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Colchester Islam Community Centre (CICC) Charity No 1175376

Annual report and accounts

For the period 1 Apr 2023 – 31 Mar 2024

Formally approved by :-

Chair S Choksy Finance lead M Nadim Date 12/01/2025

after review by all current Trustees.

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i.	Version control ............................................................................................................................................ 5
1.	Report structure .......................................................................................................................................... 6
2.	Objectives .................................................................................................................................................... 6
3.	Trustees report ............................................................................................................................................ 6
	3.1 Trustee board and governing document .............................................................................................. 6
	3.2 Elections ............................................................................................................................................... 7
	3.3 Management structure and meetings .................................................................................................. 7
	3.4 Membership ......................................................................................................................................... 7
	3.5 Governance .......................................................................................................................................... 7
	3.6 Risk Management ................................................................................................................................. 7
	3.7 Finances ................................................................................................................................................ 7
	3.8 Fundraising ........................................................................................................................................... 8
	3.9 Website and social media ..................................................................................................................... 8
	3.10 Property ................................................................................................................................................ 8
4.	Achievements and Performance ................................................................................................................. 8
	4.1 During period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 ....................................................................................... 8
	4.1.1 Advance Faith .............................................................................................................................. 8
	4.1.2 Benefit community & Establish Community Centre .................................................................... 9
	4.1.3 Religious Harmony ..................................................................................................................... 10
	4.1.4 Relief of poverty ........................................................................................................................ 11
5.	Structure, Governance and Management ................................................................................................. 11
	5.1 Constitution ........................................................................................................................................ 11
	5.2 Incorporated as a CIO ......................................................................................................................... 11
	5.3 Constitution Model ............................................................................................................................. 11
	5.4 Trustee appointment .......................................................................................................................... 11
6.	Reference and administrative details ........................................................................................................ 13
	6.1 Registered name of charity ................................................................................................................ 13
	6.2 UK Charity registration number ......................................................................................................... 13
	6.3 Address of its registered office ........................................................................................................... 13
	6.4 Charity trustees names ....................................................................................................................... 14
	6.4.1 First set of trustees at formation of CICC January 2017 ............................................................ 14
	6.4.2 Current Trustees. ....................................................................................................................... 14
	6.5 Exemptions from disclosure ............................................................................................................... 14
7.	Serious incident report for CICC ................................................................................................................ 14
	7.1 During FY 2017 – 2018 ........................................................................................................................ 14

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	7.2 During FY 2018 – 2019. ....................................................................................................................... 14
	7.3 During FY 2019 – 2020. ....................................................................................................................... 14
	7.4 During FY 2020 – 2021. ....................................................................................................................... 15
	7.5 During FY 2021 – 2022. ....................................................................................................................... 15
	7.6 During FY 2022 – 2023. ....................................................................................................................... 15
	7.7 During FY 2023 – 2024. ....................................................................................................................... 15
8.	Financial review ......................................................................................................................................... 16
	8.1 Independent Examiners Report .......................................................................................................... 16
	8.2 Basis of accounting ........................................................................................................................... 17
	8.3 Reporting period ................................................................................................................................. 17
	8.4 Subsequent events ............................................................................................................................. 17
	8.5 Holding reserve................................................................................................................................... 17
	8.6 Fund accounting ................................................................................................................................. 17
	8.7 Trustee renumerations ....................................................................................................................... 17
	8.8 Staff renumerations ............................................................................................................................ 17
	8.9 Independent examiner renumerations .............................................................................................. 17
	8.10 UK GOV 2020 Annual Return questions ............................................................................................. 18
	8.10.1 Financial period ......................................................................................................................... 18
	8.10.2 Income and spending ................................................................................................................ 18
	8.10.3 Confirm income and spending ................................................................................................... 18
	8.10.4 Serious incidents ........................................................................................................................ 18
	8.10.5 Fundraising ................................................................................................................................ 18
	8.10.6 Grant making ............................................................................................................................. 18
	8.10.7 Income from government contracts ......................................................................................... 18
	8.10.8 Section: Income from government grants ................................................................................ 18
	8.10.9 Income from outside the UK ..................................................................................................... 18
	8.10.10 Operating and spending outside England and Wales ............................................................ 18
	8.10.11 Subsidiaries ............................................................................................................................ 18
	8.10.12 Trustee payments .................................................................................................................. 18
	8.10.13 Employees ............................................................................................................................. 19
	8.10.14 Volunteers ............................................................................................................................. 19
	8.10.15 Financial controls ................................................................................................................... 19
	8.10.16 Safeguarding .......................................................................................................................... 19
	8.10.17 Account type .......................................................................................................................... 19
	8.10.18 Income and Endowments ...................................................................................................... 19
	8.10.19 Expenditure ........................................................................................................................... 19

