Accountability and Transparency

How is Interpal managed?

Interpal is managed by a Board of Trustees, and this bears responsibility for formulating and implementing the Charity's policies. An Executive Committee, comprising of the Chairman of the Board, the Vice-Chair and the Executive Manager, oversees the management and day-to-day running of the organisation. In addition to powers, such as providing grants to help alleviate poverty, the Trustees have the power to establish and support development and rehabilitation projects, encourage employment and self-dependency and construct, maintain and support holy places.

 

Who monitors Interpal’s activities?

Like all charities registered in England, Interpal is governed by English Law, and the rules, regulations and guidelines determined by the Charity Commission, the governmental body that monitors charities' activities. The Inland Revenue also periodically sends its officers to scrutinise our audited accounts.

Interpal is under a legal duty to operate within the laws of the United Kingdom and the laws of the areas in which we operate. It is not in our interest or the interest of our ultimate beneficiaries to exceed the remit of our Trust Deed and operate outside the law.

 

Who does Interpal work with to ensure that the funds it transfers are used as directed?

Interpal’s stated official policy is to coordinate with like-minded charities both in Britain and abroad so that it may increase efficiency, avoid duplication, and ensure maximum benefit for the poor and needy of Palestine. Interpal’s commitment to Public Accountability and Transparency means that it does not deal with individuals, but with legitimate organisations that are duly registered by the appropriate local authorities.

Interpal deals with over 20 funding partners, and has contact with over 40 Zakat committees and charitable organisations in its primary area of operation. All of the latter are highly trusted and respected by the people, and they act as Interpal’s eyes and ears on the ground. They are thus best placed to provide sound advice and to assess the needs of the people.

How do I know that the money I donate is used for charitable purposes and not any other thing?

At Interpal we are committed to carrying out the wishes of our donors, and are bound by religious duty and moral obligation to ensure that the funds we raise are used for charitable purposes as specified.

Interpal maintains a very strict audit trail and we insist on a formal contractual relationship with all our partners. To ensure that the funds we transfer are used as directed, we require our local partners to sign and strictly adhere to a Funding Agreement. All transfers of funds are thus properly authorised, documented and receipted, and local partners are under a duty to provide progress reports and a final report of the projects they implement on our behalf. These reports are supported by relevant documents (e.g. receipts of purchases and distribution of funds) and photographic or video records.