# Institute of Fundraising Scotland comments on Tony Freeman case

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/10/14/institute-fundraising-scotland-comments-tony-freeman-case/
- Published: 2006-10-14T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Chair of the Institute of Fundarising Scotland has commented on the court case
of Tony Freeman, who has admitted fraudulently removing more than £450,000 from 
his fundraising business before it went into liquidation.
Freeman’s company, Solutions
Recruitment and Management Consultancy, went into liquidation in 2003 after an investigation
had found that more than £13 million had been donated through his company’s fundraising
activities but only £1.5 million had been passed on to good causes.

He has pleaded guilty to a breach of the 1986 Insolvency Act, with the result that
an anticipated five-week trial, due to begin this month, has not gone ahead.

Maureen Harrison, Chair of the Institute of Fundraising Scotland, said: “Everyone
in the Institute and the sector as a whole will be happy and relieved that we finally
have closure on this matter.

## Advertisement

“The abhorrent actions of this individual did inflict short-time damage on the sector
but it did not take long for charities, fundraisers and donors to rally round and
bring donations back to the traditionally high levels here in Scotland. If we want
to look for a positive aspect of this case it is that it went some way to speeding
up the passage of the Charities Act and we are just now settling into a system where
we have a new charity regulator, the self-regulation of fundraising, and a far safer
environment in which donors can give.

“The great challenge now is for everyone involved in fundraising to make this system
work, and when it does, I’ve no doubt everyone will see the rewards.”

A full statement will be made following Mr Freeman’s sentencing on 31 October.

 * **[Graham Oakes helps Oxfam drive its e-commerce](https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/10/15/graham-oakes-helps-oxfam-drive-its-ecommerce/)**(
   15 October 2006)
 * **[Competition for small charities to win fundraising appeal package](https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/11/05/competition-small-charities-win-fundraising-appeal-package/)**(
   5 November 2006)
 * **[Giving Matters to announce major new online donations service at Perfect Pitch](https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/11/20/giving-matters-announce-major-new-online-donations-service-perfect-pitch/)**(
   20 November 2006)