The Charity Commission has restricted the trustees of a newly registered Christian charity from certain financial transactions as part of a new investigation.
The regulator opened a statutory inquiry into the London-based Outreach Ministry, which advances the Christian faith through ministry and events, due to concerns over its finances.
As part of this, the commission has restricted the trustees from certain financial transactions without the regulator’s prior approval “as a temporary and protective measure”.
Payments unable to be explained by charity
The regulator initially opened a regulatory compliance case in November 2024 into the Outreach Ministry, which registered as a charity in December 2023, after concerns were raised about its financial controls and use of charity funds.
After inspecting the charity’s bank account, the regulator noted several payments referencing trustees and potentially related parties that could not be adequately explained by the charity.
The regulator also noted that there were payments referenced that may not be furthering the charity’s stated purpose.
It therefore escalated the compliance case into a statutory inquiry in April.
The inquiry will examine the trustees’ administration, governance and management of Outreach Ministry, with particular regard to its financial management, how its funds and assets have been used to further the charity’s purpose, and any administration failings.
The scope of the inquiry may be extended if additional regulatory issues emerge during the commission’s investigation.
The Outreach Ministry has been contacted for comment.
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