The Association for Science and Discovery Centres
Report and Unaudited Financial Statements
Year Ended
31 March 2024
Association for
Science and
Discovery Centres

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Contents
Pa
Report of the Trustees
Report of the independent examiner
io
Statement of financial activities
li
Balance sheet
12
Statement of cash flows
13
Notes forming part of the financial statements
14-20

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Report ofthe Trustees forthe year ended 31 March 2024
The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. These
have been subjert to independent examination.
Charity name: The Association for Science and Discovery Centres
Charity registration number:
1129312
Company registration number:
6798106 (England and Wales)
Registered Office and
operational address:
Suite 101 QC30
30 Queen Charlotte Street
Bristol BSI 4HJ
Bankers:
Co-operative Bank
PO Box 250, Skelmersdale
Lancashire WN8 6Wt
Barclays Bank
Bristol Queens Square RMS 2
Leicester LE87 2BB
Accountant:
Evans Entwistle
Elm House, 10 Fountain Court
New Leaze, Bradley Stoke
Bristol BS32 4LA
ASDCWebsite-www.sciencecentres.or
.uk
Trustees and Directors
Dr Stephen Breslin Ichairl
Scot Owen (Treasurer)
Charles Bishop
John Bull
Laurence Butler
Glasgow Science Centre
Xplorel Science Discovery Centre Iretired 28 Sep 20231
National Space Centre
Cambridge Science Centre (appointed 28 Sep 20231
Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum (appointed 28
Sep 20231
Dr Jennifer Chambers
STFC, part of UKRI
Dr Hermione Cockburn IHonorary Secretaryl Dynamic Earth
Linda Conlon
Centre For Life (retired 28 Sep 20231
Victoria Denoon
W5
Tudor Gwynn ITreasurerl
Eureka l The National Children's Museum
Bridget Holligan
Science Oxford
Hassan loudi
WSP
Sheila Kanani
Royal Astronomical Society
Gareth McTiffin
Techniquest (appointed 28 Sep 20231
Joanne Quinton-Tulloch
National Science & Media Museum
Bryan Snelling
Aberdeen Science Centre
Donna Speed-Grenfell IDeputy Chairl
We The Curious
Savita Willmott
Natural History Consortium
Secretary
Dr Hermione Cockburn
Executive Team
Shaaron Leverment, Chief Executive

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnuedl
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing document
The Association for Science and Discovery Centres IASDCI is a charitable company limited by
guarantee, incorporated and registered as a charity on 21 January 2009. It is governed by its
Memorandum and Articles of Association.
Appointment of Trustees
Under the requirements of ASDC'S Memorandum and Articles of Association there shall be no fewer
than eight and not more than sixteen Trustees in office.
One third of the Trustees retire from office each year, being those who have been longest in office
since their appointment. A retiring Trustee is eligible for re-election for a three-year period, unless they
have served as a Trustee for a nine-year period, in which case they must retire from the Board of
Trustees.
Induction of Trustees
Trustees are invited to meet the executive team and familiarise themselves Wlth the aims of the
organisation. They are given an indurtion pack which includes the Memorandum and Articles of
Association (which includes the objects of the Charityl- Charities Commission guidelines on becoming
a Trustee,. and forms for signature.
Manugement
The board of trustees delegate day to day decisions to the senior management team who report back
to the board when the board meets on a quarterly basis. The board of trustees are responsible for
setting the pay for the Chief Executive taking into account the responsibilities of the role.
Objectives and Activities
Objectives of the orgonisation
The Association for Science and Discovery Centres IASDCI exists to serve and support the ASDC
membership by fostering learning, innovation and shared practice within the field of science,
technology, engineering and mathematics education and engagement for the public benefit.
The trustees have had regard to Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and report on these
activities below.
ASDC Vision- A society where science is accessible, inclusive and valued by all as a fundamental
part of everyday life.
ASDC Mission - To champion our members, bringing them together to achieve collective
impact and reach through connection, advocacy and insight.
ASDC Values These provide a values screen that lens the work taking place and working
practices..
Inclusion- Connection Collaboration- Innovation Sustainability
Prlnclpal rlsks and uncertalntles
Risks are addressed on a case-by-case basis and any relevant changes to systems or procedures are
made to manage those risks. The Charity's risk register is reviewed at every meeting of the Board of
Trustees Ithe"Board"l. The major risks to which the charity is exposed are..
