Failed LGBT domestic violence charity Broken Rainbow faces National Audit Office probe
The National Audit Office is probing the Home Office’s relationship with a failed LGBT domestic violence charity that closed amid allegations of financial mismanagement.
Broken Rainbow had provided the UK’s only national domestic violence helpline and support services tailored for the LGBT community.
The charity received substantial backing from the Home Office, but collapsed earlier this year amid a funding crisis – with an insider blaming “major mismanagement” of funds for the issues.
Internal documents from the charity were leaked to Buzzfeed showing that donated funds were reportedly squandered on first-class travel for the charity’s execs, as well as luxury gifts.
A whistleblower alleged that large grants from the government and Comic Relief were often spent within 24 hours of payment – used to cover running costs, staff salaries and office expenses.
The charity was already facing an investigation from the Charity Commission, but this week the National Audit Office also opened a probe.
In a release, the NAO said: “Broken Rainbow was a charity that ran a national LGBT domestic violence helpline. It received specific grant funding from the Home Office for this purpose.
“Broken Rainbow went into liquidation in June 2016. This investigation will establish the facts around the collapse of Broken Rainbow, including:
-The financial management of the charity
-Home Office oversight and the clarity of grant agreements
-The role of the Charity Commission and other public sector bodies
“If you would like to provide evidence for our study please email the study team on [email protected], putting the study title in the subject line. The team will consider the evidence you provide.
“Please note that due to the volume of information we receive we may not respond to you directly. If you need to raise a concern please use our contact form.”
Scheduled to be published in Spring 2017, the investigation will be led by Director Louise Bladen and Audit Manager Eleanor Murray.
