LONDON, May 13 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news:
The Shoosmith Galleryoperatesan art gallery promoting the work of theShoosmithfamily of artists.It was registered in 2012.
Two of the charity's current trustees are also trustees of William Blake House Northants, which is subject to anongoing statutory inquiryopened in February 2026. The shared trusteeship prompted the Commission to assess TheShoosmithGallery. That assessmentidentifiedregulatory concerns which have led the Commission to openaseparate inquiry.
The Commission's review of thegallery'saccounts has raisedconcernsthat a trustee has receivedpaymentfor their role.This wasdespite the charity's governing document expressly prohibiting the employment of a trustee without the prior written consent of the Commission, which was neithersoughtnor given.
The Commission's inquiry willseektoestablishthe basis on which the trustees consideredemployment of a trusteeto be in thecharity's best interests.
The inquiry will examine the extent to which the trustees are complying or havecomplied withtheir legal duties in respect of the administration,governanceand management of thecharity, withparticular regardto:
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whether the trustees havecomplied withthe charity's governing document, including the prohibition on the employment of a trustee without the prior consent of the Commission.
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the management of potential conflicts of interest and whether there has been any unauthorised private benefit to the trustees and/or connected parties.
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whether the trustees have ensured the charity isoperatingin furtherance of its charitable objects.
The scope of the inquiry may be extended ifadditionalregulatory issuesemerge.
It is the Commission's policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing the issues examined, any action taken, and the inquiry's outcomes.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
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The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society. Read further information about what the Commission does.
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On13April2026, the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the charity under section 46 of the Charities Act2011as a resultofits regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and / or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.
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A statutory inquiry is a legal power enabling the Commission to formally investigate matters of regulatory concern within a charity and to use protective powers for the benefit of the charity and its beneficiaries, assets, or reputation.
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The Commission has todayalso announced theopening ofa separate statutory inquiry intoSteiner Friends(registeredcharity1071781).The charities havesome trustees in common but are separate entities.
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On16 February2026, the Charity Commissionopened a statutory inquiryintoWilliam Blake House Northants(registered charity1089471)under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011as a result ofits regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and / or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.This inquiry is ongoing.
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The Commission's guidance on payment of trustees can be found here:Charities paying a trustee or a connected person: understand the rules (CC11) - GOV.UK
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