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2023-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1114343

Company registration number 05713430 (England and Wales)

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees (who are directors of the Limited Dr A Shalan
company)
Dr M Masri
Dr M Qato
Ms S Hamrouni
Dr H Murray (Appoi
A Najar (Appoi
Secretary Mr O Shweiki
Charity number 1114343
Company number 05713430
Registered office 1 Gough Square
London
EC4A 3DE
Independent examiner Mercer & Hole LLP
21 Lombard Street
London
EC3V 9AH
Bankers Unity Trust Bank plc
Nine Brindley Place
Birmingham B1 2HB
COIF Charity Deposit Fund
80 Cheapside
London
EC2V 6DZ
Solicitors Thomas Eggar
The Corn Exchange Trust
Baffins Lane
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1GE
Honorary positions William Dalrymple Patron
Professor Khalil Hindi Patron
Professor David McLellan Patron
Rev Duncan MacPherson Patron
Professor Steven Rose Patron
The Rt. Hon. Lord Steel of Aikwood Patron
KT KBE DL
Juliet Stevenson Patron

(Appointed 1 December 2023) (Appointed 13 June 2023)

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 4
Independent examiner's report 5
Statement of financial activities 6
Balance sheet 7
Notes to the financial statements 8 - 20

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements 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) (issued in October 2019).

Structure, governance and management

The Friends of Birzeit University (Fobzu) is a UK-based Charity. Fobzu was established in 1978, registered with the Charity Commission in 1979 and subsequently incorporated as a company limited by guarantee in 2006. Fobzu is governed in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Trustees, who are also directors of the company, are appointed for a 3-year term that may be renewed. When considering new trustees, desired skills and experience are assessed prior to a meeting between board members and the potential trustee. New trustees are inducted to the work and ethos of the charity. The Board of Trustees meets at least 4 times a year. Day-to-day management is delegated to the Development Director, who is accountable to and supervised by the Board. Committees and working groups are set up to address specific matters.

The major risks to which the charity is exposed, as identified by the trustees, are regularly reviewed and systems established to mitigate those risks. The major risks facing Fobzu are:

Objectives and activities

Fobzu’s objects are to “To promote the advancement of education of Palestinians seeking educational opportunities at higher and tertiary education institutions and/or through educational, community or cultural programmes in such ways as the Directors see fit.”

The charity is extending opportunities and providing access to education to young Palestinians at educational institutions in the West Bank and Gaza.

The principle strands of activities carried out by Fobzu for the public benefit are:

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

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Achievements and performance

Academic Scholarships

The scholarship programme comprises scholarships at Birzeit University, and joint Fobzu-UNRWA scholarships for Palestinian refugee students. Scholarships are provided on the basis of financial need and academic merit.

Our working relationship with UNRWA has enabled Fobzu to securely provide support to one of the most marginalized sections of Palestinian society. Since academic year 2018/19, Fobzu scholarships supported through UNRWA are have been enabling Palestinian refugee students in financial need to access higher education at Birzeit University in the West Bank and universities in Gaza.

Fobzu's endowments are:

Fobzu also runs multi-year scholarships supported by sponsoring donors. Multi-year scholarships typically cover tuition fees and a scholarship administration fee. Sponsoring donors are consulted on specific requirements such as: gender, place of residence, academic record, faculty or subject, special needs. Sponsors are kept informed of their student’s progress through personal student statements and academic reports.

A Hardship Fund is also in place to provide small grants to cover books, accommodation, transportation and housing, or subsidise students' tuition fees at Birzeit University.

In 2022/23 Fobzu worked with UNRWA to provide 13 scholarships to Palestinian refugee students, of which 9 were female and 4 male. Three students were supported at Birzeit University and 10 at universities in Gaza.

In 2022/23, Fobzu provided an additional 7 scholarships to female students at Birzeit University through its partnership with Birzeit University and Welfare Association.

Building Higher Education Links

In 2022/23 Fobzu launched the Fobzu Palestine-UK Academic Links Seminar (PALS) designed to address the urgent need to build educational links and promote mutual understanding between UK and Palestinian faculty. The PALS programme facilitated a visit to Palestine for up to 12 faculty members and PhD students based at UK universities undertaking an educational itinerary of roundtable discussions, visits to Palestinian higher education and cultural institutions and meetings with Palestinian colleagues. Through participation in the programme, attendees were able to enhance their understanding of the Palestinian higher education sector, its achievements and challenges and develop their awareness of the structural impediments to education for Palestinians living under occupation and in exile. The priority of this programme has been to achieve provide a tangible contribution to building networks and links between UK and Palestinian colleagues, so participants have been encouraged and supported to develop projects that achieve this.

