The James Caird Society
Financial Statements For the year ended 30 June 2025 Charity number: 1044864
The James Caird Society
Index to the Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2025
| Pages | |
|---|---|
| Report of the trustees | 2 to 5 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 6 to 7 |
| Statement of financial activities | 8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10 to 14 |
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The James Caird Society
Report of the Trustees of The James Caird Society for the year ended 30 June 2025
The Committee of The James Caird Society, acting as Trustees, present their Annual Report for the year ended 30 June 2025.
The Trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the Society have been prepared in accordance with 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 Ireland (FRS 102).
The James Caird Society is a registered charity, number 1044864. Its registered office is Dulwich College, London SE21 7LD.
The Committee during the year was: The Hon. Alexandra Shackleton Rear Admiral Nick Lambert Mr Tim Winter Mr Richard Andrews Mr Stephen Scott-Fawcett (resigned 24 November 2024) Mr David McLean Mr Roger Slade Mrs Dorothy Wright Mr Seb Coulthard Mr Brad Borkan Mr Lee Kenny
(President) (Chairman) (Hon Secretary) (Hon Treasurer)
At the AGM in November 2024, Dr Andy Kinniburgh retired from the Committee and Mr Lee Kenny was appointed to the Committee. Mr Scott-Fawcett resigned from the Committee on 24 November 2024.
Nature and Purpose of the Charity
The James Caird Society was established in 1994. It is the only institution that exists to preserve the memory, honour the remarkable feats of discovery in the Antarctic and commend the outstanding qualities of leadership associated with the name of Sir Ernest Shackleton, KCVO (1874-1922), especially during the ill-fated but glorious Endurance Expedition.
A vital part of the Society’s role also includes supporting projects, usually expeditions, which emulate the spirit of Shackleton, in particular of the Endurance Expedition. In the past few years the Society has made donations to a number of such projects deemed to have put Shackleton’s Leadership into Action.
There have been no changes to the objectives of the Society during the year.
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The James Caird Society
Report of the Trustees of The James Caird Society for the year ended 30 June 2025 (cont.)
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Society’s aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
Constitution
The Society’s constitution was established in 1994. During 2003 it was revised and the amended constitution was endorsed at the 2003 AGM. It was approved by the Charity Commission in 2004.
Review of activities in the year
Committee
All committee members are willing to continue to serve the Society until the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election under the current rules.
Membership
During the year the Society gained 48 new members and lost 29. At 30 June 2025 the Society had 541 members including 66 from overseas.
Events
The 2024 Annual General Meeting was held on 1 November 2024. At the reception following the meeting the Hon Alexandra Shackleton presented the inaugural Shackleton Award for Leadership to a student who attends one of the Dulwich College Partnership Schools. 150 members and guests then listened to a talk by John Geiger, the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and leader of the successful expedition in 2024 to locate Shackleton’s last ship Quest.
In May 2025 148 members and guests attended a reception and Dinner. At the reception the Hon Alexandra Shackleton was presented with a certificate and citation to recognise the grant of an Honorary Fellowship by The Royal Scottish Geographical Society in honour of her lifetime of commitment to the discipline of geography and especially, to promoting the understanding of her ancestor’s work and story. The members and guests then listened to a talk entitled “The Non-Existent Islands of the Southern Ocean: Their history and geography” given by Bob Headland, a long-time member of the Society and a senior associate of the Scott Polar Research Institute.
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The James Caird Society
Report of the Trustees of The James Caird Society for the year ended 30 June 2025 (cont.)
Donations made by The Society
No donations were made by the Society in 2025 but in line with its commitment made in 2023, it is developing a plan with Dulwich College to invest £6,200 in Sail Training experiences for pupils of the Dulwich College and Southwark Schools Learning Partnership. Pupils will be selected based on their leadership qualities in the spirit of Shackleton.
Communication
The Society issues annual Newsletters covering its activities and publicising future Events. The Society also publishes occasional Journals.
More information about the Society as well as a publications archive can be found on its website www.jamescairdsociety.com.
Financial Review
The Society’s results for the year are set out on page 8. The statement of financial activities shows a surplus for the year of £4,913 (2024: deficit of £5,985). Total funds at 30 June 2025 stood at £29,256 (30 June 2024: £24,343).
Subscriptions
The Society maintained the subscription rates at £20 for annual membership, £55 or $100 for three years and £100 or $200 for six years.
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have a policy of ensuring reserves are sufficient to cover administration expenses for six months and to provide newsletters and information for the period of members’ subscriptions. At 30 June 2025 £8,074 of the total fund balance relates to forward subscriptions (30 June 2024: £5,885).
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The James Caird Society
Report of the Trustees of The James Caird Society for the year ended 30 June 2024 (cont.)
Independent Examiner
Susan Robinson BA FCA FCIE DChA 20 Lychfield Drive, ME2 3LY
Bankers
Bank of Scotland, London EC2P 2EH
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and its income and application of resources for that period. In preparing these financial statements the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS102);
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make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK accounting standards (FRS102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with The Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the Board of Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:
Richard Andrews, Honorary Treasurer The James Caird Society Dated: 15[th] September 2025
Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees of The James Caird Society
I report to the Charity Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 30 June 2025, which are set out on pages 8 to 14.
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirement of The Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable directions given by The Charities Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: 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 (FRS102) 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 been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or that the financial statements:
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do not accord with those records; or
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do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements give a “true and fair” view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I 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.
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The James Caird Society
Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees of The James Caird Society (cont.)
