2021-03-31-accounts

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MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION

Registered Charity

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31[ST] MARCH 2021

Charity number: 1150129

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021

Registered Charity Number: 1150129

Principal address:

86 Durham Road London N7 7DU

Trustees:

Mrs C Mayfield - Chairperson Ms B Fatherazi - Treasurer Miss R Alaaldin Ms S Leonardi Ms L Kneizeh Ms D Elrayyes - Appointed on 1[st] March 2021 Ms M Sookias - Appointed on 1[st] March 2021 Ms N Hacquard - Appointed on 1[st] March 2021 Ms G Marco - Appointed on 1[st] March 2021

Governing document:

The charity is operated under the rules of its Constitution.

Bankers:

HSBC Bank

Independent Examiner and Accountant:

TACTS Accountant Chartered Certified Accountant 81 Rayleigh Road Palmers Green London, N13 5QW

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

11-15. Notes to the Accounts

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021

Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation’s (MEWSo) Trustees are pleased to present their annual report and independently examined financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2021.

The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006, the Memorandum and Articles of Association, 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 2015).

Governance, Structure and Management

MEWSo was registered as a charity on 11[th] December 2012. The charity is governed by its Constitution. The trustees are appointed or reappointed annually at the Annual General Meeting. Appointment and retirement of trustees is in accordance with the Articles of Association. All trustees give their time voluntarily and received no benefits from the charity.

The overall management of finance is the responsibility of all the Trustees acting on the recommendations of the Chairperson, the Treasurer and the Director. The Trustees form the Management Committee who meets regularly to oversee the running of the organisation.

Background

MEWSo was set in 2010 by Halaleh Taheri to support migrant and ethnic minority women from Middle Eastern and North African background. Since then, our befriending services, advice, counselling and social groups have supported hundreds of women to become independent and rebuild their lives free from gender-based violence and discrimination. The women we support face a number of disadvantages, mostly resulting from the social constructs in Middle Eastern cultures. They also experience structural poverty, social and health inequalities and endure or have survived gender-based violence. Throughout the years, many have found friends and supporters in the face of our advisors, facilitators and befrienders. The culturally-tailored support we provide to these women is vital for their social integration and wellbeing. Our activities help them reduce their dependency on families, spouses and partners, and empower them to rebuild their lives. We are the only voluntary support organization in London promoting support for Middle Eastern women who are trapped in polygamous relationship or have survived forced virginity testing or hymenoplasty. We also support women from LGTBQ+ communities or those with unsettled immigration status fearing to report abuse due to deportation.

Our organisation rejects every form of discrimination, inequality and exclusion and aspire to a society where every woman lives in safety with equal opportunities. We hope for a society in which diversity is considered an element of strength and not of division. Our organisation is built on the values of secularism, solidarity and social justice.

Charitable Objects:

The promotion of social inclusion for the public benefit in particular but not exclusively among women of Middle Eastern descent who are socially excluded on the grounds of their social and economic position, preventing them from becoming socially excluded, relieving their needs and assisting them to integrate into society, by:

Providing workshops, forums, advocacy and general support;
Education and training in English language and in vocational and other skills;
Social and recreational facilities and events involving the local community; and
Raising public awareness of issues affecting these individuals and the reasons behind their social exclusion, including violence against women and honour related violence.

Within this wording 'Middle Eastern' means countries including: Egypt, Iran, Iraq, turkey, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian territories, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Cyprus.

