International development charity Progressio has announced it is embarking on a period of consultation with staff, funders, supporters and partner organisations about the possibility of closure. The charity’s trustees took the decision to launch the consultation due to concerns about long-term financial sustainability.
Martin McEnery, the charity’s Chair, made the following statement:
“The past five years have been increasingly challenging for Progressio and our projects overseas. We have continued to deliver good work through these challenges, but it has been difficult to secure the funding – particularly unrestricted income – necessary to ensure a sustainable future. This is in spite of the best efforts of our staff and a number of close supporters.
“We fervently hope that during the consultation period, initiated on 29 June 2016 and culminating in a trustee meeting on 14 September, we will be able to secure the unrestricted funding we need to survive into the future. The trustees are open to other opportunities arising, yet we must remain realistic and act responsibly. On that basis, the consultation on the possibility of closure next spring will allow us to make balanced and informed decisions in light of both the long and short term interests of the charity, and in compliance with our legal duties. In the meantime all our ongoing work continues.”
The charity is currently contacting all stakeholders to communicate the plans for the consultation.
For media enquiries please contact Fabiana Harrington, communications officer, on fabiana@progressio.org.uk.
