**Registered number: 04307833 Charity number: 1103852** # **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **UNAUDITED** **TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **CONTENTS** ||Page| |---|---| |**Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers**|1 - 2| |**Trustees' Report**|3 - 17| |**Independent Examiner's Report**|18 - 19| |**Statement of Financial Activities**|20| |**Balance Sheet**|21 - 22| |**Notes to the Financial Statements**|23 - 37| **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Trustees** Professor N Ramnani, President Dr M C Ashby (resigned 1 September 2025) Dr D Beccano - Kelly (appointed 1 September 2025) Dr M Berners (resigned 10 December 2025) Professor C M Bird (resigned 1 September 2025) Dr M Brown (appointed 8 December 2025) Dr T J Bushell, Treasurer Dr K P Cox (resigned 1 September 2025) Ms B Facer (appointed 1 September 2025) Professor R N A Henson (resigned 1 September 2025) Dr T Kerrigan (appointed 1 October 2024) Dr S L King Dr S Willaime-Morawek (appointed 1 September 2025) Professor A M Palmer (resigned 1 September 2025) Ms S Purdy (appointed 1 September 2025) Professor T L Spires-Jones Dr M E Walton (resigned 10 December 2025) Professor J Williams (appointed 29 April 2025) ## **Company registered number** 04307833 ## **Charity registered number** 1103852 ## **Registered office** Dorothy Hodgkin Building Whitson Street Bristol BS1 3NY ## **Company Secretary** Dr L Ajram ## **Chief Executive Officer** Dr L Ajram Page 1 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Accountants and Independent Examiner** Martin Bailey FCA Goodman Jones LLP Chartered Accountants 1st Floor Arthur Stanley House 40-50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN Page 2 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** The Trustees present their Annual Report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025. The Annual Report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' Report and a Directors' Report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and financial statements of the charitable company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charitable company's governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019). Since the Charity qualifies as small under section 382 of the Companies Act 2006, the Strategic Report required of medium and large companies under the Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directors' Report) Regulations 2013 has been omitted. ## **Objectives and activities** ## **a. Our vision and purpose** The BNA is a membership organisation committed to preserve and protect health and advance public engagement in neuroscience, through supporting, promoting and representing neuroscientists and neuroscience research. ## **b. Our objects** The Association's objects (The Objects), as formulated in the Articles of the Association (Article 4) and in the Rules of the Association (Rule 1.3), both documents coming into force in April 2017, are: To preserve and protect health and advance public education in neurosciences related to health and disease, in particular but not exclusively, by: - a) Promoting on a multidisciplinary basis, the study of the development structure and function of the nervous system in health and disease; - b) Promoting the dissemination of information to all those interested in the neurosciences and related disciplines by means of lectures, discussions, meetings and reports from time to time obtained from such researchers; - c) Advising as far as possible on issues in neurosciences related to health and disease; - d) Endeavouring to increase public awareness and understanding of neuroscience research in health and disease; - e) Assisting in the training of neuroscientists and other professionals engaged in neuroscience teaching and research; and - f) Representing the interests of neuroscience researchers and promoting the case for the advancement of neuroscience research in the United Kingdom to government, to agencies providing research funding and to bodies engaged in science administration, regulation and standards. All trustees had due regard to the Charity Commission's public benefit guidance when exercising powers and duties on behalf of the charity. Page 3 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Objectives and activities (continued)** ## **c. Our aims** We have three interconnected aims that are central to achieving our vision and purpose, and are the means by which we deliver our objectives: these are to **Inform, Connect, and Influence** . The aims to _Inform, Connect and Influence_ were arrived at through a series of strategic workshops and engagement with members, and they help the BNA Council and Committee to direct activities throughout the year. ## **d. Message from the Chief Executive** YE2024-25 has been a milestone year for the British Neuroscience Association, marked by significant progress across all three of our strategic pillars - Inform, Connect, Influence. In June, we implemented our new membership management system and website - a long-awaited transformation that is already changing the way we understand and engage with our members. This upgrade has made it easier for members to connect with the BNA, access resources, and stay involved with our activities, and it is providing us with rich insights to further enhance membership value in the years ahead. A major highlight of the year was the hugely successful International Festival of Neuroscience, BNA2025, which brought together over 1,000 delegates in Liverpool. This flagship event showcased the breadth and strength of neuroscience across academia, industry, and clinical practice, and created countless opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange. YE2024-2025 also saw the completion of our governance review, resulting in updated Articles of Association and Rules, as well as the establishment of a new Council, Committee, and Advisory Board structure. These changes will ensure greater member involvement in decision-making and a more representative, forward-looking governance model to guide the BNA’s future. A key focus for the BNA over the past two years has been income diversification, ensuring we are financially sustainable and positioned for long-term growth. Our efforts in developing new initiatives, including the successful launch of the BNA Training Academy and expanding our membership offer through organisational membership, have already started to show promising results. These initiatives represent not only important new sources of income but also additional value and opportunities for members. Finally, we are proud of our grant partnership successes, which saw us actively deliver as a grant partner on several national research grants. These projects allowed us to use the BNA’s networks to connect UK and international neuroscience communities, contribute expert input to high-impact initiatives, and further establish the BNA as a trusted and credible voice in the sector. Looking ahead to YE2025-26, we will continue to build on this momentum, expanding the Training Academy offer, deepening member engagement through data-driven insights, and growing our role as a convener of neuroscience voices across the UK and globally. Together, we are shaping a stronger, more connected, and more financially resilient BNA, ensuring that neuroscience continues to thrive for the benefit of science, medicine, and society. Page 4 