Charity regulator launches inquiry into church found promoting fake Covid-19 protection kits

Press release

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into The Kingdom Church GB.

The Charity Commission has opened a statutory inquiry into The Kingdom Church GB (charity number 1137370) in South London over concerns about the charity’s management.

The regulator first opened a regulatory case into the charity after media reports that it was selling a ‘plague protection kit’ which it was claimed would cure and protect against the Covid-19 virus. This led to liaison with Southwark Council which had opened a Trading Standards investigation into the sale of the kits.

Since then, the Commission has examined the charity’s records, revealing concerns about its finances. The regulator is concerned about the accuracy of information provided to the Commission regarding the charity’s income and expenditure.

As a result, it launched a statutory inquiry into the charity on 7 August 2020. The inquiry will examine:

  • the trustees’ compliance with their legal duties around the administration, governance and management of the charity
  • the extent to which the trustees responsibly managed the charity’s resources and financial affairs, and particularly how they have managed conflicts of interest.

This will include examination of the charity’s relationship with a connected organisation called Bishop Climate Ministries which the charity has said was responsible for the sale of the ‘plague protection kits’.

The Commission has already intervened to ensure the charity removed all known links to sales of the kits from the charity’s web and social media sites. The regulator will continue to liaise with Southwark Council Trading Standards’ investigation into the sale of the kits.

Helen Earner, Director of Regulatory Services at the Charity Commission, said:

Charities should be organisations that people can trust. Many will have been concerned by allegations about this charity’s activities in relation to Covid-19, and so it is right that we, and others, have intervened.

Our own examination into The Kingdom Church GB has identified further concerns that require investigation which is why we have now opened an official inquiry.

It is the Commission’s policy, after it has concluded an inquiry, to publish a report detailing what issues the inquiry looked at, what actions were undertaken as part of the inquiry and what the outcomes were. Reports of previous inquiries by the Commission are available on GOV.UK.

Ends.

Notes to editors:

  1. For media enquiries for Southwark Council Trading Standards, please contact Jane Evans at press@southwark.gov.uk.
  2. As the charity regulator, the Commission’s powers and remit are limited to the trustees of charities and their compliance with legal duties; it cannot investigate potential breaches of consumer protection or product safety laws and has therefore been liaising with Trading Standards.
  3. The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its purpose is to ensure charity can thrive and inspire trust so that people can improve lives and strengthen society.
  4. The opening of an inquiry is not a determination of wrongdoing.

Published 26 August 2020



New guidance for British Nuclear Test Veterans

DBS Veterans UK have worked with The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association (BNTVA) to develop enhanced guidance to support claimants belonging to the Veterans Nuclear Test community. Improved content, signposting, an additional claim form and a bespoke printable pdf leaflet are now available to help those Veterans claiming for conditions specific to their service as a member of this community.

Download a pdf of the Information for British Nuclear Test Veterans leaflet. Information for British Nuclear Test Veterans leaflet (PDF, 181KB, 2 pages)

Over 20,000 military personnel were present at the UK nuclear weapon tests between 1952 and 1967 in Australia and the South Pacific. The tests were the largest tri-service event since the D-Day landings. Nuclear Test Veterans, who believe they have suffered ill health due to service can apply for no-fault compensation under the War Pensions Scheme which has no time limits and a low standard of proof. War Pensions are payable in respect of illness or injury due to Service in HM Armed Forces before 6 April 2005, with the benefit of reasonable doubt always given to the claimant. Decisions are medically certified and follow consideration of available service and medical evidence, where evidence supports a causal link to service, entitlement will be given.

How to apply

You can make your claim by downloading an AFCS and War Pension Scheme claim form. If you think your condition was caused by exposure to ionising radiation during the UK nuclear test programme it may speed up your claim if you also complete the additional Nuclear Test Veteran (NTV) Priority Claim: Enquiries/Request Form. What information is needed?

• You need to tell us what condition is being claimed

• You need to tell us which nuclear tests you were at

• You need to tell us about medical treatment that you have had

If you are only claiming for conditions linked to exposure to ionising radiation, you don’t need to complete the section relating to:-

• Reporting injuries

• Whether there were any witnesses

Help and Support

Free independent advice is available from the Veterans Welfare Service or other charitable organisations. The BNTVA may also be able to assist you as they have a wealth of knowledge to share and have links across the world with other Atomic organisations including America, France, Australia, Fiji, Christmas Island and New Zealand.



DASA to take part in DPRTE 2020

News story

The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) will participate in the first online DPRTE event.

DPRTE logo

Experts from DASA will be attending the Defence Procurement, Research, Technology and Exportability (DPRTE) event, which is officially supported by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and held on 3 September 2020. This year the defence procurement and supply chain event will be entirely online and DASA will have a virtual stand in the Technology and Innovation Zone.

At the virtual stand, suppliers, buyers and those in government will be able to find out more about DASA and talk to representatives about how to work with us.

DASA will also be showcasing its recent innovation success, including how it has fast-tracked 245 innovations and invested £42.8 million in industry and academia over the past 12 months, as set out in DASA’s recently launched third annual review.

