The City & Guilds Foundation has scrapped its planned appointment of a permanent chief executive just days before successful candidate WorldSkills UK boss Ben Blackledge was due to take up the role.

The charity, which is under investigation by the Charity Commission amid concerns arising from the sale of its commercial arm last year, says it has “decided not to proceed with the appointment of a new chief executive at this stage”.

It said that the axing of the appointment comes amid a “wider review of its future strategy, organisational structure and operating model, to ensure it is best placed to deliver its charitable mission in the years ahead”.

“Trustees have decided it would be more appropriate to complete this work before making a permanent leadership appointment,” said the charity in a statement.

It added: “As part of the review process, trustees will consider a range of evidence and stakeholder feedback before determining the timing of a future recruitment process.

“The trustees and team have enjoyed working with Ben Blackledge during his preparation to join the Institute and thank him for his contribution during this period and wish him every success for the future.”

As a result of the move the charity’s executive director of finance Barbara le Fleming will continue as acting chief executive.

Blackledge, who had been preparing to take up his role after being appointed earlier this year, will remain at Worldskills UK, the charity’s chair Marion Plant has confirmed.

“The WorldSkills UK Board has agreed a request from Ben Blackledge to withdraw his resignation and continue as chief executive,” she said.

Blackledge added: “My heartfelt thanks to Marion and the Board for their support, and to our team and partners. It is a privilege to continue working alongside you.”

The charity’s sale of its business arm to private company PeopleCert is also the subject of an internal review. Both this and the Charity Commission probe are ongoing.

The Commission investigation was launched following “concerns raised in public reporting relating to the sale and bonuses awarded to its executives”. Trustee decision making regarding the sale is also being looked at.

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