Unable to access charity bank account

[stickyvicky71]

About 3 months ago I took over being the treasurer of our local scout troop. Unfortunately our previous treasurer appears to have gone AWOL and doesn't respond to emails or calls with regard to handing over paperwork and cheque books etc. Hence this has resulted in us having no access to our bank accounts as he has the cheque book. I am hoping that he is just embarrassed about being behind in doing the accounts but I am wondering if there is anything more to it.

The question how can we get access to the accounts. There are 2 signatories to the account with both needing to sign cheques and changes to authorities. Is it simply a case of talking to our bank and will they even discuss this matter with me as obviously I could be someone who just walked off the street!

Thanks

I think you may have to take this to your District Scout person and ask their advice. They will have access to all the legal bods.

Firstly you need to step up your efforts to get in touch with the previous treasurer. Someone needs to go and visit them.

Yes, speak with District Commissioner and enlist help. There should be 2 signatories on the account so find out who the other one is and get them to give you access. You can inform the bank that the old Treasurer has left and should have all access to the accounts stopped.
We had a similar thing with a different local organisation and the bank were very helpful.

Go and knock on the former treasurers door and demand the books. If he's not in then try his place of work.

Thanks for all your advice. I have asked a couple of people regarding an address for him but apparently he has moved and no-one seems to know his address. I will speak to the DC to see what advice they can give and also speak to the bank to see if they will just accept authority from the other signatory. Nothing's straight forward is it!

Take evidence to the bank that he is no longer treasurer and you are. Minutes of the meeting confirming your appointment perhaps?
Surely the bank will know where he is? You could try 192.com for an address. See what he has on Facebook and linkedIn if he uses those sites.

Get the other signatory to go into the bank and ask for a change of signatories form? Get them to ask for a copy statement too.

Were all the statements sent to the previous treasurer? You'll need to change the address too.