Trustees’ Annual Report
for the year ending 31 March 2014
Contents
Message from the Chair of Trustees 2
Message from the Chief Executive 3
Reference and Administrative details 4
Trustees’ Report 5
Structure, Governance and Management 5
Our Aims and Activities 6
Achievements and Performance 7
Volunteers 12
Financial summary 14
Independent Examiner’s Report 16
Statement of financial activities 18
Balance sheet 19
Notes to the financial statements 20
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 2 of 31
A message from the Chair of Trustees
We continue to be grateful to God for the support and faith
shown in our work by trusts and foundations, individual
supporters, volunteers, partner organisations and churches.
The Trust continues to grow and we have been able to raise
funding to cover a 20 per cent increase in expenditure for the
year - just! The service we offer our clients has grown both in
quality and quantity: two significant developments have been
the appointment of a Male Case Worker and a Supported Housing Manager. The
Male Case Worker, funded by the Big Lottery, is deepening the support we give our
clients to address their situations and engage with the community, in parallel with our
ongoing and impactful programme of female case work funded by Comic Relief. We
are also grateful to the Aidan Trust who have funded the Supported Housing
Manager post to help us manage our growing housing stock (now up to 15 houses),
and develop a sustainable income stream from our refugee housing.
Following three years excellent service establishing operational structures and
processes, Chief Executive Mark Cloherty moved on to pastures new this year. We
have taken the opportunity with the appointment of our new Chief Executive, Ros
Holland, to ensure that our client work and relationships sit at the heart of Boaz, even
as we grow and diversify. I have great confidence in Ros’s ability to help us navigate
a path that marries the professional and the personal - and keeps us faithful to our
vision and reliant on God - as we set out into our tenth year.
Mike Arundale
Chair of Trustees
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 3 of 31
A message from the Chief Executive
The last 12 months have once again seen significant growth
and change within the Boaz Trust. Between our night shelter,
15 shared houses and our hosting scheme, we currently
accommodate over 75 individuals who have found
themselves homeless and destitute at some point in the
asylum system.
We’ve said a sad goodbye to Mark Cloherty (former Chief
Executive) and Vicky Ledwidge (Projects Manager) and have welcomed four new
staff members.
We have seen a further increase in the number of individuals who have been granted
refugee status yet who have still been made homeless. We are grateful for the
development of our Refugee Supported Housing Project that is now providing 23
refugees with accommodation and advocacy support to help them access
employment, training and benefit entitlements.
One highlight of the year was in November when the staff team spent a day together
to reflect on our vision and values as an organisation. It was a great opportunity to
get to know each other better, to reflect on the past ten years of Boaz’ history and to
plan together for the future. One phrase from the day stood out that summarised our
thoughts and discussions – ‘Life in all its fullness for those seeking sanctuary in the UK’ –
this goal spurs us on through challenging times.
I would like to thank all our volunteers, staff and supporters who have made Boaz’s
work possible. Your prayers, time and generous giving is appreciated, and I look
forward to serving alongside you in the coming year.
Ros Holland
Chief Executive
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 4 of 31
Reference and administrative details
Registered Charity in England and Wales No.1110344
Address
The Boaz Trust, First Floor, 110 Oldham Road, Manchester M4 6AG
Trustees
Dr Michael Arundale (Chair)
Dr David Bell
Mrs Stephanie Gilson (Secretary)
Ms Martha Mebrahtu
Mr Martin Palmer (Treasurer)
Revd Canon Philip Rawlings
Mrs Suzannah Sammons
Mr David Tomlinson
Patrons
Mr John Leech MP
Baroness Maeve Sherlock OBE
Chief Executive
Mrs Ros Holland (appointed 01/09/2013)
Mr Mark Cloherty (until 31/08/2013)
Independent Examiners
Chronicle Accountants
1 Market Street
Whaley Bridge, High Peak
Derbyshire SK23 7AA
Bankers
The Co-operative
PO Box 250, Delf House
Skelmersdale WN8 6WT
Solicitors
Kuit Steinart Levy LLP
3 St Mary’s Parsonage
Manchester M3 2RD
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 5 of 31
Structure, Governance and Management
The Boaz Trust was formed on 1 June 2004 and registered as a charity on 6 July 2005.
