Charity Commission appoints Interim Manager to take control of Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission assets amid governance inquiry in England and Wales

Something unusual is unfolding in Brighton’s cultural scene.

The Charity Commission has stepped directly into the affairs of Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission, installing an Interim Manager and effectively sidelining the charity’s trustees for now.

That kind of intervention does not happen casually.

When the regulator takes this step, it signals serious concerns about governance, accountability, or the safeguarding of charitable assets.

Why the Regulator Opened a Statutory Inquiry

Back in July 2025, the Commission launched what is known as a statutory inquiry into the charity.

This is one of the strongest investigative tools available to the regulator under charity law.

The focus of the inquiry centers on whether the charity’s governing document is still fit for purpose and whether any weaknesses in administration stem from misconduct or mismanagement by trustees.

In plain terms, the watchdog wants to know whether the rules guiding the organization are adequate — and whether those in charge have followed them properly.

Statutory inquiries often look at issues such as financial oversight, decision-making procedures, conflicts of interest, and whether trustees have fulfilled their legal duties.

Trustees in England and Wales are expected to act solely in the charity’s best interests, protect its assets, and ensure compliance with the law.

When there are doubts about those responsibilities being upheld, the Commission can escalate matters quickly.

An Interim Manager Takes the Helm

To stabilize the situation, the Commission has appointed Pippa Garland of Russell Cooke LLP as Interim Manager.

Her appointment is not symbolic.

It comes with significant authority.

She is now responsible for securing the charity’s property and taking control of its assets where necessary.

That includes ensuring that funds, records, and any physical or intellectual property are properly safeguarded.

She will also administer the charity’s operations until there is a validly appointed board of trustees in place.

In effect, she steps into the operational shoes previously occupied by the trustees — who have been excluded from managing the charity during this period.

Importantly, once the governing document is amended by the Commission through a legal mechanism known as a scheme under Section 79 of the Charities Act 2011, the Interim Manager will confirm the charity’s membership and organize a general meeting to appoint a new board of trustees.

That means structural reform is very much on the table.

She is also required to report regularly to the Commission in line with the Charities (Receiver and Manager) Regulations 1992 and to carry out any additional functions the regulator deems necessary.

What This Means for Brighton and Hove’s Heritage Landscape

Brighton and Hove has long positioned itself as a city proud of its cultural and architectural history.

Heritage organizations play a crucial role in preserving historic sites, influencing planning debates, and advocating for conservation.

When a charity in that space faces regulatory intervention, it can ripple through the local cultural ecosystem.

Stakeholders — from local authorities to volunteers and donors — often watch closely to see whether projects will continue uninterrupted and whether public trust will be restored.

The Commission’s move to appoint an Interim Manager suggests its priority is stability and asset protection while deeper governance questions are examined.

The Bigger Picture About Charity Oversight

The Charity Commission’s powers have expanded in recent years, particularly following reforms aimed at strengthening public confidence in the charitable sector.

The regulator can suspend or remove trustees, freeze bank accounts, or appoint interim managers when it believes charitable property may be at risk.

These actions are not criminal findings in themselves.

A statutory inquiry does not automatically mean wrongdoing has been proven.

It does, however, indicate that the regulator believes there are serious issues requiring formal investigation.

In many past cases across England and Wales, inquiries have led to governance reforms, trustee resignations, or updated constitutional documents designed to prevent future problems.

What’s Next?

Several developments are likely in the months ahead.

First, the Interim Manager will focus on securing assets and reviewing internal systems.

That may involve financial audits, governance reviews, and consultations with members or stakeholders.

Second, the Commission is expected to move forward with amending the charity’s governing document through a formal scheme if it concludes that changes are necessary.

This could reshape how trustees are appointed, how decisions are made, or how accountability is enforced.

Third, once the structure is clarified, a general meeting will be held to appoint a new board of trustees.

That moment will mark a turning point — signaling whether the charity can rebuild under fresh leadership.

Meanwhile, the statutory inquiry remains ongoing. The final outcome could include regulatory advice, official warnings, or further action depending on what investigators find.

For Brighton’s heritage community, the hope will be that this period of intervention leads to stronger governance and renewed public confidence rather than lasting reputational damage.

Summary

The Charity Commission has appointed an Interim Manager to Brighton and Hove Heritage Commission following a statutory inquiry opened in July 2025.

The regulator is examining whether the charity’s governing document is adequate and whether any administrative weaknesses result from misconduct or mismanagement by trustees.

Pippa Garland of Russell Cooke LLP now oversees the charity’s assets and administration, replacing the trustees during this period.

She will manage operations, secure property, report to the Commission, and help facilitate governance reforms, including the eventual appointment of a new board.

The inquiry continues, and the charity’s future structure will depend on the findings and subsequent reforms introduced by the regulator.