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2024-10-31-accounts

CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 1001136

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Unaudited Financial Statements

31 October 2024

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Financial statements Year ended 31 October 2024

Pages
Trustees' annual report 1 to 4
Independent examiner's report to the trustees 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Statement of financial position 7
Notes to the financial statements 8to 13
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements
Detailed statement of financial activities 14 to 15

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Trustees' annual report Year ended 31 October 2024

The trustees are pleased to present their report alongside the unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 October 2024.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society)

Charity registration number 1001136

Principal office Wycombe Islamic Centre

St Marks Close High Wycombe HP13 6GN Buckinghamshire

The trustees

Mr A Iqbal Mr A Waheed Mr R Shafi

Independent examiner

Introduction

WISE has expanded the programs and services, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of the local community while adhering to our core objectives of advancing Islamic knowledge, alleviating poverty, and fostering social cohesion.

Structure, governance and management

Organisational structure

WISE, established in 1991 and based in High Wycombe, is a UK-registered charitable trust managed by three trustees. The charity operates with the invaluable support of dedicated volunteers and two permanent employees. The employees include:

Governance and Oversight

The trustees meet regularly to review the charity's activities, set strategic direction, and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. They work closely with the Centre Manager and the Imam to align the charity's operations with its objectives. Volunteers are integral to the success of WISE, supporting everything from administrative tasks to the execution of community events and educational programs.

1

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Trustees' annual report (continued) Year ended 31 October 2024

Objectives and activities

The primary objectives of WISE are to advance the religion of Islam and Islamic knowledge, relieve poverty, and serve the needs of the local community. These objectives guide all our activities, from daily prayers and religious classes to community service initiatives and global humanitarian aid.

In planning our activities, we continue to refer to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. This ensures that our efforts not only align with our mission but also provide tangible benefits to the broader community.

Achievements and performance

Review of activities and future plans

Throughout 2024, WISE has remained steadfast in its commitment to serving both the local and global communities. Our activities are diverse, reflecting the wide-ranging needs of the people we serve.

Wycombe Islamic Centre and The Hive

The Wycombe Islamic Centre, also known as Masjid as-Salam, continues to be the heart of our operations. Purpose-built in 2009, it not only serves as a place of worship but also functions as a hub for community activities, classes, and events. The centre’s accessibility features, including on-site parking, wheelchair access, and a lift, ensure that it is welcoming to all, including the elderly and disabled. Initiatives to build community cohesion include WISE Sweepers, monitoring of parking issues, community iftar, and Ramadhan gifts to neighbours.

The Hive, our community facility established in 2018, has played a pivotal role in fostering social cohesion. It provides a dynamic space for people of different cultural backgrounds to meet and engage in various activities. The monthly Elders lunch club has provided a place for our respected elders from various communities to meet. The WISE Sisters Social brings women together to tackle loneliness. The Hive has also hosted the Listening Place in partnership with Wycombe Mind, and partnered with NIHCR to run a health and wellbeing day at the Hive. The Hive has also offered a means of engaging with nature, with the establishment of some beehives and the production of local honey.

Educational and Religious Activities

Education remains a cornerstone of our work. WISE offer a range of classes, from Quranic studies and Islamic teachings to subjects like English and Maths. These cater to all ages and abilities, providing essential knowledge in both religious and secular fields.

This year, we introduced several new educational programs, including the Friday night lecture series on "Morals and Manners in Islam," which has attracted significant interest. The History of Palestine lecture was another highlight, offering a deep dive into an important and timely topic.

Our Arabic and Quran classes are well-attended, with sessions designed for varying levels of proficiency, from beginners to advanced students. These classes, held both online and in-person, are open to men, women, and children. Additionally, our Islamic seminars have covered essential topics such as Aqeedah (Islamic creed), Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), Tajweed (Quranic recitation), and Tafseer (Quranic exegesis) as well as social and family matters. Topic have included Broken homes, Love in marriage, Islamic finance, Signs of Allah, street life, my corrupt heart, society of sin, honouring your parents, Gaza crisis, calling to Allah, purpose of fasting, the path to paradise.

Classes for women in Urdu on understanding the Quran have proved very popular. A Healing the Heart conference proved very popular with women attending from many parts of the country.

