The Charity Commission, has today published a regulatory case report into the Arts Council of England recommending the charity develops comprehensive training for trustees

The Commission became involved when the charity informed it that a grant had been awarded to one of the charity’s trustees without the necessary authorisation.

The Commission’s involvement focused on how the unauthorised payment had occurred and what steps the charity was taking to ensure that a similar incident did not occur again.

The Commission has recommended that the charity develops comprehensive training for trustees on their duties and responsibilities relating to trustee benefits and managing conflicts of interest.

The charity has improved the checks on its grant assessment process and has confirmed to the Commission that it has updated its induction programme for new trustees.

The report highlights the importance of managing conflicts of interest for trustees as such incidents may impact upon public trust and confidence in their charity and the charitable sector as a whole.

A key aspect of managing the issue is for trustees to be open and transparent. All trustees should advise their fellow trustees of any actual or potential conflicts of interest as soon as they arise.

The Commission recommends that all charity trustees familiarise themselves with the Commission’s relevant guidance on conflicts of interest and trustee expenses and payments.

The charity’s main activities are supporting and providing funding for the arts in England.

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