The Commission opened a statutory inquiry into both charities in November 2016 to investigate the charities’ trustees’ approach to safeguarding and their handling of allegations of abuse. The regulator now says it is not satisfied that the charities’ current safeguarding policies, procedures and practices are adequate and working properly. This includes concerns about the charities’ compliance with established safeguarding procedures.

As a result, Emma Moody of law firm Womble Bond Dickinson has been appointed as interim manager of both charities. Her appointment comes after the Commission reviewed the progress made by the trustees in implementing recommendations made in March 2017 by an independent review commissioned by the charities.

She will have all the powers and duties of a trustee, to the exclusion of the trustees, in respect of a number of safeguarding related matters. Her responsibilities will include reviewing the sufficiency of the charities’ governance, leadership, management, culture, policies and practices with regard to safeguarding; scrutinising and reviewing the charities’ progress with implementing the recommendations arising from the independent review in 2017; and identifying and implementing any additional actions which are considered necessary or appropriate.

Harvey Grenville, head of investigations and enforcement at the Charity Commission said: ‘It is of paramount importance that beneficiaries, and others who come into contact with charities, are protected from harm.

We are not satisfied that the trustees of these charities have made enough progress in improving the safeguarding environment for pupils in the schools connected to the charities.’

The Commission said this appointment is a temporary and protective power that will be reviewed at regular intervals.

Report by Pat Sweet