OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-12-31-accounts

»

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

10 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

11 Debtors

11 Debtors
2024 - 2023
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Prepayments and accrued income 13,674 -
12 Creditors: amounts falling due within oneyear
2024 2023
£ £
Accrualsanddeferredincome 744 744

13 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used.

At 1 January Incoming Resources At31
2024 resources expended December
2024
£ £ £ £
General funds 77,405 30,397 (26,036) 81,766
Previous year: At 1 January Incoming Resources At31
2023 resources expended December
2023
£ £ £ £
Generalfunds 73,147 34,780 (30,522) 77,405

14 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).

-11-

¢

"

aa

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

7

Charitable Charitable
Expenditure Expenditure
2024 2023
£ £
Directcosts
R&D: Student/conference support 13,234 12,292
R&D: Study groups 6,142 3,558
Prizes 280 842
Newsletters 1,050 1,400
Data protection registration 35 35
Website communications 223 149
Executive committee expenses 1,575 1,525
Affilitated associate membership 1,758 705
Hardshipfund - Ukraine - 8,000
Event promotion ‘ 344 438
Independent examiner's fees 744 744
Postage 91 -
Bankcharges 560 834
26,036 30,522
Analysis byfund
Unrestricted funds 26,036 30,522
Netmovement in funds 2024 2023
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable forthe independent examination ofthe charity's financial
statements 744 744

8 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration during the year, but 4 were reimburseda total of £1,575 for expenses incurred (2023- 3 were reimbursed £1,525).

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
.
Total - -

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

-10-

»

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

2 Critical accounting estimates 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 relevant. 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.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2024 2023
£ £
Book royalties 298 336
Membershipfees 20,703 20,822

The Association has no restrictions against any of its income and is available to be used for the furtherance of the Society's normal activities.

Charitable Charitable
income Income
Conference Conference
2024 2023
£ £
Surplus on annual conference 9,019 13,314
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Interest receivable 377 308

eee

-9-

¢

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

(Continued)

Each member of the Association shall pay an annual subscription, the amount of which shall be determined from time to time at the Annual General Meeting of the Association. The subscription for associate members shall be less than the full subscription. Membership may be terminated by a decision of the committee for nonpayment of the annual subscription or other good cause.

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

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 Financial instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally 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.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including 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 classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

-8-

»

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Charity information

British Association of Slavonic and East European Studies is a registered Charity. The charity's objective is to advance the education, for the public benefit in the United Kingdom, in the humanities and social sciences as they relate to the Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” ("FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of lreland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. ; The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following 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 but which has since been withdrawn. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. oy re The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives. Restricted funds are subject to specific 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 the financial statements. Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

eee -7-

¢

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 11 13,674 -
Cash at bank and in hand 68,836 78,149
82,510 78,149
Creditors: amounts falling due within 12
one year (744) (744)
Netcurrentassets 81,766 77,405
The funds ofthe charity
Unrestricted funds 13 81,766 77,405
81,766 77,405

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 22/0/25

Prof Katharine Hodgson Trustee

-6-

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

eee

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donationsandlegacies 3 21,001 21,158
Charitable activities
Investments		 4
5		 9,019
377		 13,314
308
Total income 30,397 34,780
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 6 26,036 30,522
Total expenditure 26,036 30,522
Netincomeandmovementinfunds 4,361 4,258
Reconciliation offunds:
Fund balances at 1 January2024 77,405 73,147
Fundbalancesat31December2024 81,766 77,405

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

SSeS

-5-

é

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

| report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of British Association of Slavonic and East European Studies (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Responsibilities and basis 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 Charities Act 2011.

| report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination | have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. | understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the

examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011. 2 _ the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

----- Start of picture text -----
| cew 8 ls
----- End of picture text -----

Law & Co

Pool House, Arran Close 106 Birmingham Road Great Barr B43 7AD Birmingham | Date: ...ccsccccse DLO Jar

-4-

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity's current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

Major risks

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

Structure, governance and management

The charity was established on 27 November 1991.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Prof. Matthias Neumann

Dr Zoe Knox Dr Jan Gryta Dr Olena Palko Dr Victoria Hudson Prof Katharine Hodgson

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

As the leading Learned Society in the UK concerned with the study of Russia and Eastern Europe, BASEES has a high profile which enables it to attract leading figures to serve as trustees. The Society also makes a deliberate attempt to recruit younger scholars in order to help them develop their careers and ensure that BASEES trustees have a wide range of experiences and perspectives. The Society advertises vacancies in its Newsletter and Bulletin. Existing members of the Committee also approach possible trustees directly where they are believed to have particular aptitudes or expertise. New trustees are provided with a briefing about their responsibilities.

