The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 29 February 2024.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019)
The Charity's objects are to promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of Muslim women, including the advancement of education, the relief of poverty, sickness and distress, and the promotion and preservation of good health.
Muslim Women’s Council is an all women led and governed organisation that places Muslim women at the forefront of all our work. Our work does not include the teaching or promotion of religion, rather we address the barriers encountered by Muslim women and their families in playing a full and active role in society and the economy.
Our activities are continually evolving as we build knowledge, insight, and networks, but remain focused on:
Empowering Muslim women to affect agency and impact change
Up-skilling Muslim women, developing their experience, confidence, and networks
Creating long term change in culture, attitude, and traditions via grass-root engagement in families, communities, and wider civil society.
As we move forward, we have an ambition to not only inform but also influence policies and practices that affect Muslim women across the UK and the globe.
Our work
With support from Muslim women, wider communities, funders and partners our work continues to support the needs of Muslim women and girls in and around Bradford (of all backgrounds, ages and ethnicity) building on what we have achieved and learned to date. Our work is informed by lived experience and insight of Muslim women to better meet their needs.
Muslim women are nationally considered as one of the most disadvantaged and disenfranchised groups. They are a diverse group and suffer the same inequalities as other women (access to employment, domestic violence, pay inequality etc) with additional factors that multiply their disadvantage, for example: negative public perception /stereotyping - amplified by the media, religious discrimination (Islamophobia), and cultural practices from within their own communities.
Whilst we focus on Muslim women and girls, we are open to supporting all women regardless of age, ethnicity, belief, or background; many of these women are from various BAME communities based in and around Bradford. We also support the homeless, women from other faiths and ethnicities, children/young people, elderly/old people, and anyone who needs help that we can provide.
We have adopted an agile approach that allows us to explore and respond quickly where and when needed. It also allows us to try out different approaches to help test ideas, learn, and develop what works, and to explore and offer more effective ways of meeting the needs of Muslim women in Bradford and beyond.
We know we cannot achieve our aims alone and value partnerships with others who share our vision and values. All partnerships are tested for alignment of shared vision and mission, ensuring partners have a focus on supporting women or any of our other beneficiaries such as the homeless.
To ensure that our work continues to deliver our aims and the needs of our beneficiaries, we review activities each year at our board and staff away day. This review looks at what we have achieved and the outcomes of our work in the previous 12 months. The review looks at the success of each key activity and the benefits they have brought to those groups of people we are set up to help. The review also helps us ensure our aim, objectives and activities remained focused on our stated purposes. We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aim and objectives and in planning our future activities. In particular, the Trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set.
Based on this review we have agreed to continue focusing on:
(a) Voice, leadership, and access to decision-making
(b) Access to skills and employment
(c) Freedom of faith
(d) Community resilience
With a connection to (mental) health and wellbeing of Muslim women, lessening the impact of loneliness and experiencing a deep-seated fear and anxiety regarding their health as they continue to deal with a new world with COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis and fallout from Brexit. We are looking at implementing ways in which to help them build their skills, knowledge, experiences, and confidence to achieve their ambition and their potential.
Our Values
Our values reflect what we are trying to achieve through our work:
We are for all women with a particular focus on issues affecting Muslim women
We support equality, diversity and social justice for all
We are inclusive of all communities and people of all faiths and none
We will continue to be challenging and advocate for the issues that matter to Muslim women and communities
We are Independent and speak truth to power
We are entrepreneurial
We are open, transparent and share our work and learning
We value and support our staff and volunteers and embrace cultural, religious and all other differences
The Trustees have paid due regard to public benefit guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
The last 12 months have been successful considering the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the nation and locally on us as an organisation and our beneficiaries. The increasing costs-of-living and impact of Brexit has been significant on the running of our charity.
The cost of renting and running an office have become unaffordable and we have been looking for our own building to buy. Over the year we have been faced by economic challenges, funding competition and uncertainty, workforce, and volunteer challenges as they try to survive in the current climate.