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Achievements and performance** ## **a. Aim 1: Inform** ## **Scientific Journal** : The Association’s scientific journal, Brain and Neuroscience Advances, remains the platform through which we inform the profession about the latest neuroscience research. In February 2025, we were pleased to welcome Dr. Claire Durrant (University of Edinburgh) who joined Dr Kate Baker as co-Editor-in-Chief. This year we have increased the number of papers and articles published in the journal: - 6 Original Research articles - 9 BNA Insight articles - 1 Journal Club article - 3 Registered Reports - 1 Review article - 2 Editorials - 2 Abstracts These figures represent good growth compared to the previous year, demonstrating efforts by Drs. Baker and Durrant, along with the BNA Trustees and Executive Team, to increase submissions and publications. Our efforts will redouble in the coming year as we strive for an increase in original research and review articles to support our goal of achieving a consistent and sufficient number of published articles per year to enable consideration for impact factor. ## **External communications** : The website and the BNA’s social media platforms are essential resources for connecting with both members and non-members. In July, we launched a new BNA website and integrated membership management system - a major milestone in our efforts to modernise how we connect with and support our community. The new platform introduces a range of enhanced functionality, including automated renewals, a searchable member directory, improved group communications, and access to online training and CPD content. These improvements have transformed the member experience, streamlining internal processes while making it easier for members to engage with our activities and access valuable resources. The website’s more professional design and improved navigation have been paired with stronger search engine optimisation (SEO), resulting in noticeably higher engagement from current members and an increase in enquiries from prospective members and partners who can now more easily find and understand what the BNA does. This successful launch represents a step-change in how we deliver value to members and positions us to further grow and strengthen the BNA community in the years ahead. By the end of this reporting period, the BNA experienced a significant increase in followers across our social media channels. Although follower numbers on X are declining, we remain on the platform to uphold accurate, evidence-based neuroscience and help counter growing misinformation. |Channel|Followers at|30/09/2025|Change since last report| |---|---|---|---| |X/Twitter|38k||-0.2k| |Facebook|16.7k||+3k| |LinkedIn|22.8k||+3k| |Instagram|5.8k||+1.8k| |Bluesky|1k||+1k| Page 5 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Achievements and performance (continued)** ## **Training** : In YE2024-25, the BNA proudly launched the BNA Training Academy, a major step forward in supporting the professional development of the neuroscience community. This structured programme provides high-quality training opportunities tailored to neuroscientists at all career stages, with a strong focus on employability and career progression. The Training Academy offers a blend of in-person and online courses covering key areas such as research integrity, industry collaboration, communication skills, and neuroscience-specific professional development. Throughout 2025, we have delivered a successful first series of courses, with good uptake from members and non-members alike. |Course|Format|Date|Participants| |---|---|---|---| |Neuroscience imaging analysis|Online|Feb 2025|22| |Introduction to neuroanatomy|Online|Feb 2025|18| |BNA 2025 training taster|In person|April 2025|22| |session|||| |Dementia Masterclass|In person|June 2025|28| |Dementia Masterclass online|Online|June 2025|13| |Publishing for a journal|Online|July 2025|22| |Patient data in research and|Online|July 2025|12| |innovation|||| |Tissue clearing workshop:|Online|Sep 2025|9| |approaches to fundamentals|||| To date, the Training Academy has generated £12,015 income. This represents a new and important income stream for the BNA, one which we expect to grow over time as we expand the programme and develop new training opportunities in response to member needs. The launch of the Training Academy marks a key milestone in our mission to provide meaningful value to our members, support career development, and strengthen the neuroscience sector as a whole. Page 6 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Achievements and performance (continued)** ## **b. Aim 2: Connect** ## **Connecting the neuroscience community through BNA membership** : Over the course of YE2024-2025 we saw membership stabilise at around 3,000 members, and then experience an expected small decrease to 2,917 as the implementation of a new member database and subscription management system in summer 2025 allowed us to ensure that all members were on the appropriate membership grade and paying the current subscription rates (as updated several years ago). The table below shows membership trends over the past 3 years: ||YE|YE|YE|Change from| |---|---|---|---|---| ||2023|2024|2025|2023 - 2025| |Future Neuroscientist (Formerly counted|-|-|7|+7| |within undergraduate)||||| |Undergraduate|771|1036|1003|+232| |Postgraduate|640|781|820|+180| |Career Starter|68|62|109|+41| |Early career researcher|305|305|242|-63| |Professional (Academic/charitable) " Full"|645|619|561|-84| |Professional (Industry) "Full Industry"|64|43|48|-16| |Professional (Clinical) (Formerly counted|-|-|2|+2| |within "Full")||||| |Associate|95|93|80|-15| |Retired|59|53|39|-20| |Honorary|6|6|6|-| |Total|2,653|2,992|2,917|+264| ## Organisational Membership: The BNA’s new organisational membership category offers a flexible framework to enable a broad range of organisations to strategically engage with BNA members. In this period, we have onboarded new members spanning industry and research funders, including MSD UK, and the PSP Association. We look forward to growing this important membership base and further developing opportunities to build long-term strategic relationships and further diversify income for the BNA. ## **BNA Local Groups** : The BNA has a national network of 44 Local Groups (LGs) each headed by one or more Local Group Representative (LGR) and/or Local Group Student Representative (LGSR). This year, Local Groups have been encouraged to engage and network with representatives from other local institutions to build more joined up regional neuroscience communities. Working as a team, Representatives across local departments, faculties and institutions aim to more effectively recruit and engage BNA members from within their respective neuroscience communities to better represent a breadth of interests. This “hub” model was pioneered in Cardiff with the goal of developing a framework to promote collaboration and research translation and to ensure the BNA is representative of the breadth of interests of the UK neuroscience community. In YE2024–25, £11,832.26 was granted to 16 BNA Local Groups to deliver local interventions for and alongside their members. Instructed by the core BNA objectives of Inform, Connect and Influence, these projects address needs and priorities which have been identified by LGRs and LGSRs among their local neuroscience communities through