Creating an annual report

The expectations will differ depending on an organisation’s size and structure. 

Other organisations choose to do them, because it's good practice and useful to keep the group on track.

It could include: 

• Existing or potential participants, members and volunteers. 
• External stakeholders like partners, suppliers, facility/landowners, supporters, investors or funders, and the local community. 
• Companies House or the Charity Commission, based on legal and regulatory requirements.

Then, consider what your wider audience might be interested in. 

Keep the sections as short as you can - don't waffle! 

It may be best to put any statutory information at the end, if you do not have to follow a set structure. 

Agree on some writing guidelines in advance. Try to write as clearly as possible. Avoid technical language unless it is relevant for legal requirements. 

Ideally ask someone to be the Editor. Their job would be to put all the sections together and edit them, to make the style consistent and ensure that there's no repetition.

Ideally you want to give the impression that the document was written by one person. 

Otherwise, choose a date - and create a schedule that works back from that. 

The impact and outcomes of these activities can then be measured.

Examples might include efforts to make the organisation more inclusive, creating local partnerships, fundraising or developing new activities. 

It’s important to back up impact statements with evidence.

You might add in:

• Statistics, for example showing a growth in membership.
• Case studies.
• Testimonials.

There should be a formal sign off process for your report before it is circulated to your stakeholders. 

If required, you should file your annual report with the relevant regulatory body. There is usually a time limit following the financial year to do this, so make sure you are aware of any deadlines. 

Consider how and where you will share your report to ensure it reaches your intended audiences. 

• Details of how the charity is governed/managed. 
• What the charitable purpose is, and what has been done to achieve this. 
• Financial information including review of debts, reserve policy details etc. 

There are further requirements for larger charities depending on their income level and whether they are a company or a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). 

For incorporated organisations, requirements differ depending on turnover and size but reporting focuses on accounting.

Community Interest Companies (CIC), however, file returns with Companies House covering their activities, benefit to the community and how stakeholders have been consulted.