West Northumberland Food Bank has reassured households across West Northumberland that its service is continuing as normal while its landlord, ADAPT (North East), faces a Charity Commission inquiry.
The food bank rents its premises from ADAPT, which is based on Burn Lane in Hexham. A statutory inquiry into the charity was launched in October after the commission decided to examine potential misconduct or mismanagement within the organisation.
The Charity Commission said it became aware during the process of an internal dispute that was affecting ADAPT’s ability to function and the ability of its trustees to engage collectively with regulatory enquiries. The inquiry concerns ADAPT, rather than the food bank.
Food bank says operations are separate
West Northumberland Food Bank said it operates independently from its landlord. Its governance, finances and day-to-day operations are separate from ADAPT, and the food bank is not involved in the inquiry.
Sam Gilchrist, chief executive of West Northumberland Food Bank, said the charity’s management team and trustees were planning to maintain the service.
“We know how important it is that people can depend on us when they need support. “Our service continues as normal, and we have a strong team of staff and volunteers keeping that work going. “ADAPT has been our home since 2013, and we value that longstanding relationship. “We are planning ahead so that, wherever we are based, we can continue supporting people across West Northumberland.”
The organisation has supported the community for more than 13 years, including during the Covid-19 lockdowns. It currently has a dedicated staff team and 63 volunteers.
Planning for possible premises changes
The food bank said local support remains central to its work. Around half of its funding and three-quarters of its food donations come from local people.
Tom Russell, chair of the board of trustees, said the organisation was preparing for any changes to its premises while keeping the needs of the households it supports at the centre of its decisions.
“As trustees, our responsibility is to safeguard the food bank’s future and the service it provides. “We are working closely with the management team to plan for any changes to our premises, with the needs of the households we support guiding our decisions. “Over 13 years of continuous service and strong community support give us a firm foundation for the future.”
No move has been announced. The food bank said any potential relocation would be carefully managed, with clear communication provided to households, volunteers, supporters and partners.
For now, the charity’s message to people who rely on its support is that its service remains unaffected by the inquiry into ADAPT.