On Monday 30 March, Adam Stephens of S&W Partners LLP, the Interim Manager at William Blake House Northants, issued an application to the High Court to place the charity into administration.
Today (1 April 2026), Adam Stephens and Christopher Allen of S&W Partners LLP have been appointed as joint administrators of the charity.
William Blake House Northants, which is based in Towcester, Northamptonshire, was set up to provide residential care, support and activities for young adults with learning disabilities.
The Interim Manager was appointed by the Charity Commission on 16 March, soon after it opened a statutory inquiry to investigate financial and governance concerns at the charity. Following a financial assessment, the Interim Manager determined that it was necessary to place the charity into administration.
While in administration, William Blake House Northants will seek to continue to operate, with the legal process enabling the orderly management of the charity’s financial affairs as much as is reasonably practicable.
The joint administrators will continue to manage the charity through the administration process. They will explore alternative care options for residents, and will be liaising with affected families, West Northamptonshire Council and the Care Quality Commission.
The Charity Commission’s inquiry will continue to examine the charity’s financial management and governance to understand the events and decisions that led to the charity’s serious financial challenges.
A report will be published once the inquiry has concluded, setting out the inquiry’s findings and conclusions, as well as any regulatory action taken.
Amy Spiller, Head of Investigations at the Charity Commission, said
We know it is a difficult and uncertain time for those receiving care at William Blake House.
The administration process provides a breathing space for the charity to continue its valuable service while financial restructuring is explored.
Continuity of care is a priority, and efforts are being made by all involved to minimise disruption as much as possible. We are monitoring events closely as part of our ongoing inquiry.
Ends
Notes to Editors
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The Charity Commission is the independent, non-ministerial government department that registers and regulates charities in England and Wales. Its ambition is to be an expert regulator that is fair, balanced, and independent so that charity can thrive. This ambition will help to create and sustain an environment where charities further build public trust and ultimately fulfil their essential role in enhancing lives and strengthening society.
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More information on the scope of the inquiry into William Blake House Northants can be found in the announcement press release Regulator launches a statutory inquiry into William Blake House Northants – GOV.UK
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On 16 March 2026, the inquiry exercised the Commission’s power to appoint an Interim Manager by Order under section 76(3)(g) of the Charities Act 2011 to the exclusion of any trustees.
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The Interim Manager has now been discharged from that role but has been appointed as the Insolvency Practitioner overseeing the administration . More information on what happens when an organisation enters administration can be found here Liquidation and insolvency – GOV.UK
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The Commission’s guidance for charities at risk of insolvency can be found here What to do if your charitable company or CIO is insolvent or at risk of insolvency – GOV.UK
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