Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
ROBINSON COLLEGE
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Index
Page No
-
1 College Details
-
2-5 Operating and Financial Report to the Council and Governing Body
-
6 Corporate Governance
-
7 Statement of Internal Controls
-
8 Statement of the Responsibilities of the College’s Council and Governing Body
-
9-11 Independent Auditors’ Report to the Council and Governing Body of Robinson College
-
12-17 Statement of Principal Accounting Policies
-
18 Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure
-
19 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Reserves
-
20 Consolidated and College Balance Sheet
-
21 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
-
22-37 Notes to the Accounts
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
College Details
Address
Robinson College Grange Road Cambridge CB3 9AN
Registered Charity Number
1137494
Charity Trustees (Members of Council)
Sir R N Heaton Prof A Dawar (resigned 30 September 2024) Dr S Annett F Brockbank Dr S Cheung nee Archer (appointed 1 October 2023) Dr A Corovic (appointed 23 October 2024) Dr R Fell (appointed 23 April 2024, resigned 30 September 2024) Prof G A C Jones Prof G S Kaminski Schierle Dr I Kavedžija (appointed 1 October 2023) Dr J P Larsson (appointed 1 October 2024) Pro R Love (appointed 1 October 2024) Dr P Murray (appointed 23 April 2024) Dr P J Newton (appointed 1 October 2024) Dr E K Price (resigned 22 April 2024) Mr S E Nassé (resigned 30 June 2024) Prof P Schofield
Dr B D Sloan Dr J R Thurlow Prof A L Young (resigned 18 March 2024) Dr C Warner S E Westwood (resigned 2 June 2024)
Student representatives: K Beckwith (resigned 12 November 2023) A Fischer (appointed 13 November 2023, resigned 24 November 2024) K Rawdanowicz (resigned 6 November 2023) A Myall (appointed 7 November 2023, resigned 10 November 2024) M Ungless (resigned 1 July 2024) S Ahmed (appointed 11 November 2024) J Stachyra (appointed 25 November 2024) W McLaughlin (appointed 14 November 2024)
Senior Officers
Warden: Sir R N Heaton Senior Tutor: Dr D A Woodman to 30 September 2023 Dr S Annett from 1 October 2023 Finance Bursar: Mrs F Brockbank
Principal Advisors:
Actuaries
Cartwright Group Ltd Suite 7, 2[nd] Floor, The Hub IQ Farnborough Farnborough Hampshire GU14 7JP
Auditors
Peters Elworthy & Moore Salisbury House Station Road Cambridge CB1 2LA
Bankers
Barclays Bank plc 9/11 St Andrews Street Cambridge CB2 3AA
Solicitors
Taylor Vinters LLP Mills & Reeve LLP Merlin Place Botanic House Mliton Road 100 Hills Road Cambridge, CB4 0DP Cambridge, CB2 1PH
1
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Operating and Financial Report to the Council and Governing Body
Year ended 30 June 2024
Aims and objectives of the College
Founded in 1977 as a place of religion, education, learning and research and named in memory of the benefactor, David Robinson, the College is a self-governing community of Fellows and scholars and one of the 31 Colleges of the University of Cambridge. The College funds its charitable objectives from academic fees, student residence and catering charges, income from conferences and investments, and from donations and legacies.
A College of Robinson’s size requires a sizeable investment portfolio to support its charitable objects, maintain the estate and absorb the removal of increases in the regulated fee for a number of years without reducing the quality of the education it offers or its support of research. Being a young College, it does not yet have this size of portfolio (as at 30[th] June investment assets amounted to £83m). To address this the College has a clear strategy that inter-locks the three main drivers of investment growth being the return on its investments, fundraising and its operating result. The long-term aim is to produce an operating result of zero before donations for the general use of the College but after fully providing for the replacement of buildings in operational use and to be cash flow positive before investment activity. The pandemic significantly disrupted progress towards this aim.
Public Benefit Statement
In accordance with its Statutes, the College’s charitable purpose is to advance education, learning, research and religion through the provision of a College in the University of Cambridge.
The College provides, in conjunction with the University of Cambridge, an education which is recognised internationally as being of the highest standard. This education develops students academically and advances their leadership qualities and interpersonal skills, and so prepares them to play full and effective roles in society. In particular, the College provides:
-
teaching facilities and individual or small-group supervision, as well as pastoral, administrative and academic support through its tutorial and graduate mentoring systems;
-
social, cultural, musical, recreational and sporting facilities to enable each of its students to realise as much as possible of their academic and personal potential whilst studying at the College.
The College advances research through:
-
providing Research Fellowships to outstanding academics at the early stages of their careers, which enables them to develop and focus on their research in this formative period before they undertake the full teaching and administrative duties of an academic post;
-
supporting research work pursued by its other Fellows through promoting interaction across disciplines, providing facilities and providing grants for national and international conferences, research trips and research materials;
-
encouraging visits from outstanding academics from abroad; and
-
encouraging the dissemination of research undertaken by members of the College through the publication of papers in academic journals or other suitable means.
The College maintains a Library, so providing a valuable resource for students and Fellows of the College, members of other Colleges and the University of Cambridge more widely, external scholars and researchers.
The members of the College, both students and academic staff, are the primary beneficiaries and are directly engaged in education, learning or research.
However, beneficiaries also include students and academic staff from other Colleges in Cambridge and the University of Cambridge more widely, visiting academics from other higher education institutions and alumni of the College who have an opportunity to attend educational events at the College or use its academic facilities.
In order to assist undergraduates entitled to student support the College provides, through a scheme operated in common with the University and other Colleges, bursary support for those of limited financial means.
To support the costs of postgraduates, the College provides substantial financial support. This includes scholarships to fund fees and living costs and ‘top-up’ funding to fill funding shortfalls in students’ funding packages.
2
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Operating and Financial Report to the Council and Governing Body
Year ended 30 June 2024
In addition to its other programmes, the College operates a scheme for students in need of financial support.
To raise educational aspiration and attract outstanding applicants who might not otherwise have considered applying to Robinson College, the College operates an outreach programme. This programme includes a series of visits to schools, visits by schools to the College, open days, admissions symposia for teachers as well as guidance and information on the College website for prospective applicants.
The College maintains and supports the Chapel as a place of religious worship and holds religious services both during the week and on Sundays during term, which are open to the general public and visitors. It also maintains an outstanding choral tradition through the College’s Choir which includes students of the College, students from other colleges and Senior Members.
All members of College, of any faith or none, are welcome to use the Chapel for quiet meditation or prayer.
Financial performance
The adjusted operating deficit of the College, excluding gains on investments, increased in the year by £0.27m.
| Net reported Unrestricted donations Operating (deficit) Pension cost adjustments Private placement interest Adjusted operating (deficit) |
2024 2023 £’000 £’000 832 (64) (1,181) (401) |
|---|---|
| (349) (465) (398) (7) (618) (621) |
|
| (1,365) (1,093) |
The adjusted deficit has worsened year on year due to continued inflationary pressures on the cost base. Conferencing income has still not returned to pre-pandemic levels, but significant progress has been made in this area with income of £1.6m in 2023/24 compared to £1.2m in the prior year. The main financial challenge the College shares with other similar institutions is the lack of increase in the regulated home undergraduate tuition fee, which has been frozen at the same level for a number of years. In a high inflation environment this is particularly challenging. Increased income from both conferencing and the investment portfolio help to partially offset the significant loss made on education, but this still leaves an adjusted deficit of over £1.3m.
Total income increased by 19% and income before donations and endowments (which includes investment income) increased by 8%. Income from fees remained consistent, despite a drop in graduate numbers due to unregulated undergraduate fee increases, and income from conferences increased from £1.2m to £1.6m. Academic fee income received amounted to £3,205,000. The full costs of education were £5,240,000. The shortfall of £2,035,000 was found from the College’s other income and unrestricted reserves. Salary and wage costs of College Officers, College Teaching Officers and support staff amounted to £5,153,000 which is consistent year on year despite the cost of living increase due to the movement in the USS deficit recovery provision..
Cash and Cash Flow
Cash decreased by £0.2m during the year, from £5.0m to £4.8m. Spend on capital projects was particularly high during the year as a result of the water ingress works. This multi-year, multi-million pound project is essential to maintain the main College building but presents a significant financial challenge as the cash flow funding required far exceeds the cash available from operational activities. The original project timeframe of 15 years has been reduced to an estimated 5 years by working on the least disruptive parts of the works during term time (excluding exam period). This reduction in project period is desirable because it reduces the impact of inflation on the overall project cost and it is also considered important to address the water ingress issue promptly before the current state of the building is further degraded. However, truncating the project term further increases the pressure on cash flows for the College and it has been agreed that the investment portfolio will be used to fund the works as necessary. Work is ongoing to source donation income to support the project as it is important to minimise the impact on the investment portfolio.