The lack of sustainable core funding and reliance on project delivery.

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnuedl
Small team and high workloads increase risk of long working hours, stress and high staff
turnover.
The impact of the current economic climate on membership and ASDC funding sources.
Operational Report
Overview
The Association for Science and Discovery Centres IASDCI is the vibrant national charity that brings
together the UK'S leading science engagement organisations to play a strategic role in the nation's
engagement with science. The ASDC membership includes independent and non-independent UK
science centres. science museums, research centres. environment centres le.E. eco-attractionsl,
outreach organisations, aligned networks, learned societies and research councils. In recent years, the
ASDC network has engaged over 25 million children and adults each year with science, technology,
engineering and maths1STEMI through their science exhibitions and activities via school, public and
community engagement programmes.
From 2023-2024, ASOC has worked to the mission of bringing together the ASDC membership by
creating and running regular knowledge exchange and professional development events, including
leading national STEM projects and facilitating ongoing opportunities for collaboration, connection,
advocacy and innovation via a number of digital platforms. Since Covid, the majority of events and
programming take place online, alongside some specific targeted in-person events and the ASDC
annual national conference, which took place on 28th and 29 September 2023 in Belfast. These events
promote professional development and networking within the membership, alongside opportunities
to work with funders, research councils, wider networks and government advocates to promote a
culture of accessible science for all.
ASDC has an office in central Bristol.
The project director10.4 FTEI left ASDC on 28, July 2023. As of 31 March 2024, the roles within the
ASDC team are as follows=
Chief Executive10.6 FTEI
Project Manager11.O ￿E)
Head of Communications10.8 ￿E)
Business Manager10.8 FTEI
Membership 2023-2024
During the membership year 2023-2024, ASDC held membership fees at 2022-2023 rates to recognise
the difficulties of increasing costs impacting the sector. ASDC continues to have three tiers of
membership, with the number of core member and national partners growing from the previous year.
l. Core Members= primarily science and discovery centre5 and museums.
2. National partners: national STEM partners who share ASDC values and vision.
3. Associate members.. commercial organisations that wish to support ASDC andlor who provide
key services to organisations within the sector.
Increasing from 44 core members and national partners 12022-20231 ASDC now represents 52 core
members and national partners, and 9 associate members. Income from subscriptions was maintained
at over £50,000 for a second consecutive year.

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnuedl
Connection ond Colloborotion across the membership
ASDC core values commit to promoting connection, collaboration, inclusion, sustainability and
evidence-based practice across the sector. ASDC continues to grow opportunities for members to
share inspiring practice, ideas and experiences across the national network and wider. Between April
2023 and March 2024, ASDC convened a variety of professional development and knowledge
exchange events meetings and forums for science engagement practitioners across the UK. For
example..
Monthly members-only meetings on a variety of topics for professionals working at different
levels and within breadth of different departments within the membership.
Sustaining Communities of Practice to share aims and priorities, areas of challenge and
opportunities for collaborative practice towards common goals including..
o The Ambassadors Network
o Volunteers Network
o Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion advocates
Education Network
Marketing Network
o ASDC Space Engagement Professionals Community
Individual CPD and support events such as=
Management Masterclass for emerging leaders
Decarbonisation Group meetings supporting centres to set and reach net zero targets
In-person 1-2 day conferences and events
o ASDC Community Engagement skills Academy
CEO awayday
Evaluation 'Valuing inclusion, masterclass
Supporting the recruitment and retention of diverse staff with specialist forums for HR and
access to the Evenbreak Best Practice Portal of resources.
ASDC continues with increasing commitment to provide mechanisms for regular communications with
members across a number digital platforms such as the ASDC newsletter and social media channels X
and Linkedln. Websites and shared resource spaces include=
o The ASDC Website.. Our main broadcast platform for events, projects, news and
shared resources.
Accessibili
Hub.. "Small changes, big impact" supporting science centres and
museums on theirjourney to becoming fully accessible social spaces.
The Inclusion Portal.. Shared learning on equitable and inclusive practice.
o The Climate Hub.. carbon-cutting measures, engagement resources and external
events on climate action for a collective approach.
o The Diversci collective.. a pan-European collective, resource hub and associated bi-
monthly informalldrop-in Communi
of Practice of which ASDC is a founding
contributor.
