Efficient and hassle free Independent Examination for UK charities up to the audit threshold
We make the process straightforward, affordable, and stress-free, with clear fees and no surprises.
Request a fixed-fee quoteA short form — no calls until you're ready.
What is an independent examination for charities?
An independent examination is a form of external scrutiny required under the Charities Act 2011 for registered charities that exceed the £25,000 income threshold but fall below the audit threshold. It provides an independent check that your charity's accounts are properly prepared and consistent with the underlying financial records.
Unlike a full statutory audit, an independent examination is a proportionate, cost-effective review, designed to give trustees, funders, and the Charity Commission confidence in your financial reporting without the expense and complexity of an audit.
At Charity Accounting Partners, every independent examination is led by an ICAEW-qualified chartered accountant with specialist charity experience. We follow the Charity Commission's CC31 guidance and ensure full compliance with Charity SORP (FRS 102).
Does your charity need an independent examination?
Your charity requires an independent examination if:
- Your charity's gross income exceeds £25,000 per year
- Your income is below £1M (rising to £1.5M from 1 October 2026)
- Your governing document does not require a full audit
- Your charity's gross assets do not exceed £3.26M (if income is over £250k)
Not sure whether you need an independent examination or an audit? Get in touch and we'll help you work it out, no charge.
Independent examination without the stress or surprises
Specialist charity accountants who understand the sector inside out.
Trustees who can trust the numbers
Every examination is led by chartered accountants who understand charity finance inside out. Your board can rely on the outcome.
Reports that meet the standard
Accounts that hold up to Charity Commission and funder scrutiny, giving your CEO and Finance Director one less thing to worry about.
No surprises on cost
A fixed, transparent fee agreed up front. Your trustees know the number before the work starts and it doesn't change.
On your timeline, not ours
We work to your deadlines and step in quickly when the Charity Commission filing date is closing in.
From first quote to a Charity Commission-ready report
Four straightforward steps, clear timings and no last-minute surprises for your trustees.
A clear, fixed quote
We take a quick look at your charity and come back with a fixed fee, so your trustees know exactly what to expect before anything starts.
We tell you what we need
A short, plain-English list of what to send us. No jargon, no guesswork, no chasing.
We do the work
Our chartered accountants carry out the examination in the background, keeping you updated and flagging anything worth talking about early.
You get a report you can rely on
A clear, professional examiner's report ready for your trustees and the Charity Commission. Filed, done, off the to-do list.
Related charity finance services
Many charities combine independent examination with our other specialist services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our independent examination services.
Request your fixed-fee quote
Share a few details about your charity and we will reply with a clear, fixed-fee quote and next steps.
Independent examination insights
Reading to help trustees prepare for examination season with confidence.
A guide to charity accounts: all you need to know
Independent examination vs audit, thresholds and what an examiner actually looks for.
Read articleCharity SORP 2026 readiness: 6-month action plan
A practical plan to be SORP-ready ahead of your next examination.
Read articleWhat policies should a charity have?
The governance policies examiners and trustees expect to see in place.
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