Yearly Performance Review Report 2023 Analysis
In England and Wales, registered charities are required to provide annual information to the Charity Commission to maintain transparency and accountability in their work. The specific requirements for preparing and filing a charity annual return depend on the charity's income level and structure.
1. **Determining the Annual Return Requirement**
Registered charities with an income of £10,000 or more must complete a full annual return. Charities with an income below £10,000 are only required to update basic details annually, but not a full return. Certain charities, such as exempt or excepted charities, and community benefit societies registered elsewhere, may be exempt from submitting annual returns to the Charity Commission.
2. **Gathering Necessary Information**
The annual return collects key details about the charity's activities, finances, governance, and any partnerships and risk management related to safeguarding (new for 2025). Trustees should review the Charity Commission’s Annual Return question guide to understand what is required and to prepare accordingly.
3. **Preparing Additional Documents**
If a charity has an income above £25,000, they must also file the trustees’ annual report and accounts along with the annual return. All Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) must file an annual return regardless of income and submit annual reports and accounts if income exceeds £25,000.
4. **Completing the Annual Return Online**
The Charity Commission provides an online portal where trustees can submit the annual return form once all information and documents are ready. Trustees should complete the form carefully and check all details for accuracy.
5. **Submitting by the Deadline**
The annual return must be filed within 10 months after the end of the charity’s financial year. Timely submission is legally required and essential to keep the charity’s registration in good standing with the Commission.
6. **Keeping Trustees Informed and Involved**
Trustees should be familiar with the questions and ensure that governance and safeguarding responsibilities are properly addressed in the return.
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### Annual Return Requirements Based on Income and Structure
| Charity Status / Income | Annual Return Requirement | Additional Documentation | |---------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------| | Income below £10,000 | Update basic details only (no full return) | N/A | | Income £10,000 or more | Full annual return required | Trustees’ annual report and accounts if income > £25,000 | | Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) | Annual return required regardless of income | Annual report and accounts if income > £25,000 | | Exempt or excepted charities | Not required to submit annual return | N/A |
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By following these steps, charities in England and Wales can ensure compliance with the Charity Commission's annual reporting obligations, providing valuable insights into the charity sector. The annual return of 2023 is the most comprehensive dataset available on the charity sector in England and Wales.
- Businesses and charities with an income level of £25,000 or more are required to submit additional documents, including the trustees’ annual report and accounts, along with their annual return.
- Trustees of charities should carefully review the Charity Commission’s business and financial information when preparing their annual return to ensure transparency and accountability in the work of the charity.