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	8.10.20	Other recognised gains/(losses) ............................................................................................ 19
	8.10.21	Assets ..................................................................................................................................... 19
	8.10.22	Liabilities ................................................................................................................................ 19
	8.10.23	Funds ..................................................................................................................................... 19
	8.10.24	Additional information .......................................................................................................... 19
	8.10.25	Send Trustees' Annual Report and Accounts ........................................................................ 19
	8.10.26	Submit Trustees' Annual Report, external scrutiny and accounts ........................................ 19
	8.10.27	Check and submit your annual return ................................................................................... 19
9.	Summary accounts .................................................................................................................................... 20
	9.1 Statement of Financial Activity – Year 1 April 2023 – 31 Mar 2024 ................................................... 20
	9.2 Balance Sheet ..................................................................................................................................... 21
10. Accounts Sign Off ................................................................................................................................... 22

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i.	Version control	Version control
Version	Date	By	Disc
1	12/1/25	MN	Issued

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1. Report structure

This report follows the guidance provided by gov.uk :-

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-a-charity-annual-return#what-charitable-incorporatedorganisations-cios-need-to-submit

2. Objectives

The charitable objectives of CICC are as follows: (From CICC Constitution v1.3 document section 3.)

a) To advance Islam, in particular but not exclusively, by the provision of facilities in Colchester for public worship, based on Sunni Islamic principles.

b) To further or benefit the residents of Colchester and the neighbourhood, without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions by associating together the said residents and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time occupation with the objective of improving the conditions of life for the residents. In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have power: To establish or secure the establishment of a community centre and to maintain or manage or co-operate with any statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for activities promoted by the charity in furtherance of the above objects and subject to the provisions of purpose 1.

c) The promotion of religious harmony for the benefit of the public by: educating the public in Islam and through interfaith dialogue.

d) To collect and distribute zakat donations (money) for relief of poverty for the poor and needy in the community.

3. Trustees report

The Colchester Islamic Community Centre (CICC) first came into being in January 2017 and a fully registered charity in October 2017. Since inception, it has been working hard on these objectives and has matured and developed into an organisation which is recognised and respected by the Muslim community in Colchester and beyond.

CICC has hired venues and organised numerous, activities, social functions, educational lectures and conferences in Colchester.

3.1 Trustee board and governing document

CICC is bound by its governing document, the Constitution. Eight trustees served on the trustees’ board.

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3.2 Elections

An independent election committee was set up to oversee an election in June 2023. The election committee contacted CICC’s members to give them opportunity to participate in the election. Two new members were elected, replacing two outgoing trustees. The results of the election were announced at the AGM on 2[nd] July 2023.

The Charity commission online portal was updated with the details of the new substantial trustees. A chairman, secretary and treasurer were chosen internally by the trustees.

3.3 Management structure and meetings

Monthly trustees’ meetings are held, with additional adhoc meetings if and when needed. All meetings are carefully documented by the secretary.

3.4 Membership

Membership is free. Members can join online, through the website or at events. CICC has a strict policy on data protection and is GDPR compliant.

3.5 Governance

Policies and procedures are regularly reviewed. Volunteers working with youth and vulnerable adults are required to complete a satisfactory DBS check and undergo safeguarding training. CICC has a safeguarding policy for children and is currently developing further policies and procedures to ensure highest standards of governance.

3.6 Risk Management

Trustees acknowledge their responsibility to manage risk. Risks are identified and discussed at trustee meetings. Current Risks identified are:-

Lack of fully staffed organisational structure,
Reliance on donations to raise enough finance for further improvements/development of the property,
Reliance on donations to cover ongoing costs,
Lack of venue to hold activities. A property has been purchased and is undergoing extensive construction work to be fit for purpose.
Systems to control risks include developing a full organizational structure and ongoing fundraising to meet the needs of the charity.

