News / Charitable trust reform plans condemned
PROPOSALS for a revamped Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT) have been condemned as “completely undemocratic” and “an insult to the public”.
Reform plans, discussed during a private seminar of the trust on Wednesday morning, envisage a charitable trust made up of seven ex officio members from Shetland Islands Council whose first job it would be to select and appoint eight “independent” trustees.
The trust is under pressure from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) to remove the current 91 per cent majority of council trustees from its board.
The recommendations, worked up by the trust’s governance review group, would achieve that aim, but fall “well short of the public’s expectations”, according to some critics.
Trustee Gary Robinson said after the meeting that the charitable trust was public body and that councillors should have the faith to let the public decide.
“I strongly believe in electing all the trustees, and I also would like to see a proper public consultation done,” he said.
Another trustee, who at this stage preferred to remain anonymous, said the proposals were “outrageous” and the consequences would be worse “than what we have at present”.
The private seminar also discussed proposals to set the number of trustees necessary to make decisions to six, or 40 per cent of its members.
The current trust with 23 members has a quorum of 12, or just over 50 per cent.
SCT chairman Bill Manson did not respond to a request for interview, but the trust issued a short statement after the meeting.
It said: “Trustees have today attended a seminar to discuss recommendations from the governance review group.
“Trustees had a constructive discussion at which a number of valuable points were raised. A full set of proposals will be presented to trustees in due course.”
Shetland Charitable Trust is due to meet on 8 September to discuss and decide on its future governance.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
