2022-03-31-accounts

Bradford City of Sanctuary Charity Registration number 1160553

Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31[st] March 2022

Bradford City of Sanctuary (BCoS) Year ended 31[st] March 2022

Registered Charity number 1160553

Principle Address: c/o Touchstone, 4 Easby Rd, Bradford, BD7 1QX. Tel: [phone]

BCoS is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

TRUSTEES’ REPORT

The Trustees of BCoS during the year were:

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William Sutcliffe
Amanda Oates
Kay Holden
Thomas Philip Lawler Resigned 4 [th] November 2021
Rosie MacPherson
Alun Pelleschi
Avril Barker Resigned 8 [th] April 2021
Roger Cowell
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Two additional trustees have been appointed since: Esther Douglas on 21.4.22 and Wahid Rashid on 9.6.22.

Trustees are recruited and appointed on the personal recommendation of other trustees and within the field of refugee and asylum seeker support in Bradford.

The trustees carry out an annual skills audit in order to ensure that they have a broad range of skills and relevant experience to be able to manage the charity effectively.

Objectives and activities

Objects and aims

The objectives of BCoS, as stated in its constitution, are:

• (1)To advance the education of the public in general about the issues relating to refugees and those seeking asylum; and ..

• (2)To promote social inclusion of refugees and asylum-seekers in Bradford who are socially excluded from society, or part of society, as a result of being a member of a socially and economically deprived community

Personnel

Throughout the year, BCoS had two part-time paid employees, a project Co-ordinator and a Schools Co-ordinator. All other work is carried out by the trustees and/or by volunteers, although at the time of writing this report there is a vacancy for the Coordinator’s role and the trustees are taking the opportunity to carry out a strategic review of staffing.

Activities undertaken for the public benefit

BCoS relies on grants and donations to cover its operating costs.

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 4 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.

During the year under review our principal activities and achievements were as follows:

This was a very busy and fruitful year, particularly as we have been able to gradually emerge from Covid restrictions and engage full-face with the world again. As always, interest in our work and opportunities for us to engage have outstripped our human resources – but we are developing plans to address this in the coming year. We hope that you will be inspired by what you read here. We frequently are, by the energy, creativity and generosity of the people of this amazing ‘city of sanctuary’, and by many of the sanctuary seekers we encounter who, like us, are seeking to build a better world.

Stafng changes

As the year ended, we sadly said farewell to our Schools of Sanctuary Project Leader, Sarah Cartin, who moved on to a full-time post with the NHS national training team. Over the past three years she brought energy and professionalism to this work and very significantly developed our relationships with local schools and their participation in the Schools of Sanctuary awards, as well as improving the award process and producing some excellent resources for use both locally and nationally. Our sadness in losing her has been tempered by succeeding in very swiftly recruiting an excellent replacement in the shape of Kate Hart, who has ‘hit the ground running’.

We sadly also had to say goodbye to Mike Auger, our Coordinator. Mike was with us for two and a half years and brought incredible creativity and enthusiasm to our work. He transformed our public profile and threw great energy into developing many aspects of our work. We wish him all the best as he commits more of his time to developing the work of Displace Yourself Theatre Co.

Sanctuary Awards

The Coordinator’s report below includes some excellent examples of local organisations, large and small, who are seeking to actively welcome and facilitate the participation of sanctuary seekers in their services.

Back in 2010 Bradford was one of the first cities in the UK to be formally recognised as a ‘City of Sanctuary’ and this was reaffirmed early in 2014 following a comprehensive review. We were absolutely delighted therefore, when last summer Bradford Council decided to not just join the fast-growing national Local Authorities Network, but to actively pursue the newly developed Local Authority of Sanctuary award. We worked closely with them and were thrilled when the Appraisal Panel unanimously agreed to make the award just before Christmas. We continue to follow through with Council staff the commitments made in the application. (A public celebration has since taken place in City Hall during Refugee Week 2022).

‘Welcome to Bradford’ website

2021 saw the launch of the amazing Welcome to Bradford website, instigated by our trustee Mandy Oates and co-developed with Refugee Action and Solidaritech. The site has been further developed over the past year to provide a one-stop portal to virtually everything a migrant arriving in the city would need to know.

Awareness Raising

After two years when, like much of the rest of the world, we were confined to base by Covid restrictions, it was a joy to be able to take our information display to the return of Bradford’s annual Peace & Crafts Fair in November – always an excellent opportunity to promote our work to the many hundreds of people who attend, as well as enjoy delicious food and some early ethical Christmas shopping. We also gave a number of talks to local organisations and their members, staff or supporters.

Throughout the year we gave regular interviews to BCB Radio, as well as Heart and Capital W.Yorks. Likewise we contributed to several articles in the Telegraph & Argus newspaper.

