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CharitEpulse: When good intentions go bad

Date: 12 September 2025

CharitEpulse: When good intentions go bad

In this episode of CharitEpulse, the trio discuss:

  • The Aspinall Foundation inquiry: The son of the founder was suspended following allegations of misusing charitable funds for personal luxuries.
  • Charity Commission class inquiry: Investigation into 105 charities that cashed cheques worth £22 million between December 2021 and March 2023. Raising concerns about financial oversight and the appropriate use of funds.
  • Celebrity plumber's social enterprise (CIC): Was found by the fundraising regulator to have misled donors, breaching eight provisions of the fundraising code.
  • Sight loss charity scandal: Trustees of a sight loss charity were disqualified after the organisation was used as a front for criminal activity.

Listen time: 25 minutes

Catch-up with all the CharitEpulse episodes here or subscribe via the platforms below:

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For questions, feedback, or to suggest topics you’d like the trio to explore in upcoming episodes, please email claire.whiteman-haywood@quiltercheviot.com in the Charities team.

Speakers

Charles Mesquita

Charities Director

Catherine Rustomji

Partner at Shakespeare Martineau

James Saunders

Partner at Moore Kingston Smith

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