Activities and Achievements

The past year has been extraordinary in many ways. It has brought new challenges to the women MEWSo supports, especially around domestic abuse and welfare. MEWSo’s advisors saw an increase in the complexity of cases they dealt with, and they have been liaising with police, social services and solicitors on a daily basis. The year was also a proof of MEWSo’s resilience, flexibility and adaptivity. Soon after the first Covid-19 cases were announced in the UK, the charity closed its offices and activities moved online. MEWSo’s facilitators and advisors continued to support women via phone, Zoom and WhatsApp groups. In fact, they went beyond Islington and Westminster as they were able to reach out to women in need from all London boroughs. MEWSo’s service user base expanded, but so did the issues women were confronting. Therefore, the charity grew its advice service to accommodate the increased demand of support around obtaining safe shelter, nonmolestation orders, leave to remain, welfare advice, etc. The orhanisation created new social activities so women had options to stay connected throughout the lockdowns. MEWSo’s calendar of events is now full of activities – Mum and Baby Club, Conversational English class, Mindfulness, Zumba, singing choir, arts and crafts. MEWSo trustees are also proud of the fact that the organistaion continues to be the only one supporting women in polygamous relationships, those forced to undergo virginity test or hymen repair surgery, and one of the very few supporting Middle Eastern women from the LGBTQ+ community.

Next to our support work, the organisation was able to strengthen its campaigns too. The Tenth Year Anniversary, Conference on Migrant Women and Arts Festival have been streamed online by hundreds of people. The team nurtured existing partnerships and attracted new allies. The #BanVirginityTesting petition has been signed by over 250 individuals. MEWSo’s Director, Halaleh Taheri, was featured on many media outlets, including the BBC Newsbeat and The Sunday Times where she talked about the hidden issue of virginity testing. She was also invited by the Women’s Health team at the Department of Health and Social Care to discuss the context, issues and impacts related to virginity testing and hymen repair.

MEWSo continued to grow its team that currently consists of eleven passionate women committed to support our causes. We enriched our Managements Committee by welcoming new members - women with passion and experience in leadership, safeguarding, digital

marketing and community engagement. As always, MEWSo’s volunteers and befrienders have continued to play a key part of the organisation’s support package. MEWSo trustees and staff members are also deeply grateful to all funders who supported us during this challenging year, our volunteers, befrienders, partners and members.

Partnerships

Throughout the year MEWSo has stayed committed to sustaining and expanding our partnerships. The team now works collaboratively with The Five Foundation to address FGM. #BanVirginityTesting is our signature campaign of the year. Together with our allies from Karma Nirvana – a charity supporting survivors of honour-based abuse and forced marriage the team is pushing for a new law on making virginity tests illegal and hymen repair surgeries illegal.

As a grassroot organisation, MEWSo has played a key role in advising on the Mayor of London’s Covid-19 response plans and disseminating NHS’s key health messages to women. Our delegates at the Standing Together Network address the communication gaps in the local domestic violence response in North London. The team has also remained committed to support women who belong to the LGBTQ+ community and continued to partner with the LGBTQ+ service of Mind Islington and Hackney LGBTQ+ Forum.

Future Plans

MEWSo’s doors are open to women from across London. Our strength lies in our understanding of issues affecting our communities. MEWSo’s support is available in several languages, including Arabic, Kurdish, Farsi/Dari and Turkish. We hope that our strong financial position and media presence will allow us to continue our growth so we can support even more women and expand our awareness and campaign work. The year ahead will be equally exciting and important as MEWSo’s team will be piloting bespoke services for women in polygamy in partnership with Greenwich University. The team is looking forward to organising workshops on sexual and reproductive health rights and partnering with BME Health Forum, Iranian Welfare Association, and Kurdish and Middle East Women Organisation (KWEMO) among others.

Risk management

MEWSo’s trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises:

● an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity undertake.

● the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review;

and

● the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

This work has identified that financial sustainability is the major financial risk for the charity. A key element in the management of financial risk is a regular review of available liquid funds. Attention has also been focussed on non-financial risks arising from fire, health and safety and food hygiene. These risks are managed by ensuring accreditation is up to date, having robust policies and procedures in place and regular awareness training for staff working in these operational areas.

The Trustees constantly review risks relevant to MEWSo. Any risks identified are reported to the Trustees and decisions made on how to minimise risk.