A total of £1.5m (2022/23:£1.9m) was withdrawn from the investment portfolio during the year to fund these works.
3
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Operating and Financial Report to the Council and Governing Body
Year ended 30 June 2024
Investments
The year-end value of the investment portfolio was £83m, an increase of £5.9m. The return on investment for the year was 11.8%.
The College’s investments were overseen by an Investment Committee of 8, including 2 external members. During the year the Committee was increased to 9 members, including 3 external members. Between meetings an Executive Committee which includes the Warden and the Investment Officer are empowered to take decisions. The College’s investments are diversified across markets and asset classes. The College invests part of the portfolio in illiquid assets: however, it always keeps sufficient cash to meet any foreseeable immediate needs.
Support Received
This year the College recognised £2.1m in donations, new endowments and capital grants, including £0.7m of donation income pledged but not yet received and £0.5m towards the water ingress works. The College is very grateful to all donors who have helped it to fulfil its charitable objects.
Fundraising
The College seeks donations from alumni and other individuals, as well as from foundations and corporations. All fundraising activity is administered by the College’s Development Office or is under the College’s supervision.
Capital and Reserves
Capital and reserves increased by £8.3m during the year to £125m.
At 30 June 2024 the College had £84.2m in unrestricted reserves (2023: £79.4m), the majority of which are invested in fixed assets of £70.6m (2023: £69.7m).
Expenditure on maintenance and improvements amounted to £2.7m (2023: £3.4m), including £2m (2023: £2.7m) of capital expenditure.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The principal risks and uncertainties of the College are:
-
(1) Fee income. The regulated home undergraduate fee income is £9,250 (College share £4,625) and has remained at that level for a number of years. The College’s principal costs are salary related and therefore subject to salary inflation. Other operating costs are also currently subject to significant inflationary rises (including for example utility costs). Although post year-end the Government announced an increase in the regulated home undergraduate fee to £9,535 for the academic year 25/26, this level of increase does not address the real terms drop in value of the fee since 2017. In summary, the College has the challenge of an increasing cost base to maintain whilst the regulated home undergraduate fee level does not increase at the same rate.
-
(2) Postgraduate fee income. Postgraduates are largely overseas students and have a choice of not only University but country.
-
(3) The conference business provides a key source of income and was severely disrupted by the pandemic. Significant progress has been made over the past three years in rebuilding conferencing income, but uncertainty remains over how quickly, and to what extent, we can rebuild our conferencing income stream to pre-pandemic levels in a highly competitive market.
-
(4) The College’s main building is in need of major and disruptive maintenance work, with the work scheduled to be completed over a number of years. Although necessary this is an expensive project to fund and there is the risk that in the course of doing this work more issues are identified, and the costs could further increase. Inflation is also expected to significantly impact on the overall cost of the multi-year project.
-
(5) Although the College has a long-term capital expenditure plan focussed on building renewal and improvement, the nature of the buildings is such that there is the potential for unexpected issues to arise that may require significant expenditure.
4
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Operating and Financial Report to the Council and Governing Body
Year ended 30 June 2024
-
(6) The College participates in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) for relevant employees, which is a ‘last man standing’ defined benefit pension scheme. The College has a relatively small number of scheme members but there is a significant amount of uncertainty around elements of the scheme, including future contribution rates.
-
(7) There are a number of key individuals who are critical to the operation of the College and as it is a relatively small organisation there is a risk that there is not sufficient cover for those key roles should the individuals be unavailable for any reason. Resourcing has been strengthened in some key areas but in common with other smaller organisations we bear more risk in this area than those with larger headcounts.
Outlook
Financially, the College’s position has remained steady in the face of very significant headwinds. Like last year, inflation added to our cost base, while our largest source of income remained flat. But encouragingly, the performance of our investment portfolio remained strong, our conferencing income continued to recover, and we received a small number of large philanthropic donations. Our financial stability in the years ahead will be built on a sustained growth in each of these categories of income, together with a continuing control over our core expenditure.
During the year, we relentlessly pushed forward on projects involving capital renewal. Our task has been to protect, repair and improve our masterpiece building, so that our present and future students can live, work and study — and be inspired — in a beautiful, well appointed and modern college. That work must continue.
And alongside it, we will continue to make an imaginative case to potential supporters of the college. Robinson has always offered a truly inspiring student experience, in a magnificent setting. It is a college that blends excellent teaching, innovation, and a lively, interdisciplinary culture. With the right financial support, we know that we will be able to do great things. And in that spirit, we approach our half-century with both pride and ambition.
Richard Heaton Warden
Date 13 December 2024
5
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Corporate Governance
Year ended 30 June 2024
-
The following statement is provided by the Trustees to enable readers of the financial statements to obtain a better understanding of the arrangements in the College for the management of its resources and for audit.
-
The College is a registered charity (registered number 1137494) and subject to regulation by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The members of the Council are the charity trustees and are responsible for ensuring compliance with charity law.
-
The Trustees are advised in carrying out its duties by the following Committees: academic expenses, widening access and admissions, archives & records, audit, bursaries, chapel, development, education, fellowship, finance, gardens, health and safety, investment, IT, joint liaison, library, membership, remuneration, financial assistance, disciplinary, visual arts & design, SCR, USS, sustainability, website, and wine.
-
The principal officers of the College are the Warden, the Finance Bursar and the Senior Tutor.
-
It is the duty of the Audit Committee to advise the Trustees on the appointment of external auditors; to review the annual accounts and consider reports submitted by the auditors; to make an annual report to the Trustees and Governing Body.
-
There are Registers of Interests of trustees and declarations of interest are made systematically at Council and committee meetings.
-
The College’s Trustees during the Year ended 30 June 2024 are set out on page 1.
6
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Statement of Internal Controls
Year ended 30 June 2024
-
The Trustees are responsible for maintaining a sound system of internal control that supports the achievement of policy, aims and objectives while safeguarding the public and other funds and assets for which the Council and Governing Body are responsible, in accordance with the College’s Statutes.
-
The system of internal control is designed to manage rather than eliminate the risk of failure to achieve policies, aims and objectives; it therefore provides reasonable but not absolute assurance of effectiveness.
-
The system of internal control is designed to identify the principal risks to the achievement of policies, aims and objectives, to evaluate the nature and extent of those risks and to manage them efficiently, effectively and economically. This process was in place for the Year ended 30 June 2024 and up to the date of approval of the financial statements.
-
The Trustees are responsible for reviewing the effectiveness of the system of internal control. The following processes have been established:
-
a) A system of committees including an Audit Committee that monitor the College’s performance against legal requirements and good practice.
-
b) Systems are in place to ensure the financial reporting is of a high quality and to ensure the Trustees comply with charity law and other regulations.
-
c) Where possible there is a segregation of duties from authorisation to completion and review.
-
The Trustees’ review of the effectiveness of the system of internal control is informed by the work of the various Committees, Bursar and College officers, who have responsibility for the development and maintenance of the internal control framework, and by comments made by the external auditors in their management letter and other reports.
7
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Statement of Responsibilities of the College’s Council and Governing Body
Year ended 30 June 2024
The Council in conjunction with the Governing Body is responsible for preparing the Annual Report and financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The College’s Statutes and the Statutes and Ordinances of the University of Cambridge require that the Council in conjunction with the Governing Body prepare the financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the College and of the surplus or deficit of the College for that period. In preparing these financial statements the Council in conjunction with the Governing Body is required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
-
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
State whether applicable 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 College will continue in operation.
The Council in conjunction with the Governing body is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the College and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Statutes of the University of Cambridge. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the College and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
8
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Council and Governing Body of Robinson College
Year ended 30 June 2024
We have audited the financial statements of Robinson College (the College) and its subsidiaries (the Group) for the Year ended 30 June 2024 which comprise the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure, the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Reserves, the Consolidated and College Balance Sheets, the Consolidated Cash Flow statement and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion, the financial statements:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and College’s affairs as at 30 June 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Statutes of the University of Cambridge.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group’s or College's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The Council in conjunction with the Governing Body are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report of the Trustees other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Statutes of the University of Cambridge
In our opinion based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:
- The contribution due from the College to the University has been computed as advised in the provisional assessment by the University of Cambridge and in accordance with the provisions of Statute G,II, of the University of Cambridge.
