2021-12-31-accounts

Charity number: 1159070

ALTAJIR TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

ALTAJIR TRUST

CONTENTS

Legal and Administrative Information	1
Report of the Trustees	2 - 6
Independent Examiner’s Report	7
Statement of Financial Activities	8
Balance Sheet	9
Notes to the Financial Statements	10-17

ALTAJIR TRUST

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Trustees	Professor Alan Jones (Professor Jones died on 25th September
	2021)
	Professor Charles Tripp
	Dr Noel Brehony C.M.G.
Director	Richard Muir C.M.G.
Charity registered number	1159070
Principal office	11 Elvaston Place
	London
	SW7 5QG
Independent examiner	Amy Healey FCA CTA DChA
	Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Limited
	Chartered Accountants
	North House
	198 High Street
	Tonbridge
	Kent TN9 1BE
Bankers	Emirates NBD
	Emirates NBD House
	25 Knightsbridge
	London
	SW1X 7LY
	Barclays Bank PLC Private Bank
	1 Churchill Place
	London
	E14 5HP
Solicitors	Taylor Wessing
	5 New Street Square
	London EC4A 3TW

Page 1

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

ALTAJIR TRUST

The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of Altajir Trust (“the charity” or “the Trust”) for the year ended 31 December 2021. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the provisions of “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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)). The Legal and Administrative information on page 1 forms part of this report.

Structure, governance and management

The Trust is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (“CIO”) incorporated on 4 November 2014 (registered charity number 1159070). It was formed to convert an unincorporated charity of the same name (registered charity number 284116, now dissolved) to CIO status. The original Trust was founded by His Excellency Mohamed Mahdi AI Tajir (“the Founder”) and the CIO continues to be financed through his and his family’s charitable donations. The Trust does not actively raise funds. It seeks to continue philanthropic work through the careful management of the resources made available by the Founder and his family.

The Board of Trustees, who meet quarterly, administer the charity. A Director, appointed by the Trustees, runs the day-to-day operations of the charity, subject to the approval of the Trustees. The Trustees receive no remuneration or benefits and have no related party connections with the charity.

The Trustees are appointed by the Board of Trustees. The Trust Deed provides for a minimum of three Trustees and a maximum of twelve. The induction process for newly appointed Trustees includes a full briefing from the Director on the Trust's objectives and activities, a meeting with the Chairman and the provision of documentation including the Trust Deed, past annual reports and accounts and a copy of the Charity Commission guidance 'The Essential Trustee'.

At the quarterly Trustees' meetings the Trustees agree the broad strategy and areas of activity of the Trust including grant making and scholarships; they also review the cash flow against identified future requirements and consider risk management and overall performance against objectives. The day to day administration of grants and scholarships and the processing and handling of applications prior to consideration by the trustees is delegated to the Director and the Administrator.

Richard Muir C.M.G. remained Director on a salaried part time basis.

The pay and remuneration for the two salaried staff are set by benchmarking with similar small charities. Annual pay adjustments are made with the approval of the trustees using the State Pension as a marker.

Objectives and activities

The object of the CIO is, for the public benefit, the advancement of education in Britain or in any of the Arab states or Islamic states for needy young people and adults, with a particular but not exclusive emphasis on subjects of relevance to the Arab states or Islamic states and the publication of books in English and Arabic furthering the understanding of the history and religions of those states.

Page 2

ALTAJIR TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

The focus of the Trust's activities is currently on the following broad objectives for the public benefit:

• funding institutions, exhibitions and other events as well as publications and lectures to make aspects of Islamic culture and history better known to a wider audience in the United Kingdom and in the Middle East;

• supporting charitable institutions providing educational assistance and health care to deprived communities in the Levant;

• contributing through grants to the cost of conservation of Islamic artefacts and manuscripts in the United Kingdom and to assisting conservation in Muslim countries; and

• providing scholarships to students from the Arab world to study at British universities before returning to their own countries.

In carrying out these activities the Trust has itself organised conferences and published and distributed a number of books. It has otherwise sought to pursue its objectives through grants to, and partnerships with, other institutions. In recent years these have included Asia House, the British Museum, the Council for British Research in the Levant, Mosaik Education, St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital, Centre for Christian-Muslim Studies and Stirling University.

In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit.

