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← The British International Studies Association

2024-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1151260

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION

(A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Professor Kyle Grayson - Chair (from July 23) Professor Ilan Baron Dr Nick Caddick Professor Helena Farrand Carrapico Dr Geoffrey Swenson Professor Lee Jarvis (Appointed 1 August 2023) Dr Una McGahern (Appointed 1 August 2023) Dr Marianna Charountaki (Appointed 1 August 2023) Professor Simon Rushton (Appointed 1 August 2023) Professor Juanita Elias - Vice Chair (Appointed 1 August 2023) Dr Laura McLeod - EDI Officer (Appointed 1 August 2023) Professor Jack Holland (Appointed 24 June 2024) Professor Timothy Edwards (Appointed 24 June 2024) Secretary Professor Tony Haastrup

All the above make up BISA's Executive Committee and are entitled to vote.

Co-opted members Ms Juliet Dryden Director/CEO Mr Dan Aylward Treasurer Nicholas Wright FCDO Representative (from Sept 24) Assala Khettache Chair of Postgraduate Network (from Jul 24) Charity number 1151260 Registered office University Of Birmingham Room 650 6th Floor Muirhead Tower Birmingham B15 2TT Independent examiner Critchleys Audit LLP Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP Bankers Barclays Birmingham Edgbaston Leicester LE87 2BB Key staff Juliet Dryden Director Chrissie Duxson Communications Manager Freya Jones Administrator Katie Burt Events Coordinator

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 10
Independent examiner's report 12
Statement of financial activities 13
Balance sheet 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 22

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Legal Status

The British International Studies Association (BISA) has been a charity for some years under charity number 1151260 but changed its legal status in September 2022 from a company limited by guarantee under number 8422260 to a Charitable Incorporated Association (CIO) governed by Charity Law with limited trustee liability and reporting to the Charity Commission. It is subject to the provisions of the Charities Act 2011 and the rulings of the High Court with regard to charities generally and is registered for VAT (registered number 982 6566 71). The trustees of the charity are required to act prudently at all times in the best interests of the charity.

The Charities Act 2011 requires registered charities to make an annual return of accounts and activities. The Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice ('Charity SORP 2015’ (FRS 102), form the accounting framework for charities. The current guidance can be found at: www.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity_requirements_guidance/accounting_and_reporting/.

History and Aims

The British International Studies Association was founded in 1974 by an interim committee and is governed by a new 2022 constitution revised from the original 1974 Articles of Association and approved by the membership at an EGM in June 2022.

The objectives of the Association, primarily ‘the advancement of education in international studies and related subjects’ are set out clearly in clause 3 of the constitution. The Association aims to represent and support the scholarly community of academics, students and others working in International Studies and related disciplines and is committed to furthering research, knowledge exchange, professional development and learning and teaching.

Membership

BISA membership is open to any member of the public interested in International Studies and related fields and holds particular relevance to those working in higher education institutions in the UK and beyond. BISA also welcomes membership applications from UG and PG students of International Studies and related fields as well as those working in policy, journalism, development and related fields. Student membership does not qualify for voting rights.

BISA introduced both an Institutional and school membership category in 2019. It was hoped that new members would begin to be admitted into these categories in 2021 but this was delayed by the worldwide pandemic and has now been put on a temporary hold while we find the resources to progress.

As of 31 March 2024, the total number of BISA members was 1486, an increase of 115 members since the same time last year when membership figures were 1371. The March 2024 total includes 866 full members (798 in 22-23) and 620 student members (573 in 22-23).

BISA has set ambitious membership targets at an increase of 10% per year while acknowledging that there are a finite number of potential members. This is estimated at approximately 2000 members. Despite recruitment efforts, membership increased by only 8.3% by the end of March 2024 but an increase nevertheless and an improvement on the 3.3% of 2022-23. BISA’s long term aim is for the majority of UK International Studies academics as well as others working in related fields to be members of the Association.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Communication with Members

The Association communicates regularly with its members as well as the general public. Having invested heavily in a new website, membership database and conference system in 2019 and with the appointment of a full-time communications manager in 2019, the reporting period was the third year BISA has been able to roll out its communications strategy through different channels including the website, monthly e-newsletter and through social media including Twitter, Facebook and Linkedin.

