Concerning gaps over appointment

The Charity Commission’s head of regulatory compliance, Tracy Howarth, said there was no evidence of deliberate mismanagement.

But she said there were concerning gaps in record keeping and shortcomings in the process for appointing the chairman’s daughter to a paid position, which also involved purchasing a property at which she would live.

“Where charities do not demonstrate the highest standards of governance, public confidence can be undermined,” she added.

An RSPCA spokesperson said the branch trustees co-operated fully with the commission.

“The trustees, who are all volunteers, acted in good faith and believed they had followed the proper procedures, but accept, on this occasion in 2011, they fell short.”

The charity accepts the watchdog’s findings and said the cattery was bought after an eightyear search for suitable premises and strict criteria around the purchase were met.

The centre has helped the branch rehome 1,300 cats.