Governance rocket for independent school
In June 2008, the Charity Commission was notified of serious allegations...
...of physical harm by the head of St Peter’s Independent School in Northampton towards some of the beneficiaries in addition to deficiencies in the general governance of the charity. A formal inquiry, completed in February 2009, revealed that the trustees had not adequately managed the risks arising from these allegations; they had provided misleading information and had not discharged their duties adequately. They now have to undertake a governance review that will be monitored and evaluated by the Commission. The full report makes the following general points:
- trustees working closely with vulnerable beneficiaries should react quickly and responsibly to allegations of harm to beneficiaries;
- trustees have a responsibility to ensure that the charity's reputation is not brought into disrepute;
- trustees are ultimately accountable for decisions or actions taken by the charity's employees;
- charities, particularly those involved in service delivery, should have an open and transparent complaints procedure; and
- all trustees should provide information about serious incidents as soon as possible after they become aware of them (see item below for an update on reporting serious incidents).
Elizabeth Davies of Blake Lapthorn told Caritas: ‘This important case highlights the need for governors and trustees to pay close attention to the good governance of their organisations and to have policies and systems ready in case things go wrong. Not doing so can leave their beneficiaries and their organisation open to damage that can very often be avoided. Great care is also needed in reporting serious incidents to the Charity Commission so that the organisation can comply with the legal requirement without compromising confidentiality, insurance or any criminal investigation or causing further damage.’
Andrew Wynn, college bursar at Eton added: ‘Eton would resist the Orwellian description of schoolchildren as "beneficiaries” by someone lost in a world of legal exactitude, but it certainly takes good care to protect them from harm and to act very swiftly if there are ever signs of bullying or worse. We have comprehensive policies, regular training, zero tolerance and a highly trained, experienced, senior and conscientious Child Protection Officer. All aspects of our pastoral care are subject to regular OFSTED inspection. And if something does go wrong, we have close links with and mutual respect by the local child protection authorities.’
Author: Clarissa Dann
Clarissa Dann is the Editor of Caritas, Charity Funding Report and Codicil.
Clarissa has a background in legal and professional publishing, as well as business journalism and holds an MBA from
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