Key Data Points for the 2024 Charity Annual Return: A Simple Checklist

Feeling lost in the new Annual Return details? This simple checklist breaks down exactly what data you need to track for the latest regulations.

Feeling Lost in the New Annual Return Details?

The 2024 Charity Annual Return asks for more specific information than before, and it's easy to feel confused about exactly what new data you need to track. This complexity can be stressful!

This simple checklist cuts through the confusion. Use it to quickly see the key new data points required by the Charity Commission's latest rules (The Charities (Annual Return) Regulations 2024). Knowing what to track is the first step to feeling less overwhelmed and more in control.

Your 2024 Annual Return Data Checklist:

✅ Section 1: Safeguarding Details

Are you tracking details related to DBS checks for relevant staff/volunteers (e.g., dates obtained, expiry dates)?
Can you easily confirm dates of relevant safeguarding training completion?
Do you have records of when key safeguarding policies were last reviewed?

✅ Section 2: Overseas Activity Details (If Applicable)

Can you identify all countries where your charity received income from, spent money, or delivered activities (including via partners)?
Can you report the total amount spent in each overseas country?
Can you break down overseas income by source type (e.g., Government, NGO, Corporate, Individual)?
Are you tracking the methods used to send money overseas if not using a regular bank (e.g., Cash Courier, Money Service Business)?
Do you have records of formal written agreements with any overseas delivery partners?

✅ Section 3: Fundraising & Income Details

Can you easily break down your total income into the required AR categories:
- Donations and Legacies?
- Charitable Activities?
- Other Trading Activities?
- Investments?
Can you report on the main fundraising methods your charity used during the year?
(If income > £100k): Can you identify the value of the single largest donation received from:
- A corporate donor?
- An individual donor?
- A related party?
Can you report the total value and number of government grants received (central or local authority)?

✅ Section 4: Other Key Areas

Do you have clear records of any payments made to trustees (excluding out-of-pocket expenses)?
Can you report the approximate number of volunteers who helped deliver charitable activities in the UK?
Can you report the number of employees and details of the highest-paid employee's benefits package?

Using This Checklist for Clarity & Confidence

This checklist highlights the main new or more detailed information areas in the 2024 Annual Return.

Reduce Complexity

By seeing the key data points listed clearly, the requirements become less mysterious.

Identify Gaps

Use this to see where your current record-keeping might need adjustments to capture this specific information throughout the year.

Feel Prepared

Knowing what data is needed helps you gather it proactively, reducing last-minute stress and the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Clarity is the First Step to Easier Compliance

The new Annual Return is more detailed, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By understanding the specific data points required, like those on this checklist, you can focus your efforts and approach your next filing with greater confidence.

Disclaimer: This checklist provides a simplified overview of key data points based on the 2024 regulations. It is not exhaustive. Always refer to the official Charity Commission guidance and the Annual Return form itself for full details and specific requirements relevant to your charity.

Need Help Tracking Your Annual Return Data?

Charity Prep offers specialized tools designed to make data collection for the new Annual Return requirements easier to manage:

Pre-formatted trackers for all required data points
Automatic reminders for key compliance deadlines
Purpose-built modules for safeguarding, overseas activities, and fundraising
One-click reporting when it's time to complete your return

Request a demo to see how we can help your charity simplify data collection and ensure compliance with the 2024 Annual Return requirements.