2023-03-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] MARCH 2023

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 2022 – 2023 annual report. The past year saw the complete return to normal activities at the Masjid, following the impact of covid on the operations of the Masjid over the previous years.

2 April 2022 was the first day of Ramadan and saw the resumption of Taraweeh prayers at the Masjid without any restrictions in relation to social distancing or limits to the size of the congregation, which the community had become accustomed to in the previous year. The Trustees arranged for a communal ‘Iftar’ meal which took place on 29 April 2022, the first of its kind since the Ramadan of 2019, due to the impact of covid over the two preceding years. Eid took place on 2 May 2022, with a resumption of 2 separate Eid Prayers at 8.30am and 9.30am. Eid ul Adhaa (the second of the two Eid’s that take place in a year) took place on 9 July 2022.

The Telford Islamic Academy under the Management of Maulana Suleiman continued to offer classes which commenced in September 2022.

Unfortunately, due to a number of natural and man-made disasters affecting the Muslim world, several collections were undertaken at the Masjid by various national and international charities, with a considerable amount of money collected from our generous local community – more on which below.

The previous year saw the initial completion of the legal work required to incorporate a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) with the appointment of Trustees - Mohammed Ahsan as Charity Administrator, Shahad Amin as Treasurer and Rashid Hussain was appointed as Trustee with responsibility for Construction and Building Services – see previous annual report for full details.

Legal advice obtained has indicated that the full undertaking of the unincorporated SIF cannot be transferred to the CIO until such time as all assets are transferred. This process has been delayed largely due to a change in solicitors, with the firm of solicitors who dealt with the incorporation of the CIO (based out of Birmingham) being replaced by a local firm. This has required a review of the work undertaken by the previous legal advisers and it was noted that some required paperwork had not been completed by that firm and with some paperwork that had been prepared being of a pro-forma nature and therefore requiring amendment. It is for this reason that this year’s annual report is again filed under the unincorporated SIF. However, the legal process will be completed in time for next year’s annual report.

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Masjid Construction/Facilities Update

In the previous year focus had primarily been given to concentrate on ongoing maintenance and cleaning as opposed to any major construction works, following the cessation of national lockdowns due to covid. This year saw the return to some more substantive works done at the main Masjid building at King Street.

An excellent team of volunteers continues to undertake regular cleaning of the Masjid, without any recompense and to a high quality. We are grateful for the ongoing assistance provided by the volunteers, may Allah reward them for their efforts.

25 March 2023 saw the installation of high-quality main front entrance gates at the Masjid. In addition to being aesthetically pleasing from the main road, the gates provide essential security to the Masjid. The gates and fencing were funded via the Home Office’s Place of Worship Protective Funding Scheme, a grant that brother Sarwar Ayub had obtained. May Allah reward him for his efforts and the time he gives for works done at the Masjid.

As per last year’s report, unfortunately the carpet that had been ordered prior to the pandemic in 2019, had not been fitted by the supplier who had been contracted. The pandemic appears to have had a severe impact on the business of the carpet supplier, with a number of orders to fulfil – which had all been delayed by the pandemic. Ongoing discussions took place with the supplier, including a face-to-face meeting, which were followed by a number of promises with dates for the fitting of the carpet – sadly none of which transpired. Due to the ongoing failure of the carpet fitter to keep to his promises, and the fact that a 50% deposit was paid for the installation of the carpet in 2019, legal advice was obtained. Pre-action legal correspondence was sent to the carpet supplier which resulted in an agreement being reached that he would re-fund the charity the deposit paid to him previously. Subject to the legal advice provided as to the options available, it was agreed that the charity should accept the refund of the deposit by way of instalments.

The existing carpet at the Masjid was in poor condition and, in particular, it was not fitted – being loose carpet placed on the concrete floor. The Trustees to took steps to find an alterative supplier and in March 2023 instructed a local company to provide a carpet to the Masjid. The old carpet was removed with an intended replacement of the carpet scheduled for April 2023. The local supplier, being sympathetic to the Masjid and in the spirit of generosity, agreed in discussions with the Trustees that he would instal the carpet at cost price.

