**Annual Report for the year ending 31[st] March 2021**
## **From the Trustees**
## Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim
"In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious the Most Merciful
May the peace, blessings and mercy of Allah be upon you and your family.
## **Introduction**
A very warm welcome to the 20-21 Annual Report. Due to operating restrictions resulting from the pandemic, this year’s report is necessarily brief due to long closures and minimal activity. Hopefully for 2021-22, things will have gradually returned to normality and there will be more to report.
The past year was dominated by the pandemic, which covers the whole of the reporting year. Along with all other charities, it proved to be challenging, with significant financial implications, but with support of the community, we remained solvent. As mentioned in the previous report, none of us alive today had experienced anything like it in our life. Following the national lockdown in March 2020, the masjid was closed for about 5 months, including during the Ramadhan period – the holiest month in the Muslim calendar.
We were, however, able to maintain connection via social media, and provide spiritual nourishment to the community - during Ramadan and the remainder of the lockdown - by providing daily and Jumma audio bayaan by maulana Suleman. The learning curve from using audio files meant the bi-weekly Dars-E-Quran could be via WhatsApp. Use of video technology meant that the maulana was able to use Zoom for video sermons. Teachers were able to maintain contact with Madrassa pupils via Zoon too. Much of the social media lessons learnt have carried over to regular practice, such as Jumma Bayan recorded and shared via WhatsApp afterwards. Dars- E-Quran is broadcast via Zoom too.
Following partial lifting of the lockdown, the masjid operated under strict social distancing and safety rules. The trustees formally thank the many volunteers that helped to ensure we were able to operate safely, particularly during the Jumma prayers.
We carried on operating during the subsequent, less restrictive, lockdowns, providing prayer opportunities, and virtual madrassa classes under social distancing. All other classes, and activities remained closed. Some planned governance changes were put on hold, but we did move forward with changing the charity structure to a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation).
The move to a CIO was much needed because since formation, SIF was not a corporate body (‘unincorporated’). This meant that the trustees were personally liable for what it did, and SIF was not able to enter into contracts or control some investments in its
own name. The trustees had to ‘hold’ land, property and assets on SIF’s behalf. Every time the trustees changed, an asset transfer is always required. Moving to a CIO also meant that trustee are responsible to the Charity for effective governance and undertaking its objectives.
The drawing up of the CIO was undertaken by a Muslim Solicitor, specializing in charity law, at a well-known Birmingham firm specializing in Charities. It provided opportunity to further strengthened governance, such as setting trustee terms of tenure. Consequently, once the CIO in a place, and all legal formalities are complete, Dr Qureshi and Shaukat Ali will retire as Trustees and new trustees will be appointed by a transparent process.
## Masjid Construction update
There was little internal work, apart for routine maintenance. Externally, we took the opportunity to resurface the car park. We thank the community for generously donating to this much needed work.
The pandemic affected the supply and fitting of the carpet. As mentioned in the previous report, we could have had the carpet in 2019 but asked for it to be delayed to 2020 so that internal work could be completed. Then the pandemic happened. The carpet factory remained closed for best part of the year and global supply chain difficulties meant various components needed for manufacturing are on hold. For further updates, please see one of the trustees, but it is hoped it will be fitted end of 2021 or early 2022.
## Tan Bank
Tan Bank has remained closed throughout the pandemic.
## Future Construction Plans
The plans and idea mentioned in the previous report remain as medium-term goals.
## Telford Islamic Academy (TIA)
The TIA continued to offer classes via zoom. Trustees would like to formally thank maulana Suleman and his dedicated team of teachers for maintaining teaching classes under the most difficult of situations. We also thank pupils and parents for their cooperation and forbearance and supporting the teachers. We also acknowledge, with gratitude, their continuing financial contributions towards staff salaries and other costs.
## Events and Activities
## There were no events at either of our premises.
We did take part in “Connecting Communities” events such as the 75th VJ commemorations. In the video (written and produced by trustee Shaukat Ali and narrated by Adil Ali) and posted online and shared during the celebrations, it portrayed the contribution of the British Indians, including Muslims, to the British war effort. Many in the community will have family members who were part of the effort, therefore it was benefitting their role was acknowledged for posterity, not least their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The video can be seen on the link below.
