Charity registration number: 1196838
**ISLAMOPHOBIA RESPONSE UNIT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024**
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Contents**
||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Reference and Administrative Details|1|
|Trustees' Report|2—4|
|Independent Examiner's Report|5|
|Statement of Financial Activities|6|
|Comparative Statement of Financial Activities|7|
|Statement of Financial Position|8|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|9—13|
**Islamophobia Response Unit Reference and Administrative Details For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
**Trustees** M I Khan R Haider S A Riaz T Butt (appointed 09/06/2025) **Charity Number** 1196838 **Principal Address** 167-169 Great Portland Street London W1W 5PF **Independent Examiner** Nazir Malida FCCA Watergates Chartered Certified Accountants & Registered Auditors Watergates Building, 109 Coleman Road Leicester LE5 4LE
Page 1
**Islamophobia Response Unit Trustees' Report For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
## **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:
a) obtaining redress for the victims of Islamophobia;
b) relieving need among the victims of Islamophobia;
c) advocacy for individuals who have suffered Islamophobia;
d) monitoring abuses of human rights of persons who have suffered Islamophobia;
e) promoting public support for human rights of persons who have suffered Islamophobia; and
f) promoting respect for human rights of persons who have suffered Islamophobia among individuals and corporations.
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.
During the last year and given the excellent platform provided by Actionstep, 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.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of Section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.
## **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. Overall, we received over 420 reports into the Unit for the entirety of 2024, which is the highest amount recorded in our history. A substantial number of those users were from London. However, we have also received more reports nationally than in previous years. The range of services provided at IRU has allowed individuals from ages 16 to 72 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.
Page 2
**Islamophobia Response Unit Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
## **Achievements and Performance**
## **Main Achievements**
## **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 2023 when we received 230 reports, for 2024 the Unit received 422 reports. This represents a 83% 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 an informative iftar dinner which was an amazing success; a collaborative seminar with Migrant Rights Network providing support and guidance to a significant new target audience and legal workshops with both Barnardos and BBC children in Need.
In the past year, we were invited to attend and represent IRU at notable events including
- Our CEO was a significant panellist for _a live discussion with the Race Equality Foundation, regarding Preventing Violence: Race, Gender, and the Racist Riots_ .
- Our CEO was a panellist for a live discussion in person at Derby City Council, regarding their event: Summer-riotshate-crime-how-do-we support-its-reduction.
- We presented a Legal Seminar to the Bristol Legal Society.
- We attended a Muslim Community event at the House of Commons, with the RT Honourable Stephen Timms. We attended the Fear and Hope: Building joint resilience with a new story of multicultural Britain event, with one of the leading anti-facism/racism advocacy groups, Hope not Hate.
- We attended the Launch of the 2024 Racial Justice Audit Results and a discussion on the Racist Riots, hosted by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
## **Financial Review**
## **Financial Position**
The charity ended the year in a strong position, with income growing to £246,871 (2023: £212,834). This increase was driven by a healthy mix of grants and donations, showing both the trust of funders and the growing recognition of our work. Alongside this growth, expenditure rose to £172,030 (2023: £140,077), reflecting our investment in staff, governance and service delivery to meet the sharp rise in demand. After costs, we delivered a surplus of £74,841, bringing total funds carried forward to £173,680 (2023: £98,839).
The trustees continue to monitor reserves carefully. Our policy is to hold at least £45,000 to ensure operational stability, and the current level of reserves gives us confidence that we can respond to future challenges while continuing to expand our reach. The financial outcome this year underpins the progress reported elsewhere in this report — more cases supported, more awareness raised, and a stronger foundation for the years ahead.
## **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.
Page 3
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Trustees' Report (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
## **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 2024 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.
## **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 2024, the organisation employed 3 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.
The trustees' report was approved by the board of trustees and signed on its behalf by:
M I Khan
Trustee 22nd October 2025
Page 4
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Islamophobia Response Unit For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Islamophobia Response Unit (the Trust) for the year ended 31 December 2024.
## **Responsibilities and Basis of Report**
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed 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 Trust 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 contents 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.
