Findhorn Foundation no longer "financially viable" with 50 jobs at risk
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AROUND 50 staff members are at risk of redundancy after the Findhorn Foundation announced today (July 26) that it is no longer "financially viable".
The foundation, which describes itself as a "a spiritual community and model for sustainable living", has offered retreats, workshops and gatherings in Findhorn for 50 years.
However, it is now proposing ceasing all of its educational operations by the end of September this year.
The foundation will also begin a consultation process which could result in 50 of approximately 60 staff members being made redundant.
Terence Gilbey, the charity's chief executive, says that the foundation's finances have been declining for years and that the problem has been exasperated by the Coronavirus pandemic.
Mr Gilbey said: "This is a very challenging time for the Findhorn Foundation, and particularly for our colleagues who are potentially at risk of redundancy. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this period.
"Recent years have presented many challenges, with Brexit impacting our visitors and volunteers, Covid closing our operations for many months, on-site fires taking our ability to serve guests at the Park Ecovillage, and finally the huge hike in energy bills impacting our ability to keep our buildings running.
"Our finances have been in decline over a long period with increased strain caused by the pandemic and, although we have already been through multiple restructuring processes, those measures alone were not enough to stabilise the charity’s finances."
In the past, the foundation has sold non-essential assets such as houses, including Station House in Findhorn and a house in the Field of Dreams, to cover its losses.
Now, the foundation says that other houses and land will be sold to the community or other organisations which are "aligned with the foundation's purpose". The foundation added that it will support community organisations to take ownership of these assets.
Mr Gilbey added: "Since the late 80s and early 90s we have sold non-core assets to cover our losses but, unfortunately, that is not a solution.
"The steps we are taking now will, we hope, give us the opportunity to develop a new structure and operating model which will give us the best chance for a more financially sustainable future."
Once the charity's financial commitments have been met, trustees hope to continue the foundation's "mission and vision" in 2024 under a sustainable operating model as a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO).
Mark Anderson, chair of trustees, said: "This will be upsetting news for many and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone around the world who will be saddened by this, and particularly to all our staff, who will be most directly affected.
"We will be working with our local and global community to properly and successfully navigate these challenges in a way which brings compassion and kindness to everyone affected.
"Although we do not believe there is a viable way forward in our current configuration, we do not see this as the end of our vision and mission.
"After reviewing and restructuring education activities, and subject to appropriate approvals and regulatory oversight, we hope that the new SCIO can emerge next year with a new way forward which will be both financially viable and have significant impact and public benefit in the world."
The foundation has confirmed that the Findhorn Bay Holiday Park will continue to operate as normal with no change to bookings or availability.
Meanwhile, businesses operating at The Park Ecovillage will also continue to operate as normal. That includes Universal Hall, the Phoenix shop, Phoenix Cafe and New Findhorn Directions.
However, all workshops will close after September 22 with the foundation adding that it will reach out to those affected to offer refunds.
