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Spotlight on Corruption

@spotlightcorruption.org
24K followers 832 following 1.9K posts

Shining a light on the UK's role in corruption at home and abroad linktr.ee/endcorruptionuk

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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 24/09/2026
⚖️ On Monday the High Court ruled that the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) does not have the statutory power to compel disclosure of legally privileged material when investigating alleged professional misconduct. Our latest blog looks at the implications of this major ruling.
spotlightcorruption.org
High Court ruling exposes major gap in powers to investigate misconduct by lawyers
The High Court rules against the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) following a major challenge by Carter-Ruck and Mohamed Amersi to the regulator’s investigative powers.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 22/09/2026
1. Speaking at an @instituteforgovernment.org.uk event last week, Spotlight's @kamilakingstone.bsky.social explained why the govt needs to act to stop a small number of wealthy individuals having disproportionate influence over our politics.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 21/09/2026
1. The High Court has ruled against the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) following a major challenge by Carter-Ruck and Mohamed Amersi to the regulator's investigative powers. 🧵
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 18/09/2026
1. Speaking on an @instituteforgovernment.org.uk panel yesterday, Spotlight's @kamilakingstone.bsky.social explained why the government needs to act to stop a small number of wealthy individuals having disproportionate influence over our politics.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 17/09/2026
1. 🧺 The govt’s new money laundering strategy puts asset recovery at the heart of its fight to stop criminals moving, hiding & profiting from their ill-gotten gains. Here’s our take on what’s needed to ensure the strategy will deliver a step change in recovering the proceeds of crime & corruption.
spotlightcorruption.org
Increasing asset recovery shows investment in tackling dirty money pays off
The government’s new AMLAR Strategy makes welcome commitments to tackling dirty money, but real impact will require sustained investment. A greater share of recovered assets should be reinvested throu...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 16/09/2026
1. 🏃The government has said it “will strip away needless 'box-ticking' consultations as part of a drive to accelerate decision-making and deliver real change at pace”. www.gov.uk/government/n...
gov.uk
‘Box-ticking’ consultations scrapped to speed up delivery
The government will strip away needless 'box-ticking' consultations as part of a drive to accelerate decision-making and deliver real change at pace.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 16/09/2026
1. 💷 The government’s first ever anti-money laundering and asset recovery strategy is a welcome step forward. Read our press statement: www.spotlightcorruption.org/press-statem...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 12/09/2026
1. Game-changing political donations like this have the potential to have a huge and damaging impact on UK democracy. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Christopher Harborne matches £36m Reform donation of Ben Delo
Party leader, Nigel Farage, says he is humbled by the contributions from cryptocurrency billionaires
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 11/09/2026
Want hands-on experience of major corruption and economic crime cases? Our Legal Fellow will attend court hearings across England and Wales, monitor proceedings and research cases. One-year contract. London-based. Deadline: 13 September. www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/spotlig...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 10/09/2026
1. Welcome news today: in response to a question from @joepowell.bsky.social, Cabinet Office minister @markfergusonmp.bsky.social recognised that our threadbare & outdated lobbying transparency regime “isn’t good enough” and reveals that the government is looking at legislative options for reform. 🧵
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 10/09/2026
📢BREAKING: Two former senior executives of Glencore have pleaded ‘not guilty’ to bribery charges at a court hearing this morning, setting the scene for a hotly contested corruption trial in 2027 which will see Serious Fraud Office take on former top bosses & oil traders at the commodities giant.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 09/09/2026
The Met Police has launched an inquiry into allegations that Reform UK broke electoral law. We welcome the investigation. But the govt must also use its elections bill to strengthen penalties for electoral finance offences. www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 09/09/2026
Calling aspiring lawyers who want hands-on experience in the courts. Our new Legal Fellow will follow major corruption and economic crime cases across courts and tribunals . London-based. Deadline: 13 Sep www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/spotlig...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 08/09/2026
We're hiring a Legal Fellow! This one-year fellowship is an opportunity for an aspiring barrister or solicitor to gain practical legal experience & specialist policy expertise in the fight against corruption and economic crime. London-based. Deadline: 13 Sep. www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/spotlig...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 04/09/2026
The enforcement regime of political donations rules has become a hot topic 🔥 The reality is, it is barely fit for purpose. Our research has shown that there is no credible deterrent against bad actors seeking to bend or break the rules 🧵 www.spotlightcorruption.org/report/credi...
