- Outgoing Chair Claire Rowney acknowledges a challenging year for the Institute and fundraising sector
- Rowney also apologises for anger and disappointment at the Institute’s handling of sexual harassment complaints
- Nadine Campbell appointed Interim Chair, Kelvin Hopkins appointed Vice Chair and Rohan Hewavisenti re-appointed Treasurer
- Confirmed that Isobel Michael will take up new role of Safeguarding and Whistleblowing Trustee
At its virtual Annual General Meeting today, the Chartered Institute of Fundraising’s outgoing Chair, Claire Rowney, acknowledged 2020 as a hugely challenging year for its members and for fundraisers and fundraising across the UK.
Presenting the annual report and accounts for the Chartered Institute’s first nine months, Rowney said she was “inspired by the creativity, commitment, and dedicated approach that I have seen across our brilliant fundraising community.
“The pandemic has demonstrated the vital role of charities and civil society. As a movement, we have responded to the direct needs of people suffering as a result of the pandemic, continued to deliver vital activities and focus governments’ attention on the inequalities that were and continue to be exacerbated.
“I am and I hope always will be a proud fundraiser, but the response from the fundraising community to the crisis has been truly amazing and has left me awestruck and more proud that I have ever felt of what our community can achieve. In the most challenging of conditions you have continued to raise vital funds for your causes, a global pandemic has done nothing but strengthen your resolve and determination – I think you are all truly exceptional.”
Sexual harassment complaints
Recognising the anger and disappointment there has been in regard to the handling of sexual harassment complaints, Rowney also apologised on behalf of the Board indicating that the Institute understands that it needs to address the failings of the past and present, and is addressing a number of issues through its Action Plan, including the appointment of a Safeguarding and Whistleblowing Trustee.
Claire Rowney today commented: “I would like to take this opportunity to say how sorry I am and the Board is, and that we take responsibility for the failings that have happened historically and have continued to happen more recently.
“We know that we have got things wrong and let survivors down, Raising concerns takes courage, and those who do so deserve to be believed, taken seriously and treated with respect and sensitivity.
“I would like to apologise to those who have not been treated the right way by the Institute. I understand that the way you have been treated has only exacerbated your suffering and for that, I am truly sorry.”
New trustees
The AGM saw the election of three new trustees by the membership: Rebecca Mansell (Sense International), Kerys Sheppard (Shelter Cymru) and Matt Parkes (Diocese of Westminster).
Five trustees stepped down at the AGM. They were Claire Rowney, Carol Akiwumi, Sarah Bissell, Emma-Louise Singh and Ian Wilson.
It was also announced that a special resolution was also passed overwhelmingly by members making it explicit that the Institute has the right to pursue an investigation and disciplinary action against a former member after they have left the Institute, if the alleged breach of the Code of Conduct took place while they were a member.
New leadership
At a meeting to appoint officers of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising, held immediately after the AGM, Nadine Campbell was appointed Interim Chair by her fellow trustees. She will stay in post while an open recruitment process for a new Chair takes place.
Kelvin Hopkins was appointed Vice Chair and Rohan Hewavisenti was re-appointed Treasurer by his fellow trustees.
It was also confirmed that Isobel Michael would take up the new role of Safeguarding and Whistleblowing Trustee.
Nadine Campbell, Interim Chair, said:
“As Interim Chair I want to firstly acknowledge that we have made mistakes. For that, I am sorry. I stand with survivors and I believe you.
“My three priorities will be to implement the changes set out in our action plan, support both our interim CEO and then our new CEO and oversee an open and transparent recruitment process for our next Chair of trustees. With change, comes huge opportunities. This is a chance for us to shape our Institute into a place where we listen to our members, volunteers and our staff, ensuring they feel genuinely respected and valued.
“I would like to thank Claire, Carol and the other trustees who have retired or stepped down from the Board for their commitment and dedication over the years. As interim Chair I am fully committed to work with my fellow trustees and our members to create a safe, inclusive and transparent membership body, one that is representative of the fundraising profession across our four nations, and one that serves and places the entirety of our membership at the heart of everything we do.”