A vision loss charity has consulted on proposals to make up to 20% of its staff redundant, Civil Society has learned, with some staff reportedly being warned about their conduct since the plans were announced.
The Macular Society, which supports people with macular disease and funds research into the condition, announced in May this year that it would be “proposing changes” to its regional team and having a “reduced regional presence”.
A charity spokesperson has now confirmed to Civil Society that up to one in five of its employees are affected by the consultation.
Civil Society also understands that an external independent investigation has been conducted into some staff members’ actions following the consultation launch.
The investigation has now concluded, Civil Society understands, with several staff members receiving written warnings due to their alleged behaviour.
However, the charity has said that negative responses to the consultation would not be grounds for disciplinary action.
Charity’s current model ‘not sustainable in the long-term’
In its May statement, the charity stressed that while it “is not in financial difficulty”, its current model “is not sustainable in the long term”.
It said its proposed redundancies and regional services restructuring would allow it to maintain a “strong financial position” and “invest in areas that grow our impact.”
The charity added that it would retain “a significant team of 14 staff dedicated to supporting our volunteers across the UK” following its restructure.
According to the charity’s most recently filed accounts for the financial year ending 31 March 2024, it had an income of £10.3m and an expenditure of £11.4m, with 93 employees.
The regional services teams currently provide support and advice to people with macular disease in different regions across the UK, and run support groups.
CEO: ‘No final decisions have been made’
Ed Holloway, the charity’s CEO, said: “The Macular Society is currently consulting on some proposed changes to the structure of its regional team.
“As the plans are still under consultation, and no final decisions have been made, we are unable to share any more detail at this time.
“While we do not comment on confidential HR matters relating to staff members, the organisation would only initiate disciplinary proceedings in cases of alleged misconduct.
“It is important to clarify that responding to a consultation, even critically, would not in itself be grounds for disciplinary action.”
