OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2021-12-31-accounts

AZIIKO & Ac(¥unts 2021

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

3

CONTENTS

message from our ceo

For some, the last year has been a time to rebuild following the devastating effects of the pandemic, but for many of the communities we serve in Bangladesh and in the UK, the challenges have deepened. Coronavirus, economic downturn and extreme weather events have collided to create complex crises. Too many have been pushed further into poverty.

The pandemic has shown us just how important a safe and secure home is. It is the foundation for a healthy and full life. For those at risk of eviction, those living in disaster-prone areas and those without the means to upgrade their house, every day feels uncertain. Yet we have seen incredible determination to build better homes and communities — women sharing construction techniques, neighbours working alongside each other to repair buildings, residents coming together to improve their streets, young people volunteering to deliver supplies to remote villages.

We are inspired to work alongside them, and to witness such optimism in the face of adversity.

It has not been a smooth ride for charities either. Despite the challenges, we continue to innovate, find new ways to reach those in need, and fundraise for our vital programmes. We have seen demand for housing support skyrocket, and we’re working hard to meet it. We are determined to keep momentum throughout 2022.

Our mission to end housing poverty matters more every day. It’s only with the help of partners, donors and volunteers like you that we exist. From everyone at AzuKo, thank you for your continued support. You make our work possible.

— Jo Ashbridge (Founder & CEO, AzuKo)

bi

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

5

Objectives & Activities

Everyone deserves a safe, clean, dignified place to call home. Yet more than 1.8 billion are living in substandard housing and it is estimated that this will increase to 3 billion by 2030. This equates to over 40% of the world’s population. Housing is more than a roof and four walls; it is a human right.

AzuKo is working to end housing poverty in Bangladesh and the UK, by:

----- Start of picture text -----
T
----- End of picture text -----

1.

Co-designing housing and infrastructure

2.

Delivering construction training

3.

Supporting communities to understand their housing rights

----- Start of picture text -----
4.
----- End of picture text -----

Championing ethical development

What we believe

Vision Mission Values A world without To build a fairer Empowerment housing poverty world for all Participation Commitment

When planning activities for the year the Trustees and CEO considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and the following guidance related to AzuKo:

This report looks back at our work over the last year, how we delivered against our strategy and objectives, as well as our plans for the future.

Achievements & performance

6

achievements & performance

AzuKo is an architecture charity. We work with vulnerable communities – the homeless, landless, those in extreme poverty – to improve living conditions. Women are at the centre of our communities, and they are at the centre of our work. We ensure their voice is heard in the design of their homes and neighbourhoods.

AzuKo offers low-cost, low-tech building improvements that make a dramatic difference to peoples’ lives. A large part of our work is construction training, and where we are involved in direct delivery, most of that work is repairs. We bring buildings and infrastructure back to life. Most importantly it is the communities themselves that lead the design and construction, from start to finish.

This year we have continued to provide support to those most affected by COVID-19.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

7

coronavirus emergency response

Rangpur division, Bangladesh

With vaccine distribution improving, hospitalisations and deaths are now much lower. Unfortunately, with limited testing capabilities, costs and stigma associated, accurate numbers in Bangladesh are relatively unknown. The region where we work – Rangpur division – is historically the poorest and most underserved region of Bangladesh. Since 2010 poverty rates have decreased in all parts of the country except for Rangpur where it has increased.

At the beginning of the pandemic strict lockdowns caused huge knock-on effects and people took to the streets in protest. The choice for many was to face the virus, or not be able to put food on the table. We reached out to the communities we have been working with for a decade and listened to their needs. Our emergency response focused on prevention to reduce the risk and spread of infection, improve understanding about coronavirus, and build knowledge and capacity.

As of 31 December 2021, we have:

Achievements & performance

8

Through our networks and community volunteers, we supported the distribution of food and mobile health clinics, whilst working closely with the local authority to ensure a coordinated regional response. As vaccination rates increase and the situation improves, we plan to dial down our coronavirus response in 2022.

“I heard about the distribution by the audio rickshaw that was travelling around the village. The hygiene packs included everything we needed. Masks are compulsory… We have to wear them or be fined. Thank you.”

