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2020-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 1063835

Company Registration No. 03398543 (England and Wales)

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

PAGES FOR FILING WITH REGISTRAR

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Dr A Massoud
Mr K Dawas
Dr L Nashef
Dr R Charif
Dr A Awwad
Dr A Misbahuddin
Mr N Serougi
Mrs Y Tabbakh (Appointed 17 June 2021)
Ms E Simon (Appointed 17 June 2021)
Mr N J R Chia (Appointed 17 June 2021)
Secretary Ms R M Leonard
Charity number 1063835
Company number 03398543
Registered office 86-90 Paul Street
London
EC2A 4NE

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

CONTENTS

Page
Report of the trustees 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the accounts 8 - 13

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's Articles of Association , the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)

Objectives and activities

The Foundation for Al-Quds University Medical School (FQMS) was incorporated on 3 rd July 1997 as a company limited by guarantee No 3398543. FQMS received registration of it charitable status from the Charity Commissioners on 7 th August 1997 with the registered charity number 1063835. The principal charitable objects of FQMS are the advancement of education in the public field of medicine and in particular for the advancement of all aspects of the work of the Medical School at Al-Quds University. At the time of formation this was the only Palestinian medical school: the charity has since extended its work to support medical schools in Gaza and Nablus. In recognition, it adopted a working name in addition to FQMS: The Al-Quds Foundation for Medical Schools in Palestine.

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

This report covers the period between 1 st January and 31 st December 2020.

The 23 rd AGM of the Foundation was held on Wednesday 23 rd September on a virtual online platform (Zoom) due to the restrictions imposed by the COVID19 pandemic. Khaled Dawas chaired the meeting. The remaining Trustees for the period were Dr Nihad Tamimi (vice Chairman) Dr Mahmud Bustami, Dr Rawya Charif, Dr Ahmed Massoud, Dr Awwad Awwad, Dr Lina Nashef, Dr Anjum Misbahuddin and Mr Neil Serougi. Ms Rita Leonard (Operations Manager) and Mr Reuben Ramanah (Treasurer) also attended.

FQMS adapted its meetings and functions to virtual ones to comply with regulations imposed by the COVID19 pandemic. The Trustees met at regular intervals in 2020. The meetings were held on:

In between formal meetings, Trustees conducted the business of the charity with monthly email contact. The Conference and Courses Subcommittee comprised Ahmed Massoud, Nihad Tamimi and Mahmud Bustami. Responsibility for postgraduate trainee affairs was held by Nihad Tamimi and the Madrinha Trust liaison by Khaled Dawas. Anjum Misbahuddin held responsibility for the medical electives’ liaison with the medical schools. Neil Serougi initiated the governance inspection. The annual dinner organising committee was led by Anjum MIsbahuddin and comprised Rawya Charif, Lina Nashef, Khaled Dawas and Ahmed Massoud.

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

FQMS activities comprised support for undergraduates and postgraduate training. In this year, these include the following:

Rita Leonard has been the sole salaried employee since 2014 (full time since September 2016) at FQMS.

The FQMS annual fundraising dinner was successfully held on 7 th March 2020 at the Intercontinental Hotel Park Lane in London. Ms Laila El Haddad, award winning author, public speaker and chef was the keynote speaker. Ms El Haddad travelled from the USA to attend. Najy Nasser was presented with the annual Benefactor Award for his long term generous financial and moral support of FQMS. Dr Hani Abdeen, the Dean of Al Quds Medical School in Jerusalem, attended as an FQMS special guest and gave a brief update on the medical education scene in Palestine.

On 30 th November 2019, FQMS Trustee, Neil Serougi, organised a very successful Palestine poster event in in the grand Lichfield Cathedral. This event was not mentioned in 2019 annual report. This event raised extra income for the charity.

The COVID19 pandemic restrictions meant that no further events were organised in 2020. Rita Leonard, Operations Manager, was placed on the Job Retention Scheme for the period May 2020 to the end of the year.

The planned visits by the Chairman and other Trustees to the OPT for the sake of completing site visits did not take place due to the pandemic. Regular contact with the FQMS partners and beneficiaries was maintained by email and the Trustees are confident that the charity’s funds and projects have been delivered as expected and in good faith. Financial governance remained tight and transparent. The medical elective programmes were not fulfilled in 2020 and the Trustees elected to divert the funds from the elective programme to the bursaries. The increasing poverty across the world was mirrored in the OPT thus placing extra pressures on the Palestinian students and beneficiaries of FQMS.

