Press release

Commission appoints interim managers to South Gloucestershire charity

The Charity Commission has appointed two interim managers to Shire Way Community Association (283301), to the exclusion of its trustees.

The Shire Way Community Association aims to advance education and provide leisure and recreational facilities for the inhabitants of Sodbury, Yate and Westerleigh.

The regulator opened a statutory inquiry into the charity in January 2022, over concerns about the trustees’ management of the charity’s resources and financial affairs. All of the trustees have since resigned, leaving the charity unable to function. The Charity Commission has now appointed interim managers to the charity as part of its inquiry.

Charles Turner and Paul Barber of Begbies Traynor were appointed as interim managers on 18 July 2022. Their responsibilities include securing the charity’s assets and reviewing its financial viability. The outcome of the financial viability assessment will inform their next steps, either implementing new governance arrangements or, if it is found to no longer be viable, winding the charity up. This may include engaging with external third parties with regard to future arrangements for the charity’s key property assets.

The Commission’s inquiry into the charity continues. It is the Commission’s policy to publish an inquiry report upon its conclusion.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  1. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its purpose is to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and strengthen society.
  2. The charity’s details can be found on the register of charities.
  3. Section 76(3)(g) of the Charities Act 2011 gives the Commission power to appoint an interim manager to a charity.
  4. Interim managers are appointed where the Commission has identified misconduct or mismanagement in the administration of a charity, and/or where there is a need to protect a charity’s property. It is a protective measure.

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Published 22 July 2022