Trustees, Governance and Management

The trustees plus the Director (CEO) and any co-opted members constitute the Executive Committee of BISA who meet four times a year. Since the pandemic meetings have mostly been held virtually and this has proved to be a more inclusive and successful method of meeting as well as cost effective. In 2023/24 this set up was used for three of the four meetings with only the first one face to face to mark the tenure of the new Chair.

Under clause 13 of the constitution, the trustees and any officer positions which they hold are elected from amongst the BISA membership. The four officers plus the Director/CEO who is a permanent employee make up the core governance team.

Under clause 14(6) of the constitution an elected trustee serves for up to two years, the Chair and Vice Chair up to two years and the Secretary, Treasurer and EDI Officer up to three years . Appointments commence after the annual conference in June of each year. In June 2024, three trustees retired plus another in January 24. Six new trustees were elected by the membership - Professor Juanita Elias (Vice-Chair), Dr Marianna Charountaki, Professor Lee Jarvis, Dr Una McGahern, Dr Laura McLeod and Professor Simon Rushton

The Executive Committee also includes some co-opted members. They are invited to observe and participate in debate in a non-voting capacity as required. BISA had four co-opted members in 2023/24 including the Director/ CEO, Juliet Dryden, Dr Jenny Medcalf representing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ndidi Olibamoyo, the Chair of BISA’s Postgraduate Network and Dan Aylward for his financial expertise.

Appointments to the elected positions of the Executive Committee is determined through an electronic ballot of all members which is advertised widely. The electronic ballet was conducted as usual in May/June 2023.

New trustees are sent a welcome pack by the Director, outlining their responsibilities as charity trustees on the commencement of their post. If they have been appointed to a particular position, a description of duties is also included. The Director follows this up with a 1:1 Introductory calls.

All trustees who served between April 2023 and March 2024 are listed in the introductory section of this report. No trustee received any remuneration.

BISA Sub-Committees

In June 2023, on the appointment of a new Chair, new priorities were added to the existing priorities of defending the social sciences, continuing to embed EDI into BISA activities and strengthening the commitment to BISA’s growing ECR membership. The new priorities were given to four new trustee task and finish committees. They were as follows:

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The role of volunteers

In common with most organisations in the charitable sector, the Association relies heavily on the time and effort of volunteers. These are usually students or academics who have an interest in running the Association’s post graduate network, assisting with the organisation of working groups, assisting with the organisation of the annual conference, volunteering on editorial boards of BISA publications, sitting on award committees and assisting with the general running of BISA. In addition, all trustees are unpaid volunteers. BISA would not be able to fulfil its charitable activities without the commitment and dedication of these individuals.

Wider Networks

BISA is a learned society member of the Academy of Social Science (AcSS). The Academy offers the Association a very important joint voice with other social science learned societies both within the UK and Europe. BISA is also a member of the Society Publishers’ Coalition (SocPC). The Society offers the Association an important joint voice with other learned societies particularly related to open access publication issues. The BISA Director attends meetings of both the AcSS and SocPC as well as meetings at the British Academy, ESRC and AHRC when necessary.

Key partnerships

BISA has no formal partnerships. The closest partner in the United Kingdom in terms of BISA's mission and interests is the Political Studies Association (PSA) and there is much cross over of members who work in Departments of International Relations and Departments of Politics and International Relations throughout the UK and beyond. BISA liaises with the PSA on common areas of concern such as the REF (of which there are more details below), Heads of Department meetings and joint advocacy on behalf of the discipline. The Director also regularly meet with UACES and ECPR to talk about issues of mutual concern.

BISA has annually partnered with the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) on its model NATO exercise and we continue to look for similars partner for our annual climate change exercise and awards.