9
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Council and Governing Body of Robinson College
Year ended 30 June 2024
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and College and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Operating and Financial Review.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
-
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of the Council and Governing Body
As explained more fully in the responsibilities of the Council and Governing Body statement set out on page 8, the Council in conjunction with the Governing Body are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Council in conjunction with the Governing Body determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the Council in conjunction with the Governing Body are responsible for assessing the Group’s and College’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the Group or College or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
-
the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
-
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the Group through discussions with Trustees and other management, and from our knowledge and experience of the education sector;
-
we obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the Group and how the Group is complying with that framework;
-
we obtained an understanding of the Group’s policies and procedures on compliance with laws and regulations, including documentation of any instances of non-compliance;
-
we identified which laws and regulations were significant in the context of the Group. The Laws and regulations we considered in this context were Charities Act 2011, the Statutes of the University of Cambridge and taxation legislation. We assessed the required compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our audit procedures on the related financial statement items;
-
in addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which might be fundamental to the Group’s and College’s ability to operate or to avoid material penalty; and
-
identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
10
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Independent Auditors’ Report to the Council and Governing Body of Robinson College
Year ended 30 June 2024
We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
-
making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
-
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we;
-
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
-
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates set out in the accounting policy were indicative of potential bias; and
-
investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
-
agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
-
reviewing minutes of meetings of those charged with governance;
-
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims; and
-
reviewing correspondence with relevant regulators and the College’s legal advisors.
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilties. This description forms part of our auditors’ report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the College’s Council and Governing Body as bodies, in accordance with College’s statutes, the Statutes of the University of Cambridge and the Charities Act 2011. Our work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Council and Governing Body those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the College and the College’s Council and Governing Body as bodies, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
PETERS ELWORTHY & MOORE
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Salisbury House Station Road Cambridge CB1 2LA Date: 13 December 2024
Peters Elworthy & Moore is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
11
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Statement of Principal Accounting Policies
Year ended 30 June 2024
Basis of preparation
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Statutes of the College and of the University of Cambridge, using the Recommended Cambridge College Accounts (RCCA) format; and applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102) and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Accounting for Further and Higher Education issued in 2019.
The Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure includes activity analysis in order to demonstrate that all fee income is spent for educational purposes. The analysis required by the SORP is set out in note 7.
The College is a public benefit entity and therefore has applied the relevant public benefit requirement of the applicable UK laws and accounting standards.
Going concern
The Trustees have prepared forecasts for the period to 2026 which have been stress tested based on a number of scenarios and have considered the impact upon the College and its cash resources and unrestricted reserves.
Based upon their review the Trustees believe that the Group will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due for the foreseeable future and therefore have continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements
Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified in respect of the treatment of investments which are included at valuation.
Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the College and its subsidiary undertakings. Details of the subsidiary undertakings included are set out in note 28. Intra-group balances are eliminated on consolidation.
The consolidated financial statements do not include the activities of student societies as these are separate bodies in which the College has no financial interest and over whose policy decisions it has no control.
Recognition of income
Academic fees
Academic fees are recognised in the period to which they relate and include all fees chargeable to students or their sponsors. The costs of any fees waived or written off by the College are included as expenditure.
Grant income
Grants received from non-government sources (including research grants from non-government sources) are recognised within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the College is entitled to the income and performance related conditions have been met.
Income received in advance of performance related conditions is deferred on the balance sheet and released to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure in line with such conditions being met.
Donations and endowments
Non exchange transactions without performance related conditions are donations and endowments. Donations and endowments with donor imposed restrictions are recognised within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the College is entitled to the income. Income is retained within restricted reserves until such time that it is utilised in line with such restrictions at which point the income is released to general reserves through a reserve transfer.
Donations and endowments with restrictions are classified as restricted reserves with additional disclosure provided within the notes to the accounts.
12
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Statement of Principal Accounting Policies
Year ended 30 June 2024
Recognition of income (continued)
There are four main types of donations and endowments with restrictions:
-
Restricted donations – the donor has specified that the donation must be used for a particular objective. 2. Unrestricted permanent endowments – the donor has specified that the fund is to be permanently invested to generate an income stream for the general benefit of the College.
-
Restricted expendable endowments – the donor has specified a particular objective and the College can convert the donated sum into income.
-
Restricted permanent endowments – the donor has specified that the fund is to be permanently invested to generate an income stream to be applied to a particular objective.
Donations with no restrictions are recorded within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure when the College is entitled to the income.
Investment income and change in value of investment assets
Investment income and change in value of investment assets is recorded in income in the year in which it arises and as either restricted or unrestricted income according to the terms or other restrictions applied to the individual endowment fund.
Total return
The College invests its investment portfolio and allocates the related earnings for expenditure in accordance with the total return concept. The income crediting policy is 70% of the prior year total return income (adjusted for CPI) plus 30% of the average opening investment balance for the past 3 years at a spending rate of 3.5%.
Other income
Income is received from a range of activities including accommodation, catering conferences and other services rendered.
Cambridge Bursary Scheme
In 2023-24, payment of the Cambridge Bursaries to eligible students was made directly by the Student Loans Company (SLC). As a consequence, the College reimbursed the SLC for the full amount paid to their eligible students and the College subsequently received a contribution from the University of Cambridge towards this payment.
The net payment of £145,000 is shown within the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure as follows:
| Income (see note 1) | £102,000 |
|---|---|
| Expenditure | £247,000 |
Foreign currency translation
Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at year end rates or, where there are forward foreign exchange contracts, at contract rates. The resulting exchange differences are dealt with in the determination of the comprehensive income and expenditure for the financial year.
Fixed assets
Land and buildings
Fixed assets are stated at deemed cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Certain items of fixed assets that had been revalued to fair value on or prior to the date of transition to FRS 102, are measured on the basis of deemed cost, being the revalued amount at the date of that revaluation.
Where parts of a fixed asset have different useful lives, they are accounted for as separate items of fixed assets.
Costs incurred in relation to land and buildings after initial purchase or construction, and prior to valuation, are capitalised to the extent that they increase the expected future benefits to the College.
Freehold land is not depreciated as it is considered to have an indefinite useful life. Freehold buildings are depreciated on a straight-line basis over their expected useful lives of 70 years. They are valued on the basis of their depreciated replacement cost.
A review for impairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a fixed asset may not be recoverable.
13
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Statement of Principal Accounting Policies
Year ended 30 June 2024
Fixed assets (continued)
Buildings under construction are valued at cost, based on the value of architects’ certificates and other direct costs incurred. They are not depreciated until they are brought into use.
Land held specifically for development, investment and subsequent sale is included in current assets at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
The cost of additions to operational property shown in the balance sheet includes the cost of land. All other assets are capitalised and depreciated over their expected useful life as follows:
| Library books | 10 years |
|---|---|
| Furniture and equipment | 15 years |
| Catering equipment | 10 years |
| Information Technology | 4 years |
Leased assets
Leases in which the College assumes substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased asset are classified as finance leases. Leased assets acquired by way of finance leases are stated at an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the present value of the minimum lease payments at inception of the lease, less accumulated depreciation and less accumulated impairment losses. Lease payments are accounted for as described below.
Minimum lease payments are apportioned between the finance charge and the reduction of the outstanding liability. The finance charge is allocated to each period during the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability.
Costs in respect of operating leases are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Any lease premiums or incentives are spread over the minimum lease term.
Heritage assets
The College does not hold any assets that should be classed as heritage assets.
Investments
Fixed asset investments are included in the balance sheet at fair value, except for investments in subsidiary undertakings which are stated in the College’s balance sheet at cost and eliminated on consolidation. Investments that are not listed on a recognised stock exchange are carried at fair value where a reliable estimate can be made otherwise, they are carried at historical cost less any provision for impairment in their value.
Stocks
Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making provision for slow moving and obsolete items.
Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the College has a present legal or constructive obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation.
Contingent liabilities and assets
A contingent liability arises from a past event that gives the College a possible obligation whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or otherwise of uncertain future events, not wholly within the control of the College. Contingent liabilities also arise in circumstances where a provision would otherwise be made but either it is not probable that an outflow of resources will be required or the amount of the obligation cannot be measured reliably.
A contingent asset arises where an event has taken place that gives the College a possible asset whose existence will only be confirmed by the occurrence or otherwise of uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the College.
Contingent assets and liabilities are not recognised in the balance sheet but are disclosed in the notes.
14
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Statement of Principal Accounting Policies
Year ended 30 June 2024
Financial instruments
The College has elected to adopt Sections 11 and 12 of FRS 102 in respect of the recognition, measurement and disclosure of financial instruments. Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the College becomes party to the contractual provision of the instrument and they are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.