The Boaz Trust was established under a model trust deed which established the
objects and powers of the charitable trust. Under this deed the Trust is governed by a
Board of Trustees, elected at the Annual General Meeting, to serve a period of two
years, subject to ratification at each Annual General Meeting.
The Boaz Trust’s trustees are responsible for the overall management of the charity.
Trustees are chosen for their commitment to asylum seekers and for expertise. The
trustees set and oversee The Boaz Trust’s policies and plans, oversee its financial
affairs, and supervise the work of the Chief Executive in carrying out these policies
and plans. All trustees are unpaid. The Chief Executive is appointed by the trustees
and is accountable to them for managing the charity as a whole.
The Chief Executive manages and is supported by the Boaz staff team comprising of
Supported Housing Manager
Housing Maintenance Manager (0.4 FTE)
Female Case Worker
Male Case Worker
Night Shelter Co-ordinator (0.6 FTE during October – May)
Director and Founder (Networking and Campaigns)
Fundraising and Communications Manager
Office and Volunteer Manager
Bookkeeper (0.4 FTE)
The Boaz Trust also employs a consultant lawyer as Legal Services Manager (0.4 FTE).
Charity Objects
The objects of the Boaz Trust are:
To relieve financial hardship amongst those seeking asylum, those granted
asylum and their dependents who are destitute and living temporarily or
permanently in Greater Manchester and the surrounding area. This will be
done particularly but not exclusively by the provision of temporary
accommodation, advice, information, support and advocacy.
Such other charitable purposes for the benefit of those seeking asylum, those
granted refugee status and their dependents who are destitute in such ways
as the trustees shall determine.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 6 of 31
Our Aim
No more asylum destitution – that is the aim of the Boaz Trust. We want to end
destitution amongst people seeking sanctuary in the UK.
What We Do
The Boaz Trust is a support service for destitute asylum seekers and refugees in Greater
Manchester. Boaz provides accommodation to those in greatest need through
supported housing, a hosting scheme, and a night shelter. Beneficiaries living in Boaz
accommodation can access a ‘Boaz Life’ programme of educational, recreational
and practical activities that promote wellbeing and encourage integration and
participation in the community. Case Workers and the Legal Services Manager offer
advice and support to enable beneficiaries to move on and find a resolution to the
situation that made them homeless.
Boaz speaks up for asylum seekers and advocates for their rights. We work alongside
all of like mind, and particularly the Christian Church, to bring about a just and
compassionate asylum system.
The Boaz Trust is the only provider of accommodation and holistic support for destitute
asylum seekers in Greater Manchester.
Public Benefit
Each year the trustees review our objectives and activities to ensure they continue to
reflect our aims. In carrying out this review trustees have considered the Charity
Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.
Boaz provides accommodation and support for homeless and destitute asylum
seekers and refugees. Many refused asylum seekers have no recourse to public funds
and are not allowed to work. They receive no benefit payments or housing and have
no means to support themselves. By accommodating and supporting homeless
asylum seekers and refugees our work benefits those individuals, and reduces strain
on emergency and community organisations.
Through Boaz’s support and activity programme beneficiaries reconnect with society
and contribute to community life, which in turn improves integration and cohesion.
Boaz runs awareness raising and training events across the UK, which improves public
understanding of asylum seekers and refugees.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 7 of 31
Achievements and Performance
At the start of the year we set ourselves a number of objectives for 2013-2014. These
are below, together with a brief summary on progress made towards these
objectives. Additional commentary is included in the Housing, Boaz Life and Raising
awareness sections of this report.
Establish an income-
generating refugee housing
project
The Refugee Supported Housing Social Enterprise was
launched in October 2013 providing homeless refugees
with affordable accommodation and with support
accessing education and employment. Refugee rent
payments contribute towards Boaz housing costs.
Establish a male asylum
seeker support project
A support programme for male asylum seekers began
in October 2013, and includes individual Case Worker
support, legal advice and representation, and a
programme of educational and recreational activities.
Reorganise, strengthen and
consolidate the staff team
Ros Holland was appointed at Chief Executive in
September 2013. A team away day took place in
November to discuss the charity’s vision and values.
Increase beneficiary
involvement in all aspects
of charity life
A former beneficiary is on the Board of Trustees, and
one staff member has experience of life as an asylum
seeker. Increased numbers of beneficiaries are
participating in Boaz community events, and
volunteering with local organisations.
