The Scottish Charity Regulator, OSCR, is investigating a Glasgow-based charity whose assets it believes may be at risk.
OSCR has published an interim inquiry report for Pollokshields Development Agency, which states that the regulator is undertaking inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the recent removal and appointment of charity trustees.
It has directed the current trustees of the charity, which aims to promote integration and the regeneration of its community, not to undertake any activities while it carries out inquiries.
OSCR has taken the additional action of directing the charity’s financial institutions not to part with property it is holding on behalf of the charity without OSCR’s consent.
This means that the charity cannot spend any money until the regulator has concluded its inquiries.
“Our work on this matter is ongoing and these directions do not pre-empt the outcome of those inquiries. We will publish a full report on these matters when we have concluded our regulatory work,” its statement reads.
Risk of harm to the charity
OSCR opened an inquiry into the charity in May 2023 on receipt of information alleging that charity trustees have been removed and new trustees appointed not in accordance with the terms of the constitution.
The regulator was also informed that the current trustees have continued to carry on the activities of the charity without access to the charity’s funds.
Its report states that these allegations have raised serious concerns that the charity’s assets are at risk and it therefore needs to undertake further inquiries to ensure the assets are protected and that trustees are acting in line with their legal duties.
“Our inquiries are ongoing and these directions do not pre-empt the outcome of those inquiries. However, given the seriousness of the situation, and the risk of harm to the charity, OSCR considers it appropriate to direct the charity not to undertake the charity’s activities whilst our inquiries are ongoing,” it says.
These directions are valid for six months and expire on 1 December 2023. They can also be revoked or varied by OSCR during that period if we determine it appropriate to do so.
The charity was registered in 2002 and had an income of £138,000 in the year to March 2022.
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