A financial asset and a financial liability are offset only when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and an intention either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets
Basic financial assets include trade and other receivables, cash and cash equivalents and investments in commercial paper (i.e. deposits and bonds). These assets are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Such assets are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method. Financial assets are assessed for indicators of impairment at each reporting date. If there is objective evidence of impairment, an impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.
For financial assets carried at amortised cost the impairment loss is the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the present value of the estimated future cash flows, discounted at the asset’s original effective interest rate.
Other financial assets, including investments in equity instruments, which are not subsidiaries or joint ventures, are initially measured at fair value which is typically the transaction price. These assets are subsequently carried at fair value and changes in fair value at the reporting date are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. Where the investment in equity instruments is not publicly traded and where the fair value cannot be reliably measured, the assets are measured at cost less impairment. Investments in property or other physical assets do not constitute a financial instrument and are not included.
Financial assets are de-recognised when the contractual rights to the cash flows from the asset expire or are settled or substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership are transferred to another party.
Financial Liabilities
Basic financial liabilities include trade and other payables, bank loans and intergroup loans. These liabilities are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Fees paid on the establishment of loan facilities are recognised as transaction costs of the loan to the extent that it is probable that some or all of the facility will be drawn down.
Trade payables are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from suppliers. Accounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade payables are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate method.
Derivatives, including forward foreign exchange contracts, are not basic financial instruments. Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value on the date the derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at their fair value at the reporting date. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Income in finance costs or finance income as appropriate, unless they are included in a hedging arrangement.
To the extent that the College enters into forward foreign exchange contracts which remain unsettled at the reporting date the fair value of the contracts is reviewed at that date. The initial fair value is measured as the transaction price on the date of inception of the contracts. Subsequent valuations are considered on the basis of the forward rates for those unsettled contracts at the reporting date. The College does not apply any hedge accounting in respect of forward foreign exchange contracts held to manage cash flow exposures of forecast transactions denominated in foreign currencies. Financial liabilities are de-recognised when the liability is discharged, cancelled, or expires.
15
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Statement of Principal Accounting Policies
Year ended 30 June 2024
Taxation
The College is a registered charity (number 1137494) and also a charity within the meaning of Section 467 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010. Accordingly, the College is exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within the categories covered by Section 478 to 488 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that such income or gains are applied to exclusively charitable purposes.
The College receives no similar exemption in respect of Value Added Tax.
Contribution under Statute G, II
The College is liable to be assessed for Contribution under the provisions of Statute G,II of the University of Cambridge. Contribution is used to fund grants to colleges from the Colleges Fund. The liability for the year is as advised to the College by the University based on an assessable amount derived from the value of the College’s assets as at the end of the previous financial year.
Pension costs
The College participates in the Universities Superannuation Scheme (the scheme). The assets of the scheme are held in a separate trustee-administered fund. Because of the mutual nature of the scheme, the assets are not attributed to individual institutions and a scheme-wide contribution rate is set. The College is therefore exposed to actuarial risks associated with other institutions’ employees and is unable to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities of the scheme on a consistent and reasonable basis. As required by Section 28 of FRS 102 “Employee benefits”, the College therefore accounts for the scheme as if it were a defined contribution scheme. As a result, the amount charged to the income and expenditure account represents the contributions payable to the scheme. Since the College has entered into an agreement (the Recovery Plan) that determines how each employer within the scheme will fund the overall deficit, the College recognises a liability for the contributions payable that arise from the agreement (to the extent that they relate to the deficit) with related expenses being recognised through the income and expenditure account.
The College participates in the Cambridge Colleges Federated Pension Scheme (CCFPS), a defined benefit scheme which is externally funded and until 31 March 2016 was contracted out of the State Second Pension (S2P). As CCFPS is a federated scheme and the College is able to identify its share of the underlying assets and liabilities, the College values the fund as required by Section 28 Employee Benefits of FRS102 ‘Retirement Benefits’. As a result, the amount charged to the Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure represents the amount calculated under FRS102 guidelines.
The College also operates defined contribution pension schemes and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the College to the funds in respect of the year.
Employment benefits
Short term employment benefits such as salaries and compensated absences are recognised as an expense in the year in which the employees render service to the College. Any unused benefits are accrued and measured as the additional amount the College expects to pay as a result of the unused entitlement.
Reserves
Reserves are allocated between restricted and unrestricted reserves. Endowment reserves include balances which, in respect of endowment to the College, are held as permanent funds, which the College must hold to perpetuity.
Restricted reserves include balances in respect of which the donor has designated a specific purpose and therefore the College is restricted in the use of these funds.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements
The preparation of the College’s accounts requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses. These judgements, estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting accounting estimates will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results.
Management considers the areas set out below to be those where critical accounting judgements have been applied and the resulting estimates and assumptions may lead to adjustments to the future carrying amounts of assets and liabilities.
16
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Statement of Principal Accounting Policies
Year ended 30 June 2024
Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements (continued)
Income recognition – Judgement is applied in determining the value and timing of certain income items to be recognised in the accounts. This includes determining when performance related conditions have been met and determining the appropriate recognition timing for donations, bequests and legacies. In general, the later are recognised when at the probate stage.
Useful lives of property, plant and equipment – Property, plant and equipment represent a significant proportion of the College’s total assets. Therefore, the estimated useful lives can have a significant impact on the depreciation charged and the College’s reported performance. Useful lives are determined at the time the asset is acquired and reviewed regularly for appropriateness. The lives are based on historical experiences with similar assets, professional advice and anticipation of future events. Details of the carrying values of property, plant and equipment are shown in note 9.
Recoverability of debtors – The provision for doubtful debts is based on the College’s estimate of the expected recoverability of those debts. Assumptions are made based on the level of debtors which have defaulted historically, coupled with current economic knowledge. The provision is based on the current situation of the customer, the age profile of the debt and the nature of the amount due.
Investment property – Properties are revalued to their fair value at the reporting date by Bidwells. The valuation is based on the assumptions and judgements which are impacted by a variety of factors including market and other economic conditions.
Retirement benefit obligations – The cost of defined benefit pension plans and other post-employment benefits are determined using actuarial valuations. The actuarial valuation involves making assumptions about discount rates, future salary increases, mortality rates and future pension increases. Due to the complexity of the valuation, the underlying assumptions and the long-term nature of these plans, such estimates are subject to significant uncertainty. Further details are given in note 27.
Management are satisfied that Universities Superannuation Scheme meets the definition of a multi-employer scheme and has therefore recognised the discounted fair value of the contractual contributions under the funding plan in existence at the date of approving the accounts.
Where a scheme valuation determines that the scheme is in deficit on a technical provisions basis (as was the case following the 2020 valuation), the trustee of the scheme must agree a Recovery Plan that determines how each employer within the scheme will fund an overall deficit. The College recognises a liability for the contributions payable that arise from such an agreement (to the extent that they relate to a deficit) with related expenses being recognised through the income statement. Further disclosures relating to the deficit recovery liability can be found in note 27.
