Oxfam announces ‘cost-controlling measures’ in a bid to save £7m

Oxfam GB is implementing cost-controlling measures, including a recruitment freeze, as part of a drive to save £7m this financial year. 

A spokesperson for the charity said it was facing a “challenging fundraising environment and rising costs” and is putting measures in place to save £7m this financial year and return its reserves to a target range of between £35m and £45m.

The spokesperson said Oxfam was implementing “several cost-controlling measures”, including a recruitment freeze, travel restrictions and limiting the use of external consultancies to cut costs and boost reserves.

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High-profile infrastructure charity cuts half its staff in ‘shock’ insolvency

A high-profile local infrastructure organisation has declared insolvency and made half of its staff redundant over a “shock” virtual meeting, with the future of its remaining staff left uncertain.

Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation entered administration and made the 15 redundancies on 27 November, after it was uncovered that the charity “had no cash left”, sources at the charity said.

Sources told Third Sector that staff were informed of the news abruptly over two simultaneous Teams meetings, with 15 staff being made redundant immediately and the remaining 15 employees being told they might be transferred to other organisations.

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Grantmaking charity buys Travelodge hotel

A grantmaking charity has bought a Travelodge hotel and retail space housing a Tesco store in an £11.5m deal. 

The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation has acquired the four-storey building in Chester city centre, which houses the 112-bed hotel and a 4,000ft² Tesco store below. 

The charity said the hotel would not be repurposed and would become part of its property portfolio. 

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