Council of Mosques – Tower Hamlets Annual Report 2025
| Contents: | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustee's Report | 2 - 12 |
| Association Information | 5 & 14 |
| Financial Statements | 13- 22 |
| Independent Examination Report | 16 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 17 |
| Balance Sheet | 18 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 19 - 22 |
Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Chair's Foreword
It gives me immense pleasure to present the Council of Mosques Annual Activity Report for the period April 2024 to March 2025, which demonstrates our organization's unwavering commitment to serving the diverse communities of Tower Hamlets. This year has been marked by significant achievements in community cohesion, safety, health promotion, and capacity building, reflecting the collaborative spirit that defines our work. Our comprehensive program of activities has reached over 1,100 community members across 40+ mosques, establishing CoM as a vital bridge between statutory services and grassroots communities.
Alongside our partnership work with Tower Hamlets Council, we have established and furthered our online presence via the new website, app and social media, ensuring our reach extends beyond traditional boundaries and engages with younger generations.
I am grateful to the Office Bearers and Executive Committee for their dedicated service throughout this period. The Office Bearers meet monthly to oversee day-to-day activities and coordination of programs, while the Executive Committee sits quarterly to ratify strategic objectives and governance matters.
H M Shamsul Hoque
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Secretary General's Executive Summary
The reporting period has witnessed unprecedented levels of community engagement and partnership development, positioning the Council of Mosques as a cornerstone organization in Tower Hamlets' civic landscape. Our multi-faceted approach to community development has addressed critical areas including public health inequalities, community safety concerns, and organizational capacity building. Through strategic partnerships with agencies such as Tower Hamlets Public Health, the Metropolitan Police, VAWAG, and the Cost of Living Crisis Team, we have delivered comprehensive services that directly respond to community-identified priorities.
The scale and impact of our work is reflected in key achievements including the delivery of 25+ training sessions across safeguarding, first aid, and hate crime awareness, reaching hundreds of participants with accredited qualifications and lifesaving skills. Our response to community tensions during summer 2024 demonstrated organizational agility and leadership, facilitating crucial dialogue between law enforcement and community leaders while coordinating protective measures for places of worship. The four major cohesion events delivered across Tower Hamlets attracted over 800 participants, creating vital platforms for service access and community unity.
Looking ahead, our comprehensive delivery plan for 2025 builds upon these foundations with enhanced focus on youth engagement, digital outreach, and sustainable partnership development. The organization's ability to balance immediate crisis response with long-term capacity building positions us well to meet emerging challenges while continuing to strengthen the social fabric of our diverse communities.
Sirajul Islam (Hira Islam)
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Treasurer's Statement
The financial stewardship of the Council of Mosques continues to reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability, and value-driven service delivery throughout the reporting period. Our financial management has ensured maximum impact from available resources, enabling the delivery of extensive programming across training, community events, and partnership initiatives while maintaining robust governance standards.
The annual accounts, demonstrate prudent financial management and compliance with statutory requirements, reflecting our dedication to organizational excellence and community trust.
Praise be to Allah who has given us the ability to work for the Council of Mosques. I would like to thank all the members who had re-elected me as the Treasurer of Council of Mosques – Tower Hamlets for the year 2023 -2025.
I am grateful to our donors and members who have provided financial assistance during the year. We are also proud to be selected by LBTH to run many community and mosque engagement projects and activities.
An independent examination was carried out by Abacus Partners (Ldn) LLP, Chartered Certified Accountants. The charity elected to dispense with the annual appointment of examiner. In the absence of a specific resolution to the contrary Abacus Partners (Ldn) LLP will continue in office.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime' and accordance with FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland'.
This report was approved by the Executive Committee on 7 September 2025.
