Back to school: doing the homework in your charity role

With inflationary pressures, rising demand for services, and funding streams under strain, charity budgets have rarely felt tighter. It’s vital to ensure that your organisation is fully benefitting from the tax reliefs available. From maximising Gift Aid and claiming relief on business rates, to ensuring input VAT recovery is maximised, the rules can be complex but the savings substantial. Even large charities are not always claiming all tax exemptions that they are eligible for and withholding tax exemptions are a good example. If (like me) you don’t know enough about this important tax relief, or why many charities miss out on this, join our free webinar ‘Is your charity losing investment income to withholding tax?’ on 19 September.

For many charities, the Trustees’ Annual Report (TAR) is seen as a compliance exercise, but funders often view it as one of the most important insights into your organisation’s impact, governance, and financial resilience. Done well, it can inspire confidence and open doors to new funding; done poorly, it can unintentionally raise concerns. At our 1 October webinar ‘Small Charities: Preparing for change’ we’ll be running a dedicated session on structuring your annual report - from a funder’s perspective. Join us to pick up practical tips on what funders really look for.

With the transition to the new Charities SORP in 2026 on the horizon, now is a great time to refine your approach and ensure your annual report actively supports your fundraising goals. For a deeper dive into the new SORP requirements for the TAR, register now for our 4 November webinar ‘Trustees' Annual Report: preparing for the Charities SORP 2026’ – by then, the new SORP is expected to be published and we’ll outline important changes in areas including impact and sustainability reporting, accountability for the use of volunteers, and disclosures regarding reserves.

Many charities still rely on spreadsheets or outdated processes, often because they believe more advanced finance systems are out of reach. Yet even small charities can benefit from modern, affordable solutions that reduce manual data entry, automate reconciliations, and streamline reporting. The right system not only saves time but also improves accuracy and provides clearer insights for trustees, funders, and management. By making better use of your finance system, you can free up valuable staff capacity, strengthen decision-making, and build greater confidence in your financial stewardship. At our Small Charity event, we’ll take an unbiased view on what finance systems work best for small charities and how to utilise them for maximum effect.

The regulatory environment for charities is evolving, and preparation now will pay dividends later. Following the DCMS consultation, changes to financial thresholds are expected, potentially altering reporting requirements for your organisation. The new Charities SORP, due to be published in October 2025 (and implemented in 2026), will also require careful attention to ensure compliance while communicating impact effectively. Alongside this, reforms at Companies House will increase transparency and place greater demands on governance for charities with a company structure. We’ll help you keep up to date with these developments in our newsletters and the SORP Resources hub, and cover these topics at the 1 October event and our 4 November webinar ‘Trustees' Annual Report: preparing for the Charities SORP 2026’.

But other external pressures, whether financial, geopolitical, or environmental, and internal challenges such as staff capacity, digital resilience, and succession planning are equally pressing. At the same time, it’s important to remember the opportunities. For example, the promise of the Civil Society Covenant, new funding approaches, collaborative models, and technology can all strengthen your charity’s position if embraced proactively.

For many charities, the legal structure chosen years ago may no longer be the best fit for their needs. Charitable companies limited by guarantee (CLGs), for example, face dual regulation by both Companies House and the Charity Commission, creating additional reporting and administrative burdens. Converting to a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) can simplify compliance. A CIO also offers limited liability protection without the need for company law obligations, making governance more straightforward.

Join our 1 October webinar ‘Small Charities: Preparing for change’ to hear from our legal experts about what to consider. We’ll learn how to choose the right type of CIO model for your charity, what the transition entails from a governance perspective, how to apply to the Charity Commission, and hear about the accounting requirements for CIOs on conversion.

Becoming a charity trustee or committee member offers far more than the chance to give back, it can widen your perspective and enhance your career. Trusteeship exposes you to strategic decision-making, financial oversight, governance, and risk management, providing experience that goes well beyond most day jobs. For finance professionals, it’s a valuable opportunity to apply technical skills in a new context, practise communication with non-financial leaders, and broaden your skillset. Serving on a board also expands your network, connecting you with senior leaders across sectors and strengthening your CV.

Join our 29 October webinar ‘Starting your NED career early: is being a Trustee the right path?’ to find out more, and browse board roles on ICAEW Volunteers.