The Regulator for Charities in England and Wales
The Charity Commission has reviewed the way it appoints interim managers to take temporary control of ailing charities. New procedures enable appointments to be made more quickly, so charities that have experienced serious problems can begin to get back on track as soon as possible.
The Commission has approved 40 practitioners from across England and Wales to be interim managers of charities. Experts have been chosen from a range of professions and disciplines, because individual charity cases call for a differing mix of knowledge and experiences. Approved practitioners have demonstrated the necessary expertise to be interim managers, signed up to a governing code of practice and entered into fee arrangements. So, now when there is a need for a receiver and manager, the Commission can swiftly identify suitably located candidates with relevant skills and invite them to respond.
As well as compiling a list of practitioners approved to be interim managers of charities, the Commission has identified a number of approved intermediaries. These are individuals and organisations with specialised skills upon whom interim managers can call when necessary. The aim, wherever possible, is for an interim manager to leave a charity in a strong position to move forward when the trustee body resumes control.
The Commission will monitor the effectiveness of the new arrangements and, if necessary, review them further. Expressions of interest are welcomed from firms and individuals who wish to be added to the list. It is hoped that a review will be undertaken in April 2008.