17
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure
Year ended 30 June 2024
| Note Income Academic fees and charges 1 Accommodation, catering and conferences 2 Investment income 3 Endowment return transferred 3 Other income Total income before donations and endowments Donations New endowments Other capital grants for assets Total income Expenditure Education 4 Accommodation, catering and conferences 5 Other expenditure 6 Change in USS pension deficit recovery provision contributions 16 Total expenditure 7 (Deficit)/surplus before other gains and losses Gain/(loss) on disposal of fixed assets 9 Gain/(loss) on investments 3 Surplus/(deficit) for the year Other comprehensive income Actuarial gain/(loss) in respect of pension schemes 16 Total comprehensive income for the year |
2024 Unrestricted Restricted Endowment Total £000 £000 £000 £000 3,103 102 - 3,205 5,397 - - 5,397 243 - 948 1,191 2,309 442 (2,751) - 30 - - 30 11,082 544 (1,803) 9,823 1,181 258 - 1,439 - - 179 179 - 501 - 501 12,263 1,303 (1,624) 11,942 4,721 519 - 5,240 5,970 - - 5,970 1,287 - 1,026 2,313 (547) - - (547) 11,431 519 1,026 12,976 832 784 (2,650) (1,034) (1) - - (1) 3,261 531 5,360 9,152 4,092 1,315 2,710 8,117 179 - - 179 4,271 1,315 2,710 8,296 |
2023 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted £000 3,099 4,825 131 2,186 30 |
Restricted Endowment Total £000 £000 £000 94 - 3,193 - - 4,825 - 950 1,081 403 (2,589) - - - 30 |
||
| 10,271 401 - - |
497 (1,639) 9,129 450 - 851 - 37 37 25 - 25 |
||
| 10,672 | 972 (1,602) 10,043 |
||
| 4,363 5,325 1,161 (113) |
475 - 4,838 - - 5,325 - 947 2,108 - - (113) |
||
| 10,736 | 475 947 12,158 |
||
| (64) | 497 (2,549) (2,116) |
||
| - - - - 917 137 3,305 4,359 |
|||
| 853 634 756 2,243 |
|||
| (18) - - (18) |
|||
| 835 634 756 2,225 |
The notes on pages 22 to 37 form part of these accounts
18
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Reserves
Year ended 30 June 2024
| Balance at 1 July 2023 Surplus from income and expenditure statement Other comprehensive income Release of restricted capital funds spent in the year Transfers between reserves Balance at 30 June 2024 |
Income and expenditure reserve Unrestricted Restricted Endowment £000 £000 £000 79,360 7,640 29,678 4,092 1,315 2,710 179 - - 501 (501) - 44 (44) - 84,176 8,410 32,388 |
Total £000 116,678 8,117 179 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 124,974 |
| Balance at 1 July 2022 Surplus from income and expenditure statement Other comprehensive income Release of restricted capital funds spent in the year Transfers between reserves Balance at 30 June 2023 |
Income and expenditure Unrestricted Restricted £000 £000 78,500 7,031 853 634 (18) - 25 (25) - - 79,360 7,640 |
reserve Endowment £000 28,922 756 - - - 29,678 |
Total £000 114,453 2,243 (18) - - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 116,678 |
The notes on pages 22 to 37 form part of these accounts
19
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Balance Sheet
As at 30 June 2024
| 2024 | 2024 | 2023 | 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consolidated | College | Consolidated | College | ||
| Note | £000 | £000 | £000 | £000 | |
| Non-current assets | |||||
| Fixed assets | 9 | 70,571 | 70,571 | 69,737 | 69,737 |
| Investments | 10 | 82,969 | 84,823 | 77,063 | 78,767 |
| Total non-current assets | 153,540 | 155,394 | 146,800 | 148,504 | |
| Current assets | |||||
| Stocks | 11 | 215 | 215 | 216 | 216 |
| Trade and other receivables | 12 | 1,590 | 1,410 | 844 | 1,587 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 13 | 4,884 | 3,057 | 5,043 | 2,145 |
| Total current assets | 6,689 | 4,682 | 6,103 | 3,948 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | |||||
| one year | 14 | (2,201) | (1,990) | (2,345) | (1,925) |
| Net current assets | 4,488 | 2,692 | 3,758 | 2,023 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities | 158,028 | 158,086 | 150,558 | 150,527 | |
| Creditors: amounts falling due after | |||||
| more than one year | 15 | (29,913) | (29,913) | (29,909) | (29,909) |
| Provisions | |||||
| Pension provisions | 16 | (3,141) | (3,141) | (3,971) | (3,971) |
| Total net assets | 124,974 | 125,032 | 116,678 | 116,647 | |
| Restricted reserves | |||||
| Income and expenditure reserve - | |||||
| endowment reserve | 17 | 32,388 | 32,388 | 29,678 | 29,678 |
| Income and expenditure reserve - | |||||
| restricted reserve | 18 | 8,410 | 8,410 | 7,640 | 7,640 |
| 40,798 | 40,798 | 37,318 | 37,318 | ||
| Unrestricted reserves | |||||
| Income and expenditure reserve - | |||||
| unrestricted | 84,176 | 84,234 | 79,360 | 79,329 | |
| Total reserves | 124,974 | 125,032 | 116,678 | 116,647 |
The financial statements were approved by the Council and Governing Body and signed on its behalf by:
Richard Heaton Warden
Date: 13 December 2024
The notes on pages 22 to 37 form part of these accounts
20
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
Year ended 30 June 2024
| Note Net cash inflow from operating activities 20 Cash flows from investing activities 21 Cash flows from financing activities 22 Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year 13 |
2024 £000 (1,039) 2,085 (1,205) (159) 5,043 4,884 |
2023 £000 (650) 19 (1,206) |
|---|---|---|
| (1,837) | ||
| 6,880 | ||
| 5,043 |
The notes on pages 22 to 37 form part of these accounts
21
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
| 1 Academic fees and charges Colleges fees: Fee income received at the regulated undergraduate rate Fee income received at the unregulated undergraduate rate Fee income received at the postgraduate rate Cambridge Bursaries Income Total 2 Income from accommodation, catering and conferences Accommodation College members Conferences Catering College members Conferences Total 3 Endowment return and investment income 3a Analysis Total return contribution (see note 3b) Other interest receivable Total 3b Summary of total return Income from: Land and buildings Quoted and other securities and cash Gains/(losses) on investment assets: Quoted and other securities and cash Investment management costs (see note 3c) Loan interest Total return for year Total return transferred to income and expenditure reserve Unapplied total return for year included within Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure (see note 19) 3c Investment management costs Quoted securities and other investments |
2024 £000 1,402 799 902 3,103 102 3,205 2024 £000 3,115 722 642 918 5,397 2024 £000 2,751 243 2,994 2024 £000 - 948 9,153 (290) (736) 9,075 (2,751) 6,324 2024 £000 290 |
2023 £000 1,414 709 976 |
|---|---|---|
| 3,099 94 |
||
| 3,193 | ||
| 2023 £000 2,987 530 609 699 |
||
| 4,825 | ||
| 2023 £000 2,589 131 |
||
| 2,720 | ||
| 2023 £000 - 950 4,359 (211) (736) |
||
| 4,362 (2,589) |
||
| 1,773 | ||
| 2023 £000 211 |
22
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
| 4 Education expenditure Teaching Tutorial Admissions Research Scholarships and awards Other educational facilities Total 5 Accommodation, catering and conferences expenditure Accommodation College members Conferences Catering College members Conferences Total 6 Other Expenditure Academic Administration College Officers Domestic Services FRS102 pension schemes interest charge Investment management fees and administration Loan Interest Other general and administration Private placement fees USS pension interest charge Total 7a Analysis of 2023/24 expenditure by activity |
2024 £000 2,837 927 473 212 559 232 5,240 2024 £000 2,504 578 2,154 734 5,970 2023 £000 16 344 140 110 134 290 1,205 55 4 15 2,313 |
2023 £000 2,683 802 406 165 578 204 |
|---|---|---|
| 4,838 | ||
| 2023 £000 2,341 424 2,000 560 |
||
| 5,325 | ||
| 2023 £000 15 324 135 53 83 211 1,206 54 4 23 |
||
| 2,108 | ||
| Education Accommodation, catering and conferences Other Change in USS pension deficit recovery provision contributions Totals |
Staff costs (note 8a) £000 2,356 3,004 340 (547) 5,153 |
Other operating expenses £000 2,310 2,252 1,919 - 6,481 |
Depreciation £000 574 714 54 - 1,342 |
Total £000 5,240 5,970 2,313 (547) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,976 |
Expenditure includes fundraising costs of £390,308. This expenditure includes the costs of alumni relations.
23
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
7b Analysis of 2022/23 expenditure by activity
| Education Accommodation, catering and conferences Other Change in USS pension deficit recovery provision contributions Totals |
Staff costs (note 8a) £000 2,235 2,712 312 (113) 5,146 |
Other operating expenses £000 2,041 1,911 1,742 - 5,694 |
Depreciation £000 562 702 54 - 1,318 |
Total £000 4,838 5,325 2,108 (113) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12,158 |
Expenditure includes fundraising costs of £368,118. This expenditure includes the costs of alumni relations.
| 7c | Auditors’ remuneration | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| £000 | £000 | ||
| Other operating expenses include: | |||
| Audit fees payable to the College’s external auditors | 47 | 34 | |
| Other fees payable to the College’s external auditors | 7 | 10 |
| 8a Staff costs Consolidated Staff costs: Salaries National Insurance Pension costs (Note 16) Net change in USS deficit recovery provision (see Note 16) Total Pension Cost Academic Non-academic Total |
Academic Non- academic £000 £000 1,191 3,773 105 335 149 172 (572) - (423) 172 873 4,280 Average staff numbers 2024 Number of Fellows Full time Equivalent 52 - - 117 52 117 |
2024 Total 2023 Total £000 £000 4,964 4,543 440 410 321 355 (572) (162) (251) 193 5,153 5,146 Average staff numbers 2023 Number of Fellows Full time equivalent 47 - - 118 47 118 |
2023 Total £000 4,543 410 355 (162) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 193 | |||
| 5,146 | |||
| 118 |
At the balance sheet date there were 102 members of the Governing Body. During the year the average number receiving remuneration was the 52 shown above.