BISA's closest international partners are the International Studies Association (ISA), based in the United States, the World international Studies Association (WISC) and the European International Studies Association (EISA). Since January 2019, the BISA Director/CEO has prioritised furthering these partnerships. The Director has attended meetings of all these sister associations. In March 2024, BISA sponsored four panels and roundtables at the ISA in San Francisco. It is hoped that similar arrangements can be made with the EISA furthering our partnerships and cooperation.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Public Benefit

BISA is primarily an educational charity, and in preparing this report, the trustees confirm that they have paid close attention to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit, as set out in its publication Charities and Public Benefit: the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit (January 2008, amended December 2011 and 2014 - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/public-benefit-rules-for-charities) and subsequent postings on the Public Benefit section of its website.

The Charities Act 2011 sets out the following, among others, as charitable purposes:

It also specifies a legal requirement ‘that every organisation set up for one or more charitable aims must be able to demonstrate that its aims are for the public benefit if it is to be recognised, and registered, as a charity in England and Wales’. This is known as the public benefit requirement.

There are two key principles, both of which must be met in order to show that an organisation's aims are for the public benefit:

Principle 1: There must be an identifiable benefit or benefits

Principle 2: Benefit must be to the public, or a section of the public

The Association provides a benefit to the public by carrying out the activities listed in this report in accordance with its charitable objective of ‘the advancement of education and other purposes as shall be exclusively charitable, including in particular …. the advancement of education in International Studies and related subjects.

As with other learned societies, public benefit derives not simply from membership of the Association but from a wider dissemination by the Association of knowledge about International Studies through the charity’s research groups, events, publications and information on its website at www.bisa.ac.uk

Equal Opportunities

The trustees and Director are committed to the principles of inclusiveness, tolerance and fairness. BISA is a diverse and inclusive environment and opposes all forms of discrimination. It provides its members with career development and treats all its members on the basis of merit and ability alone. To ensure there is consistency in the Association’s approach, BISA created a new officer post of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead in December 2019 and subsequently produced an EDI strategy in 2020. EDI continues to be embedded into all areas of the Association.

Activities for the Public Benefit

BISA engages in a wide variety of activities with the aim of promoting the understanding and development of International Studies to the wider community. Most of our activities are open to both members and non-members. The Association produces a number of publications, organises a large number of events – both virtual and face-toface through its working groups, its post-graduate network and independently with a large annual conference (+1000) and several student-led policy events. Further details on all of these are outlined below. The Association also recognizes excellence within the discipline through awards, provides funding opportunities for its members, and encourages networking opportunities.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1. Publications

The Association produces a number of publications. As well as two very well-regarded journals and a book series, BISA produces a monthly e-newsletter, articles, news stories and blogs written by both members and non-members for its website. It also makes available reports and publications from other organisations such as the AcSS, the British Academy and the Society Publishers’ Coalition.

1a Review of International Studies (RIS)

RIS is the flagship journal of BISA, published 6 times a year (plus a special issue) by Cambridge University Press, and is currently on its 49/50th volume (2023/24). RIS publishes cutting edge research on International Studies with the aim of initiating or leading contemporary debates in the discipline.

RIS is committed to improving the diversity of its authors, reviewers and editorial board members. RIS will continue on this trajectory and improve the proportion of submissions and published articles by authors from underrepresented groups.

The RIS editorial team is appointed by the Executive Committee for a four-year term and reports annually to the BISA Executive, which tracks key performance indicators. 2023-2024 marks the forth and final year for the editorial team under the editorship of Professor Martin Coward from the University of Manchester. In January 2024, a new editorial team took over under the editorships of Professor Andrew Hom from the University of Edinburgh, Professor Soumita Basa, South Asian University, India and Professor Cian O’Driscall from the Australian National University.

Review of International Studies had a 2023 impact factor of 3.