In reviewing the effect of COVID-19 Pandemic, MEWSo has reviewed its risk assessment and taken actions in mitigating any associated risks and amend accordingly. The charity’s resilience was responsive and strong which ensured organisational sustainability during this exceptional time.

Financial Review

MEWSo’s main funding sources are restricted funding. This year we were successful in bringing in £193,409 (£76,244 in 2019/2020) from various funders.

Reserve’s policy and Going Concern

Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to cover unplanned emergency repairs and other expenditure. The trustees consider that the ideal level of reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation. As a result, the Board has approved a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed, should be held in reserve and maintained at a level which ensures that MEWSo’s core activity could continue during a period of unforeseen difficulty. The target reserve amount represents at least 6 months’ (26 weeks) expenditure and will be reviewed annually.

Related parties and co-operation with other organisations

None of our trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charity. Any connection between a Trustee or senior manager of the charity with its members must be disclosed to the full board of Trustees in the same way as any other contractual relationship with a related party. In the current year no such related party transactions were reported.

Independent Examiner

TACTS Accountant was appointed as the charity’s independent examiner during the year and has expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Statement Trustees Responsibilities

Charity trustees are the people who serve on the governing body of a charity. They may be known as trustees, directors, board members, governors or committee members. The principles and main duties are the same in all cases.

Trustees have, and must accept, ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of a charity, and ensuring that it is solvent, well-run, and meeting the needs for which it has been set up. The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity.

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company.

Signed on behalf of the board,

Halaleh Taheri Founder & CEO 06[th] May 2021

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION (MEWSo)

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31[st] March 2021, which are set out on pages 9 to 15.

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.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission
under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
to 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:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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.

Date: 06/05/2021

Chartered Certified Accountant

TACTS Limited, 81 Rayleigh Road, Palmers Green, London N13 5QW

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31 MARCH 2021

Unrestricted Funds £ 11,166 - 11,166 - -	Restricted Funds £ 182,243 182,243 105,303 105,303	Total Funds 2021 £ 11,166 182,243	Total Funds 2020 £ 5,222 71,022

		193,409	76,244
		105,303	64,328
		105,303	64,329

11,166	76,940	88,107	11,914
9,155	39,504
		48,659	36,745

20,321	116,444	136,765	48,659

There were no recognised gains or losses for the above period other than those shown in the statement of financial activities for the above financial year. All incoming resources and resources expended are derived from continuing activities.

(The notes attached form part of these financial statements)

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021	BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2021
Notes Fixed Assets Tangible assets (6) Current Assets: Cash at Bank and In Hand Current Liabilities: Creditors: Amount falling due within one year: Accruals & Creditors (13) Deferred Income (14) Net Assets As Represented By Unrestricted Fund Restricted Fund (15) Total Funds	£ 2021 377 152,544 6,369 9,787 136,765 20,321 116,444 136,765	£ 2020 753 48,481 575
		48,659
		9,155 39,504
		48,659

(The notes form part of this account)

The accounts were approved by the Trustees on 06[th] May 2021 and signed on their behalf by:

Mrs C Mayfield Chairperson

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021

1. Accounting basis.

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). MEWSo meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).

b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The Charity trustees are of the view that measures taken subsequent to the year-end to reduce operating costs and successful in applying for continuation funding have secured the immediate future of the Charity for the next 12 to 18 months and that on this basis the charity is a going concern.

2. Cash Flow Statement

The trustees have taken advantage of the exemption in Financial Reporting Standard No 1 (revised) from including a cash flow statement in the financial statements on the grounds that the charity is small.

3. Income

Income is recognised in the period to which it relates, unless specified otherwise by the funder. Project funding is, in general, repayable if not expended within the relevant project. Such income is only recognised to the extent that it ceases to be repayable. The income is accounted for on a receivable basis.

4. Resource Expended

Resources expended are included in the Statement of Financial Activities inclusive of VAT which cannot be recovered. Direct charitable expenditure include includes the direct costs of the activities. Where such costs relate to more than one functional cost category, they have been apportioned in line with the direct costs of the relevant service.

