The Charity Commission has decided not to intervene after umbrella body NCVO made a serious incident report to the regulator.
NCVO filed a report with the regulator amid a restructure, which has drawn public concerns over the body’s ability to staff its small charity helpdesk and criticism for describing itself as “small but mighty” in a job advert.
Charity Times also published an article last week in which former staff members criticised the umbrella body’s culture.
The commission told Civil Society this week that, in line with its guidance, NCVO’s trustees reported a serious incident regarding planned organisational changes and “media reporting around this”.
“Based on the information available, we are assured that the charity is handling matters appropriately at this time, but we expect the trustees to keep us updated on any significant developments,” a spokesperson for the commission said.
An NCVO spokesperson said: “It is responsible governance to raise a serious incident report with the Charity Commission when an incident occurs that a charity believes could pose a risk, in line with the commission’s clear and straightforward guidance.
“As such, NCVO did raise a report and we would actively encourage any organisation in a similar situation to the same, without worrying about the implications for their organisation.
“Information about serious incident reports is available as part of our free-to-access help and guidance resources on the NCVO website.”
Update on small charity helpdesk
NCVO plans to “evolve” its small charity helpdesk, which it inherited from the Small Charities Coalition, but concerns have been raised over its future after the umbrella body made some of its practical support team redundant.
Today, it published an article on its helpdesk changes, saying that “while demand remains steady, response times are faster” and that 200 enquiries were received from small charities last month.
The umbrella body, which recorded an income of £9.48m in its latest accounts, described itself as a “small organisation […] but mighty” in its adverts for six new associate director positions.
Chief executive Kate Lee has apologised for offence caused by the phrasing in the adverts and for “uncertainty and confusion” caused by the recent staff changes.
Meanwhile, chief commercial officer Saskia Konynenburg has expressed regret over a lack of consultation with NCVO’s small charities advisory panel over the changes.
Adrian Stones, NCVO’s chief people officer, told Charity Times that the body strives to be an “inclusive, welcoming and supportive employer”.
NCVO is planning to publish a new strategy this year.
