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2024-12-31-accounts

41_44'1 . AZUKO Annual Report & Accounts 2024

This annual report, which covers the period from 1 January - 31 December 2024, 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.

CONTENTS

azuko = all of humanity

2014 - 2024 DECADE OF IMPACT

We have...

Responded to 3 humanitarian emergencies including the COVID-19 pandemic

Trained 3 humanitarian emergencies Built and repaired including the toilets, water wells, 1,029

houses, community COVID-19 people to build hubs and public pandemic stronger homes spaces serving (97% women) 6,588 supporting an additional people 3,256 family members ; 4 , . ay + e a \e a SF i | e- Ne \

In our mission to end housing poverty, AzuKo has supported

23,903 people

to improve their homes, and mobilise their communities

Partnered with 28 organisations

providing design, building maintenance, and operational guidance to serve

21,700+ residents at risk

Delivered public events attended by

5,650+ people, sharing insights and inspiring others to design more collaboratively

raised to build a fairer world £545,854

HIGHLIGHTS

This year, AzuKo supported

people ( 74% women ) to fight housing poverty 1,814

540

women attended construction training + 482 women received financial savings support

1,248

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

768

people gained co-design skills

97%

felt more confident in design and construction

Top 2 learnings:

safe building techniques, bamboo treatment and construction

96%

rated our construction training very good - excellent

615+

people attended our events

We collaborated with

7 organisations in Bangladesh and the UK ...

including

2 community-led groups

£88.1k

income raised – 84 people, and 23 organisations gave a regular or single gift

+ £37.1K

pro-bono support, including architecture, research and data analysis

+ £28.8k

gifts in kind, including building materials, place-based data and software

42

team members (7 staff + 8 trustees + 27 volunteers)

6,800+

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 2024

7

INTRODUCTION

A CALL TO ACTION FROM OUR CEO

This year marks a remarkable milestone for AzuKo – our tenth anniversary. Ten years of designing, and building alongside women and their communities. Ten years of proving that housing is the foundation for a decent life.

The need for our work has never been greater. Only 17% of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track. More than a third have stalled or regressed. The lingering scars of the pandemic, escalating conflicts, economic fragility, and climate chaos continue to shape the world we live in.

In Bangladesh, 2024 was a year of both disruption and determination. Record-breaking heatwaves forced schools to close, while political unrest, Government collapse and curfews reshaped daily life. Yet even in this uncertainty, our work never stopped.

“Women supported through AzuKo’s programmes continued to lead the design and construction of decent homes — transforming not only their surroundings, but their confidence, leadership, and standing in the community.”

Around half of the urban population of Bangladesh lives in informal settlements, many in flood- or cyclone-prone areas. The national housing deficit stands at nearly six million units, with women and children most at risk from unsafe housing and lack of sanitation.

The housing emergency is no less acute in the UK. Private renters now spend one third of their income on housing – rising to nearly two thirds for the lowest-income households. More than 117,000 families are homeless in temporary accommodation, and 15% of homes fail the Government’s Decent homes standard . Children are growing up in damp, infested rooms, parents are juggling impossible rents, and communities are excluded from shaping the places they live.

Amid this, ‘co-design’ is too often reduced to a tick-box exercise. But at AzuKo, it runs through our veins. We listen first, design second. We challenge the notion that expertise belongs only to architects and planners – because the true experts are those who live the reality of housing poverty every day.

As we celebrate a decade of AzuKo, I feel proud – and hopeful. Over these ten years we have seen what happens when women lead, when design is done with care, and when communities take ownership of change.

As we celebrate this decade of impact, we see how far we’ve come. But we’re under no illusion – the journey continues. The next decade will be shaped by collaboration, creativity, and courage. We will build a world where everyone has a home – one that offers safety, choice, dignity and the opportunity to thrive.

— Jo Ashbridge (Founder & CEO, AzuKo)

Objectives & activities

8

OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES

Today, 2.8 billion people live without adequate housing, secure land, or basic water and sanitation. Among them, 1.1 billion live in informal settlements – makeshift shelters that offer little dignity – and 318 million have no home. Closing the global housing gap by 2030 would require 96,000 new homes every day. A staggering task, but not impossible if we build differently: placing power in people’s hands and working from the ground up.

Women bear the greatest burden of poor housing – walking long distances for privacy to go to the toilet, skipping meals to pay rent, or cooking on smoky open fires. Yet they are also the first to act, repair, and rebuild. For millions, home is not a place of rest – it’s a daily act of endurance. Poor housing steals health, time, and safety – limiting education, income, and opportunity. It doesn’t have to be this way.

