Access to audit

We want to make sure audit requirements for voluntary organisations are proportionate and achievable

Charities with a gross income of more than £500,000 are required to have their annual accounts audited. We have heard from some voluntary organisations that they have had trouble finding an auditor, and have been talking to OSCR and the membership bodies for accountants/auditors to try to understand the issue better.

As part of their wider review of charity law, the Scottish Government asked about whether audit thresholds should be raised - our response highlighted that that would be one way to help with problems that organisations are facing in accessing audit. Other respondents also highlighted that the £500,000 threshold was set a long time ago, meaning that lots more organisations need an audit now than when the threshold was set. A lot of respondents suggested raising the threshold to £1 million, in line with regulations in England.

The Scottish Government has now committed to increasing the income criterion of the Scottish charity audit threshold to gross income of £1 million.

Information on financial management

We've created information pages on everything to consider about accounts and reporting, including information on audit and assessment.

Get involved

Collaborate with us and our members to develop and promote voluntary sector policy perspectives for Scotland