. Commemoration
We also recorded an Eid message for Telford and Wrekin website as part of the Eid message from the Council Leader.
## Policies
The pandemic meant we quickly had to devise and adopt many health and safety, safeguarding policies and procedures. Risk assessments were approved by Telford and Wrekin designated officers.
## Appreciation
We are a well-respected charity in the county and we firmly believe that what makes us are our many dedicated volunteers (too numerous to mention individually) who generously give their free time. We are also proud of the high levels of employee engagement.
On behalf of the Charity as a whole, we thank everyone who has helped us in our work and look forward to building on this success next year.
Our work and achievements are only made possible by the generosity, commitment, passion and enthusiasm of all those who support SIF. We give our most sincere thanks to all who have given to us their support over the year, with hope for more to come in the future.
## Financial Statement and Annual Accounts
charity and work to ensure good governance, with the help of SIF volunteers. Our key performance indicators are summarised below. For further information, please see the full financial accounts at the end of this report.
Despite the pandemic, we conclude another year in a reasonably stable financial position, all due to the generosity of the community, especially during the lockdown, when the masjid was closed, and we were losing £3500-4000 monthly collection monies. The highlight accounts indicators are as below. These need to be seen in light of previous year context, where several designed projects attracted funding.
Income from donations decreased by £47,461.54, from £138,934.41 to £91.473.19
Total Income decreased by £39,489.77, from £166,93.96 to £127,504.19
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Staff &
admin
Utilities
Expenditure,
excluding
construction,
decreased by
£13,340.80
**----- End of picture text -----**
Construction expenditure of £47,058.20 at King St raised fixed assets for the site from £1,392,019.23 to £1,439,077.43
## An overview of our 2020/21 performance
## **Auditors**
Bagri & Co Accountants (part of APEX Accounts) continue to serve as auditors for the charity.
The Trustees have ultimate legal responsibility for the
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Cash balances at
year end were
£65,804.96
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## Appendix - Structure, Governance and Management
## Governing instrument
The charity is governed by The Trust Deed, 2005 (Note: the CIO will replace this once approved).
## About the Trustees
The Trustees are legally responsible for ensuring that the charity works towards its Charitable Objectives. As per the Trust Deed, there are three trustees. They are all volunteers with expertise and experience in a range of fields ensuring that the members reflect the breadth of knowledge required. Brief biography of the trustees is below.
## **Dr MH Qureshi**
Chair of Trustee, he has led fundraising efforts since the charity’s inception, tapping into his vast network nationally. Recently retired, he was a GP in Telford for over 40 years, and has huge experience of serving on professional bodies, networking and community engagement. He will retire next year as Trustee.
## **Dr Shaukat Ali**
## BSc (Eng) MA MBA PhD PGCE (HE) PgCE PgDipE CEng FHEA FCIPD MIET MCIM
A university academic, he became a trustee in 2010 and oversees administration, finance, the website and acts as operations coordinator. He had served 8 years as trustee of a national charity prior to becoming a trustee of SIF. He is currently in his 13[th] year as trustee of another national charity from which he is due to retire in 2023. He is board director of 2 international professional bodies; served 9 years as governor of New College and 8 years as primary school governor. He served 7 years on a Telford & Wrekin Council Children & Young People Scrutiny Committee as community member and served 12 years as local councilor. He has set on numerous other committees in various roles. He will retire next year as Trustee.
## **Rashid Hussain**
A local property developer and leading community member, Rashid is the “newest” trustee. He grew up in Wellington and is therefore close to the community and is the local contact person for volunteers. His experience of property development and many trade contacts has hugely benefited the masjid. He will become Chair of Trustee, upon retirement of Dr Qureshi.
Based on their collective experience and knowledge, the trustees collectively set the overall strategic direction and tone of the Charity. Having well skilled and competent trustees providing ideas to keep the work moving forward, ensures the Charity is knowledgeable and compliant with all legal and regulatory requirements.
