TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK Acom an limited b uarantee REGISTERED CHARITY NO 1096208 COMPANY NO 4556366 REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK CONTENTS Page Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiners. Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 9-12
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 The Trustees present their report and unaudited financial stalements for the year ended 31 March 2025. Reference and Administrative Information Charity name.. Teacher Scientist Network Charity registration number- 1096208 Company registration number.. 4556366 Registered office and operational address.. John Innes Centre Nowch Research Park Colney Norwch Norfolk NR4 7UH Tel: Norwich (01603) 450000 Twstees: Prof P Nicholson (chair) Prof K Roberts OBE Dr P H Smith MBE Directors.. Prof P Nicholson Dr P H Smith MBE Company Secretary: Dr P H Smith MBE Bankers: Barclays Bank PIC 5- 7 Red Lion Street Norwch Norfolk NR13QH Independent Examiner.. Tony Larner Chartered Certified Accountants 23 Station Road Sheringham Norfolk NR26 8RF
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 8 October 2002 and registered as a charity on 25 February 2003. The company was established Ltnder a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. At 31 March 2025 there were 12 members, each of whom were liable to contribute a sum not exceeding £1 if required in the event of the company being wound up. Appointment of Trustees The current Trustees may appoint a person who is willing to acl to be a Truslee, eilher to fill a vacancy or as an additional Trustee. There is no maximum number of Trustees set by the Memorandum and Articles of Association. A Trustee appointed in this way shall hold office only until the next following AGM when he or she must be re-appointed. Induction and training of Trustees On appointment to the Council, Trustees are provided with copies of.. The charity's constitution The latest accounts of the Charity and are encouraged to read Charity Commission guidan notes CC3-'Responsibilities of Charity Trustees. In addition. Trustees are encouraged to read Charity Commission and other newsletters and to attend courses designed to keep them abreast of their duties and responsibilities. Risk Management The Board understands thal long-term reliance on grant funding has risks. Despite efforts to secure more stable funding, grant funding and consultancy work remain our primary sources of income. The Board sees genuine signs of an improved financial position for the charity logether with positive activities and connections. The Teacher Scientist Neork'S (TSN) coordinator, and sole employee has continued to receive only part-time income (since September 2023). Organisational structure The Board of Trustees meets on a regular basis to monitor the progress of the Charity. lo make key decisions and to see that legal requirements such as those of the Registrar of Companies, the Charity Commissioners, and other regulatory bodies are adhered to. The Board of Trustees has delegated areas of responsibility to the Steering Group, including the day-to-day running of the Charity. These meelings have been limited across the last 12 months and returned to face to face meetings. During the year, the Charity was staffed by a coordinator (Dr Philip H Smith) who remained in part-time employment throughout the reporting period.
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES The objects of the charity are to promole education in and teaching of science in schools, colleges, universities and any other educational establishments mainly, but not exclusively, within the County of Norfolk. The TSN mission statement remains unchanged,. to enhance Scien in schools across Norfolk: Through the supportive involvement of the local science community in science education. By encouraging activities of mutual benefit to both scientific and educational communities. By providing support, advice and reSoUrS to the teachers and scientists involved in the nelwork. By regularly reviewing, adapting and updating activities in accordance with the changing needs of the neork'S members. Public benefit The Trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and review the position annually. TSN works with all schools who wish to work with us. Some remain loyal supporters year-on-year, sorne staff move schools and new staff in new schools also seek our services and are welcomed. TSN is generously hosted by in-kind support from the John Innes Centre (JIC). We are grateful for JIC'S ongoing support, providing space for our resources and the value they place in our activities. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Income and activities Throughout this reporting period, TSN'S coordinator has continued to be paid only a part-time wage {due to ongoing funding challenges). However, dedication to the role and careful time management has ensured that activity levels have remained high and income slreams active. The management of the Norwich hub for the Amgen Biotech Experience (on behalf of the University of Hertfordshire) has been a constant throughout these turbulent times with TSN coordinating and facilitating access to DNA technology experiments for the classroom for over 10 years. The project provides access to specialised equipment for Norfolk and Suffolk based schools and, through an additional role (UK CPD lead), provides teacher training across multiple sites. The project continues to grow and is now operating at 5 siles across the UK. With DNA technologies playing an ever more prominent role in our lives, boosling scientrfic literacy in these fields is vital and this begins in schools. Ensuring access for schools to high-quality resources continues to be a priority for the charity. This year we have continued to try to establish 'The Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Science Kit Club., (ORS 2023-12195). Supply of kits is being facilitated on a delivery-basis from our base in Norwich to schools in West Norfolk. Communication and connections with new schools is proving challenging and currently the project is running under-budget. Payment for year 1 was received in November 2024 {£2,996}. The project is due to run until July 2025 (managed by Grantscape on behalf of Orsted). Our core activity of supplying kits to member schools has continued, with a steady bul small increase in activity across the year. This has been enhanced by the ongoing availability of the Portable Planetarium (attracting schools who we haven't worked with before). Each year, new schools attend training and borrow the Planetarium for a week enabling their pupils to access a unique experience for very reasonable cost. The conclusion of our previous report for April 2023 - March 2024, reported success in securing funding to deliver online science communicalion workshops (for the European Geoscience Union, EGU - £2,293) and a significant role in the delivery of a new John Innes Foundation IJIF) funded Education Programme (managed by JIC). Both of these activities took place in the current reporting year and boosted our income significantly. The EGU workshops happening in November 2024 and the Teacher Conference {JIF funded) in March 2025.