surveys, meetings and 1:1 conversations. Page 7 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Achievements and performance (continued)** Highlights of funded Local Group activities in this period include: - **Leeds** : A biweekly “NeuroClub” seminar series and social hour held at the University of Leeds, bringing together researchers based in any faculty who are interested in neuroscience - **Bristol, Bath and Exete** r: “Senseshift” public engagement stall at Glastonbury Festival, bringing together clinicians and researchers from across the South-west to address public awareness of disorders such as psychosis and autism spectrum disorder - **Middlesex** : A launch event for the new Middlesex area BNA Local Group, bringing together students and staff from across departments in celebration of interdisciplinary potential - **Newcastle, Middlesbrough and Durham** : BNA Northeast Neuroscience Meeting bringing together students and researchers from across the institutions making up the North-East region’s BNA Local Groups, facilitating connections and collaborations and generating interest in the BNA In September 2025, the LGRs and LGSRs met in London for the annual Local Group Forum (hosted by the Westminster area BNA Local Group), to evaluate and discuss the achievements of the year. The results and reception of the new “hub” model have been resoundingly positive, and the BNA looks forward to building on the success of this work in the year ahead. ## **BNA Meetings** : Bringing people together via events is essential for the BNA to fulfil its aim to connect. Through our meetings we enable neuroscientists to connect with each other, across disciplines and geographies, and goes towards meeting our object to “disseminate information to all those interested in the neurosciences and related disciplines”. During this reporting period we held a number of online and in person meetings during the reporting period, including: - **10 October 2024** - Careers Panel & Networking Event (London) - **18 November 2024** -“The quest for new medicines to slow the progression of disability in neurodegenerative disorders”, joint symposium with SMR (Cambridge) - **10 Dec 2024** - BNA Festive Symposium:The Resilient Brain (Leeds) - **27-30 April 2025** –International Festival of Neuroscience: BNA 2025 (Liverpool) - **20 May 2025** – “Post-doc to PI: Navigating the Path to Success” (Webinar) - **23 September 2025** – Dosing in Animal Models, joint symposium with British Pharmacology Society (Webinar) ## **The International Festival of Neuroscience BNA2025, Liverpool 27-30 April 2025** A total of 1,032 people took part in the conference, representing a wide range of career stages and research interests. Of the 723 delegates, 26% were mid- to senior-career, while 63% were students or early-career researchers. This breaks down as follows: - **7%** Undergraduate students - **39%** Postgraduate students - **17%** Early-career researchers - **13%** Mid-career researchers - **13%** Senior researchers or clinicians - **7%** worked in other neuroscience-related roles (e.g., science communication, science policy) - **4%** were retired Page 8 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Achievements and performance (continued)** Among in-person attendees, 37% identified as men, 61% as women, and 2% preferred not to disclose their gender. A total of 164 speakers presented at the conference, 25% of whom were early career neuroscientists. In line with the BNA’s requirement for gender-balanced panels, we achieved an approximately equal distribution of male and female presenters (46% identifying as men and 54% as women). BNA2025 demonstrated increased diversity among delegates, with more clinical and industry-focused sessions attracting senior professionals from these sectors. Notably, the number of clinicians attending rose by 5.52% between 2023 and 2025. As a result, the festival was more inclusive and more representative of the international neuroscience community than in previous years. To support participation, £5,284.33 was awarded in travel grants for early-career researchers, and BNA Brain Carer Grants were provided to five individuals facing barriers related to caring responsibilities, totalling £1,500. BNA2025 was supported by an award-winning Public Engagement programme that took place in the run up to the Festival. Led by Liverpool Neuroscience Group in partnership with local charities, museums and business the free to access public programme showcased a diverse range of events to engage members of the public with an interest in the brain. ## **Membership of societies** : The BNA is a member of three organisations which make sure the BNA membership is part of a larger voice. Membership of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) connects us with all the life sciences across the UK. The Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) enables the BNA and BNA members to be part of European neuroscience, and membership of the International Brain Research Organisation (IBRO) connects the BNA with the global community. Page 9 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Achievements and performance (continued)** ## **c. Aim 3: Influence** As the largest UK-based organisation representing neuroscience and neuroscientists, the BNA is in position to influence the sector, decision-makers, and neuroscientists themselves. Having influence is central in fulfilling two of the Association’s objects: (c) Advising as far as possible on issues in neurosciences related to health and disease; and (f) Representing the interests of neuroscience researchers and promoting the case for the advancement of neuroscience research in the United Kingdom to government, to agencies providing research funding and to bodies engaged in science administration, regulation and standards. Our main areas of activity in the area of ‘influence’ are listed below. Our main areas of activity in the area of ‘influence’ are listed below. ## **Grant Partnerships** : In this period, we saw delivery begin on our grant partnerships. Key grant partners include the Gut Immune Brain Axis Network funded by BBSRC, an Oxford University MRC funded grant exploring public attitudes to pre-clinical neuroscience and the REPAIR project, a UKRI funded grant exploring structural inequalities in research funding. Grant delivery across these partnerships includes BNA representation on scientific advisory boards and steering committees, the delivery of workshops, convening the neuroscience community, co-developing policy papers, and disseminating grant outputs through our networks. Additionally, the BNA has promoted these grant activities to our members, ensuring that they directly benefit from the outputs, training and funding opportunities and knowledge generated. We look forward to developing our grant partnerships in the year ahead to further connect BNA membership and the wider UK and international neuroscience communities. Our commitment to “support the neuroscience sector to increase the transparency, reproducibility, replicability and reliability of neuroscience research” remains as strong as ever. BNA2025 offered an important forum for our credibility activity in this period. Highlights included a symposium on the challenges and opportunities for reproducible neuroscience in a generative AI enabled world. 