Staffordshire ice rink charity to be investigated by Charity Commission amid concerns about finances

Lichfield-based Bison in the Community, which operates rinks under the Planet Ice brand, was established in 2012 to promote community participation in healthy recreation through sport and physical fitness.

The charity, based at Muckley Corner, uses the Planet Ice brand under licence, and is not involved with the company’s plan to open a rink in Dudley town centre.

The commission opened a regulatory compliance case into Bison in the Community in October following concerns raised about its governance, financial management, and independence, as well as pricing of the ice rinks it runs and the public’s access to its services.

Following an initial assessment of these concerns, including a review of the charity’s bank transactions, the commission has now escalated its involvement to a statutory inquiry.

The inquiry will examine the extent to which trustees comply with their legal duties in respect of the administration, governance and management of the charity, with particular regard to financial management, transactions and conflicts of interest or loyalty.

It will also investigate whether there has been any unauthorised private benefit to the trustees or connected parties, and whether it is furthering its charitable objects for the public benefit.

It will also seek to identify whether any failings or weaknesses in the charity are a result of misconduct or mismanagement by the trustees.

The commission said it might extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerged.

A spokesman for Bison in the Community said: "The trustees are aware the Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into Bison in the Community.

“The relevant people, with the support of the regulated auditors, will be meeting with the Charity Commission in the upcoming weeks, when we will provide the evidence that demonstrates that the structure in place meets all legislative requirements.

"Bison in the Community pays an annual licence fee to use the brand name, Planet Ice, on a non-exclusive basis. Whilst Bison in the Community is aware of the proposed ice rink in Dudley, the charity has not been approached in relation to operating the new rink."

The Charity Commission has the power to suspend or remove trustees, officers, or employees. It can also disqualify individuals from being a trustee in the future and appoint interim managers to run the charity.

It can also freeze bank accounts, direct how assets should be used, and in severe cases remove a non-compliant or fraudulent organisation from the official register of charities.