Letters / A travesty of original intentions
I was intrigued to see OSCR’s chief executive David Robb, Pontius Pilate-like, washing his hands of the Shetland Charitable Trust (SCT) restructuring (Not up to OSCR; SN, 04/06/16).
He was markedly less coy in 2012 when he threatened court action if the controversial plan to move to a majority of unelected trustees was not implemented. That led directly to the current dispute over SCT restructuring.
Putting the current row into perspective, the charitable trust controls £230 million, over which the trustees have (Trust Deed) the “fullest powers … as if they were the absolute owners and beneficially entitled thereto…. such powers to be exercised or not…(at)… their sole discretion at any time…”
Such sweeping powers are open to abuse by any self-selecting, self-perpetuating cabal that may manage to win control as a ruling clique.
The Trust Deed states:
“The trustees shall…(distribute trust moneys) … for any purposes which in …(their) … opinion are solely in the interests of the…Shetland Islands or (its) inhabitants…”.
i.e. the trust exists for its beneficiaries.
However, the plan is for the beneficiaries to have no say in how “their” money – not the trustees’, not the Scottish government’s and not the Queen’s money – is handled and distributed; nor, even, a say in how trust governance should be structured. It is a travesty of the founders’ intentions.
The seizure of such sweeping powers over such a colossal sum by a group accountable only to themselves is unthinkable.
On OSCR’s past involvement, the Shetland Times reported:
“The existing trustees voted 10-6 today to reluctantly accept the creation of a new trust made up of eight independents selected to serve with up to seven councillors. But…. it appears nobody in the current trust now has faith in it.”
“Trust vice-chairman Jonathan Wills led a forceful rebellion…. despite dire warnings of court action… He said trustees had been subjected to “intimidation, half-truths and coercion” by the charity regulator.”
“In a letter he (Mr. Robb) accused Dr Wills and his supporters of “flouting” the findings of the trust’s own reform group by persisting with their call for the eight independent trustees to be elected by the people of Shetland…and made it plain that misconduct proceedings could result…. “
“Last year the council convener Sandy Cluness resigned from the trust in protest. He had been prevented from mounting a referendum on trust reform by OSCR…”
“Mr. Robb said OSCR would prefer not to have to resort to action against trustees… but warned: “Should there be any delay implementing the approved reorganisation scheme, OSCR will proceed to examine the options available.”
Clearly, the issue of SCT governance could properly have been resolved four years ago and true democratic accountability installed. The fact that it was not is a direct consequence of Mr. Robb’s own, high-handed intervention.
Mr. Robb’s latest letter states:
“However, we also expect charity trustees, in the exercise of all or any of their duties, to take into account the views of their beneficiaries and the reputation of their charity.”
This Damascene conversion to democracy is late but welcome and it is hoped Mr. Robb will demonstrate a similar level of conviction as he demonstrated against democracy on the last occasion (2012).
OSCR is a function of the Scottish Administration. Its own website states:
“Scottish Ministers have ultimate responsibility for policy in relation to charity law and Third Sector policy. We work closely with the Scottish Government’s Charity Law Team.”
Thus, whatever finally transpires in the vexed saga of SCT, the Scottish government is ultimately responsible and the drawing of the First Minister’s attention to the ongoing dispute between engineering company HNP and SCT subsidiary SLAP means she is, at least, peripherally involved.
John Tulloch
Lyndon
Arrochar
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.
