Jonathan Burchfield appointed Interim Manager to Essex Islamic Academy

The Charity Commission has announced its appointment of Jonathan Burchfield, partner at national law firm Stone King, as an Interim Manager to the Essex Islamic Academy, also known as Ripple Road Mosque.

The Commission has been investigating the charity since October 2017. The inquiry was announced in March of this year, after the conviction of Umar Ahmed Haque for preparing terrorist acts whilst employed at the charity. Mr Haque had previously pleaded guilty to disseminating terrorist material to children who attended the charity’s madrassah. 

As part of its inquiry, the Commission is considering how Mr Haque was able to attempt to radicalise children, and what the trustees and others at the charity knew about this. The inquiry is also examining the level of supervision, due diligence and oversight the charity had over Mr Haque, and its adherence to safeguarding policies and procedures.

The Commission appointed Jonathan Burchfield on 8 June 2018. His role is to implement safeguarding procedures, review the charity’s governing document, and its financial controls and policies. He assumes these duties at the exclusion of the charity’s trustees, however the trustees will retain control over the day-to-day running of the charity.

This is the second time that Jonathan has been appointed Interim Manager. He says: “We appreciate the confidence that the Charity Commission has shown in Stone King by appointing me and our team, led by partner Reema Mathur. We immediately began our work in June, according to the Commission’s brief.”

The Charity Commission’s investigation continues and the Commission’s full statement can be viewed online.

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