Changes to the annual monitoring return
In addition to adding the ability to backfill accounts and reports for previous years to the annual reporting system, there have also been a number of changes made to the form for charities completing an annual monitoring return (AMR) for financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2020.
There are six new question areas covering matters related to risk areas such as safeguarding, the processing of personal data and fundraising. A new functionality to make changes to charity details within the annual return form has also been included, which should make the process of changing details easier for charities.
However, not all questions will apply to all charities. The annual monitoring return is streamlined by income:
- All charities must confirm/update the charity details section
- All charities must complete Part A of the AMR
- Charities with income greater than £10,000 must complete Part B
- Charities with income greater than £250,000 must complete Part C
The Commission's monitoring and compliance team has produced a short guidance document ARR05 How to complete the Annual Monitoring Return – 10 minute guide, which is available here. It is likely to provide you with all the information you need to complete the annual monitoring return and only takes about 10 minutes to read. ARR05 provides:
- practical help on how to access the annual monitoring return
- practical tips for uploading PDFs and things to consider when uploading documents
- useful checklists summarising the information you need in order to complete and file your AMR online, depending on your charity’s income.
- Details about when you need to file your annual monitoring return with the Commission, including new rules for charities registered before May 2019
- Details about annual monitoring return reminder notifications and what happens after you submit your AMR.
This is a useful piece of guidance and, once published, all trustees are encouraged to read it, as the responsibility for the information that is provided within the form, and the accounts and reports submitted alongside it, lies with the charity trustees’ collectively.
The system changes, which will support the Commission in gathering and monitoring vital information on the specific risk areas, were the subject of an eight week consultation in 2019, the results of which can be found on the Commission's website here.