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2023-12-31-accounts

AZUKO -Annual Report & Accounts

This annual report, which covers the period from 1 January - 31 December 2023, has been prepared by the CEO and Trustees of AzuKo in accordance with Charity Commission for England and Wales. The report includes a financial review, and accounts, which have been independently examined.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

3

CONTENTS

HIGHLIGHTS

This year, AzuKo supported

people to fight housing poverty, this includes: 1,393*

245

women attended construction training + 185 of these received financial savings support

906

people benefitted from home improvements including structural works, new toilets and kitchens

216

people gained co-design skills

96%

felt more confident in design and construction

Top 2 learnings:

methods to improve housing material durability and safe building techniques

94%

rated our construction training very good - excellent

970+

people attended our events

We collaborated with

6

organisations in the UK, and Bangladesh ...

including

2

community-led groups

£110.3k

income raised – 69 people, and 26 organisations gave a regular or single gift

+ £54.2K

pro-bono support

+ £12.6k

gifts in kind, including technical equipment and building materials

45

team members (6 staff + 8 trustees + 31 volunteers)

4,300+

people visited our website, to learn more

*This figure only includes people our work has directly impacted. It does not include the impact felt by neighbours and wider community

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

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INTRODUCTION

A call to action from our CEO

Today, the world is facing challenges which seem increasingly desperate – political and economic instability, conflict, mass migration and climate crises. But at AzuKo, we see hope. This report stands as a testament to the power of communities in leading their own development, and to building a better future.

We are acutely aware that global housing challenges – safety, quality and affordability – loom large. It’s why AzuKo exists. We dream of a world without housing poverty; a world where everyone, everywhere can build solid foundations. AzuKo operates in Bangladesh and the UK, addressing housing vulnerabilities faced by women and their communities.

Bangladesh is recognised as a high risk country due to the multiple hazards it faces and lack of coping capacity. Housing conditions, particularly in rural areas and informal settlements, are extremely poor and it is ranked the 9[th] most climate-affected country – highly prone to cyclones, floods, landslides and earthquakes.

In March 2023, devastating fire spread through refugee settlements of Cox’s Bazar. Poor housing materials, and density of shelters, meant the fire spread rapidly destroying more than 2,800 homes, 1,000 water and sanitation facilities, three health clinics and 155 local learning centres. Then in May, Cyclone Mocha made landfall damaging over 12,700 homes, affecting 430,000 people, with 1,000 forced to seek support in cyclone shelters. Only three months later, continuous monsoon rains led to flash floods and landslides in the Hill Tracts, with over 600,000 people needing humanitarian assistance. 410km of roads were damaged and 85,500 sought temporary shelter.

“Disaster situations bring specific challenges for women including a higher risk of sexual violence, and difficulty accessing basic needs such as clean water. We need to build back better.”

In the UK, there is a chronic housing shortage, particularly in unaffordable cities such as London. 112,000 households are homeless in temporary accommodation, 1.3 million households across the country are stuck on social housing waiting lists, and an estimated 6.5 million people are living in poor quality housing. Young people, families on low-income, people from Pakistani and Bangladeshi backgrounds are disproportionately affected. Those living in poor quality housing are twice as likely to have poor health, with knock-on effects to all aspects of their lives.

Decent housing contributes to people’s life chances, ensuring they don’t just survive, but can thrive. At AzuKo we recognise the complex nature of housing poverty, and provide advice, finance, training, design and construction. We are so grateful to all our volunteers, donors and partners who make our work possible.

But the work is not done. There are still countless people living in dire conditions. As we reflect on all AzuKo has achieved in 2023, we also look to the future and ask you to join us. We must build a fairer world, for all.

— Jo Ashbridge (Founder & CEO, AzuKo)

Objectives & activities

6

OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES

By 2030, an estimated 3 billion people – over 40% of the world’s population – will live in housing poverty. The girl who misses school due to poor health brought on by black mould in her bedroom. The mother who can’t afford to heat her home during the biting winter. The family whose house is damaged by storms, which are increasing in number and severity.

A home should be a place of refuge; a solid foundation to build a better future. Access to dignified housing means improved health, education, equality, income and so much more. A home is more than a roof and four walls. It is a fundamental human right.

AzuKo is working to end housing poverty in Bangladesh and the UK. We recognise the vital role women play in building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities, for all. Our programmes focus on supporting women to become design leaders in their homes and neighbourhoods:

1. Design and construction training

Growing knowledge, skills and confidence through practical training.

2. Housing and finance advice

Providing advice on design, finance, construction, maintenance and operations.

3. Building homes and communities

Working side by side with women, and their communities, to improve housing standards, and build a brighter future.

4. Housing justice

Supporting communities to understand their right to adequate housing. Raising our voice. Campaigning for justice

WHAT WE BELIEVE

Vision: A world without housing poverty Mission: To build a fairer world for all Values: Empowerment — 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.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

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ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

AzuKo is an architecture charity. We work side by side with women, and their communities, to solve the housing challenges they’re facing. We provide a pathway of support – building knowledge, skills and confidence. Whether that’s through housing advice, construction training, or hands-on help to repairs or construct new buildings.

Most importantly, we support people to lead their own development.

Achievements & performance

8

1.

Design & construction training

BUILD FOR SAFETY

Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

Our training offers housing solutions that are affordable, appropriate and available locally. It supports women to build safe homes in an area of Bangladesh that suffers from severe flooding and storms. In 2023 we trained 245 women across rural northwest Bangladesh, with the aim to reach 1,000+ over three years.

This region is historically underserved – poverty levels have risen here over the last decade compared to the rest of the country. The quality of housing, particularly in rural areas, as well as access to housing services is extremely poor.

Their homes are poor quality, typically katcha (non-durable) built with earth floors, bamboo/jute stick walls and thatch roofs, or semi-pucca (semi-permanent) with part-fired brick walls and corrugated iron sheet roofs. 94% have experienced significant damage to their homes due to a natural disaster (e.g. flood, storm), fire or termite infestation.

The vast majority (90%+) of the women we support are actively looking to make home improvements, although over three-quarters do not have money to make big changes. We offer additional housing and finance advice to help plan for home improvements.

Training includes:

“I learnt many things. How to make blocks, how to treat bamboo, and housing finance... Many people in my village need this support.” – Bobita (trainee / Bangladesh)

“I learnt about bamboo and mud house problems, and how we can solve it. We have built our veranda with treated bamboo and also raised the plinth above floodwaters.” – Shouda (trainee / Bangladesh)

Our training provides women with an understanding of design and construction, the opportunity to ask questions in a safe space, essential building skills and the financial acumen to make decisions for a brighter future.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

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245 women trained

96%

more confident in design and construction

100% felt skills will help improve their home

94% rated training ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’

Top 3 areas women felt confident to discuss post-training:

42%

implemented at least 1 improved building technique within 3 months... of the remaining, over ¾ are saving to do so

“Build for safety is a scalable model... emphasising inclusivity, sustainability, and adaptability in addressing climate challenges.

It stands as a beacon of hope for women living below the poverty line, empowering them to construct safer, more resilient homes using locally sourced materials like bamboo and compressed stabilised earth blocks. This initiative doesn’t just strengthen homes; it also fosters community agency, reduces carbon emissions, and bolsters local economies.”

– UN Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN)

Achievements & performance

10

DESIGNING WITH DIGNITY

Abergavenny, Wales

We’re working hard to break down barriers to architecture, recognising inequality in the sector itself. Women and minority groups face deep discrimination in access to architectural education, throughout employment, and participating in the design of their communities. At present, the UK’s Architecture profession is 83% white and 78% male dominated. A traditional architecture degree is long (6-7 years) and expensive, further excluding young people from low socioeconomic and minority backgrounds.

If we are to design better homes and better neighbourhoods then we need more diverse heads around the table. We need to offer ‘alternative’ opportunities to support learning and development.

In 2023 we brought our flagship course, Designing with dignity, to the UK. The course is a hands-on introduction to co-design covering key tools, methods and mindsets, as well as the ethical principles that underpin it. Activities include theoretical discussions, practical work in the form of a design challenge based in the local village, written and creative submissions, and presentations. We are pleased to partner with The Landmark Trust to host the course in their historic building, Llwyn Celyn, giving participants a once in a lifetime living and learning experience.

