Former Staffordshire boss admits theft from charity

A former boss of a charity has admitted stealing more than £900 from her employer – and magistrates have heard that funds were used to buy a TV and barbecue.

Jane Harding was chief executive officer of North Staffs Carers Association until October 2021, when financial discrepancies were discovered.

The 55-year-old, of George Steele Avenue, Bucknall, pleaded guilty to theft of £945.55 from North Staffs Carers Association between May 29 2019 and December 15 2021 at a hearing at North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Friday (June 21). The case was adjourned until September 16 for sentencing – and Harding was warned that all options were being considered, including custody.

Ian Shaw, prosecuting, told magistrates: “It’s quite a sad case frankly. Ms Harding was chief executive officer of North Staffs Carers and had been in that role for around 19 years.

“It came to light in October 2021 that there were some discrepancies in petty cash. The deputy chief executive officer and chair of the organisation started doing some investigation and it transpired that they discovered that Ms Harding had been claiming money, putting in petty cash receipts which represented items that had been purchased but not for the benefit of the charity.

“Amongst them was a TV and a barbecue. What seems to have happened is when items were bought, other staff who had the authority to sign (for) petty cash were asked to sign blank slips and Ms Harding said she would fill in the details later.

“Items she had bought and claimed for included the barbecue which was seen, on a website when the house was for sale, in the back garden. A TV was purchased which is still in her possession.

“A meeting was held on October 10 with Ms Harding. This agenda was discussed and it was agreed on that occasion the difficulty with the TV – as such Ms Harding was dismissed from her post.

The financial discrepancies were reported to police, Mr Shaw said. Harding was interviewed by police twice.

Mr Shaw added: “It is clearly a serious matter in terms of breach of trust because of the position Ms Harding held as chief executive. She was a lady of previous good character, as you would expect from someone who held that sort of position.”

Janice Sain-Reiners, defending, also told the court that Harding had previously been of good character and highlighted her long service to the charity. She added: “She has had difficulties with her mental health and physical health and a relationship breakdown at the time of these offences.

“I would suggest a pre-sentence report would be very useful. I have heard this took place during Covid times, when things were difficult, and she has had considerable stress since the allegations.”