21% of the 340 poster submissions for BNA2025 were for pre-registered research. Finally, delegates in the main exhibition hall took part in interactive sessions to highlight challenges and opportunities in credible neuroscience from their perspective, further enabling the BNA to represent members’ voices in this important area. We were delighted to award the annual Credibility in Neuroscience Award to Dr Rob Wykes at the BNA2025 Welcome Reception (attended by over 500 guests). Dr Wykes from the University of Manchester and UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, is a leading figure in epilepsy research whose work exemplifies credibility, collaboration, and technical excellence. He has played a pivotal role in advancing long-term video telemetry in rodent models, a technique that has become foundational in epilepsy studies. Through hands-on training and direct support, Rob has helped establish these systems in over a dozen labs across the UK and internationally. Our journal, Brain and Neuroscience Advances is one of only a handful of journals worldwide to cover the full range of open science practices, being Gold Open Access, offering Registered Reports, CRediT taxonomy, Transparency and Openness Promotion (TOP) Guidelines and Badges for Open Practices. ## **Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in neuroscience:** The role the BNA has in this space continues to grow, and the Association is committed to influencing and increasing EDI in our sector. Our most significant activity is the ongoing BNA Scholars Programme. In YE2025, the Programme welcomed a further 7 Scholars from under-represented groups in neuroscience. Eligibility criteria were revised this year to recognise socioeconomic factors, such as first-generation university attendance, alongside ethnicity. By embedding these changes at the start of the selection process, we are bringing greater consistency to how we consider intersectionality and ensuring support is targeted to individuals at most risk of leaving the field. Following this change, the ALBA Network has chosen independently to adopt these criteria as Page 10 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Achievements and performance (continued)** part of their upcoming guidance on defining underrepresentation. Over the course of this year, BNA Scholars have accessed a wide range of fully funded networking, training, and career development opportunities delivered with the support of academic and industry partners. Highlights included the 2024 Festive Symposium, where 160 researchers, clinicians, and students explored brain resilience, and the International Festival of Neuroscience (BNA2025), which brought together >1,000 global participants and enabled 11 Scholar (7 of whom presented posters) to engage with diverse scientific sessions and network with delegates across sectors and career stages. Career development activities included a workshop hosted by MSD that offered practical support on CV writing, personal branding, and insights into pharmaceutical roles, as well as a Scholar-led Symposium supported by Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry and Imperial College London an inclusive, hybrid event showcasing cutting-edge neuroscience and practical skills. Additional opportunities included a Neuroscience and Neurodivergent Child Development workshop at London Metropolitan University, a careers panel and a lab visit to UCB offering first-hand views of pharmaceutical science. As well as a broad range of career development opportunities, Scholars have benefited from fully funded access to the BNA training programme to further support their professional development. We are grateful to our Supporters for their continued role in hosting and enabling these opportunities. Beyond the Scholars Programme, the BNA has strengthened its role in national Equality Diversity and Inclusion advocacy. As part of our governance restructure, the BNA established a new EDI Advisory Board in September 2025. Comprised of senior leaders and key stakeholders from funding bodies, research institutions and partner organisations, this group is now well-positioned to further drive meaningful progress in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the neuroscience community. ## **A voice for BNA members - Governance review and restructure:** In YE2024-2025, the BNA completed a significant governance review and restructure - a process designed to strengthen member representation, improve transparency, and ensure that our governance model reflects best practice for a modern membership organisation. At the April AGM, members approved updated Articles of Association and the proposed new governance structure. This marked the start of a smooth and inclusive transition to the new model, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities across the organisation. Over the past year, we have: - Updated eight Trustee positions, bringing fresh perspectives and expertise to the Council. - Engaged all Trustees and Committee Chairs to shape new committee roles and terms of reference, and advisory board frameworks. - Implemented new committees, governance documents, and trustee onboarding processes to ensure consistency and clarity. - Developed a comprehensive risk register, strengthening oversight and accountability. Notable among these developments was the appointment of an Early Career Researcher (ECR) Trustee, ensuring that members at this critical stage of their career have a voice at Council and a position of authority in shaping the BNA’s direction. This review was conducted with independent advice to guarantee a robust and objective process. The result is a governance model that enhances member involvement in decision-making and strengthens the connection between our leadership and the wider neuroscience community - ensuring that the BNA remains a trusted, representative, and forward-looking organisation. Page 11 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Achievements and performance (continued)** ## **Preclinical neuroscience:** The BNA continues to be committed to openness on the use of animals in research and is a signatory of the Concordat on Openness on Animal Research in the UK. We are an active member of the Royal Society of Biology’s Animal Science Group (a special interest group representing the broad spectrum of UK bodies actively involved in supporting, funding, or formulating policy on research involving animals), and the UK Bioscience Sector Coalition (which represents the collective views of the bioscience sector with an interest in the use of animals in research). In February 2025, we published Under Pressure: UK Preclinical Neuroscience at a Crossroads - a comprehensive preclinical neuroscience report (co-authored by Mark Walton, BNA Trustee for Preclinical Neuroscience) together with an open letter to research funders. The report, based on a survey of 122 researchers, highlights several critical challenges facing the preclinical neuroscience field in the UK: - Under-funding of curiosity-driven foundational research. - Insecure career pathways affecting early-career researchers. - A growing burden of bureaucracy and inconsistent regulatory processes, particularly around animal-based research. To address these issues, the report sets out ten actionable recommendations for funders, institutions, and government, including: - Prioritising funding for preclinical research and simplifying application and funding streams. - Improving career support and job security for researchers. - Regulatory reform, to