Faith in Charity: Charity regulator reaches out to Muslim Charities in Birmingham

Press Release

3 March 2008
Birmingham-based Muslim charities will get the chance to meet The Charity Commission's Faith and Social Cohesion Unit (FSCU) on Wednesday 5th March. Commission staff will explain the work of the new FSCU, and listen to views on how to develop its service and help charities perform as effectively as possible.

The Charity Commission has established the FSCU to provide support and expert advice to faith-based charities. This, the first of the FSCU’s events, will provide advice on a number of key areas including: the implications of the Charities Act 2006 for faith-based charities, in particular Muslim charities, and mosques; and the benefits of charity registration and the process involved. Expert Commission staff will also be on hand to answer delegates' questions on the day.

At the event delegates will hear from Ghulam Rasool, Head of the Faith and Social Cohesion Unit, Rosie Chapman, Executive Director of Policy and Effectiveness at the Charity Commission, Khurshid Ahmed from the newly launched Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB), as well as representatives from the Confederation of Sunni Mosques, and the UK Islamic Mission. Councillor Alan Rudge from Birmingham City Council will welcome the new FSCU to Birmingham to launch its work there.

Ghulam Rasool, Head of the Faith and Social Cohesion Unit said:

"Faith-based charities are one of the fastest growing elements of the voluntary sector, and they make a huge contribution to communities across England and Wales. I’m delighted to be leading the Commission’s new Faith and Social Cohesion Unit as we work hand in hand with the Muslim community to strengthen the governance of existing charities, and promote the valuable contribution they make to society; and encourage more organisations to register with us, so they can enjoy the benefits of being a registered charity, and take advantage of the expert advice the Commission offers."

"There are 89 Muslim charities generating almost £44 million in Birmingham alone, so it's clear that this community plays a vital role in the life of the city. Birmingham is a very important area to us in terms of the vibrancy and strength of the Muslim community and we look forward to hearing the views of local people at the seminar."

Khurshid Ahmed, Current Chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) said:

"We welcome the Faith and Social Cohesion Unit's first event with Muslim organisations, and are pleased to be taking part in the event. It is heartening to see the Commission’s new Unit working closely with various Muslim organisations, charities and mosques, to ensure that governance within charities is strengthened, helping faith communities play their legitimate role in building a true and vibrant society, and advancing community cohesion. The members of the MINAB are looking forward to working closely with the new unit on this and many more outreach events across the country."

This is the first of the new Faith and Social Cohesion Unit’s events and will take place on Wednesday 5 March at the Second City Suite in Birmingham. The FSCU will be hosting a second event for Muslim charities in London later in the month.

For further information or to arrange an interview with Ghulam Rasool ( in Urdu or English) or any of the other speakers at the event please contact: Jo Saunders on 020 7674 2528, Sarah Miller 020 7674 2366, or for Out of Hours: 07785 748 787