Charity sector business services

S&W supports staff and trustees with planning, growth and governance across the charity and non-profit sector. We help you achieve your organisational goals and free you to focus on the mission.

From registration to restructuring, S&W draws on deep sector expertise. Our advice and services support effective organisations and provide confidence for donors, funders, beneficiaries, service users, regulators and the public.

Professional services supporting the delivery of your public benefit

We support organisations across the sector, from aid organisations to independent schools, with a range of tailored services:

Accounting services, from statutory accounts and payroll to external audit and independent examination
Governance advice and health checks to ensure appropriate controls
Trading, property, gift aid and VAT tax advice and solutions, including corporation and employment taxes
Corporate finance, mergers, transaction support and due diligence reviews
Independent strategic planning and advice for finance, fundraising and operations
Digital services, with data, cyber and technology solutions to make you more streamlined, efficient and secure
Forensic investigations, including fraud and regulatory investigations
Restructuring, simplification, insolvency and winding up
Cross-border and international tax advice and services

Support and advice at every step of your mission

Governance and strategy

Trustees are responsible for protecting charitable assets and ensuring they’re applied appropriately. We work closely with trustees and executives to put in place controls to protect against misuse of funds and develop strategies and processes to effectively deliver the charity’s objectives.

From optimising IT and business processes to mitigating emerging risks and reports for regulators and funders, we draw on expertise from across our business. All our services are carefully tailored to meet your needs and aligned with your culture, vision and values.

Management and assurance

Across governance, risk management and internal control, we ensure organisations fully comply with Charity Commission requirements and other regulatory demands. We offer a full range of guidance, advisory and assurance services:

Internal audit

Including assurance services for risk, control and governance arrangements, as well as improvements to processes for increased efficiency
Counter fraud

Services to identify and assess risks and apply pragmatic solutions to reduce them
Working capital management

To improve cash flow management and efficiency through cost reduction or process-improvements
Enterprise risk management

Supporting the design of enterprise risk management programmes risk, workshops and training for staff and trustees
External audit and independent examination

Assurance services to meet regulatory requirements and give confidence to key stakeholders

Winding up and financial distress

We can help you when your mission is complete or review your options when your charity faces financial strains. Whatever the issue, it’s vital that trustees plan appropriately and consider the impact on beneficiaries, staff and assets.

We support charities with restructuring, accelerated mergers, divestiture, creditor compromises and liquidation. We also help trustees liaise with the Charity Commission or other regulators and find suitable applications for legacy income or charitable surpluses when winding up.

Expert insights from across the charity sector

Our advisors have worked with hundreds of charities and non-profits, and our staff includes serving trustees and interim charity managers appointed by the Charity Commission.

Our experts can help keep charities stay informed of legislative, governance and tax changes and share insights and best practice from organisations across the sector. We can also provide trustees and managers in the organisation with ongoing support, training and guidance. We also have excellent working relationships with other sector specialists, such as lawyers, where you need support.

To find out more about our governance, compliance and tax services contact our charities team today.