The Charity Commission has confirmed it is investigating Christian persecution charity Barnabas Aid.
The watchdog told Premier that it launched a statutory inquiry — its most serious form of investigation — following allegations of financial misconduct and a toxic work environment.
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “On Tuesday 17th September, our engagement with Barnabas Fund (Also known as Barnabas Aid) was escalated to a statutory inquiry. In line with our usual policy, we will publish a public statement setting out the scope of our inquiry in due course.”
While no timeline has been set, the Commission typically publishes a report at the conclusion of an inquiry. This report details the issues investigated, the actions taken, and the outcomes. Inquiries are generally initiated when there are “regulatory concerns that there is, has been, or that there is the potential for misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of a charity”.
According to the Commission's website, Barnabas Aid is nearly three months overdue in submitting its latest financial accounts.
The charity operates under a dual governance structure, with both a UK board and an international board.
Earlier this year, Premier revealed that trustees from the international board raised concerns about the charity’s management and use of funds, following whistleblower complaints. This led to a rift between trustees on the two boards and prompted an independent investigation, which subsequently involved the Charity Commission.
The internal investigation is being handled by the London law firm Crowell & Moring.
Rev Patrick Sookhdeo, his wife Rosemarie, and Barnabas Aid UK trustees Caroline Kerslake and Dr Prasad Phillips have all been suspended pending the investigation. In a statement to Premier, the group welcomed the Charity Commission’s inquiry.
"We have been working closely with them for years – and it was we who alerted the Commission to the former CEO’s disgraceful conduct. We trust in the wisdom and integrity of the Charity Commission who will undertake their work with rigour and impartiality. Like us the founding leaders, the Charity Commission wants the charity’s assets to be put to service for the good causes for which they were donated – namely the helping of persecuted Christians around the world," they said.
In a statement, a Barnabas Aid spokesperson told Premier: "We are very pleased that the Charity Commission, with whom we have been working closely since April, has launched a statutory inquiry. In April, Barnabas instructed an independent law firm to investigate numerous whistleblowing allegations. Throughout this process, we have kept the Charity Commission apprised of what's been going on at Barnabas Aid and have shared with them a full copy of the interim report. Please remember to pray for those suffering persecution. Whilst we are going through a difficult time, nothing compares to the suffering of our Christian brothers and sisters in the world."