Grant-making policy

The Trustees invite applications from existing and other potential partner institutions through direct contact and through the Trust's website. Details of how to apply for grants can be downloaded from the website. The trustees accept scholarship nominations from selected partner institutions.

The Trustees review applications for grants and scholarships at their quarterly meetings against the Trust's current aims and in light of the projected availability of funds. Grants and scholarships, once made, are kept under regular review against a three year forward plan and through dialogue with partner institutions to ensure the efficient and effective use of the grants for the purposes for which they were made. The Trust's criteria for the provision of its direct scholarships are that: recipients should normally be of Arab nationality, resident in an Arab country and intending to return there; courses should generally be one year taught masters degrees and should be of clear benefit to the recipient's home country; applicants should hold acceptance from a British university. Scholarships are conditional on the applicant obtaining a visa to enter Britain. The Trustees give priority to students under 25 years of age. Grant and scholarship policy is currently under review but no major change is anticipated in the overall parameters.

Achievements and performance

The Trust continued to operate during the second year of the covid pandemic with staff working largely from home, visiting the office when necessary. The grant and educational programmes continued although the latter again at a slightly lower level than before the pandemic. Trustees continued to meet remotely by Zoom with in person meetings resumed in 2022.

The Trust made seven grants during the year consistent with its aims and objectives and taking full account of Charity Commission guidelines.

Page 3

ALTAJIR TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

During the period the Trust through its Educational Programme of directly funded scholarships again acted as official financial sponsor for the fees and living costs for students from Arab countries, although on a still reduced basis. Two students were supported during the year at first degree level. One student was supported on a maintenance only basis until the summer break and another from October until year end; both were on taught masters degree courses.

The direct expenditure on core charitable activities, made under the following headings, amounted to:

	£
Grants for projects	49,500
Student support	56,550
Events and publications	1,413

All of us, Trustees and staff, acknowledge the vital and generous funding for all our activities by His Excellency Mohamed Mahdi AI Tajir and his family. We all greatly miss the wise guidance and leadership of the late chairman of trustees, Professor Alan Jones who died in September 2021. He had served as a trustee and then as Chairman since 1984; he remained an active and a committed upholder of the values of the Trust until his death. Professor Charles Tripp has succeeded Professor Jones as chairman and the Trust is now in the process of recruiting at least one new trustee.

Financial review

The Trust acknowledges with thanks the Donor's generous funding of its activities. Total donations of £218,535 (2020: £286,000), including gifts in kind of £2,535, were received in the period. Total expenditure for grants made, student fees and maintenance and operating costs was £265,560 (2020: £260,220). Funds carried forward were £86,398 (2020: £131,901).

Reserves policy

Charity Commission guidance requires trustees to consider the need for a charity to maintain reserves. Free reserves are defined as funds which are neither restricted nor designated and which are not tied up in fixed assets necessary for operations - these are reflected in the charity's general reserve. The general reserve provides a degree of protection to the charity in the event of downturn in income or unexpected additional expenditure. The Trustees had a policy in 2021 to maintain the general reserve at approximately seven months' operating costs which is about £100,000. At the year-end free reserves amounted to £86,398 (2020: £131,901). The Trustees have decided to reduce the general reserve in 2022 to about five months' operating costs which is about £70,000; they will again balance expenditure against donations over 2022 to maintain the reserves level at about £70,000.

Risk management

Risks and uncertainties facing the charity have been identified with the following plans and strategies to manage them:

• Inability of scholars to complete their educational programmes: careful assessment of each candidate’s qualifications including ability in English language and of their proposed course of study before the Trust’s agreement to act as official financial sponsor; monitoring of the scholar’s progress through to completion of the educational programme.

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ALTAJIR TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

• Misuse of grants to organisations: use of standard form as the basis for examination of grant applications followed by discussion with applicant organisations before grants are recommended to trustees for decision; monitoring of the use of grants through close dialogue with grant recipients; assessment before and after of value for money of the project funded.

• Matching income from donations with expenditure: close financial monitoring through full monthly review of the financial position against annual budget including income from donations and other sources, actual and forecast expenditure, including a five year lease commitment (2017-2022) and other contingent liabilities; supplemented when necessary with additional weekly reviews. Early warning to trustees of any impending shortfall or surplus with recommended action including use of reserves. The budgetary position is reviewed at each trustees meeting, held a minimum of three times a year and when necessary is discussed with the Donor’s family. This is remains important since with the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and its aftermath stretching into 2022 the Trust continues to be particularly reliant on the Donor’s ability to provide funds in a timely way.

