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2023-12-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1196838

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

FOR

ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION

Watergates Ltd 109 Coleman Road Leicester LE5 4LE

ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Page
Trustees' Report 1 to 4
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Statement of Financial Position 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 13

ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023. The trustees have adopted 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)

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Aims and objectives

Islamophobia Response Unit is an independent charity. We are dedicated to supporting people affected by Islamophobic incidents in the UK. We are a platform for victims of Islamophobia to confidentially report their experiences. Our purpose is to provide legal guidance, help clients and ensure their voices are heard. Amidst rising levels of Islamophobia and around half of all religiously motivated hate crimes being directed at Muslim victims, we put them at the heart of our organisation.

Since its inception, IRU has developed an understanding of our community and what it needs when it comes to supporting victims of Islamophobia. Our focus has always been to challenge Islamophobia and pave the legal avenues available to tackle injustice.

IRU is one of a kind, providing practical support to victims of Islamophobia across the UK. As the main area of our work lies in seeking redress for victims, much of our efforts are directed at facilitating legal guidance - enabling victims to achieve their desired outcomes and helping victims to recover from the effects of Islamophobia.

The consequences of Islamophobia on a victim's mental and emotional well-being can be long-lasting, especially in instances where victims have suffered repeatedly. IRU staff are trained and equipped to empathise with victims of Islamophobia. Many victims who report incidents to the IRU, and who may have suffered from immediate or delayed mental or physical harm, find it helpful to speak in confidence with our staff because we understand what it feels like to experience Islamophobia.

IRU's mission is to promote fundamental human rights (as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and subsequent United Nations conventions and declarations) of persons who have suffered Islamophobia within the United Kingdom, by all or any of the following means:

In furtherance of these objects but not otherwise, the trustees shall have the power to engage in political activity provided that the trustees are satisfied that the proposed activities will further the purposes of the charity to an extent justified by the resources committed and the activity is not the dominant means by which the charity carries out its Objects.

Additional objectives include promoting equality and diversity for public benefit, in particular the elimination of Islamophobia by means of but not exclusively promoting education and raising awareness of Islamophobia and its impact.

Consistent with these objectives, the charity has continued to aid victims of Islamophobia who have contacted the charity via the dedicated helpline, online reporting form found on the charity's website and email address.

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

During the last year and given the excellent platform provided by Advice Pro, a new case management system used to securely hold client data and process information in an efficient manner, we have been able to streamline case information to provide succinct and relevant advice to clients with cases we have found to be within our remit of assistance.

Public benefit

The trustees have consulted the Charity Commission's comprehensive guidance on public benefit while evaluating our goals and objectives and charting our future activities and have ensured that all of the charity's expenses are directed towards fulfilling its public benefit obligations.

How our activities deliver public benefit

The IRU has continued its positive work since last year and has seen an increase in reports received into the Unit, particularly toward the end of the year and as a specific consequence of the conflict in the Middle East. In particular, using the average number of reports received from May to September 2023 inclusive, the Unit saw a 365% increase in reports in October and a 325% increase in reports in November. December's increase was 206%. A substantial number of those users were from London. The range of services provided at IRU has allowed individuals from ages 19 to 68 with ethnic backgrounds including South Asian, African, Caribbean and Arab to access bespoke support and guidance.

We have also provided signposting services to many clients in matters where additional expertise or enhanced counselling support is required. This is in line with the charity's values to provide a holistic approach to its services, ensuring no service user leaves empty-handed.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

Since its inception, the IRU achieved several notable milestones and made a positive impact on the community we serve. Some key achievements and activities are listed below

Use of services

Compared to 2022 when we received 175 reports, for 2023 the Unit received 230 reports. This represents a 32% increase in reports, year-on-year. These reports saw an increase in the overall reports for Hate Crime, but also a significant increase in the number of Discrimination cases, as proportionate to Hate Crime.

Promotion of services

We hosted a number of events, including a fundraising iftar, a first-year anniversary and launch event in November 2022 which was a great success. It was attended by several partner organisations, legal counsel, community stakeholders and journalists.

In the past year, we were invited to attend and represent IRU at notable events including

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Against the backdrop of limited resources and insecurities over funding, it has continued to be difficult to plan or develop services. Nevertheless, the charity, with the aid of sound financial management and the support of both its staff and volunteers generated a very positive financial outcome for the period with a net increase in funds of just over £72,000.