The ASDC 2023 National Conference was hosted by W5 in Belfast on 28, and 29, September 2023,
with the theme 'ExplorinE the who, what, where, why and why of science engagement,. The
conference included in-depth workshops, activities, the AGM, a networking dinner and 2 full days of
inspiring keynotes, discussion tables, lightning talks and workshops. In delegate numbers it was the
largest conference ASDC has held to date.
4 Sponsors
0 5 keynote speakers
5 Exhibitors
6 liBhtning talks
19 workshops and panel sessions
0 18 discussion tables
167 delegates

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontinuedl
The ASDC Board of Trustees
FollowinE a review of the skills existing within the current Board of trustees, alonEside acknowledginE
the experience being lost as individuals retired from the Board, ASDC held an internal recruitment for
new trustees to enable a more representative reflection of the national spread and diversity of the
membership.
We welcomed three new trustees at the AGM held on 28, September 2023, following gaps identified
in the Board's representation of Wales, of small science/discovery centre representation, and of
museum members.
Advocacyfor science ond discovery centre5
ASDC continues to explore opportunities that may lead to core funding or financial support for ASDC
and our wider network. This include mini-campaigns across digital channels, and in-person advocacy
from the ASDC Chief Executive and ASDC trustees that celebrate the work of ASDC and the network at
high-profile events and with key politicians. Advocacy primarily focusses on the role of the sector to
promote greater diversity and inclusiorb ifb the future science, innovation and technology sector and
workforce.
To support advocacy efforts and ASDC goal setting, ASDC launched a comprehensive sector survey to
include benchmarking and audience insight data, reporting of areas of challenge and innovation and
insight into the value held in the ASDC membership offer. Resource allowin& the aim is that this survey
will become an annual event to build a robust picture of data trends from year to year.
ASDC has also continued to foster a closer relationship with the Museums Association during 2023-
2024 with a view to increase opportunity for joint programmin& aligning work across similar streams
of activity and to enhance the collective voice for the science centre and museums sector.
National STEM Progrummes
During 2023-2024, ASDC placed resource into application for core funding to support future
sustainability of the charity but has as yet - been unsuccessful in this endeavour. ASDC continues to
run National programmes and projects that align with organisational vision mission and values.
Projects enable ASDC to deliver sector-wide support, share knowledge, bring together communities of
practice, and contribute to the sustainability of the charity. A summary of projects delivered in 2023-
2024 follows..
Ex
lore Your Universe Valuin
Funded by: STFC
Timeline: December 2023 - July 2024
Delivery partners: Aberdeen Science Centre. ArmaEh Observatory & Planetarium,
Cambridge Science Centre, Catalyst Science Centre, Dundee Science Centre, Dynamic Earth,
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, National Space Centre, Royal Astronomical Society, Science
Oxford, Techniquest, W5. Xplorel Science Discovery Centre. We The Curious.
Development partners: British Science Association, Professor Emily Dawson, Dr Jen
Dewitt, and Dr Sophie Bartlett, alongside National partner and wider network consultancy.
Summary: The project aim is to promote equity and inclusion as the key to unlocking more
diverse participation in STEM research, development, industry and innovation forthe future.
Key deliverable5:
Recruitment of 12 projects devoting time, staff expertise and partnerships to
provide evidence that supports lor challenges) the assumptions of the Logic Model.
o Delivery of an 'evaluation IOI, training academy for science centres and their
community partner5 to align measures of inclusive practice.
Inclusion

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnuedl
Delivery of a Logic model/framework that adheres to the aim of the programme
(see above). This Logic model will have a strong, research-informed approach that
engages with wider networks, funders and pulls evidence from practitioners.
Supporting the UK cohortlcommunity of practice focussing on inclusive science
engagement
Final evaluation report and publication of the developed Logic Model.
Mindsets + Missions
Funded by: UKRI
Partners: The Museums Association, The Liminal Space
Timeline: September 2022- September 2024
Learning programme cohort and delivery partners: TBC
Summary: A key part of UKRI's mission to break down the barriers between research,
innovation and society. UKRI is providing grants of up to £75,(X)O per organisation to explore
museums, science centres and galleries as the space for this work.
