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← The British International Studies Association

2025-03-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1151260 (England and Wales)

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION

(A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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
Dr Una McGahern
Dr Marianna Charountaki
Professor Simon Rushton
Professor Juanita Elias - Vice Chair
Dr Laura McLeod - EDI Officer
Professor Jack Holland (Appointed 24 June 2024)
Professor Timothy Edmunds (Appointed 24 June 2024)
Secretary Professor Tony Haastrup (to July 24)
Professor Helena Farrand Carrapico (from July 24)
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 Gravita Audit Oxford LLP
First Floor, Park Central
40-41 Park End Street
Oxford
OX1 1JD
Bankers Barclays
Birmingham Edgbaston
Leicester
LE87 2BB
Key staff Juliet Dryden Director
Chrissie Duxson Communications Manager
Freya Jones Administrator
Ella Buillard Events Coordinator

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

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 12
Independent examiner's report 14
Statement of financial activities 15
Balance sheet 16
Notes to the financial statements 17 - 24

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025.

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 further afield. An AGM is held each year for all full individual members.

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 been put on hold until resources can be found to implement these new categories.

As of 31 March 2025, the total number of BISA members was 1548, an increase of 62 members since the same time last year when membership figures were 1486 and 1371 the year before. The March 2025 total includes 910 full members (866 in 23-24) and 638 student members (620 in 23-24).

BISA has set a membership increase target of 2% per year while acknowledging that there are a finite number of potential members. This is estimated at approximately 2000 members. Between 31 March 2024 and 31 March 2025, this target was reached with an increase in membership of 4.01%. 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 2025

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 fourth 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 X, Bluesky, 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 2024/25 this set up was used for all four meetings.

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 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 on 31 July of each year. Professor Toni Haastrup (Manchester) came to the end of her term as Secretary in July 2024 with Professor Helena Farrand Carrapico (Northumbria) re-elected to take over the role of Secretary. Dr Geoff Swenson (City) was also re-elected as an ordinary trustee for a further two years. We also welcomed two new trustees in Professor Tim Edmunds (Bristol) and Professor Jack Holland (Leeds)

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 2024/25 including the Director/ CEO, Juliet Dryden, Dr Jenny Medcalf representing the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ndidi Olibamoyo (Bath), the Chair of BISA’s Postgraduate Network and Dan Aylward for his financial expertise. Dr Jenny Medcalf retired in July 2024 to be replaced by Dr Nicholas Wright (FCDO) and the Chair of the PGN came to the end of her term in July 2024 to be replaced by Assala Khettache (Aber).

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 2024.

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 call.

All trustees who served between April 2024 and March 2025 are listed in the introductory section of this report. No trustee received any remuneration for their services.

BISA Sub-Committees / Task and Finish Groups

The Chair, in his second year, continued to prioritise the defence of the social sciences while embedding EDI into BISA activities. As well as these ongoing priorities he continued with four task and finish groups as follows:

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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 further afield. BISA liaises with the PSA on common areas of concern such as the REF, Heads of Department meetings and joint advocacy on behalf of the discipline such as the joint British Academy Disciplinary Analysis of Politics and International Relations published in January 2025.

The Director also regularly meets with UACES and ECPR to talk about issues of mutual concern. BISA has partnered with the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office (FCDO) on its model student NATO exercise for many years now and we matched this in 2025 with a new partnership with Chatham House on its model student Climate Change Simulation. We also partnered with the British Council on a ‘New Voices in International Relations’ prize for the best MA Dissertation. We continue to look for similar partnerships for other aspects of our work.

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 2025, BISA sponsored several panels/roundtables at the ISA in Chicago. 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 2025

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. A new EDI Officer, Dr Laura McLeod was appointed in July 2023 and much work has been progressed in this area thanks to an AcSS grant during this reporting period (more on this further down).

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 new virtual conference in Jan 2025 and an annual large conference of 1200+ delegates in June of each year. It also holds several student-led policy simulation events throughout the year. 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 2025

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 50/51st volume (2024/25). 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. 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’Driscoll from the Australian National University.

Review of International Studies had a 2024 2 year impact factor of 3.7 (up from 3.2 in 2023)

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 8/9th[th] (2024/25) 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. In January 2024, a new editorial team took over led by Professor Andrew Mumford from the University of Nottingham.

Since September 2024, EJIS has been fully open access. In 2024 is received a 2 year impact factor of 2.5 (up from 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.

The current editorial board consists of Evelyn Goh, Christian Reus-Smit, and Nicholas J. Wheeler.

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 2025

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 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 shortly.

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.

1e Other Publications

In partnership with the British Academy, BISA and the PSA contributed to a disciplinary analysis of Politics and International Relations in the UK. This was a substantial piece of work conducted by the British Academy with BISA expertise. The purpose of the analysis was to assess the state of the discipline in the UK with data showing that International Relations was on the rise amongst undergraduates across the academic horizon.

