A Close Look at the Abu Bakr Trust: A Concerning Financial Probe

The Charity Commission, the governmental body responsible for regulating charities in England and Wales, has initiated an investigation into the activities of the Abu Bakr Trust. This charitable organization, based in Walsall, oversees the management of four independent schools, a mosque, and various other educational facilities in the West Midlands, all of which are dedicated to the advancement of children’s education.

The decision to launch an inquiry was motivated by serious and ongoing concerns about the financial management and governance of the charity. Of particular concern are the levels of debt, financial reporting, and governance practices, including the failure of the trustees to submit the annual statutory returns to the Charity Commission in a timely manner.

This is not the first occasion that the Commission has had dealings with the charity. Both in 2020 and 2022, the trustees were engaged by the Commission over concerns related to governance and financial management.

The inquiry will focus on specific areas, including the trustees’ management and governance of the Abu Bakr Trust, particularly their failure to ensure timely filing of annual returns and the management of the charity’s financial affairs, especially in relation to its level of debt. The investigation will also determine whether the trustees have fulfilled their legal duties and obligations as stipulated by charity law. Additionally, any misconduct or mismanagement by current and former trustees within the charity’s administration will be scrutinized.

Furthermore, the inquiry’s scope may be expanded should additional regulatory issues come to light.

Upon completion of the inquiry, the Commission intends to publish a comprehensive report that details the matters investigated, any actions taken, and the outcomes of the investigation.

It is the role of the Charity Commission to ensure that charities can operate effectively and inspire public confidence, thus enabling them to have a positive impact on society and enhance lives.

The inquiry was initiated on 25th October 2023, in accordance with section 46 of the Charities Act 2011.

For any media inquiries, the Charity Commission can be reached via email at [email protected]. Alternatively, the out-of-hours press office contact number is 07785 748787.