06825908 Charity Number: 1130886 Offlcers Kumareswaradas Ramanathas Abu Shama Rachidy Bikaya Lacina Dlabate Julia A Wysocka Bankers HSBC Bank Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 The dlrectors for the purposes of company law have pleasure in presenting their report and the unaudited financlal statements of Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Ltd {The Company) ft)r the period ended 31" March 2024 Prfndple Actlvitv The objects of The Company are to carry on activities, which benefit the community, and In particular (without limitation) To promote the effectlve use of charltable resources for the benefit of the public and black and minority (BME} charities and voluntary organisations in Sunderland and the North East To promote the BME voluntary sector for the benefit of the public in Sunderland and the North East. Statement of trusteds responslbllitles The directors for the purposes of company law are responsible for preparlng the Director5 Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with app15cable law and UK Accounting standards. Company Law require5 the Dlrectors to prepare financial statements for each financlal year. which give a true and fair view of the state of affalrs of the company and incoming resources and appllcatlon of resources, Sncluding the income and expendlture, of the company for that year preparing the financlal statements the dlrectors are required to: Select suitable accounting policies and apply them conslstently Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation The Direttors are responslble for keeplng accounting records that disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the financlal positlon of the company and enable them to ensure that the flnancial statements comply with the Companie5 Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence ft)r taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Thls report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within part 15 of the companles Act 2006. On behalf of the board Direttor Slgnature ... . .. .. Date . Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Independent Examiners Report I report on the financial statements of The Company for the period ended 31 March 2024 Independent Examiners Ststement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (l} Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: l. To keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006; and ii. To prepare accounts whlch accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2CK)6 and in accordance with the Charities SORP IFRS 1021 12) To whlch, In my oplnion, attention should be drawn in order to enable to proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Date 0710612024 Julie Maxwell- Independent Examiner MICB 11 Edith Street Jarrow Tyne and Wear NE32 5HS This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements 41Page Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Income and Expenditure Account Period ended 3110312024 2024 Income 86085 Expenditure 87066 Operating Surplus -981 Interest recelvable and slmllar income Surplus on ordlnary actlvltles before taxatlon -981 Tax surplus on ordinary activities March 2019 (20%) Surplus of the flnanclal year -981 Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Statement of Financial Position perlod ended 3110312024 2024 2024 2024 2023 Restricted Income £ 83,316 Unrestrlcted Income £ 1,500 1,269 Income Grant Income Other Income Bank Interest Misc Income Total £ 84,816 1,269 Total £ 76479 349 Total Income 83,316 2,769 86.085 76828 men Staff Costs 31,452 1,693 33,145 3119 Running Costs 5,512 1,887 7,404 5291 Governance 150 150 350 Direct Expenses 46,065 46,065 95914 Travel and Subs Consultants 282 21 303 Total Payments 83,311 3.750 87.066 104,674 Net Recelpts -981 -981 -27.847 Transfer between funds Balance at 0110412023 14220 14.220 42066 Balance at 3110312024 13.239 13,239 14,219 Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Balance Sheet as at 3110312024 2024 2024 2023 2023 Fixed Assets 0.00 0.00 Current Assets Debtors Deposits at Cash and Bank 13,594 14,570 Current Uabilitles Credltors: Short Term Prepayments 355 350 355 350 Current Assets less Current Llabllltles 13,239 14,220 Total Assets less Current Llabllltles 13,239 14,220 Long Tem Llabllltles Total Assets Less Total Llabilltles 13,239 14,220 Represented By: Balance Bfwd Proflt and Loss Account Balance 14,220 -981 13,239 42,065 14,220 For the Flnancial Year In question, The Company was entitled to exemptlon under section 477 of the Companies Act 2(X)6 relating to small companies. No members have required The Company to obtain an audit of its account5 for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. The Directors acknowledge their responsibS1ity for complying with the requirements of the Act wlth respect to accounting periods and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions appllcable to companies subject to the small companie5 regime and in accordance with FRS 102 SORP Approved by the Board for issue on Direttor Name ... Director Signature Company No. 06852908 Charity No. 1130886 Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Notes l. AccountlnB Pollcle5 Accounting Convention These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime. Income Income from fees Is recognised in the accounts when invol￿d unless it relates to future accounting periods, in which case it is deferred and included in creditors Grant51 Income receivable are crediled to incorning resources on the earller date of when they are recelved or when they are receivable. unless they relate specifically to a future accounting period, in which case, they are deferred, Where a grant Is recelved relatlng to a future accountin8 period, the profit and105s account shows the gross amount together with the chan8es in the amount deferred to future accounting perlod5. Deferred grant income at the year*nd15 Included In creditors. Expendlture Expenditure is brought in to the financial statements on the accruals basis Tanglble flxed assets and depreclatlon Flxed Assets are Inltlally recorded at cost Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of the assets, less its estimated resldual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows: 2(M stralght Ilne 2 Trading Profit and Losses 2024 Balance B/Fwd 14,220 Profits used against trading profits 19811 13,239 81Page Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 3 Taxation on ordinary actlvities 2024 Current Tax Tax based on period 31st March 2021 Amount written back from previous period Tax Charge to Income and Expenditure 4 Tangible Flxed Assets Net Book Value on transfer Additions in perlod Cost at 31st March 2022 Depreciation Charge for year Total as at 319t March 2023 Net Book Value At 1st April 2023 5 Debtors.. 2024 6 Credltors: falling due In one year 2024 Trade Creditors Accruals - Accounts Other 350 355 Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 7. Funds Balance ot IstApril 2023 Balan￿ at 315t March 2024 Recelpts Poyments Transfvr Restrlcted The National Lottery Communtty Fund - Reaching Communities North East and Cumbrla HSF111 and IV 44,566 38,750 44,566 38,750 83,316 83,316 Unrestrlcted 14,220 2,769 3,750 13,239 Total Funds 14.220 86,085 87,066 13,239 IOIPage Sunderland Black and Minority Ethnic Network Limited Company No. 06825908 Charity No. 1130886 Income and Expenditure 2024 Income Restricted Unrestricted Total The National Lottery Communlty Fund - Reachlng Communities North East and Cumbria, 44,566 38,750 44,566 38,750 Sunderland City Council HSF IV Sunderland City Councll Partnershlp New Horlzon other 1,500 1,183 86 2,769 1,500 1,183 86 86,085 83,316 Dlrect Expenses Delivery Partners - HSF III Delivery Partners - HSF IV Events Stsff Costs (Inc Ni ) Consultants 5,635 36,744 3,686 31,452 5,635 36,744 3,686 33,144 1,692 Total Dlrect Experses 77,517 1,692 79,209 Gross Profltl(Loss): 5,799 1.077 6.877 Ovetheads Annual Accounts Telephone & Broadband Rent Insuran Fees and Subs Sundries EqUi￿ent Professlonal Fees 350 423 673 104 169 34 289 21 350 2,114 3,400 522 846 34 289 303 1,692 2,727 417 676 282 Totsl Overheads 2,063 7,858 Net Profit/(Loss): £5 -£986 -£981 11 Ipage