Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 02/04/2022 Period start date To 02/04/2023 Period end date
Charity name: Global Refugee Aid
Charity registration number: 1193619
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The objects of Global Refugee Aid (GRA) which are for the public benefit, are specifically restricted to the following: a. the relief of poverty and the preservation and protection of health of those seeking asylum or granted leave to remain in the UK or overseas by assisting with provision of aid, accommodation, advice, support and education and by facilitating the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into the wider community. b. to advance the education and training and relieve financial hardship amongst those seeking asylum and those granted refugee status and their dependents in the UK or overseas particularly by signposting to accommodation, employment, education, legal and other advice so as to advance them in life and assist them to adapt and integrate within a new community. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
Global Refugee Aid provides counselling, access to maternal health services and livelihood training for refugees (particularly vulnerable women and girls). GRA aims to heal the lives of traumatised women and girls, men and boys who have fled from brutal regional conflicts across East Africa. GRA projects are Trauma Healing for refugee Survivors of Sexual Violence in East Africa and Transforming the Physical and Emotional Health of Albino Refugees |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | Global Refugee Aid is committed to providing essential support and resources to displaced individuals worldwide, ensuring they receive the assistance necessary for their survival, well-being, and |
eventual resettlement. Our mission is to deliver humanitarian aid, education, and opportunities for refugees, fostering hope and rebuilding lives in the face of adversity. The trustees of Global Refugee Aid confirm that they have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit. In our activities and decisionmaking processes, we continuously ensure that our work aligns with the principles of public benefit as outlined by the Charity Commission. This commitment ensures that our actions effectively contribute to the public good, particularly in supporting vulnerable refugee populations and addressing their urgent needs.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | Global Refugee Aid has made significant strides in improving the lives of refugees, particularly vulnerable women and girls, through targeted projects focused on trauma healing, maternal health services, and livelihood training. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, GRA has resumed its critical work, delivering tangible benefits to both individuals and the broader society. Impact on Beneficiaries 1. Counselling and Trauma Healing: - GRA’s Trauma Healing for Refugee Survivors of Sexual Violence in East Africa has provided essential counselling services to women and girls who have endured severe trauma. This initiative has facilitated emotional recovery and resilience, empowering survivors to rebuild their lives with renewed hope and stability. 2. Maternal Health Services: - Access to maternal health services has been significantly improved, ensuring safe pregnancies and childbirths. This has reduced maternal and infant mortality rates among refugee populations, promoting healthier families and communities. 3. Livelihood Training: - Livelihood training programs have equipped refugees, particularly women, with skills and knowledge to gain financial independence. This has not only improved their economic status but also fostered a sense of self-reliance and dignity. 4. Support for Albino Refugees: - The project focused on Transforming the Physical and Emotional Health of Albino Refugees has addressed the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable group, providing medical care and psychological support to enhance their overall well-being. Wider Societal Benefits 1. Enhanced Community Health: - By addressing both physical and mental health needs, GRA has contributed to healthier refugee communities. This holistic approach reduces the burden on local healthcare systems and fosters a more resilient population. 2. Economic Empowerment: |
|---|---|---|
- Livelihood training has broader economic benefits, as empowered individuals contribute to local economies, reducing dependency on aid and fostering sustainable development within refugeehosting regions. 3. Social Cohesion: - GRA’s efforts have promoted social cohesion by supporting the integration of refugees into local communities. This has helped mitigate tensions and fostered a more inclusive society where refugees are seen as valuable members. Challenges and Resumption of Work The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted GRA’s ability to fundraise and receive grants from 02/04/2022 to 02/04/2023, which hindered the progress of our projects. However, with the resumption of our activities, we are once again making a significant difference in the lives of refugees, continuing to provide critical services and support to those in need. Global Refugee Aid remains committed to its mission, and we are proud of the resilience and progress achieved despite recent challenges. Our ongoing work will continue to bring healing, hope, and empowerment to refugees across East Africa and beyond.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
| Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | At the end of the period from 02/04/2022 to 02/04/2023, Global Refugee Aid faced significant financial challenges due to the inability to secure funds, grants, or fundraising revenue during this time. The charity began the period with a carryover of £133 from the previous financial year. Financial Overview - Starting Funds: £133 - Expenditures: - Monthly account fees of £5, totalling £60 over the 12-month period. Financial Transactions - Total Income: £0 - Total Expenditures: £60 Closing Balance - Remaining Funds: £73 Analysis The lack of incoming funds during the period posed a significant challenge for GRA. The charity's financial activities were minimal, with the only expenditure being the necessary account fees amounting to £60 for the year. As a result, the charity's closing balance at the end of the period was £73. Despite these financial constraints, GRA has remained committed to its mission. The charity's ability to resume its activities post- pandemic will rely heavily on successful future fundraising efforts and securing grants to replenish and sustain its operational funds. Moving forward, a strategic focus on re-establishing funding streams will be crucial to continue and expand the impactful work GRA conducts in supporting refugees. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Global Refugee Aid recognises the importance of holding financial reserves to ensure the stability and sustainability of our operations. However, due to the lack of incoming funds during the period from 02/04/2022 to 02/04/2023, GRA has been unable to maintain any reserves. Purpose of Holding Reserves 1. Operational Continuity: |
