Charfty reglstratlon number 1006263 BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION Tte Prof. Matihias Neumann Dr Zoe Knox Dr Jan Gryta Dr Olena Palko Dr Victoria Hudson Prof Katharine HcKlgson (Arpointed 1 April 2023) (Appa"nted 1 April 2023) Charlty number 1006263 Prfnclpal address Director of Employabilty SdK)ol of History Universrty of East Anglia NOr1¢h Research Park Norwich NR4 J Independént examln L&CO Pool House, AThan Close 106 8imiingham Road Great Barr Binningham B43 7AD
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES CONTENTS Page Report Ind?pendent examlnerfs report Statement of financlal actlvitles Balance sheet Notes to the finandal statements 8-12
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The trustees present their annual report arKI ffinartial StatMents for the year ended 31 Dernber 2023. The accounts have been prepared in acc(dan *ith the accounting poliries set (xrt in note 1 to tre accounts and comply with the charitYs Constitution, the Charities Ad 2011 and the Statement of ReCommded Praclice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. (FRS102) effeclive 1 January 2019. Objectives and acllvities The charity's objects are to advance education ft)r the public benefft in the United Kingdom in the humanities and in the social sciences as they relate to the fonner Soviet Union and the countries of Eastem Europe. The executive committee devotes muth of its time to overseeir¥J the regular adivities of BASEES. ThwJe include organising the annLAI conferen. supporting BASEES study groups: providing small grants through our Research & Development Committee to support the research of postgraduate Memb5, arNI lo help others organise small conferences: and providing news and infomiatr'on to members through our website. the rewsletter and our new BASEES e-mail list Members of BASEES thmmitteé attend MeIng$ (Kganised by the Research COU11$. by the Academy of Social Sciences, the British Academy. and by otrRr national professional and govemmental organisations at which they repsent the views of their members. lobby on behalf of them and report back to them on developments taking place at a national level. We also take up particular issues that our members raise with us and pursue them with their institutions, or wth the relevant govemment or national body as appropriate. We are an offiaally recognised nominating organisation for the Academy of So(ial Sciences and for the HEFCE Research Excellen Framework and carry out our duties in this capacity as and vthen required. We are sometimes called upon to represent the Interests of British scholars when they encounter problems or issues relating to their research witrnn the countries which our organisation considers as beirwJ ¥thin its remiL This will involve making representations to consulate. the embassy or other national govemmenl offices of the (nty Ccerned. 8ASEES trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefft. Public beneft The trustees have paid due regard lo guidarr£ issued by the Charity cMiSsion in deciding what activities the chan'ty should undertake.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Achiavements and performance Signifan¢ activifies and achievements against objectives BASEES activities in 2023 gained momentum across the year to eventually surpass pr&pandemic levels. The Trustees are delighted at the increase in the volume of research activities and scholarly pursuits Ihat the charity supports. An increase in the number of members has enabled BASEES to allocate additional funds to support its objectives. The principal activities of the association during 2023 included the following: Holding the annual conferen, which took place at the University of Glasgow from 31 March to 2 April 2023. It was a huge success as researchers and students from across the UK and around the world gathered together. The option of presenting remotely allowed scholars abroad without funds to travel to present their research to new audiences. Continuing to condemn Russian aggression and offering support for Ukrainian colleagues and others in the region targeted for opposing the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Introducing a number of inttiatives to support Ukrainian researchers. most notably a non-residential fellowship scheme for scholars in the humanities and social sciences based in Ukraine. Eight fellowships were awarded to support their intellectual activities. In addition to receiving stipends, the reciptents were given BASEES membership and invited to showcase their research in various forums, including a dedicated seminar series. Supporting PhD students and Early Career Researchers {ECRs) by holding online events to guide them with research projects. This remains particularfy important given the challenges of conducting research on the region and the need to rethink established approaches. Rewarding and encouraging scholarship in the area through a range of prizes, including the Alexander Nove Prize, George Blazyca Prize, Women's Forum prizes, and the Postgraduate Prizes. Supporting the BASEES Women's Forum in its efforts to recognise and reward scholarship on women and gender and encourage and support women in the field. Continuing support for a wide range of