Association of Charity Independent Examiners upcoming events

Webinar: Allocating Costs by Activity in the SoFA (Charities SORP 2026 Module 8) (Wednesday, May 06, 2026)

Wed, 06 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Allocating Costs by Activity in the SoFA (Charities SORP 2026 Module 8)

Presenter: Margaret Birse MSc Cert.Acc(Open) CCFA CIPFA (affil) FCIE

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Applying for Full Membership workshop (Thursday, May 14, 2026)

Thu, 14 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Applying for Full Membership workshop

Presenter: Chris Smith BSc FCIE

This workshop applies to all applicants for Full Membership, wherever they are based in the UK, and whether the charities that they are examining (or intend to examine) are registered in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland (or any combination thereof).

ACIE Fellow Chris Smith will take you through the process of applying for Full Membership, supporting you to understand the standards of accounting required, and avoid the common pitfalls.

This course does not guarantee that your application will be accepted, but we hope that it will increase the likelihood of success.

Independent Examination and the Charities SORP 2026 (one-day workshop) (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)

Tue, 19 May 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Independent Examination and the Charities SORP 2026 (one-day workshop)

Presenters:

Margaret Birse MSc Cert.Acc(Open) CCFA CIPFA (affil) FCIE

Mark Heaton (ACIE Chair) FCCA FCIE DChA

Jenifer Richardson FCA FCCA DChA

Mark Salway, FCA

Sarah Smith MSc BSc FCCA FCIE

This full day workshop will provide an overview of the Charities SORP 2026 tiers, consider the threshold changes, Reserves, Going Concern, Leases, Income Recognition and Impact Reporting.

Programme:

10:15 Introduction to SORP: an overview of current accounting regulations.

11:00 Financial Statements, Disclosures, and Technical Changes

11:45 Lease Accounting

12:30 Lunch

13:15 Reserves and Going Concern

14:00 Impact Reporting

14:45 Allocating Costs

15:30 Coffee/Tea Break

15:45 Income Recognition

16.15 Closing Remarks

Mark Heaton is the Managing Director of KM Chartered Accountants, and is a Certified Accountant (ACCA). Mark Heaton is a practicing accountant in Burnley, Lancashire. He is currently trustee and chair of ACIE and trustee of ACAT.

Jenifer Richardson is a self employed Chartered Accountant and Independent Examiner who started her career with Deloitte and has specialised in charity finance and governance for nearly thirty years.

Jen sits on national and local charity boards including representing small charities on the ICAEW Charity Committee and chairing the ICAEW South West Charity Insights group.

Mark Salway is a Chartered Accountant and management consultant specialising in charity‑sector finance, business models, and social impact. He has over 25 years experience of helping small and large charities strengthen governance, transparency, and financial accountability under SORP. Mark has also been Hon Treasurer for several large organisations. He co-leads the MSc Pathway in Financial Management and Accounting at Bayes Business School.

Sarah Smith is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant and Fellow ACIE.
She has 33 years in mixed commercial and charity practice. In the last 10 years she has concentrated on her charity clients, from the smallest unincorporated community groups up to large charities requiring support to prepare accounts for their statutory audit . She also enjoys teaching and training in charity law, governance accounting and Independent Examination and acts as a Technical Advisor to ACIE.”

Webinar: Developing Reserves Policies (Wednesday, May 27, 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Developing Reserves Policies

Presenter: Brian Seaton (ACIE Affiliate Member), who is a trustee of Small Charity Support, which is a charity that provides management, governance and other support to small charities and voluntary organisations

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

ACIE Scotland Branch Meeting (Friday, May 29, 2026)

Fri, 29 May 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Come Along to an ACIE Branch Meeting?

Whether you are just starting out or have years of experience under your belt, our branch meetings offer something valuable for every independent examiner. Branch meetings are a simple, flexible way to stay on top of your continuing professional development. When you join us in person, you will gain insights that help sharpen your skills and keep your knowledge current.

Connect with People Who Get It

These gatherings are more than just a social gathering; they are a chance to meet others who understand the ups and downs of working with non-profit organisations. You might find a sounding board, or a collaborator. The support is genuine, and the connections will last well beyond the meetings.

Build Confidence in a Safe Space

If networking feels daunting, you are not alone. Our meetings are friendly, informal, and welcoming, ideal for easing into conversation and sharing ideas at your own pace. Everyone’s here with the same aim: to learn, support, and grow together.

Stay Motivated and Inspired

Working independently can sometimes feel isolating. Branch meetings offer a regular dose of encouragement and fresh thinking. Hearing how others navigate similar challenges can be both reassuring and energising, a reminder that you are not doing this alone.

