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No Response from CIPFA to My Request for an Independent Inquiry into its future

romanhaluszczak4

Hi CIPFA members!


I've had no response to my request for an independent inquiry into CIPFA'S long-term future. Despite overwhelming evidence that this should happen.


I have asked for a response to me and any reasons CIPFA might have for not on instigating such an inquiry.


Please 🙏 read my letter to CIPFA detailed below.


CIPFA should respond to me but this isn't certain.


Do you think 🤔 CIPFA will do the right thing or continue to ignore me?


This is a real test of CIPFA'S openness and inclusivity.


Will it meet that challenge?

...................................................................

Dear CIPFA Council Secretary


I wrote to you about a month ago

expressing my well documented concerns on CIPFA's financial position and its degraded Corporate Governance.


I requested that the CIPFA Chief Executive instigated an independent inquiry into CIPFA'S future reporting to CIPFA's members by the end of January 2025.


I even suggested terms of reference for such an inquiry.


These are detailed at;



Unfortunately I have not yet received any reply to my request!


I believe this represents a lack of courtesy on your part to a CIPFA member of over 40 years!


There are several potential reasons why CIPFA might ignore my letter of concern about its finances and corporate governance failures and avoid responding to my request for an independent inquiry:


These include:


### 1. **Fear of Reputation Damage**

- **Public Image:** CIPFA may be concerned that acknowledging the issues or allowing an independent inquiry could damage its reputation, leading to loss of public trust and confidence?

- **Internal Morale:** Admitting to governance failures or financial challenges might demoralise staff, volunteers, and stakeholders?


### 2. **Potential Legal and Regulatory Consequences**

- **Legal Exposure:** If the concerns relate to questionable activities, financial losses, or breaches of governance standards, CIPFA might fear legal repercussions, such as investigations by regulatory bodies (e.g., the Charity Commission )?

### 3. **Conflict of Interest**

- **Leadership Involvement:** The issues raised might implicate the Chief Executive, board members, or other senior staff.


These individuals might be avoiding scrutiny to protect their positions or reputations.

- **Internal Relationships:** There could be internal relationships or conflicts of interest that make it difficult for the leadership to address these concerns objectively?


### 4. **Lack of Resources or Expertise**

- **Resource Constraints:** CIPFA might genuinely lack the resources or expertise to properly address financial and governance concerns or to manage an independent inquiry of this nature?

- **Denial or Underestimation:** The CIPFA leadership might underestimate the severity of the issues or believe that they can resolve them internally without external scrutiny?


### 5. **Internal Culture of Opacity**

- **Poor Governance:** CIPFA might have a culture of poor governance where transparency and accountability are not prioritised. This can lead to a reluctance to engage with external scrutiny?

- **Autocratic Leadership:** In some cases, CIPFA's leadership might operate in a manner that discourages dissent or external review, favouring control over transparency?


### 6. **Fear of Financial Implications**

- Financial issues uncovered through an inquiry could lead to increased scrutiny from auditors, clients, and regulatory bodies, potentially leading to further financial challenges?


### 7. **Belief in Internal Resolution**

- **Confidence in Internal Controls:** CIPFA might believe it can resolve the issues internally without the need for an independent inquiry. They may see external involvement as unnecessary or potentially harmful? I believe it can only solve all its problems independently.


### 8. **Lack of Accountability**

- **Weak Oversight:** If the board or governing body is not holding the Chief Executive and senior management accountable, there might be little internal pressure to address concerns or pursue an inquiry? The weakness of the CIPFA Council is evident in this matter!


In conclusion, while there could be legitimate reasons for CIPFA to initially hesitate or avoid engaging with my concerns, persistent avoidance often suggests deeper issues within the organisation that need addressing. I believe these deeper issues need resolving.


The need to have an independent inquiry is now irresistible!


Transparency, accountability, and governance are critical for maintaining public trust, and avoiding independent scrutiny can lead to further complications down the line. This is precisely the position CIPFA is now in!


It is crucial for CIPFA to do this!


I am therefore making a formal complaint as to why I have received no response, whether positive or negative, to my request for an independent inquiry into CIPFA'S future.


Please 🙏 investigate why I haven't had the courtesy of a reply?


An independent inquiry is now necessary and I have given numerous reasons why I think that such an inquiry should take place.


If you disagree with my view please tell me why?


I would also appreciate you giving me detailed reasons for why you think an independent inquiry into CIPFA'S long-term future is unnecessary?


Hopefully someone at CIPFA will at least have the courtesy to send me a reply?


Regards


Roman Haluszczak




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