Trustees stay in daily contact via social media and meet informally weekly, more formally once a month and hold regular formal Trustee meetings several times a year with a well-structured agenda to review the work, including finances, consideration of health and safety, risk management policies and performance to ensure that the Charity is on track to meet its objectives. Since the lockdown meetings have been held virtually via Zoom.
The Trustee are supported in their work by numerous volunteers, most notably by the project manager, Sarwar Ayub and by a whole host of volunteers, too numerous to mention, some in lead roles, others in supporting roles. All decisions reached are widely consulted on and decided by a majority vote of the trustees.
The Trustees give of their time freely and no Trustee receives any remuneration.
## Recruitment and appointment of Trustees
The number of Trustees is fixed at 3 as per the Trust Deed. The policy of the Charity has always been to ensure that a variety of expertise exists amongst the individual Trustees. The membership is intended to ensure a balance of professional skills and experience relevant to the various sectors of the Charity and operational needs.
Upon a Trustee retiring, recommendations for prospective new Trustees are generally made as a result of personal knowledge of the current Trustees and suggestions. The considerations are a mixture of current and future needs of the Charity, the skills and experience of a potential trustee, their time commitment, professional and personal background and standing, personal disposition, past dealings with the charity, Trustees, the community etc. All Trustees undergo checks and usual scrutiny to ensure they are fit and proper persons and have not been engaged in any illegalities, 4 extremism, or divisive activities that may bring the charity into disrepute. Trustee appointment for the CIO will be publicly advertised, with transparent roles and person specifications.
The Shropshire Islamic Foundation
Registered Number.. 1112127
Charity Correspondent
SHROPSHIRE ISLAMIC FOUNDATION
88- 90 KING STREET
WELLINGTON
TELFORD
SHROPSHIR
TF1 1NZ
ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 March 2021
Bagri & Co.
1 st Floor
Priorslee Local Centre
Priorslee Avenue
Tellord
TF2 9NR
Shro
shire Islamic Foundation
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING
31 March 2021
ACCOUNTANTS REPORT
The annexed accounts have been taken from the books. records and vouchers supplied
to us, there were no discrepancies found and in my opinion reflect a true and fair view
of the financial affairs of the Shropshire Islamic Foundation for the year lo
31 March 2021.
Date
21
Bagri & Co., Accountants
Dat
Ii.. ..1.3 X I
For & on behalf of
Shropshlre Isalmlc Foundatlon
Shropshire Islamie Foundation
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2021
Income
2021
2020
Donations
School Fees
Gift Aid
91,473.19
22,719.96
13.311.04
138.934.73
25,796.37
2,262.86
127.504.19
166,993.96
Expenditure
Wages
Cost of Fundraising
General expenses
36,075.84
34,343.05
72.75
16,969.19
16,790.20
75.20
38.50
6,930.59
9,997.76
3,375.26
84.30
125.00
Legal & Professional
Bank charges
Donations IFilr8nal
56,588.75
69,929.55
Net movement offunds
70.915.44
97,064.41
127,504.19
166 993.96
Shropshlre 151amlc Foundation
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 Mar¢h 2021
2021
2020
Flxed assets
88- King Streel
41 Tan Bank
1.439.07743
220.000 00
1.fj59.071.43
1,392.019 23
220.000.00
1,612,019.23
Cu¥eeni a6Sets'.
Debtors
Shropshire Islamic FuDo- ggfj*al acco1(320}
Telfts Ceniral MosqLe Trust Fund15131
Shr¢p8hifÈ IanIe Fund- btsilding a¢xounl (2601
5,550 87
566.42
60,056 27
13.038.36
.674 $9
31.590 81
66,173.56
46,303 76
LlJbilltRs'.
36860
356 04
NCUrrent ass819
65.804 96
45.947.T2
Loans
16.DDO.00
20 000.00
Neta¥sgts
1708 882 39
1.637,966.95
represle by'.-
Cjpitsl account
8alance 1st Apnl 2020
I.637,.98
1,541,274.08
Suffjius rme
70,915.44
96,692.87
1,708,882.39
1.637 066.95