Equitable access to adequate housing could save 730,000 lives each year, enable 41.6 million more children to attend school, and grow the global economy by 10.5%.

A home should mean dignity. It should mean safety. It should mean peace. AzuKo exists to make that possible. In Bangladesh and the UK, we partner with women to design and build homes and neighbourhoods – creating stability today and opportunity tomorrow.

Our Pathway to home improvement :

1. Design & construction training

Growing women’s knowledge, skills, and confidence through hands-on design and construction training.

2. Housing advice & access to finance

Providing practical guidance on housing finance, design, construction and maintenance, and helping women access resources to improve their homes.

3. Building homes & communities

Working side by side with women and their communities to improve housing standards and create spaces where families can thrive.

4. Housing justice

Supporting communities to understand and claim their right to adequate housing. Raising our collective voice. Campaigning for lasting change.

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 reflects on our work over the past year – our progress, what we’ve learnt along the way, and where we’re headed next. Above all, it celebrates the women and communities who drive this change every day.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

9

ACHIEVEMENTS & PERFORMANCE

AzuKo is a housing charity working with women, and their communities, to tackle the housing challenges they face every day. We provide a pathway of support – helping people build the understanding, practical skills, and confidence to improve their homes and neighbourhoods.

From housing advice and construction training to hands-on support for repairs or new builds, our work is rooted in partnership and participation. Above all, we empower people to lead their own development – creating lasting change that begins at home.

Achievements & performance

10

1. DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION TRAINING

BUILD FOR SAFETY

Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

In rural northwest Bangladesh, homes are often the first to fall when floods rise or storms hit. Traditionally built from earth, bamboo, and thatch, they can’t withstand the region’s increasingly extreme weather. For families already living in poverty, rebuilding each year is exhausting and expensive.

AzuKo’s Build for safety construction training helps women take control of this cycle. We share housing solutions that are affordable, practical, and rooted in local materials and knowledge. We support women to build safer, stronger homes for their families.

This year, 540 women took part in our training and we are on track to reach our goal of training over 1,000 women within three years (2023-2025). These women live in one of Bangladesh’s most underserved regions, where poverty is rising and access to safe, durable housing remains out of reach for most. Nearly 94% have seen their homes damaged by floods, storms, fires, or termites.

Through a mix of design guidance, hands-on construction activities, and financial planning, participants learn how to strengthen their homes – from improving foundations and roof connections to choosing sustainable and affordable materials. Each session gives women knowledge and confidence to make tangible changes, and the belief that safer homes are within their reach.

“I have used the cross-bracing system in my house, with treated bamboo. I learnt about the costing process, how to build a low-cost and strong house. The training is very good. I want to join again.” – Minute (trainee / Bangladesh)

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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540 women trained

97%

more confident in design and construction

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

100%

feel skills will help improve their home

96%

rate training ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’

43%

implemented at least 1 improved building technique within 3 months... of the remaining, over 78% are saving to do so

More than 90% of participants are eager to improve their homes, though most can’t afford major changes. That’s why as part of our Pathway to home improvement programme we also provide housing advice and access to finance, helping women plan realistic upgrades and make informed decisions for the future.

This project does more than teach construction – it empowers women to lead change in their communities. By building safer homes, they are also building resilience, stability, and hope for generations to come.

“Please support us to implement these techniques in our community, and we will share our knowledge with others.” – Champa (trainee / Bangladesh)

Trustee reflections

MEANINGFUL DESIGN IS CO-CREATED

During my visit to Bangladesh, I saw first-hand how AzuKo’s approach transforms lives. In Dinajpur, I met women who have taken part in our construction training – women who once doubted their own abilities but now speak with confidence about design and construction. Through practical skills and shared learning, they’re not only building climate-resilient homes but reshaping what leadership looks like in their communities.

“Witnessing their pride and determination was profoundly moving. It reminded me that housing is about more than shelter – it’s about dignity, justice, and empowerment.”

What strikes me most is how deeply connected our work is across continents. Ideas are shared between our teams in Bangladesh and the UK, each learning from the other how to build with care, respect and purpose. This collaboration embodies AzuKo’s philosophy: that meaningful design is co-created.

I left Bangladesh with immense gratitude for our partners and the communities who welcome us into their lives. Their generosity, and openness continue to shape AzuKo’s impact. I am continually inspired by how they turn limited resources into lasting change – using local materials, traditional techniques, and collective knowledge to build homes and neighbourhoods.

