The Royal Courts of Justice

After refusing to help a statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission, Susan and Raymond Wright, formerly trustees of the Darren Wright Foundation, have been found in contempt of court.

The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, opened a statutory inquiry into the Darren Wright Foundation back in 2017 after receiving complaints from the public about the charity.

Based in Bristol, Darren Wright Foundation operated with the stated aim to relieve the needs of disabled people, people with life-limiting illnesses and their families through the provision of grants and other financial support for life-changing operations.

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According to the Commission, complainants including the families of beneficiaries of the charity raised concerns about difficulties they had faced in communicating with the charity and accessing funds that had been raised on behalf of their family members.

In December 2017, the charity regulator confirmed it too had struggled to contact the charity to address regulatory concerns, leading to a full investigation into the Darren Wright Foundation’s administration, governance and management.

After failing to comply with the regulator and hand over evidence for the inquiry, the Charity Commission pursued the case through the courts – the first time it has taken such an action.

The High Court ruled in favour of the Commission’s application, finding that Susan and Raymond Wright failed to comply with an order to supply evidence and documentation to the regulator.

Now another hearing is expected where the penalty against the two defendants will be determined.

Welcoming the High Court’s finding, the Charity Commission confirmed it will continue to investigate the charity over serious concerns about its management and governance, stressing that the inquiry into the Darren Wright Foundation is ongoing and that it has made no findings yet.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/the-royal-courts-of-justice.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/the-royal-courts-of-justice-150x150.jpgCalvin BarnettNewsroomSector NewsThird SectorAfter refusing to help a statutory inquiry by the Charity Commission, Susan and Raymond Wright, formerly trustees of the Darren Wright Foundation, have been found in contempt of court. The Charity Commission, the independent regulator of charities in England and Wales, opened a statutory inquiry into the Darren Wright Foundation back...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals