ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] MARCH 2024
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 2023 – 2024 annual report. This past year has been marked by continued growth, progress, and dedication to serving our community. We are delighted to share key achievements and updates from the year, as well as our aspirations for the future.
Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and Asset Transfer Agreement
The Trustees are pleased to report ongoing efforts to transition the charity’s operations and assets to the newly established Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). This transition represents an important step in modernizing our governance and enhancing our ability to serve the community effectively.
The process has been detailed and thorough to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. We are confident that the full transfer will be completed during the next financial year, enabling the charity to operate under a more efficient and robust framework.
Key Events and Celebrations
Ramadan and Eid Celebrations
The holy month of Ramadan concluded with Eid ul-Fitr on 21 April 2023 , marked by two congregational prayers at 8:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Similarly, Eid ul-Adha was celebrated on 28 June 2023 , with prayers following the same schedule. These joyous occasions brought the community together in worship and celebration.
Annual Community Iftar
As part of the Ramadan traditions, the Trustees organized an Annual Iftar toward the end of Ramadan. This special event invited the community to come together and share in the breaking of the fast. The Iftar fostered a sense of unity and inclusivity, with attendees including members of the local council, the Mayor of Telford, and representatives of the police. Their presence underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue and collaboration, strengthening bonds between the Masjid and the
1
wider community. Guests enjoyed a warm, welcoming atmosphere, delicious food, and an opportunity to better understand the spiritual and cultural significance of Ramadan.
Community Eid Celebration
A Community Eid Celebration was held on 1 July 2023 , organized by Maulana Suleiman and volunteers. The event fostered a spirit of unity and provided families with an opportunity to gather, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate together.
Annual Seerah Conference
The Annual Seerah Conference was held on 7 October 2023 , with contributions from local ulema. This much-anticipated event offered invaluable reflections on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Fundraising and Appeals
Emergency Appeal by Islamic Relief
On 13 April 2023 , an emergency appeal was conducted by Islamic Relief (registered charity number 328158). The community’s overwhelming generosity resulted in a remarkable £5,068.25 being raised to support those in need.
Family Fun Day for Gaza Medical Aid
The Family Fun Day , organized by the Shropshire and Telford United Women’s Association (STUWA) on 2 December 2023 , raised £6,105.70 for Gaza medical aid. This event showcased the compassion and solidarity of our community in response to the urgent healthcare needs in Gaza.
Community Engagement
Representation and Recognition
Rashid Hussain represented the charity at a high-profile fundraising event organized by Aghosh UK (charity number 1178778), showcasing the incredible work and dedication of the Masjid. What made this event particularly noteworthy was Rashid’s appearance on Geo News, a major international news channel with a vast global audience. Geo News , known for its extensive coverage of issues affecting South Asian communities, brought significant attention to the charity’s efforts. This international exposure not only highlighted the charitable activities of the Masjid but also underscored its role as a vital part of the wider community.
2
On 20 February 2024 , Rashid Hussain and Mohammed Ahsan attended a celebration evening with the Telford & Wrekin Interfaith Council , where Rashid Hussain was presented with an award by Mandy Thorn MBE DL, High Sheriff of Shropshire. This honour recognized his exceptional contributions to community cohesion and his tireless work with the local foodbank. The evening served as a testament to the charity’s ongoing commitment to building bridges and fostering unity within the community.
Masjid Construction and Facilities Update
New Carpet Installation A significant highlight this year was the installation of a new carpet at the Masjid on 18 April 2023 , generously funded by local brothers. Special acknowledgment goes to the carpet supplier, who fulfilled his promise to install the carpet at cost price. This enhancement has greatly improved the prayer area’s comfort and aesthetic appeal.
3
Ongoing Cleaning of the Masjid
The Trustees are pleased to report that the Masjid continues to be maintained to a high standard, thanks to the dedication of a team of volunteers. These individuals undertake regular cleaning of the premises, ensuring that the Masjid remains a welcoming and hygienic environment for worshippers. Their selfless efforts, carried out without any financial recompense, exemplify the spirit of community service and generosity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to these volunteers, and may Allah reward them for their dedication and hard work.
Completion of the Electric Boiler at the Bungalow
Following the decision to replace the gas boiler with an electric boiler at the Bungalow, we are pleased to report that this project was successfully completed this year. This upgrade addressed previous logistical challenges and ensures a reliable and efficient heating system for the building. The completion of this project marks an important milestone in making the Bungalow fully operational as a community hub.
Garden Enhancements at the Bungalow
The garden area surrounding the Bungalow has also seen a remarkable transformation this year. Sisters from STUWA took on the task of improving the visual amenity of the outdoor space. Their hard work and creative efforts have turned the garden into an inviting and aesthetically pleasing area that complements the Bungalow’s purpose as a community hub. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to STUWA for their dedication, and their work truly stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration.
Architectural Developments
In pursuit of our long-term goal to construct a second storey at the Masjid, a meeting was held this year with our appointed architect. This meeting marked the commencement of the project, with the architect, David, authorized to investigate the planning permission history of the site and liaise with the local authority to assess feasibility. These initial steps are crucial to laying the groundwork for this ambitious project, which will help meet the growing needs of our congregation.
4
Temporary Car Park and New Arrangements
The Masjid's parking arrangements underwent significant changes this year due to ongoing development at the New College site. As mentioned in the previous annual report, the local authority had generously provided temporary use of land at the New College site for parking. This arrangement continued until October 2023 , when construction of a new housing estate, including a dedicated car park for the Masjid, began at the former New College site.
To facilitate construction, the local authority informed us that the existing temporary car park would no longer be available. As an interim solution, the local authority allocated the Masjid a new temporary 21-space car park (at the site of the former tennis courts at New College), accessed via Regent Street. This arrangement came into effect on 13 October 2023 and was specifically tailored to accommodate key community activities, including Friday prayers, Ramadan, Eid, and other important events.
In January 2024 , the Trustees worked closely with the local authority to assist in the successful discharge of planning conditions for the dedicated car park that is to be constructed adjacent to the Masjid. The planning consent includes a 21-space car park at King Street , which will provide a permanent solution to the longstanding parking challenges faced by the community. Construction began shortly before the end of this reporting year, with the dedicated car park expected to be completed after March 2024 . This development marks a major milestone in improving accessibility and convenience for worshippers.
The Trustees extend their gratitude to the local authority for their cooperation and to the congregation for their patience and understanding during this transitional period.
Telford Islamic Academy (TIA)
TIA continues to flourish under the guidance of Maulana Suleiman. This year saw a growth in pupil numbers and an ongoing commitment to expanding teaching staff. The Trustees are prioritizing enhancements to teaching spaces to support the academy’s success.
Financial Statement and Annual Accounts
An overview of our 2023/24 performance:
- Auditors: APEX Chartered Accountants continue to serve as auditors for the charity.
Please see the report and accounts attached herewith.
Key Highlights:
-
Income has increased from £114,886.09 to £121,194.15
-
Cash balances have increased from £148,756.29 to £159,560.46
The charity is in a strong financial position—a testament to the generosity and dedication of our community.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, the Trustees are focused on advancing the following objectives:
5
Second Storey Expansion: The idea of adding a second storey to the Masjid is under preliminary exploration. While this remains a long-term goal, initial steps such as feasibility studies and discussions with architects have been undertaken. The Trustees will continue to assess the viability of this project in light of the community's evolving needs and resources.
Funeral Facility Development: The Trustees are in the early stages of planning a dedicated funeral facility. This includes exploring logistical, financial, and regulatory aspects to ensure the project aligns with the community's requirements. Updates will be provided as this initiative progresses.
Permanent Parking Solutions: Following progress made this year, the Trustees aim to complete the dedicated car park project to address the community’s parking needs comprehensively.
We remain steadfast in our mission to serve the community and achieve these goals with Allah’s guidance, Inshallah.
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)
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
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.
6
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.
7
The Shropshire Islamic Foundation Registered Number. 1112127 Charity Correspondent SHROPSHIRE ISLAMIC FOUNDATION 88- 90 KING STREEr WELLINGTON TELFORD SHROPSHIRE TF11NZ ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024 Apex Chartered Accountants 1 sl Floor Priorslee Local Centre Priorslee Avenue Telford TF2 9NR
Shro shire Islamic Foundation ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 March 2024 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 f nancial affairs of the Shropshire Islamic Foundation for the year to 31 March 2024. Date Apex Chartered Accountants Date 201 For & on behalf of Shropshire Isalmic Foundation
Shropshire Islamic Foundation INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 March 2024 Income 2024 2023 Donations School Fees other Income 90,948.31 27,431.84 2,814.00 89,692.52 25.013.57 180.00 121,194.15 114,886.09 Expenditu Wages General expenses Utilities Legal & Professional Bank charges Donations (Fitrana) 50,194.19 8,422.07 19,907.45 2,709.16 445.52 3,795.24 42,555.34 7,909.06 10,515.98 6,700.36 428.60 1,942.67 85,473.63 70,052.01 Net movement of funds 35.720.52 44.834.08 121,194.15 114,886.09
5hropshlro Islamic Foundation BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 Maich 2024 2024 2023 Fixed assets 8a- 90 King Street 41 Tan Bank 1.474.256.03 220,000.00 1.694.256.03 1,455,339.68 220 000.00 1.675,339.68 Currgnt assets.. Debtors 337.07 337.07 Shropshire IarnIC Fund- general account13201 Telford Central Mosque Trust Fund15131 Shropshtre IslatniG Fund- building a¢counl12601 4.941.71 4.686.84 149,894.84 159.860.46 4.181.83 3,628.13 140.909.28 149,05&29 Llabilltles- Credilors 300. 300.00 Nel cwrent assets 159.560.46 148,756.29 Loans 6.000.00 Nèt assets 1 853.816.49 1 818 095.97 pres8nied by.- Capltal account Balance at 1st April 2023 1,818,095.97 1,T13,261.89 Surplu5 IrOffle 35,720.52 44,834.08 1853.816.49 1 818.095.97