Due to recent far right activity in the local area, Rashid Hussain held several meetings with the Police as well as Telford & Wrekin Council, as a result of which the Police in conjunction with the local authority installed CCTV on King Street for the protection and security of the Masjid and the public as whole.

Rashid Hussain liaised with Telford & Wrekin Council and on 21 March 2023, the local authority marked out parking bays at the car park serving the Masjid. Parking bays were marked out, including two dedicated to disabled visitors to the Masjid. In addition to this, and crucially, a line was drawn on the tarmac representing a pedestrian access to the Masjid from the front gate. This was to ensure that pedestrians may safely access the Masjid over a dedicated walkway. This was at no cost to the Charity and funded by the Telford & Wrekin Council – we are most grateful for their assistance.

An updated card payment facility was installed at the Masjid, enabling the congregation to provide donations whereby they may choose the donation amount, use of gift aid and the ability to donate towards specific projects. This has been a welcome addition, bearing in mind that since covid, members of the public are carrying less change.

Parking at King Street has been a long-term issue for the Masjid since the congregation was moved to the site from Tan Bank several years ago. This is particularly a problem during certain pinch points

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– such as Jumaa prayers, TIA classes during the week and Eid Prayers. Jumaa prayers ae particularly problematic given the large size of the congregation – the majority of which travel to the Masjid by vehicle. This often results in vehicles being parked on King Street itself, as well as surrounding roads, causing disruption to residents and traffic along the highway. Telford & Wrekin Council have provided the Masjid temporary use of a car park accessed via Regent Street located on land of the former New College site. This has eased congestion on the surrounding roads but has only been a temporary measure. However, the Trustees have been engaged in discussions with Telford & Wrekin Council in relation to a more permanent solution being provided to the Masjid. In November 2022, at a meeting with representatives of Telford & Wrekin Council, it was agreed that dedicated and permanent parking would be provided for the exclusive use of the Masjid to be located at the site of the former college. The initial proposal from Telford & Wrekin Council comprised of:

1. A car park located on what was the site of the former basketball court at New College with 21 lined parking spaces.

2. The car park would be accessible from King Street (as opposed to the existing temporary car park which is accessed from Regent Street).

3. The car park will be supported by a Pelican/Zebra crossing to enable safe pedestrian access over the car park to the Masjid.

4. The possibility of parking bays to be located on King Street itself, for any overspill.

Once completed, the Masjid would be provided with a formal lease of the car park, together with an option to purchase the land in future. It was stated by Telford & Wrekin Council that planning permission is still being progressed with respect to the proposed re-development of the land at the form college. However, it was indicated that the local authority was aiming for completion of the car park in around the end of 2023. The Trustees expect further discussions with the local authority and hope that the car park will be constructed within the next 12 months. A further and more concrete update will be provided in next year’s annual report.

Tan Bank

As mentioned in previous updates, there has been much debate and discussion about the future of the Tan Bank site and, in particular, as is set out in the annual report for the year ending 31 March 2020. The key has always been to find a solution to a building that has sat empty for a significant period of time, which is not satisfactory. In previous annual reports, the Trustees faced the problem that there was no easy way forward to deal with the Tan Bank site, and it was anticipated that no solution would present itself in the immediate future.

However, an approach was made to the Trustees by a brothers from the Turkish community in Telford. This is sizeable and growing community, with members of the same involved heavily in business activities throughout the town. There was an expression of interest from some members of the Turkish community to explore the setting up of a Masjid catering to that community – with a particular emphasis on provision of religious services and education in the Turkish language.

The approach from the Turkish brothers came at the very tail end of March 2022 and discussions with that community continued this past year. The priority for the Trustees was to find a use for the building both to mitigate against the risks of a building sitting redundant as well as to make use of a building that had been converted into a Masjid through the hard work of volunteers and with funding provided by the local community over the course of the last 40 plus years. The Trustees were also mindful of the fact that the Masjid can only be used in a manner that is consistent with the Objects of the Charity and in accordance with our Islamic principles. Accordingly, the approach received from the Turkish brothers was welcomed.

