Apply to run the Black Cultural Centre

A Black-led organisation is one that is primarily governed, directed, and influenced by individuals who identify as Black or as part of the Black Global Majority. 

Leadership and governance

The board of trustees or directors should have a majority (typically over 50%) of members who identify as Black Global Majority. Senior leadership roles (such as Chief Executive Officer, Executive Director) should also be held by individuals from these communities to ensure lived experience informs strategic decisions.

Articles of Association

The organisation’s Articles of Association should reflect its commitment to racial equity and inclusion. These governing documents may explicitly state the organisation’s purpose in serving Black Global Majority communities or advancing racial justice. They should also outline mechanisms for ensuring representation and accountability to the communities served.

Mission and activities

The organisation’s core mission should focus on addressing issues affecting Black communities whether in education, health, culture, social justice, or economic empowerment. Programmes and services should be designed with input from Black communities and aim to build capacity, resilience, and leadership within them.

Community accountability

The Black-led organisation should maintain transparent and participatory practices that allow community members to influence decision-making. This includes regular consultations, community representation in governance, and feedback mechanisms.

Social impact measurement is the process of assessing the changes and benefits that result from an organisation's activities, particularly those aimed at improving social outcomes.

It helps organisations understand the effectiveness of their programs, track progress toward goals, and demonstrate the value they provide to stakeholders, funders, and the community.

By systematically collecting and analysing data, organisations can make informed decisions, improve service delivery, and ensure accountability.

Social impact measurement is essential for identifying what works, scaling successful initiatives, and aligning efforts with the needs and priorities of the communities served.

Examples of social impact activities

• Improving employment and volunteering opportunities through workshops and support programmes
• Supporting the local community to enter apprenticeships and work placements
• Supporting young Black Global Majority people through mentoring programmes and coaching
• Offering free or subsidised services such as:
  • Rights-based support and guidance, civic engagement.
  • Anti-racism initiatives.
  • Capacity/infrastructure building of local black organisations.
  • Health and wellbeing outcomes for Islington Black communities.
  • Access to advice and support where Islington Black communities experiences disproportionately negative outcomes using an evidence-based approach.

Metrics used to measure social impact

These metrics may include:

• Participant satisfaction and feedback scores
• Increase in community engagement or service usage
• Long-term outcomes such as sustained employment or educational attainment

Methods for collecting metrics

To collect these metrics, organisations can use:

• Surveys and questionnaires
• Interviews and focus groups
• Service usage data and attendance records
• Case studies and testimonials
• Monitoring and evaluation frameworks

About the organisation

Read the definition of what it means to be a Black-led organisation and make sure you meet the criteria before answering this question.

Grounds for mandatory exclusion

If there are any declarations, we will check to see what action has taken place and what your plans are for changing the situation. If we feel the action is satisfactory and the group will not be a risk, then we will make you eligible.

Find out about the grounds for mandatory exclusion from the government.

Requirements to use the space

If your organisation responds 'no’ to any questions, then you will not be eligible to apply

Financial viability

We are looking to see if the organisation has sound financial management and practices.

Each section will be scored between 0 and 5 for the questions which we asked.

We are looking for financial planning and looking to see groups not heavily reliant on our funding and having forward planning for sustainability of their services.

The main things we will be looking out for in an organisation is:

• Is their income considerably lower than their expenditure?
• Do the have large liabilities, and are in deficit without any further financial planning?
• Do they heavily depend on council funding?
• Have they not applied for any funding in the last 12 months?

All these factors will score the application on the low end of the scoring scale.

Using the space

Read this section carefully and answer all the questions.

Each section will be scored between 0 and 5 for the questions which we asked.

Your responses should be in the text only and no additional information will be considered.

Before you answer the questions on the social impact and social impact measurement, read the social impact measures definition and make sure you can meet the requirements.

Supporting documents and references

We will ask you to confirm you will be able to supply the following documents when we ask for them. We are looking for applicants to have these in place.

• Copy of Constitution (terms of Reference will be accepted)
• Copy of minutes from most recent AGM or committee/ management meeting.
• List of members in key management committee positions
• Copy of Public Liability Insurance, Employers Liability Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance
• Equal Opportunities Policy – (A statement on your Equal Opportunities Policy will be accepted)
• Financial Management and Procedures Policy (an outline of financial management and procedures will be accepted)
• Safeguarding Policy
• Annual Audited Accounts 2024/2025 (registration with companies house will be accepted)
• Copy of most recent Bank Statement

We will ask you to supply two references, one professional and one character reference.