- To ensure uninterrupted delivery of essential services such as counselling, maternal health support, and livelihood training for refugees. Reserves would provide a financial buffer to cover operational costs during periods of financial instability. 2. Crisis Response: - To have immediate resources available to respond to emergencies or unforeseen circumstances affecting refugee populations. Reserves enable swift action to provide critical aid when needed most. 3. Financial Stability: - To mitigate the impact of income fluctuations, including times when fundraising efforts do not meet projected targets. Reserves help stabilise financial planning and ensure the continuity of our programs. 4. Sustainability of Projects: - To support the long-term sustainability and expansion of our initiatives. Maintaining reserves ensures that Global Refugee Aid can continue and grow its impact, even during challenging financial periods. Current Financial Situation During the reporting period from 02/04/2022 to 02/04/2023, Global Refugee Aid did not have any reserves due to the absence of funds, grants, or successful fundraising activities. The starting balance of £133 was utilised to cover essential account fees, leaving the organization with a minimal closing balance of £73. Future Reserve Goals Despite the current lack of reserves, Global Refugee Aid remains committed to establishing a robust reserve policy as financial conditions improve. The goal is to build reserves equivalent to at least three months of operating expenses. This target will be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on the charity's financial status and strategic objectives. Management of Future Reserves Once established, reserves will be managed prudently and reviewed periodically by the trustees to ensure they meet the charity's needs. Decisions
| regarding the use of reserves will be made with careful consideration to maintain GRA's financial health and ability to fulfil its mission. GRA is dedicated to resuming and expanding its vital support to refugees. Establishing and maintaining financial reserves will be a key component of ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of our programs in the future. |
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|---|---|---|
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £73 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | Global Refugee Aid remains confident in its ability to continue as a going concern. Following a challenging period from 02/04/2022 to 02/04/2023, during which fundraising activities and grant acquisition were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, GRA has successfully resumed its operations in the current year. GRA has restarted its critical projects, including Trauma Healing for Refugee Survivors of Sexual Violence in East Africa and Transforming the Physical and Emotional Health of Albino Refugees. These initiatives are once again making a significant impact on the lives of vulnerable refugees, particularly women and girls, and are helping to rebuild communities affected by regional conflicts. Financial Considerations While GRA has managed to resume activities effectively, the main concern lies in the level of financial grants received, which is not as high as desired. This shortfall means that while current operations are sustainable, there is limited flexibility for scaling up or expanding services to meet the growing needs of our beneficiaries. Conclusion Despite these financial constraints, GRA has no substantial concerns about its ability to continue as a going concern. The charity’s leadership is actively working to secure additional funding and diversify income streams to strengthen financial stability. We remain committed to our mission and are confident in our capacity to |
maintain and enhance our impact in the lives of refugees.
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | |
| Other |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
Global Refugee Aid is governed by a Constitution of a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). In this structure, the only voting members are the charity trustees. This governing document outlines the framework within which GRA operates, including the roles and responsibilities of the trustees, the procedures for decision- making, and the overall governance of the charity. This constitution ensures that the organization is managed effectively, in accordance with legal requirements and best practices, to fulfil its mission of supporting refugees. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Global Refugee Aid is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Per the Global Refugee Aid constitution: 1. Resolution Requirement: - Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees. This ensures that each appointment is formally approved and documented, promoting transparency and accountability within the organization. 2. Consideration of Skills, Knowledge, and Experience: - In selecting individuals for appointment as charity trustees, the current trustees must have regard to the skills, knowledge, and experience needed for the effective administration of the CIO. This ensures that the board comprises individuals with the appropriate expertise to guide and support the charity’s mission effectively. These provisions in the GRA constitution ensure a thorough and equitable process for trustee appointments, contributing to the robust governance and successful operation of the organization. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Para 1.51
| Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
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|---|---|---|
| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | |
| Other |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | GLOBAL REFUGEE AID |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | |
| Registered charitynumber | 1193619 |
| Charity’s principal address | 4 The Oaklands Hemsworth West Yorkshire WF94TT |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mireille Nkamicaniye |
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| BeverlyCunnane | ||||
| Dr Febronie Nkunzimana |
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| Elsa Irabona | ||||
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved
Director name N/A
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| N/A | ||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity Name and objects of the N/A charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for N/A safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
| Type of | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| adviser |
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Nkamicaniye Full name(s) Mireille Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc) Date 20/05/2024