Somebody Cares, a prominent Aberdeen charity providing essential aid to those in need, has been officially cleared of any wrongdoing following a comprehensive investigation into financial irregularities that commenced nearly four years ago.
The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) confirmed that Somebody Cares had undergone an extensive examination and affirmed its satisfaction with the charity's adherence to appropriate governance and management practices. While the investigation prompted valuable recommendations for improvement, the charity's trustees have been commended for their conscientious actions throughout the process.
Launched in October 2019, the probe by OSCR was initiated in response to concerns raised by former employees regarding the expenditure of funds at Somebody Cares. The charity, founded by Jenny Taylor in 2002, offers a wide range of vital services, including food parcels, clothing, household goods, addiction support, assistance for victims of domestic violence, and debt management solutions.
During the investigation, OSCR focused primarily on specific matters relating to governance and management and maintained regular communication with Somebody Cares' trustees. The charity's Chief Executive, Brian Taylor, consistently refuted any allegations of impropriety, both on his part and that of other senior officials.
Somebody Cares operates across seven locations in Aberdeen, including a flagship "megastore" in the Hazlehead area, and recently inaugurated its new headquarters in Altens, featuring client showrooms, counseling suites, and a pamper room. The charity has a long-standing history of providing essential aid to the community, having furnished homes, distributed clothes, baby equipment, toys, and food to those in need over a million times since its inception.
In a statement, an OSCR spokesman affirmed, "We conducted background inquiries and engaged in ongoing dialogue with the charity trustees to assess the situation and ensure their compliance with general duties. Based on our interactions and the information submitted by the trustees, we are satisfied that they have demonstrated appropriate care and due diligence. We have also provided recommendations to support the charity's future endeavors and will monitor the implementation of these suggestions."
Expressing gratitude for the investigation's conclusion, Brian Taylor, CEO of Somebody Cares, remarked, "Somebody Cares is delighted to have received confirmation from the OSCR investigation, which vindicates our unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity. Over the past 21 years, we have been immensely proud to extend our support to those in need, providing free furniture, clothing, baby equipment, toys, essential items, and food to countless individuals in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. As the demand for our services reaches unprecedented levels, we now look forward to focusing our efforts on the vital task of supporting our community."
For more information about Somebody Cares and their charitable initiatives, please visit their official website at https://www.somebodycaresscotl....