In March 2023, Fobzu held a one-day workshop in London aimed at advancing understanding of Palestinian higher education in the UK sector and advancing support for it. Titled ‘Overcoming Barriers, Building Links: Supporting Access to Higher Education for Palestinians’, the workshop was hosted by Fobzu and Dr Mark Griffiths of Newcastle University, the culmination of a four-year British Academy funded research project on Israel’s visa regime and its impact on Palestinians. UK and Palestinian academics, practitioners and policymakers came together at the National Education Union to take stock of the present challenges facing Palestinian higher education, identify resource and capacity gaps, and discuss approaches to advancing academic collaboration between academics and their institutions in the UK and Palestine. The workshop report summarised the discussions of the event and included recommendations on work to take forward in this area.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Achievements and performance (continued)

Academic Development

In 2023, Fobzu resumed the Fobzu-Oxford University Middle East Centre Writing Residency for Palestinian Scholars after it had been postponed as a result of Covid-19. The Residency is dedicated to promoting Palestinian scholarship and building links between UK and Palestinian higher education by supporting an academic from a Palestinian university to complete a writing project at St Antony’s College, Oxford. The second Fobzu-Oxford Writer in Residence spent six weeks in Oxford during the summer of 2023.

Advocacy and Campaigning

In 2022/23 Fobzu continued the Education, Occupation & Liberation Programme co-hosted with the University & College Union (UCU), holding online events related to education in Palestine. Fobzu also co-hosted an event at King’s College London to mark International Women’s Day with the Department of International Development at King’s College.

Fobzu continued to collaborate with other UK charities working for the rights and welfare of the Palestinian people, in order to raise further awareness about the obstacles to the right to education for Palestinians. In coalition with other charities, Fobzu has participated in meetings with members of the Government and Opposition joined coalition awareness raising initiatives such as a public statement on the 75 anniversary of the Nakba calling on the Government to uphold its legal and moral duties to the Palestinian people.

Fobzu continues to also raise awareness amongst the UK higher education sector about violations of Palestinian right to education through outreach to UK academics and engagement with the University and College Union (UCU), and through its email newsletter and social media platforms.

Other activities

In 2022/23, Fobzu launched three fundraising appeals.

Fobzu continues to see greater potential for increasing income by extending outreach as well as pursuing institutional funding opportunities. Over the coming year, Fobzu aims to raise general funds in order to develop two priority areas:

  1. Building Higher Education Links

  2. Advocacy and Awareness

Volunteers’ support

Fobzu greatly appreciates the role played by its volunteer trustees and other volunteers who are committed to the aims of the Charity. Their skills, and the work performed, deliver much valued support.

Online activity

Fobzu’s website is regularly updated with engaging written and audio-visual material. Our YouTube channel features videos of Fobzu events and other videos related to Fobzu’s programme. Fobzu has active Facebook and Twitter accounts that continue to grow in popularity and continues to attract more subscribers to its e- newsletter ‘Access Online’.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)(INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Future plans

In 2023 Fobzu plans to build on its existing programme, ensuring the charity can continue to have a positive impact on support for Palestinian higher education in the UK. At the same time, Fobzu will work to secure the long-term sustainability of the charity through targeted fundraising efforts. Resources will be invested in outreach to institutional funders, working to expand small donations and developing a legacy and bequest strategy as part of its long term strategy.

Working with Birzeit University, Welfare Association and UNRWA, Fobzu will continue to provide scholarships to Palestinian students in financial need. The charity will also work to promote links between UK and Palestinian higher education, with plans for a second workshop and PALS Programme.

Fobzu will also continue with its Education, Occupation & Liberation Programme, furthering exchange between Palestinian and UK academics and raising awareness in the UK higher education sector about the experience of Palestinian students and educators. The charity Fobzu will also continue to work with other UK charities to advance advocacy for Palestinian access to education.

Financial review

Fobzu recorded a deficit of income over expenditure of £65,085 in fiscal year 2023.

Trustees continue to prioritise the need to secure sustainable income to maintain the charity’s programmes. Given economic and political uncertainties, Fobzu has been successful in raising funds whilst retaining adequate reserves. However, expanding funding streams is vital to longer-term viability and the expansion of Fobzu’s work and impact.

Fobzu held its second annual away day culminating in the development of a strategy for fundraising and

programme development, which will be implemented in 2023.

The trustees have power to invest in such assets as they see fit. Treasury activities have the objective of providing adequate liquidity for Fobzu’s needs and of minimising risk in a cost-effective way.

