Regulator investigates charity over persistent failure to submit accounts on time
Source: gov.uk (2025-04-17)

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Plymouth Islamic Education Trust (PIETY).

The charity works, amongst other things, to advance the faith of Islam in Plymouth and the counties of Devon and Cornwall.

The Charity Commission’s engagement with PIETY began in 2014, when the charity had repeatedly failed to comply with statutory reporting requirements.

Prior to the opening of this inquiry, PIETY had, on two separate occasions, been placed in the Commission’s ‘double defaulter’ inquiry for charities that have failed to file their annual documents for two or more years in the last five years.

Despite significant regulatory engagement on this matter by the Commission, the trustees have consistently demonstrated that they are either unwilling or unable to comply with their legal duties.

The inquiry will examine the extent to which the trustees are complying with their legal duties in respect of the administration, governance, and management of the Charity and in particular:
- The trustees’ compliance with their legal obligations for the content, preparation and filing of the Charity’s accounts and annual returns.
- The extent to which the trustees have complied with previously issued regulatory guidance.
- To identify if there has been any misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the Charity.
The scope of the inquiry may be extended if additional regulatory issues emerge during the Commission’s investigation.

ENDS

Notes to editors
- 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. Find out more: About us - The Charity Commission(www.gov.uk (http://www.gov.uk/))
- On 20 March 2025, the Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into the Charity under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011 as a result of its regulatory concerns that there is or has been misconduct and/ or mismanagement in the administration of the Charity.
- 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.
- An inquiry will investigate and establish the facts of the case so that the Commission can determine the extent of any misconduct and/or mismanagement; the extent of the risk to the charity, its work, property, beneficiaries, employees or volunteers; and decide what action is needed to resolve the concerns.
- Double defaulter and other inquiry reports are published on gov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/inquiry-reports-charity-commission)
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