The Wider Context

A review of the year cannot ignore the sinister developments beyond Bradford. With the numbers of refugees across the world spiralling due to ever more appalling conflicts, as well as the impact of climate change, it has been chilling to witness the passing into law of the Nationality and Borders Act, as well as the decision to start sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. Space does not allow her to dissect the impact of these. We were early members of newly established and very rapidly growing Together With Refugees coalition and have taken every opportunity to add our support to those seeking to oppose these unjust decisions, which have been condemned by many including the UNHCR and Amnesty International. On 20th October we held a rally in Bradford’s City Park, attended by over 100 and covered by local media, to demonstrate our opposition to the then Nationalities and Borders Bill.

As always, our regular work continued as we daily circulated relevant information to the local network of asylum support agencies, responded to requests for information both locally and nationally, and signposted to and promoted the work of all the excellent organisations and projects working with and run by sanctuary seekers in the city.

Schools of Sanctuary Project

After some challenging years with the pandemic, it is wonderful to now be able to go into schools and colleges, hold face-to-face meetings and participate in school, community and city-wide events.

Sarah Cartin’s dedicated work has built many strong relationships with schools, colleges and organisations across Bradford and seen involvement in a variety of projects supporting pupils seeking sanctuary.

Over the last year, a number of schools and colleges have been working towards the Schools of Sanctuary award. Last June, we were delighted to make the award to Lilycroft Primary, Bradford Academy and St. Joseph’s Primary. St Cuthbert and The First Martyrs' Catholic Primary School also renewed their award; we have two more schools keen to renew soon. The total number of schools which have now achieved the award across Bradford is 11. We have four schools and colleges making excellent progress with their application and we are hoping that one of the colleges will receive

their award during Refugee Week 2022. There are eight more schools with expressions of interest that we have contact with.

Work has been done throughout the year to provide information and support to schools welcoming sanctuary-seeking children into their school communities, and to empower them to advocate and escalate concerns for these pupils. We have been working with colleagues in the Council on a training resource for schools welcoming and supporting sanctuary seeking students and their families. Progress on this project has been hampered by staff illness within the Council, but we hope to continue with it later this year.

We developed a Critical Thinking resource for Bradford Council, for use in local schools, the aim being to reduce hate crime across the Bradford district as part of the ‘Make sure it adds up’ campaign. We delivered this to 70 students over a two-week period at the end of July 2021. Schools of Sanctuary continue to deliver the workshops which focus on challenging stereotypes and assumptions about refugees and people seeking asylum.

Year 2 children from Lilycroft Primary School redesigned the colours of City Hall for our Refugee Week 2021 Schools’ Art Exhibition.

We worked with a number of other organisations across the city over the year. Last summer, we supported Bradford Literature Festival to promote their summer programme of events and this year we are working with them to deliver workshops on a refugee-themed event at Bradford University for primary schools. Liaising with Artworks, we also arranged for Winter Packs of Creativity to be available for our Schools of Sanctuary primary schools. We also had a positive meeting with Bradford 2025 (City of Culture) to explore ways of building refugee communities into the programme for the bid.

Work to shape schools’ involvement in Refugee Week 2022 took place throughout the year. Joint work continued with schools and libraries in the ‘Boy 87’ book project. A copy of the book was given to all Y6 children in the district, alongside a learning resource pack for all schools. Schools prepared artwork on the theme ‘We cannot walk alone’ for the Schools’ Art Exhibition at Bread and Roses cafe last June and will do so again this year on the theme of ‘Healing’.

We have also been working with the council to co- ordinate local schools’ involvement in the famous Little Amal giant refugee child puppet’s visit to Bradford in Refugee Week.

Finally, there have been many excellent opportunities for connecting with the Schools of Sanctuary regional and national network throughout the year, sharing inspirational stories, resources and good practice.

Co-ordinator’s role

Help Into Volunteering. With the easing of Covid restrictions and working closely with our friends at Bradford Volunteer Centre, Mike Auger was at last able to run successful in person sessions for refugees and asylum seekers at the Millside Centre, at BEACON and BIASAN’s English classes and at one of the hotels that are currently housing asylum seekers.

Mike led on the planning for a Market Place for local asylum support agencies at the Community Open day which launched Bradford University’s second UNIfy Festival on 26th March – an excellent occasion, with many people engaging in the different stalls and activities. In collaboration with the

university and BIASAN, we arranged bus transport to enable people living in local temporary accommodation to attend the event. This meant that for some people it may have been their first outing in Bradford since their arrival, at which they were able to get food and drinks and - crucially -

ice cream for the children! It was a lovely atmosphere and as ever, we were able to share the work

of Bradford City of Sanctuary at another community event.

Mike was very involved for the planning of the national City of Sanctuary conference. Having twice been cancelled due to Covid, we are delighted that it will at last be coming to Bradford on 21st September 2022. To be held at the Kala Sangam centre, there will be speakers and workshops covering a range of topics from around the network.

Sanctuary Awards. After months of fruitful engagement, on his last day with us Mike had the privilege of handing over the country’s first Station of Sanctuary award to Bradford Interchange. Their team have fully committed themselves to ensuring that, as far as possible, sanctuary seekers arriving at the station experience a warm ‘Bradford’ welcome. This includes Welcome signs in multiple languages (including our logo), the creation of a safe and quiet Prayer Room, training for all staff, a commitment to advocating for cheaper travel for asylum seekers, and making timetables more accessible to non-English speakers

We are currently in discussions with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and First Bus to develop a

project whereby we coordinate an ongoing cross-sector appeal for public donations, which are then match-funded to provide concessionary fares for asylum . Currently their Home Office allowance

amounts to £5.85/day, whilst a Bradford day bus pass costs £5.20.