Reserves Policy

The trustees aim for the level of reserves to be equivalent to approximately one year of management and administrative costs in unrestricted funds to provide for unforeseen circumstances, after accounting for our known scholarship commitments.

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 Owaineh (Resigned 25 September 2023)
Dr A Shalan
Dr D Baillie (Resigned 15 August 2023)
Dr M Masri
Dr M Qato
Ms S Hamrouni
Dr H Murray (Appointed 1 December 2023)
A Najar (Appointed 13 June 2023)

Approved by the Board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:

..............................

Ms S Hamrouni

Chair 26/06/2024 Dated: .........................

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Friends of Birzeit University (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2023 which are set out on pages 7 to 20.

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

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.

Andrew Dean ACA Mercer & Hole LLP

21 Lombard Street London EC3V 9AH

26/06/2024 Dated: .........................

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
funds funds Year ended Year ended
31 August 31 August
2023 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Subscriptions and Donations 2 50,186 6,836 57,022 46,623
HMRC Gift Aid (287) 303 16 2,558
Investment income 3 4,930 - 4,930 751
Other income 4 2,744 - 2,744 1,964
Total income 57,573 7,139 64,712 51,896
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 14,294 - 14,294 22,981
Charitable activities 6 81,766 19,880 101,646 57,483
Total expenditure 96,060 19,880 115,940 80,464
Net gains on investments 12 (14,053) - (14,053) 17,456
Net outgoing before transfers (52,540) (12,741) (65,281) (11,112)
Gross transfers between funds 18 1,400 (1,400) - -
Net outgoing resources (51,140) (14,141) (65,281) (11,112)
Other recognised gains and losses
Other gains or losses 13 196 - 196 -
Net expenditure & net movement in funds (50,944) (14,141) (65,085) (11,112)
Fund balances at 1 September 2022 148,897 133,672 282,569 293,681
Fund balances at 31 August 2023 97,953 119,531 217,484 282,569

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

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.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
17
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Net assets
Income funds
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds		 2023
£
5,454
77,835
83,289
(9,388)		 £
-
143,583
73,901
217,484
217,484
119,531
97,953
217,484		 2022
£
13,137
119,084
132,221
(4,129)		 £
-
154,477
128,092
282,569
282,569
133,672
148,897
282,569

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 August 2023.

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.

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

26/06/2024

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on .........................

.............................. .............................. Ms S Hamrouni A Najar Treasurer Chair

Company Registration No. 05713430

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £10 per member of the charity.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements 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) (effective 1 January 2019)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The accounts are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £1.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

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 comprise general funds created by the accumulated surplus within the statement of financial activities. They are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds represent amounts received for a specific purpose, which have not yet been fully spent, on that purpose by the year end.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

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.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings on a time spent basis:

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include payroll and governance costs which support the programmes. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Fixtures, fittings & equipment 5 years straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.6 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.7 Cash and cash equivalents

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 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 payments 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.

1.9 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.

1.10 Retirement benefits

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

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

2 Subscriptions and Donations

Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
50,186
6,836
57,022
46,623
For the year ended 31 August 2022
44,103
2,520
46,623
3
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Income from listed investments
4,930
751
4
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Other income
2,744
1,964
5
Raising funds		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
50,186
6,836
57,022
46,623
For the year ended 31 August 2022
44,103
2,520
46,623
3
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Income from listed investments
4,930
751
4
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Other income
2,744
1,964
5
Raising funds		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
50,186
6,836
57,022
46,623
For the year ended 31 August 2022
44,103
2,520
46,623
3
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Income from listed investments
4,930
751
4
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Other income
2,744
1,964
5
Raising funds		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
50,186
6,836
57,022
46,623
For the year ended 31 August 2022
44,103
2,520
46,623
3
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Income from listed investments
4,930
751
4
Other income
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
Other income
2,744
1,964
5
Raising funds		 Total
2023
£
57,022		 Total
2022
£
46,623
46,623
Unrestricted
funds
Unrestricted
funds
2023
2022
£
£
4,930
751
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2023
2022
£
£
2,744
1,964
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2023
2023
£
£
Consultancy/contracted services
1,600
-
Office Costs
61
-
Bank charges
113
-
Website costs
245
-
Support costs
11,321
-
Rent and utilities costs
432
-
Travel costs
522
-
14,294
-
For the year ended 31 August 2022
Cost of Raising Funds
22,981
-		 Total
2023
£
1,600
61
113
245
11,321
432
522
14,294		 Total
2022
£
925
345
165
846
20,617
30
53
22,981
22,981

