Bubb responds

10 Jun 2009 Voices

So we have heard from Stephen Bubb – chief exec of Acevo. He has commented on the expense issue on his blog - 1,459 words, no less. Almost a book! To cut to the chase, if I read his blog correctly, he will publish his expenses to his members but not to a wider audience. A step in the right direction perhaps but with over 75% of those who responded to the Charity Finance poll saying they would like expenses published this is disappointing.

So we have heard from Stephen Bubb – chief exec of Acevo. He has commented on the expense issue on his blog - 1,459 words, no less. Almost a book!

To cut to the chase, if I read his blog correctly, he will publish his expenses to his members but not to a wider audience.

A step in the right direction perhaps but with over 75% of those who responded to the Charity Finance poll saying they would like expenses published this is disappointing.

NCVO, CFDG, Institute of Fundraising and Navca have produced a summary of their CEOs' expenses. Why not Stephen?

I recognise that Stephen feels responsible to his members but in his role as chief exec he also has a responsibility to his employees, donors, and a wider group of beneficiaries than just his members.

As the head of a leading umbrella body his actions also reflect on the UK charity sector as a whole.

If well received by the likes of Gordon Brown and Bill Clinton the UK charity sector will hopefully be viewed in a good light. If not well received – there is the danger that the opposite will happen.

This has wider implications than just the Acevo membership. Stephen should aspire to the highest levels of transparency.

So come on Stephen, disclose your expenses like your peers.  It would also be good to see the full list of corporate events you have been to and the entertaining you have received in the last year.

And by the way I am a member of the Tate sugar family – which of course makes me born with sweetness. And as for obsure, the thousands of views this blog has had so far would suggest otherwise!

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