spotlightcorruption.org
Credible Deterrence: beefing up enforcement of the UK’s political finance rules - Spotlight on Corruption
In February 2026, the Director-General of the NCA told a Parliamentary inquiry: “there is no point legislating for something unless you are going to enforce
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 04/09/2026
*NEW* Big gaps in the UK’s dirty money defence exposed in this major academic study by @Nicholas R. & @Samantha Mapston which gives unprecedented insight into enforcement against money laundering in the UK. www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/30...
cardiff.ac.uk
Most money laundering arrests involve people under the age of 30
New study highlights gaps and inconsistencies in law enforcement
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 03/09/2026
1. 🏛 @markjsewards.bsky.social delivered a very compelling speech in the Commons about why political parties should have to consider a donor’s source of wealth and links to politically exposed persons before accepting funds from them. 🧵
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 03/09/2026
1. In a debate on the Representation of the People Bill last night, @philbrickellmp.bsky.social talked about the need to future-proof the rules around political campaign spending limits, so that a new government can’t just raise them without a recommendation from the Electoral Commission first. 🧵
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 03/09/2026
Calling aspiring lawyers! Want to build your legal career while helping tackle corruption & economic crime? We're launching a new one-year Legal Fellowship, combining practical legal experience with specialist policy work. Deadline: 13 Sep. www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/spotlig...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 02/09/2026
1. 💬 Last night’s parliamentary debate on #SLAPPs showed strong cross-party support & growing urgency for reforms to end legal bullying. As Minister @sarahsackman.bsky.social recognised, we need better legislative safeguards & regulatory action to ensure accountability for abusive legal tactics.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 02/09/2026
1) 🎉 Great to see the government commit to review the loopholes in its crypto donations ban in response to a very important intervention from @liambyrnemp.bsky.social. Watch below 📺
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 02/09/2026
💥 Powerful and timely intervention from @philbrickellmp.bsky.social on why economic crime enforcement agencies must be given a sustainable, multi-year funding settlement to effectively tackle the UK’s ongoing dirty money problem and generate significant returns on investment.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 02/09/2026
The Serious Fraud Office’s secret settlement with Kazakh mining company ENRC leaves the public with more questions than answers. Our statement looks at how the deal provides little closure or clarity about how much taxpayer money is being handed over by our specialist corruption prosecutor.
spotlightcorruption.org
Serious Fraud Office reaches confidential deal to end ENRC's $290 million lawsuit
The SFO has struck a confidential settlement with ENRC, ending the Kazakh mining company’s long-running litigation. But with the terms undisclosed, the public is still in the dark about how much, if a...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 02/09/2026
🏦Hefty £4.7 million fine announced today by HM Treasury against Citibank for sanctions breaches by its London branch across multiple areas of the bank’s operations, mostly within the first year of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6a97e3...
assets.publishing.service.gov.uk
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 02/09/2026
The govt’s proposed ban on cryptocurrency donations is a welcome step to protect UK politics from shadowy influence. But there are still loopholes - including crypto getting converted into ordinary currency before donating. Read our new blog about what else needs to be done.
spotlightcorruption.org
A bold first step: the government’s new ban on cryptocurrency donations
The government has proposed an amendment to the Representation of the People Bill, that would totally ban cryptocurrency political donations. But does the text of the amendment actually go far enough ...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 01/09/2026
📺 This evening in the House of Commons, MPs from across Parliament will tell the stories others tried to silence. Tune in to UK Parliament TV to follow the debate #StopSLAPPs
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 01/09/2026
🚨 Lobbyists and corporate interests have secured more than 700 freebies with Labour special advisers since 2024. As Spotlight’s @kamilakingstone.bsky.social tells Democracy for Sale, special advisers are a "gateway to their ministers" & stronger rules on gifts and hospitality are urgently needed.
democracyforsale.substack.com
The 700 freebies: how lobbyists and businesses courted Labour's special advisers
A Democracy for Sale investigation reveals the scale of hospitality accepted by ‘spads’ – and how little the public is allowed to know about it
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 28/08/2026
👍 Very welcome news that the Solicitors Regulation Authority is investigating Gunnercooke over its certification of debt documents for Twinwin, a lender allegedly used by Paresh Raja to siphon funds from creditors as part of a £1.3 billion fraud that collapsed Market Financial Solutions.