Furthermore, the aftermath of the Brexit campaign has seen a rise in nationalist and anti-immigrant sentiments, which may have made some Muslim women feel less welcome or more vulnerable to discrimination or hate crimes. It has bought to the forefront of public discourse issues related to national identity, cultural integration, and diversity. With Muslim women feeling more scrutinised or even targeted in this context.
We have done our utmost to continue our services and activities to meet the needs of our service users and beneficiaries, who have become more vulnerable and in need of assistance, putting additional strain on our charity resources.
In response we have been working remotely to save money and ensure the continued delivery of services and activities. We have also been exploring and implementing new fundraising strategies, cost-saving measures, and collaborations with other organisations to maintain our services. We are surviving and continuing to support those who need it.
The main activities of the last 12 months have been:
Think Tank - We have continued to capture the lived experiences and insights of Muslim women regarding a variety of issues such as organ donation in the Muslim community, Muslim women & debt, entrepreneurship & Muslim women, Muslim women & the arts, infidelity in marriage, etc. There are 27 reports available on our website, with more due to be published soon on topics such as adoption in the Muslim community, ethnic segregation within Bradford’s neighbourhoods, mental health & black magic, elderly & end of life care in the Muslim community, and the benefits of horticulture. Our cohort of alumnae and staff at University of Bradford have produced reports that are currently being finalised, on the lived experience of Muslim women on mental health and black magic, ethnic segregation within Bradford’s neighbourhoods and Muslim women’s perspectives on adoption. https://www.muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk/reports
Curry Circle - The Curry Circle food initiative celebrated its tenth anniversary in December 2023. With the increasing cost-of-living crisis we are still providing emergency food provision (through the delivery of hot meal food packs). The Curry Circle food initiative is offering both weekly sit-down service supporting approximately 80 individuals with hot meals to a twice-weekly delivery and take away service, supplying approximately 400 hot meals a week. Since the lockdown began in 2020, we have delivered 83,000 hot meals across Bradford. This included organising annual Christmas parties for the service users. Over the last 4 years we supported not only Muslim women but also the homeless, elderly, and vulnerable people (those with chronic medical conditions) who were isolated at home with limited support. Funding from Hilden Charitable Fund, Bartlett Group and the National Lottery Community Fund enabled us to explore further support for service users, on issues such as period poverty and literacy.
Women’s Building - Since embarking on the journey of trying to establish a Women’s Building, we have found a building and received commitment from Tudor Trust of £450,000 towards the building. We have also received funding from Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, and commitment from the Architecture Heritage Fund, in supporting the building project.
Calligraphy sessions – With funding from Westhill Endowment, we have continued to deliver interactive sessions on the art of Islamic calligraphy with two local noted calligraphy artists. Local Muslim women took part in the sessions, and really enjoyed learning about the history of Islamic calligraphy as they learnt to write. The participants found the sessions very therapeutic and found spiritual healing through art. It had a positive impact on their mental health, improved their skills and gave them time to concentrate on themselves. https://www.muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk/media/resources/islamic-art-calligraphy-workshops-women
Ladies Tea & Chat sessions – With funding from West Yorkshire Cancer Alliance, we have successfully continued our sessions, averaging 60 women in attendance each week. This year, we've explored a diverse array of topics, including police careers, promoting midwifery among Asian girls, child sexual exploitation, social justice campaigns, the Covid-19 pandemic, cancer awareness, supporting families with special needs, dementia, women in leadership and democracy, life as a nun, healing after divorce, and navigating menopause. Participants have valued the chance to deepen their knowledge, share their experiences, and connect with others. These sessions also serve as an initial point of engagement with our services. Due to their growing popularity, we now offer sessions both during the day and in the evening to accommodate more participants. We have also applied for additional funding to support these expanded offerings. https://www.muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk/services/ladies-tea-chat
National Sharia Council – To address the lack of support for Muslim women going through Islamic divorce we are in the process of developing a women focused online Sharia Council, through which we aim to provide a model divorce application service for Muslim women. We are currently working on the development of our web page and application process, and we have organised a steering group with the appropriate calibre of members.
