Issue - meetings

The Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) have undertaken significant redrafting of the charitable scheme to update the governance of the Russell-Cotes charity. It is understood from the Charity Commission that the redrafting is nearly complete and that it is realistic to expect the Scheme to be laid before Parliament in September 2026. An update is being sought on a projected Vesting Day.

Three positive meetings have been held since November 2025 between the BCP Chief Executive Officer and the Chair of the RCAMG Management Committee/new Sole Trustee about the Council’s decision to use the £2.25 million lump sum (originally agreed to fund the new trustee at Vesting day by Council on 20 February 2024) to fund revenue costs incurred from 1 October 2025 until externalisation takes place. This is likely to reduce the lump sum by c.£600,000 and therefore undermine the future financial viability of the independent charity putting the process of externalisation at risk. However, no agreement has been reached with the CEO on a mutually acceptable solution.