Signed on behalf of the board of trustees,
Mohammad Abdul Munim Jahedi
Treasurer, 7 September 2025
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Elected Trustees
| Elected Trustees | |
|---|---|
| Shamsul Hoque | Chair |
| Sirajul Islam Hira | SecretaryGeneral |
| M. Abdul Munim Jahedi | Treasurer |
| Faruk Ahmed | Senior Vice Chair |
| Shamsul Hoque | Vice Chair |
| Mafijur Rab | DeputySecretary |
| Ahmed Abdul Malik | EC Member |
| Faruk Ahmed | EC Member |
| M. Atik Miah | EC Member |
| M. Bashir Ahmed | EC Member |
| M. Musleh Uddin | EC Member |
| M. Musleh Uddin | EC Member |
| Mashuk Ahmed | EC Member |
| Dr. Muhammad Ali | EC Member |
| M Nurul Amin | EC Member |
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Council of Mosques Activity Report April 2024 - March 2025
Executive Summary
The Council of Mosques (CoM) has delivered an extensive program of community engagement, capacity building, and partnership initiatives throughout the reporting period. Working across Tower Hamlets with numerous local mosques, the organization has successfully facilitated training programs, coordinated public health initiatives, and strengthened community cohesion through targeted interventions addressing hate crime, safeguarding, and civic engagement.
Key Performance Indicators:
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Total participants engaged: 1,100+
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Mosques directly supported: 40+
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Training sessions delivered: 25+
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Major community events: 8
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Partnership agencies: 15+
Key Partnerships and Collaborative Framework
CoM has established robust partnerships with multiple Tower Hamlets agencies, including Public Health services, the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWAG) team, the Metropolitan Police, and the Cost of Living Crisis Team. These collaborations have enabled comprehensive service delivery across diverse community needs, from health promotion to safety and security concerns.
Major Program Areas
Public Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
Public Health Workshop – January 31, 2024 Location: Osmani Centre Trust Focus Areas: Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Chronic Respiratory Disease
The organization's health engagement strategy has focused on addressing significant health inequalities within Tower Hamlets, particularly concerning the three major conditions that reduce healthy life expectancy in the borough. Through strategic partnerships with Tower Hamlets Public Health, CoM has facilitated health awareness campaigns and supported smoking cessation initiatives across the mosque network.
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Public Health Campaign Metrics:
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Quit Smoking online training: All Tower Hamlets mosques reached
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Health Fair planning: May/June 2025
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Focus group on long-term disease prevention: April 8, 2025
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Vaccine engagement events: Multiple Friday prayer announcements
Cost of Living Crisis Response
February 2024 Distribution Campaign CoM engaged with 11 mosques to distribute cost-of-living provision booklets:
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Limehouse Mosque and Muslim Cultural Association
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Shahporan Masjid & Islamic Centre Trust
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British Estate Cultural Centre
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Darul Ummah Mosque
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Poplar Mosque & Community Centre
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Baitul Aman Mosque & Cultural Centre
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Esha Atul Islam Mosque
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Mazahirul Uloom London
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Bow Muslim Community Centre
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Wapping Noorani Masjid & Cultural centre
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Al Aqsa
Impact: Over 500 Ramadan Do's & Don'ts leaflets distributed across all Tower Hamlets mosques in March 2024.
