Watchdog investigates management dispute at North East disability charity

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Northumberland-based ADAPT (North East) amid concerns about its financial management, governance and an internal dispute affecting its operations.

The charity supports people with sensory, physical and learning disabilities, alongside those experiencing mental health difficulties. Its services include community transport, social prescribing and wheelchair hire for people across the region.

The regulator began examining the charity in July after receiving allegations that significant payments had been made without the full approval of its trustee board. A regulatory compliance case followed in September, during which the Commission became aware of an internal dispute that was affecting the charity’s ability to operate and preventing trustees from engaging collectively with its enquiries.

The formal investigation will consider whether the trustee board is properly constituted and capable of managing the organisation, as well as its decision-making, potential conflicts of interest, possible unauthorised personal benefit and financial controls. It will also examine the current impact on people who depend upon the charity’s services.

Opening an inquiry does not establish that wrongdoing has occurred. However, the Commission said it was concerned there could be a significant risk to the charity’s property, beneficiaries and public confidence. A report setting out its findings and any regulatory action will be published once the investigation concludes.

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