Story perspectives

Charity Commission Investigates £2.9 Million Bonuses Post-Privatization

1/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Charity Commission is examining bonuses paid to Kirstie Donnelly and Abid Ismail after City & Guilds privatization by PeopleCert and sale of the qualification awards business.
City & Guilds launched a £22 million cost-cutting initiative under PeopleCert.
Donnelly and Ismail received £1.7 million and £1.2 million in bonuses after privatization and were placed on leave during an investigation.
City & Guilds says trustees were not involved in post-sale remuneration.

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Story summary

The Charity Commission is examining bonuses paid to Kirstie Donnelly and Abid Ismail after City & Guilds privatization by PeopleCert and sale of the qualification awards business.
City & Guilds launched a £22 million cost-cutting initiative under PeopleCert.
Donnelly and Ismail received £1.7 million and £1.2 million in bonuses after privatization and were placed on leave during an investigation.
City & Guilds says trustees were not involved in post-sale remuneration.