Community Engagement and Capacity Building
Coffee Morning Sessions - April 2024
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April 16: British Estate Mosque (15 participants)
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April 18: Hamlets Way Masjid (11 participants)
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April 21: Shahparon (14 participants)
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April 24: Baitul Aman Mosque (9 participants)
Total Coffee Morning Engagement: 49 participants across 4 sessions
Mosque Engagement Seminar - April 25, 2024
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Mosque officials: 39
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Total participants: 60+
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Partner agencies: 5 (Public Health, VAWAG, Hate Crime, Cost of Living Crisis, Met Police)
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Emergency Preparedness and First Aid Training
First Aid Training Program - May 28, 2024 9 participants from 9 mosques received 3-year accredited qualifications:
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British Estate Mosque
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Stepney Shahjalal Mosque
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Hamlets way mosque
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Baitul Islah Academy
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Darul Ummah
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Hindgrove Mosque
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Lansbury Mosque
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Poplar Central Mosque
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Westferry Mosque
Additional First Aid Training:
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February 22, 2025: 25 participants from 6 mosques (UCL Medical Students partnership)
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January 2025: 26 women trained in Docklands (Samuda Estate Women Association partnership)
Safeguarding and Protection Services
Safeguarding Training Sessions:
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May 30, 2024: Female session
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June 13, 2024: Male session
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January 23, 2025: Female session (21 participants from 9 mosques)
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• January 30, 2025: Male session (29 participants from 12 mosques)
Total Safeguarding Participants: 50+ across multiple sessions
Participating Mosques in January 2025 Training:
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Globe Town Mosque
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East London Mosque
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Bromley By Bow Mosque
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Tarbiyah Academy
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Iqra Institute
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Redcoat Mosque
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Taslima Mosque
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Westferry Community Organisation
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Baitul Aman
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Burdett Estate Mosque
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Madina Masjid
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Al Huda
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Community Safety and Hate Crime Prevention
Hate Crime Reporting Session - June 14, 2024 7 participating mosques, 1,105 total participants:
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Shahporan Mosque
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Baitul Aman Mosque
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Poplar Central Mosque
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Ford Square Mosque
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Bishops Way Mosque
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Collingwood Street Mosque
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Darul Ummah Mosque
Summer 2024 Hate Crime Outreach Schedule: 10-week program across 10 mosques (July 26 - September 27, 2024):
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July 26: Hamlets Way Mosque
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August 2: British Estate Mosque
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August 9: Wapping Noorani Mosque
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August 16: Globe Town Mosque
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August 23: Ashaadhibi
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August 30: BBC Mosque
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September 6: Bishops Way Mosque
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September 13: Burhan Uddin Mosque
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September 20: Baitul Aman
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September 27: Darul Ummah Jame Masjid
Hate Crime Training for Women & Teenagers - July 2024 Virtual session: 20 attendees
Governance and Organizational Development
Governance Workshop Sessions - July 4, 2024 5 mosques received individual governance reviews:
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British Estate Mosque
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Hamlets Way Mosque
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Musidal Islamic Association UK
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Global Town Mosque
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Wapping Mosque
Additional Governance Support - January 2025:
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Mile End Mosque
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Milwar Mosque
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Stepney Shahjalal Mosque
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• Globe Town Mosque
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Community Cohesion and Major Events
Four Major Cohesion Events - 2024 Locations: Bow, Whitechapel, Wapping, Docklands Average attendance: 200+ per event Partner agencies: Public Health, VAWAG, Hate Crime, Metropolitan Police
Partner Mosques:
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British Estate Mosque
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Wapping Mosque
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East London Mosque
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Al-Aqsa Mosque
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Samuda Estate Women Association
Annual General Meeting - October 19, 2024 Location: London Muslim Centre Mosque representatives: 25 mosques Partner agencies: Hate Crime Team, VAWAG, Environmental Health, Tower Hamlets Consultation Team
Interfaith Relations and Community Understanding