Via legal advice obtained, the Trustees have provided a temporary licence for the Turkish brothers to use the building as a Masjid (consistent with our own denomination) with effect from 7 November 2022. The Turkish brothers have agreed to pay for all costs associated with the operation of the site

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(such as utility bills) and have agreed to meet the costs of the maintenance and upkeep of the building (thus saving the Charity costs in this respect).

Long term, it is anticipated that once the asset transfer is completed from the unincorporated charity to the CIO, in conjunction with that a more permanent arrangement with the Turkish brothers will be considered. This is subject to legal advice, but The Trustees will be looking to enter into a formal lease arrangement with the Turkish brothers.

The Bungalow

Work undertaken at the bungalow was stalled as a result of an issue identified with the proposed supply of gas to the building.

The installation of a central heating system at the bungalow was completed last year, with the installation of radiators in all rooms together with the installation of a gas boiler. The Trustees then liaised with Cadent Gas in relation to the supply of mains gas from the Masjid to the Bungalow, which once completed would enable the commissioning of the system. However, an issue was encountered in this respect. Cadent Gas explained that a gas supply to the bungalow from the Masjid would involve significant works requiring new pipework to be laid across the car park (which would cause consequential damage to the recently laid tarmac). Unfortunately, the costs associated with this was far higher than expected in the region of £20,000. Such a significant cost could not be justified at the current time.

The Trustees have made the decision that the existing gas boiler installed at the bungalow would be replaced with an electric boiler. This would therefore negate the need for substantial construction works and would be far cheaper. Plans have been put in place for this exercise to be completed in the next year, which is turn would enable the remaining outstanding items of work (mainly of a decorative rather than of a structural nature) to be completed and thus resulting in a fully operational building.

The plan remains that once completed, the Bungalow will act as a major community hub for activities for adults, children, and the wider community as is set out in previous annual reports and the support of our sister organisations.

The Garage

The building known as the “Garage” continues to serve many purposes, for which it remains very useful. It remains a useful storage area for the Masjid and continues to be used for physical activities, with circuit training sessions undertaken in the evenings.

The rooms above the garage continue to play a central role as a hub for the various activities by the sisters as well as classes in the rooms above the garage by the Telford Islamic Academy.

Future Construction Plans

In the short term, the plan remains to complete the internal/decorative aspects of the Masjid, which will include the installation of the carpet (as mentioned above) together with the construction and installation of mimbar (a pulpit) – although the latter is decorative and not a priority and thus will be subservient to any other priorities that may arise in the next year.

The plan will also be to complete the bungalow with the installation of an electric boiler, to be followed by the completion of the outstanding decorative items – such as new doors.

The medium and long term plans remain as they were expressed in last year’s report, as follows:

In the medium term and what the Trustees consider to be a priority, inshallah work will be commenced on the construction of a second storey at the Masjid. By the grace of Allah, the

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community is growing in size and it is clear that a second storey would now be a welcome addition to the facility. There are days on Jumaa as well as the Eid prayers where we are getting close to a position whereby the entire ground floor is nearly completely full. On the current trajectory, in the nottoo-distant future, space may become limited. For this reason, coupled with the poor condition of the temporary roof installed at the Masjid which does not appear to be watertight (see the annual report for the year ending 2020), by necessity the construction of a second storey has now become a priority.

Given the comments in the pre-ceding paragraph, the construction of the second storey has to be prioritised. However, long term the Trustees remain committed to the completion of a funeral facility. The designated space will be on the side of the Garage, utilising the medium sized storage area, partitioning, installing all the services, and fitting in body storage chillers and a body washing table. The main garage hall will serve as the janaaza space. Plans have been drawn by an architect for the proposed works, but two key aspects are being explored by the Trustees. The first are the health and safety and environmental aspects of having a body located in the building – which will require consultation with the local authority. The second is the extent to which assistance will be required from the local undertakers. Currently the local undertakers serving the local community deal with everything from the collection of the body, providing washing facilities, transport of the body to the Masjid for prayers as well as liaising with the local authority with respect to burial of the body. The Trustees are exploring how to provide facilities for the benefit of the community and will consult and seek assistance from other Masjids that already provide these facilities. The community will be updated as things progress.