Plans for the future periods

Following the covid pandemic both grant and scholarship programmes are under review. The Trustees hope to secure necessary funding to cover fees and maintenance costs for a viable scholarship programme under the Trust’s criteria and with the focus returning to one year taught masters’ degrees and a clearly stated selection process. The Trustees also aim, within the availability of funds from the Donor, to maintain a programme of grants at a similar level to previous years. The trustees expect to maintain the Trust’s longstanding criteria for both grant and scholarship programmes; these take full account of Charity Commission guidelines.

Trustees' responsibilities statement

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' 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 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:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

• make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and

• 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 adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and 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.

Page 5

ALTAJIR TRUST

TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

This report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 12 July 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Professor Charles Tripp Trustee

Page 6

ALTAJIR TRUST

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ALTAJIR TRUST

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Altajir Trust

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘the CIO’) for the year ended 31 December 2021.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the CIO you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the CIO’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the CIO as required by section 130 of the Act; or

2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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 accounts to be reached.

Amy Healey FCA CTA DChA Lindeyer Francis Ferguson Limited Chartered Accountants North House 198 High Street Tonbridge Kent TN9 1BE

Dated: 21 July 2022

Page 7

ALTAJIR TRUST

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

Notes Income from: Donations 2 Charitable activities Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 3 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income and net movement in funds 8 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 13	2021 Total funds £ 218,535 1,522 220,057 265,560 265,560 ( 45,503) 131,901 86,398	2020 Total funds £ 286,000 581
		286,581
		260,220
		260,220
		26,361
		105,540
		131,901

There were no restricted or endowment funds in the current or preceding period.

Page 8

ALTAJIR TRUST

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021

Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 9 Current assets Stock of publications Debtors 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Net assets Charity funds Unrestricted funds 13	£ £ - 6,837 15,259 78,537 100,633 ( 14,235) 86,398 86,398 86,398 2021	£ £ - 6,934 17,425 117,338 141,697 ( 9,796) 131,901 131,901 131,901 2020	£ £ - 6,934 17,425 117,338 141,697 ( 9,796) 131,901 131,901 131,901 2020
			131,901
			131,901

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 12 July 2022 and signed on their behalf by:

Professor Charles Tripp Trustee

Dr Noel Brehony C.M.G. Trustee

Page 9

ALTAJIR TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by 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) ("Charities SORP FRS 102"), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102") and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The accounts are presented in pounds sterling and rounded to the nearest pound.

The trustees have considered the effects of the global pandemic Covid-19 in assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. As noted in the Trustees' report, the charity's scholarship and grants programme continued but at a slightly lower level in 2021 with some effect on funding as a consequence of the impact of the pandemic on the Donor’s ability to provide additional resources on top of the regular contributions. The latter have however been maintained in a timely way throughout the pandemic and the trustees therefore expect the charity to be able to continue. The accounts are consequently prepared on a going concern basis.

There are no significant areas of judgement or estimation uncertainty.

1.2 Income

Donations are recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, the receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured. This is usually on receipt. Gifts in kind such as donated services and facilities are recognised at the date they are utilised and are measured at their estimated fair value.

1.3 Expenditure

General

Expenditure is recognised when a present legal or constructive obligation exists at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation, and the amount can be measured or estimated reliably.

Grants payable

Grants payable are payments made to third parties in the furtherance of the charitable objectives of the Trust. The grants are accounted for where either the trustees have agreed to pay the grant without condition and the recipient has a reasonable expectation that they will receive a grant, or any condition attaching to the grant is outside the control of the Trust.

Charitable activities

The Trustees have identified three main charitable activities: grant making, student support and events and publications. Support costs have been allocated on the basis of direct costs (including grants payable) attributable to each activity.

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ALTAJIR TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

1 Accounting policies continued

1.3 Expenditure (continued)

Governance costs

Governance costs are included in support costs and are directly associated with the general running of the charity as opposed to the direct functions inherent in managing charitable activities.

VAT

The Trust is VAT registered. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expended for which it was incurred.

1.4 Operating leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities on a straight line basis over the lease term.

1.5 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated realisable value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Fixtures, fittings and equipment 20% on cost Office equipment 25% on the reducing balance Computer equipment 25% on cost

1.6 Stock

Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.

