AZ Annual RepJ)rt & AccountsR020 VJC ej i iJ#t) '¢> rov AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 3 ## CONTENTS - 5 **Objectives & activities** 6 **Achievements & performance** 22 **Education & outreach** 24 **Financial review** 25 **Independent examiner’s report** 26 **Accounts** 29 **Plans for the future** 30 **Structure, governance & management** 30 **Reference & administration details** 30 **Declaration** ## message from our ceo 2020 has been a year like no other. Alongside the health challenges of coronavirus (COVID–19), the economic and social impacts of the pandemic are far reaching. Those already living in poverty continue to be hardest hit and we’re seeing increased demand for our services. COVID–19 has shown us just how connected we all are. We must work together to overcome injustice and inequality. We must work efficiently, effectively and generously. At AzuKo, we’re renewing our commitment to reach the most vulnerable and empower them to lead the design and development of their communities. We’re providing critical aid, focusing on virus prevention in Bangladesh through the distribution of hygiene supplies, PPE and guidance for how to keep safe. Alongside this we continue to improve living conditions. With restrictions on movement and social distancing requirements we have had to adapt our delivery, and think innovatively to ensure we meet ever changing needs. Despite all the challenges of recent months, staff, volunteers, partners, supporters and communities themselves who we walk alongside, have shown steadfast commitment to AzuKo’s mission. Together we’re building a fairer world for all. I want to thank each and every one of you for your professionalism and passion. I’m so proud of the impact AzuKo has achieved this year and the transformations we’re helping to make happen through programmes such as our Build for safety training. Looking forward, we aim to increase our reach. As communities rebuild and recover, AzuKo will be there to support. — Jo Ashbridge (Founder & CEO, AzuKo) AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 5 ## Objectives & Activities Today, 1.6 billion people are living in substandard housing—at risk of collapse, hazardous for health and without the necessary security. Everyone should have a safe, clean, dignified place to call home. We’re a community of designers, architects and researchers dedicated to designing a better world. We work to end housing poverty in Bangladesh and the UK, by: 1. co-designing housing and infrastructure improvements 2. delivering design and construction training 3. supporting communities to understand their housing rights ## What we believe > Vision Mission Values A world without To build a fairer Empowerment housing poverty world for all Participation Commitment ## Our charitable purposes – What we’re set up to achieve - Urban / rural regeneration in areas of deprivation - Develop the capacity and skills of disadvantaged communities - Promote sustainable development - Advance education in public interest design When planning the activities for the year the Trustees and CEO have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit (PB1 / PB2 / PB3), and the specific guidance related to AzuKo: - The Advancement of Education for the Public Benefit - The Promotion of Community Capacity Building - Promotion of Rural and Urban Regeneration This annual report looks back at our work in 2020 and how we delivered against our strategy and objectives, as well as plans for the future. It covers a shorter period, 8 months (May to December) as we have adjusted our Financial Year. Achievements & performance 6 **Dinajpur district, Bangladesh** ## ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE AzuKo builds places to live, work and play that protect and provide. We delivered several programmes throughout the year in both Bangladesh and the UK, which can be broadly split between projects and education. We support extreme poor communities and use poverty measurement tools, including the Poverty Probability Index (PPI) to ensure we leave no one behind. ## Coronavirus emergency response In March 2020 we launched an appeal for funds to support vulnerable families in northwest Bangladesh throughout this crisis. Our frontline staff have been working tirelessly to deliver vital hygiene supplies and promote good hygiene practices, equipping communities with the information they need to reduce the spread of the virus. As of 31 December 2020, we have: ## 27,000+ reached with our virus prevention campaign (sharing information for how to keep safe) via audio rickshaws, leaflets and community banners 14 wards (villages) of local leaders trained in best practice, including hand washing techniques and dispelling COVID myths AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 7 The knock-on effects of COVID-19 in Bangladesh are extremely challenging, particularly for those living in poverty. We’re seeing severe food shortages, increases in domestic violence and child abuse, as well as impacts to mental health. Due to strict lockdowns, many people are feeling isolated and anxious. We’re providing a lifeline for those who are struggling to cope with the pressures, and in situations where we are not best placed to provide the necessary psychosocial support, we signpost to appropriate