The course prioritises diversity, and offers scholarships to socially and economically disadvantaged students. 16 participants, including in-person and digital, learnt how to design more ethically and collaboratively. All students successfully achieved an HPass (a digital badge for the humanitarian sector) demonstrating their competencies, skills and experience to future employers.

Since completing the course, students have continued to build their understanding of ethics and co-design, brought co-design skills to new projects/research topics/ internships, and shared their learnings with peers.

“Everything. The people, the place, the experience... this is going to be one of the most memorable journeys of my life. I’m not going to ever forget it.”

– Maharoof (student)

“Co-design is very inclusive of everyone affected and I hope to be more aware of who I affect in my practice.” – Kirstie (student)

“Thank you for the wonderful course. I appreciate how welcoming and friendly you were, which made the learning experience enjoyable. Your passion for the subject and dedication to creating an inclusive environment shone through and made a significant difference.

We should work more in the future on saving our cultural and heritage buildings in order to let our next generations understand what our parents, or our older generations, passed through.”

– Mosbah (student)

100%

achieved an HPass

Top 2 learning outcomes: ethics in design, hands-on experience of co-design

Key soft skills practised: communication, teamwork, openness to criticism, problem-solving, decision-making

9.4 / 10

students are ‘extremely likely’ to recommend course

43%

students accessed a scholarship to attend

63%

students between 18-25 years, 100% below 28 years

Words to describe course:

empowering, exciting, reinvigorating, challenging

Story of impact learning through doing

Rohan was working on his final product design project at university when he joined AzuKo’s Designing with dignity course, in Wales. He wanted to understand how co-design could offer deeper insights into a community’s needs, and how he could become a more humane designer.

The course meant stepping outside his comfort zone, and interviewing residents to understand the challenges they face – income and health inequalities, access to housing, poor transport infrastructure, and the effects of climate change on a largely agricultural area. Participants moved out from behind their computer screens to immerse themselves in the local culture. They brainstormed ideas, developed designs, and prototyped them with the community.

“You connect with people, and get to know a lot of things which you might not get from the internet. That is the good part about getting out and talking to people.” – Rohan (student)

– Rohan (student)

Returning to university Rohan had to collaborate with students in different departments, from agriculture to manufacturing. He used techniques he learned during Designing with dignity to better connect with them, and felt confident to both listen and lead.

Rohan is now on an internship with Logitech, working with an international team. They’re tasked with redesigning the company’s products using more sustainable materials and reducing the company’s carbon footprint. It feels like an extension of his time on Designing with dignity – challenging, exciting, bringing diverse minds around the design table. He’s designing products that make people’s lives easier and more comfortable, but also reducing the environmental impact through smarter material choices.

Designing with dignity was an entirely new experience for Rohan, the first time he had visited Wales and such a rural, remote area of the UK. It offered a new perspective.

“I found it really interesting and very different from other design courses… with so many different people from so many different paths, cultures and backgrounds, and also engaging with the community. It was an amazing experience.”

He has proudly added his course certificate to his CV and professional portfolio, keen to use his co-design skills to create products that put people and planet first.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

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2. HOUSING & FINANCE ADVICE

WOMEN’S SAVINGS GROUPS

Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

There are deep-rooted societal, cultural, and religious norms in Bangladesh that can limit women’s potential. Bangladesh ranks 59[th] on the Global Gender Gap Index, and scores low (139[th] – 0.438) for economic participation and opportunity. Bangladesh also scores poorly on the Women’s Empowerment Index (0.443), with only 29% of the female population completing secondary school or higher, only 11% share of seats in managerial positions, and 23% subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by a partner. Lack of access to formal financing mechanisms and account ownership makes women vulnerable, and less able to participate in decisions which affect their lives.

We certainly see this reflected in the communities we work with. Women, particularly in rural areas, receive less support to remain in education, and are often not ‘permitted’ to work by their partners or families. This means they do not have financial freedom and are therefore less able to influence spending decisions. In a housing context this results in less investment in spaces used by women (kitchens, toilets) who spend more time within the home.

Financial resources mean women can participate in household budgeting, cope with unexpected expenses, and make investments to rise above poverty e.g. creating a small business. Repeat, low-risk borrowing increases women’s risk-taking appetite and sense of empowerment. Women are also more likely to make economic decisions that benefit children’s wellbeing, resulting in a ripple effect across communities.