Strengthen church networks
to better support asylum
seekers
‘Help! There’s an Asylum Seeker in my Church’
conferences took place in Manchester and Southend-
on-Sea.
Develop campaign
networks
Partnerships were strengthened with the British Red
Cross, NACCOM organisations and Still Human Still Here
networks.
Increase financial stability
Boaz’s regular income from rent payments has
increased in line with increased provision of refugee
housing. However we recognise an urgent need to
grow more sustainable income streams and reduce
dependence on funding from Trusts and Foundations.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 8 of 31
Beneficiaries
From 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014, a total of 158 refused asylum seekers, and
refugees were accommodated by the Boaz Trust, with 102 individuals staying in
hosted or housed accommodation. A total of 67 asylum seeker and refugee men
stayed in the night shelter, eleven of which were able to move into Boaz hosted or
housed accommodation when space became available.
We received a total of 178 referrals and managed a continual waiting list for our
services. Fifty six per cent of beneficiaries in housed and hosted accommodation
were female, 44 per cent were male. The majority of housed and hosted beneficiaries
came from Iran (27), Eritrea (26), Democratic Republic of Congo (10) and Zimbabwe
(8). Others had fled from Afghanistan (1), China (1), Congo Brazzaville (1), Cote
d’Ivoire (2), Ethiopia (4), Gambia (3), Guinea (1), Iraq (1), Kenya (1), Kuwait (1), Libya
(1), Malawi (1), Nigeria (1), Palestine (1), Pakistan (1), Somalia (1), South Africa (1), Sri
Lanka (2), Sudan (3), Tibet (1), Turkey (1) and Yemen (1).
A total of 44 beneficiaries moved on from Boaz over the year. This included 30 asylum
seekers who moved into Section 4 accommodation following the submission of a
fresh asylum claim; two asylum seekers moved into other statutory accommodation,
six asylum seekers left to live with friends or family, and six refugees moved into
privately rented accommodation or to stay with friends. One client returned to their
home country through the Assisted Voluntary Return service. Eight beneficiaries
received Leave to Remain in the UK.
Zena’s story
Zena (name changed) is from Ethiopia. When Zena was 16, she was arrested due to
her family connection with a banned political movement. She was imprisoned and
raped, before being released with the proviso that she became a false witness
against others. Once out of prison, friends warned her against returning home. They
hid her in a safe house and raised funds, enabling her to flee the country. When Zena
arrived in the UK her claim for asylum was dismissed due to a lack of evidence that
could prove her story. Shortly afterwards Zena attempted suicide and was admitted
to hospital. She had no recourse to public funds, no access to housing, and became
street homeless before coming to the Boaz Trust. Zena moved into a Boaz shared
house and received support from Boaz Case Workers and our Legal Support
Manager. With support, she was able to obtain evidence to support her asylum
claim. In 2013 she was finally granted leave to remain as a refugee. Zena is now
attending college and volunteering with a local women’s charity. She hopes to find
a part time job and is positive about the future.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 9 of 31
Housing
The number of houses leased to Boaz has grown from 12 to 15 over the year. One
house was returned to its owner as planned, and four additional houses were leased,
free of charge or at low cost, from individual supporters. The additional properties
have made it possible to accommodate increased numbers of asylum seeking men,
and refugee men and women. Ten shared houses accommodate asylum seekers,
and five are allocated for refugees.
Boaz appointed a Supported Housing Manager in October 2013
to manage Boaz housing and implement our business plan for
a new Refugee Supported Housing Social Enterprise. This
includes providing affordable housing to meet the needs of
homeless refugees, to offer refugees support accessing
education, employment and services, and to manage income
from refugee rent payments that will contribute to Boaz’s
financial sustainability.
Night shelter
Our winter night shelter 2012-2013 closed on 30 April 2013 and reopened on 1
November 2013. Over 50 homeless refugee and asylum seeking men accessed the
emergency shelter between 1 November 2013 and 31 March 2014. Eleven men who
were regularly staying at the shelter were moved into Boaz hosted or housed
accommodation as space became available. The shelter rotates around seven
churches (St James and Emmanuel, Heaton Park Methodist, St Clements Openshaw,
Mount Chapel Salford, Church of the Nazarene Longsight, Church of the Nazarene
Ashton, and South Manchester Family Church) and benefits from an early evening
reception service at the Friends Meeting House in Manchester. During April 2013 the
Friends Meeting house provided overnight accommodation. Volunteers, including
former night shelter beneficiaries, have provided transport, bedding, hot meals, and
friendship.