services. AzuKo is a trusted organisation across Rangpur division, often working in challenging places where others cannot. We have been approached by several humanitarian organisations to support distribution of food supplies (6,500+ families) and mobile health clinics (4,000+ people) through our networks and community volunteers. We’re working closely with local authority to ensure a coordinated regional response. In 2021 we will continue to support communities as they move from disaster response to recovery. Ppe provided for all our frontline staff and volunteers “Because of lockdown we have spent all our savings. We sold our cow to survive. The hygiene supplies are a big help, we use every day. Thank you for reaching us.” – Doya (resident / Sundarban, Bangladesh) ## 3,027 hygiene packs provided for families without access to the basics – soap, sanitiser, disinfectant, face masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Achievements & performance 8 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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10 Achievements&performance L. AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 11 ## Complex crises in Bangladesh COVID–19 is just one of the many challenges people are facing in Bangladesh. In May, super-cyclone ‘Amphan’ hit the coast, travelling north across the country. **10 million people affected 330,000 houses damaged 55,600 destroyed** People had to choose whether to stay in their homes and brave the cyclone or find a shelter and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with 1,500 people, at a time when they were being told to social distance. At least 100,000 people were displaced and forced to stay on embankments. 118 people lost their lives. Reports estimate damage to electricity grids, schools, bridges, embankments, roads, drinking water sources, and community infrastructure, at a cost of £130 million. Then, as communities began to rebuild after Amphan, the monsoon rains came and didn’t stop. In June, another tragedy hit. The mighty Brahmaputra River burst its banks, submerging 37% of the country. Nearly a million homes were inundated, affecting 4.7 million people. At least 135 died, most of them children. COVID–19, Amphan and monsoon have collided to create complex crises, the effects being felt most heavily by the poorest, particularly those in the informal sector. These ‘black swan’ events are no longer once-in-a-lifetime challenges, but increasing in number and severity. We need to build back better, and our work aims to do just that. Achievements & performance 12 ## Design and construction in Bangladesh, as in many countries, is seen as a ‘man’s world’. Many of the women we work with in rural Dinajpur haven’t completed secondary school, they married young and aren’t permitted to work. They’re excluded from design decisions in their own homes because men hold the purse strings and are typically revered as the household head. But how can we design better homes, better streets, better infrastructure if women—the glue that holds communities together—are not involved in the process? We can’t. Women must be active participants if we are to build inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities, for all. Two of our projects—Build for safety and Heart of the home —focus on empowering women to be design leaders in their homes and communities. ## Build for safety training ## **Dinajpur district, Bangladesh** Our training provides women with knowledge, skills and confidence in design and construction. We work with women living below the poverty line. On average, they reside with five members of their extended family in katcha (non-durable) homes e.g. earth floors, bamboo / jute stick walls and thatch roofs, or semi-pucca (semi-permanent) homes e.g. part-fired brick walls and iron sheet roofs. 88% are actively looking to make home improvements. The biggest barrier to doing so is lack of money. Lack of time, limited skills and not having decision-making power are also seen as challenges. Our training includes: - An introduction to sustainability and green building practices - Discussions around global examples - Hands-on building activities, e.g. cross bracing and pad foundations - Construction best practice - Building material options, and comparisons - - Financial exercises e.g. costing, return on investment, savings plan Between May and December, we trained 52 women in Sundarban Union. The top three techniques which they implemented in their homes, were: - Cross-bracing (reinforcing building structure) - - Bamboo treatment, pond soaking (preservation technique to increase durability) - Pad foundations (transferring building load to make structures safe) Three months post-training, women felt able to discuss the learning in depth, including improved construction techniques and budgeting. ## 91% of women felt more confident in design and construction having attended training 100% felt skills learned will help improve their home 69% rated 31% ‘very good’ ‘excellent’ Achievements & performance 14 ## Rebuilding post-flood: Shilpa’s story In 2017, devastating floods hit the northern region of Bangladesh, east India and Nepal. Flood waters rose 7 ft, submerging homes and contaminating water sources. In Bangladesh many lost their lives. ## **110,000 houses destroyed