Learn Something New Every Time

Branch meetings aren’t just a chance to connect; they are a chance to grow. Whether it’s updates on charity legislation, practical tips for independent examination, or real-life case studies, every meeting offers something to sharpen your skills. You’ll leave with insights you can apply straight away, and confidence that your knowledge is up to date.

Your Local Branch is Here for You

ACIE branches are run by members, for members — people who understand your journey and want to help. It’s a space to learn, grow, and feel part of a professional community that values what you do.

Webinar: Charities SORP 2026: Lease Accounting (Wednesday, June 03, 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Charities SORP 2026: Lease Accounting

Presenter: Sarah Smith MSc BSc FCCA FCIE

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Webinar: Understanding Financial Operations and Compliance for Minority-Led Charities & Churches in UK (Monday, June 08, 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Understanding Financial Operations and Compliance for Minority-Led Charities & Churches in UK

Presenter: Adejetu Alonge, ACIE Affiliate Member

This webinar is free of charge.

Building your Independent Examination Skills (Thursday, June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT

- Building your Independent Examination Skills
  
  Presenter: Jenifer Richardson FCA FCCA DChA
- This course is open to everyone, including non-members.
- At the start of the course, there will be a 15 minute optional session covering the online tools and techniques we will be using to familiarise participants who are unused to online meetings.
- The course will be facilitated through Zoom using an informal ‘lecture’ style & practical workshop sessions with plenty of opportunity for the exchange of ideas and experience.
- This course uses a case study, practical exercises and brings in your experience covering key areas of concern in Independent Examination:
  
  ·       Materiality and risk
  
  ·       Adequacy of records
  
  ·       Vouching & analytical review
  
  ·       Qualification of reports
  
  We will look at the above areas of concern alongside the ACIE workbook so you understand how this resource can support your IE practice. We are aiming to build confidence in your practice.
  
  You’ll get most out of the session if you complete the small amount of pre-course work requested – familiarising yourself with the case study and sending in any burning questions you would like to address during the session.
  
  This course is for people with knowledge of charity accounting who are new to, or have some experience of, independent examinations and are looking to develop their practice.
  
  The Independent Examiner Workbook covered in this course may be purchased from Payhip for £55. If you are a VIE member please contact Farah at Admin@acie.org.uk for the discount code.

Webinar: Promoting Public Trust in Charities: Bridging the gap between Accruals & R&P accounts - Financial reports that everyone can understand and trust (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Promoting Public Trust in Charities: Bridging the gap between Accruals and R&P accounts - Financial reports that everyone can understand and trust

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Applying for Full Membership workshop (Thursday, July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Applying for Full Membership workshop

Presenter: Chris Smith BSc FCIE

ACIE Fellow Chris Smith will take you through the process of applying for Full Membership, supporting you to understand the standards of accounting required, and avoid the common pitfalls.

This course does not guarantee that your application will be accepted, but we hope that it will increase the likelihood of success.

Webinar: Supporting the Closure of a Charity; Supporting a Merger of a Charity (Wednesday, July 29, 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Supporting the Closure of a Charity; Supporting a Merger of a Charity

Presenter: Margaret Birse MSc Cert.Acc(Open) CCFA CIPFA (affil) FCIE

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Webinar: Charity Trading (Wednesday, August 12, 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Charity Trading

Presenter: Margaret Birse MSc Cert.Acc(Open) CCFA CIPFA (affil) FCIE

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Building your Independent Examination skills (Thursday, August 20, 2026)

Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Building your Independent Examination Skills
- Presenter: Laureen Cuckson BSc ATI
- This course is open to everyone, including non-members.
- At the start of the course, there will be a 15 minute optional session covering the online tools and techniques we will be using to familiarise participants who are unused to online meetings.
- The course will be facilitated through Zoom using an informal ‘lecture’ style & practical workshop sessions with plenty of opportunity for the exchange of ideas and experience.
- This course uses a case study, practical exercises and brings in your experience covering key areas of concern in Independent Examination:
  
  ·       Materiality and risk
  
  ·       Adequacy of records
  
  ·       Vouching & analytical review
  
  ·       Qualification of reports
  
  We will look at the above areas of concern alongside the ACIE workbook so you understand how this resource can support your IE practice. We are aiming to build confidence in your practice.
  
  You’ll get most out of the session if you complete the small amount of pre-course work requested – familiarising yourself with the case study and sending in any burning questions you would like to address during the session.
  
