Charity Commission to investigate museum dispute

Congleton Museum in Cheshire is facing scrutiny following a dispute among its trustees, with allegations that one trustee changed the museums locks and attempted to suspend his seven colleagues. The Charity Commission has now intervened to examine the governance issues at the museum, while calls grow for founding trustee Ian Doughty to step down.

Anne Gubbins, co-chair of the museum, described the situation as "spiraling out of control" and expressed hope that the commission would take action. She confirmed that a locksmith had been brought in, allowing the trustees to regain access to the museum.

Mr Doughty has been contacted for comment and previously claimed that a "misinformation campaign" was being conducted against him. Ms Gubbins, representing the other trustees, told BBC Radio Stoke that regaining access was essential to prepare for a Santas Grotto event scheduled for the weekend.

Independent Report Labels Incident as Serious

An independent report, commissioned by the museum board, characterized recent eventsincluding the lock changes and attempted trustee suspensionsas a "serious incident" and recommended reporting them to the Charity Commission. It also advised trustees to seek legal guidance regarding their authority to remove Mr Doughty from his role.

The Charity Commission confirmed: "We have opened a compliance case into Congleton Museum Trust to assess concerns raised about the charity's governance." Arts Council England has added the museum to its risk register, a list designed to monitor potential issues among accredited museums nationwide. A spokesperson stated that the registers purpose is to prevent unexpected museum closures and provide support to stabilize institutions when needed.

Trustee Meetings and Votes

Two meetings took place on December 1. One, chaired by Ms Gubbins at the town hall, included a motion calling for Mr Doughtys resignation, which passed with 93 votes in favor, three against, and four abstentions. Mr Doughty had originally scheduled the meeting but did not attend. Another motion from Mr Doughty, expressing no confidence in the seven trustees, was set aside due to his absence and lack of supporting documentation.

The second meeting, held at the museum and led by Mr Doughty, reportedly involved a vote of no confidence in the seven trustees and the election of new trustees. The other trustees claimed this meeting was "not constitutional," as most members were not invited.

Ongoing Allegations and Police Involvement

Mr Doughty maintains that there is a "misinformation campaign" and has described the independent report as "fake," asserting the museum is not at risk. He also reported to Cheshire Police concerning alleged unauthorized payments from the museums bank account. Ms Gubbins explained that payments were made to individuals involved in grant-funded projects and the independent report, as advised by professional advisors. A Cheshire Police spokesperson confirmed that fraud allegations are under review.

Congleton Museum, which opened in 2002, features exhibits dating back to the Bronze Age.

Author: Benjamin Carter