We are supporting women to establish local savings groups – this year 292 women across 12 communities – to level the playing field. These groups enable women to collectively save and distribute low-interest loans to each other, and ultimately make vital home improvements.

Achievements & performance

14

“Our group has been active for two years. I have taken three loans, for emergency repair of our rickshaw, for food, and to build a new kitchen. The repayments are cheaper than other loan programmes, and it benefits our whole group.

As savings grow, we can offer more loans to each other. We hope after five years we will also take out some profit.” – Mukta (savings group member / Bangladesh)

292

women collectively saving, across 12 communities

51

loans distributed, ranging from 500 BDT (£4) to 6,000 BDT (£43)

Main purposes: housing upgrades, health, education

15 AzuKo Trustees, Annual Report 2023

Achievements & performance

16

3. building homes & communities

DECENT TOILETS

Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

Access to clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene is an integral part of our housing programmes. Because without, the consequences are dire, resulting in diarrhoeal disease and deaths, particularly of children under five years.

In Bangladesh 70 million people (41% of the population) don’t have access to a decent toilet of their own. 25.3 million are using unsanitary facilities. 36.9 million in rural areas don’t have access to handwashing facilities with soap and water. 65.5 million lack good hygiene at home. Stark statistics.

Rangpur division in the northwest of the country, where AzuKo operates, has the highest rate of open defecation. Too many are without access to any toilet, left with no choice but to defecate outside.

418

people now accessing decent toilets

We’re working with women to design and build decent toilets, deliver training to improve understanding of good hygiene and advocate for safe sanitation. In 2023 we built 37 new toilets, providing access to safe sanitation for 418 people. In the absence of proper sanitation management locally (safe emptying, transportation and treatment) our focus, where possible, is on household and shared community toilets which allow on-site treatment and transformation of faecal sludge into a hygienised ‘soil’.

“We had no toilet of our own. With support we saved and built this new improved toilet. Carrying materials to site, digging the septic tanks, curing the plinth, fixing the walls... we worked together.

It means safety for my daughter, especially at night. It’s hygienic. We feel proud. We feel independent.” – Krishna (Bangladesh)

Decent toilets play an essential role in people’s health, their future prospects and the environment. Proper waste disposal and management means:

“I like to keep active. I can’t do heavy lifting in the fields anymore, but I can contribute to my family and our home. Our new kitchen means we can cook easily. It’s clean, doesn’t fill with smoke, and there’s lots of space for many hot pots.”

– Soroshoti (Bangladesh)

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

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HEART OF THE HOME

Dinajpur district, 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.

107

people now benefitting from improved cooking spaces

Lack of design and investment in this part of the home has serious consequences. Exposure to household air pollution results in over 235,000 deaths every year in Bangladesh, mostly women and children. Half the population live on earthen floors, which are unhygienic and have strong links to diarrhoeal disease, and 87% of rural housing is of a ‘sub-standard level’ as communities typically build their own homes due to limited government support.

Our Heart of the home project addresses the root causes of these three key issues (household air pollution, unhygienic cooking conditions and unsafe construction) that affect low-income households. This year we worked with 16 households to design and build new kitchens, many of which share these improved spaces with extended families, and neighbours.

Achievements & performance

20

SOUTH WOODFORD DESIGN CODE

Redbridge, UK

Neighbourhood planning, introduced by the Localism Act 2011 in the UK, enables communities to develop a vision for their area. Design Codes support this by setting out specific guidance for development, connecting the big vision with reality.

These mechanisms give communities a real say in the future of their area. In 2020 SoWo Society began the process of developing a Neighbourhood Plan, representing 19K+ residents. South Woodford is a largely residential area in the Borough of Redbridge in northeast London, with a diverse community. 20% of people here live in the most deprived 20% of areas in England for ‘living environment’, facing high levels of pollution, high traffic related accidents and lack of affordable housing. The Society was chosen to take part in the UK Government’s Pathfinder Programme to create a new Design Code.