ft.com
Watchdog probes law firm over work linked to collapsed lender MFS
Solicitors Regulation Authority investigates Gunnercooke after demise of mortgage provider
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 27/08/2026
💸 Another big settlement for the National Crime Agency as its Combatting Kleptocracy Cell secures £3.84m in suspected proceeds of sanctions evasion from bank accounts of ENEX Premium Trading Limited, an agricultural company registered in St Kitts & Nevis and owned by Azeri national Nadir Valiyev.
nca-newsroom.prgloo.com
Millions forfeited by company linked to suspected money laundering and sanctions evasion
National Crime Agency for Journalists and Press
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 27/08/2026
Calling aspiring lawyers who want hands-on experience in the courts. Our new Legal Fellow will follow major corruption & economic crime cases across courts & tribunals - from criminal prosecutions & asset recovery to commercial litigation & judicial review. London-based. Deadline: 13 Sep.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 21/08/2026
We're hiring a Legal Fellow! This 1-year fellowship is an opportunity for an aspiring barrister or solicitor to gain practical legal experience & specialist policy expertise in the fight against corruption & economic crime. London-based. Deadline: 13 Sep. www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/spotlig...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 21/08/2026
Can you offer expertise in fundraising, finance or anti-corruption as part of our Board? Then we are ready to welcome you as a Trustee, helping us to shine a spotlight on corruption! 🔗 Apply today, through our recruitment partners, Eastside People: eastsidepeople.org/vacancy/spot...
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Reposted by Spotlight on Corruption
Transparency International UK @transparencyuk.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
🎬 EPISODE 1: HOW BIG MONEY IS CORRUPTING UK POLITICS 🗣️ "We're in an arms race, and we're in an arms race with no guardrails" - @suehawley.bsky.social Today we publish Episode 1 of Going, Going, Almost Gone: How the Super-Rich Are Buying UK Democracy with @petergeoghegan.bsky.social 1/3
youtube.com
How big money is corrupting UK politics | Going, Going, Almost Gone, Ep. 1
YouTube video by Transparency International UK
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 18/08/2026
Andy Burnham has set out his priorities for Labour's next chapter. We think tackling dirty money should be one of them. Our latest piece sets out five practical steps the next Labour government should take to tackle corruption, illicit finance and the UK's role as a global dirty money hub.
spotlightcorruption.org
5 dirty money priorities for Burnham renewal
As Andy Burnham promises to deliver renewal and prosperity for ordinary people, tackling illicit wealth should be high up on the new Prime Minister's agenda. From hollowed-out high streets to inflated...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 17/08/2026
The Labour govt has talked tough on dirty money. But two years in, under-resourced enforcement and deregulation risk leaving the UK more vulnerable to complex money laundering. Our new analysis looks at the record so far - and what the new Burnham government needs to do to turn words into action.
spotlightcorruption.org
The UK’s dirty money problem: will the new government walk the talk?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine prompted a welcome crackdown on dirty money in the UK, including new sanctions, enforcement powers and stronger corporate transparency. There were hopes Labour would maint...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 12/08/2026
⚖️ The High Court is set to rule on the Solicitors Regulation Authority’s power to view legally privileged information, following a major challenge brought by libel firm Carter-Ruck and their former client and political donor, Mohamed Amersi. Here’s our analysis of what’s at stake 👇
spotlightcorruption.org
High Court set to rule on legal regulator’s investigatory powers
The High Court is set to rule on a defining challenge to the powers of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) after London libel firm Carter Ruck and British businessman Mohamed Amersi contested wh...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 07/08/2026
The Electoral Commission has now published the annual accounts of the largest political parties. But something seems amiss when you look at how much each party spent on campaigning in 2025 🤔 ➡️ Reform: £5.1m 🌳 Conservatives: £2.4m 🔶 Liberal Democrats: £694k 🌹 Labour: £0
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 06/08/2026
It’s disappointing to see that the Electoral Commission has imposed just 2 civil penalties in the past 12 months, totalling just £1,250, down from a high of 33 penalties in 2023-24, according to its latest annual report. www.electoralcommission.org.uk/sites/defaul...
electoralcommission.org.uk
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 03/08/2026
It’s very welcome to see the City of London Police's Domestic Corruption Unit making a major arrest in its fight to tackle corruption and fraud in PPE procurement that took place during the worst of the Covid pandemic. 👇 www.cityoflondon.police.uk/news/city-of...
cityoflondon.police.uk
Domestic Corruption Unit make arrest as part of investigation into Covid-19 PPE procurement
The Domestic Corruption Unit (DCU) has arrested one individual and carried out a number of warrants as part of a joint investigation with the National Health Service Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA).
