Association of NHS Charities

Founded in 2000, we began as an informal group of the largest NHS Charities which came together to provide mutual support and a forum for discussion. We have grown steadily, welcoming charities both large and small from across England and Wales, and today the Association represents 64 charities. In 2008 we formalised our constitution and successfully applied to the Charity Commission to become a registered charity. We also invited all NHS Charities to share the benefits of membership.

WHAT HAVE WE ACHIEVED SO FAR?

We have come a long way in a relatively short time. Some
key achievements to date include:

An end to dual accounting, which we achieved by lobbying the Department of Health. NHS Charities now no longer
have to prepare charity accounts for the Department of Health – just for the Charity Commission like all other charities.

The Association worked with the Charity Commission on creating report and accounts templates enabling NHS Charities to comply with SORP2005 (the latest charity accounting regulations).

We were active in encouraging the publication of the Charity Commission Guidance for NHS Charities, which was published in February 2010.

We compiled a 'definitive' database of NHS Charities
that allowed the Charity Commission to be inclusive in its communications.

We have worked closely with the Appointments Commission on the publication of their Guidance for the Recruitment and Selection of Trustees for NHS Charities which was published in March 2010.