Press Release

15 October 2008

Muslim charities based in the North-West of England will get the chance to meet The Charity Commission’s Faith and Social Cohesion Unit (FSCU) on Thursday 16th October as it launches its work in the region. 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 event 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. Specialist 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
Councillor M Afzal Khan, Manchester City Council and former Lord Mayor
Abdul Hamid Qureshi- Lancashire Council of Mosques
Munawer Rattansey, representing Yousif Al-Khoei, the Chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB)
Maulana Zafar Mahmood Mujaddidi, a local Islamic scholar

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 Faith and Social Cohesion Unit as we work hand in hand with the Muslim community to strengthen the governance of existing charities, 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 approximately 182 Muslim charities generating almost £19 million in the North-West alone, so it's clear that this community plays a vital role in the life of the city. This is an 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."

Munawer Rattansey, representing the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board (MINAB) said:

“We welcome the Faith and Social Cohesion Unit’s latest event with Muslim organisations, and are pleased to be taking part again. It is heartening to see the Commission’s new team 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 latest of a series of Charity Commission events organised by its Faith and Social Cohesion Unit, and takes place on Thursday 16th October at The Sheridan Suite, Oldham Road, Manchester. The FSCU has already hosted events in London and Birmingham and has recently completed a successful Ramadhan media campaign to encourage charity registration amongst Muslims organisations which has seen more than 1,000 visits to the Commission’s website as a result.