research projects through Research and Development funding. This included funding or part-funding research events (such as conference attendancè) and activities (such as fieldwork and archival trlps) and was particularfy focused on supporting postgraduate research. Maintaining input into and membership of a number of learned societies, among them the Intemational Council for Central and East European Studies and the Academy of Social Sciences. Members of the Executive Committee represented BASEES at meetings. conferences. and congresses. Facilitating stholarly exchange through the support of BASEES Study Groups. A wide range of Study Groups advance research on dedicated areas, and these have become very adive since the pandemic. Producing a quarterly neVletter and frequent Bulletins designed to keep members infonned of important developments in Russian and East European studies in the UK and continental Europe. as well as providtng feedback from the various policy and other forums with which the Association vras engaged during the year. Continuing engagement th research coundls, the British Academy and other organisations that rewe8ent and support the humanities and social sciences in the UK. Planning the annual conference for 2024. to be held in Cambrldge. Flnanclal revlew BASEES holds a cash r&serve in order to allow it to take advantage of strategic opportunities as they arise (e.g. c hosting conferences, under-writing certain activities where the return is uncertain, etc). The reserve also allows the organisation to be confident that it could fund an unexpected deficit on any of its activities (for example a deficit on the annual conference). The uneven pattem of expenditure makes it drfficult to identify a proper level of cash reseNes, but at the moment the organisation seeks to hold a reserve of belween £50.000 and £75.000 at the end of each financial year, although this figure is rewewed annually
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES REPORT ICONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Resernes policy It is the policy of the charity that unrestrithd fijnds wtrich have not been designated for a speafic use should be maintsined at a level equivalent io belween three and six month's expenditure. The trustees considw that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding. they will be able to continue the charitys current activities while consideration is given to ways in which addits.onal funds may be raised. This level of reser¥es has been maintained throLKJh¢xrt the year. Maiorrisks The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the tharity is èxposed, and a satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks. Structure, governance and management The chanty Wds established on 27 November 1991. The trustees who served during the year up to the date of SKJnature of the financial statements were: Prof. Matthias Neumann Dr Zoe Knox Dr Ben Phillips Dr Jan Gryta Dr Olena Palko Dr Victoria Hudson Prof Katharine Hodgson (Resigned 1 April 2023) (Appointed 1 April 2023) (Appointed 1 Wil 2023) Recruitment and appointment of tnths As the leading Leamed Society in tr* UK corwrRd with the &udy of Russia and Eastem Europe, BASEES has high profile which enables it to attract leading figures to serve as trustees. The Society also makes a deliberate attempt to recruit youngw scholars in order lo help them develop their careers arKI ensure that BASEES trustees have a wide range of experiences and perspectives. The Society advertises vacancies in its Newsletter and Bulletln. E¥isting members of the Commtttee also approach p0sble trustees directly where they are believed to have particular apbtudes or experts"se. New truslees are provid8d 7th a briefing about their respor)sibilities. Ooanisational stnKture Trustees meet as a Committee twice a year at the Annual Conference (in April) and at a meeting in LorKlon. They review reports from Offi holders (PresKlen( Treasurer. elc). The BASEES Secretary asks in advan for any agenda items deemed of particular importance by trustees. Both the April and November meetings typically consider both operational and policy issues (in the latter case regarding such issues as intemational cooperation and liaison work with govemment agencies arKI similar bodies). A smaller group meets regularly (usually virtually) to discuss application for research support (the results are then communicated to the Treasurer who authorised payment when the relevanl activty has taken Fl). Smaller groups of trustees also meet from time to time to de with particular issues ranging from Corrference organisation through to financial planning {any conclusions or developments being outlined in reports noted earlier). The BASEES AGM is held at the April Conferen. Members attending the COnfence are asked to approve the accounts and the appointment of altorS a8 V11 as being given an opportunity to comment on the reports of officfrholders. They are also encouraged to raise any issues of interest and concem. 80th the Bulletin and the Newsletter are used to 'cascade out. informalion to ihe wider membership of BASEES.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 The reF)Ort was approved by the Board of Trustees. Prof Katharine Hodgson Trustee Date..
