Governance lessons from the Nottingham Islam Information Point case

We consider below the responsibilities of trustees where external speakers are involved.

Charities play a vital role in fostering trust, unity, and positive change. In pursuing this role, charity leaders have the daunting task of ensuring that every activity, event, and public statement furthers the charity’s purposes and need to be alive to their potential impact on the reputation of the charity and public confidence in charities more generally. A case from 2025 involving Nottingham Islam Information Point (NIIP) serves as a reminder of the risks charities face when governance is insufficient or oversight fails. It shows how a single misjudged statement, particularly in a sensitive climate, can lead to serious regulatory action and lasting reputational damage.

Case overview and findings

In late 2023, the Charity Commission launched a compliance investigation into NIIP, following concerns over a sermon delivered by one of its trustees. The sermon, given just six days after the escalation of the Hamas-Israel conflict in October 2023, was found to contain inflammatory and divisive language.

Following its investigation, the Commission concluded:

• The speech did not further the charity’s purposes,

• It was not in the charity’s best interests, and

• It amounted to misconduct and/or mismanagement in the administration of the charity.

As a result, under section 181A of the Charities Act 2011, the trustee responsible for the sermon was disqualified from serving as a trustee or senior manager of any charity in England and Wales for three years. In addition, the Commission also issued an Official Warning to NIIP for governance failures.

In response, NIIP has strengthened its governance arrangements, including ensuring that all current and future trustees are fully informed of their legal responsibilities. Following these changes, the regulator closed the case.

Why due diligence on speakers matters

Charities must ensure that any speaker, event, or public message is aligned with their charitable purposes and does not inadvertently promote division or controversy. This is not only best practice - it is a compliance requirement.

In NIIP’s case, the content of the sermon was delivered during a highly sensitive period. The speaker quoted a religious text but failed to provide sufficient context, creating a risk that the content could be misunderstood or perceived as endorsing divisive views.

The charity had no effective system in place for vetting speakers or reviewing their content. This gap in governance ultimately led to the trustees being collectively accountable for what was said in the charity’s name. In response, NIIP has now implemented comprehensive policies in line with Charity Commission guidance. This includes formal procedures for speaker approval, content review, and contextual assessment.

The Commission reiterated the importance of these safeguards, emphasising that proactive governance is essential to protect charities from reputational and regulatory harm.

Practical lessons for trustees and charities

This case highlights several practical takeaways for all trustees, particularly those operating in complex or sensitive environments:

• Implement strong speaker and event policies: Charities must establish clear procedures for vetting speakers, reviewing their material, and assessing timing and context. Topics with the potential for misinterpretation should be treated with extra care and appropriate guidance should be provided. We recommend having a reliable chair or moderator on-hand, familiar with the charity's policies and the approved content, who has the confidence and gravitas to step-in if it looks like speakers might veer off their brief.

• Embed governance best practice: Trustees are legally required to ensure that all activities are aligned with the charity’s objects and purposes. Regular training on legal duties and regulator expectations should be part of every trustee board's development.

• Manage risk proactively: Regular risk assessments should be carried out, especially during politically or socially sensitive periods. Trustees should ensure compliance with governance policies and update procedures in response to emerging risks.

• Prioritise transparency and accountability: All decisions around speakers and public events should be well-documented. Clear audit trails help demonstrate that appropriate due diligence was undertaken and can be crucial in the event of regulatory scrutiny.

• Maintain public trust: Even if speech is lawful, it may still be inappropriate when delivered on behalf of a charity. Trustees must consider the wider impact of content on public confidence and the communities they serve.
  

Conclusion

The Nottingham Islam Information Point case is a powerful reminder of the importance of sound governance, particularly when a charity operates in sensitive areas or addresses complex issues. A single ill-judged event, even if well-intentioned, can undermine a charity’s work, erode trust, and lead to serious regulatory consequences.

By carefully vetting speakers, providing appropriate context, and adopting robust governance policies, charities can better protect their platforms-and more importantly, they can strengthen their ability to serve communities with credibility and trust.

For more information or advice, please get in touch with Layal Temrawi in our Charities team.