Call for responses premature (OSCR)

I note the letter published in The Shetland Times regarding the proposed re-organisation of the Shetland Charitable Trust (“A New Year’s Resolution”, 13th January), a copy of which has also been received at our office.   

We understand and welcome the interest in this re-organisation proposal, but I should point out that the letter’s call for responses is premature. While Shetland Charitable Trust has now provided us with an outline  timetable and undertakings for the changes they have proposed, we have not yet received a formal application to re-organise the charity, nor a draft re-organisation scheme. This is expected around the end of January.

When we do receive an application and draft re-organisation scheme it will be published on our website, www.oscr.org.uk, and in the press. It is at that point where, under the timescales and procedure set out in the legislation, we would be in a position to receive and to consider objections during a specified period, likely to be six weeks.  

Our interest is, and has always been, the independence of the charity trustees from Shetland Islands Council or indeed from any other body. How that issue is addressed is a matter for the charity trustees, providing that this is consistent with charity law.  

We look forward to receiving the formal application in due course and to your readers engaging with the established process.

Martin Tyson
Head of charity services
OSCR.