More detail can be found at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/review-of-international-studies

1b European Journal of International Security (EJIS)

EJIS was launched in January 2016 and is published three times a year by Cambridge University Press. It is currently on its 8/9[th] (2023/24) volume. It seeks to publish theoretical, methodological and empirical papers at the cutting edge of security research.

The EJIS editorial team is appointed for a four-year term in the same manner as RIS and reports annually to the Executive Committee whilst retaining independent editorial control of content. 2023 marks the forth and final year for the editorial team under the editorship of Professors Edward Newman, University of Leeds, Jason Ralph, University of Leeds and Jacqui True, University of Monash. In January 2024, a new editorial team took over led by Professor Andrew Mumford from the University of Nottingham. Professor Mumford resigned as a BISA trustee In December 2023 in order to avoid any conflict of interest.

EJIS received its first Journal Impact Factor score of 2.2 in June 2023.

More detail can be found at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-journal-of-international-security

1c Cambridge Studies in International Relations

The book series is a joint initiative between BISA and Cambridge University Press. Established in 1985, it publishes three to four books per year. The series now includes over 150 books and publishes the best new scholarship in International Studies, irrespective of subject matter, methodological approach or theoretical perspective.

More detail can be found at: https://www.cambridge.org/core/series/cambridge-studies-in-international-relations/ AE22F4B38EBA54D9E08E02BD22C39E05

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1d Publication Contracts

Journals: BISA has been in contract with Cambridge University Press since 1989. The most recent journal contracts have been from 2006-2011, 2011-2017 and 2016-2022. After a competitive tendering process, BISA was pleased to appoint CUP for a for a further 5 years in January 2023 to 2028.

Book Series: BISA has been in contract with CUP since 1985. The most recent book series contract was signed in January 2014 with various appendums renewing the terms of the contract. A new appendum was signed in May 2020 for a further three years until May 2023. It is expected that a new contract under the same terms will be signed at this point.

The BISA Executive Committee and Director are satisfied with BISA’s relationship with Cambridge University Press and values the expertise and quality of support CUP gives to the editors and the BISA team and to the publications themselves

2. Events and annual conference.

2a. Working group events

BISA has 32 working groups each of which focuses on a particular area of International Studies. One new working group joined during this period denoted by an ‘*’ below.

Africa and International Studies Astropolitics British International History Colonial, Postcolonial & Decolonial Contemporary Research on International Political Theory Critical Military Studies* Critical Studies on Terrorism Emotions in Politics and International Relations Environment Ethics and World Politics European Security Foreign Policy Gendering International Relations Global Health Global Nuclear Order Historical Sociology and International Relations International Law and Politics International Political Economy International Politics of Migration, Refugees and Diaspora International Relations as a Social Science International Studies and Emerging Technologies International Studies or the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia Interpretivism in International Relations Intervention and Responsibility to Protect Learning and Teaching Non- Governmental Organisations Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding Political Violence, Conflict and transnational Activism Post-structural Politics Russian and Eurasian Security South East Europe US Foreign Policy War Studies

Each working group is led by a minimum of two volunteer conveners elected or appointed from within the BISA and working group membership. Conveners must agree to follow BISA’s Code of Conduct, Privacy Standard, and Conflict of Interest Policy, and adhere to strict working group guidance.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Conveners may apply for BISA funding through two funds set up in 2021 - a virtual fund and a face to face activity fund. These funds are competitive and are open for applications throughout the year. Applications must give clear outlines of proposed activities accompanied by a proposed budget and must demonstrate how meeting in person is of benefit if applying for the face to face activity fund.

Virtual and face to face events in the form of lectures, roundtables and workshops are open to both members and non-members with the aim of further promoting and developing International Studies research for the public benefit. In 2023/24 65 online and face to face events were put on by the Association.

2b. Postgraduate Network (PGN) events

The PGN is comprised of post graduate and early career research members. At the end of March 2024, there were 620 PGN members which was an increase of 47 from the previous year. This remains the fastest growing area of membership to BISA. The PGN is chaired by a non-voting member of the BISA Executive and elected from within its membership. In 2023/24, Ndidi Olibamayo, a PhD student from the University of Aberystwyth took on this role.

