The Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into a sports and recreation charity after finding links to an organisation that was recently censured. 

The regulator said today it had begun a probe into the Quba Charity, formerly known as the Specialist Sports Foundation, which was set up to promote community participation in recreation and sports.

The commission said the inquiry was opened after it found connections between the Quba Charity and international aid charity the Quba Trust, which raised regulatory concerns. 

A separate inquiry into the Quba Trust, which was closed last month, found misconduct and/or mismanagement resulting in the disqualification of three trustees.

The commission concluded the former trustees were not able to properly account for almost £800,000 in charitable funds. 

“As two of these trustees have also been involved with the Quba Charity, the commission is concerned about the extent of their involvement and the potential influence they may exert on Quba Charity,” the regulator said today.

The commission said its inquiry into the Quba Charity would consider the conduct of the trustees and their compliance with legal duties and responsibilities.

It will also look to determine if the charity’s funds have been expended solely for charitable purposes in line with its stated objects.

The regulator said initial investigations identified concerns about close similarities between the Quba Charity and the Quba Trust’s branding, social media and website content.

This includes information on the Quba Charity’s website about overseas projects carrying Quba Trust’s name and logo.

“The inquiry will seek to establish if the Quba Charity has been acting outside of its purposes – which, if found, would be considered a misuse of funds and a breach of trust,” the regulator said.

The commission has used regulatory powers to prevent trustees of the Quba Charity from transferring charity funds or assets outside of the UK, from fundraising and appealing for funds.

The regulator has directed the Quba Charity trustees to answer questions and provide evidence to the inquiry.

The Quba Charity has been contacted for comment.