Toynbee Hall is reviewing concerns raised by some staff members about the charity’s recent acting chief executive appointment and its wider hiring processes.
A group of current employees called Justice for Toynbee has escalated concerns to the Charity Commission that it initially raised to trustees of the east London-based charity, which supports people facing poverty and injustice.
The group, which Civil Society understands comprises around 13 staff members, wrote to trustees in June about Matt Dronfield’s previous “inappropriate” social media activity following his appointment as acting CEO.
Civil Society has seen multiple screenshots of social media posts by Dronfield, who has led the charity’s advice services since 2019, in which he appears partially clothed.
According to the group, its members feel these posts were unprofessional and have “undermined trust in the charity’s safeguarding culture”, with Dronfield also being Toynbee Hall’s designated safeguarding lead.
It also questioned the charity’s hiring processes, alleging that friends of Dronfield had been appointed to other senior roles and awarded pay increases.
Regulator assesses intervention
The group, members of which spoke to Civil Society, attempted to file a whistleblowing complaint internally but trustees responded that the concerns raised did not qualify for protection under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
It subsequently escalated the concerns to the commission, which is considering whether to intervene.
“We submitted these concerns in good faith to protect the integrity of Toynbee Hall and the people it serves,” said a representative from Justice for Toynbee.
“The refusal to act, even temporarily, sends a dangerous message about accountability, safeguarding and the culture of silence.”
A spokesperson for the charity said: “We are aware of anonymous allegations.
“We take all such matters seriously and are following appropriate governance processes in reviewing the concerns.
“As this relates to internal staffing and governance, we will not be commenting further at this time.”
A spokesperson for the commission said: “We are assessing concerns raised about Toynbee Hall to determine if there is a regulatory role for us.”
Civil Society has contacted Dronfield for comment.
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