The PGN traditionally conducts five major activities throughout the year although this can differ with each new chair.

In 2023-24, the PGN held a series of professional development events and workshops on topics such as navigating social media and AI in academic research, dymystifying the publishing processs, careers outside academia, grant applications and put on a virtual postgrad conference. At BISA2023, they also put on a ‘meet the editor’s’ event and a 1:1 mentoring service.

2c. Annual Conference

BISA held its 48[th] Annual Conference from 21-23 June 2023 in Glasgow. This was the largest conference in BISA’s history with a record number of registrations and panels. 1002 registered participants enjoyed over 245 panels and roundtables over 3 days. These included 2 keynote events, a public lecture, a live podcast, 2 meet the editor events as well as numerous satellite events including a public history talk, an art installation and BISA reception. Alongside the academic conference, an exhibitor fair showcases the latest academic publications from the world’s leading publishers and think tanks.

We aim to provide a fair and equal opportunity to those presenting their academic research at our conferences. It is also an opportunity to create networking opportunities and promote the understanding and development of the discipline to the wider public. Our conferences are also designed to bring in sufficient income to not only cover costs but to fund further research activities for the following year. This was achieved in 2023-24.

2d. Other

BISA has held a number of other well attended events during this period not covered under conferences or working group events. These raised awareness and interest amongst students, faculty and the wider public and adding to BISA’s remit as a public benefit provider.

2e. Future Events

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

3. Awards and Prizes

Each year the Association awards a range of academic prizes related to outstanding books, PhD dissertations, teaching, learning and career achievements, best journal articles and a distinguished lifetime scholar prize.

These awards are usually presented at the BISA annual conference. In June 2022, the following were awarded prizes.

All nominations for these awards, with the exception of the Distinguished Contribution Award, are sought from the BISA membership and the academic publishing community and considered by distinguished award committees chaired by a member of the BISA Executive Committee.

4. Funding Opportunities

4a. Founders Fund

This small fund was established some years ago with a donation in memory of Susan Strange, a former BISA Hon Secretary and well respected academic. BISA has continued to allocate to this fund annually whose purpose is to assist PhD students with living costs in the final months of writing up their thesis. In 2023 – 24, the BISA Executive Committee agreed to make £8,000 of funds available for this purpose. 16 grants were approved of £500 each.

4b. Early Career Research Grants

These grants of up to £3,000 each are open to Early Career Researchers working in academic posts to help cover the cost of research expenses. In 2023–24, Four awards were made.

4c. Learning and Teaching Grants

These grants of up to £3,000 are to conduct a discreet piece of research related to pedagogy/teaching. In 2023- 24. Two awards was made.

5. Research and Impact

BISA continued to work closely throughout 2023-24 with the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS), the ESCR and other social sciences professional associations and learned societies to progress work on equality, diversity and inclusion in research funding.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Financial review

Income from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024

Total income d uring this period was £463,031 against a budgeted amount of £400,680. This compared to income of £381,662 in the previous year.

Total expenditure during this period was £499,863 against a budgeted amount of £463,852. This compared to expenditure of £399,020 in the previous year. Added to an increased VAT bill this resulted in a YE deficit of £56,629.

See Financial Assessment below for further details.

All trustees gave their time freely and no trustee remuneration was paid in the year. In accordance with BISA’s Conflict of Interest policy, trustees are required to withdraw from decisions where a conflict of interest arises.

Financial Assessment

Current Position and Plans for the Future: After a major financial overhaul in 2019-20, BISA has been able to monitor its finances carefully and with confidence with quarterly management accounts prepared by our accountants. This has ensured that costs are kept as close to budget as possible.

The 2023-24 YE audited accounts showed a deficit of £56,629 , of which £19,795 was unexpected restricted VAT. This was against the forecasted loss of £65,581, an £11,292 improvement.

