A charity that provides advice to people who want to set up ‘free schools’ – a flagship policy of the Department of Education - has been reminded by the Charity Commission of the need to be independent of government.
The New Schools Network describes itself as an “independent organisation devoted to improving education” and was registered as a charity in October last year. During the summer it received £500,000 from the Department of Education to provide “a personalised and cost-effective service” to anyone interested in setting up a free school.
The Network offers guidance on steps such as filling in DoE application forms, collecting data, formulating a business case and setting up a website.
Its director Rachel Wolf was an education adviser to the Conservative Party and has also worked for Boris Johnson, though two of the Network’s nine advisers used to be advisers to Tony Blair.
The Charity Commission became involved after receiving a complaint from Labour MP Lisa Nandy about the independence of the charity. A Commission spokeswoman said: “We were already aware of concerns raised in the media about this matter and had contacted the charity’s trustees to request further information. The case was dealt with in our Assessment Unit and we assessed the complaint in line with our normal procedures.
“We have reminded the trustees of their duties and responsibilities and provided them with regulatory advice on ensuring the charity’s continued independence and on its activities.” The guidance and advice concerned related to CC9 Speaking Out: Guidance on Campaigning and Political Activity by Charities and RR7 the Independence of Charities from the State. The Charity Commission added that its case was now closed.
The Network’s director Rachel Wolf confirmed to Civil Society that the charity had received a letter from the Commission reminding it of the guidance. But, she added, “they also said they were reassured that we have acted completely appropriately and independently and that we don’t need to change our activities in any way”.
