IMPACT has warned that revelations of irregular pay arrangements for top managers in charities and voluntary organisations could put funding, jobs and vital services at risk. Its official Ian McDonnell said hard-working and modestly-paid staff were concerned that long-term reputational damage was being done to the sector, which plays a unique and irreplaceable role in public service delivery.

Speaking earlier in the summer, Mr McDonnell said: “Staff in the charity and voluntary sector have worked tirelessly to maintain services as budgets, wages and staffing was cut, time and again, throughout the recession. They 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 said there was a danger that ordinary, dedicated staff would be tarred with the same brush. “The Government needs 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.