It was powerful to see architectural solutions in action – designs that prioritise safety and sustainability, ensuring that families have secure and environmentally responsible places to live. Our work to build healthy homes for marginalised communities not only improves health outcomes but builds resilience. Each project reminds us that good design can be simple yet transformative, turning spaces of vulnerability into spaces of strength.

As we celebrate AzuKo’s tenth anniversary in 2024, I feel both proud of how far we’ve come and determined to go further. The next decade will build on our ambition – expanding our reach, deepening our partnerships, and advocating for housing justice globally. We will amplify the voices of women and communities on the frontlines of the housing crisis, ensuring they lead the way in designing the solutions that affect their lives.

Together, with our communities, partners, and supporters, we can build a world where everyone has a place to call home.

— Jakhya Rahman-Corey (Trustee, AzuKo)

Achievements & performance

14

DESIGNING WITH DIGNITY

Silverton / Exeter, UK

We’re working to break down barriers to architecture itself – a sector still shaped by deep inequality. Women and minority groups continue to face discrimination in accessing architectural education, finding employment, and participating in the design of their own communities. In the UK, the profession is 83% white and 78% male-dominated. A traditional architecture degree takes six to seven years and is prohibitively expensive, often excluding talented young people from low-income backgrounds.

If we want to design better homes and more inclusive neighbourhoods, we need diverse voices at the table – and accessible ways to learn, collaborate, and lead.

93% achieved an HPass

Key soft skills practised: Over 70% of students: communication, teamwork, problemsolving

Over 50%: time-management, openness to criticism, resilience, empathy

In 2024, we ran our Designing with dignity course in the UK – a hands-on introduction to co-design that explores the tools, methods, and mindsets of participatory design, grounded in ethical practice. Activities included theoretical discussions, practical design challenges in Exeter, creative and written submissions, and group presentations.

“The ability to speak, first hand, with people and receive feedback on both their living experiences and our proposed solution was special. I believe this interactive component separates this course from others that merely discuss and practice hypothetical tools in co-design.” – Addie (student / UK)

We’re proud to partner with The Landmark Trust for the second year running, hosting the course at their historic mid-19[th] century site, Silverton Park Stables, to create a unique ‘living and learning’ experience. The course prioritises diversity and accessibility, offering scholarships to individuals from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Participants can earn an HPass (a digital badge for the humanitarian sector), recognising their skills and competencies for future employers.

“For me, co-design is the process and experiment of ‘designing with’ instead of the traditional ‘designing by’ or ‘designing for’. We, as designers, take the roles of listeners, learners, and coordinators and engage with communities to invite them to design together.” – Xin (student / UK)

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

15

“I enjoyed the opportunity to talk with others in groups or in my free time, this helped me to open my mouth and practice how to talk with others, either sharing my ideas or asking for thoughts, as I don’t really talk with others normally.” – Isaac (student / UK)

47%

accessed scholarship to attend

17 participants – both in-person and online – completed the course, learning to design more ethically and collaboratively. Since then, they have continued to build on their learning – applying co-design principles in new projects, research, and internships, and sharing knowledge with peers. They’re shaping a more equitable and inclusive future within the built environment.

9.4 / 10

students are ‘extremely likely’ to recommend course

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

88% students below 30 years old

53% female

Words to describe course:

empowering, exciting, reinvigorating, challenging

Achievements & performance

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2.

HOUSING ADVICE & ACCESS TO FINANCE

WOMEN’S SAVINGS GROUPS

Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

Women in Bangladesh continue to face deep-rooted social, cultural, and religious barriers that limit their potential. Despite progress over recent decades, inequality remains a daily reality. Bangladesh ranks 99[th] out of 146 countries on the Global Gender Gap Index in 2024 – largely because women have far fewer opportunities for paid work and economic participation. Over the past five years, this gap has widened: few women are part of the workforce, and their earnings average just 10.2% of men’s income.

For most women, lack of access to financial services makes things even harder. Without a bank account or the ability to borrow, it’s difficult to plan for the future or make decisions that affect their lives. We see this every day in the communities where we work. In rural areas, girls are less likely to stay in school, and many women are not permitted by their families or husbands to work outside the home. This means they have little or no financial independence, and limited influence over how household money is spent.

In housing, these inequalities are stark. Spaces most used by women – such as kitchens, toilets, and washing areas – often receive the least investment. Decisions about home design and spending are too often made without women’s input, even though they spend more time in and around the home.

Access to financial resources can change everything. When women have money of their own, they can take part in household budgeting, plan for emergencies, and invest in ways that lift their families out of poverty – like starting a small business or improving their home. Over time, being able to borrow and repay small, low-risk loans builds confidence and independence. Women begin to take more initiative, trust their own decisions, and invest in their families’ wellbeing. Research shows that when women control resources, children and communities benefit too – better food, health, and education for all.