– Sobita (resident / Bangladesh)

----- Start of picture text -----
20km
10km
0km
10km
20km
CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE
MAP OF COVERAGE
----- End of picture text -----

Ppe provided for frontline staff and volunteers

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

9

----- Start of picture text -----
Bhushirbandar Ranirbandar
Beldanga
Ra m dubi
Karnai
N508
Chandganj
Z5025
Dinajpur Single visit
Multiple revisits
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Hygiene packs
distributed
Vaccine registration
+ WASH training
Leaflets distributed
Community banners
erected
----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
Area covered by
Single visit audio rickshaws
Multiple revisits
----- End of picture text -----

7,423 families received hygiene packs

35,000 people reached with prevention campaign

3,672 people supported for vaccine registering

Achievements & performance

10

Stories of hope

Farhan makes jewellery and metalwork in a local market. It’s a family business and he was still learning his craft when COVID-19 hit. He heard about the virus on the news, but it seemed far away and not something to worry about. Then _“overnight”*_ things changed.

“… we were locked down, and couldn’t leave our homes. We couldn’t visit relatives. It was difficult. I felt nervous, would I catch COVID? My business was closed for 18 months, so I looked for day labour work in construction. There wasn’t a lot, as everyone was looking for work.”

He heard about the distribution of hygiene packs and food via the local community leader who was going door to door. Supplies were low and becoming too expensive. It was a lifeline – soap, sanitiser, disinfectant, masks, rice, vegetables and dal. Neighbours shared what little they had until things began to open. Farhan describes how lucky he felt to visit the riverside again, “I walked, it was peaceful there” .

(*identity changed)

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

11

Anuva* owns her own tailoring business. She works from home, and when the markets shut down she began to see her customers less and less. Lockdown and social distancing meant that people stayed indoors. There were police on the streets, and people were fined if they were seen to break the rules.

Anuva and her family received support in 2020 and 2021. She uses the hygiene supplies for her family, and for her work. She wears a mask indoors, and talks about her daily routine to keep her space clean for her customers. Anuva is building confidence in her business, and slowly her orders are increasing. She can see hope on the horizon.

(*identity changed)

“I felt anxious and unsafe. My husband looked for work every single day, and sometimes managed to work in the fields. AzuKo came to our door and told us about the support they could offer. It was so helpful. The market and all businesses were closed, so we couldn’t get these supplies and couldn’t afford them as we had no income.”

Achievements & performance

12

COVID-19 has understandably been a global focus. However, it’s not the only challenge facing communities in Bangladesh. The country is at the forefront of climate change, experiencing floods, cyclones and earthquakes. Desperate poverty in rural communities forces people to live in hazardous locations and in poor quality housing. Our work has never been more needed.

slum upgrading

Dinajpur city, Bangladesh

Jogen Babu Maath (JBM) is a 250+ person community in northwest Bangladesh. Like other informal settlements, residents are at risk of eviction, the area lacks basic services, it is densely crowded with many houses built using found materials, and sanitation is a huge issue. We have been working together since 2012, helping to improve the neighbourhood.

To date, double-storey bamboo houses, a bamboo and rammed earth community centre, infrastructure improvements, planting schemes and a toilet and shower facility have been built with the support of local and international volunteers. During COVID-19 we have been distributing hygiene packs with the committee, which we helped to establish seven years ago.

No building is maintenance free. All too often we see buildings, which were once shining examples become derelict, unsafe or underused. Without attention they can quickly deteriorate, particularly when used by many different people. There must be a plan in place to manage and maintain them, which is why we continue to support JBM committee to upkeep their communal buildings. We provide technical advice, repairs and operational recommendations.

“I [work as] Assistant Secretary so that I can help develop my community. I would like to see more improvements to housing, sanitation, and the general environment.”

– Hana (resident & committee member / Bangladesh)

The community has come a long way, but there is still far to go for this informal settlement to be recognised, and provided with necessary services by the city.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

13

BUILD FOR SAFETY, TRAINING

Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

Women must be part of design conversations if we are to build inclusive, safe and sustainable communities, for all. Our long-term ‘build for safety’ training programme provides women with knowledge, skills and confidence in construction.

We explored the potential to deliver virtual training, but it would not have been suitable. Most women we work with do not have access to a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Electricity is sporadic in rural areas and internet is expensive and unreliable. We also felt that the hands-on learning aspect of the training would be lost – in design and construction, both theory and practical experience are essential. Our training includes:

In 2021 we trained 197 women. Trainees ranged from 16 to 40 years old. They typically live with five, or more, members of their extended family in katcha (non-durable) homes with earth floors, bamboo/jute stick walls and thatch roofs, or semi-pucca (semi-permanent) homes with part-fired brick walls and corrugated iron sheet roofs.

“I loved the songs about bamboo and mud housing techniques the most. I loved being part of the training, and learnt so much.”

– Sabina (trainee / Bangladesh)

We support extreme poor households. 89% have experienced housing damage due to storms or flooding, and 86% are actively looking to make home improvements. The three biggest barriers to building safer houses are finance, skills and knowledge of construction, which is what our training aims to address.

