The Charity Commission: just another under-performing Regulator?

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Permalink Reply by 30vvze4pc2114 on September 2, 2013 at 20:07

Not only do they under perform in this area, but another issue I have with the Charities Commission is the way they handle concerns about how registered charities handle their funds. Unless you can provide proof of financial irregularity and are willing to firstly bring your concerns to the board members of the charity concerned, the Charity Commission will not involve themselves. I was told by a pro bono charities finance expert that unless the funds concerned are in their millions the commission and other relevant finance bodies will rarely get involved. This is leaves the door open for many unscrupulous people to set up small charities, apply for funding and then fritter away the money, usually in the direction of their own pockets. Any one involved with a small charity will tell you how hard it is to secure funds and what a difference just a few pounds can make, so it makes it really hard to swallow when vital financial resources are openly misused and nothing is done about it. This is happening more and more, especially in wake of the money made available to Haringey after the riots. 

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Permalink Reply by 30vvze4pc2114 on September 2, 2013 at 21:41

Claire,

I am sure that with your word-smithery you would definitely be able to secure the funding you need for your most worthy of campaigns. Unfortunately I will be unable to join your cause as I have an allergic reaction to high gloss print and pictures of people wearing rented couture.

with respect and best wishes

Glynis

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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on September 3, 2013 at 0:51

Glynis, I'm intrigued by your remark about misuse of charitable resources, and that: "This is happening more and more, especially in wake of the money made available to Haringey after the riots."

I wonder whether you have some evidence of this?

Maybe I'm gullible and over-trusting. I certainly don't dispute this sometimes happens. But I doubt it applies to the vast majority of charities.

I base this view on my own experience of charities over the years, in Haringey and other boroughs, where volunteers - including Trustees  - were far more likely to be out of pocket than dipping into charity funds.

(Tottenham Hale ward councillor)

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Permalink Reply by Clive Carter on September 3, 2013 at 9:48

Alan IMO, the legal definition of what constitutes a charity needs to be re-thought.

Most charities are set up with good intentions and do good things and are overseen by good people. This general background has been taken advantage of by a minority of others with less good intentions.

It has to be recognized that charitable status is something that is coveted by some rogues for other than noble purposes. Some businesses masquerade under this title and the Charity Commission is either unable or unwilling to police this effectively.

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Permalink Reply by Alan Stanton on September 3, 2013 at 10:33

Been re-reading your bible, Clive?  I seem to remember various references to sheep, goats; and ravenous wolves dressed as sheep. As in John Wycliffe's 1382 translation of Matthew 7:15.

"Be ye war of fals prophetis, that comen to you in clothing is of scheep, but withynneforth thei ben as wolves of raveyn."

Our modern problem is that the Devil wears not a fleece but Prada. Rogues may wear stylish clothes, speak in friendly persuasive tones, and hand you a business card which carries the website address of their charity, social enterprise, consultancy, or academy school chain.

How to tell the rogues from the good guys? Avoid sweeping fixed judgements. Start by expecting the best from people, but retaining a healthy scepticism, a questioning mind, and respect for evidence.

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