External scrutiny
All charities must have their accounts externally scrutinised each year. Someone who is independent of the charity must review the accounts and produce a report, attached to the accounts, that highlights any issues to the reader.
The type of external scrutiny you choose depends on your charity’s governing document, gross income and net assets and whether or not your charity is also a company.
There are two recognised forms of external scrutiny:
- Audit
- Independent examination
What type of external scrutiny should my charity choose?
Please select yes or no to the following questions to find out what type of external scrutiny is best for your charity.
Independent examination guidance
Having your charity’s accounts independently examined is an important part of charity regulation. Independent examination makes sure that charities are reporting transparently, and are accountable to the public.
It can also help to show that your charity is being run properly.
Reading this guidance will help you to understand:
- What type of external scrutiny is best suited to your charity
- What independent examination involves
- How to select an independent examiner for your charity
- What you need to do to prepare for an independent examination
- What responsibilities and duties independent examiners have
In addition to the guidance for charity trustees and staff, we have also produced guidance specifically for people acting as independent examiners.