Half a million damaged** Shilpa*, her husband and sons were living in a one room earthen house. They took refuge on the side of the road under a simple tarpaulin sheet. When the waters receded a week later they returned to find that their home had been washed away, including many of their belongings. They lived in a temporary shelter until they could save enough money and access a small loan to rebuild. Shilpa had previously attended our Build for safety training, and when the time came they built a new bamboo frame house, using improved techniques. We recently visited Shilpa and her family, who were incredibly proud to show us round their home. They felt confident, safe and secure and are now champions in their village for building resilient homes in the face of a changing climate. _(*identity changed)_ 15 AzuKo T￿th￿AnnualReP0rt 2020 141 Achievements & performance 16 ## heart of the home ## **Rangpur division, Bangladesh** In Bangladesh there has been significant progress over the last decade in improving housing standards of the poor. However, one space is lagging behind – the kitchen. These spaces are dark, cramped, unhygienic and poorly ventilated, contributing to chronic and acute health effects including lung cancer, diarrhoeal disease, complications with pregnancy and high rates of infant mortality. Lack of design and investment in this part of the home has serious consequences. Exposure to household air pollution results in nearly 107,000 deaths every year in Bangladesh, mostly women and children. 67.8% of the population live on earthen floors, which are unhygienic and have strong links to diarrhoeal disease, and 80% of rural housing is of a ‘sub-standard level’ as communities typically build their own homes due to limited government support. Heart of the home aims to address the root causes of the three key issues (household air pollution, unhygienic cooking conditions and unsafe construction) that affect low-income households. We’re working with women in northwest Bangladesh to understand this complex issue, the many challenges they face, their needs now and in future, their hopes and dreams. We’re examining cooking and hygiene practices, products, infrastructure, construction materials and spatial design. We believe the solution is a combined approach, rather than a focus on a single product or material upgrade. We are creating a pilot, providing women with design and construction training, and kitchen upgrades. These women will diarise their experiences and present back to their communities, acting as advocates for design to improve health. AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 17 “For fuel we use leaves, straw, anything we can find and burn. We can’t afford wood or briquettes. We need a stove that’s easy, quick and cheap.” – Mollika (resident / Dinajpur, Bangladesh) ## Rumar dreams of a better way Today Rumar is cooking cauliflower and potato mash with rice and greens. At 22 years old she is responsible for preparing and cooking meals for her family of five. Like many women in her village in Dinajpur, Bangladesh, she faces real challenges in the home. Her kitchen is only 3.4 sqm and is built on a raised earthen plinth which she protects from the driving rain as best she can. Without walls and a leaky roof, things are difficult in the monsoon. Rumar makes and repairs her stove using a mix of earth and water. She worries about the open flames when her children are near and shows us burns she’s suffered from cooking this way. Her kitchen has flooded numerous times and burnt to the ground a few years ago due to a fire that escalated. There is no electricity or piped water supply. Her family can afford to buy a small amount of jute sticks and wood to fuel the stove every month, but when this runs out Rumar gathers leaves and twigs to keep it going. This wet material produces a lot of smoke. She cooks on a small stool, at least for now she is not in too much discomfort. Rumar’s village is in one of the poorest regions of the country. Saving for home improvements is a struggle but she dreams of a better way—a kitchen that is safe and comfortable, a space that doesn’t fill the air with black smoke, a space she would enjoy cooking in. _(*identity changed)_ Achievements & performance 18 ## a learning landscape – jaago playspace ## **Sundarban village, Bangladesh** JAAGO Foundation is revolutionising education in Bangladesh, using technology. Their online learning model brings high quality teaching to remote areas of the country. We’re working with one of their schools to design and construct a new playground, and examine the impact this has on education. Research shows that play is crucial for children’s academic progression and their long-term success. It develops literacy and numeracy skills, and builds confidence, creativity, communication and critical thinking skills. It contributes to greater achievement at school and higher rates of employment and salaries after graduation. Yet, play in underprivileged communities is often overlooked. Sadly, many children in Bangladesh have limited access to quality education, including educational playgrounds, due to extreme poverty. The design of the playground will encourage solo and group play, includes active spaces for physical exertion and passive spaces for reflection, incorporates