CDE

Numerous organisations provide useful data online but they are probably too much for a busy finance person or Trustee to locate, let alone access. Charity Data Exchange was created to help address the problem, by seeking to identify the links we think are most useful.

See "topic groups" for the links, organised by category. Other topical matters are mentioned below.

 

GOVERNANCE COSTS

Charities are required by the "SORP" to disclose them. Is the disclosure consistent or useful? Many charities list detailed costs, e.g. staff costs, without explaining what they represent. Could the guidance be improved? Could auditors be encouraged to insist on more effective disclosure? CDE will undertake preliminary research by end 2010 to flag some of the issues evidenced by a review of charities annual report and accounts.

"TARMI"

What does it mean? "Timely, Accurate, Relevant, Management Information". Easy to state the need but often more difficult to obtain. If you would like to discuss your charity's needs please contact , who has extensive experience of delivering TARMI (his concept and abbreviation) for a wide range of organisations, both not for profit and commerical.

ASB & THE FUTURE OF UK GAAP 

The ASB issued an announcement on 29 October on the future of UK GAAP

Sayer Vincent's summary of current status is:

"The Accounting Standards Board ("ASB") has announced its proposals for the new framework for accounting in the UK. As part of these proposals they plan to develop a "public benefit entity" reporting standard. This will set out the principles underlying the appropriate accounting for all public and voluntary sector bodies and an Exposure Draft is planned for 2011. SORPs will be retained and updated for charities, registered social landlords and higher education. The Charity SORP Committee has already started work on a revised charity SORP so that this can be available for consultation soon after the new standard for public benefit entities is available. The SORP committee intends to make the guidance easier for small charities to follow, supplementing this with additional guidance for larger and more complex charities. It is likely therefore that the next charity SORP will be based on international reporting standards with an option for small charities to follow the standard for small entities.The likely date for the implementation of the revised accounting standard and SORP is 2013."

(source: http://www.sayervincent.co.uk/render.aspx?siteID=1&navIDs=1,7)

HELP SHEETS

A number of organisations provide them including:

1. ICAEW - available here
2. Chantrey Vellacott - various information available on request including (1) governance (2) Charities Act 2006 (3) financial responsibilities of trustees
3. Sayer Vincent - their very helpful "made simple" guides are available here

SERVICE DELIVERY AND NEED FOR CONTRACT REVIEWS

All charities, regardless of size, should undertake a review of all service delivery contracts before approving their signature. It is too late to receive a "surprise" once a contractual dispute arises. For detailed comments see "contract reviews".

SUGGESTIONS 

If you have any suggestions to improve it please let us know by emailing us at .