The number of officers and employees of the College, including Head of House, who received remuneration in the following ranges was:
| £100,001 - £110,000 £110,001 - £120,000 £120,001 - £130,000 |
2024 Total 2023 Total - 1 1 2 1 1 |
|---|---|
Remuneration includes salary, employer’s national insurance contributions, employer’s pension contributions plus any taxable benefits either paid, payable or provided, gross of any salary sacrifice arrangements.
24
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
8a Staff costs (continued)
Key management personnel
Key management personnel are those persons having authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the College. Therefore, the Trustees who include the Warden, Senior Tutor and the Finance Bursar are the key management personnel. The aggregated remuneration paid to key management personnel consists of salary, employer’s national insurance contributions, employer’s pension contributions, plus any taxable benefits either paid, payable or provided, gross of any salary sacrifice arrangements.
| Aggregated Emoluments | 2024 £000 2023 £000 869 918 |
|---|---|
The Trustees received no remuneration in their capacity as Trustees of the Charity.
8b Pension costs
The total pension cost included in staff costs for the year (see note 8a) was:
| USS CCFPS Other Total |
Employer contributions 2024 £000 149 70 102 321 |
Provisions (Note 16) 2024 £000 (572) - - (572) |
Total 2024 £000 (423) 70 102 (251) |
Employer contributions 2023 £000 168 94 93 355 |
Provisions (Note 16) 2023 £000 (162) - - (162) |
Total 2023 £000 6 94 93 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 193 |
9 Tangible Fixed Assets Consolidated and College
| Cost As at 1 July 2023 Additions at cost Transfers Disposals As at 30 June 2024 Depreciation As at 1 July 2023 Charge for the year Written back on revaluation As at 30 June 2024 Net book value As at 30 June 2024 As at 30 June 2023 |
Freehold Land £000 4,685 - - - 4,685 - - - - 4,685 4,685 |
Freehold buildings £000 74,612 1,757 - - 76,369 11,142 1,091 - 12,233 64,136 63,470 |
Assets under construction £000 - 283 - - 283 - - - - 283 - |
Furniture fittings and equipment £000 2,832 130 - (16) 2,946 1,347 225 (15) 1,557 1,389 1,485 |
Library Books £000 255 7 - - 262 158 26 - 184 78 97 |
Total £000 82,384 2,177 - (16) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84,545 12,647 1,342 (15) |
||||||
| 13,974 70,571 |
||||||
| 69,737 |
The insured value of freehold land and buildings as at 30 June 2024 was £99,786,485 (2023: £93,617,000)
25
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
10 Investments Consolidated and College
| As at 1 July Additions Disposals Gains/(Loss) Increase in cash balances held at fund managers As at 30 June Represented by: Quoted securities/unit trusts/hedge funds Cash with agents Works of art Other investments Investment in Subsidiary undertakings |
Consolidated 2024 £000 77,063 6,322 (11,489) 9,152 1,921 82,969 39,427 3,051 263 40,228 - 82,969 |
College 2024 £000 78,767 6,322 (11,489) 9,302 1,921 84,823 39,427 3,051 263 39,763 2,319 84,823 |
Consolidated 2023 £000 74,499 10,598 (11,540) 4,359 (853) 77,063 40,501 1,130 235 35,197 - 77,063 |
College 2023 £000 75,726 10,598 (10,902) 4,198 (853) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 78,767 | ||||
| 40,501 1,130 235 34,582 2,319 |
||||
| 78,767 |
11 Stocks
| Goods for resale 12 Trade and other receivables Members of the College Amounts owed by subsidiary company Other receivables Prepayments and accrued income |
Consolidated 2024 £000 215 Consolidated 2024 £000 104 - 376 1,110 1,590 |
College 2024 £000 215 College 2024 £000 104 196 1,110 1,410 |
Consolidated 2023 £000 216 Consolidated 2023 £000 91 - 265 488 844 |
College 2023 £000 216 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College 2023 £000 91 902 106 488 |
||||
| 1,587 |
Included in prepayments and accrued income above is £640k (2023: £nil) due in more than one year.
13 Cash and cash equivalents
| Bank deposits Current accounts Cash in hand |
Consolidated 2024 £000 - 4,882 2 4,884 |
College 2024 £000 - 3,055 2 3,057 |
Consolidated 2023 £000 60 4,981 2 5,043 |
College 2023 £000 60 2,083 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2,145 |
26
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| Trade creditors Members of the College Amounts due to subsidiary company University fees Other creditors Accruals and deferred income |
Consolidated 2024 £000 340 159 - 32 820 850 2,201 |
College 2024 £000 340 159 137 32 472 850 1,990 |
Consolidated 2023 £000 393 100 - 14 1,065 773 2,345 |
College 2023 £000 393 100 1 14 644 773 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,925 |
15 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
| Long term bank loan Other loans |
Consolidated 2024 £000 4,000 25,913 29,913 |
College 2024 £000 4,000 25,913 29,913 |
Consolidated 2023 £000 4,000 25,909 29,909 |
College 2023 £000 4,000 25,909 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29,909 |
The long term bank loan is due for repayment in 2047 at a fixed interest rate of 5%.
During 2014 the College borrowed £6m from institutional investors in a private placement done collectively with other Colleges, although the College’s loan is separate from those of the others. The loans are unsecured and repayable during the period 2043-2053 and are at fixed interest rates of approximately 4.4%. The College has agreed a financial covenant of the ratio of borrowings to net assets, and has been in compliance with the covenant at all times since incurring the debt.
During 2016 the College borrowed a further £20m from institutional investors in a private placement scheme. The loan is unsecured and repayable in 2046 and is at a fixed interest rate of 3.68%.
16 Pension provisions Consolidated and College
| Balance at beginning of year Movement in year: Current service cost Contributions Change in expected contributions Other finance cost Actuarial (gain)/loss Net change in underlying assumptions (see Note 8) - - Change in underlying assumptions - USS deficit contributions payable Balance at end of year |
CCFPS £000 3,414 123 (396) 179 (179) - - 3,141 |
USS £000 557 - - 15 - (547) (25) - |
2024 £000 3,971 123 (396) 194 (179) (547) (25) 3,141 |
2023 £00 4,214 151 (408) 157 18 (113) (48) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,971 |
27
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
17 Endowment funds
Restricted net assets relating to endowments are as follows:
| Consolidated and College Balance at beginning of year Capital New donations and endowments Increase/(decrease) in market value of investments Transfer Balance at end of year Analysis by type of purpose: Scholarship Funds Prize Funds Hardship Funds Bursary Funds Other Funds General endowments Analysis by asset Property Investments Cash |
Restricted permanent endowments £000 4,695 179 481 - 5,355 2,262 323 268 292 2,210 - 5,355 - 5,158 197 5,355 |
Unrestricted permanent endowments £000 24,983 - 2,050 - 27,033 - - - - - 27,033 27,033 - 26,039 994 27,033 |
2024 Total £000 29,678 179 2,531 - 32,388 2,262 323 268 292 2,210 27,033 |
2023 Total £000 28,922 37 719 - |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29,678 | ||||
| 2,050 293 248 131 1,973 24,983 |
||||
| 32,388 | 29,678 | |||
| - 31,197 1,191 32,388 |
- 29,253 425 |
|||
| 29,678 |
28
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
18 Restricted Reserves
Reserves with restrictions are as follows:
| Consolidated and College Capital grants unspent Permanent unspent and other restricted income Restricted expendable endowment £000 £000 £000 Balance at beginning of year Capital - 222 3,653 Accumulated income - 1,161 2,604 - 1,383 6,257 New grants 501 - - New donations - 102 258 Endowment return transferred - 218 224 Increase in market value of investments - 18 513 Expenditure - (200) (319) Capital grants utilised (501) - - Transfer - - (44) Balance at end of year - 1,521 6,889 Comprising Capital - 278 4,166 Accumulated income - 1,243 2,723 - 1,521 6,889 Analysis of other restricted funds/donations by type of purpose Fellowship Funds - - 1,816 Scholarship Funds - 762 2,897 Prize Funds - 84 95 Hardship Funds - 15 - Bursary Funds - 11 115 Other Funds - 649 1,966 - 1,521 6,889 Memorandum of Unapplied Total Return Unapplied total return at beginning of year Unapplied total return for the year Unapplied total return at end of year |
2024 Total £000 3,875 3,765 7,640 501 360 442 531 (519) (501) (44) 8,410 4,444 3,966 8,410 1,816 3,660 179 15 125 2,615 8,410 2024 £000 36,966 6,324 43,290 |
2023 Total £000 3,516 3,515 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,031 | |||
| 25 544 403 137 (475) (25) - |
|||
| 7,640 | |||
| 3,875 3,765 |
|||
| 7,640 | |||
| 1,745 3,344 160 13 169 2,209 7,640 2023 £000 35,194 1,772 36,966 |
|||
19 Memorandum of Unapplied Total Return
29
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
20 Reconciliation of consolidated surplus for the year to net cash inflow from operating activities
