The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy will now provide the secretariat to the committee which advises on the Statement of Recommended Practice governing charity accountancy, the two British charity regulators announced today.

The Charity Commission and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator are the joint Sorp-making bodies and previously provided the secretariat, which included preparing technical briefing papers for the committee and drafting the text of the Sorp. However, the two bodies have decided to outsource this role due to declining resources.

Cipfa, the accountancy body for public services, was awarded a three-year contract in July, with an option to extend by two years. It will take up the role in September.  Cipfa were also awarded a related subcontract to print, publish, and distribute the Sorps.

The Charity Commission and the OSCR will remain the Sorp-making bodies, as recognised by the Financial Reporting Council. The Sorp will still be freely downloadable from both websites.

Rob Whiteman, Cipfa’s chief executive, said: “As a registered charity ourselves, we put the highest priority on promoting the public interest.

“This is great opportunity for Cipfa to use its financial expertise and experience to further develop financial assurance and probity in the third sector and to provide advice and guidance on accounting best practice.”