London, 13 April 2021 – The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland has today published a research paper which reviews the degree to which Keeping Kids Company (Kids Company) adhered to good governance practice or not before its demise. The review is based on the information that is currently publicly available and aims to provide trustees, governance professionals and others working within the charity sector with an overview of lessons to be learned.
Louise Thomson, Head of Policy (Not-for-Profit) at the Institute says:
“The story of Kids Company has kept charity governance observers enthralled for many years. Following its closure in 2015, the organisation’s impact on charity law, regulation, governance and the wider public’s perception of the sector has been profound.
“The recent High Court judgment relating to the Official Receiver’s case to disqualify a number of trustees and the chief executive (CEO) was the latest and probably the most important contribution to the discussion, especially as the Official Receiver will not be appealing the judgment. The Charity Commission has stated that no further regulatory action will be taken against individuals. It will set out its findings and conclusions in an inquiry report in due course, including whether there has been misconduct and/or mismanagement at the charity.
“This research paper attempts to assimilate publicly available information about the governance of Kids Company and apply the principles and practices of charity governance as espoused in two versions of the Charity Governance Code. It is hoped that charities will be able to draw valuable lessons from a study of governance practices at Kids Company in order to improve governance within the sector.”
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For further information, please contact Maria Brookes, Media Relations Manager:
mbrookes@cgi.org.uk
+44 (0)20 7612 7072
+44 (0)7890 649 143
Notes to Editors:
- The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland is the qualifying and membership body for governance with over 125 years’ experience of educating and supporting governance professionals. With a Royal Charter purpose of leading ‘effective and efficient governance and administration of commerce, industry and public affairs’, we provide professional development, guidance and thought leadership, and work with regulators and policy makers to champion high standards.
The Institute has divisions in Australia, Canada, Hong Kong/China, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Southern Africa, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. The division headquartered in London represents and supports members in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Crown Dependencies and associated territories, which include the Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, Mauritius and Sri Lanka. Website: www.cgi.org.uk