| Surplus for the year Adjustment for non-cash items Depreciation Investment management costs (Gain)/Loss on endowments, donations and investment property (Gain)/Loss on non-current fixed assets Increase/(decrease) in stocks Increase/(decrease) in trade and other receivables Increase/(decrease) in creditors Pension costs less contributions payable Adjustment for investing or financing activities Investment income Interest payable Loan fees paid Net cash inflow from operating activities 21 Cash flows from investing activities Non-current investment disposal Investment income Endowment funds invested Payments made to acquire non-current assets Total cash flows from investing activities 22 Cash flows from financing activities Interest paid Total cash flows from financing activities 23 Consolidated reconciliation and analysis of net debt At 1 July 2023 Cash Flows £000 £000 Cash and cash equivalents 5,043 (159) Borrowings: Amounts falling due after more than one year Unsecured loans (29,909) - (24,866) (159) |
Surplus for the year Adjustment for non-cash items Depreciation Investment management costs (Gain)/Loss on endowments, donations and investment property (Gain)/Loss on non-current fixed assets Increase/(decrease) in stocks Increase/(decrease) in trade and other receivables Increase/(decrease) in creditors Pension costs less contributions payable Adjustment for investing or financing activities Investment income Interest payable Loan fees paid Net cash inflow from operating activities 21 Cash flows from investing activities Non-current investment disposal Investment income Endowment funds invested Payments made to acquire non-current assets Total cash flows from investing activities 22 Cash flows from financing activities Interest paid Total cash flows from financing activities 23 Consolidated reconciliation and analysis of net debt At 1 July 2023 Cash Flows £000 £000 Cash and cash equivalents 5,043 (159) Borrowings: Amounts falling due after more than one year Unsecured loans (29,909) - (24,866) (159) |
2024 2023 £000 £000 8,117 2,243 1,342 1,318 175 118 (9,153) (4,359) (1) - 2 20 (744) (78) (144) 220 (652) (261) (1,190) (1,081) 1,205 1,206 4 4 (1,039) (650) 2024 2023 £000 £000 5,568 8,026 360 232 (1,666) (5,500) (2,177) (2,739) 2,085 19 2024 2023 £000 £000 (1,205) (1,206) (1,205) (1,206) Other non- cash changes At 30 June 2024 £000 £000 - 4,884 (4) (29,913) (4) (25,029) |
2024 2023 £000 £000 8,117 2,243 1,342 1,318 175 118 (9,153) (4,359) (1) - 2 20 (744) (78) (144) 220 (652) (261) (1,190) (1,081) 1,205 1,206 4 4 (1,039) (650) 2024 2023 £000 £000 5,568 8,026 360 232 (1,666) (5,500) (2,177) (2,739) 2,085 19 2024 2023 £000 £000 (1,205) (1,206) (1,205) (1,206) Other non- cash changes At 30 June 2024 £000 £000 - 4,884 (4) (29,913) (4) (25,029) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (159) | (25,029) |
30
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
24 Financial Instruments
| Financial Instruments | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | |
| £000 | £000 | |
| Financial assets | ||
| Financial assets at fair value through Statements of Comprehensive | ||
| income | ||
| Listed equity investments | 39,427 | 40,494 |
| Other investments | 39,192 | 35,778 |
| Financial assets that are equity instruments measured at cost less | ||
| impairment | ||
| Other equity investments | 1,036 | 1,725 |
| Financial assets that are debt instruments measured at amortised cost | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 7,936 | 6,179 |
| Debtors | 479 | 305 |
| Financial liabilities | ||
| Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost | ||
| Loans | 29,913 | 29,909 |
| Trade creditors | 340 | 393 |
| Other creditors | 1,011 | 1,128 |
25 Capital commitments
At 30 June 2024 future capital expenditure authorised and committed amounted to £2,084,606 (2023: £2,218,988)
26 Lease obligations
At 30 June 2024 the College had annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
| Land and buildings Expiring within one year Expiring between two and five years Expiring in over five years |
2024 £000 41 143 115 299 |
2023 £000 30 120 145 |
|---|---|---|
| 295 |
31
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
27 Pension Scheme
In addition to the defined contribution scheme for assistant staff the College participates in two defined benefit schemes, the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), and the Cambridge Colleges Federation Pension Scheme (CCFPS).
University Superannuation Scheme
A deficit recovery plan was put in place as part of the 2020 valuation, which required payment of 6.2% of salaries over the period 1 April 2022 until 31 March 2024, at which point the rate would increase to 6.3%. No deficit recovery plan was required under the 2023 valuation because the scheme was in surplus on a technical provisions basis. The College was no longer required to make deficit recovery contributions from 1 January 2024 and accordingly released the outstanding provision to the profit and loss account.
The latest available complete actuarial valuation of the Retirement Income Builder is as at 31 March 2023 (the valuation date), which was carried out using the projected unit method.
Since the institution cannot identify its share of USS Retirement Income Builder (defined benefit) assets and liabilities, the following disclosures reflect those relevant for those assets and liabilities as a whole.
The 2023 valuation was the seventh valuation for the scheme under the scheme-specific funding regime introduced by the Pensions Act 2004, which requires schemes to have sufficient and appropriate assets to cover their technical provisions (the statutory funding objective). At the valuation date, the value of the assets of the scheme was £73.1 billion and the value of the scheme’s technical provisions was £65.7 billion indicating a surplus of £7.4 billion and a funding ratio of 111%.
The key financial assumptions used in the 2023 valuation are described below. More detail is set out in the Statement of Funding Principles (https://www.uss.co.uk/about-us/valuation-and-funding/statement-of-funding-principles).
CPI assumption Term dependent rates in line with the difference between the Fixed Interest and Index Linked yield curves less: 1.0% p.a. to 2030, reducing linearly by 0.1% p.a. from 2030 Pension increases (subject to Benefits with no cap: a floor of 0%) CPI assumption plus 3bps
Benefits subject to a “soft cap” of 5% (providing inflationary increases up to 5%, and half of any excess inflation over 5% up to a maximum of 10%):
CPI assumption minus 3bps Discount rate (forward rates) Fixed interest gilt yield curve plus: Pre-retirement: 2.5% p.a.
Post retirement: 0.9% p.a..
32
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
27 Pension Scheme (continued)
The main demographic assumptions used relate to the mortality assumptions. These assumptions are based on analysis of the scheme’s experience carried out as part of the 2023 actuarial valuation. The mortality assumptions used in these figures are as follows:
2023 valuation
Mortality base table 101% of S2PMA “light” for males and 95% of S3PFA for females Future improvements to mortality CMI 2021 with a smoothing parameter of 7.5, an initial addition of 0.4% p.a., 10% w2020 and w2021 parameters, and a long-term improvement rate of 1.8% pa for males and 1.6% pa for females
The current life expectancies on retirement at age 65 are:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Valuation | Valuation | |
| Males currently aged 65 (years) | 23.7 | 24.0 |
| Females currently aged 65 (years) | 25.6 | 25.6 |
| Males currently aged 45 (years) | 25.4 | 26.0 |
| Females currently aged 45 (years) | 27.2 | 27.4 |
Cambridge Colleges Federation Pension Scheme
The College operates a defined benefits plan for the College’s employees of the Cambridge Colleges Federated Pension Scheme (CCFPS).
The liabilities of the plan have been calculated at 30 June 2024, for the purposes of FRS102 using a valuation system designed for the Management Committee, acting as Trustee of the Cambridge Colleges' Federated Pension Scheme, but allowing for the different assumptions required under FRS102 and taking fully into consideration changes in the plan benefit structure and membership since that date.
The principal actuarial assumptions at the balance sheet date were as follows:
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| % p.a. | % p.a. | |
| Discount rate | 5.10 | 5.20 |
| Increase in salaries | To 2030: 2.85 | 3.30 |
| From 2031: 3.75 | ||
| Retail Price Index (RPI) assumption | 3.35 | 3.40* |
| Consumer Price Index (CPI) assumption | To 2030: 2.35 | 2.80* |
| From 2031: 3.25 | ||
| Pension increases in payment (RPI max 5% p.a.) | 3.15 | 3.30* |
| Pension increases in payment (CPI max 2.5%) | 2.00 | 2.05* |
*For 1 year only, we have assumed that RPI will be 9% and CPI will be 7%. The caps under the rules are applied to assumed pension increases.