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

6 Charitable activities

Scholarship
Advocacy and
Awareness
Academic
Development
Building H.E
Links
2023
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
Consultancy/
contracted
services
2,119
1,207
5,766
18,018
Office costs
127
57
3
46
Bank charges
239
108
6
87
Website costs
513
232
14
187
Rent &
utilities
908
409
24
330
3,906
2,013
5,813
18,668
Grant funding
of activities
(see note 8)
23,136
-
-
-
Share of
support costs
(see note 9)
23,792
10,723
628
8,647
Share of
governance
costs (see
note 9)
4,320
-
-
-
55,154
12,736
6,441
27,315
Analysis
by fund
Unrestricted
funds
35,274
12,736
6,441
27,315
Restricted
funds
19,880
-
-
-
55,154
12,736
6,441
27,315		 Total
2023
£
27,110
233
440
946
1,671
30,400
23,136
43,790
4,320
101,646
81,766
19,880
101,646		 Total
2022
£
609
99
109
558
20
1,395
39,010
13,598
3,480
57,483
28,915
28,568
57,483

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

6 Charitable activities (Continued)
For the year ended 31 August 2022
Scholarship Advocacy Awareness Academic Total
Developmen 2022
t
£ £ £ £ £
Consultancy/contracted services 209 260 91 49 609
Office costs 34 42 15 8 99
Bank charges 37 47 16 9 109
Website costs 191 238 84 45 558
Rent & utilities 7 8 3 2 20
478 595 209 113 1,395
Grant funding of activities (see note 8) 39,010 - - - 39,010
Share of support costs (see note 9) 4,661 5,799 2,040 1,098 13,598
Share of governance costs (see note 9) 3,480 - - - 3,480
47,629 6,394 2,249 1,211 57,483
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 19,061 6,394 2,249 1,211 28,915
Restricted funds 28,568 - - - 28,568
47,629 6,394 2,249 1,211 57,483

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

7 Description of charitable activities

Scholarship

Working with UNRWA and Birzeit University, the Fobzu scholarship programme supports Palestinian students in financial need at universities in the West Bank and Gaza.

Advocacy and Awareness

Fobzu's work in Parliament and civil society, independently and in coalition with other UK charities and NGOs to promote Palestinian access to education.

The Education, Occupation & Liberation events programme and other activities to raise awareness within the UK education sector and general public about the experience of Palestinian students and educators, the barriers they face to education and how they seek to overcome them.

Academic Development

Support for Palestinian academics and institutions of higher education through the Fobzu-Oxford Writing Residency for Palestinian Scholars and other work to promote Palestinian scholarship and educational exchange.

Building H.E Links

Designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange between Palestinian academics and universities and their counterparts in the UK. This programme aims to address the challenges faced by Palestinian academia due to isolation and restricted access through primarily the Palestine-UK Academic Links (PALS) programme and the annual ‘Overcoming Barriers, Building Links: Supporting Palestinian Higher Education’ workshop.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

8 Grants payable

Scholarship

Grants totalling £23,136 (2022: £39,010) were awarded to 20 (2022: 20) individuals.

9 Support costs

Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Staff costs
52,268
-
Office costs
1,463
-
Other overheads
1,380
-
Audit fees
-
4,320
55,111
4,320
Analysed between
Fundraising
11,321
-
Charitable activities
43,790
4,320
55,111
4,320		 2023
£
52,268
1,463
1,380
4,320
59,431
11,321
48,110
59,431		 2022
£
34,215
-
-
3,480
37,695
20,617
17,078
37,695

10 Trustees

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

No trustee was reimbursed during the year (2022: None).

11 Employees

Number of employees

The average monthly number employees during the year was:

2023 2022
Number Number
Employees 2 1
Employment costs 2023 2022
£ £
Wages and salaries 49,972 32,883
Social security costs 418 -
Other pension costs 1,878 1,332
52,268 34,215

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more (2022: nil).

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

12 Net gains/(losses) on investments

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
£ £
Revaluation of investments (14,053) 17,456
13 Other gains and losses
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2023 2022
(Gains)/losses upon: £ £
Foreign exchange (196) -
14 Tangible fixed assets
Fixtures, fittings & equipment
£
Cost
At 1 September 2022 200
At 31 August 2023 200
Depreciation
At 1 September 2022 200
At 31 August 2023 200
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2023 -
At 31 August 2022 -

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

15
Fixed asset investments
Listed
investments
Cash in
portfolio
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 September 2022
152,528
1,949
Valuation changes
(14,053)
3,159
At 31 August 2023
138,475
5,108
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2023
138,475
5,108
At 31 August 2022
152,528
1,949
16
Debtors
2023
Amounts falling due within one year:
£
Other debtors
4,824
Prepayments and accrued income
630
5,454
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2023
£
Other taxation and social security
876
Other creditors
2,975
Accruals and deferred income
5,537
9,388		 Total
£
154,477
(10,894)
143,583
143,583
154,477
2022
£
13,137
-
13,137
2022
£
-
769
3,360
4,129

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

18 Restricted funds

The restricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used.