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Income and activitles (contlnued) The Norfolk Science Teaching Conference held on 6th March 2025, saw almost 30 teachers, from primary and secondary schools, attend for a half-day CPD event at the John Innes Centre, Norwich. The event was considered a huge success as we married together key pedagogy with some inspiring plant science and were joined by outside speakers and leading CPD providers, Claire Seeley and Alan Denton. Feedback was positive and the event is set to be repeated in the coming years. We were able to support schools attending the conference this year, thanks to an additional £2,600 being provided by the funders. We offered schools a supply cover bursary towards costs of teachers being out-of-school (£100 per school) and many commented how this helped secure their attendance. Once again, TSN'S coordinator has supported the preparation and delivery of laboratory aspects of the Msc in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement (on behalf of JIC). This has contributed significantly to our income for the year1£9,700 in May 2024). TSN'S coordinalor conlinues as the Norfolk hub leader for the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM) mentoring primary Scien subject-leads through the process of achieving the award and supporting their professional developmenl. This programme now charges schools almost £900 and not surprisingly with the financial pressures faced by schools, participation from schools across Norfolk has dropped significantly. TSN has not managed a hub since Autumn 2023, and this income stream has dropped significantly with only a couple of workshops being provided (previously worth approximately £3,000). Despite this setback, a combination of good income from the other income streams highlighted above and Ihe part-time salary of TSN'S coordinator, TSN has markedly reduced its debt to JIC and their patience and understanding has seen TSN'S financial position improve steadily across the year. TSN was required to complete various auditing tasks by its bank, Barclays, (turing the year. For a small charity, these can be time consuming. The form filling and follow-up calls took in excess of 7 hours and I reported this to Barclays, who (surprisingly!) upheld my complaint and TSN received a £100 inconvenience payment at the end of the period. This small gesture and the positivity around the Teacher Conference and improving financial position has started to generate a true sense of optimism around our future activities and it is with renewed enthusiasm that we head towards another year. PERSONNEL ISSUES TSN was only able lo employ 1 person, its coordinator. Dr. Philip Smith during this reporting period (April 2024 - March 2025} and this was on part-lime basis (40% FfE). We value greatly the support of others, as either volunteers. hosts or partners enabling our activities to continue. STEERING GROUP ACTIVITY Regular meetings between TSN'S Chair and coordinator continue to monitor the funding challenge and Steering Group activity is being invigorated. FINANCIAL REVIEW Within unrestricted funds, incoming reSoUrS amounted to £40,014 and expenditure £21,085, resulting in net incoming resources of £18,929.
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Investment Powers Under the Memorandum and Articles of Associalion, the Trustees have the power lo invest the monies of the charity not immediately required for the furtherance of its objects in or upon such investments, securities or property as may be thought fit. This is not a consideration at this time. ReSenS Policy Whilst a policy of the Trustees to retain sufficient reserves to support the costs of operating the charity for a six- month period exists (approximately £26.000) this remains somewhat aspirational amidst our part-time operation. Plans for the Future TSN is able to report a significanl improvement in its end of year surplus,. the largest it has seen for several years. Although this has come aboul by both boosting income and the more timely drawing down of funds, alongside a decrease in resources expended principally by reducing the hours of its coordinator (and therefore salary costs). We have demonstrated good engagement wilh our core audiences and improved our financial management. We remain alert to opportunities lo support all schools across the county but continue to strive to secure funding in areas of key need I where funding calls appear to be concentraled, notably aroLJnd Norwich, Kings Lynn and Great Yarmouth. There remains the balancing act between delivery and the search for funding, and we genuinely believe TSN continues to fulfil a real need in our communily. Trustees Members of the Board of Directors, who are directors for the purpose of company law and Trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the date of this report are set out on page 1. By Order of the Board. Dr P H Smith Secretary 18 December 2025
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS, REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 We report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 7t012. RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILrriES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER The Trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Trustees consider that an audit is nol required for this year under seclion 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and Ihat an independent examination is needed. It is our responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act,. and to state whether particular matters have come to our attention BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS, REPORT Our examination was carried out in accordance wilh the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with Ihose records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS, STATEMENT In connection with our examination, no material matters have come to our attention which gives us cause lo believe that, in any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirernents concerning the form and content of accounts sel out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. We 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 accounts to be reached. Tony Larner Chartered Certrfied Accountants 23 Station Road Sheringharn Norfolk NR26 8RF 18 Dember 2025
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Notes General Restricted Fund Fund 2025 Total 2024 Total INCOMING RESOURCES Income from generated funds: Voluntary income 11,163 11.163 Income from charitable activities: Charitable activities Membership fees Planetarium hire Biotechnology days 27,241 910 700 27,241 910 700 26,715 1,630 600 900 Total Incoming resources 40,014 40,014 29,845 RESOURCES EXPENDED Charitable aclivities Governance costs 20,571 514 20.571 514 28,200 709 Total resourcès expended 21,085 21,085 28,909 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 18,929 18,929 936 Total funds broughl forward (8,566) (8,566) (9,502) Total funds carried forward 10,363 10,363 (8,566) The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these financial statements.