Long-term therefore there will be a 2-storey main building, a new street facing frontage, a multipurpose hall, a funeral facility and a community building. It will be the centre of Muslim life for the community, a place to pray, learn, socialize, celebrate and mark the cycles of birth, life and death.

Telford Islamic Academy (TIA)

The TIA continued to thrive, under the auspices of Maulana Suleman and his dedicated team of teachers, which continue to run from 5.00pm – 7.00pm on weekdays.

There has been an overall expansion in pupil numbers, but we remain constrained by limited capacity in terms of teachers and space. Hopefully the completion of the bungalow will assist with space requirements. The increase in the number of teaching staff continues to be a focus for the Trustees in the coming years in order to increase the number of children that may be taught at the academy.

Events/collections

Sadly a number of events took place in the year necessitating collection of funds (in all cases funds were paid to registered charities):

1. £10,492.63 was raised by the community following the earthquake that took place in Turkey on 6 February 2023;

2. £6,250.81 was raised by the community following a crisis appeal affecting Afghanistan in March 2023.

The level of the fundraising for these urgent appeals and in short succession in an immense credit to the generosity of the community.

Maulana Suleman accompanied by Councillors Paul Watling, Kelly Middleton and Raj Mehta along with Mayor of the borough of Telford & Wrekin, Councillor Amrik Jhawar and members of the Interfaith Council took part in a tree planting ceremony in Telford Town Park. Ten cherry trees were planted in the Teenage Activity Arena, to mark the coming together of the local community at Telford Town Park.

Mualana Suleman and volunteers arranged a Community Eid Celebration, which provided food and activities for the local community to celebrate Eid ul Adhaa which took place on 18 July 2022.

Councillor and Mayor of the Borough of Telford & Wrekin Raj Mehta held an inter-faith ceremony on 14 September 2022, where his appointment as mayor was celebrated by members of different faith

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based communities. The Trustees attended as representatives on behalf of the Muslim community of Telford.

No School visits to the Masjid took place this year, although as explored in previous reports, the visits themselves are reactive with requests for the visits coming directly from the schools themselves. This is something for the Trustees to consider going forward and, where necessary, it may be that a committee or volunteers could be approached to assist the Trustees with this.

Financial Statement and Annual Accounts

An overview of our 2022/23 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 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.

Key Highlights:

• Income from donations totalled £89,692.52.

• Cash balances held increased from £110,923.30 to £148,756.29.

• Expenses have remained well controlled

We end the year in a very healthy financial position (a credit to the community for their ongoing donations and support) and with sufficient funds to make a very serious impact upon the future construction plans set out above.

- Appendix Structure, Governance and Management

Governing instrument

The charity is governed by The Trust Deed, 2005 (Note: the CIO will replace this once the asset transfers have been completed, which are currently subject to legal advice and assistance)

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 Trustees for the unincorporated SIF, 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.

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 14[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 councillor. He has set on numerous other committees in various roles.

Rashid Hussain (also Trustee of the CIO) BSc (Hons) Real Estate Management

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A local property developer and leading community member. 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.

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. 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, extremism, or divisive activities that may bring the charity into disrepute.

Trustees of the CIO

Rashid Hussain BSc (Hons) Real Estate Management (see above)

Shahad Amin – ACCA, BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance

Shahad is a Chartered Accountant and Finance Manager working for a large and complex multinational corporation (£200m+ sales revenue). He has extensive Financial Management experience and technical knowledge gained throughout his career. For the past several years, Shahad has served as volunteer Assistant Treasurer, helping Dr Shaukat Ali, principally with gift aid claims and dealing with HMRC.

Mohammed Ahsan – LLB (Hons)

Ahsan is a Partner and Head of Litigation in Shropshire at a local law firm. A Wellington local, Ahsan gained his A levels at New College and went on to study law at the University of Wolverhampton. He completed his legal training with a firm in Telford. Over the course of 16 years since his qualification as a Solicitor, he has developed a specialism in commercial litigation with a particular emphasis on property and trusts litigation.