Current year

Balance at 1
September 2022
£
Adela Every
Scholarship
32,333
Doreen & Leila
Ingrams
Scholarship
11,720
Peter Holliday
Scholarship
32,762
Hardship Fund
4,934
Sarah Hayward
Scholarship
11,814
El-Gomati
Scholarship
16,957
Boulos and
Margaret Kaibni
11,317
Al-Shehabi Family
Scholarship
1,422
Dominic Simpson
Memorial
Scholarship
10,412
W Barnaby
1
Dr Salem H. Khamis
Scholarship
-
133,672		 Movement in funds
Income
Other
expenditure
Scholarships
Transfers Balance at 31
August 2023
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
(4,355)
-
27,978
2,150
-
(2,153)
-
11,717
-
-
-
-
32,762
1,573
(3,911)
-
2,596
-
-
(2,155)
-
9,659
-
-
(1,375)
(560)
15,022
416
-
(4,738)
(280)
6,715
-
-
(804)
(280)
338
-
-
(389)
(280)
9,743
-
-
-
-
1
3,000
-
-
-
3,000
7,139
-
(19,880)
(1,400)
119,531

In the year, £1,400 was transferred from restricted to unrestricted funds. Fobzu covers the overhead expenditure associated with managing the scholarship by charging a student admin for each scholarship to the relevant fund, and transferring it to unrestricted reserves. Additionally, one of the funds was changed from a restricted fund to an unrestricted fund. Their reserves were transferred to unrestricted reserves.

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

18 Restricted funds

(Continued)

Comparative year

Balance at 1
September 2021
£
Adela Every
Scholarship
34,318
Doreen & Leila
Ingrams
Scholarship
11,802
Peter Holliday
Scholarship
34,423
Hardship Fund
7,199
Sarah Hayward
Scholarship
17,893
El-Gomati
Scholarship
22,170
Boulos and
Margaret Kaibni
16,295
Al-Shehabi Family
Scholarship
3,015
Leri Scholarship
1,935
Dominic Simpson
Memorial
Scholarship
15,000
W Barnaby
204
164,254		 Movement in funds
Income
Other
expenditure
Scholarships
Transfers Balance at 31
August 2022
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
(1,985)
-
32,333
1,475
-
(1,557)
-
11,720
-
-
(1,661)
-
32,762
1,320
-
(3,585)
-
4,934
-
-
(4,679)
(1,400)
11,814
-
-
(4,373)
(840)
16,957
-
-
(4,418)
(560)
11,317
-
-
(1,313)
(280)
1,422
-
-
-
(1,935)
-
-
-
(3,748)
(840)
10,412
-
-
(1,249)
1,046
1
2,795
-
(28,568)
(4,809)
133,672		 Movement in funds
Income
Other
expenditure
Scholarships
Transfers Balance at 31
August 2022
£
£
£
£
£
-
-
(1,985)
-
32,333
1,475
-
(1,557)
-
11,720
-
-
(1,661)
-
32,762
1,320
-
(3,585)
-
4,934
-
-
(4,679)
(1,400)
11,814
-
-
(4,373)
(840)
16,957
-
-
(4,418)
(560)
11,317
-
-
(1,313)
(280)
1,422
-
-
-
(1,935)
-
-
-
(3,748)
(840)
10,412
-
-
(1,249)
1,046
1
2,795
-
(28,568)
(4,809)
133,672
133,672

In the prior year, £4,809 was transferred from restricted to unrestricted funds. Fobzu covers the overhead expenditure associated with managing the scholarship by charging a student admin for each scholarship to the relevant fund, and transferring it to unrestricted reserves. Additionally, one of the funds was changed from a restricted fund to an unrestricted fund. Their reserves were transferred to unrestricted reserves.

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
2023
£
£
Fund balances at 31
August 2023 are
represented by:
Investments
97,953
45,630
Current assets/(liabilities)
-
73,901
97,953
119,531		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
2023
2022
2022
£
£
£
143,583
148,897
5,580
73,901
-
128,092
217,484
148,897
133,672		 Total
2022
£
154,477
128,092
282,569

The Trustees have overall control of the activity.

20 Control

THE FRIENDS OF BIRZEIT UNIVERSITY

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023

21 Related party transactions

Unrestricted donations totalling £nil (2022: £nil) were received from trustees in the year. There were no other related party transactions.