Assets frozen as a precaution

Scotland’s charity regulator has frozen the assets of a Glasgow-based group as it launched a probe into its governance.  

OSCR said it is carrying out inquiries into the recent removal and appointment of charity trustees at Pollockshields Development Agency, saying the charity’s assets may be at risk.

The organisation, which gained charity status in June 2002, was subject to information alleging that charity trustees had been removed and new ones appointed outwith its constitution.

OSCR was also informed that current trustees have continued to carry on the activities of the charity without access to the charity’s funds.

These allegations have raised serious concerns that the charity’s assets are at risk, according to the reugulator and said it therefore needs to undertake further inquiries to ensure the charity’s assets are protected and that trustees are acting in line with their legal duties.

The report states: “Our inquiries are ongoing and these directions do not pre-empt the outcome of those inquiries. However, given the seriousness of the situation, and the risk of harm to the charity, OSCR considers it appropriate to direct the charity not to undertake the charity’s activities while our inquiries are ongoing.

“OSCR also considers it appropriate to direct the charity’s bank not to part with property it is holding on behalf of Pollokshields Development Agency without OSCR’s consent.”

The directions are valid for six months and expire on 01 December 2023.