Charity behind Birmingham mosque had 'no safeguarding policies' and was 'mismanaged', probe finds

A probe into a charity that runs a popular Birmingham mosque has found its trustees responsible for misconduct and mismanagement. A report into the Dar ul Uloom Islamia Rizwia (Bralawai) found issues around safeguarding and “inappropriate” posts on social media.

The charity operates a mosque in Small Heath known locally as Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif. The mosque is among the biggest in the city and also operates an education centre, which had a safeguarding incident in 2019.

The report followed a three-year inquiry, in which time the Charity Commission found "several instances of misconduct" and "several regulatory concerns." But its head of compliance said trustees had taken "significant steps" to improve operations.

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'Multiple inappropriate social media posts from staff'

Mosque officials said the inquiry had been "exhausting for all concerned" but also a "thoughtful period." They accepted the findings of the inquiry and said they would "continue to make improvements."

In 2019, a safeguarding incident at the charity’s education centre prompted the regulator to open a compliance case and the trustees temporarily closed the education centre.

The Commission found the charity had no safeguarding policies in place at the time of the incident, constituting a serious breach of duty. But in November 2021 a monitoring inspection found the charity had reopened its education centre without implementing appropriate safeguarding measures.

The charity attempted to reopen again without complying in 2022, which was deemed to amount to misconduct and/or mismanagement. In light of 'continued failures', the Commission used its powers to appoint an interim manager to undertake a governance review.

The inquiry identified several regulatory issues, most the result of a poor practice around implementing and following the charity’s own governance policies. They included policies on social media use, conflicts of interest and safeguarding. The charity also failed to file its accounts for financial years ending in March 2019 and 2020 – all of which amounted to misconduct and/or mismanagement.

Inspectors said the charity’s failure to use or complete its draft social media policy contributed to the issuing of multiple inappropriate social media posts by trustees and staff. Trustees’ failure to have oversight or appropriately manage risks was also found to amount to misconduct and/or mismanagement. The posts were later deleted and an apology issued at the time.

Following direct intervention, the trustees closed the education centre again and took steps to address the concerns. They provided evidence that staff Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks had been carried out and that safeguarding practices had been reviewed and implemented.

The Commission said the trustees had now detailed their use and adherence to a robust social media policy, drafted in line with regulatory guidance, and the charity’s accounts were now up-to-date. The trustees had adopted all recommendations made by the interim manager. The commission concluded its inquiry and published the report on October 17.

Statement from Commission

Joshua Farbridge, head of compliance visits and inspections at the Charity Commission, said: "Our inquiry found a number of regulatory concerns and several instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement but the trustees have taken significant steps to improve how the charity operates.

“We are now closing our inquiry with the expectation that the current trustees will continue to make necessary changes to help ensure this charity is providing a safe and trusted environment for all.

“This case demonstrates how important it is for all trustees to agree and use their charity’s internal policies. Failing to do so can leave a charity and those it serves at risk.”

Mosque says it will 'continue to make improvements'

A spokesperson for Central Jamia Mosque Ghamkol Sharif said: "We are grateful that the inquiry has finally concluded with the publication of the Statement of the Results of the Inquiry ('SORI').

"We would like to extend our gratitude to the Charity Commission, in particular the lead investigator and the team for their professionalism, support and help during the inquiry period. It has been a thoughtful period, in which we can assertively state the outcome has been beneficial for the charity. We can now move forward to serve our beneficiaries in accordance with our new governing document.

"A local community faith-based charity in a formal inquiry that has lasted in excess of three years, which included a thorough supplemental interim manager’s investigation, has been exhausting for all concerned. We are aware the Commission has been in receipt of a significant amount of concerns and complaints which has prolonged the timeline of the inquiry, as they are duty-bound to consider all enquiries received.

"We accept the findings and will continue to make improvements towards governance, administration and management in the coming period.."