Nazir Malida FCCA 22nd October 2025 Watergates Building, 109 Coleman Road Leicester LE5 4LE
Page 5
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
|**Notes**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:**
Donations and legacies
**3**
**EXPENDITURE ON:**
Raising funds
**5**
Charitable activities:
**5**
Islamophobia Advocacy and Support
**NET INCOME**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:**
Total funds brought forward
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
**14**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
193,288|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
53,583|**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
246,871|**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
212,834|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||(1,400)
(117,047)|-
(53,583)|(1,400)
(170,630)|-
(140,077)|
||(118,447)|(53,583)|(172,030)|(140,077)|
||74,841|-|74,841|72,757|
||74,841
98,839|-
-|74,841
98,839|72,757
26,082|
||173,680|-|173,680|98,839|
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
Page 6
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Comparative Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
|**Notes**
**INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM:**
Donations and legacies
**3**
**EXPENDITURE ON:**
Charitable activities:
**5**
Islamophobia Advocacy and Support
**NET INCOME**
**NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS**
**RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:**
Total funds brought forward
**TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD**
**14**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
155,056|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
57,778|**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
212,834|
|---|---|---|---|
||(82,299)|(57,778)|(140,077)|
||72,757|-|72,757|
||72,757
26,082|-
-|72,757
26,082|
||98,839|-|98,839|
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Statement of Financial Position As At 31 December 2024**
|**Notes**
**FIXED ASSETS**
Tangible Assets
**9**
**CURRENT ASSETS**
Debtors
**10**
Cash at bank and in hand
**Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year**
**11**
**NET CURRENT ASSETS (LIABILITIES)**
**TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES**
**NET ASSETS**
**FUNDS OF THE CHARITY**
Unrestricted Funds
**TOTAL FUNDS**
**14**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
590|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-|**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
590|**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
738|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||590
32,055
149,412|-
-
22,500|590
32,055
171,912|738
35,574
67,022|
||181,467
(8,377)|22,500
(22,500)|203,967
(30,877)|102,596
(4,495)|
||173,090|-|173,090|98,101|
||173,680|-|173,680|98,839|
||173,680|-|173,680|98,839|
||||173,680|98,839|
||||173,680|98,839|
On behalf of the board
M I Khan
Trustee
1st October 2025
The notes on pages 9 to 13 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
**Islamophobia Response Unit Notes to the Financial Statements For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
## 1. **General Information**
Islamophobia Response Unit is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with the Charity Commission, registered charity number 1196838. The principal address is 167-169 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 5PF.
## 2. **Accounting Policies**
## 2.1. **Basis of Preparation of Financial Statements**
The financial statements 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 Charities Act 2011.
The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
## 2.2. **Fund Accounting**
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for a specific purpose.
Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
## 2.3. **Incoming Resources**
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.
## 2.4. **Resources Expended**
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.
## 2.5. **Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation**
Tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost of the fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:
## Computer Equipment
## 20% on reducing balance
## 2.6. **Cash and Cash Equivalents**
Cash and cash equivalents are basic financial assets and include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments that mature in no more than three months from the date of acquisition and are readily convertible to a known amount of cash with insignificant risk of change in value, and bank overdrafts.
## 3. **Income from Donations and Legacies**
|Donations and gifts
Grants|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
93,288
100,000|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
53,583|**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
93,288
153,583|
|---|---|---|---|
||193,288|53,583|246,871|
Page 9
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
|Donations and gifts
Grants|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
25,056
130,000|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
57,778|**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
25,056
187,778|
|---|---|---|---|
||155,056|57,778|212,834|
The following grants are included within the total income from donations and legacies above:
|Trust for London
The Aziz Foundation
All Ways Network
Trust for London
The Aziz Foundation
All Ways Network|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
100,000
-|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
53,583
-
-|**2024**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
53,583
100,000
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||100,000|53,583|153,583|
||**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**£**
-
130,000
-|**Restricted**
**funds**
**£**
53,000
-
4,778|**2023**
**Total**
**funds**
**£**
53,000
130,000
4,778|
||130,000|57,778|187,778|
4. **Net Income/(Expenditure)**
The net income is stated after charging/(crediting):
|he net income is stated after charging/(crediting):||||
|---|---|---|---|
|Depreciation of tangible fixed assets - owned||**2024**
**£**
148|**2023**
**£**
185|
|.