This report is made solely to the Charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity’s Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity’s Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report.
Signed:
Dated: 15 September 2025
Susan Robinson BA FCA FCIE DChA 20 Lychfield Drive ME2 3LY
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The James Caird Society
Statement of financial activities For the year ended 30 June 2025
| Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies: Donations received 4 Subscriptions Gift Aid Other Charitable activities: Dinner income TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE Charitable activities 5 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Total funds at beginning of year TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR |
2025 2024 2024 2024 Total Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Total £ £ £ £ 5,341 23,393 3,785 27,178 11,205 - 7,399 7,399 1,372 - 1,077 1,077 328 - 123 123 19,409 - 17,739 17,739 |
|---|---|
| 37,655 23,393 30,123 53,516 32,742 23,393 36,108 59,501 |
|
| 32,742 23,393 36,108 59,501 |
|
| 4,913 - (5,985) (5,985) 24,343 - 30,328 30,328 |
|
| 29,256 - 24,343 24,343 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 10 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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The James Caird Society
Balance sheet
As at 30 June 2025
| Notes | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||
| CURRENT ASSETS | |||
| Debtors | 8 | 1,352 | 1,455 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 37,205 | 22,888 | |
| 38,557 | 24,343 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due | |||
| within one year | 9 | 9,301 | - |
| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 29,256 | 24,343 | |
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 29,256 | 24,343 | |
| FUNDS | |||
| Unrestricted funds | 10 | 29,256 | 24,343 |
| Restricted funds | - | - | |
| TOTAL FUNDS | 29,256 | 24,343 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 15[th] September 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
Richard Andrews Honorary Treasurer
The notes on pages 10 to 14 form part of these financial statements.
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The James Caird Society
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 June 2025
1. General information
The James Caird Society is an unincorporated charity in England and Wales, number 1044864. Its registered office is Dulwich College, London SE21 7LD. The principal objective of the Charity is educating the public, both in the United Kingdom and overseas, in all aspects of the expeditions made by Sir Ernest Shackleton to Antarctica. There have been no changes to the objectives of the Society during the year.
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation
The financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice for the application of the Financial Reporting Standard to charities (FRS 102).
The financial Statements have been prepared to give a true and fair view and on a going concern basis. The Society meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
2.2 Going Concern
The Trustees believe the use of going concern is appropriate based on an assessment of events or conditions that might pertain over a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation for release of the Financial Statements.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Society has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and it can be measured reliably.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Subscriptions are recognised when received; this includes subscriptions that cover up to six years of membership.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to a third party and the amount can be measured reliably.
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The James Caird Society
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 June 2025
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably.
2.6 Taxation
The Society is considered to meet the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes as set out in Paragraph 1, Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010.
2.7 Debtors
Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount.
2.8 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.9 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement and it can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt.
2.10 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes.
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Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 June 2025
The James Caird Society
3. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Charity does not currently have any significant accounting estimates or areas of judgement.
4. Donations received
These mainly consist of donations to help cover the cost of the Society’s Journal. In 2024 donations included £23,393 to cover the cost of the Memorial to The Boss in Westminster Abbey unveiled in February 2025 on the 150[th] Anniversary of his birth.
5. Charitable activities
| Westminster Abbey Memorial costs* Donation to Dundee Heritage Trust Newsletter Journal Website James Caird Society banner Printing, stationery and secretarial Dinner expenditure |
2025 £ - - 3,497 7,715 900 - 941 19,689 32,742 |
2024 £ 27,707 2,000 4,464 6,588 900 744 871 16,227 |
|---|---|---|
| 59,501 |
*£23,393 of this expenditure was treated as restricted.
The £2,000 donation to the Dundee Heritage Trust in 2024 was to support The Hope Point Cross Appeal.
6. Trustees and related parties
No Trustees received any remuneration or benefits (2024: £nil).
Four Trustees received reimbursed expenses totalling £1,690 (2023: £3,012 to four Trustees) mainly in respect of dinner, journal, secretarial and postage costs.
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7. Employees
The Society has no employees.
8. Debtors
| Gift Aid May 2024 Dinner overpayment |
2025 £ 1,352 - 1,352 |
2024 £ 1,071 383 |
|---|---|---|
| 1,454 |
The Society has claimed £1,352 from HM Revenue & Customs by way of Gift Aid in respect of notional tax paid on subscriptions and donations made by members during the year to 30 June 2025.
9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Accrued Dinner costs 10. Statement of funds Balance at beginning of year Income Expenditure Transfer Balance at end of year Balance at beginning of year Income Expenditure Balance at end of year |
2025 2024 £ £ 9,301 - 2025 2025 2025 Unrestricted Designated Total £ £ £ 24,343 24,434 37,655 37,655 (32,742) (32,742) (6,200) 6,200 - |
|
|---|---|---|
| 23,056 6,200 29,256 |
||
| 2024 2024 2024 Restricted Unrestricted Total £ £ £ - 30,328 30,328 23,393 30,123 53,516 (23,393) (36,108) (59,501) |
||
| - 24,343 24,343 |
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The funds carried forward are unrestricted and are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity. The designated fund is for Sail Training experiences for pupils of the Dulwich College and Southwark Schools Learning Partnership. The restricted fund in 2024 was a contribution to the Sir Ernest Shackleton memorial at Westminster Abbey.
11. Related party transactions
The Charity has not entered into any related party transactions during the financial year (2024: £nil) and there are no balances outstanding with any related parties at the balance sheet date (2024: £nil).
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