The Trustees and the Director are fully aware that a similar deficit year on year is not sustainable. They also recognise that there are significant challenges ahead. Not only are there many uncertainties in the research and higher education sectors in the UK but more generally in the economy with recent high inflation and the cost of living crisis. We also face the unknown impact of current proposed changes in relation to academic publication practices and the growth of open access under ‘read and publish’ deals.

BISA will continue to monitor and engage pro-actively with these developments and work with other stakeholders in order to protect our core mission and our members’ interests. We feel confident that our new financial systems, new website overhaul and other initiatives of the past few year, including several income generation activities will help to reduce this annual deficit and bring benefits to the Association in the long term.

Reserves and Investment policy

BISA’s reserve and investment policy and the level of reserves are reviewed each year by the Executive Committee having regard to the Charity Commission’s publication CC19, ‘Charity Reserves: Building Resilience’ (January 2016) and a forecast of income and expenditure is prepared for the following year.

The policy ensures that BISA maintains a sufficient level of resources determined as £260,000 in 2023-24 to enable normal operating activities to continue for a period of up to 12 months should a major and unforeseen shortfall in income occur.

The trustees have also committed to ensuring that BISA’s funds are used appropriately, lawfully and in accordance with BISA’s charitable objectives. The general principle is that funds received as income should be spent within a reasonable period of receipt. The holding of reserves in this context is permitted in order to allow for circumstances that would result in a major loss of income.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Structure, governance and management

The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Professor Ruth Blakeley - Chair (to July 23) (Resigned 31 July 2023) Professor Kyle Grayson - Chair (from July 23) Dr Elspeth van Veeren - Equality, Diversity and (Resigned 31 July 2023) Inclusion Lead Professor Mark Webber - Chair (Resigned 1 April 2023) Professor Ilan Baron Dr Nick Caddick Professor Helena Farrand Carrapico Dr Georgina Holmes (Resigned 31 July 2023) Professor Kurt Mills (Resigned 31 July 2023) Professor Andrew Mumford (Resigned 31 December 2023) Dr Geoffrey Swenson Professor Lee Jarvis (Appointed 1 August 2023) Dr Una McGahern (Appointed 1 August 2023) Dr Marianna Charountaki (Appointed 1 August 2023) Professor Simon Rushton (Appointed 1 August 2023) Professor Juanita Elias - Vice Chair (Appointed 1 August 2023) Dr Laura McLeod - EDI Officer (Appointed 1 August 2023) Professor Jack Holland (Appointed 24 June 2024) Professor Timothy Edwards (Appointed 24 June 2024)

The financial management of BISA is undertaken by the Chair, the Director and the Treasurer in liaison with other members of the Executive Committee. The Director has operational responsibility to ensure that any financial strategy agreed by the Executive Committee is carried out.

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Professor Kyle Grayson BISA Chair and Trustee June 2023 - June 2025 13 September 2024

Juliet Dryden BISA Director/CEO

13 September 2024

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of British International Studies Association (the Charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

I report in respect of my examination of the Charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

Robert Kirtland FCA Critchleys Audit LLP Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

24/9/2024 Dated: .........................

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 90,846 77,958
Charitable activities 4 372,185 303,704
Total income 463,031 381,662
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 5 7,392 9,825
Charitable activities 6 512,268 389,195
Total expenditure 519,660 399,020
Net expenditure and movement in funds (56,629) (17,358)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2023 373,873 391,231
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 317,244 373,873

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 - 29
Current assets
Debtors 13 63,464 27,151
Cash at bank and in hand 540,479 598,329
603,943 625,480
Creditors: amounts falling due within 14
one year (286,699) (251,636)
Net current assets 317,244 373,844
Total assets less current liabilities 317,244 373,873
Net assets excluding pension liability 317,244 373,873
The funds of the Charity
Unrestricted funds 317,244 373,873
317,244 373,873

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................13 September 2024

.............................. (fo pyr"