Community and Social Activities

WISE has always prioritised community engagement, and this year was no exception. We were thrilled to reintroduce our open hour coffee evenings every Wednesday, offering a casual, welcoming environment for Muslims and non-Muslims alike to gather and converse. The Big Elders Lunch Club has grown in popularity, providing a much-needed social outlet for our senior members. A new mother & toddler group in the Hive has also started. Fun activities like the family quiz and family charity bazaar helped bring families together.

2

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Trustees' annual report (continued) Year ended 31 October 2024

WISE also launched the WISE Wellness initiative, a comprehensive program designed to improve the health and well-being of our community members. This initiative includes special sessions on mental health, addressing a critical need in today's society. The counselling service was also set up with support from the NHS Bucks Health & Social Care Academy (BHSCA).

One of the most successful events of the year was "A Night with the Quran," our summer conference that drew large crowds and featured renowned speakers. Our annual "Eid in the Park" event was another highlight, attracting over 3,000 attendees. The event featured breakfast, a funfair, and various activities, making it our largest and most successful Eid celebration to date. The eid parties have added to the fun.

A daily iftaar was offered at the masjid during Ramadhan, and free meals were delivered to people struggling with the cost of living.

Furthermore, we are offering the WISE Muslim Marriage Network, a new service aimed at supporting Muslim marriages in High Wycombe. WISE Sweepers is a new initiative to clean up the roads and parks in the neighbourhood.

The community and volunteers were given basic life support training by the British Islamic Medical Association (BIMA). Bucks Adult Learning ran a free Ramadan crafts course at the Hive. The Bucks healthcare NHS Trust ran a session on maternity and neonatal services at the Hive.

Global Humanitarian Efforts: WISE Welfare

WISE Welfare, our humanitarian wing established in 2010, continues to make a significant impact both locally and globally. This year, we supported numerous international aid projects, including:

Locally, our WISE Hardship Fund provided vital support to individuals and families facing economic difficulties. We also contributed to local initiatives such as One Can Trust, and Wycombe Food Hub.

3

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Trustees' annual report (continued) Year ended 31 October 2024

Youth Engagement and Sports

Youth engagement remains a priority for WISE. Our youth wings, Wycombe Islamic Network (WIN) for boys and ARISE for girls, continued to offer programs that engage young people in positive activities. Saturday Night Buzz has been particularly successful, offering a fun and educational environment for children to learn about their religion while participating in games and activities. Brothers Night, with food, socials, Islamic reminders and open discussions has also proved popular. Social events like Laser Tag, paintballing, Rush trampoline park, have offered fun engaging activities for the youth. the Saturday youth football has grown in popularity, with the teams entering tournaments. The boys and girls separate residential retreats have proved life-transforming for many of the attendees.

ARISE has focused on empowering young Muslim girls through sessions that tackle issues such as defending their faith, race, discrimination, and self-care. These programs aim to build confidence and resilience in our youth, preparing them to take on leadership roles within the community.

Swimming classes for Muslim women were started with a female lifeguard, Mother & daughter boxercise, and a women’s walking group have encouraged fitness.

In addition to these programs, WISE also runs the 28th Wycombe Muslim Scout group and is excited to announce the relaunch of the Girl Scouts. These initiatives provide young people with opportunities to develop life skills, build friendships, and engage in outdoor activities.

A workshop was held to prepare young people for university, and career sessions, eg on consultancy, leadership development.

General Operations and Events

Our Centre Manager continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of all WISE activities. This year, we successfully organised a comprehensive holiday program for the community and hosted our second WISE Winter Conference in December 2023. The conference, largely organized by our young adults, was a resounding success, featuring inspiring talks from worldrenowned speakers.

WISE's regular activities, including daily and Jumuah prayers, have seen increased attendance, with over 400 participants regularly joining Friday prayers. We continue to provide facilities for both men and women, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in communal worship.

Financial Review

The net surplus of the charity is detailed in this report. The trustees are confident that the accumulated funds, combined with ongoing support from the local community, will be sufficient to meet the charity's objectives in the coming year. Reserves of £50,000 are considered sufficient to maintain the activities of the charity for at least 6 months.