2. Events and annual conference.

2a. Working group events

The number of BISA working groups has been steadily rising over the years and during this reporting period, a comprehensive system of monitoring working group outputs (events, articles, blogs, meetings) was put into practice with the aim of closing down dormant groups, merging others and welcoming new ones. Trustees agree that approximately 26 is a feasible number of working groups given BISA’s support capacity and that the natural ebb and flow of research interests is entirely appropriate for a strong and evolving discipline.

With 32 working groups at the beginning of the reporting period, BISA ended with 26 working groups, which included two new groups and two moving to conference only track groups. Each working group comprises BISA members and specializes in different areas of International Studies.

  1. Africa and International Studies

  2. b. Astropolitics c. Colonial, Postcolonial & Decolonial

  3. d. Contemporary Research on International Political Theory

  4. e. Critical Military Studies

  5. f. Critical Studies on Terrorism

  6. g. East Europe and Eurasian Studies (formally Russia and Eurasia Security)

  7. h. Emotions in Politics and International Relations

  8. i. Environment and Climate Politics – new in 2025

  9. j. Ethics and World Politics 10. European Security 11. Foreign Policy 12. Gendering International Relations 13. Global Health

  10. Global Nuclear Order 15. Global Politics and Development – new

  11. Historical Sociology and International Relations

  12. International Law and Politics

  13. International Political Economy

  14. International Relations as a Social Science

  15. International Studies and Emerging Technologies

  16. International Studies or the Mediterranean, Middle East and Asia

  17. Interpretivism in International Relations 22. Peacekeeping, Peacebuilding and Human Rights

  18. 6 -

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

  1. Security Policy and Practice – new in 2025

  2. South-East Europe

  3. US Foreign Policy

  4. War Studies

Two working groups were moved to conference only track groups. These were

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.

Conveners may apply for BISA funding twice a 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 in person events.

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 2024/25 90 online and face to face events were put on by the Association. This was up from 65 in the previous year.

2b. Postgraduate Network (PGN) events

The PGN is comprised of postgraduate and early career research members. At the end of March 2025, there were 600 PGN members which was an increase of 24 from March 2024 and 61 from March 2023. 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 2024/25, Assala Khettache 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 2024-25, the PGN held a series of professional development events, workshops and a virtual conference. Topics included navigating social media and AI in academic research, demystifying the publishing process, careers outside academia and advice on grant applications. At BISA2024, the PGN attended in numbers and were able to put on a ‘meet the publisher’ event.

2c. Annual Conference and Workshops

BISA held its 49[th] Annual Conference from 5-7 June 2024 in Birmingham. This was the largest conference in BISA’s history with a record number of registrations and panels. 1029 registered participants enjoyed over 298 panels and roundtables over 3 days. These included a keynote lecture by Professor Tarek Barkawi, a public roundtable on ‘Can the foreign policy of democratic states arrest the global decline in democracy’, a joint roundtable with the Foreign Policy Centre on ‘The Anglo-American special relationship and the 2024 UK/US elections’, a tribute to the late Professor Christopher Coker, book launches, meet the editor events, a public history talk and BISA reception in Birmingham Library. Alongside the academic conference, an exhibitor fair showcased the latest academic publications from the world’s leading publishers and think tanks.

Prior to the annual conference, BISA put on a day of professional workshops for post graduate students and early career scholars on topics such as surviving your PhD, becoming a lecturer, publishing an article or book as well as a look at careers from outside academia led by policy and humanitarian experts. Those leading the workshops give their advice and expertise without remuneration.

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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 conference costs but to fund further research activities for the following year. This was achieved in 2024-25.

2d. Virtual Conference

In January 2025, BISA put on its first virtual conference with the aim of attracting scholars from across the world who were not able to participate in our annual face to face conference for one reason or another. 200 participants from 31 countries attended 38 panels and roundtables spreading international relations far and wide.

2e. Other

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

2f. Future Events

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. June 2024 also marked the introduction of a number of new awards including a joint BISA- British Council award for the best MA dissertation called New Voices in Cultural Relations, an EDI Prize and a Best BISA working group prize.

These awards are presented at the BISA annual conference. In June 2024 the following scholars and students were awarded prizes.

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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.

In addition, 2024/25 marked the first year that BISA has put forward nominations for Fellowships of the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS). These nominees represent scholars who BISA feels have substantially contributed to the wider social sciences, to policy and to practice, going beyond the normal requirements of their position.

Nominations were sought from the membership and agreed at Executive level. In 2024/25 five candidates were put forward and received AcSS fellowships. They were as follows:

Professor Ruth Blakeley (Sheffield) Professor Helena Farrand Carrapico (Northumbria) Professor Christopher Hill (Cambridge) Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe (Loughborough) Professor Mark Webber (Birmingham)

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 2024/25, the BISA Executive Committee agreed to make £4,000 of funds available for this purpose. 8 grants were approved of £500 each.

4b. Early Career Research Grants

This fund totals £12,000 and is available to early career researchers working in academic posts wanting to carry out a small research project. In 2024-25 four grants of up to £3000 were made.