Professor Kyle Grayson - Chair (from July 23) Trustee

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

British International Studies Association is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The registered office is University Of Birmingham Room 650, 6th Floor, Muirhead Tower, Birmingham, B15 2TT.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The Charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees to further any of the Charity’s purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the Trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

1.4 Income

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the Charity: it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the Charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Equipment

25% reducing balance

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The Charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method 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. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans 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. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts 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 creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Retirement benefits

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

1.11 Limited by guarantee

The Charity is a private limited company by guarantee and accordingly does not have a share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required, not exceeding £1, to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Critical judgements

Depreciation

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets is calculated over the useful economic lives of the assets. During the year ended 31 March 2024, depreciation totalled £29.

3 Membership subscriptions

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Subscriptions
Membership fees 90,846 77,958
Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
CUP - RIS 122,394 135,393
Publications 6,815 5,231
Book Series Royalties 4,843 1,082
Annual Conference 160,619 108,425
Conference Exhibitors 24,000 9,250
Other income 53,514 44,323
372,185 303,704

4 Income from charitable activities

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

5 Raising funds

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Sister Association Partnerships 77 5,448
General expenses 7,315 4,377
7,392 9,825

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
Funds Funds
2024 2023
£ £
Direct costs
Conference 151,960 74,724
Working Groups 32,606 13,288
Publications 43,000 53,750
227,566 141,762
Share of support and governance costs (see note 7)
Support 273,715 237,916
Governance 10,987 9,517
512,268 389,195
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 512,268 389,195

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

7
Support costs
Support
costs
Governance
costs
2024
£
£
£
Staff costs
206,769
-
206,769
Depreciation
29
-
29
Communications & IT
14,006
-
14,006
General Office
14,590
-
14,590
Finance Costs
37,444
-
37,444
Travel & Subsistence
877
-
877
Legal and Professional
Fees
-
-
-
Independent Examination
Fees
-
4,222
4,222
Accountancy Fees
-
6,765
6,765
273,715
10,987
284,702
Analysed between
Charitable activities
273,715
10,987
284,702
8
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
180,834
-
389
-
18,448
-
9,738
-
28,330
-
177
-
-
933
-
3,000
-
5,584
237,916
9,517
237,916
9,517
2024
£
29		 2023
£
180,834
389
18,448
9,738
28,330
177
933
3,000
5,584
247,433
247,433
2023
£
389

9 Trustees

No remuneration or other benefits from employment with the Charity or a related entity were received by the Trustees.

The total amount of employee benefits related to key management personnel is £100,916 (2023: £93,879). The Association considers its key management personnel to comprise the Trustees and the senior management team.

10 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2024 2023
Number Number
Staff directly paid by the Association 4 4

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

10
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000
is as follows:
£90,001 to £100,000
£100,001 to £110,000		 (Continued)
2024
2023
£
£
167,551
146,611
12,277
10,688
26,941
23,535
206,769
180,834
2024
2023
Number
Number
-
1
1
-		 (Continued)
2024
2023
£
£
167,551
146,611
12,277
10,688
26,941
23,535
206,769
180,834
2024
2023
Number
Number
-
1
1
-
180,834
2023
Number
1
-

11 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

12 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Equipment
£
Cost
At 1 April 2023 5,665
At 31 March 2024 5,665
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 April 2023 5,636
Depreciation charged in the year 29
At 31 March 2024 5,665
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2023 29

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

13
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
14
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other taxation and social security
Credit Card
Accruals and deferred income
15
Retirement benefit schemes
Defined contribution schemes
Charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes		 2024
£
3,101
2,082
58,281
63,464
2024
£
4,859
641
281,199
286,699
2024
£
26,941		 2023
£
1,972
-
25,179
27,151
2023
£
26,017
4,950
220,669
251,636
2023
£
23,535

The Charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all qualifying employees. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the Charity in an independently administered fund.

16 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds funds
2024 2023
£ £
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by:
Tangible assets - 29
Current assets/(liabilities) 317,244 373,844
317,244 373,873

17 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2023 - none).