The RSPCA has been rapped over the knuckles by the Charity Commission, which has issued the charity with an official warning after finding that a group of trustees failed to ensure they were sufficiently informed before making a reported six-figure settlement offer to the former acting chief executive
The Commission also found those trustees failed to act with reasonable care and skill in negotiating with that former executive.
In May, it was reported that Michael Ward, the RSPCA’s former interim chief executive received a significant pay-out from the charity, prompting the Commission to examine the trustees’ decision making.
The Commission’s warning is critical of the trustees for not ensuring that the decision was properly made, particularly given the large sum of money involved. The regulator said that these failings amount to mismanagement in the administration of the charity.
It cites wider criticism of the animal charity, saying it has had significant engagement with the RSPCA in recent years regarding the charity’s governance, a development the Charity Commission labels ‘concerning’ given the charity’s size and importance.
The regulator points out the RSPCA has seen unusually high turnover among its chief executives, and significant periods of time without a substantive chief executive in post.
David Holdsworth, registrar of charities for England and Wales and deputy chief executive of the Charity Commission, said the charity’s governance had fallen short which has led to people asking legitimate questions about the pay-out to the former executive.
‘The recent election of a new council, the introduction of a new code of conduct and the recruitment of a new chief executive, provide an opportunity for a fresh start for the charity. The trustees must now show leadership, and work with the new chief executive in driving forward the required improvements in governance,’ he said.
Holdsworth warned that if the trustees are not able to demonstrate that they have responded meaningfully and promptly to the official warning, the RSPCA could face further regulatory action, which could include the suspension of trustees and the appointment of an interim manager.
The official warning sets out actions the Commission recommends the charity takes to address its concerns, which include formal training for RSPCA council members to ensure they are fully aware of their responsibilities as charity trustees, and ensuring the RSPCA’s council adheres to the charity’s code of conduct.
The Commission also says the trustees should implement the recommendation of an independent report, commissioned by the charity, into the processes followed in recruiting and appointing a new chief executive.
RSPCA official warning is here
Report by Pat Sweet