5. Taxation

MEWSo is a registered charity and is not liable for corporation tax on its income under section 505 of the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988 to the extent that it is applied to its charitable activities.

6. Tangible fixed assets

Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.

Depreciation is provided to write off the cost, of all fixed assets over their expected useful life as follows: -

Computer Equipment and Machinery - 33.33% straight line

At Cost Depreciation: At 1 April 2020 Charge for the year At 31st March 2021 NET BOOK VALUE At 31 March 2021 At 31 March 2020	Equipment £ 1,129 376 376
	752
	377
	753

7. Staff Costs

The total staff cost for the year on payroll was £25,288 (£19,819 in 2019/20) including Tax, NIC and pension. Total number of employees was 1.

Trustees are not remunerated.

8. Status

MEWSo is a registered charity.

9. Fund Accounting

Fund accounting unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work.

10. Support Cost

Allocation of support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back-office costs, finance, personnel, and governance costs which support the Charity activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities. The bases on which support costs have been allocated are set out in note 18.

11. Taxation

12. Debtors

The organisation has no debtors in this financial year.

13. Accrual and Creditors

Professional fees Other Creditors 4. Deferred Income AHPN BAME - Healthy Communities Surviving Covid-19	2021 £ 1,160 5,209 6,369 2021 £ 9,787 9,787	2020 £ 575 -
		575
		2020 £ -
		-

14. Deferred Income

15. Analysis of Restricted Fund

The MSE Charity Two Magpies Fund Trust for London London Com. Foundation London Funders, Wave 1 London Funders, Wave 2 Covid 19 Response Fund Brent Cross Community Support Scheme LGBT Consortium Cripplegate Charities Aid Foundation City of Westminster Trusts Holloway Neighbourhood Westminster Council MIND The Barrow Cadbury Trust Rosa Foundation The Centre of Discovery Paddington Devpt. Trust	Balance at 1st April 2020 Incoming resources Outgoing resources Balance at 31st March 2021 £ £ £ £ 3,988 - 2,340 1,648 - 9,640 9,640 - 8,012 6,050 8,012 6,050 5,123 9,500 6,123 8,500 - 3,030 3,030 - - 11,256 5,628 5,628 - 22,469 8,988 13,481 - 2,000 500 1,500 - 4,929 493 4,436 5,377 14,000 9,877 9,500 - 7,230 2,039 5,191 - 8,255 2,064 6,191 - 8,948 5,965 2,983 10,027 19,656 11,027 18,656 - 13,512 12,161 1,351 - 16,800 6,400 10,400 - 19,968 9,319 10,649 - 5,000 1,000 4,000 6,977 698 6,279
	39,504 182,243 105,303 116,444

The MSE Charity
Two Magpies Fund
Trust for London
London Com. Foundation
London Funders, Wave 1
London Funders, Wave 2
Covid 19 Response Fund
Brent Cross Community
Support Scheme
LGBT Consortium
Cripplegate
Charities Aid Foundation
City of Westminster Trusts
Holloway Neighbourhood
Westminster Council
MIND
The Barrow Cadbury Trust
Rosa Foundation
The Centre of Discovery
Paddington Devpt. Trust

Balance at
1st April
2020
Incoming
resources
Outgoing
resources
Balance at
31st March
2021
£
£
£
£
3,988
-
2,340
1,648
-
9,640
9,640
-
8,012
6,050
8,012
6,050
5,123
9,500
6,123
8,500
-
3,030
3,030
-
-
11,256
5,628
5,628
-
22,469
8,988
13,481
-
2,000
500
1,500
-
4,929
493
4,436
5,377
14,000
9,877
9,500
-
7,230
2,039
5,191
-
8,255
2,064
6,191
-
8,948
5,965
2,983
10,027
19,656
11,027
18,656
-
13,512
12,161
1,351
-
16,800
6,400
10,400
-
19,968
9,319
10,649
-
5,000
1,000
4,000
6,977
698
6,279

