Keith Arrowsmith

Post By Keith

Desk with financial charts

Charity Accounts have changed: Here’s a guide to explain the new rules

Sep 21, 2026 |

Charity accounting just got lighter. For financial years ending on or after 30 September 2026, the main thresholds have risen: independent examination now starts at £40,000 (up from £25,000), and audit on income at £1.5m (up from £1m).

Many charities in the £1m to £1.5m band can now choose an independent examination over a full audit: narrower, and considerably cheaper. But funders and governing documents can still require an audit, so look before you leap.

Our short guide for trustees sets it all out.

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Man with an ipad looking at financial charts

Stewards of the money: the trustee and funder lessons from Coventry City of Culture Trust

Sep 4, 2026 | ,

Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture brought a remarkable programme to the city. On 4th September 2026 the Charity Commission published its conclusions on the former trustees of the charity that delivered it, Coventry City of Culture Trust, which is now in administration. This is not about pointing fingers at one organisation that ran into real difficulty; the value for the rest of the sector is in what the findings tell every board, and every funder, to watch for.

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Risk Assessment checklist

Stretched on every side: What the 2026 charity risk assessment means for cultural organisations

Aug 24, 2026 |

The Charity Commission’s new Charity sector risk assessment, published this month, sets out the risks facing charities across England and Wales, and much of it speaks directly to the cultural sector.

A few figures stood out. Around two in five charities (41%) spent more than they received last year, with the smallest organisations running the narrowest margins. Disputes within charities rose by 57%. Around a quarter of all concerns raised with the regulator relate to safeguarding. And 30% of charities reported a cyber attack, most often phishing.

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