Watchdog called in to probe north-east charity’s spending

Group’s chief executive insists there has been no wrongdoing

A NORTH-EAST charity is being investigated amid claims of financial irregularities.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) last night confirmed it is carrying out an inquiry into Somebody Cares.

The exact terms of the investigation have not been made public, but it is understood they relate to a “lack of governance” at the Aberdeen-based charity, which provides food, clothing and household goods to those in need.

It is understood several former employees have passed documents to OSCR as part of the process.

Somebody Cares’ chief executive Brian Taylor denied any wrongdoing either by him or any of the group’s senior officials. He said: “They’re obliged to investigate the allegations. We have no idea what they are.

“They have asked for various (pieces of ) information.”

Financial records submitted to OSCR show the charity generated £578,010 in 2016, and spent £581,876 in 2017.

The following year it reported £197,982 in income, and expenses of £185,256.

An OSCR spokesman said: “We are communicating with the charity at the moment as part of our ongoing inquiry.

“In line with our inquiry policy, we cannot comment any further as this may prejudice the work of OSCR or the charity.”

An Aberdeen charity is being investigated amid claims of financial irregularities.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) last night confirmed it was carrying out an inquiry into Somebody Cares, which provides food, clothing and household goods to those in need.

The exact terms of the probe have not been made public, but it is understood they relate to a “lack of governance” regarding spending and that several former employees have passed documents to the watchdog as part of the investigation.

Somebody Cares’ chief executive Brian Taylor has denied there has been any wrongdoing either by him or any of the group’s senior officials.

The organisation was set up by his wife, Jenny, in 2002 after she was inspired by the work of a charity with the same name in the US.

Using both a warehouse in Altens and a charity shop at a former Hazlehead garden centre, the organisation provides essential help to needy families across the city.

Its website states that it has fully furnished more than 17,000 homes since it was established.

Financial records submitted to OSCR show Somebody Cares generated £578,010 in 2016, and spent £581,876 in 2017. The following year it reported £197,982 in income, and expenses of £185,256.

One worker said they feared any perception of misconduct could undermine the positive work done by Somebody Cares.

Another said: “It’s a real shame, there’s a number of people doing good things.”

Mr Taylor previously told The P&J he had been given until September 9 to address initial concerns raised with the OSCR.

OSCR policy is that, if it determines there are “regulatory issues”, it will conduct “further inquiries” – using its formal powers to obtain information if required.

Otherwise, it will write to the charity to say it will not be taking further action.

Mr Taylor added: “They’re obliged to investigate the allegations. We have no idea what they are.

“They have asked for various (pieces of) information.”

A spokesman for the charity regulator said: “OSCR is communicating with the charity at the moment as part of our ongoing inquiry.

“In line with our inquiry policy, we cannot comment any further as this may prejudice the work of OSCR or the charity.”

Photograph by Kath Flannery WATCHDOG: Somebody Cares provides food, clothing and household goods to those in need.