reduce delays and procedural inconsistencies while maintaining ethical rigor. This initiative reinforces the BNA’s role as an advocate for transparency, high standards, and the sustainability of preclinical work. Through reports like this, our ongoing contributions to policy forums, and our collaborations with funding bodies, we aim to safeguard the future of essential neuroscience research in the UK. ## **BNA prizes:** This year, the BNA launched the Brenda Walker Award for Neuroscience Communication, celebrating those who make neuroscience more accessible and inclusive. Our inaugural winner is Brenda Walker, Associate Member, recognizing her contributions to the public understanding of neuroscience. Winners of the BNA’s annual prizes in YE2024-2025 were as follows: - Outstanding Contribution to Neuroscience: Professor Sarah Tabrizi (University College London) - Public Engagement of Neuroscience: The Liverpool Neuroscience Group for their Bring Your Own Brain programme (Liverpool John Moores University, Edge Hill University & University of Liverpool) - Credibility in Neuroscience: Rob Wykes (University of Manchester) - Postgraduate Award: Ieva Andrulyte (University of Liverpool) - Undergraduate Award: Jaya Sharma (University of Leeds) Page 12 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Financial review** ## **a. Going concern** After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies. ## **b. Financial review** During the financial year ending 30th September 2025 the BNA’s total income was £342,772 (2024: £434,297). Expenditure, which was wholly on charitable activities to advance education in neuroscience, was £425,122 (2024: £409,476); after taking account of net gains on investments, the net movement in funds was a deficit of £34,446 (2024: surplus of £73,618). The net reserves carried forward was £625,112 (2024: £659,558). Of this, around £23,275 (2024: £103,294) is held in restricted funds, committed largely to (1) delivering activities associated with funding from the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, and (2) supporting the BNA’s equity, diversity and inclusion work. Unrestricted and free reserves totalled £601,837 (2024: £556,264). Funding has and will continue to be used to support the BNA Trustees’ ten-year strategic plan, in particular the activities which meet the aims to ‘Inform, Connect and Influence’. The BNA is in a stable financial position to sustain itself and to meet its charitable objectives. ## **c. Reserves policy** The BNA’s reserves policy states that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to one year’s expenditure, where one year’s expenditure is calculated on the basis of: - 12 months’ overheads of British Neuroscience Association Ltd - 12 months’ direct expenses of British Neuroscience Association Ltd, where direct expenses include bursaries and grants, Bulletin production, subscriptions, and education/outreach work - 12 months’ overheads of BNA Events Ltd (averaged over a two-year period.) - 12 months’ direct expenses of BNA Events Ltd, where direct expenses relate to costs of the biennial Festival of Neuroscience (averaged over a two-year period.) The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in revenue, they will be able to continue the Association’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised and/or costs can be reduced. The level of this reserve will be maintained throughout the course of each accounting year but this is reviewed annually. ## **d. Principal funding** The main sources of income for the BNA in YE2024-25 membership subscriptions of £114,525 (2024: £108,150) and grants and donations of £201,556 (2024: £213,478), which includes £160,000 from The Gatsby Charitable Foundation. Page 13 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **e. Investment policy and objectives** The Trustees’ investment powers are governed by Article 5 in the Articles of Association. This permits the Charity to deposit or invest funds in securities or property as may be thought fit in order to further its Objects, or is conducive or incidental to doing so, subject to conditions and consents as laid down in the Association’s governing documents. The Trustees’ policy for YE2025-2026 will be to continue to optimise income on temporarily invested funds and to maintain a balanced portfolio of long-term investments and continue to manage the charity’s investments in conformity with our policy and Trust Deed. ## **Structure, governance and management** ## **a. Constitution** British Neuroscience Association Limited is a company limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The Company is registered as a charity under the registration number 1103852. The BNA is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association, and accompanying set of Rules. The governing articles were amended in April 2025 following a member vote at the Annual General Meeting. ## **b. Organisational structure** The British Neuroscience Association is a membership organisation, with seven membership categories (defined in the Rules), plus a number of Honorary members. With the exception of Associate members, all members have voting rights on the principle of “one member, one vote”, which is exercised at the Annual General Meetings (detailed in Articles 15–27). The Association has a network of 44 Local Groups (Rule 5) which facilitate connections between members across the various institutions and sectors within a particular geographical area, between those local densities of members, and between those local densities of members and the Association’s governance team. Across the network, 84 volunteer Representatives from among local member densities hold community organising responsibilities to lead their own Local Groups. The BNA is governed by a Council of Trustees, comprising between seven and twelve members of the Association (Article 29). The specific procedures for the appointment and retirement of the Trustees are detailed in the Articles (32–35). Supporting all activities and needs of the Council, Committee, and general membership is the BNA Executive. During the year this consisted of three full time and three part-time staff members. ## **c. Risk management** The Trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Potential risks, once identified, will be monitored and controlled to mitigate any impact that they may have on the Association in the future. To help with this the BNA has a Risk Register, Conflict of Interest (Rules 8 and 9) and a Register of Interests. BNA has a specific Declaration of Interests form, that is completed by all members of the Council and Committee of the BNA. Page 14 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Plans for future periods** The strategic pillars of the BNA remain ‘Inform, Connect, Influence’. At the start of YE2025-26, key priorities are as follows: ## **1. CONNECT: Engaging our membership and connecting the community** We will continue to strengthen engagement with our members at both local and national levels through our Local Groups and Hubs, ensuring experience tangible value from their BNA membership and feel a strong sense of belonging within our community. We will deepen the sense of community across UK neuroscience by creating even more opportunities for collaboration and exchange. Building on the momentum of BNA2025, we will expand our event programme, strengthen connections with industry and clinical partners, and