1.7 Financial instruments

The charity only has financial instruments which are classified as basic financial instruments. Shortterm debtors and creditors are measured at the settlement value. Any losses from impairment are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

1.8 Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

1.9 Status

Altajir Trust is a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales. Its registered address is 11 Elvaston Place, London, SW7 5QG.

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ALTAJIR TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

2 Donations

Donations Gifts in kind	2021 £ 216,000 2,535 218,535	2020 £ 286,000 -
		286000

Gifts in kind relate to donated storage facilities for the stock of books.

3 Charitable activities

Grant making Student support Events and publications	2021 Grants £ 49,500 - - 49,500	2021 Direct costs £ - 56,550 1,413 57,963	2021 Support costs £ 72,823 83,195 2,079 158,097	2021 Total £ 122,323 139,745 3,492 265,560	2020 Total £ 42,693 217,189 338
					260,220

4 Grants paid

Council for British Research in the Levant The British Museum Columbia University - Gulf 2000 University of Stirling Centre for Christian-Muslim Studies Asia House V & A Museum St John of Jerusalem Mosaik Education	2021 £ 5,000 10,000 - 2,500 5,000 5,000 - 12,000 10,000 49,500	2020 £ - - 952 2,500 - - 5,000 5,000 5,000
		18,452

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ALTAJIR TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

5 Direct costs

Publications Bookselling expenses Stock adjustment Student maintenance Student fees 6 Support costs Staff costs Payroll costs Travel and entertaining Premises costs Office costs Subscriptions Bank charges Insurance Sundry expenses Professional fees Governance costs: Independent examination fees	2021 £ 1,229 184 - 33,450 23,100 57,963 2021 £ 84,541 618 655 59,138 3,771 - 160 565 172 5,477 3,000 158,097	2020 £ 47 119 ( 20) 35,760 58,110
		94,016
		2020 £ 82,287 619 544 55,804 1,250 315 140 508 44 2,751 3,490
		147,752

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ALTAJIR TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

7 Staff costs

Wages and salaries Social security costs	2021 £ 80,603 3,938 84,541	2020 £ 77,997 4,290
		82,287

The average number of employees during the year was 2 (2020: 2). No member of staff earned over £60,000 per annum in the period or the previous year.

None of the Trustees received any remuneration in the period. No expenses were reimbursed to trustees during the year (2020: £nil).

Key management personnel are considered to be the trustees and the director. The remuneration of key management personnel during the year was £47,844 (2020: £47,824).

8 Net (expenditure)/income

	2021	2020
	£	£
This is stated after charging:
Independent examination fees (including irrecoverable VAT)	3,000	3,490

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ALTAJIR TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

9 Tangible fixed assets Fixtures & fittings Cost At 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 14,556 Depreciation At 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021 14,556 Net book value At 31 December 2021 - At 31 December 2020 - 10 Debtors Trade debtors Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals Grants payable Other taxation and social security	Office equipment 8,607 8,607 - -	Computer equipment 3,060 3,060 - - 2021 £ 134 61 15,064 15,259 2021 £ 6,794 5,000 2,441 14,235	Total 26,223
			26,223
			-
			-
			2020 £ 103 3 17,319
			17,425
			2020 £ 7,088 - 2,708
			9,796

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ALTAJIR TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

12 Contingent liabilities

The charity has made grant offers of £18,740 which are payable over the next two years. These are not recognised as liabilities as they are subject to terms and conditions before being paid and therefore the payment is possible but not probable.

13 Statement of funds

Brought forward Incoming resources Current year £ £ General fund 131,901 220,057 Total unrestricted funds 131,901 220,057 Brought forward Incoming resources Prior year £ £ General funds 105,540 286,581 Total unrestricted funds 105,540 286,581 The general fund represents the free reserves of the charity.	Resources expended £ ( 265,560) ( 265,560) Resources expended £ ( 260,220) ( 260,220)	Carried forward £ 86,398
		86,398
		Carried forward £ 131,901
		131,901

14 Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2021 the charity was committed to making the following payments under noncancellable operating leases:

cancellable operating leases:
	2021	2020
	£	£
Buildings:
Payable not later than one year	27,840	43,425
Payable later than one year not later than five years	-	27,840

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ALTAJIR TRUST

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

15 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions in the year (2020: £nil).

Page 17