Conclusion

The trustees are proud of the progress WISE has made in 2024. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we have continued to expand our services and strengthen our community. We look forward to building on this success in the year ahead, with new initiatives and continued dedication to our mission.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 30 August 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

________Abid Waheed Treasurer

4

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Independent examiner's report to the trustees Year ended 31 October 2024

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) ('the charity') for the year ended 31 October 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

  3. the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

________ XXXXXXXXXXXXX Independent Examiner

XXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Dated: 30 August 2025

5

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Statement of Financial Activities Year ended 31 October 2024

Note
Income and endowments
Voluntary income
4
Charitable activities
5
Investment income
6
Total income
Expenditure Charitable activities:
Relief of poverty (WISE Welfare)
7
Grant paid
Advance Islam and Islamic Education:
Expenditure on other resources
expended
8
Total expenditure
Net income
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
£
128,036
44,375
59,920
232,331
-
(9,701)
(188,576)
(198,277)
34,054
(28,861)
5,193
2,216,024
2,221,217		 2024
Restricted
funds
£
620,687
-
-
620,687

(526,780)
-
(852)
(527,632)
93,053
28,861
121,916
661,408
783,324		 Total
funds
£
748,723
44,375
59,920
853,018
(526,780)
(9,701)
(189,428)
(725,909)
127,109
-
127,109
2,877,432
3,004,541		 2023
Total funds
£
676,665
27,507
46,370
750,542
(451,432)
(1,269)
(171,299)
(624,000)
126,542

-
126,542
2,750,890
2,877,432

6

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Statement of Financial Position 31 October 2024

Note
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
13
Current assets
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amount falling due within one year
14
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total charity funds
16		 2024
£
1,891,741
1,114,561
(1,761)
1,112,800
3,004,541
3,004,541
783,324
2,221,217
3,004,541		 2023
£
1,918,101
960,712
(1,381)
959,331
2,877,432
2,877,432
661,408
2,216,024
2,877,432

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 30 August 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

Mr A Iqbal Mr A Waheed Trustee Trustee

7

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 October 2024

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a registered charity in England and Wales and is unincorporated. The address of the principal office is Wycombe Islamic Centre, St Marks Close, High Wycombe, HP13 6GN, Buckinghamshire.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Charities Act 2011.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Disclosure exemptions

The entity satisfies the criteria of being a qualifying entity as defined in FRS 102. As such, advantage has been taken of the following disclosure exemptions available under paragraph 1.12 of FRS 102:

(a) No cash flow statement has been presented for the charity; (b) Disclosures in respect of financial instruments have not been presented.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for a particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

8

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 October 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible assets

All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

9

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 October 2024

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

Defined contribution plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

4. Voluntary income

Donations
Public and book shop donations
WISE Welfare donations
Grants
Grants receivable
Donations
Public and book shop donations
WISE Welfare donations
Grants
Grants receivable		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
127,016
-
1,020
128,036
Unrestricted
Funds
£
123,515
-
8,150
131,665		 Restricted
Funds
£
4,530
610,297
5,860
620,687
Restricted
Funds
£
23,896
521,104
-
545,000		 Total Funds
2024
£
131,546
610,297
6,880
748,723
Total Funds
2023
£
147,411
521,104
8,150
676,665

10

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 October 2024

5. Charitable activities

haritable activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2024 Funds 2023
£ £ £ £
HMRC - tax credit 44,375 44,375 27,507 27,507

6. Investment income

Rental income
7. Costs of charitable activities
Donations paid
Donations paid		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
59,920		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
59,920		 Total Funds
2024
£
59,920
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-		 Total Funds
2024
£
59,920
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
Total Funds
2023
£
£
46,370
46,370
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
£
£
526,780
526,780
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2023
£
£
451,432
451,432		 Unrestricted
Funds
Total Funds
2023
£
£
46,370
46,370
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
£
£
526,780
526,780
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2023
£
£
451,432
451,432		 Total Funds
2023
£
46,370
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-
Unrestricted
Funds
£
-		 Restricted
Funds
£
526,780
Restricted
Funds
£
451,432
Total Funds
2023
£
451,432

During the year WISE Welfare made donations to Afghanistan: £5,500 (2023: £nil), Bangladesh: £36,903 (2023: £36,560), Egypt: £ 7,510 (2023: £15,765), India: £ 25,307 (2022: £26,000), Lebanon: £3,750 (2023: £nil), Morocco: £ 35,885 (2023: £38,870), Nigeria: £ 148,570 (2023: £62,858), Pakistan: £ 54,378 (2023: £48,700), Palestine: £97,700 (2023: £50,900), Sierra Leone: £10,510 (2023: £nil)Turkey: £nil (2023: £49,800), Uganda: £ 48,475 (2023: £82,215), UK: £ 34,182 (2023: £20,818), Yemen: £18,110 (2023: £18,946).