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

The charity maintains a strong commitment to financial transparency and prudence. The trustees are grateful for the generous support of our donors and supporters, without whom our work would not be possible. During the year, we received contributions from various sources, including individual donations as well as grant-making organisations. We remain committed to ethical management of donated funds.

Reserves policy

The trustees recognise the importance of maintaining adequate reserves to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the organization. Our reserves policy is designed to strike a balance between fulfilling our current charitable objectives and safeguarding the charity's future in the face of financial uncertainties.

The trustees have assessed the charity's financial needs and have determined that a minimum figure of £45,000 is essential to maintain operational stability.

Going concern

The trustees have reviewed future projections, which they feel adequately reflect the current uncertain economic environment. After considering all relevant uncertainties, the Governing Body has a reasonable expectation that there will be sufficient cash resources generated from its operations to enable the charitable company to continue in operation for at least 12 months from the signing date of these financial statements. Thus, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial statements.

FUTURE PLANS

The charity's Strategic Plan has been successfully updated, and it was a key element for consideration at the Strategic Review Day in early 2023 when the Trustees met to consider key priorities and developments for the forthcoming year.

A robust set of objectives and key results were set to ensure the charity remains focused on the strategic plan for growth and sustainability. The focus was on income-generating initiatives such as community fundraisers, donations from partner organisations and diversifying our grant making applications.

The charity's wider public benefit goal is embedded in its' OKRs, that being to engage in proactive change. IRU is on track in building a track record of notable cases that have a strategic impact on the community we serve. This will aid IRU's reputation and credibility, allowing for further engagements with pro bono firms and organisations that fund strategic litigation.

The trustees are satisfied that the charity is very well placed to further enhance its provision of much-needed services in the coming years. We have established external funding by way of grants and individual donations.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is established by constitution as a foundation CIO which was registered at the Charity Commission in England and Wales on 30 November 2021. The CIO commenced activities on 25 March 2022.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Apart from the first charity trustees, every trustee must be appointed by a resolution passed at a properly convened meeting of the charity trustees.

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Organisational structure

The charity is committed to maintaining an effective organisational structure that supports the achievement of our charitable objectives. Our structure is designed to facilitate efficient governance, decision-making, and the successful execution of our mission.

The charity is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees who provide strategic oversight and direction. The trustees are responsible for ensuring that IRU operates in accordance with its governing document, complies with all relevant laws and regulations, and acts in the best interests of our beneficiaries and supporters.

The charity is organised operationally on a day-to-day basis by the Chief Executive Officer. The CEO collaborates closely with the trustees to implement the strategic vision, manage operations, and ensure that the charity remains true to its mission and values.

Our CEO is supported by our dedicated staff and volunteers, who play a vital role in the successful delivery of our charitable activities. They bring expertise, passion and commitment to our work, enabling us to execute our charitable aims and objectives which are reviewed every six months.

As of 31 December 2023, the organisation employed four staff members and engaged a number of new volunteer caseworkers. This includes volunteer caseworkers from universities we have established direct engagements with, and various legal supervisors, all lawyers with various areas of expertise. This has benefited our capacity for an increased caseload in addition to the support of partner law firms providing pro bono assistance on client matters.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Charity number

1196838

Registered office

167-169 Great Portland Street London W1W 5PF

Trustees

M I Khan - Trustee R Haider - Trustee S A R Riaz - Trustee

Independent Examiner

Watergates Ltd 109 Coleman Road Leicester LE5 4LE

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 23rd October 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

.................................................................... Mr M I Khan - Trustee

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Islamophobia Response Unit ('the Charity')

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31st December 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees 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 your charity's accounts as carried out under Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under Section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

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

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by Section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  2. 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 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.

Nazir Malida FCCA

Watergates Ltd 109 Coleman Road Leicester LE5 4LE

23rd October 2024

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
2
155,057
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
3
Charitable activities
82,299
NET INCOME
72,758
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS
Total funds brought forward
26,082
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
98,840		 PERIOD
30.11.21
YEAR ENDED
TO
31.12.23
31.12.22
Restricted
Total
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
57,778
212,835
119,796
57,778
140,077
93,714
-
72,758
26,082
-
26,082
-
-
98,840
26,082

The notes on page 8 form part of these financial statements

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 31ST DECEMBER 2023

Unrestricted
fund
Notes
£
FIXED ASSETS
Tangible assets
9
738
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
10
35,574
Cash at bank and in hand
67,024
102,598
CREDITORS
Amounts falling due within one year
11
(4,496)
NET CURRENT ASSETS
98,102
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT
LIABILITIES
98,840
NET ASSETS
98,840
FUNDS
12
Unrestricted funds
TOTAL FUNDS		 Restricted
funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 31/12/23
Total
funds
£
738
35,574
67,024
102,598
(4,496)
98,102
98,840
98,840
98,840
98,840		 31/12/22
Total
funds
£
923
5,891
26,990
32,881
(7,722)
25,159
26,082
26,082
26,082
26,082

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 23rd October 2024 and were signed on its behalf by:

............................................. Mr M I Khan - Trustee

The notes on page 8 form part of these financial statements

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF PREPARING THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

INCOME

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

EXPENDITURE

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Computer equipment - 20% on reducing balance

TAXATION

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

FUND ACCOUNTING

The funds of the charity have been segregated as follows:

Restricted funds consist of grants and donations, for which the grant providing authorities and donors has specified the purpose for which the resources can be utilised.

Unrestricted general funds represent income which is expendable at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the objects of the charity.

Transfers are made between funds where there is a release of restricted funds to unrestricted general and designated funds or charges are made between funds.

PENSION COSTS AND OTHER POST-RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The charitable company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. Contributions payable to the charitable company's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES

YEAR ENDED
31.12.23
£
Donations
25,057
Grants
187,778
212,835
Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:
YEAR ENDED
31.12.23
£
Trust for London
53,000
The Aziz Foundation
130,000
All Ways Network
4,778
187,778		 PERIOD
30.11.21
TO
31.12.22
£
18,879
100,917
119,796
PERIOD
30.11.21
TO
31.12.22
£
30,917
70,000
-
100,917

Grants received, included in the above, are as follows:

3. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS

Charitable activities
SUPPORT COSTS
Charitable activities		 Direct
Costs
£
136,768		 Support
costs (see
note 4)
Totals
£
£
3,309
140,077
Governance
costs
£
3,309

4. SUPPORT COSTS

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

5. NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

PERIOD
30.11.21
YEAR ENDED TO
31.12.23 31.12.22
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 185 231

6. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st December 2023 nor for the period ended 31st December 2022.

TRUSTEES' EXPENSES

There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st December 2023 nor for the period ended 31st December 2022.

7. STAFF COSTS

YEAR ENDED
31.12.23
£
Wages and salaries
117,057
Social security costs
6,084
Other pension costs
2,319
125,460		 PERIOD
30.11.21
TO
31.12.22
£
75,970
2,613
1,659
80,242

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows:

PERIOD
30.11.21
YEAR ENDED TO
31.12.23 31.12.22
All employees 4 4

No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000.

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

8.
COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Unrestricted
fund
£
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Donations and legacies
119,796
EXPENDITURE ON
Charitable activities
Charitable activities
93,714
NET INCOME
26,082
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
26,082
9.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
COST
At 1st January 2023 and
31st December 2023
DEPRECIATION
At 1st January 2023
Charge for year
At 31st December 2023
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31st December 2023
At 31st December 2022		 Restricted
Total
funds
funds
£
£
-
119,796
-
93,714
-
26,082
-
26,082
Computer
equipment
£
1,154
231
185
416
738
923

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

10.
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Prepayments and accrued income
11.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Trade creditors
Social security and other taxes
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
12.
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
At 1.1.23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
26,082
TOTAL FUNDS
26,082
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
155,057
Restricted funds
All Ways Network
4,778
Trust for London
53,000
57,778
TOTAL FUNDS
212,835		 31/12/23
31/12/22
£
£
35,574
5,891
31/12/23
31/12/22
£
£
557
5,183
1,518
-
741
1,039
1,680
1,500
4,496
7,722
Net
movement
At
in funds
31.12.23
£
£
72,758
98,840
72,758
98,840
Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(82,299)
72,758
(4,778)
-
(53,000)
-
(57,778)
-
(140,077)
72,758

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ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023

12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net
movement At
in funds 31.12.22
£ £
Unrestricted funds
General fund 26,082 26,082
TOTAL FUNDS 26,082 26,082

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Unrestricted funds
General fund
TOTAL FUNDS		 Incoming
resources
£
119,796
119,796		 Resources
Movement
expended
in funds
£
£
(93,714)
26,082
(93,714)
26,082

Purposes of Restricted Funds

All Ways Network: This was a grant to cover the costs of salaries. Trust for London: This was a grant to cover the costs of the CEO.

13. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st December 2023.

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