377

place-based insights recorded, community portal viewed 2,926 times, by 1,036 visitors

17,195 + people reached, sharing design code information

Fair representation , using EDI data

AzuKo was asked to help navigate the coding process, and to ensure marginalised voices are included when developing the Code. This year we led a second round of community consultation to drill down into priorities, developed the codes, and are now building a digital map. The map will enable the community to understand what assets the neighbourhood has, and what they are lacking – from accessible greenspace, public space, playgrounds and amenities to sustainable kerb uses. It will help them set specific targets for a more sustainable future. With this data the community will be able to pitch for funding to turn their vision for healthy streets and spaces into reality.

Priorities:

active greenspace, public space, walking & cycling, amenities

“The Design Code we’re developing is a powerful example of how genuine community involvement can transform our neighbourhoods. It goes beyond technical standards by prioritising listening to diverse voices and turning their ideas into action.

This leads to stronger, more resilient communities that work for everyone. At AzuKo, we believe good design is a fundamental right, not a privilege.”

– Emma (Trustee, AzuKo)

I,aT°A.I IT It

Achievements & performance

22

4. housing justice

ADVOCACY

Global

We must raise our voices on behalf of the communities we serve so that no-one is left behind. Alongside delivering our work, we are committed to share what it means to live in housing poverty, our collaborative approach to improving living conditions, and the impact this has.

AzuKo is a member of:

Award-winning:

Our construction training programme won the Gender Just Climate Solutions Award. We’re one of three organisations from across the world, to be recognised for our contribution to gender equality and climate justice. We accepted the award, in partnership with Nirapod Bangladesh Songstha, at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), and presented our work and insights on this global stage.

Press:

This year AzuKo’s work featured in ArchDaily, Experience Haus, HPass, International Institute for Sustainable Development, Paperspace Magazine, UN Climate Technology Centre & Network, and WECF among others, as well as our own blog, azuko.org

23 AzuKo Trustees, Annual Report 2023 United Nat¢OD5 Clhmoiechonge COP28UAE -,P*AE

Achievements & performance

24

RESHAPING ENGINEERING

UK-wide and international

We supported Engineers Without Borders UK to host Reshaping Engineering – a month long event which set engineering students and professionals the task to reimagine their sector. We challenged them to explore the ethical, environmental, social and cultural aspects of engineering, and develop their skills. 200 participants (76 professionals and 124 students) took part, from across the UK and internationally.

“I’ve really enjoyed this whole experience, learning how to think differently and shift my design process towards global responsibility.

I’ve learnt a lot from our research, data gathering and from my peers across the challenge, leaving me with some long-lasting thought-provoking memories to reflect upon.” – Georgia (participant)

200 participants

31 teams / design ideas submitted

5,300

The teams submitted new ideas for engineering education, the profession, entrepreneurship, and engineering solutions in wider society. The month included presentations, theme-based learning and mentoring to help students develop their ideas. An expert judging panel assessed innovations based on their potential impact on both people and planet.

Empowerment
Coercion
Educating		 Informing
Consultation
Engagement		 Co-design
Co-production
^ ^ ^
DOING TO... DOING FOR... DOING WITH...
Passive recipients Involving people An equal partnership

GOOD DESIGN IMPROVES LIVES GOOD DESIGN IS PARTICIPATORY

views of design ideas, by 1,600 people, from 40 countries

8 / 10 likely to participate again, for continued learning

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

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EDUCATION & OUTREACH

EVENTS

We’re sharing our expertise to support individuals and organisations ‘to do good, better’. Our events this year reached 970+ people. Highlights:

970+ event attendees in 2023

“Thank you for such a lovely event last night. It was uplifting to hear from so many incredible women, and the amazing things they have done.”

– Emma (event attendee / UK)

Education & outreach

26

FUNDRAISING BOOST

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has donated their money, time and resources. Throughout 2023 we supported fundraisers in their personal challenges, shared appeals and campaigns to boost our income.

“I have run for bigger charities before, but it’s really great to be able to support smaller charities who need the promotion as well as the money.

I love that AzuKo teaches people how to build their own homes.”

– Jess (fundraiser, Swim Serpentine / UK)

£21,837 end of year appeal target achieved

THE BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE

For the fifth year running we participated in the Big Give – the UK’s largest matchfunding Campaign – for our Decent toilets project. We were thrilled to exceed our target, raising £21,837 as well as raising awareness of the state of sanitation in rural Bangladesh.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

We operate out of Collective Auction Rooms in London, UK. The co-working space offers workspace, 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.