Mike also worked closely with the team at Bradford Literature Festival and staff at the National Media Museum, both of which are keen to pursue the award. Meanwhile Alun Pelleschi, one of our trustees, has recently supported the team at Horton Community Farm to achieve the Garden of Sanctuary award, recognising the inspiring work that they have done over many years with vulnerable people, not least sanctuary seekers. On the horticultural theme, Mike worked closely with volunteers at Northcliffe Allotment Society who are offering monthly opportunities for sanctuary seekers to learn and share horticultural skills – and providing free transport and equipment. Opportunities such as this for fresh air, exercise, friendship and learning are so valuable for people who are battling with isolation and exclusion.

Maintaining an active social media presence is increasingly important and, through Mike’s hard work, we currently have over 1000 Facebook and Twitter followers. Likewise, Mike worked hard to keep the BCoS website updated.

Funding

We are extremely grateful for our small but increasing number of regular individual donors. Our

appreciation also goes to the following grant funders for their support of our work over the past year:

The Allen Lane Foundation; The Hilden Trust; The Evan Cornish Foundation; The Society for the Holy

Child Jesus; The Yapp Trust and Bradford Council (for the developing a Critical Thinking resource in schools).

Financial review

The Statement of Financial Activities shows a deficit for the year of £14,258 (2021: surplus of £17,672), reducing the charity's net assets at the end of the year to £31,930 (2021: £46,188). Of this amount, £9,097 is restricted for the work of the

project Coordinator; £8,291 is restricted for the work of the Schools Coordinator; and unrestricted funds amount to £14,543.

The restricted funds are adequate to provide for approximately 8 months continued operation of the coordinators. Longer term funding is continually being sought. Should future funding not be achievable, the trustees may decide to use the unrestricted funds to extend the above period. Unrestricted funds have been generated as a result of continued donations from supporters, and donations made via the website Give as you Live.

The trustees are considering the best use of the general, unrestricted reserves. It is likely that they will be used in part to provide more paid hours for project coordination (enabling us to increase the range of our activities and to reduce our dependence on one or two volunteers) and in part to provide a general reserve to underwrite the longevity of our projects. The unrestricted funds of £14,543 represent about 6 months normal outgoings.

Advisors

Our bankers are the Cooperative Bank.

Our income this year being below the Charity Commission’s threshold, our accounts have not been subjected to a formal Independent Examination.

The trustees themselves possess a range of skills and experience to be able to provide for the needs of BCoS as regards most professional services such as employments matters, finance and accounting and safeguarding.

Bradford City of Sanctuary CIO 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022

Bradford City of Sanctuary CIO	Bradford City of Sanctuary CIO	Bradford City of Sanctuary CIO	Bradford City of Sanctuary CIO	Bradford City of Sanctuary CIO	Bradford City of Sanctuary CIO	Bradford City of Sanctuary CIO
1st April 2021 to 31st March 2022
		Gener al		Coord i- Schoo ls		Critic al
		TOTA L	Fund	nator	Work er	Thinki ng
Income
Donations and legacies		4,415	4,415	0	0	0
Gift Aid Tax repayment		745	745	0	0	0
Grants		8,000	0	6,000	2,000	0
Other Income (note 1)		43	43	0	0	0
Total Income		13,20 3	5,203	6,000	2,000	0
Expenditures
Accountancy costs		(24)	(8)	(8)	(8)
Ofce Rental		(313)		(157)	(157)
Training Trustees		(70)	(70)
Donation to C of S		(100)	(100)
Payroll Administration fees		(263)		(101)	(161)
Meeting room hire (note 2)		(264)	(264)	0	0
Insurance		(342)	(342)
Travel expenses		(71)	(5)		(66)
Training costs		(183)		(50)	(133)
Peace Fair		(39)	(39)
Postage stamps		(8)	(8)
Telephone costs		(129)	0	(129)
Miscellaneous costs		(156)	(156)
Salaries & Wages
COOR		(10,82 5)		(10,82 5)
SoS		(14,67 3)			(14,67 3)
Total Salaries & Wages		(25,49 9)	0	(10,82 5)	(14,67 3)	0
Total Expenditure		(27,46 1)	(992)	(11,27 0)	(15,19 8)	0
Net Income/(Expenditure)		(14,2 58)	4,211	(5,27 0)	(13,1 98)	0
BALANCE SHEET AT
31st MARCH 2022
		Gener al		Coord i- Schoo ls		Critic al
		TOTA L	Fund	nator	Work er	Thinki ng
ASSETS
Bank balance		26,64 7
Payment made in advance		6,731
Petty Cash balance		52
Amount held for University		(1,500 )
TOTAL ASSETS		31,93 0