“Being part of the savings group has given us hope. We support each other, and step by step, we are building a better future for our children”

– Shadhona (savings group member / Bangladesh)

482

women collectively saving, across 21 communities

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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98

loans distributed, ranging from 500 BDT (£4) to 5,000 BDT (£37)

Main purposes: housing upgrades, agriculture, health, education

“We knew about the opportunity to build a toilet, but we didn’t have the money at first. With support from our savings group and our son-in-law, we made it happen. Now, our family is safer and healthier.”

– Moniabala (savings group member / Bangladesh)

To advance equality, we support women to set up and run local savings groups. This year, 482 women across 21 communities took part. These groups meet regularly to save together, share knowledge, and provide low-interest loans to one another. Many use their loans to repair or improve their homes – adding a roof that doesn’t leak, rebuilding a kitchen, or installing a toilet.

But beyond the money, something bigger is happening: these groups are helping women find their voice. They’re learning to manage resources, make plans, and lead decisions – not just in their homes, but in their communities. One woman told us that for the first time, she feels her opinion matters. That is the real power of this work.

Achievements & performance

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3. BUILDING HOMES & COMMUNITIES

DECENT TOILETS

Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

Access to clean water, safe sanitation, and good hygiene is at the heart of our housing programmes. Without them, the consequences are devastating – leading to diarrhoeal disease and preventable deaths, particularly among children under five.

In Bangladesh 70 million people (41% of the population) don’t have access to a decent toilet of their own. 23 million lack even basic sanitation. 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.

In Rangpur division, in the northwest where AzuKo works, the rate of open defecation is the highest in the country. Too many families still have no choice but to defecate outside – exposing them to disease, indignity, and danger.

369

people now accessing decent toilets

We’re working with women to change that. Together, we design and build decent toilets, deliver hygiene training, and advocate for safe sanitation across communities. In 2024, we built 46 new toilets, providing access to safe sanitation for 369 people.

Because proper waste management systems are limited in rural areas – with few safe options for emptying, transporting, or treating waste – our focus is on household and shared community toilets. These allow for on-site treatment and the safe transformation of waste into hygienised ‘soil’.

“Having a proper toilet has made such a difference to our family. Before, it was difficult and unsafe, but now we have privacy and better hygiene… I hope that one day, my daughter won’t have to struggle like we do – that she will have a good education and a secure future.”

– Lota (resident / Bangladesh)

Decent toilets are more than infrastructure. Proper sanitation and hygiene mean:

Safe sanitation changes lives. It protects dignity, supports education, and helps entire communities thrive.

19 AzulQ) Trustees, Annual Report 2024 f*.

Achievements & performance

20

HEART OF THE HOME

Dinajpur district, Bangladesh

For many families in Bangladesh, the kitchen remains the most neglected part of the home. Despite progress in housing, these spaces are often dark, cramped, and poorly ventilated, putting lives at risk.

In rural areas, open fires or traditional stoves that burn wood, dung, or crop residue, are still common. The smoke from these fires fills homes, creating one of the country’s most serious and overlooked health threats. Household air pollution is responsible for an estimated 235,000 deaths each year, most among women and children.

The effects go far beyond breathing problems. Constant exposure to smoke and fumes is linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, pregnancy complications, and high infant mortality. The World Health Organization reports that women and children in low-income households are three times more likely to die prematurely from illnesses caused by cooking smoke than from malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis combined.

Poor design and lack of investment make these risks worse. Half of Bangladesh’s population still live on earthen floors, which are unhygienic and linked to diarrhoeal disease. Around 87% of rural housing is considered substandard, as most families build their own homes with little or no support. In many cases, kitchens are makeshift – built from bamboo or tin, without chimneys, windows, or drainage – and often double as storage or sleeping areas.

For women in rural areas, who spend much of their time in and around the home, the impact is severe. Cooking for hours in smoky, enclosed spaces harms their health, reduces productivity, and limits economic opportunity. Children often sit nearby while their mothers work, breathing in the same polluted air.

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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“Before, we only had an open space for cooking. Now, with the kitchen we built, I can prepare food safely for my family. There’s still a lot to do, but this is a huge step forward for us.”

– Sumi (resident / Bangladesh)

148

people now benefitting from improved cooking spaces

Our Heart of the home project tackles these challenges at their source – improving kitchen design, ventilation, and hygiene while raising awareness about clean cooking. Working hand in hand with women and their families, we co-design and build kitchens that are healthier, safer, and more dignified.

