GovWire

Legal duty to submit an annual return

By 1 June every year (unless the Certification Office (CO) has agreed a different submission date), every employers association must send to the CO:

• an annual return (using annual return form AR27)
• a copy of the organisations governing document (for example articles of association, a constitution or memorandum of understanding)

The annual return provides information on:

• officers in post
• the associations finances
• membership
• the auditors report

As the CO has a duty to provide public access to annual returns, she will publish the annual return and the governing documents on her website.

Failure to submit an annual return

It is a criminal offence to refuse or neglect to submit an annual return. Contact the COs team as early as possible if you think your organisation may struggle to complete form AR27 or submit it on time.

Email: info@certoffice.org

Telephone: 0330 109 3602

Download annual return form AR27

You must use form AR27 to submit your employers associations annual return.

The form does not have to be manually signed. You can use an electronic signature.

Download technical guidance on how to complete AR27 (ODT, 30.6 KB)

Download Annual Return (AR27) (MS Excel Spreadsheet, 340 KB)

How to submit your annual return

Email your return to: returns@certoffice.org

Include the name of the employers association in your email subject.

You should send:

• the completed form AR27
• a copy of your governing documents for the relevant year

You can contact the COs team for advice on preparing or submitting your return.

Email: info@certoffice.org

Telephone: 0330 109 3602