Peter Wilkins, Innovation Partner, DASA will be giving a presentation at 11:10–11:35 entitled ‘Innovation for a safer future’. More information can be found in the DPRTE pre-event planner.

We look forward to seeing you there.

If you have any queries, please do contact us at accelerator@dstl.gov.uk.

Published 26 August 2020



Letter to academy trust accounting officers: August 2020

Eileen Milner, chief executive and accounting officer of the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA), writes to accounting officers of academy trusts.

The letter explains that, due to COVID-19, the deadline for academy trusts to submit their financial statements to ESFA for the year ending 31 August 2020 has been extended by one month to 31 January 2021.

It also confirms that the deadline for the land and buildings collection tool (LBCT) has been extended until 17 December 2020 and the accounts return until 23 February 2021.



Liz Truss brings key industries closer to trade negotiations

  • Department for International Trade (DIT) steps up engagement with British industry and farmers as UK trade negotiations intensify
  • Eleven new trade advisory groups, covering a range of key sectors, established to provide knowledge and experience
  • Insight and expertise of top business people being used to inform UK negotiating position and deliver deals that benefit the whole country

International Trade Secretary Liz Truss has today (Wednesday 26 August) launched 11 new trade advisory groups (TAGs), as part of a major new business engagement drive designed to support the UK’s ambitious trade negotiations.

As trade talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand intensify, the Trade Secretary is stepping up engagement with key industries across Britain, including farming, manufacturing and automotive.

Their advice will be used to help inform the government’s negotiating position and deliver key industry asks that benefit the whole UK, including securing new market access on products like ceramics, cars, steel and beef, and agreeing cutting-edge digital trade rules.

The new groups are comprised of the best and brightest businesses people from all parts of Britain, from whisky distillers in Scotland to car manufacturers in the Midlands, as part of DIT’s efforts to ensure trade deals benefit all regions and devolved administrations.

Secretary of State for International Trade, Liz Truss said:

This is about bringing business closer to the negotiating table and using their expertise to help secure the best possible deals that deliver jobs and growth across Britain. Talks with Japan, the US, Australia and New Zealand are entering their crucial latter stages, so it is only right that we step up engagement with vital industries to utilise their technical and strategic expertise.

I want business in Britain to feel engaged and informed about the work we’re doing to build an independent trade policy and how it impacts them. As we recover from Coronavirus we want to strike deals that benefit every part of the country so we can build back better and deliver a fairer country for all.

Adam Couch, Chief Executive, Cranswick said:

I am delighted to be able to work with the Department for International Trade on the development of the Agri-Food Trade Advisory Group.

There are so many opportunities that we can explore as part of the programme to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of global agricultural standards to maintain our competitive position as we seek to negotiate future trade agreements.

Miles Celic, Chief Executive Officer, TheCityUK, said:

The UK has a great opportunity to pursue a new generation of ambitious and innovative trade agreements.

For financial and related professional services, a focus in those deals on enhancing liberalisation of trade in services will be key. It would also further strengthen the UK’s world-leading position as a global trading hub and premier international financial centre.

I am very pleased to join two of the new Trade Advisory Groups – closer consultation with industry will help develop our national ambitions and priorities and ultimately best support UK economic recovery in the aftermath of Covid-19.

Mark Vale, Managing Director, President UK and Ireland UPS said:

I am delighted to join the Transport Services Trade Advisory Group.

Britain is a trading nation and has been for many centuries. This is an ideal opportunity for the government and businesses to work together to achieve significant opportunities from international trade.

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive, BPI said:

The UK’s music industry is a global success story – we are the second largest music export market in the world, supporting British artists from all over the UK to make their way as global stars.

As we establish ourselves an independent trading nation, the global partnerships we forge in the coming years will be key to the UK’s future growth. With the right frameworks in place to enable the UK’s creative industries to flourish, the opportunities are absolutely there for the taking. I am delighted that the BPI is joining this new TAG to help make that happen.

Emma McClarkin, CEO British Beer & Pub Association said:

The UK has a unique opportunity to shape its trade policy and trade relationships globally. Now is the time to champion British businesses and brands internationally.

The TAG will allow industry to be part of the new trade agenda and help pinpoint drivers for success both domestically and globally.

We have a proud innovative beer heritage here in the UK. These new relationships will help us build that reputation, champion the best of British and secure new opportunities in new markets.

Antony Walker, techUK Deputy CEO, said:

The tech sector in the UK is relentlessly innovative and resilient. As we chart a new path in the world, we must champion the UK’s competitive strengths in the digital economy both at home and abroad.

I am delighted to join the senior group of experts and work alongside the Government to progress tech policy objectives, highlight market access concerns and opportunities, and achieve the best possible outcomes for tech and telecoms.

Background

Members have been selected to provide a breadth of knowledge and experience.

List of 11 Trade Advisory Groups:

  • Agri-Food
  • Automotive, Aerospace and Marine
  • British Manufacturing and Consumer Goods
  • Investment
  • Life Sciences
  • Tech and Telecoms
  • Chemicals
  • Financial Services
  • Professional Advisory Services
  • Transport Services
  • Creative Industries

A list of members can be found on gov.uk