Social distancing requirements and repeated lockdowns in country were challenging this year. We implemented strict health and safety protocols, reduced group size, and provided PPE and hygiene packs for all participants, staff and volunteers. In 2022 we aim to provide follow-on support focusing on additional practical work (priorities include foundations, primary structure and jointing techniques) and advice during construction.

197

women trained

86%

notably improved their understanding of construction (2.5 point increase, on average)

100%

felt skills learnt will help improve their home

89%

rated the training ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ (99% good+)

Top three areas women felt confident to discuss post-training include:

35%

implemented at least one improved building technique within three months. Of the remaining, over three-quarters are actively saving.

Achievements & performance

16

We want to give more women like Tahira the opportunity to thrive

Tahira* rents a one room house with her husband and young son in a rural village in Dinajpur. Their house is built with a basic bamboo frame, corrugated iron sheet walls and roof. She dreams of a house that will last longer, and can withstand the storms that happen more and more regularly in her area. The thin walls mean it gets unbearably hot in summer, and incredibly cold in winter, and during the monsoon the earth floor needs constant maintenance.

“The house was built quickly, and damages easily. We’re constantly repairing it. We want to make improvements and extend in future. We’ll need another room for my son when he’s older.”

Tahira attended our training to learn more about home improvements. She explains that she won’t be able to design and build a house from scratch unless she takes out a big loan, “too risky” . A friend told her there were cheaper and quicker ways she can improve their existing home, which is why she joined.

“I remember the phrase ‘spend a little more and make your house stronger’. We are saving to do it... I learnt so much. This year we’ll focus on strong posts and frame, and hopefully upgrade the earth floor too. Then we’ll build another room. It will take three years I think. I want to join the next training and practice the techniques.”

Since attending, Tahira and her husband have already strengthened their walls with cross-bracing, and added additional ties to protect the roof from strong winds. They continue to plan and save to improve their home for their growing family. It’s no longer a mountain she can’t climb, but a series of affordable home improvement steps.

(*identity changed)

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

17

learning through play

Sundarban village, Bangladesh

Our work with a nonprofit primary school, which provides education for disadvantaged children, continues. We are designing play facilities, and play curriculum, to offer different types of learning.

Support extends beyond the playground itself. In collaboration with KitAid and Charity Boots we sourced over £8,500 worth of sports kit as well as a range of clothes for children and adults. This included new items (e.g. end of line kit from Puma) and high quality recycled items (e.g. boots from local football clubs across the UK). Most would have been thrown away, discarded to landfill at the end of a playing season because they’ve been outgrown, are not the latest trend or due to overproduction.

“It’s a great gift for our school and much needed. It will encourage students to come to school and play. We will use the kit to show we are a proper team.”

– Ujjol (Project Manager, JAAGO Dinajpur Primary School / Bangladesh)

We transported the clothes 4,798 miles from London, UK to northwest Bangladesh. They were distributed to the students, as well as two local football teams (Bandhu Sports and Lal Sobuj Tarun Jubo Songho) and families in need of clothing with the winter approaching.

“This has been a very difficult time, no money, many people have no job… Normally people in the city have these types of clothes and shoes. I feel proud to wear it.”

– Chandra (resident / Bangladesh)

On 3 December the community hosted a football match, to show off their new kit. Thousands came out to support, there was a band, food stalls and a trophy for the winning team Bandhu Sports, which scored two impressive goals. It was an opportunity for people to come together after what has been a difficult two years.

Achievements & performance

18

In addition to working with communities directly, we’re sharing our knowledge and skills in humanitarian architecture to inspire more ethical work. We want to see more projects that put people and planet first. Here are a couple of examples.

engineering for good, designathon

UK-wide

In collaboration with Engineers Without Borders UK we developed a Designathon – a month long event which set engineering students the task to reimagine their sector. We asked them to develop ideas which could help regenerate the planet and build sustainable communities. 146 participants from 21 universities across the UK took part.

“…the engineering sector still has a long way to go to meet the needs of all in society. [The designathon] shone the light on the organisations that are leading the way in this fight for equality and fairness to all… EWBUK and AzuKo demonstrate that it is possible to lead with new ideas and an ethos of empowerment.”

– Matt (participant / UK)

Students formed teams to reimagine engineering education, the profession, entrepreneurship, and engineering solutions in wider society. The month included presentations, workshops and mentoring to help students develop their ideas. An expert judging panel assessed innovations based on their potential social, environmental, and economic impact.

