A charity has been cleared by the regulator which found that it was victim to a “misinformation campaign” falsely alleging it encouraged children to send Valentine’s Day cards to asylum seekers.
The Charity Commission found no evidence of wrongdoing at City of Sanctuary UK after examining a written complaint from former Conservative education minister Gavin Williamson last August.
Shadow cabinet members Laura Trott and Chris Philp also raised concerns about the charity’s Schools of Sanctuary programme last year, which led to national media reports.
The commission opened a compliance case but this week confirmed it found no evidence of inappropriate political activity by the charity, or activity that falls outside of its purposes, which had been alleged.
Heart-shaped general messages were shown in schools and some were sent to another refugee charity but at no point did children write cards to individual adult asylum seekers or refugees, the commission found.
It also dismissed concerns that the charity has breached its charitable purposes by criticising aspects of government policy.
Trustees threatened
In its case concluding statement, the regulator said that it was concerned about the misinformation the charity was subject to and the subsequent threats to staff and trustees, following the allegations.
Helen Earner, the commission’s director of regulatory services, said: “The commission speaks out when charities fall short of their legal responsibilities, but we also have a role in affirming the right of charities to further their purposes within the law, even where some may strongly disagree with their views.
“Charities have operated in contested areas of social policy for centuries, and as such, need to accept that not everyone will agree with their position or be supportive of their cause, and that they may be subject to criticism.
“In this case however, concerns about the charity’s work were fuelled by online misinformation, something charities are increasingly subject to and a concern for us as regulator.
“While we can’t fact check every concern about every charity, sometimes the high profile of allegations means it is right for us to set the record straight where allegations cannot be substantiated.
“After examining the available evidence, we found the claims to be misleading, and that the Schools of Sanctuary programme is within the charity’s purposes and complies with our guidance on campaigning and political activity.
“We are satisfied the trustees understand their regulatory obligations.”
A spokesperson for City of Sanctuary UK said: “While it is disappointing that our integrity was called into question, we welcome this clear outcome and are pleased the case is now closed.
“The misinformation campaign we were subject to had a real impact on our team and the schools we work with, and we are grateful that the commission recognised this as part of its review.”
The commission has removed trustee names from several charities, including City of Sanctuary UK, from its register due to concerns that they might be targeted.
A City of Sanctuary UK spokesperson added: “We know we are not alone – a number of other organisations working in this field have faced similar experiences.”
Williamson did not respond to a request for comment.