Key Deliverables IASDC rolel:
Ongoing evaluation consultation with Cornish & Grey
Panel selection committee and ongoing participation on the steering group
Programme dissemination
Scoping of the potential future of Mindsets + Missions
Our World From S
Funded by: NERC and UK Space Agency
Timeline: 01 December 2022- 31 March 2025
Delivery partners: Aberdeen Science Centre - Aero Space Kinross - Armagh Observatory &
Planetarium Cambridge Science Centre- Dynamic Earth - Dundee Science Centre - Exeter
Science Centre - Glasgow Science Centre - Life Science Centre- Living Rainforest- National
Space Centre - Oxford University Museums of Natural History- Royal Museums Greenwich -
Science Oxford - Science Skills Academy- STEM Discovery Centre - Techniquest - The
Observatory Science Centre - Thinktank - Wonderseekers- W5- Xplorel Science Discovery
Centre
Summary: NERC funding allowed for the research and development phase of the programme
and the UK Space Agency funding commenced April 2023. A theme of the value of space for
the sustainability of planet earth, this project offers a modular approach for 22 participating
science centres and museums across the UK, with £8000 delivery Erants, £1500 of equipment
(bespoke as requested per centrel, in depth and bespoke evaluation support and a high-level
evaluation and communication strategy across the wider'space to learn, projects supported
by the UK Space Agency.
Key Deliverables:
o Two year project (delivery flexible, playing to strengths of individual partners)
£80(M) delivery grants for up to 23 science and discovery centres and museums
playing to individual strengths
Content areas include Climate, Biodiversity, Clean Air and Oceans with a 'From global
to Local, narrative
o Content charrette during research and development
A new suite of equipment and training resources with a budget of £1500 per centre
o A 2-day national training academy13rd & 4 july 2023, National Space Centrel
Delivery period Summer 2023- Winter 2024
Large scale evaluation programme working with OnData Ltd
ace

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnuedl
Financial Ovenfiew
Overview
The total income for the period was £663,08012023'. £543,3761- Total expenditure for the year was
£645,54112023: £511,913) giving a surplus of £17,53912023: £31,463).
Reserves and Investment Policies
In order to provide on-going financial stability, the organisation aims to hold reserves at a level that
will provide funds to cover a minimum of twelve months of costs in the event of a failure to secure
funding. At year end we had £185,74312023'. £121,324) in unrestricted reserves which, along with
expected income during the current year, we consider sufficient.
The organisation does not currently have a formal investment policy.
Future Plans
ASDC will continue to seek opportunities to run national programmes of work that align with its vision,
mission and values. These programmes deliver sector-wide inspiration, encourage shared practice,
demonstrate collective impact and support professional development, while keeping ASDC
sustainable. For example, 'Explore Your Universe.. Valuing Inclusion, will deliver an evidence-based
Logic Model to support evaluation of impact for practitioners and present a compelling case to STEM
funders that an equitable and inclusive approach to science engagements results in greater diversity
of participation in STEM. ASDC aims to place equity and inclusion as a business essential for the future,
alongside support on measurable indicators of impact.
Alongside project funding, and due to the increased difficulty in attaining project funding, ASDC will
continue to seek suitable core funding as a priority, with collaborations, new relationships and
enhanced membership offers providing further opportunities for core funding. Current andlor future
projects running with the MA also provide opportunities for partnership work and shared resources.
ASDC will also deliver a National Conference for members and the wider sector. The 2024 ASDC
conference will be held at the Royal Society in November, and plans are in place to host the 2025
conference with the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.
Membership growth is enabled through more formal understanding of the diversity of ASDC members,
including 'outreach centres, Ilarger organisations that achieve their mission without a centralised
publicly accessible venue). In addition, pre-approvals from trustees facilitate a more proactive model
of membership growth for organisations such as botanical Eardens, universities departments and
potential national partners.
Two new core strands of work have emerged during 2023-2024 to be taken forward for future plans.
The ASDC sector survey furthered insight and data for advocacy. The resource required to undertake
this survey was extremely high but provided our members with a valuable tool. Members have
opportunity to use data collected through an interactive dashboard, in order to benchmark, explore
audience and workforce trends, and understand successful initiatives in areas of shared challenge. The
survey has re-affirmed ASDC mission goals and the value held by members in the ASDC offer. The sector
survey and 2023 & 2024 CEO discussions also highlight the need for ASDC to convene collective action
to acquire a capital fund that supports science and discovery centres, aging building and estates,
aligning with membership targets towards net zero.
Advocacy for the sector prioritises raising the profile and evidence for the national impact of science
and discovery centres and museums to reach diverse audiences and for wider participation with STEM,
championing the cultural and social impact of the national ASDC membership.

