During the year, The Zainab Project CIC continued to expand its work across Norwich and Norfolk, supporting more than 250 participants through community activities, wellbeing programmes, information sessions and volunteering opportunities. Our work focused on helping refugees, asylum seekers, migrants and disadvantaged members of the wider community increase their confidence, improve their wellbeing and better understand how to access services and opportunities within the UK. Working alongside professionals from organisations including the NHS, police, welfare services and other community organisations, we delivered information sessions covering health, wellbeing, safeguarding, employment, education, community safety and access to local support. These sessions enabled participants to make informed decisions, build confidence and become more independent. The Company also continued to develop its catering social enterprise, which provides volunteering, work experience, skills development and employment opportunities while generating income that is reinvested into our community activities. Through catering services delivered for community organisations, public sector partners and private events, volunteers gained practical experience, transferable skills and increased confidence. Alongside this, we delivered regular health, nutrition and wellbeing activities using culturally appropriate food to encourage healthier lifestyles, reduce social isolation and bring communities together. Sharing food remains an important part of our approach, creating welcoming environments where people can build friendships, strengthen community connections and improve emotional wellbeing. The Company is committed to creating pathways into employment rather than providing short-term support alone. During the year, volunteers progressed into further education, accredited training and employment. One volunteer received support to complete professional interpreting training and subsequently progressed into paid work as a professional interpreter. The Zainab Project CIC also participated in Refugee Week, celebrating the contribution of refugees and people seeking sanctuary while promoting inclusion, understanding and community cohesion across Norwich.

The Company regularly consults participants, volunteers, staff, partner organisations, funders and community stakeholders to ensure that our services continue to meet local needs. Feedback is gathered through participant discussions, volunteer meetings, Board meetings, project monitoring, partnership meetings, outreach activities and funder reporting. This feedback helps the Company understand emerging needs and informs the development and improvement of its activities and services.

The diversity of the Board is one of the Company's strengths. Five of the eight Directors have lived experience of the UK asylum and refugee system, providing valuable insight into the challenges, barriers and needs faced by the communities we support. Their experience helps to ensure that the Company's services remain relevant, accessible and responsive. The other three Directors bring professional knowledge and experience of UK systems, governance and community development. This combination of lived experience and professional expertise supports well-informed decision-making and helps the organisation understand both the experiences of the communities it serves and how to navigate UK systems effectively. The Board is responsible for the strategic direction, governance and oversight of the Company, including monitoring performance, financial sustainability, funding opportunities and the work of the Chief Executive Officer. Two Directors are also employed separately by the Company in operational roles. One Director is employed as the full-time Chief Executive Officer. Their salary relates solely to their operational responsibilities, including managing the organisation, delivering projects, securing funding, developing partnerships and implementing the strategic direction agreed by the Board. The CEO's role is funded through external funding secured for the delivery and management of community services. One Director is employed as the Company's Chef under a zero-hours contract and is engaged when catering work is available. Their remuneration relates solely to their catering duties and forms part of the cost of delivering the Company's catering activities. No Director receives remuneration solely for carrying out their governance responsibilities as a Board member. Decisions relating to the employment or remuneration of employed Directors are considered by the remaining members of the Board, with the relevant Director excluded from decisions concerning their own remuneration or employment arrangements.

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