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES I report to the trustees on my examination of the finan(ial statements of British Association of Slavonic and Ea81 European Studies (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2023. Responsibilltles and basls of report As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the CharitiesAct 2011 (the 2011 Act). I report in respect of my examination of the charivs financial ststements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying OLrt my examinalion I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission urKler section 145{5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Independent examlnerfs statement Your attention is dravm to the fact that the charity has prepared financial ststements in accwdartt wilh Accounting d Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordan with Financial Rewrting Standard applicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in FTrference to the Accounti and Repoiting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issld on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extsnl regulations tKrt has now been withdrawn. l understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted AccountirKJ Prndice effective for reporti pwiods begiming on or after 1 January 2015. I have completed my examinalion. I confimi that no matters have come lo rny attention in cOnCli0n with the examination giviNJ me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act: or the ffinanaal statements do not accord with those records,. or the financial statements do not comply with the applicable reqU1MentS concerning the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts arKI Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view vthith is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examination. I have no cOnmS and have come across Th) otr*r matters in connection with examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a woper undwstsndirg of the finanaal ststemerts to be reached. Law&Co Pool House. Arran Close 106 Binningham Road Great Ba B43 7AD Birniingham Dated: . i<I..,,..Izy
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Unrestricted Unrnstrfcted funds funds 2023 2022 Notes Income from: Donations and legacies Charitae activities Investments 21.158 13.314 308 18.408 10,018 52 Total income 34,780 28.478 Expenditurn on: Charitable activities 30.522 26.384 Total expendlture 30.522 26.384 Net Income and movement In funds 4.258 2.094 Reconciliation of funds: Fund balances at 1 January 2023 73,147 71.053 Fund balanc88 at 31 December 2023 77,405 73,147 The ststement of finanaal activities indudes all gains arKI losses re(x)gnised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing adivitses.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023 2023 2022 Notas Current assets Debtors Cash at bank ar in hand 11 4,391 69.500 78.149 78,149 73,891 Creditors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 12 (744) (744) Net current assets 77,405 73,147 Net assets excludlng penslon Ilability 77,405 73,147 The funds ofthe charlty Unrestricted funds 77,405 73,147 77,405 73,147 The financial statements were approved by the trustees on .... Prof Katharlne Hodgson Trustee
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Accountlng pollcles Charity inforniatlon British Association of Slavonic and East European Stu(fies is a registered Charity. The charitys objective is to advance the education. for the public benefit in the United Kingdom. in the humanits'es and social sciences as they relate to the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastem Europe. 1.1 Accountlng conventlon The finanaal statements have been prepared in accordance %Mth the tharitys goveming document. the Charities Act 2011. FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" ('FRS 102.) and the Charitses SORP °Accounting and Reportiro by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparirvJ their accounts in accordance viith the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)° (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Publtc Benefft Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charli1 not to prepare a Statanent of Cash Flows. The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Ac(x)unts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair ifjew. This departure has involved followrvJ the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations txrt which has since been thithdrawn. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, whlch is the fundional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial ststements have been prepared urKler the hIstle81 cost conventM)n. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out beltrw. 1.2 Golng concern At the time of approving the financial slatements. tr trustees have a reasonable expeclation that the charity has adequate resources to c(xrtinue in operational existerKe for the foreseeable future. Thus the trLtslees continue to adopt the going concem basbs of accounting in preparing the firk3rKial statements. 1.3 Charltable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable obj'ectives. Restricted furKls are suL4"ect to speafic conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to Ihe financial slatements. Endovmient funds are subject to speafic conditsons by donors thal the ca1 must be maintained by the charity. 