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontinuedl
ststement of trustees, responsibilities
The trustees Iwho are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company lawl are
responsible for preparing the Trustees, Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards Iunited Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incomin8 resources and
applicatiorb of resources, including the income arbd expenditure, of the charitable company for that
period.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to..
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently,.
obseNe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP FRS102 leffective l January 20191;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material
departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company 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 charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the
prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Small Company Exemptions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies
Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Approved by the Board of Trustees and signed on its behalf by..
Trustee- Dr Stephen Breslln
Date: 08110124

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Independent Examinerfs Report forthe yearended 31 March 2024
Independent examinerfs report to the Trustee5 of The Association for Science and Discovery Centres
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended
31 March 2024 which are set out on pages 11 to 20.
Responsibilities and bosis of report
As the charity trustees of the company land also its directors for the purposes of company lawl you
are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the
Companies Act 20061'the 2006 Act'l.
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16
of the 2(M)6 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of
your company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 20111'the 2011 Act'l.
In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions Eiven by the Charity Commission under
section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's stotement
Since the company's gross income exceeded £250,OCKJ your examiner must be a member of a body
listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because
l am member of the ICAEW, 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 that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the company as required by section 386 of the
2006 Act,. or
the accounts do not accord with those records- or
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2Cx)6 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
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 IFRS 1021.
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.
Stuart Crisp Bsc FCA
Corrigan Accountants Limited
First Floor
25 King Street
Bristol BS14PB
Date.. 15 October 2025
io-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
ststement of Financial Artivities including Income and Expendlture Account for the year ended 31
March 2024
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds
funds
2024
Totsl
2023
Note
Income from
Charitable activities
Other tradin8 activities
7,250
119,664
535,871
295
543,121
119,959
437,962
105,414
Total income
126,914
536,166
663,080
543,376
Expenditure on
Charitable activities
62,348
583,193
645,541
511,913
Total expenditure
62,348
583,193
645,541
511,913
Net income/{expenditurel
64.566
147.027)
17.539
31.463
Transfers between funds
11471
147
Net movement in funds
64,419
(46,880)
17,539
31,463
Total funds at l April 2023
121,324
50,775
172,099
140,636
Total funds at 31 March 2024
14
185,743
3,895
189,638
172,099
All income and expenditure is derived from the charitls continuing activities.
All gains and losses recognised during the year are included above.
The notes on pages 14 to 20 form part of these financial statements.
li-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Company number
06798106
Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Note
Current assets
Debtors
Cash and bank balances
117,653
161,942
63,949
172,446
279,595
236,395
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
io
189,9571
164,2961
Net current assets
189,638
172,099
Net assets
189,638
172,099
Funds of the charlty
Restrirted funds
Unrestricted funds
General funds
12
3,895
50,775
12
185,743
121,324
Total charity funds
12
189,638
172,099
The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act
2006 for the year ended 31 March 2024.
The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements ft)r the year
ended 31 March 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.
The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:
lal Ensurin8 that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of
the Companies Act 2006,. and
Ibl Preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company
as at the end of each financial year and of its profit or loss for each financial year in accordance
with the requirements of Section 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements
of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of
the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees, and authorised for issue, on and
were signed on its behalf by-
08110124
14110124
Trustee- Stephen Breslin
Trustee-Tudor Gwynn
The notes on pages 14 to 20 form part of these financial statements.
12-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
ststement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 March 2024
2024
2023
Net movement in funds
17,539
31,463
Adjustments for=
Decrease/lincreasel in debtors
Increaselldecreasel in creditors
153,7041
25,661
49,507
121,5531
Net cash provided by operating activities
110,5041
59,417
Cash at the beginning of the year
172,446
113,029
Cash at the end of the year
161,942
172,446
13-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
Accounting policies
8usis of accounting
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting
by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing accounts in
accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in UK and Ireland IFR51021 (Effective
January 20191- Icharities SORP IFRS10211, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Ireland IFR51021 and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared
under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the
company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The Association for Science and Discovery Centres meets the definition of a public benefit entity
under FR5102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value
unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies.
Income
Income comprises
lal Revenue grants in respect of the science and discovery centre projects-
Ibl Membership and conference dele8ate fees.