3.7 Finances

CICC has two bank accounts, a general expense account and a property account.

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Money can only be withdrawn from the property account if it is for an expense related to the property.

Money can only be withdrawn from the accounts:-

by cheque, signed by two separate trustees of CICC
by bank transfer, electronically signed by two separate trustees of CICC

3.8 Fundraising

CICC is registered for gift aid which increases the value of donations from UK taxpayers. Fundraising was performed during Ramadan and Eid to raise money for the refurbishment works required at the property.

3.9 Website and social media

CICC has website under the domain www.cicc.co.uk. The website became operational in February 2018 and gives a wealth of information about CICC including activities and events, and also allows visitors to register, become a member, donate, volunteer and look up prayer times.

The dominant platform for communicating with members is WhatsApp. CICC also has a twitter and Facebook account and is seeking to increase its presence on social media.

3.10 Property

After a long search a suitable property was found, on the outskirts of Colchester. Members were consulted at the AGM on 31st March 2019 about this property. This property was successfully purchased in September 2019.

Following planning permission approval, a major refurbishment of the site started this financial year.

4. Achievements and Performance

4.1 During period 1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024

CICC continues working on setting up and establishing activities and events based on community needs in line with our charitable objectives; most of which overlap more than one objective. Many activities were held in person, and some were on Zoom as requested by members due to the convenience this offers.

4.1.1 Advance Faith

Many of CICC’s activities and events target advancement of faith; amongst them are weekly women’s Qur’an classes.

More details of the held activities/ events can be found under the second and third objectives as there is an overlap.

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4.1.2 Benefit community & Establish Community Centre

A lot of effort has gone into spawning an environment at CICC’s events/ activities where Muslims from whichever background, can feel at ease with each other. Evidence of success in this endeavour can be seen through the fact that our events/ activities are often oversubscribed and the sense of unity that has built up amongst the members. During the year we held several dish parties or catered events and in September 2023 we organised a picnic in the local park for women and children.

Additionally, for the benefit of the community a building was purchased to serve as CICC’s community centre; a base where activities can be held, and people can meet. The centre needs a lot of refurbishment before it is fit for purpose and work is underway to get this done. In the meantime, all, in person activities are being held in rented community halls.

CICC’s wellbeing team were still active in organising iftar hampers during Ramadan, for the elderly, disabled and families in need. This fits into our objectives by providing an evening meal during Ramadan to families who may struggle to have a good meal and to encourage a sense of belonging to a community.

4.1.2.1 Ladies’ Quran class

Weekly ladies Quran classes were held on Zoom, with the aim of encouraging togetherness amongst women who are learning how to recite the Quran correctly with its rules. It is open to all women regardless of prior recitation knowledge and includes teaching the basics of Arabic to new Muslims and/ or non-Arabic speakers.

4.1.2.2 Revert Support Network (those who converted to Islam)

CICC has a ‘Revert Support Network’ through which it runs a Revert Circle which has lectures once a month on Zoom so that new Muslims, or those interested in Islam can learn about the faith and ask questions. It also provides opportunity for attendees to get to know people in a similar situation and to gain more confidence when mixing with the wider community. Dish parties are also held every few months to encourage friendship and prevent social isolation.

4.1.2.3 Youth Circle

The girls’ Youth Circle started up again with the first session held February. Sessions are held on the first Sunday of each month.

4.1.2.4 Kids Ramadan and Eid workshops

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Due to lack of volunteers none of these workshops were held. However now that the Youth Circle has reconvened it is hoped that these will too.

4.1.2.5 Squash, Cycling and Exercise classes

CICC organised opportunities for adults to engage in sport/ exercise classes to encourage healthy living. Squash and cycling groups met on an adhoc basis to play squash games or cycle together through the lovely local countryside.

4.1.2.6 Eid in the park

Once again CICC worked with other Islamic charities, such as the Colchester Mosque (CICA), for the wider benefit of the Muslim community in Colchester by helping with the facilitation of the Eid prayers, so they would be free and easily accessible for the community. These occasions also provided opportunity for the community to meet and greet each other on these special occasions.