This year, we collaborated with 21 households to design and construct healthy kitchens. Many now share these improved spaces with extended families and neighbours, multiplying the impact across the community.

Simple changes – like better ventilation, improved stoves, raised floors, and stronger materials – have transformed daily life. Families breathe cleaner air, cook safely, and take pride in a space that truly feels like the heart of their home.

Story of impact

BEYOND THE BUILDING

AzuKo’s construction training helps women build safer homes in rural Bangladesh. Our hands-on approach focuses on solutions that are affordable, appropriate and available locally. Improving knowledge, skills and confidence in construction, makes a real difference. This is Bobita’s story.

When we arrived at Bobita’s house it was empty. It appeared half built, with materials strewn across the ground. Moments later Bobita arrived back with her children, carrying two large corrugated iron sheets.

The night before, a storm had swept through the village, tearing the roof from their house while they slept. Bobita and her husband each grabbed a child’s hand and ran – first to their newly built kitchen for shelter, then on to a neighbour’s house.

“When the storm hit in the middle of the night, our roof flew off... I was scared our house would fall, scared for my children, so we ran.” – Bobita (resident / Bangladesh)

The purpose of building a better kitchen was to create a healthy cooking space – upgrading an earthen floor can dramatically reduce diarrhoeal disease. Using design principles and techniques Bobita learnt at AzuKo’s construction training, this kitchen was built to last. During the storm, it became a refuge.

When the winds died down Bobita and her neighbours searched the surrounding fields to salvage what housing materials they could find, and begin repairing their homes. Our team are available to support reconstruction.

Bangladesh’s geography – its rivers, low-lying land, and monsoon climate – makes it one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. In the northwest region, flash floods and storms are becoming more frequent. Many rural homes are not built to withstand them, but small design improvements can make a huge difference. They save time, save money, and save lives.

“I learnt many things. How to make blocks, how to treat bamboo, and housing finance... Many people in my village need this support... We’ve repaired the damage and built a new kitchen with ideas from the construction training. It makes a big difference.”

Supporting AzuKo means more women like Bobita can build back better – using their skills to protect their families and lead change in their communities.

.fjiiill -v 4

Achievements & performance

24

SOUTH WOODFORD DESIGN CODE

Redbridge, UK

Neighbourhood planning, introduced by the Localism Act 2011, gives communities a real say in shaping development in their area. Design Codes turn that vision into practical guidance – so good ideas become good places.

In 2020, the SoWo Society began creating a Neighbourhood Plan for South Woodford, representing more than 19,000 residents. The area, in northeast London, is diverse and largely residential. One in five people live within the most deprived 20% of areas in England for the ‘living environment’, facing high air pollution, frequent traffic accidents, and a shortage of affordable housing.

Chosen for the UK Government’s Pathfinder programme, the Society set out to create a new, community-led Design Code. AzuKo was invited to support – guiding the technical process while making sure marginalised and under-represented voices were heard.

17,195+ people reached, sharing design code information

This year, we created a digital community map to record local assets and track change over time. It helps residents see what already exists – parks, play spaces, public areas and amenities – and what’s missing. The map is also helping the community set clear goals for a more sustainable future and build stronger cases for funding.

We continue to work with residents, local partners, and the council to refine the Design Code and to develop a community-led Design Code website – one of the first of its kind in the UK – making the process more open, transparent, and accessible to all.

Fair representation , using EDI data

Priorities:

active greenspace, public space, walking & cycling, amenities

“[South Woodford needs]...

A place for the lonely to gather and socialise. A low / no cost place for children to play.

A place for parents to seek

some reprieve.” – resident (South Woodford / UK)

AzulQ) Trustees, Annual Report 2024 IES

Achievements & performance

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4. HOUSING JUSTICE

Home is a human right – yet for billions of people, that right remains out of reach. Around the world, homes are shaped by inequality: by who owns land, who controls resources, and whose voices are heard in decisions about design and development.

AzuKo works to change that.

Our housing justice work combines policy, advocacy, and education to influence how homes and neighbourhoods are planned and built. From local government in Bangladesh to professional networks in the UK, we’re helping shift the conversation toward housing systems that are inclusive, resilient, and fair.

ADVOCACY

Global

We stand alongside the communities we serve – helping their voices be heard and their experiences recognised. Through our work, we shine a light on what it truly means to live in housing poverty: the daily challenges, the resilience, and the determination to build something better.

We call for greater awareness and action. Together, we can create safer homes, stronger communities, and a fairer future for all.

