A Scottish charity that supports women from minority and ethnic communities is being investigated by the regulator over allegations including financial irregularities and “bullying”.

OSCR, the Scottish charity regulator, announced that it had launched an investigation into the Amina Muslim Women’s Resource Centre (MWRC).

The charity’s executive director, Mariam Ahmed, subsequently described the allegations as “unfounded”.

Amina supports women from black, ethnic and minority backgrounds on a range of issues including domestic violence, employment and financial security.

An OSCR spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have received concerns about Amina.

“In our opinion, we have opened an investigation into the charity. As this process is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

While the investigation is ongoing, the charity will continue its work as usual.

The BBC understands that the regulator is investigating governance and financial management issues, including alleged discrepancies in expenses and consultancy fees, the accuracy of accounting records and an alleged lack of financial controls.

The investigation was triggered by a complaint from some trustees that they had not received satisfactory answers to their questions about expenditure costs which, in their opinion, had not been approved by the board.

Other allegations in the complaint concern the promotion of a “toxic” work culture.

Amina has been working in Scotland for 26 years and runs open consultation hours and a helpline which received more than 2,500 calls in 2022-2023.

This year, the Helpline provided direct support to 169 women, most of whom were victims of domestic violence.

Amina also provides a hardship fund for those in need, organizes language courses and self-help groups, and offers an advocacy service.

The charity says it aims to break down the barriers faced by women of colour. It is based in Glasgow but also has an office in Dundee and hosts events across Scotland.

It is managed by a team of employees, volunteers and a ten-member board of trustees.

Amina’s last publicly available accounts for 2022-2023 showed an income of just under £650,000, of which more than £600,000 was spent on salaries and running costs.

The Foundation is funded through grants from numerous public and voluntary organisations, with the main source of income being the Scottish Government. The Foundation has also received funding from the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department for Digital, Media, Culture and Sport.

Amina CEO Mariam Ahmed said: “We are aware of the unfounded allegations against Amina MWRC and comply with the OSCR with full transparency. We have robust governance and financial processes in place.

“We meet all our legal and financial obligations. As a women’s rights charity, we continue to support Muslim and BME women ethically and with dignity.”