Ashton Community Trust dismisses two staff after ‘irregularities’ - PSNI enquiries continue after one year

In March last year Ashton Community Trust said it had suspended three staff after an external inspection by a project funder found “some irregularities relating to personnel”.

At the time, the PSNI said it had received a report “in relation to an allegation of fraud”.

In 2019 the trust had an income of £7.3m, employing 250 across services, including early years support, youth worth and employment services.

Yesterday the trust said an independent external inquiry had been significantly slowed by the pandemic.

“The independent inquiry was carried out by an external consultancy in a reasonable and fair manner in accordance with our applicable policies,” a spokesman said. No misappropriation of any funds for personal gain, was uncovered, he added. Two members of staff were subsequently dismissed. The Trustees are confident that the governance and management measures now in place will ensure there will be no repeat of the circumstances.

Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Miceal O’Kane, said it had been “a difficult time” for the organisation and employees, but that its work continues.

“As a Board we remain committed to total transparency, fairness, accountability and integrity throughout the entire organisation and in our dealings with external agencies and funding partners,” he said. “We will be focusing now on the future in our discussions with management, staff, partner organisations and funding bodies. With goodwill and support Ashton will continue to be at the heart of the local community in North Belfast”.

Asked for an update into its investigations after one year, a PSNI spokesman said: “Enquiries are continuing in relation to the matter.”

The Department for the Economy said its comment had not changed in 12 months: “As there is an investigation ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment.”

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