Hosting scheme
Over the year 24 asylum seekers stayed with local families for periods ranging from
three nights to 12 months. The accommodation and hospitality provided by our
network of 20 hosts has been crucial for new beneficiaries who required
accommodation urgently. The hosting scheme acts as a pathway to a Boaz shared
house for beneficiaries, providing flexibility when spaces in shared houses are not
immediately available.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 10 of 31
Basic needs provision
Refused asylum seeker beneficiaries who are not eligible for a British Red Cross food
parcel, received a £10 food allowance from Boaz. On average 50 per cent of asylum
seeker beneficiaries in housed and hosted accommodation received the Boaz food
allowance. An allowance gives beneficiaries who do not have many freedoms, some
choice and dignity. Each month we hold a Drop In (formerly the Free Shop) for
beneficiaries to choose toiletries and foodstuffs donated by supporters. This has
increasingly become a social event, involving volunteers and partner organisations,
and creating space for peer support and friendships to flourish.
Case Worker support
The Case Worker team of staff and social work students on placement provide
practical and pastoral care for all beneficiaries.
Over the last year Case Workers have improved processes and beneficiary care
around the release stage of the Boaz beneficiary journey. This includes preparing
beneficiaries for life beyond Boaz by encouraging resilience, explaining aspects of
the asylum process and what choices they could face in the future, and where
further support might be found.
Time limited support discourages dependency and helps motivate beneficiaries to
work towards a resolution of their situation. Case Workers provide a listening ear,
agree goals, monitor progress at regular review meetings, and refer beneficiaries to
specialist services when appropriate. Feedback and monitoring data has shown
significant improvements in the physical and mental wellbeing of beneficiaries.
Legal support
Boaz provides free legal advice and representation to asylum seeker beneficiaries,
and assists beneficiaries accessing external legal support. This enables asylum seekers
to make informed choices about their future, and work towards a resolution of their
situation.
Over the year 28 beneficiaries submitted fresh asylum claims or made further
submissions in support of their asylum claim. Two beneficiaries were detained in
immigration centres, and then released following intervention from the Boaz Legal
Services Manager. One beneficiary applied for Assisted Voluntary Return and left the
UK.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 11 of 31
Boaz life
Boaz life is a programme of activities for asylum seekers developed in consultation
with beneficiaries. During 2013-2014 activities have included:
Heart’s Core dance and drama
Knit and natter
Sewing class
ESOL
Manchester orientation course
Wellbeing workshops covering topics such as anger management, HIV, volunteering,
resilience, self-care, and mental health.
Gardening
DIY and decorating
Nutrition and healthy eating
Exploring British culture
Conversation club
Swimming and fitness
Fitness class
Boaz family nights
These activities provide opportunities for beneficiaries to try new skills, be creative,
pursue interests and enjoy a sense of achievement. Activities act as a form of
therapy, bringing relief from stress and despair. We see beneficiaries growing in
confidence and self-esteem, building new friendships and participating in community
projects beyond Boaz. We are grateful to the volunteers and partner organisations
including Zest, STAR, George House Trust, Mustard Tree, Refugee Action, Community
Arts North West and Trinity Community Church, for their expertise and input into these
activities.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 12 of 31
Raising awareness
Boaz is the lead organisation in NACCOM - the No Accommodation Network. This
informal network links charities and projects across the UK providing accommodation
to asylum seekers and migrants. A conference was held in April in Manchester to
share ideas and best practise. In July, NACCOM published a report ‘Tackling
Homelessness and Destitution amongst Migrants with No Recourse to Public Funds’ on
the extent and nature of accommodation provided by member organisations.
Also in July 2013, Boaz ran the first of several conferences titled ‘Help! There’s an
Asylum Seeker in my Church’. The aim is to share resources and equip churches to
better support asylum seekers in their congregations and communities. Following the
Manchester Help! Conference, partner organisations in Southend on Sea held a Help!
conference, and further conferences are planned in Nottingham, Bradford and
Middlesbrough during 2014.