AzuKo is a member of:

Press:

This year, AzuKo’s work featured in The Billionaire Magazine, Climate Knowledge Collective, Engineers Without Borders UK, Footwork, Rethinking The Future, Social Pinpoint, UN Climate Technology Centre & Network, and The Week Junior, among others – as well as on our own blog, azuko.org

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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Award-winning:

Film: Building resilience

Our short film Building resilience was a finalist in the Big Syn International Film Festival (BSIFF), which celebrates creative storytelling that advances the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The film showcases our partnership with Nirapod Bangladesh Songstha and highlights what’s possible when women and their families are empowered to design and build stronger, safer homes. It’s a story of self-reliance over aid – and of the extraordinary resilience that exists within every community we serve.

Project: Build for safety construction training

Following our Gender Just Climate Solutions technical award, at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), we were honoured to receive a letter from the Rt Hon Keir Starmer MP (now the UK Prime Minister), recognising the impact and importance of our work.

Achievements & performance

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RESHAPING ENGINEERING

UK-wide and international

We supported Engineers Without Borders UK to host Reshaping engineering – a monthlong challenge inviting engineering students and professionals to reimagine the future of engineering. Participants explored the ethical, environmental, social, and cultural dimensions of engineering while developing new skills and perspectives.

207 signups

98%

broadened their mindset about the importance of globally responsible engineering

78%

would participate again, for continued learning

48% female

It was a global event, with more than 200 signups from across disciplines – 51% students and 49% professionals, with 48% women.

“It was a wonderful experience. I learned about Globally Responsible Engineering which will be valuable for my career. It was also a great experience interacting with people from different disciplines and countries. I developed my collaboration skills.” – Philip (participant / Kenya)

Throughout the month, participants worked in teams to develop new ideas for engineering education, professional practice, entrepreneurship, and community-based solutions. The programme combined presentations, themed learning sessions, and mentoring to help teams refine and present their concepts.

An expert judging panel reviewed each innovation for its potential to impact both people and planet – inspiring a new generation of engineers to think beyond technical solutions and design for global responsibility. The winning team JOOTS Jump Out Of The Silos impressed judges with their creativity and an innovative game designed to break down siloed thinking in engineering – and beyond.

“In the next year, I will dedicate 10hrs monthly to advocate for sustainability by participating in local clean-up events, volunteering for environmental organisations, and raising awareness.”

– Grace, post-event commitment (participant / UK)

51%

students, and 49% professionals

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

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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EDUCATION & OUTREACH

a decade of impact

This year, AzuKo celebrated a decade of impact – ten years building a fairer world. Everyone deserves a place to call home: a space that protects, supports, and inspires.

To mark this milestone, we hosted an anniversary event in central London, UK. It was a celebration of the communities we work with, and our supporters who stand beside them. It was also an opportunity to look ahead with renewed energy and reaffirm our mission to end housing poverty.

“Over the past 10 years, AzuKo has achieved great success in reducing housing poverty in both the UK and Bangladesh. We wish them every success as they continue this vital mission.”

– CareTech Foundation

EVENTS

We’re committed to sharing our expertise and helping individuals and organisations ‘do good, better’. This year, our events reached more than 615 people across the UK, Bangladesh, and beyond. Highlights include:

615+ event attendees in 2024

Education & outreach

30

FUNDRAISING BOOST

We’re grateful to everyone who gave their time, energy, and generosity to support our work this year. From personal challenges and creative campaigns to workplace giving, every effort helped us reach more families in need of safe housing.

“I ran the Edinburgh Marathon this May in support of AzuKo and all they do to improve people’s lives globally... when I was considering who I should fundraise for, AzuKo was my first choice.”

– Joseph (fundraiser, Edinburgh Marathon / UK)

£21.6k

end of year appeal target achieved

THE BIG GIVE CHRISTMAS CHALLENGE

For the sixth year running, we took part in the Big Give – the UK’s largest match-funding campaign – raising £21,603 for our Pathway to home improvement programme. The campaign not only exceeded our target but also increased awareness of housing poverty in rural Bangladesh.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

We’re proud to be based at Collective Auction Rooms in London – a generous co-working community that provides workspace, connectivity, and meeting facilities free of charge. Being part of the Collective connects us with hundreds of inspiring nonprofits and creative businesses that share our values of collaboration and social impact.

£28.8k

We’re also deeply grateful for the gifts in kind we received this year, valued at £28,775. These included building materials, data, software, venues, and raffle prizes – vital contributions that keep costs low and maximise the impact of every pound we raise.

gifts in kind, including building materials, place-based data and software

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DRIVEN BY IMPACT

We measure what matters so we can keep improving, learn from our work, and share results with honesty and clarity.