use our growing grant partnership portfolio to unite sectors and catalyse ambitious, cross-disciplinary initiatives. ## **2. INFORM: Professionalising the sector** We will continue to transform how we engage and support our members, ensuring the BNA remains the go-to organisation for professional growth in neuroscience. The coming year will see the next evolution of our Training Academy, including the launch of a pioneering accreditation scheme that will set a new benchmark for neuroscience training in the UK. This will help strengthen career pathways, attract new members, and reinforce the value of BNA membership. ## **3. INFLUENCE: Policy, Advocacy and Credibility** Our priority for YE2025-26 is to embed and bring to life our new governance model, ensuring it delivers a stronger, more inclusive voice for members. By empowering Council, committees, and advisory boards to shape the future of the Association, we will create a more representative, transparent, and impactful organisation - one that speaks with authority for neuroscience in the UK and beyond. These activities will allow us to remain at the forefront of neuroscience advocacy and continue positioning the BNA as a key player in global neuroscience discussions and research advancements. Page 15 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Reference and administrative details** Members of BNA Council - Professor T Spires-Jones (Immediate Past President) - Dr S King (Association Secretary and Officer) - Dr T Bushell (Treasurer and Officer) - Professor N Ramnani (President and Officer) - Professor M Walton (Preclinical Neuroscience) - Dr M Berners (Independent Trustee) - Dr T Kerrigan (Local Group Representative) - Professor D Beccano-Kelly (Meetings Trustee) - Dr S Williame-Morawek (Professional Development Trustee) - Ms B Facer (Early Career Research Trustee) - Ms Sara Purdy (Independent Trustee) appointed April 2023 elected April 2023 elected May 2022 appointed April 2023 elected May 2022 appointed April 2017 elected September 2024 appointed September 2025 elected September 2025 appointed September 2025 appointed September 2025 ## Executive - Dr L Ajram (Chief Executive) - Mrs L Tratt (Head of Meetings and Events) - Mrs C Shepherd (Head of Partnerships and Development) - Mx D Wijesinghe (Membership and Communities Manager) - Mrs F Parker (Marketing and Communications Manager) - Ms L Bryan (Executive Officer) ## **Statement of Trustees' responsibilities** The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial . Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: - select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; - observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102); - make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; - prepare the financial statements on the 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 Companies Act 2006. 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. Page 16 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by: ................................................ **Professor N Ramnani** President `27-03-26` Date: Page 17 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of British Neuroscience Association Limited ('the Charity')** I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 September 2025. ## **Responsibilities and Basis of Report** As the Trustees of the Charity (and its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act'). Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the Charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. ## **Independent Examiner's Statement** Since the Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. 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: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act 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; or 4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities [applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)]. 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 accounts to be reached. Page 18 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** 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: `27-03-26` Dated: **Martin Bailey FCA** Goodman Jones LLP 1st Floor Arthur Stanley House 40-50 Tottenham Street London W1T 4RN Page 19 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** |**Note**
**Income from:**
Donations and legacies
4
Charitable activities
5
Investments
6
**Total income**
**Expenditure on:**
Charitable activities
7
**Total expenditure**
**Net (expenditure)/income before net**
**gains on investments**
Net gains on investments
**Net income/(expenditure)**
Transfers between funds
15
**Net movement in funds**
**Reconciliation of funds:**
Total funds brought forward
Net movement in funds
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**4,123**
**129,526**
**3,520**
**137,169**
**138,525**
**138,525**
**(1,356)**
**47,904**
**46,548**
**(975)**
**45,573**
**556,264**
**45,573**
**601,837**|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**201,433**
**4,170**
**-**
**205,603**
**286,597**
**286,597**
**(80,994)**
**-**
**(80,994)**
**975**
**(80,019)**
**103,294**
**(80,019)**
**23,275**|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**205,556**
**133,696**
**3,520**
**342,772**
**425,122**
**425,122**
**(82,350)**
**47,904**
**(34,446)**
**-**
**(34,446)**
**659,558**
**(34,446)**
**625,112**|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_213,790_
_116,624_
_103,883_
_434,297_| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||_409,476_
_409,476_| |||||_24,821_
_48,797_| |||||_73,618_
_-_
_73,618_| |||||_585,940_
_73,618_
_659,558_| The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. The notes on pages 23 to 37 form part of these financial statements. Page 20 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee) REGISTERED NUMBER: 04307833** ## **BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** |**Note**
**Fixed assets**
Tangible assets
11
Investments
12
**Current assets**
Debtors
13
Cash at bank and in hand
**Current liabilities**
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
14
**Net current assets**
**Total assets less current liabilities**
**Total net assets**
**Charity funds**
Restricted funds
15
Unrestricted funds
15
**Total funds**|**514**
**189,516**
**190,030**
**(21,640)**|**2025**
**£**
**801**
**455,921**
**456,722**
**168,390**
**625,112**
**625,112**
**23,275**
**601,837**
**625,112**|_25,827_
_229,528_
_255,355_
_(4,769)_|_2024_
_£_
_955_
_408,017_| |---|---|---|---|---| |||||_408,972_
_250,586_| |||||_659,558_| |||||_659,558_| |||||_103,294_