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The Shropshire Islamic Foundation Registered Number. 1112127 Charity Correspondent SHROPSHIRE ISLAMIC FOUNDAT10N 88- 90 KING STREET WELLINGTON TELFORD SHROPSHIRE TF1 1NZ ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023 Bagri & Co. 151 Floor Priorslee Local Centre Priorslee Avenue Tellord TF2 9NR

Shro shire Islamic Foundation ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 March 2023 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 linanGial affairs of the Shropshire Islamic Foundation for the year to 31 March 2023, Date Bagri & Co., Accountants Date For & on behalf of Shropshire Isalmic Foundation

Shropshire Islamic Foundation INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2023 Income 2023 2022 Donations School Fees Other Income 89,692.52 25,013.57 180.00 104,712.92 22,883.81 447.10 114,886.09 128,043.83 Expenditure Wages Gener21 expenses Utilities Legal & Professional Bank charges Donations (Filrana) 42.555.34 7.909.06 10,515.98 6,700.36 428.60 1,942.67 35.010.59 8,448.39 11,947.93 6,132.76 194.66 1.930.00 70,052.01 63,664.33 Net movement of funds 44.834.08 64,379.50 114,886.09 128,043.83

Shropshlre IslJmic Foundglion BALANCE SHEEfAS AT 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Flxèd assets 88- 90 Kin9 Street 41 Tan Bank 1,455.339 68 220.000 00 1.675.339 68 1.448.339.59 220 000.00 I,8￿8.339.59 Current asset5'. Debtors 337.07 Shropshire lslaml¢ Fund- genèral a￿￿UntI320I T£Nord Central M(bsque Ttusl Fund15131 Shropshire Islamlc Fund- bu1￿1n9 acLount12601 4.181.63 3.628.13 140.909.26 149,056.29 3,335.61 2,142.29 los,￿.58 111.448.46 300.00 524.16 NètCLufent assets 148.75S 29 110,922.30 Lows Notas5Dts 1 818 095.97 1773 261 89 represented by.- Capltal account Bsbants al 1slApTrl 2022 1,773,261.89 1.708,682.39 Sutplus IncomB 44.834 08 64,379.50 1.818.095.97 1713 261.89

Shro shire Islamic Foundation Year ended 31 March 2023 Flxed Assets Land & Buildin FixELJres & Plant & Fittin s Machine Com uler Total 88- 90 King Street Cost at 01 April 2022 1.446.934.77 1,404.82 1,448,339.59 Additions 0.00 5,878.17 647.92 474.00 7.000 09 1,446,934.77 7,282.99 847.92 474.00 1,455,339.68 41 Tan Bank Valuation of asset 220,000.00 220,000.00 Cost and valuation at 31 March 2023 1,866,934.77 7,282.99 647.92 474.00 1,675,339.68 AdditlOn5 Back door Basin (Ladie5 Cubidesl H8nd ivash Basins (Mens Cubicles) Coin sorter Digital collection plate 900.00 955.13 4,023.04 647.92 474.00 5.878.17 647.92 474.00

Shro shire Islamic Foundation Year ended 31 March 2023 Notes Income - Donations Bank

91452320

01227513

61494260

School fees Transfeis Other Income 77,994.39 1,891.00 45,000.70 25,D13.57 10,000.00 180.00 89,692.52 Less Total Donations Gènaral Ex 8n5èS Telephon&lbroadband Insurance Repairs & Maintenance Website pps Computer & software costs 616.84 2,925.34 3,238.20 268.68 300.00 560.00 7,909.06 Total Utilities Light and Heal Water Rates 9,915.88 600.10 10,515.98 Total Lg al & Profe35ronal Muslim Council Accountancy Thirtyoneeight Fbc Manby Bowdler David Humphreys 249.96 549.60 145.00 4,513.20 1,242.60 6,70D.36 Tota1 Loans Mohammad Ibrar 6,000.00 Total 6,000.00