8. Expenditure on charitable activities
Governance costs and other resources
expended
Governance costs and other resources
expended
9. Net income
Net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
188,576
Unrestricted
Funds
£
171,073		 Restricted
Funds
£
852
Restricted
Funds
£
226
2024
£
34,575		 Total Funds
2024
£
189,428
Total Funds
2023
£
171,299
2023
£
34,156

11

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 October 2024

10. Independent examination fees

ndependent examination fees
2024 2023
£ £
Fees payable to the independent examiner for:
Independent examination of the financial statements - -

11. Staff costs

The average head count of employees during the year was 2 (2021: 2). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as follows:

Imams
Manager		 2024
No.
1
1
2		 2023
No.
1
1
2

No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 during the year.

12. Trustee remuneration and expenses

All trustees are volunteers and render their services free of charge. No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the charity or a related entity were received by the trustees.

13. Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At 1 November 2023
Additions
31 October 2024
Depreciation
At 1 November 2023
Charge for the year
At 31 October 2024
Carrying amount
At 31 October 2024
At 31 October 2023		 Land and
buildings
£
2,082,247
-
2,082,247
188,622
28,037
216,659
1,865,588
1,893,625		 Fixtures and
fittings
£
71,877

8,215
80,092
47,401
6,538
53,939
26,153
24,476		 Total
£
2,154,124
8,215
2,162,339
236,023
34,575
270,598
1,891,741
1,918,101

14. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors		 2024
£
-
-
1,142
619
1,761		 2023
£
-
-
1,142
239
1,381

12

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) Year ended 31 October 2024

15. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £1,621 (2023: £2,522).

16. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

At
1 November
2023
£
General funds
2,216,024
At
1 November
2022
£
General funds
2,190,324
estricted Fund
At
1 November
2023
£
Restricted funds
661,408
At
1 November
2022
£
Restricted funds
560,566		 Income
£
232,331
Income
£
205,542
Income
£
620,687
Income
£
545,000		 Expenditure
£
(198,277)
Expenditure
£
(172,342)
Expenditure
£
(527,632)
Expenditure
£
(451,658)		 Transfer
between
funds
£
(28,861)
Transfer
between
funds
£
(7,500)
Transfer
between
funds
£
28,861
Transfer
between
funds
£
7,500		 At
31 October 2024
£
2,221,217
At
31 October 2023
£
2,216,024
At
31 October 2024
£
783,324
At
31 October 2023
£
661,408

Restricted Fund

17. Analysis of net assets between funds

Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors less than 1 year
Net assets
Tangible fixed assets
Current assets
Creditors less than 1 year
Net assets		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,891,741
331,238
(1,761)
2,221,218
Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,918,101
299,304
(1,381)
2,216,024		 Restricted
Funds
£
-
783,323
-
783,323
Restricted
Funds
£
-
661,408
-
661,408		 Total Funds
2024
£
1,891,741
1,114,561
(1,761)
3,004,541
Total Funds
2023
£
1,918,101
960,712
(1,381)
2,877,432

13

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Management Information Year ended 31 October 2024

The following pages do not form part of the financial statements.

14

WISE (Wycombe Islamic Society) Detailed Statement of Financial Activities Year ended 31 October 2024

Income and endowments
Donations and legacies
Public and book shop donations
WISE Welfare donations
Grants receivable
Charitable activities
HMRC - tax credit
Investment income
Rental income
Total income
Expenditure
Charitable activities
Relief of poverty (WISE Welfare)
Grants paid
Expenditure on charitable activities
Wages and salaries
Pension costs
Rent and rates
Light and heat
Repairs and maintenance
Insurance
PPS, books and activities costs
Communications and IT
Voluntary and sundry expenses
Bank charges
Legal and professional fees
Depreciation
Total expenditure
Net income		 2024
£
131,546
610,295
6,880
748,721
44,375
59,920
853,016
(526,780)
(9,701)
(536,481)
(50,501)
(1,621)
(11,441)
(24,242)
(13,230)
(6,875)
(38,015)
(1,954)
(6,343)
(629)
-
(34,575)
(189,426)
(725,907)
127,109		 2023
£
142,676
516,144
17,845
676,665
27,507
46,370
750,542
(451,432)
(1,269)
(452,701)
(45,860)
(2,522)
(6,229)
(17,939)
(19,550)
(3,425)
(30,552)
(2,605)
(6,554)
(685)
(1,222)
(34,156)
(171,299)
(624,000)
126,542

15