The Academies Accounts Return portal is now open
The Academies Accounts Return portal for 2019/20 is now open, and academy trusts have until 23 February 2021 to complete and submit their returns online.

Fundraising standards disclosure – how charities can get it right
The Fundraising Regulator has published updated guidance for charities on what they should be disclosing in their Trustees Report in connection with their fundraising activities.

Charity meetings - changes to the law on the number of people who can meet
The government has introduced new rules which mean that from 14 September it is against the law to meet in groups of more than 6, either indoors or outdoors.

Academies alert - Extended deadline for submission of academy trust financial statements
The ESFA have decided to extend the deadline for submission of academy trust financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2020 by one month. The deadline for submission is now 31 January 2021.

Funder flexibility could help charities meet Covid challenges
Charities facing challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic may find a new flexibility on the part of funders who could come to their aid.

Academies Alert - 2020 Academies Accounts Direction
ESFA have now published their supplementary bulletin to the 2020 Academies Accounts Direction

Charity accounts and COVID-19 reporting
As more and more charities look to finalise their 2020 accounts, it is inevitable that the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic will have had an impact in some way on the charity’s activities and financial position, which will need to be appropriately reflected in the financial statements.

New academies accounts direction and academies financial handbook published
On 15 June the Academies Accounts Direction 2019/20 was published.