Charity Regulator Investigates Concerns Over Councillor’s Role in Leisure Centre Reopening

The regulatory body overseeing charities has verified that it is “assessing information” concerning a council member who assisted in the reopening of a leisure facility. The Charity Commission indicated its awareness of issues pertaining to the participation of Robert Waugh, who spearheaded the reopening of Gateshead Leisure Centre in June. This financially challenged facility ceased operations in 2022 but resumed services in June following its acquisition by Gateshead Active. The Labour councillor stated he had “not been informed about any concerns” by the regulatory body, yet affirmed his readiness to “cooperate with any organisation”. A spokesperson for the Charity Commission commented: “We are aware of concerns about the former chair of trustees of Gateshead Active and are assessing information available to us to determine any next steps.” Mr. Waugh previously served as the chair of trustees and was appointed chief executive officer in 2023. The charity confirmed that Mr. Waugh no longer occupies either role and stated it was “working closely” with the council and the commission, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. The leisure centre’s closure was attributed to council budget reductions, but it reopened after Gateshead Active assumed control of the site through a community asset transfer. Mr. Waugh stated that he initially performed the role of Gateshead Active’s CEO voluntarily, subsequently becoming a “paid member of the team in April this year”. He lost his Saltwell seat in May of the previous year, subsequently returning to the council two months ago via a by-election in the adjacent Bridges ward. He further stated: “To avoid any conflict of interest it was always the plan for me to step down as a trustee, which I did earlier this year,” adding, “I have been in regular contact with the board of Gateshead Active but have not been informed of any concerns.” He concluded, “I will cooperate with any organisation to address any concerns that may be had and have reached out to the Charity Commission for any information.” The specific nature of the concerns has not been publicly revealed. Michael Lamb, the leisure services director at Gateshead Council, indicated that the local authority is “working with Gateshead Active trustees on appropriate next steps they may wish to take”. He also affirmed that the council holds “full confidence” in the charity’s trustees.