An investigation has been launched into the running of homelessness charity, North East Homeless.
Charity regulator, Charity Commission, confirmed that a compliance case has been launched into North East Homeless (NEH) following concerns raised about the governance of the charity. NEH founder Brian Burridge stepped down from the role of CEO earlier this month, citing physical and mental health and caring for his family as the reason for his departure.
Information on the Charity Commission website states that Emma Burridge, Mr Burridge's wife, was appointed trustee of the charity on November 21, 2022. She had previously been a co-trustee of NEH.
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: "We have opened a compliance case into North East Homeless to assess concerns that we have received in relation to the governance of this charity."
A North East Homeless spokesperson said they welcomed the investigation as an opportunity to "put forward the correct facts and information".
Mr Burridge set up NEH in 2014. It started out as a Facebook group where members of the community were able to donate items such as sleeping bags, food and clothing to support homeless people in Newcastle city centre. But in November 2016 it was granted charity status, becoming a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation).
Since then the charity has continued to grow and has been supported by local celebrity patrons, including actor Tim Healy, presenter George Clark and musician Sam Fender, who hosted a charity gig at Newcastle's o2 City Hall in May 2022, raising £133,725 for North East Homeless.
In 2019 NEH opened The Fish Quay Hub in North Shields, a place which aimed to provide a safe space for vulnerable people to have a shower and wash clothes, as well as pick up donations of clothes and food from the social supermarket and enjoy food and refreshments from the café on site. Over time The Hub also developed to become a space for events, including fundraisers.
In October this year, The Fish Quay Hub closed its café, citing rising utility and food costs as the reason for its closure. Announcing the news on Facebook, The Fish Quay Hub said it was uncertain whether the café would reopen.
However, it confirmed that The Hub remains open for support, donations and the social supermarket, as well as fundraising events and private parties.
Announcing his decision to step down as CEO of NEH on November 1, Mr Burridge wrote on Twitter: "I've some exciting news to tell everyone. When I started North East Homeless (asking for some blankets) way back in 2014 (if not earlier). It was always to fight for change, to inspire, to give people, who fell through the cracks, opportunity.
"The past few weeks, months have been tough, first Covid, then Lockdown. Putting everything into our fight & challenge of ending homelessness in our North East, takes its toll. Folks, it’s time to look after my Physical Health, my Family and my Mental Health.
"I've loved the journey with NEH, I've always said, you will know when it's time, time to seek new challenges, time to seek new butterflies in your belly. It's time for me to step aside, and pass the reigns of North East Homeless on to the team.
"I'm sure you will all join me in wishing the team all the very best and keep supporting North East Homeless in its fight against Homelessness in our North East. I certainly will be, albeit from a distance. Adios Folks, Brian"
A spokesperson for North East Homeless said: "We are very much aware of the negative accusations that have been made against us and circulating online recently, and therefore very much welcome this investigation as it allows us to put forward the correct facts and information and address any inaccuracies or indeed, untruths.
"Whilst we cannot go into much detail at this stage, it is evident that this situation is now having a negative impact on current staff members as well as those people we support through our outreach services, and so we ourselves have taken the decision to approach and engage with The Charity Commission in order to help resolve the matter as open and as swiftly as possible.
"We are a dedicated charity that delivers crucial services to some of the most vulnerable members of our society and our priority now and going forward, especially over the winter months, will remain with those we help on a daily basis. We will work closely and proactively with all parties involved in this investigation, and remain 100% committed to our service users needing us the most."
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