The Importance of Vetting Charity Trustees: Lessons from Recent Disqualifications 

In recent news, the Charity Commission has banned Captain Tom's daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, and her husband from serving as Trustees due to significant concerns about The Captain Tom Moore Foundation’s management. This incident reiterates the critical importance of following thorough vetting processes for any newly appointed Trustees. 

What Happened? 

Captain Sir Tom Moore's daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, and her husband, Colin, have been banned from serving as trustees of The Captain Tom Moore Foundation by the Charity Commission. This decision was made due to concerns about the Foundation's management and governance.  

The Foundation has been under investigation by the Charity Commission since Sir Tom's death in 2021, with the inquiry formally launched in 2022. The investigation is ongoing. 

Our earlier piece about this case talked about the importance of managing conflict of interest between a charity and connected persons and parties (You can find this here).  Not every case is this high profile, so how do you know if the Trustees on your committee are able to act?  One step towards this is regular vetting. 

What Is Vetting? 

Vetting involves a comprehensive investigation of an individual before appointing them as a Trustee. This process includes a background review, similar to those conducted for potential employees, to ensure suitability and that the individual qualifies as a Trustee. Once vetting is complete, the Board can make an informed decision. 

Why Vetting Trustees is Crucial 

• Ensuring Accountability: Trustees hold significant responsibility for managing a charity’s assets and ensuring that its operations align with its mission. Proper vetting helps prevent individuals that are potentially disqualified from taking on these roles. 
   
• Protecting the Charity’s Reputation: The public's trust in a charity is vital. Trustees’ actions and reputations directly impact how the charity is perceived. The vetting process helps safeguard the charity’s reputation by ensuring that only suitable individuals are appointed. 
   
• Compliance With Legal Standards: Trustees must comply with legal requirements and standards to avoid penalties or investigation from the Charity Commission. 

The recent disqualification of Captain Tom Moore's daughter and her husband from serving as Trustees emphasises the importance of vetting processes. This measure is vital to maintain the public’s trust, and ensure proper governance for your charity. 

Vetting is simple and free to do, and we would recommend that you carry it out at annually after each AGM to check all new and reappointed Trustees.  We have guidance on how to do this, alongside model declarations for Trustees, available to our Silver Members. Please contact us if you would like more information.