An east London-based organisation that excluded women and girls over 12 from a recent fundraising run has “committed to reviewing” its policies, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), which has decided against further intervention at the charity.
Last month, the East London Mosque Trust was criticised after holding its 12th annual Muslim Charity Run, a 5k race that was only “open to men, boys of all ages and girls under 12”.
Speaking to radio station LBC after the event, housing secretary Steve Reed said it was “absolutely unacceptable that women should be blocked from going on a fun run in a public space when the men are allowed to go out there and do that”.
The Muslim Women’s Network UK also expressed concerns about the event, saying that organisers “could have taken practical steps to accommodate women and girls without compromising religious beliefs”.
This prompted EHRC to assess whether the charity had breached the Equality Act 2010 and consider whether intervention was warranted.
In an update sent to Civil Society, EHRC said that “after careful consideration, we aren’t taking further action at this stage”.
“We recognise that the organisers have committed to reviewing their policies and the format of the event in advance of the next Muslim Charity Run,” EHRC said.
“If we’re made aware of any further complaints about the event, we stand ready to re-examine the concerns and take action where appropriate.
“We also have guidance available on compliance with the Equality Act 2010 to help the organisers avoid unlawful discrimination, and ensure their events are inclusive.”
According to the East London Mosque Trust’s website, the next Muslim Charity Run is scheduled to take place in 2026.
The East London Mosque Trust responded to concerns raised about the run last month but declined to comment further.
Separately, the charity was given an official warning by the Charity Commission on 10 April after “failing to responsibly manage charity funds” over an investment deal that resulted in the loss of £1m.
The commission gave the charity six months to address failings in its governance and management, or it may face further scrutiny.
A spokesperson for the commission told Civil Society that it is “actively monitoring the charity’s compliance with actions set out in the official warning”.