4.1.2.7 Establish a community centre

One of CICC’s objectives is to provide a community facility to cater for the needs of Muslims and to promote social welfare, education and racial harmony. As well as providing, much needed, additional prayer facilities. CICC found a suitable premises and work has started on refurbishment.

4.1.3 Religious Harmony

All of the aforementioned activities and events also aim to provide religious harmony, primarily within the Muslim Community. The Muslim community comprises of a variety of people from all over the world, with different cultural backgrounds. CICC has been successful in promoting respect, understanding and religious harmony between this diverse community through the various activities and events organised. Many of our events are also open to people of other faiths or none and we run an outreach program which promote religious harmony.

4.1.3.1 Bereavement support

CICC has a dedicated team that offers the community funeral and bereavement support. As Colchester Muslims do not yet have the appropriate facilities for burials there is a collaboration with Hunnabal Funeral Directors in Colchester and CICA.

4.1.3.2 Revert Support

The Revert Support Network mentioned above is also part of CICC’s outreach programme.

4.1.3.3 Eid prayers in the Park

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As a further part of the outreach program and to encourage wider community focus and better understanding of the Muslim faith, as portrayed through action, CICC aims to help other charities and the needy in the local community. As mentioned above, CICC members have volunteered to help Colchester’s Priory Street Mosque (CICA) run the Eid prayers in the Castle Park.

4.1.3.4 Iftars (Feeding the fasting)

As part of our outreach programme, money was raised to sponsor iftars for, students at Essex University, Priory Street Mosque, medical staff at Colchester hospital and food parcels for refugees during Ramadan. Our Wellbeing team also made up and distributed iftar

parcels to the elderly/ disabled people living on their own and poorer members of the community.

4.1.4 Relief of poverty

CICC ran a food voucher scheme until the end of January 2024, where applicants in need could apply for food vouchers that could then be spent in a few local supermarkets on halal food products. This was then replaced with our own foodbank, where applicants can choose which food items they would like to have.

Additionally due to the national cost of living crisis, CICC again took part in the ‘Winter Warmth Essentials’ scheme run by Colchester Council. Items that would help keep people warm during the cold months of winter, were bought to make a hamper, and delivered to those who had applied for one and were in need.

5. Structure, Governance and Management

5.1 Constitution

Current constitution document.

Colchester Islamic Community Centre (CICC), Version 1.4, 27-11-2022

5.2 Incorporated as a CIO

The CICC is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) as defined by the Charity Commission.

5.3 Constitution Model

The CICC constitution will adopt Model 2 (The ‘Association’ Model) as defined by the charity commission.

5.4 Trustee appointment

Processes are fully covered in the CICC constitution v1.3, in section 12 to 18.

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12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. Trustees Appointment of trustees Information for new Trustees Retirement and removal of Trustees Reappointment of Trustees Taking of decisions by tru5tee5 Delegation by trustees 22 24 25 25 26 26 26 Page 12 of 22

6. Reference and administrative details

6.1 Registered name of charity

Colchester Islamic Community Centre

6.2 UK Charity registration number

Number 117537 and Registered in UK.

6.3 Address of its registered office

The principal office of the CICC is in Colchester, England. 7A MAGDALEN STREET COLCHESTER CO1 2JT

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6.4 Charity trustees names

6.4.1 First set of trustees at formation of CICC January 2017

Dr Noshaba Rasool
Dr Farooq Siddique
Dr Muhammed Al-Dabbagh
Mr Muhammed Nadim
Dr Sohail Choksy
Dr Shabuddin Khan
Dr Fowad Murtaza
Dr Hulkar Mamayusupova
Mrs Maria Tonnessen

6.4.2 Current Trustees.

Kiran Zahra Syed
Dr Farooq Siddique
Mr Fowad Murtaza
Dr Sohail Choksy
Dr Hooria Ahmad
Mrs Alex Barakat
Mr Kazeem Oloyede
Mr Muhammed Nadim

6.5 Exemptions from disclosure

CICC have not withheld any trustee names or office address from this report.

7. Serious incident report for CICC

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-to-report-a-serious-incident-in-your-charity

The Trustees have followed the guidance in “How to report a serious incident in your charity” and specifically reviewed the “What to report” & “Deciding what to report examples”.