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Independent Examination

Trusted independent examination to support your organisation’s financial confidence

What is an Independent Examination?

An Independent Examination occurs when someone who isn’t part of your organisation checks your accounts for the financial year.

They make sure:
  • Your financial records are checked to ensure they are accurate and consistent with your accounts
  • Your accounts are reviewed to confirm they follow the correct charity reporting requirements
  • Any unusual transactions or inconsistencies are identified and highlighted for further review
It’s often used by smaller charities and groups instead of a full audit and it allows you to submit your accounts to OSCR if you’re a registered charity.

Why does an Independent Examination matter?

  • Build trust by demonstrating your organisation manages funds responsibly and transparently
  • Meet legal and regulatory requirements for charities and community organisations
  • Spot errors or issues early before they become bigger problems
  • Strengthen your reputation as a well-managed and credible organisation
Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing

Annual Income
£25k or less
£25k - £75k
£75k - £125k
£125k - £175k
£175k - £250k
Member
£75
£100
£150
£200
£250
Non-Member
£150
£175
£200
£300
£400

What we need you to provide?

  • All your financial records (cash books, ledgers, bank statements) for the financial year being examined
  • Your annual accounts (income & spending, balance sheet) for the financial year
  • Receipts, invoices, and grant award letters for the financial year
  • Your governing document (constitution, trust deed, or articles)
  • Minutes from meetings where expenditure or other financial decisions were approved
  • Details of assets and debts
  • Any letters from funders or regulators relating to funds in the financial year
Faqs

Everything you need to know about our independent examination service.

An independent examination is a review of your organisation’s accounts by someone who is not involved in your day-to-day finances. It checks that your figures are accurate, your records are in order, and there’s nothing unusual that needs explanation.

Many charities and community organisations are legally required to have their accounts independently examined, depending on their income and structure. It’s also a valuable way to demonstrate transparency and good financial management.

An independent examination is simpler, quicker, and more cost-effective than a full audit. It provides assurance that your accounts are in order without the more detailed testing required in an audit - making it ideal for smaller organisations.

The timeframe depends on how organised your records are and the size of your organisation. With everything prepared in advance, the examination can usually be completed more quickly and with minimal disruption.

As a trusted local organisation, we understand the needs of charities and community groups in the Scottish Borders. We provide a reliable, supportive service to help you meet your legal requirements and give confidence in your accounts.

Getting started is simple - complete an independent examination request form and we'll be in touch. Alternatively, you can email us at info@borderscommunityaction.org.uk or call 0300 124 7522.

"The support we received from BCA throughout the Independent Examination process was invaluable. The service was timely, professional and made the process straightforward and reassuring. We also felt that the service represented excellent value for money, particularly given the quality of support and expertise provided. We would have no hesitation in recommending BCA to other charities and organisations looking for an Independent Examination service"
Alice Fisher, Co-Founder & Trustee
Sea The Change
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Borders Third Sector Interface Ltd, trading as Borders Community Action.
Registered address: 1 Drygrange Cottages, Drygrange Steading, Melrose, Scottish Borders, TD6 9DJ