Charity Commission launches inquiry into financial records
An inquiry has been launched into the York-based charity The Jack Raine Community Foundation, which works with vulnerable children and families.
As of 29 March, regulator The Charity Commission launched an investigation into the charity, which works in areas including child sexual exploitation, welfare, substance and alcohol abuse and rough sleeping support.
It specialises in activities including non-contact martial arts, boxing and education, and was formerly named the York Boxing Club and Young People’s Fitness Centre.
The CC has made steps to freeze its bank accounts after the Commission was alerted by the North Yorkshire Police to an ongoing financial investigation being conducted into the charity.
The Commission said it made an unannounced visit to the charity’s premises in November 2016 to inspect the charity’s books and records, and it said it found insufficient financial records and no evidence of trustee meeting minutes to prove any decisions were made by the trustee board.
It said it had established “serious regulatory concerns” which has escalated into an inquiry, which will examine whether financial management at the charity is adequate, and whether the trustees have complied with and fulfilled their duties and responsibilities as trustees under charity law.
In its latest accounts, for the year to 1 February 2016, the charity’s income reached £215,392 and spending totalled £217,034. A report will be made following the inquiry. TheBusinessDesk.com has contacted The Jack Raine Foundation for comment.
The Jack Raine Community Foundation is not associated with the UK Community Foundations, a nationwide network of 46 organisations that includes the Leeds Community Foundation.
