Free Guide: Charity Statement of Recommended Practice SORP 2026

Get your free guide to the new Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) for charities. This in depth guide inclludes everything you need to know about the SORP with practical guidance for trustees on annual reporting, governance, and ESG compliance.

The new charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applies from January 2026, introducing tiered reporting requirements and a stronger focus on governance and ESG. Trustees must ensure their annual reports are clear, compliant, and impactful. If your charity uses accruals accounts and your financial year starts in Q1 2026, now is the time to prepare. This guide explains what’s changing, why it matters, and how trustees can meet the new reporting requirements confidently.

Why SORP 2026 matters for charities

The Trustees’ Annual Report is more than a compliance document—it’s a cornerstone of accountability, transparency, and communication. It tells the story of your charity’s purpose, achievements, and financial health. SORP 2026 introduces a cumulative tiered approach to reporting based on a charity’s gross income, ensuring proportionality while raising expectations for clarity and impact.

The three-tier SORP system

• Tier 1: Up to £500,000 gross annual income
• Tier 2: £500,001 – £15 million
• Tier 3: Over £15 million

Larger charities (Tier 2 and 3) must comply with all requirements of their tier and those of preceding tiers. This cumulative approach means more detail, more evaluation, and greater emphasis on governance and sustainability.

Nine core areas of the trustees’ annual report relevant to Charity SORP

Charity SORP 2026 requires coverage of nine key areas:

1. Objectives and activities
2. Achievements and performance
3. Financial review
4. Plans for future periods
5. Structure, governance and management
6. Reference and administrative details
7. Sustainability
8. Exemptions from disclosure
9. Funds held as holding trustee

If you’d like to understand the main requirements of SORP in summary form you can read our charity SORP blog here.