AzuKo received gifts in kind to support our operations, with an estimated value of £12,623. These included software, venues, technical equipment and building materials.

£12,623 gifts in kind, including technical equipment and building materials

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

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DRIVEN BY IMPACT

VOLUNTEERING CONTRIBUTION

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.

This year we worked with 31 volunteers from UK, Bangladesh and internationally. They shared their skills in everything from digital and social media, video editing and research, to architecture and engineering. Collectively they contributed 1,442 hours equivalent to £54,237. We’re powered by a network of skilled volunteers.

“I want to be a Community Architect in future. These designs may be small but their impact is big. When I work at grassroots level, I feel alive. I feel I’m doing something important. I really love designing with women in the community, listening and learning from them.”

– Kaniz (volunteer Architectural Assistant, Bangladesh)

£54,237 pro-bono support, from 31 volunteers

11 £+ 11 HAVE YOU PAID AND ? DISPLAYED fl￿- . PLEASE NOTE ORD CAFÈ

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

Our main sources of funds this year have been grants, individual giving and contract income. Additional funds have been raised through corporate donations, and events. We hold cash at bank of £60,846 at the year end.

THE FUNDING LANDSCAPE

The current economic climate brings challenges for the charity sector, with donations yet to return to pre-pandemic levels. High inflation in both the UK and Bangladesh continues to drive up costs of delivery, eating into the real value of income. We recognise the need to invest in resilience measures including good governance, team development, and digital transformation.

The Trustees and CEO believe AzuKo is a well-respected organisation with unique approach to alleviating housing poverty. Our figures show a fair financial position with a solid fundraising strategy in place.

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 (23% increase). Our team are driven to meet the growing demand for housing support. We intend to further increase our capacity and reach next year, and to do this through a mix of funding.

To meet our objectives, we aim to hold reserves in the range of £33,500 and £62,000. We hold £35,080 in reserves at the year end, which was within our policy. It is recognised that this level is at the lower end, and we are looking at ways to build reserves, as we grow. The level of reserves is monitored, and the policy is reviewed by Trustees annually.

INCOME & EXPENDITURE BREAKDOWN

We make every £1 count.

Income 73% Grants 15% Other donations 11% Contract income 1% Corporate donations 0.2% Events

----- Start of picture text -----
Expenditure
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89% Costs of charitable activities 5% Support costs 5% Fundraising costs 1% Governance costs

Independent examiner’s report

30

independent examiner’s report

A: report

Report to Trustees/members of AzuKo On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2023 Charity number 1156354 Set out on pages 2023 AzuKo receipts and payments 2023 AzuKo income type breakdown 2023 AzuKo restricted vs unrestricted income and expenditure 2023 AzuKo accounts 2023 AzuKo 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 2023. 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 8 September 2024 Role and relevant professional Accountant qualification(s) or body (if any) Address: 3 Church Lane, Littleton, Winchester, SO22 6QY

b: disclosure

Details of items that the None examiner wishes to disclose

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

31

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 554 - -
554		 6,180
Grants 14,355 66,500 -
80,855		 40,816
Contract income 11,855 - -
11,855		 16,898
Other donations 3,689 13,190 -
16,879		 17,013
Events 206 - -
206		 9,127
Subtotal(Gross income for AR) 30,659 79,690 -
110,349		 90,033
A2: ASSET AND INVESTMENT SALES
- - - -
-		 -
- - - -
-		 -
Subtotal - - -
-		 -
Total receipts 30,659 79,690 -
110,349		 90,033
A3: PAYMENTS
Costs of charitable activities 18,652 67,808 -
86,459		 74,663
Fundraising costs 4,656 - -
4,656		 5,059
Governance costs 1,039 - -
1,039		 573
Support costs 1,982 3,305 -
5,287		 3,739
Subtotal 26,329 71,113 -
97,442		 84,033
A4: ASSET AND INVESTMENT
PURCHASES
Technical equipment - - -
-		 859
- - - -
-		 -
Subtotal - - -
-		 859
Total payments 26,329 71,113 -
97,442		 84,892
Net of receipt/(payments) 4,330 8,577 -
12,907		 5,141
A5: TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS - - -
-		 -
A6: CASH FUNDS LAST YEAR END 30,750 17,189 -
47,939		 42,798
Cash funds this year end 35,080 25,766 -
60,846		 47,939