music and colour, connects with nature and encourages role-play. We’ve undertaken a needs assessment and feasibility study, prepared the concept and design in collaboration with the students, teachers and JAAGO team. We’re now at the technical design stage, ahead of manufacturing and construction. Due to restrictions as a result of COVID-19, we’re awaiting approval to start on site in 2021. AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 19 “We teach disadvantaged students, many come from very challenging backgrounds. They have seen places like this on the TV, or in their dreams, but never imagined they could access them. This playground is for them, it shows them they are valued.” – Kumkum (Education Coordinator, JAAGO Foundation) Achievements & performance 20 ## slum upgrading ## **Dinajpur city, Bangladesh** We’ve been working with Jogen Babu Maath (JBM), a 250+ person community, in northwest Bangladesh since 2012. Like many informal settlements, JBM suffers from limited access to public services, tenure insecurity, poor housing materials, densely crowded and unsanitary conditions. This long-term project involves gradual improvement of the neighbourhood, formalising and incorporating JBM into the city of Dinajpur. The aim is to increase visibility and recognition of residents, so that land, services and citizenship rights are provided. In 2014 we supported a democratic election to form a committee which acts as a representative body for JBM, and with which we design and deliver the work. To date, double-storey bamboo houses, a bamboo and rammed earth community centre, infrastructure improvements, planting schemes and a sanitation and shower facility have been built with the support of local and international volunteers. We continue to support the committee to manage and maintain these communal assets. AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 21 ## human-centred design competition ## **UK, nationwide** Human-centred design is an approach that starts with a deep understanding of the people you’re designing for, and ends with a solution that meets their needs. At AzuKo we use it to help people out of poverty; designing spaces and services which improve lives. We’re passionate about sharing our insights, and inspiring the next generation of social impact designers. This year we set the design challenge, ‘How might we (re)design the process of cooking to improve health?’’ Young people aged 11 to 18, from schools across the UK entered. We received inspiring ideas that aimed to make life safer, easier and more comfortable. The winning entry, from students at the Royal High School Bath, combined a communal cookstove with a greenhouse. It aimed to encourage conversation between neighbours, improve air quality, maximise the use of space, and help to grow vegetables. Education & outreach 22 ## Education & outreach We continue to participate in global discussions around humanitarian architecture and operate as a champion for the sector. Highlights include: - Presenting at Inspiring Change Makers Conference to empower young women. This year it was held online with over 26,000 people attending from across the UK. - Hosting #CharityHour, as a founding member of the Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN). The Twitter debate focused on the role and impact of UK-registered charities operating overseas. - Sharing our work and impact with universities both in the UK and Bangladesh, as well as notable architecture and engineering firms - Our CEO, Jo Ashbridge was shortlisted for GDST Alumna of the Year, as recognition for her contribution to society through AzuKo - Being invited on ‘Sky News with Mark Austin’, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on AzuKo and the charity sector, and interviewed for DoMoreGood the charity sector podcast featuring good news stories - Featuring in a wide variety of blogs and articles, including Small Charities Coalition and Inspiring Impact ## ADVOCACY Like many sectors, the charity sector has been affected by the pandemic – facing an estimated £10 billion loss. But there are certain groups which are greatly impacted, with doors to funding being closed from all sides. Those of us working overseas are not eligible for Government support. - Charities have come together to fight for our work and for the communities we serve, forming the coalition, Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN). AzuKo is a founding member and our CEO, Jo, is the current Chair. In October we launched the campaign – Small But Mighty (smallbutmighty.co.uk) – to raise awareness of the value and impact of our charities. - We joined 187 UK humanitarian, development and domestic charities to call on Government to uphold the UK’s commitment to spend 0.7% of our GNI on aid and development. AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 23 ## CREATIVE FUNDRAISING Our supporters have hosted events and set personal challenges, such as marathons, to increase awareness and help raise vital funds. We’re humbled by the generosity. We have also joined nationwide fundraising campaigns, including #GivingTuesdayNow and the Big Give Christmas Challenge to boost income. ## THE BIG ARCHI-CHAT As part of our Christmas campaign we created a week-long event, to make design and architecture accessible. Architects