Associate Ciara Maybey has contributed an article to Civil Society about the Charity Commission’s regulatory case involving the Hope Not Hate charitable trust.
The article examines the Charity Commission’s investigation into HOPE Unlimited Charitable Trust (formerly Hope Not Hate Charitable Trust) and its relationship with a linked non-charitable organisation. It outlines concerns about blurred boundaries between the two entities, particularly around political activity, governance, and the perception that the charity’s funds were being channelled to the non-charitable body.
It highlights the steps taken by the charity - including rebranding, appointing independent trustees, and strengthening governance - to address the Commission’s concerns. The piece draws out practical lessons for trustees, stressing the importance of organisational independence, clear identity and communications, proper grant-making due diligence, and prompt responses to regulatory issues to maintain public trust and compliance.
The case highlights how essential it is for charities to present a distinct identity when they operate alongside non-charitable organisations… the public may struggle to understand which organisation is responsible for which activities. That uncertainty alone can prompt regulatory concern.
The full article is available to read online from Civil Society here.
About Ciara
Ciara is an associate in the charity law and not for profit team. She advises on a wide range of governance and commercial matters including establishing new charities, incorporations, governance documents, mergers, commercial contracts, fundraising and trading.
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