Accounts 1 January - 31 December 2023

32

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 35,080 25,766 -
- - - -
Total cash funds 35,080 25,766 -
(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
Jefrey Kenneth Francis 13 February 2024

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AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

35

FUTURE PLANS

Our focus remains on Bangladesh and the UK. We will continue our long-term projects, supporting communities to improve living conditions, as well as consultancy to help organisations better serve their most vulnerable residents. We’re passionate about empowering women to be 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.

Things we’re excited about:

increasing advocacy

AzuKo is a small charity, but a mighty one too. We pride ourselves on our rights-based approach and our unwavering commitment to co-design.

Over the past decade we have worked side by side with women, and their communities, to build a brighter future. We’re keen to share our expertise, and inspire others to work more ethically and collaboratively. We will be exploring what advocacy means for AzuKo, and how we can make the biggest difference to housing policy, provision and quality.

measuring our impact

PARTNERSHIPS

We take impact seriously. Data helps us learn, continuously improve our services, and ensure we do no harm. It also helps us share the true nature of housing poverty, and ultimately inspire action. Next year we will be investing in an in-depth housing needs assessment in Bangladesh, and working with statisticians to better understand the impact of our programmes on the wider community – not just those we serve directly.

We’re always exploring opportunities for collaboration with organisations which share our vision for a world without housing poverty. We’re pleased to confirm next year we will be working with:

Future plans

36

A message from our chair

It is with great pride that I reflect on AzuKo’s achievements in 2023, a year marked by both growth and expanded impact. Thanks to our supporters, we increased our income from £90k in 2022 to £110k in 2023, which enabled us to reach more communities than ever before. This signifies far more than financial gain – it represents our ability to continue advancing sustainable solutions to housing poverty and to empower communities both in the UK and Bangladesh. Through your support, we are ensuring that safe and dignified housing becomes a reality for all, not just a privilege for a few.

Across the UK and Bangladesh, our work continues to evolve. In the UK, our co-design training and leadership in Design Codes and Neighbourhood Planning have equipped local communities to actively shape the environments in which they live, giving them agency and a voice in the future of their built surroundings. Meanwhile, in Bangladesh, we have delivered construction training, financial advice, and designed climate-resilient homes – initiatives that provide not just immediate relief but also lasting solutions to the housing challenges these communities face. It reflects AzuKo’s approach to collaboration, sustainability, and community-led change.

“A central focus this year has been our commitment to empowering women in design and construction. Traditionally underrepresented in this field, women are now building both homes and their own confidence, skills, and leadership capacities.”

Many of the women we work with in Bangladesh are now at the forefront of constructing climate-resilient homes in their villages. Witnessing this transformation is a deeply moving reminder of the power of our work and the vital role AzuKo plays in supporting those who are most often overlooked in the fight against housing poverty.

Looking ahead, 2024 is poised to be a landmark year for AzuKo, as we celebrate a decade of impact. This milestone is not only a moment of reflection but a call to action. AzuKo’s journey over the past 10 years has demonstrated the power of community-driven solutions, but there is still much work to be done.

I urge you to join us as we continue to tackle housing poverty. Whether through donations, advocacy or volunteering, your support helps us build a world where safe and resilient housing is accessible to all.

Together, we can drive forward this critical mission.

— Deljana Iossifova (Chair of Trustees, AzuKo)

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2023

37

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 no. 1156354 Principal address Collective Auction Rooms, 5-7 Buck Street, London, NW1 8NJ

Trustees

Board members at FYE, 31 December 2023:

Chief Executive Officer:

Declaration

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

Date 29 October 2024 Full name Reena Agarwal Position Trustee

Signature

Photography thanks to: AzuKo team and volunteers, Designing with dignity participants, Annabelle Avril, Joao Fernandes and Turjoy Chowdhury

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Trustees’ Annual Report 1 January to 31 December 2023 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