Just as importantly, the people we support lead this process. They define success, collect and interpret data, and share learning in ways that make sense for them. Real progress belongs to communities – and their insights guide every decision we make.

VOLUNTEERING CONTRIBUTION

This year, we worked with 27 volunteers from the UK, Bangladesh, and across the world. They shared their talents including strategy, architecture, research, data analysis, photography and video editing – each bringing fresh energy and expertise to our work. Together, they contributed 1,146 hours of their time, equivalent to £37,099 in value.

Their creativity, commitment, and generosity strengthen every part of what we do – from design and storytelling to on-the-ground impact. We’re proud to be powered by a global community of skilled volunteers who believe, as we do, that everyone deserves a safe and dignified home.

“By facilitating development and change from within, AzuKo offers a sustainable way to improve the human condition.” – Beth (volunteer / UK)

£37.1 pro-bono support, from 27 volunteers

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AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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FINANCIAL REVIEW

In 2024, our main sources of income were grants and individual giving, with additional support from contracts, corporate donations, and events. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed – your generosity keeps our work moving forward.

THE FUNDING LANDSCAPE

At year end, we held £49,964 in cash at bank, allowing us to plan confidently for the year ahead and continue improving lives through improved housing.

The past year brought funding challenges for the charity sector. Donations remain below pre-pandemic levels, and the global cost of living crisis has made it harder for many people to give. The collapse of the Bangladesh Government has created uncertainty in the region, affecting donor confidence. At the same time, the growing focus on local giving – while a positive trend for our UK work – has made it more difficult for our overseas projects to attract support. We’re also feeling the impact of high inflation in both Bangladesh and the UK, which continues to drive up costs and reduce the real value of income.

Despite these pressures, we remain hopeful and focused. We’re investing in our resilience – strengthening governance, developing our team, adopting digital and smart technologies, enhancing our storytelling, and nurturing relationships with our supporters.

AzuKo continues to be recognised for its distinctive and effective approach to tackling housing poverty, and our financial position remains healthy. We’re confident that with creativity, collaboration, and the continued support of our community, we can meet the challenges ahead and keep building brighter futures – home by home.

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. The funding landscape for small charities, particularly those operating overseas is challenging, coupled with increased demand for our services.

Our team are driven to meet the growing need for housing support. We aim to further increase our capacity and reach, and to do this through a mix of funding. Our future plans show increasing levels of committed expenditure for which we are seeking funding.

To meet our objectives, we aim to hold reserves in the range of £26,500 and £51,500. We hold £43,826 in reserves at the year end, which was within our policy.

The level of reserves is monitored, and the policy is reviewed by the Trustees and CEO annually, or as material circumstances change.

INCOME & EXPENDITURE BREAKDOWN

We make every £1 count.

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Income
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Expenditure
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85% Costs of charitable activities

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

35

independent examiner’s report

A: report

Report to Trustees/members of AzuKo On accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 Charity number 1156354 Set out on pages 2024 AzuKo receipts and payments 2024 AzuKo income type breakdown 2024 AzuKo restricted vs unrestricted income and expenditure 2024 AzuKo accounts 2024 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 2024.

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 Role and relevant professional Accountant qualification(s) or body (if any)

Name Victoria McAulay Date 13 January 2025

Address:

3 Church Lane, Littleton, Winchester, SO22 6QY

b: disclosure

Details of items that the None examiner wishes to disclose

Accounts 1 January - 31 December 2024

36

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 2,953 2,500 -
5,453		 554
Grants 43,858 12,300 -
56,158		 80,855
Contract income 7,397 - -
7,397		 11,855
Other donations 7,184 4,933 -
12,117		 16,879
Events 2,734 - -
2,734		 206
Awards 4,208 - -
4,208		 -
Subtotal(Gross income for AR) 68,334 19,733 -
88,066		 110,349
A2: ASSET AND INVESTMENT SALES
- - - -
-		 -
- - - -
-		 -
Subtotal - - -
-		 -
Total receipts 68,334 19,733 -
88,066		 110,349
A3: PAYMENTS
Costs of charitable activities 53,245 30,827 -
84,072		 86,459
Fundraising costs 5,732 - -
5,732		 4,656
Governance costs 611 - -
611		 1,039
Support costs - 7,819 -
7,819		 5,287
Subtotal 59,588 38,646 -
98,234		 97,442
A4: ASSET AND INVESTMENT
PURCHASES
Technical equipment - 715 -
715		 -
- - - -
-		 -
Subtotal - 715 -
715		 -
Total payments 59,588 39,361 -
98,949		 97,442
Net of receipt/(payments) 8,746 -19,628 -
-10,883		 12,907
A5: TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS - - -
-		 -
A6: CASH FUNDS LAST YEAR END 35,080 25,766 -
60,846		 47,939
Cash funds this year end 43,826 6,138 -
49,964		 60,846

