We support the judicial review of the Charity Commission’s 2022 report on Kids Company, scheduled for 19-20 March. This review is crucial not only for seeking justice for the charity and its founder, Camila Batmanghelidjh, who sadly died on 1 January 2024, but also for upholding the integrity of the entire charitable sector in the UK.
In February 2021 the high court unequivocally stated that false allegations, not operational issues, led to Kids Company’s closure. No evidence of wrongdoing or fund misuse was found. But in its 2022 report, the Charity Commission chose not to accurately represent these findings, prompting this judicial review to ensure that the report is consistent with the facts.
In 2014 Kids Company, with a team of 600 professionals and 10,000 volunteers, supported vulnerable children through therapeutic and practical services. The organisation filled gaps left by government services, advocating for systemic change under Camila Batmanghelidjh’s leadership. The tragic closure of Kids Company in 2015 halted the redesign of children’s services through the “See the child, change the system” initiative.
The Charity Commission’s report raises serious concerns about regulatory ethics and impartiality. The report inaccurately depicts the reasons for Kids Company’s closure, abjectly failing to acknowledge the harmful impact of unfounded allegations and external pressures on the charity.
For 19 years, Kids Company regularly submitted and passed all its audits to the government, and consequently received further funding. We call on the Charity Commission to amend its report in line with Mrs Justice Falk’s high court findings at the end of a 10-week court case in February 2021 and a detailed 225-page judgment. We seek accountability, transparency and justice from the Charity Commission.
Chris Martin Coldplay, Joanna Lumley Actor and presenter, Joy Madeiros Co-founder, Oasis Charitable Trust, Susie Orbach Psychotherapist and psychoanalyst, Rowan Williams Former archbishop of Canterbury, Alan Yentob Former chair of trustees, Kids Company, and 48 others
