Insolvency

Insolvency is something to be avoided at all costs because:
A. There may be significant trustee liability, even in an incorporated organisation; and
B. Closing down an insolvent organisation is much more arduous and costly than closing down a solvent one

There are two basic tests for insolvency:
• The cash-flow test: you will fail this if you are unable to pay your debts when they fall due – now or in the foreseeable future (usually taken to mean the next 12 months).
• The balance sheet test: you will fail this if your total assets are less than your total liabilities (if you think you may have to close down in the foreseeable future, you need to include the cost of this in calculating your liabilities).

You need to be able to pass both tests.

If you think insolvency is a danger, this should be a major concern for the whole Board. You need to:
• be clear about trustee liability
• be clear about all your contractual obligations
• be clear what your general reserves will cover (x months’ operating costs)
• ensure you are maintaining a cash flow forecast, updated monthly
• carry out a formal risk assessment
• consider taking specialist advice

It is worth noting that the Insolvency Service Redundancy Payments Office will pay out moneys owed to employees of insolvent companies and individuals but not unincorporated associations. In the case of an unincorporated association, a redundant employee would need to pursue individual trustees for any moneys owed.

Free Insolvency Help Line
NCVO, in partnership with the Charity Finance Directors Group (CFDG) and insolvency experts MacIntyre Hudson and PricewaterhouseCoopers are working together to open up CFDG’s Insolvency Helpline to provide support and benefit to the wider sector. The free insolvency help line provides specialist support for Voluntary and Community Organisaitons in financial crisis.

For more detailed guidance see:
• Avoid insolvency (Business Link)
• The Insolvency Service (Central Government)