We are looking to grow the event in 2022, and open it up to professional engineers.

designing with dignity, training

UK & international

This year we launched our new course, Designing with dignity. It is a hands-on course for people who want to learn more about humanitarian architecture. We are busy welcoming our first groups of trainees from all over Bangladesh and internationally, both students and professionals. It involves online learning on topics including safety and security, cultural awareness and co-design as well as a two-week building project in 2022.

Successful trainees will be awarded an HPass, a digital badge developed for the humanitarian sector which is evidence of competencies, experience and skills learned.

AzuKo Trustees, Annual Report 2021

Education & outreach

20

Education & outreach

We’re sharing our expertise to support individuals and organisations that want to ‘do good, better’. Our events reached 560+ people, the majority held digitally due to COVID-19 restrictions. Highlights:

“It was a fantastic opportunity for me to work outside of my comfort zone... I have learnt the value of working creatively with people who can tackle problems with a different mindset, and I will incorporate this creative energy into my work going forwards.”

– Mairéad (workshop participant / UK)

ADVOCACY

The charity sector continues to be impacted by the pandemic and current economic climate. We must raise our voices on behalf of the communities we serve so that no-one is left behind.

Through our CEO Jo’s role as Chair of Small International Development Charities Network (SIDCN) we are highlighting the great work of small UK charities which operate overseas. Small charities make up the vast majority of the sector (estimated 94% of 168,000 registered charities in UK), yet are underfunded and undervalued. We have been invited to:

----- Start of picture text -----
21 AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021
----- End of picture text -----

“I believe in community-led design, rather than an approach where designers are held up as the only ‘experts’ in the room. AzuKo challenges traditional ideas about architecture, and values lived experience.”

– Jo (CEO, AzuKo)

Education & outreach

22

fundraising boost

Throughout the year we held fundraising events, appeals and supported fundraisers in their personal challenges. We’re incredibly thankful to everyone who donated money, energy and resources during this difficult time.

VIRTUAL BANGLA-DASH

We hosted our own sporting event. 17 inspiring people, plus two dogs covered 2575 km, a virtual loop of Bangladesh. They ran, walked, cycled, swam all over the UK, US and Bangladesh raising £4,132 to provide hygiene supplies for families in need.

APAD NOTEBOOKS

We’re thrilled to partner with apad – a notebook for creatives who want to make a difference – for a second year. Profits from every book sold go to AzuKo.

LONDON MARATHON

We had three runners in the London Marathon. They trained for over four months to get ready for race day. Two ran 26.2 miles ‘virtually’ in Dinajpur, Bangladesh. It took them 8 hrs in torrential rain through the night. Together they raised over £1,400.

“I don’t have much money to help… So, what can I do? By running the Virtual London Marathon I can raise awareness and vital funds.”

– Proloy (fundraiser / Bangladesh)

THE BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE + COOKATHON

For the third year running we participated in the Big Give, the UK’s largest matchfunding campaign. We partnered with five women in Bangladesh, who attended our construction training programme, to host a cookathon. We created a recipe book, full of Bangladeshi dishes, to inspire people to donate.

“My vote is AzuKo, for creative and important architecture work tackling housing poverty.”

– Roland (champion / UK)

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

23

VOLUNTEERING CONTRIBUTION

This year we worked with 27 volunteers from the UK (10), Bangladesh (16) and Denmark (1). They contributed to our operations and projects, everything from research and video editing to model making. We also received valuable pro-bono support including marketing, HR and legal advice. We’re a small charity, but a mighty one too, powered by a network of volunteers.

“Volunteering at AzuKo has been an enriching experience, to do what I love and do it for something that matters. I am grateful for the opportunity to support a charity which does such great work.”

– Jasmine (volunteer / UK)

DRIVEN BY IMPACT

AzuKo is a learning organisation. We drill down into each project to understand our impact, and ensure we continue to meet the needs of communities. Due to the changing nature of COVID-19 we must remain agile, continuously listen to those we support, and adapt. This is what sets us apart. We use design to solve challenges, rather than seeing design as the end product. Our projects are varied and respond to the complex nature of housing poverty.

Financial review

24

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Our main sources of funds this year have been grants and individual giving. Additional funds have been raised through corporate donations and contracts. We hold cash at bank of £42,798 at the year end.

the funding landscape

The current economic climate brings a level of uncertainty to future funding for charities, with the potential for several funding streams to be affected. We’re hearing about increased competition for grants, dropping public income and companies ‘tightening their belts’. The Trustees and CEO believe AzuKo is a well-respected organisation with a unique offering. Our figures show a fair financial position with a solid fundraising strategy in place. This year we launched our new ‘Designing with dignity’ programme, to further diversify our income and improve financial sustainability.

