My role
I work as an Assistant Manager in our Charity and Not-for-Profit team based in our Norwich office. I have specialised in the sector for over 15 years and currently work with a range of charities, academies and not-for-profit institutions. In my role, I manage audits and independent examinations and work with our team to provide many other types of support to a large portfolio of clients.
About me
I joined Lovewell Blake in 2004 when I relocated to Norfolk, and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2008. I also hold the Diploma of Charity Accounting. I am a parent governor at my son's primary school and in my free time I enjoy writing and going to see live music.
My sectors and specialisms
- Charities and not for profit
- Academies
Speak to me about
- Accountancy and Audit
- Independent Examinations
Latest Articles
Employment allowance for small charities
Small charities with employees are often unaware that they are eligible for the Employment Allowance. This enables them to reduce their annual National Insurance liability by up to £5,000, so long as their total NI liabilities were less than £100,000 in the previous tax year. Unincorporated charities and Community Action Sports Clubs are also eligible.
Charity Alert – Annual Return Filing
The Charity Commission’s new “My Charity Commission Account” service will go live on Monday 31 July.
New Academy Trust Handbook for 2023/24
New Academy Trust Handbook for 2023/24 sees increase in related party transaction threshold.
Academies Accounts Direction
ESFA have very recently issued the Academies Accounts Direction 2022-23, for use in the preparation of academy financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2023.
Much more detailed charity annual return will enable charity commission to ensure the charitable sector is more resilient
In the same way that limited companies have to file an Annual Return to Companies House each year confirming and/or updating their details, charities are required to file an Annual Return to the Charity Commission.
New charity commission trustee portal is a welcome step to improve engagement
All charities rely on individuals who are willing to give their time and skills to act as trustees. Now a new online initiative from the Charity Commission has been launched to provide better support for trustees – and it’s a good idea for anyone on a charity’s board to sign up.
My Charity Commission Account
GOV.UK: The Charity Commission
Academy Trust Handbook 2022
The ESFA have published the Academy Trust Handbook 2022 (formerly known as the Academies Financial Handbook)
Charity Alert - The Charity Commission
The Charity Commission has released a useful summary of the most important changes made to the Charities Act.
Robust reserves policy ‘more important than ever’ for charities
As charities emerge from the pandemic to uncertain times, it is more important than ever that their reserves policies reflect their current needs, says Rebecca Frost of Lovewell Blake’s specialist Charity team.
Charity alert - Academies Accounts Direction 2021/22
The ESFA have published the Academies Accounts Direction 2021 to 2022 for academy trust accounts ended 31 August 2022, along with an updated model set of accounts, and an updated Framework and guide for external auditors and reporting accountants for the same period. It is not expected that there will be a further Supplementary Bulletin this year.
Charity alert - 'the Charity Commission’s flexible approach to charity meetings will come to an end from 22 April'
Changes announced to come to affect on 22nd April 2022.
Charity alert - 'five minute guides' for Trustees
The Charity Commission has released a series of animated videos to promote its “five minute guides” for Trustees which were launched last year.
Preventing fraud in the charity sector - why charities are particularly vulnerable right now
Charities need to be extra vigilant against fraud, with the continuing pandemic and the accompanying tough economic times leading to an increased risk of such organisations being targeted, says Rebecca Frost of Lovewell Blake’s specialist Charity team.
COVID-19 Survey 2021
The Charity Commission have released the results of independent research they have commissioned on how charities in England and Wales have been affected by the pandemic.
Academies Accounts Direction - supplementary bulletin
Read our latest update for academies.
Charity commission publish results of a trustee survey
The survey looked at the impact of the pandemic amongst other things.
Charity Commission filing extensions
Since the pandemic hit in March 2020, the Charity Commission have offered filing extensions to charities who have been unable to meet their filing deadlines for COVID-19 related reasons. These extensions have had no fixed end date.
Academies Accounts Direction 2020/21
On 31 March the Academies Accounts Direction 2020 to 2021 was published, along with a separate set of Academy Trust model accounts 2020 to 2021.
The end is in sight!
For over a year now we have been working under exceptional circumstances as the country battles with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fraud and the pandemic
A new helpsheet has been published by CCEW, the Fraud Advisory Panel and others that aims to highlight some of the key areas where charities may be vulnerable to fraud as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Charity model accounts
Though there are no changes to the Charity SORP to report on, those preparing charity accounts might be interested to know that the model accounts published by the SORP Committee have been updated.
Budget 2021 - Charities
The Chancellor delivered his Budget speech on 3 March, with an attempt to balance the need to continue providing support to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, whilst raising taxes to meet the substantial costs that have been incurred in doing so.
Charity reserves and sustainability
This month a report into the state of charity finances has raised serious concerns about the financial health of charities as lockdown restrictions start to be lifted.
Not for profit corporate structures – which one is best for us?
We often receive enquiries from small unincorporated not for profit organisations, such as clubs, who are growing and finding that they want to, or need to, review their structure. Sometimes they are taking on their first employees, or perhaps they need to rent a property.
Fundraising standards disclosure – how charities can get it right
The Fundraising Regulator has published updated guidance for charities on what they should be disclosing in their Trustees Report in connection with their fundraising activities.
Charity accounts and COVID-19 reporting
As more and more charities look to finalise their 2020 accounts, it is inevitable that the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic will have had an impact in some way on the charity’s activities and financial position, which will need to be appropriately reflected in the financial statements.
COVID-19 guidance update - Charities
In the current climate, the charity sector faces a particular challenge.