Scottish Inquiry Criticizes Past Management of King’s Charity

Regulators found governance failings and financial risks under former CEO Michael Fawcett but ruled out misconduct.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) found that the King’s Foundation was exposed to significant risks under the leadership of former CEO Michael Fawcett.
The inquiry criticized the charity’s handling of valuable artwork loans, including lapses in insurance and misrepresentation of ownership, which created financial and reputational risks.
Fawcett resigned in 2021 after allegations that he facilitated honors and citizenship for a Saudi donor in exchange for substantial contributions, though police took no further action on the matter.
The investigation highlighted inadequate governance, decision-making, and record-keeping by the charity’s leadership during Fawcett's tenure but found no evidence of misconduct by trustees or Fawcett himself.
The King’s Foundation has since implemented new governance practices, with regulators expressing satisfaction over recent improvements.