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 27/07/2026
Spotlight’s @kamilakingstone.bsky.social joined @georgemonbiot.bsky.social & @elliechowns.bsky.social for an Assemble discussion on how to tackle political corruption. They explored why stronger lobbying rules, political finance reform & tougher enforcement matter.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 24/07/2026
1. 🤝 The new Prime Minister has pledged to restore trust in politics. Delivering comprehensive lobbying reform would be one of the game-changing things he must do.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 24/07/2026
🚨 NEW: Following Andy Burnham's appointment as Prime Minister, the @ukanticorruptioncoalition.org has written to him on how tackling corruption and illicit finance can restore public trust and strengthen the UK's democratic resilience. www.ukanticorruptioncoalition.org/work/our-let...
ukanticorruptioncoalition.org
Our letter to the new Prime Minister: Act on corruption and illicit finance to strengthen democratic resilience — UK Anti-Corruption Coalition
22 July 2026 Dear Prime Minister,   ...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 23/07/2026
1. ⚠️ The decision by the Burnham administration to move the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) from the Cabinet Office to the Department of Work & Pensions is very concerning as it risks narrowing the fight to protect the public purse from fraud.
gov.uk
Machinery of Government changes: Fact Sheet
Details on changes to the machinery of government
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 22/07/2026
Burnham has promised to do politics differently. But the vibe shift won’t be enough. In @labourlist.bsky.social, @suehawley.bsky.social sets out 5 practical reforms the new PM should deliver in his first 100 days - from capping political donations to bringing corporate lobbying out of the shadows.
labourlist.org
'Beyond the vibe-shift - five immediate things Burnham should do to mend politics' - LabourList
A failure toshow a serious commitment to restoring trust risks a catastrophic loss of faith in politics. Political reform must start now.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 21/07/2026
1.🚨 High-stakes court battle today as London law firm Carter-Ruck & British businessman Mohamed Amersi contest whether the Solicitors Regulation Authority can view legally privileged material – a power that is essential for the regulator’s ability to investigate professional misconduct by lawyers.
lawgazette.co.uk
High Court to test SRA privilege rights
Three-day hearing will be held over regulator's right to obtain solicitor-client discussions to conduct investigations.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 20/07/2026
1. 👉 The independent review body on National Crime Agency officers’ pay last week condemned the decade-long failure to introduce pay reform at the agency as “wholly unacceptable.” As the government looks at rolling out major police reform, getting pay right couldn’t be more urgent.
gov.uk
National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body Report: 2026
Recommendations from the National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body on pay in the NCA.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 17/07/2026
1. 🚨 Today we publishe a joint statement with our civil society partners in Nigeria on the acquittal of Nigeria’s ex-oil minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke. Read on to find out why the UK acquittal is not a complete answer to the wider corruption allegations, and hear from our partners in Nigeria:
spotlightcorruption.org
Joint statement: UK acquittal of former Nigerian oil minister Alison-Madueke is no answer to wider corruption allegations - Spotlight on Corruption
Last month a London jury acquitted Diezani Alison-Madueke, along with her brother Doye Agame and businesswoman Olatimbo Ayinde, of all bribery charges against them. This is a joint statement on behalf...
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 15/07/2026
1. 🚨 Jonathan Fisher KC has called for the government to “take the fight to the fraudsters” with bold reforms set out in his independent review of disclosure & fraud offences. Here are some toplines that caught our eye in the 583 pages of his combined reports & the government’s partial response. 🧵
gov.uk
Independent Review of Disclosure and Fraud Offences
This review has been set up to consider the challenges of investigating and prosecuting fraud cases and the operation of the disclosure regime in a digital age.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 15/07/2026
"Friends don't produce better PPE than strangers." Spotlight's Kamila Kingstone was on BBC Radio Scotland this morning to discuss the UK Covid-19 Inquiry's report on the VIP lane - why it should never be repeated, and the reforms still needed to prevent the next procurement scandal.
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Spotlight on Corruption @spotlightcorruption.org · 15/07/2026
Could you bring expertise in fundraising, finance or anti-corruption to our Board? We're looking for new Trustees to help shape our strategy and support our work. If you're ready to help defend democracy and challenge corruption, we'd love to hear from you. eastsidepeople.org/vacancy/spot...
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