Charity Commission probes failed LGBT abuse charity after mismanagement claims
The Charity Commission is probing the collapse of LGBT domestic violence Broken Rainbow, after allegations of mismanagement.
Broken Rainbow had provided the UK’s only national domestic violence helpline and support services tailored for the LGBT community – but had repeatedly warned it was facing a funding shortfall.
Despite the Home Office providing further funding earlier this year, the charity collapsed in May – with an insider blaming “major mismanagement” of funds for the issues.
Internal documents from the charity were this week leaked to Buzzfeed via a whistleblower, showing that donated funds were allegedly squandered on first-class travel for the charity’s execs, as well as luxury gifts..
According to the expose, large grants received from the Home Office and Comic Relief were often spent within 24 hours of payment – used to cover running costs, staff salaries and office expenses.
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “The Commission received a complaint last year about the governance of the charity and alleged unauthorised payment of trustees.
“The Commission opened a regulatory compliance case and wrote to the charity in order to seek clarity on these issues. In June this year, a further complaint was made to the Commission.
“The Commission is urgently assessing these more serious concerns in order to determine what regulatory action may be required. We are also in contact with Home Office and the Official Receiver. The Commission’s case is ongoing.”
The Commission urged people to come forward with “their concerns and any relevant evidence”.
A spokesperson for the Home Office said the government is liaising with the Charity Commission to “determine an appropriate course of action for investigating Broken Rainbow’s collapse”.