_556,264_| |||||_659,558_| The Charity was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of Companies Act 2006. The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to entities subject to the small companies regime. Page 21 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: ................................................ **Professor N Ramnani** President Date: `27-03-26` The notes on pages 23 to 37 form part of these financial statements. Page 22 **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED (A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **1. General information** British Neuroscience Association Limited is a Charitable Company Registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY. The Charity is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the Charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the Charity. ## **2. Accounting policies** ## **2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements** The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - 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 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. British Neuroscience Association Limited meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. 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 £. ## **2.2 Going concern** After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Trustees have considered the future plans of the Charity and expected income, and it is deemed that the Charity can meet its commitments and liabilities and can continue for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. ## **2.3 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. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund. Page 23 **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** ## **2.4 Income** All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably. Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have been provided or on completion of the service. Membership fees are recongised in the period to which they relate. Grant income is recognised when the Charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount can be measured reliably. Grants, including government grants, are included in the Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued. ## **2.5 Interest receivable** Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited. ## **2.6 Expenditure** 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. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs. Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure. All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT. Page 24 **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** ## **2.7 Tangible fixed assets and depreciation** Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost. Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, on a reducing balance basis. Depreciation is provided on the following basis: - Computer equipment 25% on reducing balance ## **2.8 Investments** Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of Financial Activities. Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment. ## **2.9 Debtors** Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. ## **2.10 Cash at bank and in hand** Cash at bank and 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. ## **2.11 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 the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide. Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost. Page 25 **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **2. Accounting policies (continued)** ## **2.12 Financial instruments** The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. ## **2.13 Pensions** The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Charity to the fund in respect of the year. ## **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. Critical accounting estimates and assumptions: The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. No estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year have been identified. ## **4. Income from donations and legacies** |**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
Donations
123
Grants
4,000
**Total 2025**
4,123
_Total 2024_
_9,405_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
201,433
-
201,433
_204,385_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**201,556**
**4,000**
**205,556**
_213,790_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_213,790_
_-_
_213,790_| |---|---|---|---| ||||| Page 26 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **5. Income from charitable activities** |**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
Subscriptions and Bulletin advertising
117,510
Training
12,016
**Total 2025**
129,526
_Total 2024_
_110,352_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
4,170
-
4,170
_6,272_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**121,680**
**12,016**
**133,696**
_116,624_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_116,624_
_-_
_116,624_| |---|---|---|---| ||||| ## **6. Investment income** |**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
Dividend income
-
Bank interest
3,520
**Total 2025**
3,520
_Total 2024_
_103,883_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**-**
**3,520**
**3,520**
_103,883_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_100,000_
_3,883_
_103,883_| |---|---|---| |||| Page 27 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **7. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities** ## **Summary by fund type** |**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
Advance education in neuroscience
138,525
_Total 2024_
_183,553_
**Analysis of expenditure by activities**
**Activities**
**undertaken**
**directly**
**2025**
**£**
Advance education in neuroscience
276,471
_Total 2024_
_256,701_|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
286,597
_225,923_
**Support**
**costs**
**2025**
**£**
148,651
_152,775_|**Total**
**2025**
**£**
**425,122**
_409,476_
**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**425,122**
_409,476_|_Total_
_2024_
_£_
_409,476_| |---|---|---|---| ||||_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_409,476_| ||||| ## **8. Analysis of expenditure by activities** Page 28 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)** ## **Analysis of direct costs** |**Advance**
**education in**
**neuroscience**
**2025**
**£**
Staff costs
175,327
Bulletin production
-
Meeting expenses
7,727
Conference expenses
480
Bursaries and sponsorship
10,135
Gatsby project costs
32,689
Subscriptions and membership
-
Advertising
-
Journal production
-
Neuroscience in schools
50,113
**Total 2025**
276,471
_Total 2024_
_256,701_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**175,327**
**-**
**7,727**
**480**
**10,135**
**32,689**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**50,113**
**276,471**
_256,701_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_127,230_
_18,585_
_-_
_1,172_
_8,805_
_89,816_
_7,716_
_6,877_
_(3,500)_
_-_
_256,701_| |---|---|---| Page 29 **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **8. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)** ## **Analysis of support costs** |**Advance**
**education in**
**neuroscience**
**2025**
**£**
Staff costs
79,832
Depreciation
154
Subscriptions and membership
7,161
Advertising
21,629
Travel
11,603
Printing, postage and stationery
241
Telephone
934
Website development
6,382
Professional fees
13,138
Insurance
2,153
Bank charges
2,882
Sundry
228
Governance
2,314
**Total 2025**
148,651
_Total 2024_
_152,775_|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**79,832**
**154**
**7,161**
**21,629**
**11,603**
**241**
**934**
**6,382**
**13,138**
**2,153**
**2,882**
**228**
**2,314**
**148,651**
_152,775_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_122,300_
_701_
_-_
_1,875_
_6,264_
_70_
_819_
_4,162_
_8,693_
_1,531_
_1,937_
_2,155_
_2,268_
_152,775_| |---|---|---| Governance costs include independent examination fees of £2,500 (2024: £2,500). Page 30 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **9. Staff costs** |Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Contribution to defined contribution pension schemes|**2025**
**£**
**232,582**
**17,438**
**5,139**
**255,159**|_2024_
_£_
_225,518_
_18,993_
