Charity Commission reviewing ‘concerns’ about Bristol organisation after sudden closure
The Charity Commission has confirmed it is reviewing ‘concerns’ about a social enterprise in Bristol after its sudden closure last week.
The commission said it is assessing the situation surrounding Re:work after the Knowle West-based charity ceased operations with immediate effect last Thursday (October 31).
After being contacted by BristolWorld last Thursday, Re:work released a statement saying it had been ‘formally advised to cease operations’ due to ‘long-term financial issues’.
It came after staff at the charity were told at the start of last week they were being made redundant, BristolWorld understands.
Three directors also left the charity last month according to Companies House records.
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “Concerns have been raised with us about Re:Work Ltd and its alleged plans to close.
“We are currently assessing information available to us to determine if there is a role for the Commission.
“We have guidance on gov.uk to help any trustees who make the difficult decision to close their charity.”
Re:work, which is based on Filwood Broadway, supported the local community and young people with services including gardening and its charity shop, Re:loved.
But in its statement last week, the charity said its shop is now ‘closed until further notice’ and that its gardening team are ‘not undertaking any new work’.
“Discussions are ongoing about our future and we will make further announcements as and when we are advised we are able to,” the charity said.
Re:work was set up by local residents in 1999 as South Bristol Construction Community Company, before adopting its current name in 2006.
It made headlines in recent years after two fires in the space of two years at its charity shop.