39,504
182,243
105,303
116,444

16. Grant Receivable

Funder Project The MSE Charity Outdoor over 50 activities Two Magpies Fund Workshops and counselling LGBT Consortium Domestic Violence support Charities Aid Foundation Domestic Violence support City of Westminster Trusts Mental Health and Wellbeing The Centre of Discovery Digital help and support Brent Cross Community Support Scheme Health and Wellbeing The London Com. Foundation London Together Health & Fitness London Funders, Wave 1 Tackle isolation and loneliness London Funders, Wave 2 Asylum and Migrants support Covid 19 Response Fund Adaptations to support activities MIND Mental Health and Wellbeing People's Health Trust Olive Women Club Trust for London Domestic Violence support Holloway Neighbourhood Research & Advice Westminster Council Sports, Health and Wellbeing Cripplegate Information and Advice Rosa Foundation Counselling and Outreach The Barrow Cadbury Young girl’s generation support Paddington Development Trust Health and Wellbeing	2021 £ - 9,640 4,929 7,230 8,255 5,000 2,000 9,500 3,030 11,256 22,469 13,512 - 6,050 8,948 19,656 14,000 19,968 16,800 - 182,243	2020 £ 4,500 - - - - - - 14,760 - - - - 6,751 11,200 4,496 14,779 6,500 - - 8,036
		71,022

17. Expenditure on Charitable Activities

Charitable Expenses Staff Costs & Sessional Workers Workshops and other activities Volunteer Expenses Rent and Room Hire Equipment & Hiring Publicity Memberships and Subscription Refreshments and Catering Transport and Travel Professional fees Insurance Office Expenses Depreciation Total Charitable Expenditure		Unrestricted Funds - - - - - - - - - - - - - -	Restricted Funds 78,502 2,988 2,023 4,445 5,645 1,077 768 994 1,157 3,978 585 2,766 376 105,303	Total Total Funds Funds 2021 2020 78,502 43,488 2,988 3,259 2,023 1,341 4,445 6,209 5,645 658 1,077 901 768 852 994 1,324 1,157 1,543 3,978 1,090 585 585 2,766 2,703 376 376

				105,303 64,329

18. Governance and Support cost

Professional fees Independent Examiner fees Insurance Office Expenses Office Rent/Hiring Depreciation	General Support Governance Total £ £ £ 2,878 - 2,878 - 1,100 1,100 - 585 585 2,766 - 2,766 4,445 - 4,445 376 - 376
	10,464 1,685 12,149

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION

Registered Charity

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021

Registered Charity Number: 1150129

Principal address:

Trustees:

Governing document:

Bankers:

Independent Examiner and Accountant:

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS

CONTENTS

Pages

11-15. Notes to the Accounts

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION Report of the Trustees For the year ended 31 March 2021

Governance, Structure and Management

Background

Charitable Objects:

Activities and Achievements

Partnerships

Future Plans

Risk management

Financial Review

Reserve’s policy and Going Concern

Related parties and co-operation with other organisations

Independent Examiner

Statement Trustees Responsibilities

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION (MEWSo)

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

Basis of independent examiner's report

Independent examiner's statement

Chartered Certified Accountant

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR END 31 MARCH 2021

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION

MIDDLE EASTERN WOMEN & SOCIETY ORGANISATION NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2021

1. Accounting basis.

a) Basis of preparation

2. Cash Flow Statement

3. Income

4. Resource Expended

5. Taxation

6. Tangible fixed assets

7. Staff Costs

8. Status

9. Fund Accounting

10. Support Cost

11. Taxation

12. Debtors

13. Accrual and Creditors

14. Deferred Income

15. Analysis of Restricted Fund

16. Grant Receivable

17. Expenditure on Charitable Activities

18. Governance and Support cost