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The Easdale Island charity has been the subject of an investigation by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and has been essentially cleared of any wrongdoing, although they have recommended that
. . . it would be in the best interests of the charity and demonstrate care and diligence for the charity trustees to strengthen governance, increase transparency and openness and improve engagement with the community.
I read that they have only been cleared of any serious misconduct. To me, the recommendations suggest that OSCR see the need for them to change several aspects of conduct. Obviously a lot of complaints have been vindicated and changes in behaviour are expected. An excellent outcome.
I see that this is the second time they've been investigated by OSCR, and that the same issues have come up again this time. Two things spring to mind: 1) Eilean Eisdeal obviously didn't do as they were told the first time; 2) There's no smoke without ...
Altogether a most serious and damning report on the conduct and behaviour of Eilean Eisdeal.
Section 1 notes that some of the serious matters in the new complaints also featured in the previous OSCR investigation into the affairs of Eilean Eisdeal. This despite compliance advice given and assurances received from Eilean Eisdeal, now is that a surprise, when do they ever listen to advice especially as they always know best.
Section 4 OSCR instructs Eilean Eisdeal that any future work should be put out to tender, they also instruct Eilean Eisdeal that any future surveys should be carried out by an independent organisation. It also warns Eilean Eisdeal regarding conflict of interests regarding their Trustees and the blatant failure to timely declare such interests. OSCR also notes that Social Housing and Commercial Premises do not fit the Charity's stated purposes. OSCR also note a lack of transparancy in the management of Eilean Eisdeal activities.
It is interesting to note that on Eilean Eisdeal's website they claim that they have been given a clean bill of health by OSCR from what they describe as these 'malicious' complaints. As usual, it seems that they are obstinately refusing to take good advice once again and are refusing to recognise the basis for these genuine and legitimate complaints.
I wonder how long it will be until the next investigation, OSCR will surely have noted that Eilean Eisdeal failed to address the legitimate complaints from their first investigation and if no action is taken to address these matters this time round then it surely will be a matter of 3 strikes and out.
I don't see anything in OSCR's report that mentions "measures that can be taken in future to handle persistent complainers and avoid malicious attacks", as reported by Eilean Eisdeal. I DO see plenty about measures that Eilean Eisdeal directors should take in future to behave themselves better!
I also see that there are supposed to be 67 full-time residents on Alcatraz, but I can only tot up 40-something. Obviously there are another 20 or so that I've never come across - which is possible, I suppose.
Too true, especially as they have been told that their proposed developments such as the bunk house (which has no support from the residents) are not consistent with the declared objectives in their constitution.
However, they could attempt to change those objectives but it would need to be done in consultation and with the approval of their members. As OSCR have stated in their report any canvassing of the members would need to be carried out by an independent body and I am sure the results would be closely monitored by OSCR, especially if their off island members show up strongly in the voting again.
I find myself agreeing with the final post. Why is it that when a community attempts to flag up a serious problem and out of frustration resorts to putting experiences and knowledge on the web, it is called a "witch hunt"?
Hopefully an independent investigation will resolve the problem soon.
