IMPACT has warned that revelations of irregular pay arrangements for top managers in charities and voluntary organisations will put funding, jobs and vital services at risk unless the Government acts. The union said hard-working and modestly-paid staff in St John of Gods and other charities were concerned that long-term reputational damage was being done to their sector, which plays a unique and irreplaceable role in public service delivery.

IMPACT official Ian McDonnell said staff in the sector had worked tirelessly to maintain services as budgets, wages and staffing were repeatedly cut throughout the recession.

“Staff are appalled at the revelations about senior managers in certain organisations, including Saint John of Gods where top managers appear to have benefited from huge pension injections and a shady two-tiered payroll system.”

He called on the Government to send a clear message that most charity and voluntary sector staff – including most managers – are honest people, committed to the services they provide. “The relevant Government departments must act quickly to stamp out unjustified and irregular payments to senior managers. They also need to give public assurances that State support for the sector will continue so that essential services continue to be funded and delivered,” he said.

Ian said reports that senior figures at St John of God's received top up payments were particularly galling for IMPACT members who experienced a consistent management policy of reducing full-time staff hours over recent years. “This has stretched staff and services to breaking point at a time when funds were apparently available for senior management top ups.”