The Charity Commission has restricted an international development charity in Manchester from transferring funds or assets outside the UK after opening an investigation.
Help Mankind Ltd has also been prohibited from transferring money to its trustees or individuals and entities connected to them as part of the statutory inquiry.
The regulator is investigating “serious” concerns that the charity’s funds may have been misapplied.
It initially opened a compliance case into the charity in August 2024 to assess allegations regarding the charity’s financial management.
After carrying out compliance visits to the charity in March and October this year, the commission has now escalated its involvement to a full statutory inquiry.
The inquiry will examine whether Help Mankind’s funds have been expended solely for charitable purposes in line with its governing document and stated objects.
It will consider the conduct of the trustees or those otherwise involved in the control or management of the charity and their compliance with legal duties and responsibilities.
The commission will also investigate the general administration, governance and management of the charity by its trustees.
Registered in 2009, Help Mankind has three listed trustees and recorded an income of £800 and expenditure of £29,300 in the year to August 2024.
Its income was higher in previous years, £58,800 in 2020-21, while its costs were £116,000 that year.
Help Mankind has been contacted for comment.