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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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 43,826 6,138 -
- - - -
Total cash funds 43,826 6,138 -
(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
JFEvans Jeffrey Kenneth Francis Jeffrey Kenneth Francis 6 January 2025

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AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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FUTURE PLANS

The past year has been one of reflection and renewal – marking ten years of AzuKo and looking ahead to the decade to come. Our mission remains the same: to end housing poverty through design that is community-led, practical, and fair. At the heart of this work are women and communities driving the change – building safer homes and stronger futures for themselves and their families.

In 2025, we will build on the foundations laid over the last decade, deepening our impact in both Bangladesh and the UK.

Our priorities for the year ahead:

Housing poverty and inequality remain some of the world’s toughest challenges, now intensified by climate change. But we know that progress is possible – because we see it every day in the women, and their communities, leading change.

“Lasting change begins locally, with women leading the way. AzuKo’s role is to listen, support, and help turn their ideas into action. As pressures grow — from housing poverty to climate change — this collaboration matters more than ever.” – Jo Ashbridge (AzuKo, CEO)

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIR

When I think about AzuKo’s first ten years, I think about the women who have shaped our work and the homes they are building for the future.

“A decade is long enough to see knowledge take root, confidence grow, and dignified housing become more than a distant hope.”

This annual report records a year in which determined work continued with care and purpose. In Bangladesh women strengthened their homes through practical improvements – stronger plinths and connections, treated bamboo, improved materials, and cost planning. Small loans enabled them to lead decisions affecting health, safety, and resource use.

Our work in the UK developed in step. In South Woodford, residents advanced a community-led Design Code and mapped local assets. Through Reshaping engineering we helped convene a conversation about responsibility in practice.

None of this would be possible without our staff and volunteers in Bangladesh and the UK, our trustees, our partners and, most of all, our supporters.

“Your generosity makes tangible differences at household and neighbourhood scale, where progress is measured in privacy secured, air made safer to breathe, and time returned to women and girls.”

Looking ahead, we will deepen our advocacy and invite more voices into the conversation about what adequate housing means. Thank you for standing with us in increasingly demanding times.

If you can, introduce us to partners who care about equitable housing. Support our campaigns and courses. Each action helps convert intention into safer, healthier homes.

With gratitude.

— Deljana Iossifova (Chair of Trustees, AzuKo)

AzuKo Trustees’ Annual Report 2024

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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.

The charity is governed by a Board of Trustees, who hold overall responsibility for AzuKo’s strategy and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees meet regularly to review progress against strategic priorities and ensure that all decisions serve AzuKo’s mission and beneficiaries.

New Trustees are appointed by the Board through an open recruitment process designed to promote diversity of experience, expertise, and perspective. An induction programme provides background on AzuKo’s work, governance framework, and responsibilities, while ongoing training supports effective oversight and regulatory compliance.

Authority for day-to-day management and operational decisions is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO works closely with staff and volunteers in the UK and overseas to deliver AzuKo’s programmes and ensure alignment with the charity’s values, safeguarding commitments, and policies.

AzuKo delivers programmes through local partnerships. This model enables community ownership and ensures that programmes remain context-specific, cost-effective, and sustainable. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical practice.

With strong governance and careful financial management, AzuKo remains well positioned to deliver lasting impact – using every pound wisely in pursuit of ending housing poverty.

risk management

The Board reviews AzuKo’s risk register biannually, covering governance, operational, financial, environmental, compliance, and external risks. Key areas of focus include:

Risks are managed through diversified fundraising, close financial monitoring, clear policies, training, and active partner engagement. Trustees are confident appropriate measures are in place to safeguard AzuKo’s work and strengthen long-term resilience.

Reference & administration details

42

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 2024:

Additional board members, within reporting period (2024):

Chief Executive Officer

DECLARATION

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

Date 20 October 2025 Full name Reena Agarwal Position Trustee

Signature

Photography thanks to: AzuKo team and volunteers, Big Syn Institute, Camden Collective, Footwork, Joao Fernandes, Jon Penn, Turjoy Chowdhury, and The Landmark Trust

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Trustees’ Annual Report 1 January to 31 December 2024

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