Message from the Chair of the Charity Committee, Fiona Condron

At a time when there are many changes in regulations and challenges for the sector, I am both excited and grateful to have the opportunity to Chair the ICAEW Charity Committee. The growth in the membership of the ICAEW Charity Community over recent years is testament to both the quality and quantity of resources which ICAEW makes available. Feedback from our members also recognises the value that being part of such a well-organised and engaged Community can bring.

The sector is facing increasing demands for its services, as well as pressures on income and costs. Despite this, charities are leaning into these pressures and remain resilient – tackling some of the most difficult challenges we face as a society. ICAEW members can, and do, play a hugely important role in bringing their relevant skills and experience into their paid and voluntary roles.

I believe that the quality and accessibility of technical resources, as well as a variety of online and in-person events, provides ICAEW members and students with the confidence to take on opportunities to work with charities. And in 2026 we will continue to deliver a full programme.

• Help you in the transition to the 2026 Charities SORP, with dedicated sessions at the Charity Conference on 22 and 23 January (book your place) and our free SORP resources hub.
• Explain the impact and sustainability reporting requirements in the new Charities SORP and offer practical steps on how to put them into practice in our February webinar with speakers from the Charity Commission and NPC. Register here for your free place.
• Support smaller charities with targeted resources, including our April 2026 webinar on switching to Receipts & Payments accounts (register here) and annual free ‘small charities’ CPD event (watch the 2025 event here).
• Meet other charity trustees and charity partners at our annual Big Trustee Breakfast – offering not just a free breakfast but also valuable CPD and networking opportunities. It takes place on 10 March at Chartered Accountants’ Hall (London) and you can register your interest here (and watch 2025’s event here).
• Summarise key changes to charity accounting, regulation and governance in the annually updated part 2 of our free CPD course for charity trustees. Access your 2025-26 CPD here.

If you have any ideas or thoughts, please contact Kristina Kopic, ICAEW’s Head of Charity and Voluntary Sector.

• Charity Community members have free access to our sector-specific interactive webinars. In 2025, topics included a Charity Commission roundup, several SORP 2026 topics, reserves, cash flow forecasting, data protection, best practice reporting, Companies House changes, withholding tax exemptions, academies, CIO conversions, finance systems and more…you can catch up on any of these by visiting our library of recordings.
• Improve your knowledge with technical content designed for Chartered Accountants and monthly e-newsletters.
• Benefit from discounted rates for our popular Charity Conference, next held on 22 and 23 January 2026.

ICAEW offers broader support for the charity sector, including connecting charities with ICAEW members via ICAEW Volunteers. On our platform, you can browse a variety of voluntary roles that can boost your skills and network, and you can post voluntary roles for your charity or not-for-profit organisation free of charge.

ICAEW also offers free, annually updated online Trustee Training Modules, which provide an overview of charity trustees’ legal and financial responsibilities, and helps them to make informed and compliant decisions. It’s suitable for charity trustees looking to consolidate their knowledge or those considering taking on their first role. The training is free for all (including non-members) and has been designed with experts from the charity sector. This online course does not assume any financial expertise – indeed, most course participants are from outside ICAEW’s membership. So please join me in sharing it with charities that would benefit from free trustee training.

Thank you and we look forward to your continued engagement with our community.

Fiona