Interfaith Week Initiatives - November 2024:
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Safeguarding in Faith Settings conference
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Interfaith Cohesion event participation
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Faith Leaders meetings (Hindu Temple, Bow Gurdwara)
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• Faith Calendar 2025 review assistance
Stakeholder Dinner - November 14, 2024 Attendees: Faith leaders and Tower Hamlets council staff
"Iftar with Your Neighbours" Project - March 2025 9 participating mosques:
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Baitul Aman Mosque
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Shahporan Mosque
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Teviot Mosque
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Al-Aqsa Mosque
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Island Garden Community Association
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Wapping Mosque
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Darul Ummah
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Mile End Mosque
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DCO
Crisis Response and Law Enforcement Relations
Police Chief Meeting - July 31, 2024 Key participants: Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, mosque leaders from Tower Hamlets and Hackney Outcome: Weekly police briefings established, dedicated hate crime task force created
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Weekly Police Briefings - August 2024 Chair: Inspector Thomas Vie Format: Microsoft Teams Focus: National disorder, right-wing extremism threats
Specialized Training and Development Programs
Male Allies Leadership Training - November 2024 Location: Town Hall Partners: VAWAG, Metropolitan Police Chair: CoM
Community Safeguarding Conference - November 2024 Location: Bethnal Green Focus: Adult social care safeguarding
Work Experience Program - July 2024 Participant: 19-year-old interested in Data Analysis Duration: 2 weeks Projects: Prayer timetables app, mosque directory data
Community Engagement Metrics Summary
Training and Education:
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First Aid Training: 60+ participants across 3 programs
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Safeguarding Training: 50+ participants across 4 sessions
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Hate Crime Awareness: 1,100+ participants across multiple sessions
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• Governance Support: 9 mosques directly assisted
Community Events:
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Major Cohesion Events: 4 events, 800+ total attendance
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Coffee Morning Sessions: 4 sessions, 49 participants
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Mosque Engagement Seminar: 99+ participants
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Annual General Meeting: 25 mosque representatives
Partnership Engagement:
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Direct mosque partnerships: 40+ mosques
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Government agency partnerships: 8+ departments
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• External organization partnerships: 5+
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Our Supporters and Partners
Thank you to our supporters and partners
Bamford’s Trust PLC
Tower Hamlets Violence Against Women & Girls Hate Crime Cost of Living Public Health Tower Hamlets Interfaith Forum
Mr. Zahir Ali
East London Mosque Trust Maryam Women’s Services Tower Hamlets Metropolitan Police Tell Mama Muslim Council of Britain London Bangla Press Club
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Charity Number – 1124554
Abacus Partners (Ldn) LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit A, Abbotts Wharf 93 Stainsby Road
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Association Information
Charity Number 1124554 Principal Office 3rd Floor London Muslim Centre 46 Whitechapel Road London E14 6JL
Examiners Abacus Partners (Ldn) LLP Chartered Certified Accountants & Statutory Auditors Unit A, Abbotts Wharf 93 Stainsby Road London E14 6JL Banker H S B C 75 Whitechapel Road London E1 1DU
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
Independent Examiner
Review of Transactions and Financial Position:
The Statements of Financial Activities shows a surplus of £50,001 of this year (2023-24 £41,374), with the Balance Sheet value of £105,750.
Reserves:
The board has determined that the appropriate level of free reserves which are not invested should be equivalent 3 to 6 months' expenditure, approximately £24K to £48K.This free reserve is enough to service the planned reserve policy and the board is working to improve this further during 2025/26 with the view to collect more donations and grants.
Risk Management and Going concern:
The trustees recognise the major risks that the charity faces each financial year when preparing and updating the strategic plan and as such have developed systems to monitor and control these risks to mitigate any impact that they may have on the organisation in the future. With the commitment of grant from LBTH trustees believe that they are able to procure enough fund to keep the charity going concern as the charity does not have any capital commitment or liabilities.
Trustees' Responsibilities:
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in [England & Wales/Northern Ireland] requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2015 (FRS 102)
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
REPORT OF THE EXAMINER’S TO THE TRUSTEES OF COUNCIL OF MOSQUES - TOWER HAMLETS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025 which are set out on pages 17 to 22.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income not exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ACCA.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act
have not been met; or
- 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Nur A Chowdhury FCCA Abacus Partners (Ldn) LLP Chartered Certified Accountants Unit A, Abbotts Wharf 93 Stainsby Road London E14 6JL
Date: 7 September 2025
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
The notes on pages 19- 22 form part of these accounts
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
The notes on pages 19-22 form part of these accounts
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
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Council of Mosques - Tower Hamlets 3rd Floor, London Muslim Centre, 46 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1JX 020 7650 3040 www.councilofmosques.com info@councilofmosques.com Charity No. 1124554
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