This webinar provides an understanding of the main charity structures and an overview of the accounting and reporting requirements for them.

Charities can be set up and operated under a variety of legal structures, each with different governance, liability and reporting implications. This webinar provides a practical overview of the most common charity structures and explains why charities may choose to incorporate, or to review and update their governing documents as their activities grow or change.

The session will then turn to accounting and reporting, outlining the key filing obligations that apply to different types of charities, the forms of accounts that may be required, and the thresholds for independent examination and audit. Designed for trustees, staff and those involved in charity management, the accounting element focuses on understanding responsibilities rather than technical bookkeeping.

The webinar will conclude with an overview of recent updates to the Charities SORP, highlighting key changes trustees should be aware of and their impact on charity accounts and annual reporting. The overall aim is to help charities understand their structure, stay compliant, and make informed decisions as they develop.

The learning outcomes will be:

• Understand the main charity structures used in England and Wales (including unincorporated associations, charitable trusts, charitable companies and CIOs)

• Appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of incorporation, particularly in relation to liability, governance and administration

• Recognise when and why a charity may need to change or update its constitution, and the key legal steps involved

• Gain an overview of the accounting and reporting requirements for different charity structures

• Understand the different types of accounts charities may need to prepare and file

• Know when an independent examination or audit is required

• Be aware of recent changes to the Charities SORP and how these may affect charity reporting and compliance

With speakers Charlotte Cowdell, Isabel Murton, Ben Nelmes and Ashleigh Child

This course is fully funded for Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance members

And is subsidised for non-member VCSE organisations.

To enable as many groups & organisations to access this course, we limit bookings to two per member organisation. Please note we are unable to accept multiple bookings in one name. If you would like to book more than two spaces, please email bookings@glosalliance.org.uk and we will aim to accommodate individual needs where possible.

Our events are often oversubscribed, and we will activate our waiting list process if this happens. We advise anyone interested in booking a place to book asap.

Please ensure that you read our Terms & Conditions of Booking before you book your place: Booking Terms & Conditions

If you book a place and cannot attend for any reason, please email bookings@glosalliance.org.uk asap so that we can allocate your place to someone else.

If you have any enquiries about this course, please email bookings@glosalliance.org.uk and a member of our team will get back to you.

We look forward to welcoming you on the 24th June

Gloucestershire VCSE Alliance team