Suspension runs for six months

A charity’s founder has been suspended by the regulator from acting as a trustee for “contributing to the misconduct in the administration of the charity.”

The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) published an inquiry report regarding the suspension of Norman Armstrong as a charity trustee of Free Wheel North.

As a result of its inquiries, it believes Armstrong, as being concerned in the management and control of the charity, has been responsible for a bitter boardroom battle as reported in TFN.

OSCR said it suspended Armstrong as a trustee of the charity due to inappropriate use of charity funds; ongoing disputes with other charity trustees; and a decision to proceed with an AGM on 1 May.

It follows on from OSCR’s earlier inquiry report into Free Wheel North, which was originally published on 23 July 2025 and was updated on 14 and 21 October 2025.

In this report, OSCR issued a direction to the charity to hold a competent Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), updated in response to queries OSCR received regarding recent membership appointments.

The report states: “In proceeding to hold the AGM on 1 May 2025 his (Armstrong’s) actions contributed to the misconduct in the administration of this charity. OSCR has therefore determined that there has been misconduct in the administration of the charity and that it is necessary and desirable to act to protect the charity’s property and ensure its proper application.

“Accordingly, on 21 October 2025, OSCR suspended Mr Armstrong under section 31(4) of the 2005 Act from being concerned in the management or control of Free Wheel North for a period of six months.

“As a result of this suspension, Mr Armstrong must immediately stop acting as a signatory to the charity’s bank accounts, including authorising, initiating, or approving any financial transactions on behalf of the charity.”

OSCR’s inquiries into the charity are ongoing.