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is
legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy when
any performance criteria or conditions attached to the income have been met or are fully within
the control of the charity, and when receipt of the income is considered to be probable.
Income received in advance for contracts and where criteria or conditions are attached to the
income is deferred until the conditions or criteria for recognition are met.
Fund occounting
Unrestricted General Funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance
of the general objectives of the Charity.
Restricted funds are funds which have been given for a specific purpose by the donoror statutory
body. Expenditure which meets these criteria is charged to the fund, tOEether with fair allocation
of management and support costs on an employee basis. Descriptions of the restricted funds are
contained in the trustees, report.
Resources expended
External costs of projects are those costs directly incurred in connection with the various projects
carried out by the Charity.
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to
a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can
be measured reliably. Expenditure is charEed directly to the projects where possible.
Irrecoverable VAT is treated as a cost to the charity and analysed between appropriate
expenditure headings.
Governance costs are those costs incurred in connection with compliance with constitutional
and statutory requirements and have been allocated against Charitable Activities.
14-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnued)
All costs are allocated between the expenditure categories of the Statement of Financial
Activities on a basis designed to reflect the use of the resource. Costs relating to a particular
activity are allocated directly, together with a fair allocation of management and support Costs
on an employee basis.
Financial instruments
The charity only has financial asset5 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.
Debtors
Grant and contract debtors are recognised at the settlement amounts due after any discounts.
Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid after taking account of any discounts due.
Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash or short term deposits with maturity date less than 3
months from the opening of the deposit.
Creditors
Creditors and provision are recognised when the charity has a present obligation resulting from
a past event that will probably result in a transfer to a third part in settlement of the obligation
and when it can be measured reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their
settlement amount after any discounts due.
Pensiorj scheme
The charity pays contributions into a group personal pension scheme on behalf of the
employees. Contributions payable are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the
period to which they relate.
Operoting leuses
Rentals payable under operating leases are charged to the SOFA over the period in which the
cost is incurred.
Legal status of the charity
The charity is a private company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. Details of the
charity's registered office and registered number are given in the Report of the Trustees. In the
event of the charity being wound up, the liability on respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per
member.
Charitable activities
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
rotal Funds
2023
Grants
7,250
535,871
543,121
437,962
7.250
535.871
543.121
437.962
During the year grant income was received towards running the charity and for certain activities
the charity undertakes. Of the £543,121 receivable in 2024, £7,250 is included within
unrestricted furbds 12023= £Nill and £535,871 has been received that is restricted to certain
projects12023=
£437,962). Funds are claimed and recognised as contractual obligations are met.
15-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnued)
Other trading activities
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024
Total Funds
2023
Membership income
Annual conference
Other income
54,545
45,718
19,401
54,545
45,718
19,696
52.705
38,422
14,287
295
119,664
295
119,959
105,414
Expenditure
External cost Support
of projects
costs
2024
2023
Purchases
Salaries lincl. employerfs Nll
Pension contribution
Recruitment and temporary staff
Staff training and welfare
Travel and subsistence
Entertaining
Premises costs
Telephone and fax
Postage and stationery
Subscriptions
Bank charges
Irrecoverable VAT
Insurance
Computer costs
Sundry expenses
Accountancy fees
Other marketing costs
Governance costs
Legal and professional fees
337,393
32,410
161,094
7,571
369,803
161,094
7,571
248,085
164,769
7,609
21
2,115
16,003
373
19,210
3,658
93
3,987
605
12,428
4,543
5,468
695
13,659
6,067
130
2,395
545
18,657
108
1,034
6,154
222
19,980
3,117
67
495
585
6,864
3,639
4,673
827
8,053
1,803
244
3,881
1,579
24,811
330
19,980
3,117
105
1,081
585
18,475
3,639
5,517
1,313
12,331
10,085
244
3,881
38
586
11,611
844
486
4,278
8,282
382,828
262,713
645,541
511,913
Expenditure Icontinuedl
Of the £645,541 expenditure, £62,348 has been charged to unrestricted funds12023: 118,2031
charged to unrestricted funds) and £583,193 has been charged to restricted funds 12023..
£393,710 charged to restricted funds).
Taxatlon
The charity is exempt from tax on income falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or
section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to
its charitable objects.
