Our casework provides an interesting insight into the effects that the pandemic is having on charities. We’ve continued to receive requests for help and advice on a wide range of matters, all of which have been given urgent attention. We’ve seen novel ways in which charities have sought to make a positive difference during the crisis. A charity with a large accommodation block anticipated that the property would no longer be required by beneficiaries as a result of the pandemic. It wanted to make it available to NHS staff at a local hospital for respite and temporary accommodation, but this would have fallen outside of its purpose. We said that the terms of the arrangement should be properly documented to protect the charity’s interests. An agreement was drawn up, including requirements that the property would comply with government rules and would not be used to self-isolate staff experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. We then used our powers to make an order to authorise the arrangement.

In another case, a charity had completed the construction of a new care home for elderly residents. It wanted us to authorise the use of it temporarily either for key workers or to relieve bed blockages at the local hospital. On examining the governing document, we found that the charity already had the power to do this.