The 2024 BMCS Progress Report builds on the foundations laid by the original British Muslim Civil Society (BMCS) Report, first published in 2023. The initial report explored critical aspects of British civil society and presented 27 comprehensive recommendations across key areas, including the statutory and civil society sectors, youth engagement, mosques, women’s inclusion, strategic philanthropy, and media.
This follow-up report evaluates the advancements made since the initial publication, examining both domestic and international developments that continue to shape the experiences of British Muslims. While acknowledging the significant progress made in implementing many of the original recommendations, this progress report also emphasises the need for continued focus, sufficient resources, and a supportive ecosystem to achieve sustained, long-term impact.
The publication of an annual report provides a valuable opportunity to document both successes and challenges, serving as a public record of progress and a guide for ongoing development. This approach cultivates a spirit of continuous improvement and collaboration by facilitating the exchange of effective strategies and innovative ideas within the British Muslim community and beyond. By prioritising openness and accountability, this initiative strengthens partnerships across various sectors, motivating individuals and organisations to actively contribute to shared goals. It highlights the collective responsibility of working towards a future where British Muslims are fully engaged, empowered, and play a dynamic role in broader civil society.
“I am greatly encouraged by the continued progress and wonderful contributions of British Muslims to civil society. The BMCS Report of 2023 and this follow-up report both outline key recommendations to further uplift and empower the British Muslim community. While there is still much to be done, significant progress is already underway, showcasing the community’s ability to address challenges, foster leadership, and contribute meaningfully to British society. This progress is a testament to the community’s resilience and ability to adapt to ever-changing circumstances while preserving its rich cultural and religious identity.”
Hon Naz Shah MP
Member of Parliament
The formation of a new government presents an opportunity for renewed engagement and a fresh approach to dialogue with policymakers. It is crucial for the community to actively connect with new MPs and cabinet members, particularly those of Muslim heritage, to foster relationships that promote mutual understanding and collaboration. This engagement should prioritise addressing issues such as Islamophobia, enhancing public awareness of the challenges faced by British Muslims, and advocating for policies that support inclusion and equality. By building these bridges, the British Muslim community can contribute meaningfully to shaping a more cohesive and fair society while ensuring its voice is heard at the highest levels of decision-making.
The community must prioritise the development of new spaces that cater to diverse needs and foster innovation, collaboration, and engagement. While mosques and community centres have historically played a central role, they often lack the resources or flexibility to support emerging needs effectively. New community hubs should provide platforms for creative expression, faith-based initiatives, and cultural development, particularly for younger generations. These spaces can act as incubators for ideas, bringing together diverse talents and perspectives to drive social and economic progress. The community can nurture the next wave of leaders, innovators, and contributors by creating environments where change makers feel supported and inspired.
Engagement with the British Muslim community must go beyond traditional gatekeepers and well-established figures to include a broader range of voices from various sectors, including media, arts, culture, and theology. This inclusivity ensures a comprehensive understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations while reflecting its diverse makeup. Collaboration with social activists, thought leaders, and individuals across the political spectrum will enrich discussions and generate innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Expanding the range of perspectives involved in decision-making processes will better represent the community and strengthen its ability to contribute meaningfully to British civil society.
Building resilient leadership structures is essential for the community to meet the evolving challenges of today and tomorrow. Existing initiatives aimed at leadership development must raise their aspirations to produce impactful, high-quality programmes that reflect the complexities of modern British society. These efforts should focus on cultivating visionary leaders equipped with the skills and insight to address pressing issues such as social cohesion, economic development, and representation. By investing in a new generation of capable leaders, the community can foster resilience, innovation, and strategic planning, ensuring a stronger and more prosperous future for all.
While the British Muslim community has a strong track record of supporting international humanitarian causes, there is an urgent need to redirect some of these resources to address local challenges. Grassroots change-makers across the UK often struggle to access the funding required to implement their ideas and initiatives. Investing in local community projects not only addresses immediate needs but also builds a foundation for long-term progress. This includes creating funding mechanisms that align with scriptural, moral, and practical priorities to empower local leaders. By connecting financial and human capital, the community can drive transformative change at the grassroots level, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more vibrant society.
To achieve impactful and sustainable progress, the British Muslim community must adopt a more empirical and data-driven approach to decision-making. Moving away from anecdotal evidence and funder-driven priorities, this shift requires integrating robust data collection and analysis into community development efforts. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), offer significant potential to enhance these processes. However, the community needs to actively shape AI frameworks to ensure they are inclusive and free from bias. By embracing data-driven methodologies and leveraging technological advancements, the community can make informed decisions that lead to long-term benefits while safeguarding its values and priorities.