16-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnued)
Net incoming resources
Net incoming resources are stated after charging'.-
2024
2023
Cost of independent examination
Directors, remuneration
Operating leases
1,500
1,400
11,0
11.000
Salaries
2024
2023
Salaries
Social security costs
Pension contributions
151,418
9,676
7,571
154,758
io,oii
7,609
168,665
172,378
The staff costs of the charity are shown above. The average number of employees land full time
equivalents) in the year was:
2024
number
2023
number
Management
Administration
Full time equivalent
Number of employees with emoluments (excluding
Employers, pension)
2024
number
2023
number
Between £30,000 and £40,000
Between £40,000 and £50,0(X)
The key management personnel of the charity are the trustees and the Chief Executive Officer.
The total employee benefits paid to the key management personnel were £46,419 12022..
£38,9061.
Debtors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trade debtors
Other debtors and prepayments
110,217
7,436
56,638
7,311
117,653
63,949
17-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnued)
10 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
Trade creditors
Tax and social security
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
82,491
3,369
2,597
1,500
48,862
8,324
2,116
4,994
89,957
64,296
li
Commitments under operating leases
At 31 March 2024 the charity had total commitments under operating leases as set out below..
2024
2023
Operating lease commitments
11,000
Ii,ocKJ
12 Statement of funds
At
IApr23
Incoming
resources
Outgoing
At
resources Transfers 31 Mar 24
Unrestrictedfunds
General funds
121,324
126,914
162,3481
11471 185,743
Restrictedfunds
Destination Earth
Bold Futures
EYU4 Legacv
EYU Valuing Inclusion
Mindsets and Missions
Ourworld From Space
Sector CPD
Destination Space Phase 4
STFC Impact
15,026
9,170
2,110
115,0261
19,1701
112,2701
1234,6751
114,0991
1269,3441
13,4291
17,6961
117,4841
10,160
244,020
11,360
267,626
9,345
15,4501
12,7111
1,718
3,429
15,0001
9,696
17,484
3,000
50,775
536,166
1583,1931
147
3,895
Total funds
172,099
663,080
1645,541)
189,638
Tronsfers betweenfunds
Expenditure in excess of restricted funding received has been transferred from unrestricted
funds.
Restrirtedfunds
Details of the larger restricted funds are included in the Report of the Trustees on pages 6 and
18-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnued)
Comparative statement of funds
At
IApr22
Incoming
resources
Outgoing
At
resources Transfers 31 Mar 23
Unrestrictedfund5
General funds
140,636
105,291
1118,2031
16,4001 121,324
Restrictedfunds
Destination Earth
EYU4 Legacy
STFC Phase 4 EYU
Bold Futures
ISEN
Project Lightyear
Mindsets and Missions
NERC 2.5
Destination Space Phase 3
Destination Space Phase 4
STFC Impact
51,040
59,020
136,0141
156,9101
12841
115,8301
15,026
2,110
284
25,000
2,000
42,273
6,752
9,170
12,0001
5,734
148,0071
19,4631
15721
11,8101
142,3041
1182,5161
12,7111
572
1,810
52,000
200,000
9,696
17,484
438,085
1393,7101
6,400
50,775
Totsl funds
140.636
543,376
1511,913)
172.099
13
Analysis of prior year statement of financial artivities
Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds
funds
2023
Income from
Charitable activities
Other trading activities
437,962
123
437,962
105,414
105,291
Total income
105,291
438,085
543,376
Expenditure on
Charitable activities
118,203
393,710
511,913
Total expenditure
118,203
393,710
511,913
Net expenditure
(12.9121
44,375
31.463
Transfers between funds
16,4001
6,400
Net movement In funds
(19.3121
50.775
31.463
Total funds at l April 2022
140,636
140,636
Total funds at 31 March 2023
121,324
50,775
172,099
19-

THE ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
Notes forming part of the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Icontlnued)
14
Funds
Unrestricted Restricted
funds
funds
Total
Total
2023
Fund balances are represented by..
Current assets
Current liabilities
275,700
189,9571
3,895
279,595
236,395
189,9571 164,2961
185,743
3,895
189,638
172,099
15
Pensions
The pension charge amounted to £7,57112023: £7,609). At the year-end £1,11612023.' £1,371)
was outstanding.
16
Trustees, Remuneration and Benefits
There was no trustees, remuneration. benefits or expenses for the year ended 31 March 2024,
nor for the year ended 31 March 2023.
17 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions during the year ended 31 March 2024, nor for the year
ended 31 March 2023.
20-