within our network offered 1-to-1 online consultations, all in aid of AzuKo. We aim for this to be an annual fundraiser. ## APAD NOTEBOOKS We’re thrilled to partner with apad – a notebook for creatives who want to make a difference. Profits from every notebook sold go to AzuKo. “I’m really enjoying volunteering, to build my network and improve my skills… We have weekly meetups with the team in Bangladesh. Wonderful.” – Sarah (supporter / Copenhagen, Denmark) ## VOLUNTEERING CONTRIBUTION We’d like to thank all our volunteers who share their skills and promote our work. In 2020 we welcomed a record number of volunteers to our AzuKo family. We may be small, but together we are mighty. ## IMPACT DRIVEN We believe in measuring our impact to ensure we continue to make positive change, to learn and improve what we do, and to help us tell our story. It’s important to us that the communities we work with lead this process, so they own their data. Financial review 24 ## FINANCIAL REVIEW Our principal sources of funds this year have been grants and individual giving. Additional funds have been raised through corporate donations. We hold cash at bank of £42,245 at the year end. ## RESERVES POLICY Reserves are the unspent, unrestricted, undesignated funds of the charity. AzuKo’s reserves policy protects our work from unforeseen reduction in income, safeguarding the charity’s future and its ability to serve communities in need. It also ensures we do not retain income for longer than required. Trustees assess the level of reserves needed by looking forward and considering the risks to our funding, balanced against expenditure commitments. The funding landscape for international development has become increasingly difficult e.g. dropping public income due to COVID-19 and cuts to UK Aid. Despite this we have seen demand for our services increase, with millions pushed back into poverty during this pandemic. Our future intention is to increase capacity to meet this increased need, and to do this through a mix of funding. To ensure we can meet our objectives, we aim to hold reserves in the range of £21,000 and £36,000. We hold £22,838 in reserves at the year end, which was within our policy. It is recognised that this level is at the lower end, and the Trustees and CEO are looking at ways to further build reserves. The level of reserves is monitored, and the policy is reviewed by Trustees annually. ## THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 The pandemic brings a level of uncertainty around the future funding landscape for the charity sector. The Trustees and CEO believe AzuKo occupies a niche and is well-regarded. The figures show a fair financial position with a solid fundraising strategy in place, so that the AzuKo’s ability to continue is not threatened. ## ADDITIONAL SUPPORT We operate out of Collective Auction Rooms in London. AzuKo benefits from the use of this co-working space free of charge alongside access to facilities and equipment, including desks, wireless IT connectivity, meeting rooms and associated utility costs. As a member of the Collective we can network with nonprofits and creative businesses. AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 25 ## independent examiner’s report ## A: report Report to Trustees/members of AzuKo On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2020 Charity number 1156354 Set out on pages 2020 AzuKo income type breakdown 2020 AzuKo receipts and payments accounts 2020 AzuKo restricted vs unrestricted income and expenditure Bank statement Responsibilities and basis I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the of report Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2020. As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner’s I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my statement attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: • accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act or • the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Name Victoria McAulay Date 27 October 2021 - Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any) Address: 5 Chesterton Close, Wandsworth, London, SW18 1SD b: disclosure Details of items that the None examiner wishes to disclose Accounts 26 ## receipts and payments ACCOUNTS ## A: receipts and payments |A: receipts and payments|||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||UNRESTRICTED|RESTRICTED|ENDOWMENT|TOTAL|
LAST| ||FUNDS|FUNDS|FUNDS|FUNDS|YEAR| |A1: RECEIPTS|[to the nearest £]|[to the nearest £]|[to the nearest £]|[to the nearest £]|[to the nearest £]| |Corporate donations|5|400|-|405|5,241| |Grants|-|29,303|-|29,303|9,100| |Contract income|-|-|-|-|2,400| |Other donations|5,023|4,597|-|9,620|18,086| |Fundraising events|-|-|-|-|1,307| |Awards|-|-|-|-|1,000| |Subtotal(Gross income for AR)|5,028|34,300|-|39,327|37,134| |A2: ASSET AND INVESTMENT SALES|||||| |-|-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-|-| |Subtotal|-|-|-|-|-| ||||||| |Total receipts|5,028|34,300|-|39,327|37,134| |A3: PAYMENTS|||||| |Costs of charitable activities|4,547|17,655|-|22,201|26,375| |Fundraising costs|3,294|-|-|3,294|3,960| |Governance costs|810|-|-|810|451| |Support costs|2,829|-|-|2,829|7,596| |Subtotal|11,479|17,655|-|29,133|38,381| |A4: ASSET AND INVESTMENT|||||| |PURCHASES|||||| |-|-|-|-|-|-| |-|-|-|-|-|-| |Subtotal|-|-|-|-|-| ||||||| |Total