Boaz attracted media coverage when Director Dave Smith returned his British Empire
Medal in protest about government plans to reduce support for asylum seekers.
Throughout the year we continued to share our work with community groups and
churches and attended the New Wine North Christian festival. We have also run a
series of Open Visits where students and researchers have learnt about Boaz and the
need for our work.
Volunteers
In 2013-14 227 volunteers have given their time and skills to support the work of Boaz.
We appreciate and rely on their contribution. The number of volunteers is
approximately 23 times the number of salaried staff. We have once again benefited
from a full time volunteer on placement from the Jesuit Volunteer Community.
Volunteers have hosted beneficiaries, delivered workshops, provided transport,
washed bedding and dishes, supported events, taught English, designed promotional
materials, given office support, supervised the Drop In, painted and decorated
houses, helped garden, provided expert professional advice, mentored staff and
beneficiaries, delivered groceries and cleaning supplies, checked meter readings,
given talks on Boaz, raised funds and much more.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 13 of 31
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who has given to make the work of the Boaz Trust possible. We
are grateful to the following Trusts and Foundations for their support during 2013-2014.
A B Charitable Trust
Aidan Charitable Trust
All Churches Trust
AW.60 Charitable Trust
The Big Lottery
British Red Cross
Comic Relief
The Henry Smith Charity
Jesuit Fund for Social Justice
Jill Franklin Trust
The John Grant Davies Trust
The Homeless Transition Fund
Manchester City Council
The Marsh Christian Trust
The Maurice & Hilda Laing Foundation
Metropolitan Migration Foundation
The Odin Charitable Trust
The Scurrah Wainwright Charity
Souter Charitable Trust
Tabeel Trust
Tearfund
The Treeside Trust
Trusthouse Charitable Foundation
The Tudor Trust
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 14 of 31
Financial Summary
The Total Incoming Resources of £362,913 is an increase of 18% on the previous year and
has enabled Boaz to increase expenditure on Charitable Activities. The 2014 Total for Net
Incoming Resources was £6,874 meaning that Boaz funds showed a slight improvement
over the previous year.
Income from refugee housing has increased from 3% to 10% and is an indicator of how
Boaz is diversifying funding. Grants make up 57% of incoming resources demonstrating
success in sourcing funds for specific purposes. The faithful generosity of individuals (16%),
and churches and organisations (6%), has been integral to Boaz realising objectives.
Expenditure on salaries, office costs and client accommodation has remained constant in
percentage terms against the previous year.
The annual accounts of Boaz demonstrate that faith has not been misplaced and that the
funds which were required were received. The trustees join with conscientious staff, big-
hearted volunteers and generous supporters in thankfulness for abundant provision which
has enabled so much to be achieved for those whom Boaz supports.
Reserves policy
These are unrestricted funds available for the general purpose of the organisation but are
funds that have been earmarked by the trustees as a reserve in the event that the charity
ceased activity. An amount of £15,000 is included for works that may be needed on
houses prior to returning them to owners. An additional amount of reserves required to
cover day to day running costs is calculated based on the projected gap between the
budgeted expenditure and predicted income from identified sources for the year ahead.
The trustees have a policy to keep reserves that will cover 50% of this gap. For the
forthcoming year 2014-15, this corresponded to £22,000. The total reserves required as at 31
March 2014 was therefore set at £37,000. The trustees will review the reserves every six
months with the next review due on 30 September 2014.
Boaz Trust Annual Report 2013- 2014 Page 15 of 31
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial
statement in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards.
Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial
statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity, of the
incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year. In preparing
these financial statements the trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies
and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities
Statement of Recommended Practice; make judgement and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been
followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial
statements; and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is
inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to
ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charity
(Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. They are also responsible for safeguarding the
assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 29 June 2014 and is signed
on their behalf by:
Mike Arundale
Chair of Trustees
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Stay in touch
The Boaz Trust
First Floor, 110 Oldham Road
Manchester M4 6AG
www.boaztrust.org.uk
T: 0161 202 1056
theboaztrust
@boaztrust
Donate
Text BOAZ44 £5 to 70070
Visit www.my.give.net/boaztrust