  This course is for people with knowledge of charity accounting who are new to, or have some experience of, independent examinations and are looking to develop their practice.
  
  The Independent Examiner Workbook covered in this course may be purchased from Payhip for £55. If you are a VIE member, please contact Farah at Admin@acie.org.uk for the discount code.

ACIE Scotland Branch Meeting (Friday, August 28, 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:30:00 GMT

We would like to welcome Scotland members to an informal networking meeting hosted by Trustee Isabel Harland.

We want to give you a chance to meet each other, and to assist us in setting the agenda for training events and conferences for Independent Examiners.

Refreshments will be provided.

Webinar: Examining Accounts of Charities Where Things Have Gone Wrong: How to word a qualified IE report (Wednesday, September 23, 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Examining Accounts of Charities Where Things Have Gone Wrong: How to word a qualified IE report

Presenter: Sarah Smith MSc BSc FCCA FCIE

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Webinar: Debanking and How to avoid it (Wednesday, September 30, 2026)

Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Debanking and How to avoid it

Presenter: Stuart Davis FCMA CGMA (Stuart Davis Associates UK Ltd)

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Webinar: Gift Aid (Wednesday, October 07, 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:30:00 GMT

Gift Aid

Presenter: Margaret Birse MSc Cert.Acc(Open) CCFA CIPFA (affil) FCIE

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Charity Accounts Prepared on a Receipts and Payments Basis (England & Wales) (Wednesday, October 14, 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Charity Accounts Prepared on a Receipts and Payments Basis (England & Wales)

Presenter: Sarah Smith MSc BSc FCCA FCIE

This course is open to everyone, including non-members.

From 2025, all Affiliate Members applying for Full Membership (whether: (a) to be a Fellow; (b) for a licence, as an Associate Member, to act as Independent Examiner for charities publishing accruals accounts; or (c) for a licence, as an Associate Member, to act as Independent Examiner for charities publishing receipts and payments accounts) must have attended this course or one or more of the other 'Charity accounts prepared on a receipts and payments basis' courses run by ACIE in 2025 or subsequently.

Venue: Not yet finalised, but is likely to be in Birmingham.

Note: This course is scheduled for the day before, and at the same venue as, the 'Charity Accounts Prepared on an Accruals Basis (England and Wales)' course in order to support attendance at both courses.

Charity Accounts Prepared on an Accruals Basis (England & Wales) (Thursday, October 15, 2026)

Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Charity Accounts Prepared on an Accruals Basis (England & Wales)

Presenter: Sarah Smith MSc BSc FCCA FCIE

This course is open to everyone, including non-members.

From 2025, Affiliate Members applying for Full Membership, either as a Fellow or for a licence as an Associate Member to act as Independent Examiner for charities publishing accruals accounts, must have attended this course or one or more of the other 'Charity accounts prepared on an accruals basis' courses run by ACIE in 2025 or subsequently.

Venue: Not yet finalised, but is likely to be in Birmingham.

Note: This course is scheduled for the day after, and at the same venue as, the 'Charity Accounts Prepared on a Receipts and Payments Basis (England & Wales)' course in order to support attendance at both courses.

Building your Independent Examination Skills (Thursday, October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:00:00 GMT

Building your Independent Examination Skills
- Presenter: Jenifer Richardson FCA FCCA DChA
- This course is open to everyone, including non-members.
- At the start of the course, there will be a 15 minute optional session covering the online tools and techniques we will be using to familiarise participants who are unused to online meetings.
- The course will be facilitated through Zoom using an informal ‘lecture’ style & practical workshop sessions with plenty of opportunity for the exchange of ideas and experience.
- This course uses a case study, practical exercises and brings in your experience covering key areas of concern in Independent Examination:
  
  ·       Materiality and risk
  
  ·       Adequacy of records
  
  ·       Vouching & analytical review
  
  ·       Qualification of reports
  
  We will look at the above areas of concern alongside the ACIE workbook so you understand how this resource can support your IE practice. We are aiming to build confidence in your practice.
  
  You’ll get most out of the session if you complete the small amount of pre-course work requested – familiarising yourself with the case study and sending in any burning questions you would like to address during the session.
  
  This course is for people with knowledge of charity accounting who are new to, or have some experience of, independent examinations and are looking to develop their practice.
  
  The Independent Examiner Workbook covered in this course may be purchased from Payhip for £55. If you are a VIE member, please contact Farah at Admin@acie.org.uk for the discount code.

ACIE UK-wide Online Conference 2026 (Thursday, November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMT

The 2026 Conference will focus on the application of the Charities SORP 2026.

