Regulator investigates 'toxic' claims at Lincolnshire charity LIVES

Regulators have interviewed the trustees of a Lincolnshire charity, following allegations of a "toxic" workplace culture there.

The Charity Commission has visited LIVES headquarters in Horncastle.

Its trustees had filed a serious incident report after a petition called for the resignation of the charity's chief executive.

The regulator says there is an "ongoing regulatory compliance case" looking into the charity's management.

It asked anyone with new concerns about LIVES to contact the commission.

Founded 50 years ago, the charity sends emergency responders to medical incidents across the county.

Twenty-six staff and volunteers, both former and current, have spoken to the BBC, claiming there is a culture of bullying and belittling staff at LIVES. The trustees previously said the allegations were "completely without foundation" and they were "satisfied the charity is well run and robustly managed".

In a statement regarding the Charity Commission's visit, the trustees said: "The trustees at LIVES were delighted to receive a visit from the Charity Commission as part of our on-going communications regarding issues raised by former staff with the commission and the BBC.

"We do not recognise the characterisation of the charity portrayed in those claims and welcomed an opportunity to outline the circumstances and evidence to the commission. We remain confident the charity is moving forward in a very positive way.

"The discussions were very constructive and we await feedback."

The Charity Commission requires charities to report serious incidents, whether actual or alleged, which results in or risks significant harm to a charity's beneficiaries, staff, volunteers or others; loss of the charity's money or assets; damage to a charity's property or harm to a charity's work or reputation.

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