When trustees prepare a Trustees’ Annual Report (TAR), some sections come easily. Achievements and impact feel natural to describe, and the financial review provides clarity on resources. But the “Plans for the Future” section often gets overlooked or treated vaguely.
If your charity runs regular activities in local halls, libraries, or community centres, you could be eligible to increase your Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) claim – potentially multiplying your claim limit based on where you work.
The charity sector has a reputation for being full of jargon, and nowhere is this clearer than when you start looking at the different words used to describe structures: incorporated, CIO, foundation, association, trust…
For many charities, collecting Gift Aid on every individual donation simply isn’t feasible, especially when donor details aren’t captured at events or collections.
Becoming a charity trustee can be hugely rewarding.
You have the chance to make a real difference to a cause you care about, while bringing your skills and experience to strengthen an organisation. But it’s also a role that carries responsibility, so it’s worth pausing before you say yes.
It might not be the most thrilling section of the Trustees’ Annual Report (TAR), but Structure, Governance and Management is vital for transparency and public confidence.
For many charities, VAT feels like a problem best avoided — especially when income is largely from grants or donations. But if your organisation starts trading, even modestly, you might wonder whether registering for VAT voluntarily (before reaching the £90,000 threshold) could help you reclaim costs.
For independent charities, the Achievements and Performance section of the Trustees’ Annual Report (TAR) is more than a regulatory requirement. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate the charity’s impact and accountability to funders, beneficiaries, and the public.
