Charity Commission finds ‘shortfalls’ at Scientology-linked addiction charity
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The Charity Commission has taken action against a Scientology-linked addiction charity with “a range of shortfalls”, according to reports from the Observer.
Narconon UK, which runs a private drug and alcohol addiction rehab facility in rural East Sussex, has been ordered by the regulator to address its shortcomings after a nine-month investigation by the Observer identified that the charity was in breach of charity law and had issues with its management.
The commission said that Narconon UK, which is the UK branch of a worldwide network of Narconon rehab centres, must be more transparent about its treatment approach and relationship to the controversial Church of Scientology.
Regulatory action
This regulatory action comes after the Observer’s investigation which revealed how potentially vulnerable people seeking help for issues with drug and alcohol addiction at Narconon’s Heathfield facility were subjected to psychological drills similar to those used in the Scientology’s controversial “auditing” process.
Some people reportedly suffered extreme reactions to these drills including paranoia, breakdowns and “trance-like states”, according to ex-patients and staff.
The Observer also uncovered evidence of the charity downplaying its links to the Church of Scientology.
One month after the conclusion of the Observer’s investigation in March of this year, the Charity Commission announced that it would open a regulatory compliance case into Narconon UK.
Misconduct and/or mismanagement
Although the commission has a limited role in investigating safeguarding issues, its case examined Narconon UK’s compliance with charity law and its governance, management and administration, safeguarding policies, and links to third parties.
This investigation made two findings of “misconduct and/or mismanagement” related to failures to ensure the minimum number of trustees was in place and to submit the charity’s annual accounts and reports on time.
The regulator has since provided Narconon’s trustees with an action plan requiring more transparency about the charity’s links to Scientology and the nature and effectiveness of its treatment programme.
Commission ‘exploring’ relationship between other Narconon branches
A commission spokesperson told Civil Society: “Our regulatory compliance case has been opened into Narconon UK. However, we will also be exploring the relationships between other Narconon entities that are registered as charities with the Charity Commission.
“The case is looking at the governance, administration, and management of the charity, including the submission of its annual accounts and returns, as well as the concerns that have been raised in the media.”
Civil Society has also reached out to Narconon UK for comment.
Content retrieved from: https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/news/charity-commission-opens-regulatory-compliance-case-at-scientology-linked-addiction-charity-with-range-of-shortfalls.html.