Organisational structure

Trustees meet as a Committee twice a year at the Annual Conference (in April) and at a meeting in London. They review reports from office hoiders (President, Treasurer, etc). The BASEES Secretary asks in advance 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 international cooperation and liaison work with government agencies and 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 relevant activity has taken place). Smaller groups of trustees also meet from time to time to deal with particular issues ranging from Conference organisation through to financial planning (any conclusions or developments being outlined in the reports noted earlier). The BASEES AGM is held at the April Conference. Members attending the Conference are asked to approve the accounts and the appointment of auditors as well as being given an opportunity to comment on the reports of office-holders. They are also encouraged to raise any issues of interest and concern. Both the Bulletin and the Newsletter are used to ‘cascade out’ information to the wider membership of BASEES.

The report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Prof Katharine Hodgson

Trustee

Date: At) 10/ 25

-3-

é

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

The charity's activities increased markedly in 2024, owing to sustained interest in the countries of the former Soviet Union, an increase in membership, and a return to research activities in most parts of the region after the hiatus enforced by the pandemic, among other factors. The Trustees were delighted at the volume of research activities and range of scholarly pursuits that the charity was able to support. An increase in the number of members enabled BASEES to allocate additional funds to support research. The Executive Committee made the decision to particularly support projects by the postgraduate research (PGR) students and early career researchers (ECRs) among its membership. This was reflected in the Research and Development Committee’s awards in 2024.

Financial review

BASEES holds a cash reserve in order to allow it to take advantage of strategic opportunities as they arise (e.g. cohosting 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 pattern of expenditure makes it difficult to identify a proper level of cash reserves, but at the moment the organisation seeks to hold a reserve of between £50,000 and £75,000 at the end of each financial year, although this figure is reviewed annually es

-2-

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's Constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice, “Accounting and Reporting by Charities", (FRS102) effective 1 January 2019.

Objectives and activities

The charity's objects are to advance education for the public benefit in the United Kingdom in the humanities and in the social sciences as they relate to the former Soviet Union and the countries of Eastern Europe.

The executive committee devotes much of its time to overseeing the regular activities of BASEES. These include organising the annual conference; supporting the BASEES study groups; providing small grants through our Research & Development Committee to support the research of postgraduate members, and to help others organise small conferences; and providing news and information to members through our website, the newsletter and our new BASEES e-mail list.

Members of the BASEES committee attend meetings organised by the Research Councils, by the Academy of Social Sciences, the British Academy, and by other national professional and governmental organisations at which . they represent 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 with the relevant government or national body as appropriate. We are an officially recognised nominating organisation for the Academy of Social Sciences and for the HEFCE Research Excellence Framework and carry out our duties in this capacity as and when required. We are sometimes called upon to represent the interests of British scholars when they encounter problems or issues relating to their research within the countries which our organisation considers as being within its remit. This will involve making representations to the consulate, the embassy or other national government offices of the country concerned.

BASEES trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

-1-

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

CONTENTS

----- Start of picture text -----
Page
Report 1-3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7-11
----- End of picture text -----

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Prof. Matthias Neumann Dr Zoe Knox Dr Jan Gryta Dr Olena Palko Dr Victoria Hudson Prof Katharine Hodgson

Charity number (England and Wales) 1006263

Principal address

Director of Employability School of History University of East Anglia Norwich Research Park Norwich NR4 7TJ

Independent examiner

Law & Co Pool House, Arran Close 106 Birmingham Road Great Barr Birmingham B43 7AD

’

.

.

:

Charity registration number 1006263

BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SLAVONIC AND EAST EUROPEAN STUDIES

.

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024