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK REGISTERED NUMBER 4556366 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2025 Notes 2025 2024 Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 28,722 18.580 6,212 28,722 24.792 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (18,359) (33,358) Net Assets 10.363 18,566) Funds General Fund 10,363 (8,566) The Trustees are satisfied that the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 and that members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to small companies, regime. The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. These financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 18 December 2025 and are signed on their behalf by: Dr P H Smlth Director The notes on pages 9 to 12 form an integral part of these financial statements.
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 ACCOUNTING POLICIES The principal accounting policies are summarised below. The accounting policies have been applied consistenlly throughout the year and in the preceding period. (a) Basls of accounting The financial statements 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) (effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP {FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. (b) Fund accounting Unreslricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Restricted funds are subject to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. (c) Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entilled lo the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income: Voluntary income is received by way of grants, donations and grfts and is induded in full in the Statement of Financial Activities when receivable. Investment income is included when receivable. Incoming resources from charitable trading activily are accounted for when earned. Incoming resources from grants, where related to performance and specific deliverables, are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its perfomiance. (d) Resources 6xpended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Charitable expenditure coTnprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activilies and those of an indirect nature necessary to support them. Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitulional and statutory requirements of the charily and include accountancy fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity. All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial Activities on a basis designed to refflect the use of the resource. (e) Tangible fixed asset The cosl of kits distributed to schools is written off in the year of purchase. Individual fixed assets costing £100 or more are capitalised at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows.. Computer equipment- 250/0 Straight line
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2. Taxation The company has no liability to corporation tax on it's income and surpluses arising during the year. 2025 2024 Not Incoming Resources This is stated after charging.. Directors, remuneration 14,904 24,219 General Restricted Fund Fund 2025 Total 2024 Total 4. Grants and Donations Voluntary income: John Innes Centre (STEM conference) Grantscape (Kings Lynn Kit Club) 8,167 2,996 8,167 2,996 11,163 11,163 Charitable activlties: UoHerts - ABE Primary Science Qualily Mark BIO-7015Y Msc Practical Course Consultancy Kit Club ECCF Grantscape Horizon 2020 Pherecios Science Communication Workshop 13,953 755 9,700 13,953 755 9,700 8.460 4.080 7,000 857 35 3,600 2,683 540 540 2,293 2,293 27,241 27.241 26,715 Total Grants and Donations 38,404 38,404 26,715 The Amgen Biotechnology Experience programme is a grant received via the University of Hertfordshire for the implementation of the Amgen Biotechnology Experience (ABE). TSN is contracted to the University of Hertfordshire to supporl and mentor science subject leaders in primary schools wishing to gain a Primary Science Quality Mark for their school (ww.herts.ac.uklfor-businesslskillslpsqm). TSN is one of 16 partners that received funding across 3 years on the H2020 PHERCLOS project. The project concluded in September 2022, with the final funds being received from Kinderburo Universitat Wien on 3 April 2023, 10-
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 Charitable Governancf Activities Costs 2025 Total 2024 Total Total Resources Expended Directors, remuneration Directors, pension contributions Directors, national insurance contributions Amgen expenses (excluding salaries) Travel and subsistence Bank charges {compensation} Accountancy Bookkeeping Sundry expenses Kings Lynn Kit Club Grantscape STEM conference costs 14,904 350 801 1,014 57 (100) 14,904 350 801 1,014 57 (100) 394 120 102 136 3,307 24,219 724 2,087 622 489 13 394 315 46 394 120 102 136 3.307 20,571 514 21,085 28,909 2025 2024 Staff Costs Wages and salaries Pension contributions Social security costs 14,904 350 801 24,219 724 2,087 16,055 27,030 The average number of full time equivalent employees during the year is 1 (2024 - 1). There were no employees whose emoluments amounted to over £60,000 per annum in this period. 2025 2024 Debtors Trade debtors Accrued income 21,402 7,320 5,394 13,186 28,722 18,580 11
TEACHER SCIENTIST NETWORK NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2024 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Bank overdraft Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income 451 13.944 31,146 2,212 18,359 33,358 Balance at Incomlng Resources Balance at 1-Apr-24 resources expended 31-Mar-25 Movement in funds Unrestricted funds (8.566) 40.014 (21,085) 10,363 Total funds (8,566) 40,014 (21,085) 10,363 2025 2024 10. Directors emoluments Aggregate emoluments in respect of qualrfying services 14,904 24,219 Dr P H Smith received expenses of £658 (2024 - £nil> from the charity during the year. 11. Going concern The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis which is dependent upon the continued support of the company directors and host organisation The John Innes Centre. 12-