Reserves Policy Training

1 July 2025

Learn how to develop a reserves policy for your charity.

This half-day online course has been designed to help charity finance professionals develop a reserves policy that meets the requirements of the Charity Commission and SORP but which is also focused on financial risk and forms an integral part of the charity’s financial strategy.   

This course will take place online via Zoom.

A £40 discount is available to Charity Finance subscribers. 

Speakers

  • Jonathan Orchard

    Partner , Sayer Vincent LLP

    Jonathan is a partner at Sayer Vincent, specialist advisors to the charity and not-for-profit sector. He combines a board portfolio of audit clients with a particular specialism on the international development sector. Prior to returning to Sayer Vincent in 2013 he worked with many of the leading international NGOs providing internal audit and risk management support. He advises charities on the benefits of improved risk management, internal controls and the value that can be added by internal audit. He has been a trustee for the last 10 years – currently with INTRAC where he is treasurer and chair the finance and audit committee.

Programme

10.00

Introduction

  • Why reserves are needed

  • Charity Commission expectations/definitions

  • What to disclose

  • Relationship between reserves and working capital

10.20

Developing a compliant reserves policy

Interactive case study and feedback

11.00

BREAK

11.10

Common approaches to reserves policies

A critical appraisal of how many charities approach reserves policies (with real life examples)

11.40

An alternative risk focussed approach

  • Understanding financial risk

  • Which risks can reserves be expected to manage and which not

12.10

BREAK

12.20

How to develop a smart reserves policy

Interactive case study and feedback

13.00

Conclusions

How to use your reserves policy

13.15

End

Testimonials

 

Robert Moore

Against Breast Cancer

The reserves policy training was eye opening and very useful, especially for someone new to the charity sector. Well worth the time

Kristie Effemey

Momentum Children’s Charity

It was great to be put into teams and do some scenario planning, it really helped to gain an understanding of how we might apply the knowledge learned from the course, into our real-life scenarios

Alison Gray

R.I.S.E

Very useful training, which made me think more creatively about our reserves policy and moving on from a 'status quo' approach


 

Prices

(prices exc VAT)

Charity Finance subscriber - £119

Standard charity rate - £159

Corporate Charity Finance subscriber - £300

Corporate delegate - £400

For group bookings email [email protected] 

FAQs

When will I receive course materials and Zoom link to access the course?

After booking you will receive the following correspondence:

1 week before the course – an e-mail with your joining information, this includes the course programme and any other relevant materials.

1 day before the course – an e-mail with your final information, this includes the Zoom link, course programme any other relevant materials.

When will I be invoiced for my booking?

Invoices are manually processed so this will be sent to you by our events team shortly after your booking.

Will presentation slides be provided?

Presentations are provided in advance for the majority of our courses but this can vary and is down to the course leader’s discretion.

Will the sessions be recorded?

We do not record our courses as we feel this gives delegates the opportunity to have more open discussions and freely ask questions around the running of their charities.

Will I get a reminder prior to my course?

Yes, you will get e-mails one week and one day before your course with all of the information you need. You won’t receive a calendar invite so do make sure you put the date in your diary.

What if I can no longer attend the course?

Up to and including 14 days prior to the event, a refund (less a 15% administration fee), a substitution of a colleague, or one complimentary transfer to another training date can be issued. Only one complimentary transfer can be issued, no refund will be issued for a cancelled transfer. Once a transfer has been processed, refund for the original booking will not be issued. Refunds or transfers are not available less than 14 days before the event date. Confirmation of cancellations MUST be in writing and sent to [email protected]

For any other queries, please get in touch at events@civilsociet

Terms & Conditions

Substitution and cancellation policy: On receipt of your booking form, your place is confirmed. Delegate substitutions are allowed. Up to and including 14 days prior to the event, a refund (less a 15% administration fee), or one complimentary transfer to another training date can be issued. Only one complimentary transfer can be issued, no refund will be issued for a cancelled transfer.  Once a transfer has been processed, refund for the original booking will not be issued. Refunds or transfers are not available less than 14 days before the event date. Confirmation of cancellations MUST be in writing and sent or faxed to Civil Society Media at 15 Prescott Place, London, SW4 6BS 020 7819 1200 (fax: 020 7819 1210).