Foyle Youth & Community Association inquiry update

The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland announced the opening of a statutory inquiry into Foyle Youth & Community Association on 20 April 2021. The inquiry relates to concerns regarding the governance and administration of the charity, which operates Ilico Gym and Studios.

Among the actions undertaken during the inquiry was the appointment of Gerard McGuckin and Thomas Doran as additional charity trustees pursuant to section 33(1)(ii) of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.

The interim manager (Deloitte (NI) Ltd) was subsequently appointed to manage the property and affairs of the charity in November 2021, following a decision of the Commission to take further action.

The appointed charity trustees have endeavored to keep the charity running, including exploring options such as merging with other charities and the recruitment of additional trustees in order to support the continuance of the charity’s services.

However, the financial position of the charity indicated that it was unable to continue as a going concern and on 24 November 2021 the interim manager took the difficult decision for the charity to cease operations. The charity vacated and secured the premises on this date.

As a proportionate regulator, and so as to ensure that the investigation is fair, the Commission will not be making any further comment while the investigation is ongoing.

In accordance with normal procedures, a report on the results of the inquiry may be published on the Commission’s website once the inquiry is completed.

ENDS

For more information please contact Shirley Kernan, Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Communications Officer, on email: shirley.kernan@charitycommissionni.org.uk