**Analysis of Expenditure**
Raising funds
Islamophobia Advocacy and Support|**Activities**
**undertaken**
**directly**
**£**
1,400
-|**Support**
**costs**
(see note 6)
**£**
-
170,630|**2024**
**Total**
**£**
1,400
170,630|
||1,400|170,630|172,030|
## 5. **Analysis of Expenditure**
||**2023**|
|---|---|
||**Support**|
||**costs**|
||(see note 6)|
||**£**|
|Islamophobia Advocacy and Support|140,077|
Page 10
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
## 6. **Support Costs**
|Employee costs
General administration
Depreciation
Governance costs
Employee costs
General administration
Depreciation
Governance costs
.
**Staff Costs**
taff costs were as follows:
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs|**2024**
**£**
120,812
6,412
(2)
127,222|**2024**
**Islamophobia**
**Advocacy and**
**Support**
**£**
129,922
15,051
148
25,509|**2024**
**Islamophobia**
**Advocacy and**
**Support**
**£**
129,922
15,051
148
25,509|
|---|---|---|---|
|||170,630||
|||**2023**
**Islamophobia**
**Advocacy and**
**Support**
**£**
126,034
10,549
185
3,309||
||||140,077|
||||**2023**
**£**
117,057
6,084
2,319|
||||125,460|
## 7. **Staff Costs**
Staff costs were as follows:
No employees received employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) for the reporting period of more than £60,000.
## 8. **Average Number of Employees**
Average number of employees during the year was: 4 (2023: 4)
## 9. **Tangible Assets**
|**Cost**
As at 1 January 2024
As at 31 December 2024|**Computer**
**Equipment**
**£**
1,154
1,154
...CONTINUED|
|---|---|
Page 11
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
|**Depreciation**
As at 1 January 2024
Provided during the period
As at 31 December 2024
**Net Book Value**
As at 31 December 2024
As at 1 January 2024
10.
**Debtors**
**Due within one year**
Other debtors
11.
**Creditors: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year**
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Taxation and social security
Accruals and deferred income
12.
**Deferred Income**
Deferred income movements in the year were as follows:
Balance at the start of the period
Income deferred in the current period
Balance at the end of the period||**2024**
**£**
32,055
**2024**
**£**
417
-
3,828
26,632
30,877
**2024**
**£**
-
22,500|416
148|
|---|---|---|---|
||||564|
||||590|
||||738|
||||**2023**
**£**
35,574|
||||**2023**
**£**
556
741
1,518
1,680|
||||4,495|
||||**2023**
**£**
-
-|
|||22,500|-|
## 13. **Pension Commitments**
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the charity in an independently administered fund.
During the year the charge to the statement of financial activities in respect of defined contribution schemes was £-2 (2023: £2,319).
At the statement of financial position date contributions of £NIL were due to the fund and are included in creditors.
Page 12
## **Islamophobia Response Unit Notes to the Financial Statements (continued) For The Year Ended 31 December 2024**
## 14. **Movement in Funds**
|**Unrestricted funds**
General:
General unrestricted fund
**Restricted funds**
R01.001 Trust for London
**Total funds**
**Unrestricted funds**
General:
General unrestricted fund
**Restricted funds**
R01.001 Trust for London
R01.002 All Ways Network
**Total restricted funds**
**Total funds**|**As at 1**
**January**
**2024**
**£**
98,839
-|**Income**
**£**
193,288
53,583|**Expenditure**
**£**
(118,447)
(53,583)|**As at 31**
**December**
**2024**
**£**
173,680
-|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||98,839|246,871|(172,030)|173,680|
||**As at 1**
**January**
**2023**
**£**
26,082
-
-|**Income**
**£**
155,056
53,000
4,778|**Expenditure**
**£**
(82,299)
(53,000)
(4,778)|**As at 31**
**December**
**2023**
**£**
98,839
-
-|
||-|57,778|(57,778)|-|
||||||
||26,082|212,834|(140,077)|98,839|
## **Purpose fo restricted funds**
The specific purpose for which restricted funds that are received during the year are to be applied are as follows
## **Trust for London**
The charity received a restricted grant from Trust for London of £160,000, payable over three years, to fund the costs of the Chief Executive Officer post. The grant is restricted to this purpose only and is released to income in line with the related expenditure
## 15. **Transactions with Trustees**
None of the trustees received any remuneration or any other benefits from an employment with the charity or a related entity during the current or previous year.
No trustee expenses have been incurred.
## 16. **Related Party Disclosures**
There have been no related party transactions in the reporting period that require disclosure.
Page 13