Now watchdogs step up inquiry into trans charity

watchdogs have launched an inquiry into children’s transgender charity Mermaids over concerns about its leadership.

the charity commission said it came after ‘newly identified issues’ around ‘governance and management’ emerged.

a statutory inquiry – its most serious form of investigation – will now aim to determine if there was any mismanagement or misconduct by trustees. the commission has already opened a case over safeguarding issues but the latest move shows increased concern over the functioning of the charity.

Mermaids ‘has not provided the necessary reassurance or satisfied the commission at this stage’, the watchdog said. ‘the regulator will seek to determine whether the charity’s governance is appropriate in relation to the activities the charity carries out, which involve vulnerable children and young people, as well as their families.’

Mermaids has generated public controversy after it was revealed that one of its trustees, dr Jacob Breslow, had previously spoken at a conference hosted by an organisation that promotes services to paedophiles. an investigation by the daily telegraph also claimed the charity offered to send breast binders to children despite opposition from their parents.

after growing criticism its chief executive, susie green, stood down last month after six years in charge but did not explain why.

Mermaids, which has received government grants, launched a legal action against the charity commission in september for giving charitable status to LgB alliance, which criticises ‘gender ideology’ and raises concerns that young gay people are being exposed to harmful practices. It is understood to be the first time a charity has tried to strip another of its status.

Pending the outcome of the safeguarding case, a number of organisations have paused relations with the charity. the National Lottery community Fund has suspended future payments and the department for Education has removed it from its mental health and wellbeing resources for schools.

Mermaids was founded in 1995 and has its headquarters in Leeds and a London office. once run solely by volunteers, it now has 44 staff and 110 volunteers.

the charity said in a statement: ‘Earlier this year Mermaids decided to carry out a frank and honest appraisal of our internal culture and how we measure up in terms of equity, diversity and inclusion.

‘as part of this process, we commissioned an independent external report which highlighted a number of significant challenges for us. we know we must do better and will be implementing the report’s recommendations as a priority.’

the scottish government has previously had links to Mermaids, when the group – which is not a registered charity in scotland – was asked to give advice on trans issues in 2021.

But yesterday a scottish government spokesman said: ‘the scottish government has no relationship with, and does not fund, Mermaids.’

‘Significant challenges’