An investigation into trans youth charity Mermaids found there was no evidence it provided medical advice to young people or made medical referrals without parents’ knowledge.

The Charity Commission investigation, which began in 2022 after the opening of a regulatory compliance case, was launched after several right-wing media outlets published articles attacking the charity and its chief executive. era, Susie Green, alleging that mermaids posed a danger to children.

The series of articles, along with abuse on social media, led to charity staff receiving death threats and being doxxed online.

The charity watchdog also ruled that Mermaids did not have ineffective safeguarding policies, nor inappropriate links with gender identity clinics or the now-closed youth gender service at the Tavistock and Portman NHS trust in London, as members of the public had alleged.

The investigation, however, concluded that there was poor management within the organization. This included issues around culture and inclusion, failure to conduct sufficient due diligence checks (one former administrator attended a conference hosted by a pedophile support group), and failure by administrators of internal human resources policies.

The watchdog’s report said Mermaids’ trustees “recognized that the charity, historically, had not been governed to the standards expected by the commission”, and that although “(it)s “has grown considerably in a short time, the management and administration of the association has failed to adapt to this growth.”

If Mermaids were to resume a service of providing chest straps to young people, parents should be involved, the commission said and, following the publication of the Cass report, it asked the association to review statements on its website that describe puberty. blockers as reversible.

“In reaching an opinion on the ‘reversibility’, or not, of puberty blockers (used by trans youth), we expect administrators to ensure, in adopting an opinion, that they have respected their duties and followed our advice on making appropriate decisions,” the report continued.

“The charity should have mechanisms in place to maintain its position under review, as this is clearly an area of ​​medicine where development and change is continuous. »

Mermaids still ‘determined to do their part’ for trans kids

Responding to the investigation, the charity’s chair of trustees, Kathryn Downs, said the team was “relieved” the investigation had concluded.

“The report indicates, as we expected, that there were no findings of misconduct at Mermaids,” she said. “The commission confirmed, as we have repeatedly stated, that we did not provide medical advice or act inappropriately in our work with children, young people and their families.

“Trustees recognized that governance had not kept pace with the charity’s rapid growth linked to the growing support needs of trans young people and their families. These historic governance issues have been resolved through the implementation of the recommendations of two independent reviews, proactively commissioned by our directors, into EDI (equality, diversity and inclusion) and governance. The board also strengthened due diligence processes for director recruitment.

“Given the changes already made at Mermaids independent of this investigation, the time taken to publish this report has been frustrating, significantly affecting Mermaids’ fundraising and its ability to achieve our charitable objectives.

“We call on the Charity Commission to ensure that organizations serving groups facing increasing hostility are supported and protected, (while) being held to account where necessary. »

As Mermaids approaches its 30th anniversary, she added, the charity remains “committed to delivering on our 2024-2027 strategy and expanding our efforts to create a safe and inclusive society where children and young people trans people have the means to live their best lives, in a safe and inclusive environment.” a time when our communities need the support that Mermaids offers more than ever.

Barrister Orlando Fraser, chairman of the Charity Commission, said: “Providing services to children affected by gender identity issues is a very difficult area which requires great care and sensitivity. This is particularly true for charities, given the authority that registered status will likely confer on children and their families.

“We carefully examined the activities of Mermaids as part of a statutory investigation and found poor management in a number of areas. Mermaids cooperated with our investigation and actively responded to the various concerns raised.

“Additionally, following the Cass Review, we have asked Mermaids to present a more accurate picture of the risks of using puberty blockers on its website, and to follow up on the (report’s) findings on parental involvement in social transition. concerns any future provision of chest belts to children.

“As the report sets out, there are lessons for other charities working in these areas, including that they need to take into account the findings, conclusions and recommendations of the Cass review.”

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