_5,019_| |---|---|---| |||_249,530_| The average number of persons employed by the Charity during the year was as follows: ||**2025**|_2024_| |---|---|---| ||**No.**|_No._| |Employees|**6**|_6_| The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was: |||**2025**|_2024_| |---|---|---|---| |||**No.**|_No._| |In the band £70,001|- £80,000|**1**|_1_| Total remuneration, including employer's national insurance and pension contributions, in respect of key management personnel totalled £88,544 (2024: £82,571). ## **10. Trustees' remuneration and expenses** During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits _(2024 - £NIL)_ . During the year ended 30 September 2025, expenses totalling _£_ 1.979 were reimbursed or paid directly to 8 Trustees _(2024 - £1211 to 7 Trustees)_ in regard to travel expenses. Page 31 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** |**NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025**|| |---|---| |**11.**
**Tangible fixed assets**
**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2024
At 30 September 2025
**Depreciation**
At 1 October 2024
Charge for the year
At 30 September 2025
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2025
_At 30 September 2024_|**Office**
**equipment**
**£**
**5,360**
**5,360**
**4,405**
**154**
**4,559**
**801**
_955_| Page 32 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **12. Fixed asset investments** |**Cost or valuation**
At 1 October 2024
Revaluations
At 30 September 2025
**Net book value**
At 30 September 2025
_At 30 September 2024_|**Investments**
**in**
**subsidiary**
**companies**
**£**
**100**
**-**
**100**
**100**
_100_|**Other**
**investments**
**£**
**407,917**
**47,904**
**455,821**
**455,821**
_407,917_|**Total**
**£**
**408,017**
**47,904**
**455,921**| |---|---|---|---| ||||**455,921**
_408,017_| Other investments comprise funds held with investment managers for capital growth and income generation. ## **Principal subsidiaries** The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Charity: |**Name**|**Company**|**Class of**|**Holding**| |---|---|---|---| ||**number**|**shares**|| |BNA Events Limited|07784689|Ordinary|100%| |The financial results of the subsidiary for the year were:|||| |**Name**|**Profit/(Loss)**||**Net assets**| ||**for**|**the year**|**£**| |||**£**|| |BNA Events Limited||**48,776**|**75,474**| Page 33 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **13. Debtors** |**Due within one year**
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by group undertakings
Prepayments and accrued income
**Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year**
Amounts owed to group undertakings
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income|**2025**
**£**
**514**
**-**
**-**
**514**
**2025**
**£**
**15,599**
**1,861**
**4,180**
**21,640**|_2024_
_£_
_9,609_
_13,679_
_2,539_| |---|---|---| |||_25,827_| |||_2024_
_£_
_-_
_2,269_
_2,500_| |||_4,769_| ## **14. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year** Page 34 ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **15. Statement of funds** ## **Statement of funds - current year** |**Unrestricted**
**funds**
General Funds -
all funds
Unallocated
amounts
**Restricted**
**funds**
Wolstencroft
fund
Journal fund
Gatsby
Charitable
Foundation
Guarantors of
Brain
Equity, diversity
and inclusion
(EDI)
**Total funds**|**Balance at 1**
**October**
**2024**
**£**
**556,264**
**-**
**556,264**
**6,500**
**5,730**
**45,344**
**16,995**
**28,725**
**103,294**
**659,558**|**Income**
**£**
**185,073**
**(47,904)**
**137,169**
**1,458**
**5,219**
**160,000**
**10,000**
**28,926**
**205,603**
**342,772**|**Expenditure**
**£**
**(138,525)**
**-**
**(138,525)**
**(8,310)**
**(10,677)**
**(205,967)**
**(18,018)**
**(43,625)**
**(286,597)**
**(425,122)**|**Transfers**
**in/out**
**£**
**(975)**
**-**
**(975)**
**352**
**-**
**623**
**-**
**-**
**975**
**-**|**Gains/**
**(Losses)**
**£**
**-**
**47,904**
**47,904**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**47,904**|**Balance at**
**30**
**September**
**2025**
**£**
**601,837**
**-**
**601,837**| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||||||**-**
**272**
**-**
**8,977**
**14,026**
**23,275**| |||||||**625,112**| Page 35 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **15. Statement of funds (continued)** ## **Statement of funds - prior year** |**Unrestricted funds**
General Funds - all funds
**Restricted funds**
Wolstencroft fund
Journal fund
Gatsby Charitable Foundation
Guarantors of Brain
Equity, diversity and inclusion
(EDI)
**Total funds**|_Balance at_
_1 October_
_2023_
_£_
_466,980_
_6,500_
_196_
_78,174_
_11,995_
_22,095_
_118,960_
_585,940_|_Income_
_£_
_224,040_
_-_
_7,534_
_160,000_
_5,000_
_37,723_
_210,257_
_434,297_|_Expenditure_
_£_
_(183,553)_
_-_
_(2,000)_
_(192,830)_
_-_
_(31,093)_
_(225,923)_
_(409,476)_|_Gains/_
_(Losses)_
_£_
_48,797_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_-_
_48,797_|_Balance at_
_30_
_September_
_2024_
_£_
_556,264_| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||_6,500_
_5,730_
_45,344_
_16,995_
_28,725_
_103,294_| ||||||_659,558_| Restricted funds comprise the following: Wolstencroft fund - for expenses in regard to a lecture on ‘Outstanding Neuroscience’ at the biennial BNA Festival. The transfers represent a shortfall on the event covered by general funds. Journal fund - for editing and general running of the journal. Gatsby Charitable Foundation - to support the implementation of the BNA's new strategic plan. The transfers represent a shortfall on an event covered by general funds. Guarantors of Brain - funding for Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in neuroscience education. Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) - funding to support Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in neuroscience education. Page 36 **(A Company Limited by Guarantee)** ## **BRITISH NEUROSCIENCE ASSOCIATION LIMITED** ## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025** ## **16. Analysis of net assets between funds** ## **Analysis of net assets between funds - current year** |**Unrestricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
Tangible fixed assets
801
Fixed asset investments
455,921
Current assets
166,755
Creditors due within one year
(21,640)
**Total**
601,837|**Restricted**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
-
-
23,275
-
23,275|**Total**
**funds**
**2025**
**£**
**801**
**455,921**
**190,030**
**(21,640)**
**625,112**| |---|---|---| ## **Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year** |Tangible fixed assets
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
**Total**|_Unrestricted_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_955_
_408,017_
_152,061_
_(4,769)_
_556,264_|_Restricted_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_-_
_-_
_103,294_
_-_
_103,294_|_Total_
_funds_
_2024_
_£_
_955_
_408,017_
_255,355_
_(4,769)_
_659,558_| |---|---|---|---| ## **17. Pension commitments** The Charity operates a defined contributions pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the Charity to the fund and amounted to £5,139 (2024: £5,019). Contributions of £1 (2024: £977) were owed to the fund at the balance sheet date. ## **18. Related party transactions** At the balance sheet date, the Charity was owed £15,599 (2024: £13,679) by BNA Events Limited. Other than disclosed above or elsewhere in these financial statements, there were no other transactions with related parties requiring disclosure. Page 37