Our comment on the conclusion of the Charity Commission's regulatory case

From Stephen Hill, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Alzheimer's Society:

'We welcome the conclusion of the Charity Commission’s regulatory case which found no evidence of wrongdoing by the Society, including our rare use of settlement agreements over the last five years, and found that the figure published in the complaint was incorrect and unsubstantiated. The Charity Commission investigated the detailed complaint it received in 2018 on this issue and has decided no further action is necessary.

'This has, however, been an opportunity for some reflection for us. We have updated our policy on settlement agreements, which is informed by the Acas Code of Practice and we have instigated an independent review of our procedures for raising concerns to ensure it is absolutely best practice.

'We will also talk further about how we use settlements in the annual report 19/20, which, we hope, will continue to demonstrate our absolute commitment to accountability and transparency.

'It remains really important to us that everyone who works or volunteers for Alzheimer’s Society has a great experience. We never take our team for granted and will continue to listen to our people and use their feedback to build on our positive culture. It was great that so many of our team contacted us to say they didn't recognise the organisation described in the complaint.

'Alzheimer's Society, at its heart, is its people, volunteers, staff, supporters.'

'Most importantly it is here for people living with and affected by dementia. We are glad this decision allows us all to continue focusing on delivering help and support to them at this difficult and challenging time, when it has never been needed more.'