An interim manager has been appointed to an international education charity as part of an investigation into “serious concerns” around safeguarding.
The Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into CISV International after the charity submitted a serious incident report regarding its safeguarding practices in February.
CISV International, a federation of almost 70 national associations and more than 200 local groups, highlighted its “inability to enforce compliance by member nations” in its report, prompting the commission to escalate proceedings.
The regulator opened its inquiry on 20 February and appointed Emma Moody of law firm Womble Bond Dickinson as interim manager this month.
Moody will take over safeguarding responsibilities and decisions from trustees, who will continue to be responsible for the wider management of the charity.
In a statement, the commission added: “Trustees must cooperate fully with the interim manager and their team throughout this process.”
The charity was set up primarily to help children and young people, as well as adults, focusing on “building friendship and mutual understanding”, according to its website.
Scope of inquiry
The commission will assess whether there has been misconduct or mismanagement by CISV International’s trustees, and if the charity has proper risk systems in place.
It will also determine whether trustees have adequate strategic oversight of the charity and its activities.
CISV International, registered as a charity in 1999, has seven active trustees, according to its listing on the commission’s register, all of whom were appointed in the last three years.
The charity produced fresh safeguarding guidelines in 2024 which were “designed for every youth-led experience”, according to its most recent accounts in the year ending 31 December 2024.
It also introduced a positive behaviour policy that year to lay out “clearer expectations for safe, respectful and responsible conduct”.
“New standards around alcohol, mental health, and safeguarding roles leave less room for ambiguity and more room for confidence,” its accounts that year stated.
The scope of the inquiry into CISV International, which recorded a total income of £2.13m in 2024, can be extended if additional regulatory issues emerge.
The charity has yet to respond to requests for comment.