Our Deen is Green – Over the past year, we have significantly expanded our ‘Our Deen is Green’ environmental activities, with funding from Sports England and the Institute of Physics. This has included the continuation and enhancement of our women’s walks, which combine health, wellbeing, environmental, and climate education. These walks have evolved into monthly sessions with growing participation. They have contributed positively to the mental and physical health of the participants, encouraging them to explore more outdoor activities and engage in other initiatives. On 17th November 2023, Bana spoke at the Kendal Mountain Festival about our group's experiences with these country walks, strategies for increasing participation, and addressing challenges. We have also started beekeeping and horticulture sessions, which the attendees are really benefitting from. https://www.muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk/walk-and-talk
Upcycling – With funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, we deliver weekly sessions on upcycling, which involves taking pre-loved items of household furniture and giving them a new lease of life/purpose through painting, decorating them and thinking of new uses for them. The upcycling project has expanded to reusing clothes and materials to make tote bags. These sessions have seen a steady increase in attendees, with an average of 30 women attending weekly upcycling sessions. The women have fed back that the sessions help to develop their creative side, connecting with nature helps develop their mental health and they have a real sense of achievement when growing plants and upcycling household items. They have learnt a lot of new skills and made lasting friendships at the sessions. https://www.muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk/upcycling
Trips & Retreats - We have organized a series of trips and retreats, both in the UK and abroad, to offer women opportunities for spiritual healing, relaxation, and personal growth. In September 2023, we took 23 women to Andalucia, Spain, where they participated in collective prayer, yoga, swimming, horse riding, and development workshops. In November, 20 women visited Marrakech, exploring its historical sites. In January 2024, we collaborated with Zaarvel Travel Group to lead a group of 40 people, of various ages and backgrounds, on an Umrah pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. These trips have boosted the women’s confidence, many of whom had never travelled abroad without their families or anywhere beyond Pakistan, India or Bangladesh. Participants have enjoyed discovering new places, gaining valuable experiences, enhancing their mental and physical health, and building lasting friendships.https://www.muslimwomenscouncil.org.uk/events
Turing Scheme trip to Spain with School of Coding - The Turing Scheme, managed by the UK government, is the UK’s global programme to study and work abroad. The Turing Scheme provides funding to The School of Coding, offering education and training opportunities with a global reach. The MWC team collaborated with The School of Coding in July 2023, to take 26 women to Santiago, in Northern Spain. The participants were aged between 18 and 60, with diverse educational skills and career backgrounds. Over the course of 10 days, the participants undertook learning programmes in Coding and IT skills, providing the opportunity to upskill themselves and progress in their careers. The participants were also able to explore the historic city of Santiago, following the pilgrim trail of St James and viewing the many cultural sights.
Community Stars Awards – On 6th December 2023, our organization was shortlisted for the Large Voluntary and Community Group category at the Community Stars Awards. This annual event, organized by the Telegraph and Argus and Bradford Council, celebrates individuals and groups who go above and beyond to support their communities. https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/23987968.muslim-bereavement-service-janaza-announcements-wins-award/
Fundraising
Section 162a of the Charities Act 2011 requires charities to make a statement regarding fundraising activities. The legislation defines fundraising as ‘soliciting or otherwise procuring money or other property for charitable purposes’. The charity does not actively raise funds from the public either directly or via use of an agent, accordingly no such amounts are presented in the financial statements for the year under review. The charity has received no complaints in relation to fundraising activity for the year under review.
Given the nature of the funding of the charity the Trustees consider that it remains appropriate not to be voluntarily bound to be regulated by the Fundraising Regulator.
Income for the year amounted to £757,077 (2023 £161,094) with expenditure amounting to £370,098 (2023 £192,614) resulting in a net income of £386,979 (2023 net expenditure £31,520).
Designated reserves stood at £2,521 (2023 £2,155).
Free reserves stood at £1,163 (2023 £62,636).
Restricted reserves stood at £474,016 (2023 £25,930), of which £443,918 is for the purchase of a building acquired after the year end.
