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Barnardo's chief claimed for less than a third of expenses incurred

Finance | Vibeka Mair | 30 Jun 2009

Barnardo's chief executive Martin Narey has revealed that he incurred expenses of £11,229 in 2008 but only claimed back £3,829

Narey was the first sector chief to pledge to disclose his expenses, sparking a widespread debate in the charity sector which in turn prompted NCVO and CFDG to set up an independent expert group to devise guidance on best practice.

Although Narey spent a total of £11,229 during the year, much of this was on hospitality for staff and he financed £7,400 of this himself by not submitting claims.

'Climate of mistrust' 

Narey said the current climate of mistrust had informed his decision to publish his claim total.

“I don’t think there is anything to hide in the charity sector,” Narey told Charity News Alert, “but I think that after what’s happened first with the banks, then the MPs and city expenses, our supporters and staff are entitled to be ensured that we are spending money prudently.

“If you are looking at what chief executives earn, people are entitled to know what their expenses are as well.”

Expenses breakdown not needed

However, Narey does not believe an expenses breakdown is necessary: “From what I’ve seen, the figures from the charity sector are very small. If it’s less than £4,000 there is not a case for detailing how much you are spending on tube fares. Also my chair sees my expenses breakdown in considerable detail every six months and I’m assuming other charities do the same.”

Narey said his decision to publish was personal and he didn’t think his action should impose on how other chief executives run their organisations.

“All I would say is that in a time of diminished confidence in senior people, particularly MPs, it’s useful to reassure our staff and our donors that we use our money prudently.

"But I do think that compared to our peers in the public sector, people in the charity sector are very careful with the money we spend.”

Narey said Barnardo’s was still in discussion on how to publish the information: “It might be in our annual report, but at the very least on our website.”

His six directors claimed a total of £6,270 for the same period.

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