Over the years various members of our non profit team have written articles and guidance notes for the trade press and umbrella bodies. This page lists some of these. To obtain a free copy of any of the following please use the 'contact us for more information' link at the bottom of this page stating which notes you want. If you want to receive emerging issue updates by email and invitations to our seminar programme please say so and we will put you on our mailing list.
To assist you in finding what you want our guidance notes are divided into three categories.
- Governance and Management
- Accounting and Audit
- Fundraising and Tax
Some guidance notes overlap different areas – if you can not find what you need, please use the contact link and let us know what you are looking for.
Governance and Management
Budgeting for success
Focuses on the importance of ensuring that the budget reflects the plan and considers the difference between incremental budgets and zero based budgets
Charities and Insolvency
Considers the tests for insolvency as they apply to charities, the liability of directors and trustees, the application of trust funds and the views of the Charity Commission.
Finance Function of the Future
Finance functions need to transition from simply processing transactions. This guidance looks at some of the key drivers of change and how to develop the finance function in areas such as risk management, knowledge management, performance measurement and business partnering.
Governance matters
Considers some typical governance areas: role of board members, sub committees, relationship with management, governance models, board size, membership representation, tenure, information for boards and highlights the difficult area of the board being both a representative body and a effective decision making group.
Incorporation: Pros & Cons
Charitable trusts and unincorporated associations are considering whether they should incorporate. This guidance note considers the pros & cons of incorporation, how a charity should go about becoming incorporated and the question of liability
Property Transactions
Explains the requirements of the Charities Act 1993. Covering mortgages; short leases; and other disposals. Also looks at the duties of trustees, special cases, and requirements for giving public notice.
Remuneration of Trustees
Trust law generally precludes trustees of charities from receiving remuneration. This paper discusses the law, custom and practice and when remuneration may be allowed.
Reserves
Charities are required to have a policy on holding reserves. This guidance considers the rules and the matters to consider when setting reserves.
Risk Management
Discusses a risk model and the business risk management process. This paper considers various forms of effective risk management and discusses a simple framework.
Strategic Planning
Includes advice on how to formulate an effective strategic plan, and various approaches to identifying strategic issues.
Trustees’ Liability and Indemnity Insurance
Considers when indemnity insurance is appropriate and the Charity Commission’s rules.
Top
Accounting and Audit
Auditing Charities
Not just for auditors this guidance is useful for charity management and trustees. It discusses what makes a charity audit different and highlights key aspects in the verification of accounting areas. Also provides an aide memoire of control areas
Consolidation and Group Accounts
Explains when group accounts are necessary and how they should be prepared. Also explains the legal requirements and the practice of the Charity Commission.
Fixed Asset impairment
Considers the rules for impairment reviews of fixed assets which are used by charitable organisations.
Fraud: Prevention is Better Than Cure
Although fraud is not rife in the non profit sector it does occur. This article considers problem areas and provides examples of some typical frauds and shows how internal controls can mitigate the opportunity for fraud.
Income Recognition
Following the amendment to FRS 5 there are for the first time clear criteria for income recognition. This guidance note considers the requirements of FRS 5 and SORP 2005 as well as the implications of SSAP 9. It explains the more stringent rules that need to be followed when recognising income.
Overseas Operations
Discusses the different operating models that overseas charities use and the implications for accounting, stewardship and internal control.
Reviewing Auditors
Discusses the audit requirements of the Charities Act 1993. Guidance is given on: reviewing auditors; going out to tender; what to expect from auditors; costs; the importance of the auditor having previous sector experience. There is also a checklist of what to look out for.
Restructuring provisions
Explains the rules for creating a provision for restructuring costs – what is restructuring, what are the criteria for recognising a liability and how should it be accounted for.
SORP Explored
An in depth discussion of the background and key areas covered by The Statement of Recommended Practice on Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Top
Fundraising and Tax
Charities and Tax – an overview
The tax rules for charities are complex. This guidance note provides an overview of the tax environment and signposts to various aspects of legislation, custom and practice.
Fundraising events
Certain types of fundraising events are exempt from VAT and corporation tax. There are certain rules that need to be followed and opportunities and pitfalls to consider.
Fundraising partnerships and sponsorships
Many fundraising organisations are now targeting corporate donors who expect to get some form of publicity in return for their “donation”. This can in some cases lead to problems and it is important to consider the tax and charity law aspects.
Gift Aid
When can Gift Aid be used and who can use it. How is the tax repayment calculated and what are needs to be included in a Gift Aid declaration. Also considers some special situations.
Trading – A survivor’s guide
A detailed consideration of the many issues relating to charities that trade – What is allowed, trading subsidiaries, profit shedding, accounting are some of the areas discussed.
Top
