Managing the Fallout from a Trustee Tainted by Scandal

After being banned as a trustee for allegedly misusing funds by the Charity Commission, Naomi Campbell was granted permission to appeal, claiming that a fake identity was used in communications with lawyers. As a result, questions have been raised about the role of trustees to charities, and what can be done to manage the fallout when one is hit with harmful or defamatory allegations. Claims of impersonation can make these cases especially difficult during legal proceedings. Ultimately, any allegation against a trustee can wreak long-term havoc on a charity’s reputation, so it’s vital to have a clear plan of action.

Be prepared from the outset

Scandal of this kind can be incredibly damaging. That’s why a robust crisis plan is needed for every stage, from the initial allegation, through to investigation, and final resolution. While it may seem easier to bury your head in the sand, having a considered response and reacting quickly helps minimise lasting damage.

Although allegations differ from case to case, charities must monitor the situation closely as it unfolds, and tailor their response accordingly.  A flexible plan gives leadership, legal and PR teams clear responsibilities, and offers the organisation an early opportunity to show it can respond swiftly and responsibly in the public eye.

Gather facts early and tread carefully

As soon as allegations arise, charities should gather as much information as possible to shape a clear and accurate response. Public reporting can cloud the facts, especially in cases involving high-profile trustees, but an inaccurate or delayed response can damage trust further. Although it’s important to be thorough, charities shouldn’t wait too long to respond. Providing an early response lays the foundations for ongoing communication with the public, as the investigation progresses, and new details potentially arise.

Assessing the trustee’s role and next steps

Once an initial response has been decided, charities must assess the trustee’s involvement to understand the potential scale of reputational damage.

If the trustee is a well-known figure but not directly involved in day-to-day operations, it may be possible to limit the fallout. In contrast, if the trustee acts as the ‘face’ of the charity or plays a central operational role, the situation becomes more delicate.

Organisations may need to consider removing or reducing the trustee’s involvement, balancing this with the seriousness of the allegation. These decisions should be made swiftly but not rashly, weighing both public perception and internal impact.

Managing the investigation and keeping control of the narrative

Investigations can be lengthy and disruptive. Scandals can pose real threats to funding and service delivery. Charities must remain proactive as the situation develops, sticking to their plan while adjusting to changes. In some cases, pausing work may be necessary to focus on legal matters, however difficult that decision may be.

When communicating with the public, the aim must be to restore trust and charities typically take one of four approaches:

• No comment – While common, this approach often raises suspicion and appears evasive. It may be suitable only in very limited circumstances.
• Firm denial – Positioning the allegation as false can work, but only if the organisation has a solid understanding of the claims and is ready to follow through, including through legal action if necessary.
• Proactive communication – A measured response that outlines awareness of the situation and the charity’s position tends to be the most effective. Even without full resolution, updating the public on steps being taken shows accountability.
• Pre-emptive preparation – When charities are aware of allegations before they become public, it’s vital to show that the matter is being taken seriously and addressed internally.

Rebuilding trust after the investigation

As the legal process concludes and media attention fades, charities may be tempted to move on. But this final stage is just as important. Repairing public trust is most vital at this stage, to re-instil lost confidence and re-position the charity in the public sphere.

If allegations are found to be false, this will of course soften the blow to the charity’s reputation. However, the charity should support the trustee in managing their own reputation. The best thing to do can often be to allow the trustee to decide for themselves how best to deal with defamatory allegations. For example, they may find it justifies a claim in itself, in which case the charity can allow this new legal process to play out while they focus on continuing to deliver on important work and supporting the trustee in their internal role.

If the allegations are confirmed, a consistent, values-led response throughout the process will have helped the charity separate itself from the scandal and begin to recover.

Making sure the charity’s work is visible as the case closes is critical. Public confidence is not regained overnight. The time this takes depends on many factors—severity of the claims, the trustee’s role, the charity’s public response and the final outcome. What matters is showing the public that the charity remains committed to its purpose and continues to deliver for its beneficiaries.

Strengthening trustee oversight to prevent future fallout

Trustees can play a significant role in a charity’s success, both behind the scenes and in the public eye. Ensuring trustees are carefully appointed can help to minimise risks of allegations later down the line. Sticking to an established process of detailed checks both prior to taking them on, and once they are part of the charity, is a core part of this.

Social media screening, regular checks and early concern-raising processes can all support this. However, appointing a trustee will always carry an element of trust, and charities must strike a balance between oversight and allowing trustees to fulfil their role meaningfully. Charities operate on trust themselves, and this principle should extend to trustee relationships too.

Do you have a crisis plan in place?

Allegations against trustees can emerge suddenly and escalate quickly. Having a well-prepared, flexible plan in place is essential to protect your charity’s reputation and mission. If your charity hasn’t reviewed its approach to trustee oversight or crisis management recently, now is the time.

Please get in touch to discuss how we can support your organisation in being prepared, resilient and focused on your core purpose.