UK Charity Commission

City of Sanctuary UK Compliance Case Closed With No Evidence of Wrongdoing

The Charity Commission has closed its compliance case into City of Sanctuary UK, finding no evidence of wrongdoing following a complaint in August 2025 about alleged inappropriate political activity, particularly relating to the charity's Schools of Sanctuary programme. The Commission examined the charity's educational resources, its use of language, and its activities, finding that heart-shaped messages of welcome to refugees were displayed in schools but children did not write cards to individual adult asylum seekers. The Commission concluded the charity's criticism of government policy was permissible under charity law within its registered purpose of supporting refugees and asylum seekers.

Statutory Inquiry Into Dovecot and Princess Drive Community Association, Bank Accounts Frozen

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Dovecot and Princess Drive Community Association (charity number 1064490) and frozen the charity's bank accounts as a protective measure. The regulator states it has been unable to confirm who is currently acting as trustee of the charity and that information obtained suggests the charity's property may be at risk. The inquiry, opened on 11 February 2026 under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011, will examine administration, governance, financial management, conflicts of interest, and compliance with legal obligations for accounts and returns. The Commission is appealing to the local community for information about who is running the charity.

CISV International Ltd - Statutory Inquiry and Interim Manager Appointment over Safeguarding

The Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into CISV International Ltd (charity number 1073308) on 20 February 2026 following the charity's submission of a serious incident report in February 2026 regarding safeguarding concerns and its inability to enforce compliance by member associations. Emma Moody of Womble Bond Dickinson has been appointed as Interim Manager on 23 March 2026 to oversee safeguarding matters, with trustees prohibited from making safeguarding decisions and required to cooperate fully with the Interim Manager and their team.

Charity Commission Freezes Gorgias Charitable Trust Assets After Accounting Concerns

The Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the Gorgias Charitable Trust (registered charity number 1178051) on 26 January 2026 and has taken protective action to freeze the charity's assets under section 76(3)(d) of the Charities Act 2011. The regulator has serious concerns about understated income in 2019 filings, failure to file any accounting information since, and unauthorized trustee benefit payments including payments to a trustee for services rendered in the financial year ending 31 December 2020. The inquiry will examine trustees' compliance with statutory accounting and reporting responsibilities, the charity's financial management, and whether there has been any unauthorised private benefit to trustees and connected parties.

William Blake House Northants Enters Administration as Investigation Continues

William Blake House Northants, a charity providing residential care and support for young adults with learning disabilities in Towcester, Northamptonshire, entered administration on 1 April 2026 following an application by Adam Stephens of S&W Partners LLP to the High Court. Adam Stephens and Christopher Allen of S&W Partners LLP have been appointed as joint administrators. The Charity Commission's statutory inquiry, opened on 16 March 2026 to investigate financial and governance concerns, will continue concurrently with the administration process. Joint administrators will explore alternative care options for residents and liaise with families, West Northamptonshire Council, and the Care Quality Commission.