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

In 2019 we reported difficulties in dealing with a trainee in Renal Medicine and Transplant who completed her funded training in the UK in 2014. Her contract stipulated she returns to the OPT to work for twice the duration of her training in the UK. She remained in the UK and an amicable settlement, to refund the scholarship monies, was reached with the doctor concerned in 2020 ensuring FQMS funds remain protected and clearly accounted for.

The postgraduate training programme in partnership with The Arab Fund and Juzoor remains strong in its delivery and is growing in reputation amongst Palestinian senior trainees. The training was no doubt compromised for all doctors during COVID19 emergency redeployments. FQMS has made the case for extending the training of these international fellows where possible. The UK NHS Trusts benefited from the valuable contribution of senior clinicians at no cost to the taxpayer during the pandemic. FQMS seeks a pro bono extension to the training of these dedicated doctors to compensate for the time lost.

The FQMS Board of Trustees has, over the last 2 years, aimed to maintain a financial balance sheet which allows for a year’s expenditure in reserves. The FQMS funds are kept as either “restricted” or “unrestricted” funds. The former are earmarked for named programmes by the donors whereas the latter have the flexibility to finance projects at the discretion of the Trustees within the wide remit of FQMS projects. The restricted fund reserves in 2020 increased by almost 30% and therefore raised the overall reserves balance by 20%. This was due to several factors:

The Trustees are determined that the reserves should return to the anticipated level in the subsequent 2 years as the universities return to normal working patterns after the pandemic.

The Charity Commission approached FQMS during 2020. A detailed meeting was held virtually between representatives of FQMS (led by the Chairman) and the Charity Commission. The outcome focused on advice to update the FQMS Articles of Association and complete certain governance documents. These were to be completed by 2021. The overall feedback was complimentary of the functioning of the Board of Trustees.

Dr Mahmud Al Bustami elected to step down from his role as Trustee in September 2020 after a 20-year association with the Charity. The Trustees of FQMS, without exception, wish to record their eternal gratitude to Dr Al Bustami for his friendship and tireless work for FQMS and the causes it has supported. In December 2020 the Board interviewed and appointed 4 applicants to the Board of Trustees (with a 6-month probationary period to starting January 2021). The new provisional Trustees are Ms Electra Simon, Mrs Yasmin Tabbakh, Mr Naseer Chia and Mr Haris Kiani. Dr Carl Shakespeare was also appointed as an Officer with responsibilities for the Post Graduate Education Programmes.

For the preparation of the accounts, which form part of this report, the Trustees thank our Operations Manager Rita Leonard and Treasurer Reuben Ramanah. FQMS congratulates the Deans and all their colleagues and students for continuing progress in the face of immense difficulties.

FQMS is proud of its continued partnership with the Arab Fund and Juzoor. We are also very grateful to our partner the Madrinha Trust for funding generous scholarships (covering 100% of tuition fees and in its 6 th year in 2020) and mentoring deserving medical students in the OPT.

Many supporters, not specifically mentioned, have made extremely generous donations to the charity as well as giving of their time and skills. The Trustees are grateful for all their support and encouragement without which much of the charity’s work will not be possible. We remain committed to the development of FQMS in expertise and service towards the fulfilment of its objective of furthering medical education. FQMS and its Trustees are dedicated to collaborative working with partners who eschew the same goals of developing a good medical education and leaders of the future.

Khaled Dawas

Chairman of Trustees, FQMS

8 th August 2021

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Financial review

It is FQMS policy to make sure that the unrestricted funds are maintained at a level to fund a full year of activities and projects in view of the difficulties encountered in transferring funds to Palestine. As an example, funding for the substantial postgraduate training programme originates in the Middle East and is subject to significant delays.

However, FQMS is committed to rapid use of its charitable funds for the agreed projects and maintenance of as small a financial reserve as possible. FQMS will be increasing funding on several projects, as well as considering new key projects in the coming year.

The trustees has assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Dr A Massoud

Mr K Dawas Mr N Tamimi (Retired 28 February 2021) Dr L Nashef Mr M Bustami (Retired 23 September 2020) Dr R Charif Dr A Awwad Dr A Misbahuddin Mr N Serougi Mrs Y Tabbakh (Appointed 17 June 2021) Ms E Simon (Appointed 17 June 2021) Mr N J R Chia (Appointed 17 June 2021)

Approved by order of the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

Mr K Dawas

Trustee Dated: 23 September 2021

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Foundation for Al-Quds University Medical School (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2020.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).

Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) . In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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 , which is one of the listed bodies.

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

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 financial statements to be reached.

Dated: 28 September 2021

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2020
2020
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
100,708
316,155
Investments
4
752
-
Total income
101,460
316,155
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
5
74,642
-
Charitable activities
6
16,165
246,169
Total resources
expended
90,807
246,169
Gross transfers between
funds
-
-
Net income/(expenditure) for
the year/
Net movement in funds
10,653
69,986
Fund balances at 1
January 2020
112,459
325,180
Fund balances at 31
December 2020
123,112
395,166		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2020
2019
2019
£
£
£
416,863
99,520
358,087
752
1,412
-
417,615
100,932
358,087
74,642
85,226
-
262,334
191,127
212,669
336,976
276,353
212,669
-
(10,000)
10,000
80,639
(185,421)
155,418
437,639
297,880
169,762
518,278
112,459
325,180		 Total
2019
£
457,607
1,412
459,019
85,226
403,796
489,022
-
(30,003)
467,642
437,639

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Notes
Current assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
10
Net current assets
Income funds
Restricted funds
11
Unrestricted funds		 2020
£
166,528
354,002
520,530
(2,252)		 £
518,278
395,166
123,112
518,278		 2019
£
46,249
422,374
468,623
(30,984)		 £
437,639
325,180
112,459
437,639

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year in question in accordance with section 476.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 23 September 2021

Mr K Dawas

Trustee

Company Registration No. 03398543

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Foundation for Al-Quds University Medical School is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 86-90 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4NE.

1.1 Accounting convention

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling , which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary a mounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Incoming resources

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

1.5 Resources expended

Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure.

1.6 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.7 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future p aymen ts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.8 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.9 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

3 Donations and gifts

4
5		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2020
2019
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
90,194
316,155
406,349
457,607
Government grant income
10,514
-
10,514
-
100,708
316,155
416,863
457,607
For the year ended 31 December 2019
99,520
358,087
457,607
Investments
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2020
2019
£
£
Interest receivable
752
1,412
Raising funds
2020
2019
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Admin expenses
8,391
5,065
Accountancy fees
2,280
2,160
Exchange rate gain/(loss)
(843)
11,601
Other fundraising costs
25,975
27,677
Staff costs
38,839
38,723
Support costs
4,989
-
Fundraising and publicity
74,642
85,226		 Total
2019
£
457,607
-
457,607
457,607
2019
£
5,065
2,160
11,601
27,677
38,723
-
85,226

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

6 Charitable activities

Support costs for students
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds		 2020
£
262,334
16,165
246,169
262,334		 2019
£
403,796
191,127
212,669
403,796

7 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

8 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2020 2019
Number Number
1 1
Employment costs 2020 2019
£ £
Wages and salaries 37,000 37,000
Social security costs 915 874
Other pension costs 924 849
38,839 38,723
Debtors
2020 2019
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Trade debtors 166,528 23,978
Prepayments and accrued income - 22,271
166,528 46,249

9 Debtors

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 2020
£
252
2,000
2,252		 2019
£
28,984
2,000
30,984

FOUNDATION FOR AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SCHOOL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

11 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Balance at
1 January 2019
£
IELTS Training
9,113
Post Graduate Training Programme
144,599
Accomodation Programme
-
Electives
-
Bursaries
-
Sponsored Students
326
Professional Development
14,524
Inji
1,200
Digital Anatomy Tools
-
Teaching Fellowships
-
169,762		 Movement in funds
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
£
£
-
-
223,349
(88,317)
-
-
5,975
(5,975)
9,015
-
106,038
(90,443)
-
(14,524)
300
-
13,410
(13,410)
-
-
358,087
(212,669)		 Movement in funds
Transfers
Balance at
1 January 2020
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Balance at
31 December
2020
£
£
£
£
£
-
9,113
-
-
9,113
-
279,631
146,338
(119,326)
306,643
10,000
10,000
2,600
(10,046)
2,554
-
-
-
-
-
-
9,015
12,000
(21,015)
-
-
15,921
124,197
(92,131)
47,987
-
-
-
-
-
-
1,500
8,000
-
9,500
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
23,020
(3,651)
19,369
10,000
325,180
316,155
(246,169)
395,166