Watchdog’s verdict on HQ revamp
has concluded its investigation and will take no further action.
A spokesman said: “Trustees have demonstrated decisions were made in the best interests of the charity.
“Ho w e v e r , w e h a v e recommended the charity review the recent media interest and promote an enhanced level of transparency in all decisions.” The RSPBA, led by chief executive Ian Embel ton, announced it had been cleared but failed to mention the advice on transparency.
Piping sources said they accepted the regulator’s verdict but claimed it was indicative of a body out of touch with its members. An insider said: “Pipers think the RSPBA doesn’t listen to them or explain what it’s doing.
“There’s a lot of money swirling about, driven by pipers paying their subs and playing at competitions. Yet none comes back to them.
“The decision to refurbish the HQ now seems to have beebeen made with the best of inteintentions. The difficulty is that pipers aren’t seeing those decidecisions being made or being kept informed.
“ThThe AGM in March is going to be an interesting affair.”
ThThe Sunday Mail told last montmonth how the RSPBA’s HQ in WashWashington Street, Glasgow, had bbeen given a seven-figure overhoverhaul after a fire despite housihousing just five workers.
EmEmbe l ton cl a imed the plan hhad been discussed with members since before the fire and that he’d never heard any objections. He said: “We were always conf ident we would be cleared by OSCR and are pleased in their decision.
“They have made some recommendations on increasing transparency and we will be implementing new measures in the future.”