The Charity Commission has initiated an inquiry into the operations of We Care Foundation, resulting in the freezing of its bank accounts. This decision follows concerns regarding the charity’s trustees’ decision-making processes and payments made to trustees and their associated companies.
We Care Foundation, based in Bristol, provides financial and other forms of assistance to victims of war, and natural disasters overseas, and refugees within the Bristol area.
The inquiry was officially launched on 25 January 2024, subsequent to the Commission’s engagement with the charity from June 2022. During this period, concerns arose regarding governance and financial management practices within the organization.
Of particular concern were significant payments made by the charity to its trustees and companies associated with them, which were not appropriately disclosed in the charity’s financial records nor satisfactorily explained to the Commission.
Additionally, the Commission noted a period during which the charity was overseen by only two trustees, who were married at the time. Despite the limited number of trustees, these individuals appeared to have made substantial decisions regarding the charity’s finances and management, raising further red flags.
In response to these concerns, the Charity Commission has taken the precautionary measure of freezing We Care Foundation’s bank accounts to protect its assets.
The inquiry’s focus will include examining whether the trustees fulfilled their legal obligations, the extent of the charity’s engagement with the Commission, unauthorized payments to connected parties, and any potential misconduct or mismanagement by the trustees.
The scope of the inquiry may be expanded if additional regulatory issues come to light during the investigation.
Following the conclusion of the inquiry, the Charity Commission will publish a comprehensive report detailing its findings, actions taken, and the outcomes of the investigation.