Details to follow.

Charity Accounts Prepared on a Receipts and Payments Basis (Scotland) (Wednesday, November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Charity Accounts Prepared on a Receipts and Payments Basis (Scotland)

Presenter: Margaret Birse MSc Cert.Acc(Open) CCFA CIPFA (affil) FCIE

This course is open to everyone, including non-members.

Note: This course is scheduled the day before, and at the same venue as, 'Charity Accounts Prepared on an Accruals Basis (Scotland)' in order to support attendance at both courses.

Venue:

Park Lane House

Suite 1/20

47 Broad Street

Glasgow

G40 2QW

Webinar: Closing a Charity (Wednesday, November 18, 2026)

Wed, 18 Nov 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Closing a Charity

Presenter: Sarah Smith MSc BSc FCCA FCIE

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Charity Accounts Prepared on an Accruals Basis (Scotland) (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 09:30:00 GMT

Charity Accounts Prepared on an Accruals Basis (Scotland)

Presenter: Margaret Birse MSc Cert.Acc(Open) CCFA CIPFA (affil) FCIE

This course is open to everyone, including non-members.

From 2025, Affiliate Members applying for Full Membership, either as a Fellow or for a licence (as an Associate Member) to act as Independent Examiner for charities publishing accruals accounts, must have attended this course or one or more of the other 'Charity accounts prepared on an accruals basis' courses run by ACIE in 2025 or subsequently.

Note: This course is scheduled for the day after, and at the same venue as, the 'Charity Accounts Prepared on a Receipts and Payments Basis (Scotland)' course in order to support attendance at both courses.

Venue:

Park Lane House

Suite 1/20

47 Broad Street

Glasgow

G40 2QW

Applying for Full Membership (Thursday, November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 10:00:00 GMT

Applying for Full Membership

Presenter: Chris Smith BSc FCIE

This course applies to all applicants for Full Membership, wherever they are based in the UK, and whether the charities that they are examining (or intend to examine) are registered in England and Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland (or any combination thereof).

ACIE Fellow Chris Smith will take you through the process of applying for Full Membership, supporting you to understand the standards of accounting required, and avoid the common pitfalls.

his course does not guarantee that your application will be accepted, but we hope that it will increase the likelihood of success.

ACIE Scotland Branch Meeting (Friday, November 27, 2026)

Fri, 27 Nov 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Come Along to an ACIE Branch Meeting?

Connect with People Who Get It

Build Confidence in a Safe Space

Stay Motivated and Inspired

Learn Something New Every Time

Your Local Branch is Here for You

Building your Independent Examination Skills (Thursday, December 03, 2026)

Thu, 03 Dec 2026 10:00:00 GMT

- Building your Independent Examination Skills
  Presenter: Laureen Cuckson BSc ATI
- This course is open to everyone, including non-members.
- At the start of the course, there will be a 15 minute optional session covering the online tools and techniques we will be using to familiarise participants who are unused to online meetings.
- The course will be facilitated through Zoom using an informal ‘lecture’ style & practical workshop sessions with plenty of opportunity for the exchange of ideas and experience.
- This course uses a case study, practical exercises and brings in your experience covering key areas of concern in Independent Examination:
  
  ·       Materiality and risk
  
  ·       Adequacy of records
  
  ·       Vouching & analytical review
  
  ·       Qualification of reports
  
  We will look at the above areas of concern alongside the ACIE workbook so you understand how this resource can support your IE practice. We are aiming to build confidence in your practice.
  
  You’ll get most out of the session if you complete the small amount of pre-course work requested – familiarising yourself with the case study and sending in any burning questions you would like to address during the session.
  
  This course is for people with knowledge of charity accounting who are new to, or have some experience of, independent examinations and are looking to develop their practice.
  
  The Independent Examiner Workbook covered in this course may be purchased from Payhip for £55. If you are a VIE member, please contact Farah at Admin@acie.org.uk for the discount code.

Webinar: Charities SORP 2026: Fraud and Serious Incident Reporting (Wednesday, December 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Charities SORP 2026: Fraud and Serious Incident Reporting

Presenter: Margaret Birse MSc Cert.Acc(Open) CCFA CIPFA (affil) FCIE

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.

Webinar: Effective Budgeting & Financial Forecasting Post-Budget for Charities (Thursday, December 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Effective Budgeting & Financial Forecasting Post-Budget for Charities

Presenter: Bim Ewatade BA (Hons) Accounting & Finance, FCCA AFA AFTA

Zoom links will be sent to registrants a few hours before the webinar is due to start.