payments|11,479|17,655|-|29,133|38,381| ||||||| |Net of receipt/(payments)|(6,451)|16,645|-|10,194|(1,247)| |A5: TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS|-|-|-|-|-| |A6: CASH FUNDS LAST YEAR END|29,289|2,762|-|32,051|33,298| |Cash funds this year end|22,838|19,407|-|42,245|32,051| AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 27 ## b: statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period |CATEGORIES|DETAILS|UNRESTRICTED|RESTRICTED|ENDOWMENT| |---|---|---|---|---| |||FUNDS|FUNDS|FUNDS| |||[to the nearest £]|[to the nearest £]|[to the nearest £]| |B1: CASH FUNDS|Barclays Community Account|22,838|19,407|-| ||-|-|-|-| ||Total cash funds|22,838|19,407|-| |(agree balances with receipts and payments account(s))||OK|OK|OK| |||UNRESTRICTED|RESTRICTED|ENDOWMENT| |||FUNDS|FUNDS|FUNDS| |||[to the nearest £]|[to the nearest £]|[to the nearest £]| |B2: OTHER MONETARY ASSETS|-|-|-|-| ||-|-|-|-| |||FUND TO|COST|CURRENT| |||WHICH ASSET|[optional]|VALUE| |||BELONGS||[optional]| |B3: INVESTMENT ASSETS|-|-|-|-| ||-|-|-|-| |||FUND TO|COST|CURRENT| |||WHICH ASSET|[optional]|VALUE| |||BELONGS||[optional]| |B4: ASSETS RETAINED FOR THE|-|-|-|-| |CHARITY’S OWN USE|-|-|-|-| |||FUND TO|AMOUNT|
WHEN| |||WHICH LIABILITY|DUE|DUE| |||RELATES|[optional]|[optional]| |B5: LIABILITIES|-|-|-|-| ||-|-|-|-| |Signed on behalf of the Trustees|Signature|Print name||Date of approval| |||Max Barber||20 October 2021| AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 29 ## PLANS FOR THE FUTURE Our focus remains on Bangladesh and the UK. We plan to continue our long-term projects, with an increasing drive to support women as design leaders in their communities. Poverty is not gender neutral—discrimination means that women have far fewer resources to cope. We strongly believe that women’s empowerment leads to society’s advancement. ## HUMANITARIAN ARCHITECTURE TRAINING We pride ourselves on our rights-based approach and our unwavering commitment to our co-design process. We’re looking to develop a foundation course which provides an introduction to humanitarian architecture, specifically the ethics of designing with disadvantaged communities. We’ll encourage trainees to explore what community-led design really means, looking at new approaches, participatory methods and tools for engagement. ## PARTNERSHIPS We’re exploring new opportunities for collaboration with organisations which share our vision for a world without housing poverty. We’re excited to start conversations with new partners for 2021, to help grow our reach and maximise our impact. This includes working with Engineers Without Borders UK to inspire engineering students and professionals to think more ethically in their work, and collaboration with KitAid and Charity Boots to ship sports kit to communities in Bangladesh. ## GROWTH & IMPACT COVID-19 has highlighted the need for our work, and we aim to grow to meet the increased demand. We’ll continue to diversify our funding, with a focus on regular giving and income-generating activities. We intend to expand our core team, board of Trustees and advisors, and encourage our network of supporters to fundraise and advocate for us. AzuKo charity & declaration 30 ## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT AzuKo is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and registered charity in England and Wales, no. 1156354. Our constitution (foundation) was adopted on 20 March 2014. New Trustees are appointed by the board via a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting. In selecting individuals for appointment, the Trustees consider the skills, knowledge and experience needed for the effective governance of AzuKo. The Trustees acknowledge that working in potentially insecure environments brings risks to staff members and programmes. A comprehensive security framework including policies, procedures, training and pre-deployment briefing ensures all staff are aware of the risks involved and appropriate management systems are in place. ## REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATION DETAILS **Charity name** AzuKo **Registered charity number** 1156354 **Principal address** Collective Auction Rooms, 5-7 Buck Street, London, NW1 8NJ ## **Trustees** Current board members at FYE, 31 December 2020: — Reena Agarwal _(part year, appointed 5 August 2020)_ — Max Barber, Treasurer — James Maddison _(part year, appointed 5 August 2020)_ — Radwa Rostom ## **Board members within reporting period** — Shannon Bradley _(part year, resigned 5 August 2020)_ — Julie Christie-Webb _(part year, resigned 5 August 2020)_ **Chief Executive** — Jo Ashbridge ## DECLARATION The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the Trustees: **Date** 27 October 2021 **Full name** Reena Agarwal **Position** Trustee **Signature** AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2020 31 “Empowering and investing in women – which AzuKo does so well – is crucial for the wellbeing of individuals, families and rural communities to prosper and lift themselves out of poverty.” – Reena (Trustee, AzuKo) **Trustees’ Annual Report** 1 May 2020—31 December 2020 AzuKo is a CIO and registered charity in England and Wales (no. 1156354) at Collective Auction Rooms, 5-7 Buck Street, London, NW1 8NJ, UK azuko.org