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. It also ensures we do not retain income for longer than required.

Trustees assess the level of reserves we need by looking forward and considering risks to our funding, balanced against spending commitments. Despite the challenging funding landscape facing small charities, and particularly charities operating overseas, we have grown our income this year. Our team has worked tirelessly to meet the growing demand for housing support. We intend to increase our capacity next year, and to do this through a mix of funding.

To meet our objectives, we aim to hold reserves in the range of £21,500 and £37,000. We hold £29,294 in reserves at the year end, which was within our policy. We are exploring ways to further build reserves, as we grow. The level of reserves is monitored, and the policy is reviewed by Trustees annually.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

We keep our running costs low as we operate out of Collective Auction Rooms in London. The co-working space offers desks, wireless IT connectivity, meeting rooms, facilities and equipment free of charge. As a member of the Collective we network with hundreds of nonprofits and creative businesses, which continue to inspire us.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

25

independent examiner’s report

A: report

A: report
Report to Trustees/members of AzuKo
On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021
Charity number 1156354
Set out on pages 2021 AzuKo receipts and payments
2021 AzuKo income type breakdown
2021 AzuKo restricted vs unrestricted income and expenditure
2021 AzuKo accounts
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 2021.
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 confrm 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 NameVictoria McAulay
Date20 February 2022
Role and relevant professional Management Accountant
qualifcation(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 1 Jan 2021 - 31 Dec 2021

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 2,553 1,850 -
4,403		 405
Grants 14,290 26,646 -
40,936		 29,303
Contract income 960 - -
960		 -
Other donations 9,744 11,975 -
21,719		 9,620
Subtotal(Gross income for AR) 27,547 40,471 -
68,018		 39,327
A2: ASSET AND INVESTMENT SALES
- - - -
-		 -
- - - -
-		 -
Subtotal - - -
-		 -
Total receipts 27,547 40,471 -
68,018		 39,327
A3: PAYMENTS
Costs of charitable activities 13,396 35,770 -
49,166		 22,201
Fundraising costs 4,405 4,226 -
8,631		 3,294
Governance costs 1,080 419 -
1,499		 810
Support costs 2,210 5,959 -
8,169		 2,829
Subtotal 21,091 46,374 -
67,465		 29,133
A4: ASSET AND INVESTMENT
PURCHASES
- - - -
-		 -
- - - -
-		 -
Subtotal - - -
-		 -
Total payments 21,091 46,374 -
67,465		 29,133
Net of receipt/(payments) 6,456 (5,903) -
553		 10,194
A5: TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS - - -
-		 -
A6: CASH FUNDS LAST YEAR END 22,838 19,407 -
42,245		 32,051
Cash funds this year end 29,294 13,504 -
42,798		 42,245

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

27

b: statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period

CATEGORIES DETAILS UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED ENDOWMENT ENDOWMENT
FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS
[to the nearest £] [to the nearest £] [to the nearest £]
B1: CASH FUNDS Barclays Community Account 29,294 13,504 -
- - - -
Total cash funds 29,294 13,504 -
(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 14 February 2022

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2021

29

FUTURE plans

Our focus remains on Bangladesh and the UK. We will continue to deliver our long-term projects including construction training, as well as offer consultancy to help organisations such as housing associations better serve their most vulnerable residents. We are passionate about empowering women in architecture, supporting them to be design leaders.

As we dial down our coronavirus response, this opens opportunities to invest time in our UK programmes. We are in conversation with local authorities who have approached us to:

building capacity

We believe more diverse heads round the table means better outcomes. We’re exploring opportunities for collaboration with organisations which share our vision for a world without housing poverty. Partnering can help grow our reach, improve delivery and maximise our impact. We’re pleased to confirm we will be working with Engineers Without Borders UK again in 2022 and 2023 to encourage more globally responsible engineers.

We aim to expand our core team, board of Trustees and advisors, and encourage our network of supporters to fundraise and advocate for our cause.

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 2021:

Additional board members at time of reporting (2022)

Chief Executive

DECLARATION

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the Trustees:

Date 28 October 2022 Full name Reena Agarwal Position Trustee

Signature

31 AzuKo Trustees, Annual Report 2021

“I am continuously inspired by the strength, determination and focus of the communities in Bangladesh and the UK, our team and supporters, who work tirelessly to make these vital projects happen.

Housing is a human right and as more and more people are being pushed into poverty, the work we do together in creating safe, secure and clean living spaces is needed more than ever. ”

– Reena (Trustee, AzuKo)

Trustees’ Annual Report

1 January 2021—31 December 2021

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