A statutory inquiry has been launched into Hexham-based disability charity Adapt (North East) after the Charity Commission raised serious concerns about its management and the potential effect of an internal dispute on its services.
Adapt provides community transport, social prescribing, wheelchair hire and other support for people with sensory, physical and learning disabilities. The charity also supports people experiencing mental health challenges.
The regulator said the dispute had affected the charity’s ability to operate and the capacity of its trustees to engage collectively with its enquiries. It warned that any disruption could affect people who rely on Adapt’s services as well as the charity’s staff.
Why the Charity Commission is investigating
The Charity Commission began assessing financial and governance concerns in July 2026. These included allegations that significant payments had been made without the full approval of Adapt’s trustee board.
It later opened a regulatory compliance case to examine possible misconduct or mismanagement. That process has now been escalated to a statutory inquiry, allowing the regulator to investigate the issues further.
The inquiry will examine whether current and former trustees have complied with, and are able to comply with, their legal duties. It will also consider whether there may have been unauthorised personal benefit or potential conflicts of interest, and whether the charity has suitable financial controls.
“During its regulatory engagement, the Commission quickly became aware of an internal dispute at the charity impacting its ability to operate and its trustees’ ability to engage as a collective with the regulator’s enquiries. The regulator is concerned about the potential impact the ongoing dispute, and any disruption it has caused, is likely to have on those who rely on its services and the charity’s staff.”
Adapt says services are continuing
Adapt chief executive Hannah Harniess said the charity’s services remained in operation and that staff and volunteers were continuing to support the people and communities who depend on them.
“Adapt NE exists to promote equity and inclusion for disabled people and support people experiencing mental health challenges. That purpose must remain at the heart of the charity’s work. Adapt’s services continue to operate, supporting the people and communities who rely on them. I am enormously grateful to the charity’s staff and volunteers for their professionalism and commitment throughout this difficult period.”
Ms Harniess said she joined Adapt in October 2025 and had raised concerns about financial arrangements and governance decisions that predated her appointment. She said she raised those concerns internally before reporting them to the Charity Commission because she believed independent scrutiny was in the charity’s best interests.
“I welcome the Commission’s inquiry and will continue to assist its work. I do not intend to comment on the specific matters being examined while that process is ongoing. My hope is that it will strengthen the charity’s governance and help secure a positive and sustainable future for Adapt North East.”
Former trustees welcome independent examination
Four former trustees—Michael Briggs, George Clarke, Mavis Ostler and Rosemary Theobalds—said they supported an independent examination of the financial and governance concerns, including historic financial arrangements.
“We support an independent and thorough examination of the financial and governance concerns identified by the Commission, including historic financial arrangements. We recognise that this includes scrutiny of our own actions, decisions and oversight alongside those of other past and present trustees. We will provide relevant information, answer questions fully and comply with any requirements or directions that apply to us.”
The former trustees also acknowledged Ms Harniess’s decision to raise concerns and seek independent scrutiny. They said they had asked the Commission questions about the charity’s current governance arrangements, including the composition of the board and the authority for certain decisions.
“Our priority remains the charity, its staff and volunteers, and the people who depend on its services. We are grateful for the dedication shown by staff and volunteers throughout this difficult period. We want a lawful and constructive resolution that restores effective, transparent and accountable governance and protects Adapt’s future.”
The inquiry will now examine the concerns and the actions of past and present trustees. The source report did not give a timetable for the investigation or state whether any findings had yet been made.