It is the policy of the Charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to three month’s expenditure. The Trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the Charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This amounts to £50,000, currently free reserves are not in line with the policy.
The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The Daughter's of Eve annual conference operates under an extensive risk management review structure given the nature of work it aims to achieve. All activities carried out under the Muslim Women's Council also benefit from project specific risk assessments.
The Charity is a company limited by guarantee governed by the terms of its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company was incorporated on 7 February 2011 and registered as a charity on 15 September 2014.
The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
Trustees are recruited for their skills and experience they can bring to the charity and are supported by the other trustees.
None of the Trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the Trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
Indemnity insurance has been taken out at a cost of £641 (2023 - £400).
The Muslim Women's Council employs a Chair and Chief Executive officer. The organisation uses the services of self employed staff to perform specific duties which include administration, business development, IT, social media and sessional work.
Acknowledgements
The Muslim Women's Council formally acknowledges its advisors, funders and partners in the delivery of its aims and objectives.
This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.
The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Muslim Women's Council (the Charity) for the year ended 29 February 2024.
As the Trustees of the Charity (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (the 2006 Act).
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.
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 that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
the financial statements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or
the financial statements have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
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 financial statements to be reached.
The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.
Muslim Women's Council is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales on 29 Februaly 2011. The registered office is PO Box 106, 38 Sunbridge Road, Bradford, United Kingdom, BD1 2DZ.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.
Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.
Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the Charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to the expenditure. All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category.
Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.
Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:
The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.
At each reporting end date, the Charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.
Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.
Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.
Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.
Listed below
Charitable Income
Charitable Income
Events
Core Costs
Core Costs
Project Costs
Conference and events
Project costs
Freelance consultants
Trustees consultancy fees and expenses
Travel
Legal and professional
Book keeping and payroll
Travelling
Premises costs
Insurance
Office costs
Sundry
Independent examination
Trustees expenses
All support costs are allocated to the only charitable activity.
Governance costs includes payments to the Independent Examiner of £2,160 (2023- £1,975) for independent examination fees.
Travel expenses were paid out to nil trustees amounting to £nil in the year (2023 £67, three trustees).
During the year two trustees received remuneration for consultancy totalling £104,005 (2023 - £54,460 to two trustee).
During the year costs of £1,021 were accrued to one trustee for use of home as office (2023 - £2,042). The amount oustanding at the year end was £3,063 (2023 £2,042).
The average monthly number of employees during the year was:
As a charity the company is exempt from tax on income falling within part II of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 and on gains falling within s256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objectives. No tax charges have arisen in the charity.
Funds received from Tudor Trust were received towards the purchase of a building, which occured after the year end.
Breaking Bread was funded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace.
Sanitary and curry circle costs were funded by Hilden Charitable Fund.
Our Deen is Green Paths to Physics was funded by the Institute of Physics.
Ladies Tea and Chat was funded by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Cancer Alliance.
Our Deen is Green Upcycling was funded by the National Lottery.
Curry Circle was funded by the National Lottery, Souter Charitable Trust and the Bartlett Group.
Community Research was funded by The Leap.
Our Dean is Green Walking for Wellbeing was funded by Sports England.
Calligraphy was funded by Westhill Endowment.
New Premises Feasibility was funded by Tudor Trust.
Prior year:-
Aunties Network was funded by The Pilgrim Trust.
Engage Britain funded a reconnection event and tour summit.
Board of Trustees Wellbeing was funded by The Tudor Trust.
Employment and Literacy was funded by European Union Social Fund, Community Grants.
Think Tank was funded by Friends Provident Foundation and The Wellcome Trust.
Ladies Tea and Chat was funded by The Scurrah Wainwright Charity, for discussions between Muslim Women and policy makers to find ways to counter social inequality.
Bartlett Group fund the curry circle activities.
Calligraphy was funded by the Prince of Wales Trust, Westhill Endowment and Lets Create Jubilee Fund.
A transfer has been made in the year to show the net book value of the fixed assets held.
Unrestriced funds
Restricted funds
Unrestriced funds
Restricted funds
There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023- none) other than those disclosed in note 8.