1.4 Income Income is recognised vthen the charity is legally entitled to it after any perfomiance conditions have been met. the amounts C be measured reliably. and it is wobable that income will be rer£ived. Cash donations are recognised on receipL Other donatiorts are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless perfomiance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tsx recoverable in relats'on to donalions received under Gift Aid (x deeds of covenant is recognised at Ihe time of the donation. Legacies are recognised on receipt or (therwise rf the tharity has been n()tified of an impending dtstrlbution. the amunt Is known. arKI receipt is expeded. If the amount is nol known, the legacy is treated as contingent asset.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Accountlng pollcles (Continued) Each member of the Association shall pay an annual subscription. the amount of which shall be detennined from time to time at the Annual General Meeting of the Association. The subscription for associata members shall be less than the full subscription. Membership may be tenninated by a decision of the mmIttee for non- payment of the annual subscription or other good cause. 1.5 Expend5ture Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third paty, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. 1.6 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand. deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities. 1.7 Flnanclal Instruments The charity has elected to appty the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 'Other Finanaal Instruments Issues. of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when Ihe charity becomes paty to the contraciual provisions of the instnjment. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts wesented in the financial statements, vthen there is a allY enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Baslc ffnanclal assets Basic financial assets. which indude debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price indudlng transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classifsed as receivable within one year are not amortised.. Baslc flnanclal Ilabllltles Basic finanaal liabl1'es, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unl85S the arrangement conSt[leS a finanang transaction. where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest Financial liabilities classffied as payable within one year are not amorti8ed. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost. using the effective interest rate method. Trade credltors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operatlons from suppllers. Amounts payable are classlfied as current Ilabilltles ff payment is due thin one year or less. If not. they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction prlce and subsequenlly measured at amortised cost using the effectlve interest method. Derecognition of finanual liabilities Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Gharity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Crltlcal accounting estimatss and judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be rdevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. Donatlons and lega¢l•s Unrestricted Unrestricted funds funds general general 2023 2022 Book royalties Membership fees 336 20,822 388 18,020 The Association has no restrictions against any of its income and is available to be used for the furtheran of Ihe Society's nomial activities. Charftable actlvltles Charitable Charltable Income Income Conferencg Conference 2023 2022 Surplus on annual conference 13.314 10.018 Income from Investments Unrestrlctsd Unrestrlcted funds funds 2023 2022 Interest receivable 308 52 10-
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Expendlturo on charltsble actlvltles Charltable Charltable Expendlture Expenditure 2023 2022 Dlrect Gosts R&D: Studenuconference support Executive committee costs R&D.' Study groups Prizes Newsletter Data protection reglstratlon Webslte Communlcations ExecutSve committee expenses Affiliated associate membership Hardshlp fund - Ukralne Event promotlon Independent examlnefs fees Postage Bank charges Sundry expenses 12,292 1.966 162 4.353 1,555 995 35 1,488 2.525 489 10,400 288 1,488 81 513 3.558 842 1,400 35 149 1,525 705 8,000 438 744 834 30,522 26,384 Analy818 by fund Unrestricted funds 30,522 28,384 Net movement In funds 2023 2022 The net movement in funds Is stated after charglngl(Gredltlng)'. Fees payable for the Independent examlnation of the charlty's financlal statements 744 744 Tru8t•es None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, but 3 were reimbursed a total of £1,525 for expenses incurred (2022- 2 yre reimbursed £2,525). Employees The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 2023 Number 2022 Number Total There were rK) employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60.000. 11
BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 10 Taxatlon The charity is exempt from taxation on its activitses because all rts income is applied for charitable purposes. 11 Debtord 2023 2022 Amounts falllng due wlthln one year. Prepayments and accrued income 4.391 12 Credltors: amounts falllng du• wlthln one year 2023 2022 Attruals arKI deferred income 744 744 13 Unrestrfcted funds The unrestrlcted funds of the charlty comprise the unexpended balances of donatlons and grants whlch are not subject to specific CndItIOnS by donors and grantors as to they may be used. At 1 January 2023 Incomlng Resources resources expanded At31 Decornber 2023 General funds 73.147 34.780 (30.522) 77.405 Prevlou8 year: At 1 January Incomlng Resources 2022 resour¢ expend At31 December 2022 General funds 71,053 28,478 (26,384) 73,147 14 Rolat•d party transactlons re were dlsdosabbe related party transadions durirKJ the year {2022 . rne). 12-