The underlying mortality assumption is based upon the standard table known as S3PA on a year of birth usage with CMI_2023 future improvement factors and a long-term rate of future improvement of 1.25% per annum, a standard smoothing factor (7.0) and no allowance for additional improvements (2023: S3PA with CMI_2022 future improvement factors and a long term future improvement rate of 1.25% per annum, a standard smoothing factor (7.0) and no allowance for additional improvements). This results in the following life expectancies:
-
Male aged 65 now has a life expectancy of 21.4 years (previously 21.4 years)
-
Female age 65 now has a life expectancy of 23.9 years (previously 23.9 years)
-
Male age 45 now and retiring in 20 years has a life expectancy of 22.6 years (previously 22.6 years)
-
Female age 45 now and retiring in 20 years would have a life expectancy of 25.3 years (previously 25.3 years)
33
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
27 Pension Scheme (continued)
Members are assumed to retire at their normal retirement age (65) apart from in the following cases:
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Active Members – Option 1 Benefits | 64 | 64 |
| Deferred Members – Option 1 Benefits | 63 | 62 |
Allowance has been made at retirement for non-retired members to commute part of their pension for a lump sum on the basis of the current commutation factors in these calculations.
The amounts recognised in the balance sheet as at 30 June 2024 (with comparative figures as at 30 June 2023) are as follows:
| s follows: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Present value of plan liabilities Market value of plan assets Net defined benefit (liability) |
2024 £’000 (12,808) 9,667 (3,141) |
2023 £’000 (12,869) 9,455 |
| (3,414) |
The amounts recognised in the income and expenditure account for the year ending 30 June 2024 (with comparative figures for the year ending 30 June 2023) are as follows:
| Current service cost Administrative expenses Interest on net defined benefit (asset)/liability (Gain)/loss on plan changes Total charge |
2024 £’000 101 22 179 302 |
2023 £’000 129 22 134 - |
|---|---|---|
| 285 |
Changes in the present value of the plan liabilities for the year ending 30 June 2024 (with comparative figures for the year ending 30 June 2023) are as follows:
| Present value of plan liabilities at beginning of period Current service cost Employee contributions Benefits paid Interest on plan liabilities Actuarial losses (gains)/losses (Gain)/loss on plan changes Present value of Scheme liabilities at end of period |
2024 £’000 12,869 101 15 (764) 652 (65) - 12,808 |
2023 £’000 14,632 129 15 (590) 548 (1,865) - |
|---|---|---|
| 12,869 |
Changes in the fair value of plan assets for the year ending 30 June 2024 (with comparative figures for the year ending 30 June 2023) are as follows:
| Market value of plan assets at beginning of period Contributions paid by the College Employee contributions Benefits paid Administration expenses paid Interest on plan assets Return on assets, less interest included in profit and loss Market value of Scheme assets at end of period Actual return on plan assets |
2024 £’000 9,455 396 15 (764) (28) 474 120 9,668 594 |
2023 £’000 11,114 408 15 (590) (31) 413 (1,874) |
|---|---|---|
| 9,455 | ||
| (1,460) |
34
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
27 Pension Scheme (continued)
The major categories of plan assets for the year ending 30 June 2024 (with comparative figures at 30 June 2023) are as follows:
| Equities Bonds & Cash Properties Total |
2024 46% 42% 12% 100% |
2023 49% 38% 13% |
|---|---|---|
| 100% |
The plan has no investments in property occupied by, assets used by or financial instruments issued by the college.
Analysis of the remeasurement of the net defined benefit liability recognised in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) for the year ending 30 June 2024 (with comparative figures for the year ending 30 June 2023) are as follows:
| Return on assets, less interest included in income and expenditure Expected less actual plan expenses Experience gains and losses arising on plan liabilities Changes in assumptions underlying the present value of plan liabilities Remeasurement of net defined benefit liability recognised in OCI |
2024 £’000 120 (6) 5 60 179 |
2023 £’000 (1,874) (9) (1,116) 2,981 |
|---|---|---|
| (18) |
Movements in net defined benefit asset/(liability) during the year ending 30 June 2024 (with comparative figures for the year ending 30 June 2023) are as follows:
| Net defined benefit asset/(liability) at beginning of year Recognised in Profit and Loss Contributions paid by the College Remeasurement of net defined benefit liability recognised in OCI Net defined benefit asset/(liability) at end of year |
2024 £’000 (3,414) (302) 396 179 (3,141) |
2023 £’000 (3,518) (286) 408 (18) |
|---|---|---|
| (3,414) |
Funding Policy
Actuarial valuations are carried out every three years on behalf of the Management Committee, acting as the Trustee of the Scheme, by a qualified independent actuary. The actuarial assumptions underlying the actuarial valuation are different to those adopted under FRS102.
The last such actuarial valuation was as at 31 March 2023. This showed that the plan's assets were insufficient to cover the liabilities on the funding basis. A Recovery Plan has been agreed with the College, which commits the College to paying contributions to fund the shortfall. These deficit reduction contributions are incorporated into the plan's latest Schedule of Contributions dated 28 June 2024 and are as follows:
- Annual contributions of not less than £397,136 per annum payable for the period from 1 July 2024 to 31 March 2030.
These payments are subject to review following the next funding valuation, due as at 31 March 2026.
Defined Contribution Pension Schemes
The College operates a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of certain employees. The scheme and its assets are held by independent managers. The pension charge represents contributions due from the College amounting to £102,000 (2023: £93,000) of which £Nil (2023: £Nil) was outstanding at the year end.
35
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
28 Principal subsidiary and associated undertakings and other significant investments
Subsidiary Company
At 30 June 2024 Robinson College held an investment in the following companies:
| Subsidiary Undertaking | Holding | Proportion of | Country of | Nature of |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| voting rights | Incorporation | Business | ||
| Robinson College Enterprises Ltd | Ordinary | 100% | United | Provision of |
| Kingdom | conference | |||
| facilities | ||||
| Robinson College Developments Ltd | Ordinary | 100% | United | Provision of |
| Kingdom | development | |||
| facilities | ||||
| Robinson College Investments 1 Ltd | Ordinary | 100% | United | Investment |
| Kingdom | activities |
29 Contingent Liabilities
With effect from 16 March 2007, the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) positioned itself as a “last man standing” scheme so that in the event of an insolvency of any of the participating employers in USS, the amount of any pension funding shortfall (which cannot otherwise be recovered) in respect of that employer will be spread across the remaining participant employers.
30 Related Party Transactions
Owing to the nature of the College’s operations and the composition of the College Council and Governing Body, it is inevitable that transactions will take place with organisations in which a College Council or Governing Body member may have an interest. All transactions involving organisations in which a member of the College Council or Governing Body may have an interest are conducted at arm’s length and in accordance with the College’s normal procedures.
The College maintains a register of interests for all College Council members and where any member of the College Council has a material interest in a College matter they are required to declare that fact.
During the year no fees or expenses were paid to Fellows in respect of their duties as Trustees.
Fellows are remunerated for teaching, research and other duties within the College. Fellows are billed for any private catering. The Trustees remuneration is overseen by the Finance Committee or Remuneration Committee as appropriate.
The salaries paid to Trustees in the year are summarised in the table below:
| From To £1 £10,000 £10,001 £20,000 £20,001 £30,000 £30,001 £40,000 £40,001 £50,000 £50,001 £60,000 £60,001 £70,000 £70,001 £80,000 £80,001 £90,000 £90,001 £100,000 Total |
2024 Number 15 1 - 2 - 2 1 1 - 2 24 |
2023 Number 7 - 1 1 2 2 - 1 1 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 17 |
The total Trustee salaries were £594,076 for the year (2023: £635,375)
The trustees were also paid other taxable benefits (including associated employer National Insurance contributions and employer contributions to pensions) which totalled £155,698 for the year (2023: £177,896)
In addition, the College has provided loans to its fellows for personal use that amounted to £Nil (2023: £Nil) at the year end, and are included in debtors.
36
Docusign Envelope ID: 88059EE4-30C5-468F-A78D-732D9B67A2C3
Robinson College
Notes to the Accounts
Year ended 30 June 2024
30 Related Party Transactions (continued)
The College has a number of trading and dormant subsidiary undertakings which are consolidated into these accounts. All subsidiary undertakings are 100% owned by the College and are registered and operating in England and Wales.
The College has taken advantage of the exemption within section 33 of FRS 102 not to disclose transactions with wholly owned group companies that are related parties.
37