Saba Joshi York Gender and Land-Use Change in South and Southeast Asian Resou
Frontiers
Samah Rafiq KCL State-private Hybrid Regimes of Migration Control
Suwita Hani Randhawa UWE Ecocide: A 21st Centuryinternational crime in the making?
Lama Tawakkol Manchester Imperialism's Past, Present and Future: The Political Economy
Jordan's Water-for-EnergyDeal

4c. Learning and Teaching Grants

These grants of up to £3,000 each are to conduct a discreet piece of research related to pedagogy/teaching. In 2024- 25 one award was made.

Norma Rossi St Andrews But can it be applied? Reflections on the Theory and Practice of Security

Investment performance

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5. Research and Impact

BISA’s journals, events and 26 working groups continue to produce and share research far beyond the boundaries of the Association.

We also work closely with the British Academy, the Academy of Social Science (AcSS), the ESCR and other social sciences professional associations and learned societies to progress work in various areas. In 2024/25 this included:

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Financial review

Income from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025

Total income d uring this period was £531,694 against a budgeted amount of £516,133 . This compared to income of £463,031 in the previous year.

Total expenditure during this period was £535,992 against a budgeted amount of £595,624. This compared to expenditure of £519,660 in the previous year. This led to a deficit of £4,298.

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 2024-25 YE audited accounts showed a deficit of £4,298. This was against the forecasted loss of £79,490.

Despite the small amount of deficit, the Trustees and the Director are fully aware that a 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 2024-25 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 2025

Structure, governance and management

The Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Professor Kyle Grayson - Chair (from July 23)

Professor Ilan Baron

Dr Nick Caddick Professor Helena Farrand Carrapico Dr Geoffrey Swenson Professor Lee Jarvis Dr Una McGahern Dr Marianna Charountaki Professor Simon Rushton Professor Juanita Elias - Vice Chair Dr Laura McLeod - EDI Officer Professor Jack Holland (Appointed 24 June 2024) Professor Timothy Edmunds (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 trustees on the 12 September 2025.

.............................. Kyp> pager Professor Kyle Grayson BISA Chair and Trustee June 2023 - June 2025 Date: .............................................12 September 2025

.............................. aa Juliet Dryden BISA Director/CEO Date: .............................................12 September 2025

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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 2025.

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.

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

Independent examiner's statement

Since the Charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. 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.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

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 Gravita Audit Oxford LLP

First Floor, Park Central 40-41 Park End Street Oxford OX1 1JD Date: ............................17/9/2025

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 102,819 90,846
Charitable activities 4 428,850 372,185
Other trading activities 5 25 -
Total income 531,694 463,031
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 6 22,109 7,392
Charitable activities 7 513,883 512,268
Total expenditure 535,992 519,660
Net expenditure and movement in funds (4,298) (56,629)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 April 2024 317,244 373,873
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 312,946 317,244

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 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Current assets
Debtors 13 36,213 63,464
Cash at bank and in hand 611,857 540,479
648,070 603,943
Creditors: amounts falling due within 14
one year (335,124) (286,699)
Net current assets 312,946 317,244
The funds of the Charity
Unrestricted funds 312,946 317,244
312,946 317,244

12 September 2025 The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on .........................

.............................. (po 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 2025

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" 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)". 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 2025

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 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.

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 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.

1.9 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.

BRITISH INTERNATIONAL STUDIES ASSOCIATION (A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ASSOCIATION - CIO) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

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 2025, depreciation totalled £Nil.

3 Membership subscriptions

**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Subscriptions
Membership fees 102,819 90,846

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
CUP - RIS 115,518 122,394
Publications 1,245 6,815
Book Series Royalties 3,682 4,843
Annual Conference 198,350 160,619
Conference Exhibitors 20,529 24,000
Other income 89,526 53,514
428,850 372,185

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

5 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising events 25 -
6 Raising funds
**Unrestricted ** Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Sister Association Partnerships 14,015 77
General expenses 8,094 7,315
22,109 7,392

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
Funds Funds
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Conferencce 166,561 151,960
Working Groups 17,364 32,606
Publications 43,500 43,000
227,425 227,566
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support 277,468 273,715
Governance 8,990 10,987
513,883 512,268
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 513,883 512,268

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8
Support costs
Support
costs
Governance
costs
2025
£
£
£
Staff costs
214,583
-
214,583
Depreciation
-
-
-
Communications & IT
15,028
-
15,028
General Office
9,591
-
9,591
Finance Costs
38,029
-
38,029
Travel & Subsistence
237
-
237
Legal and Professional
Fees
-
131
131
Independent Examination
Fees
-
2,625
2,625
Accountancy Fees
-
6,234
6,234
277,468
8,990
286,458
Analysed between
Charitable activities
277,468
8,990
286,458
9
Net movement in funds
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets		 Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
206,769
-
29
-
14,006
-
14,590
-
37,444
-
877
-
-
-
-
4,222
-
6,765
273,715
10,987
273,715
10,987
2025
£
-
-		 2024
£
206,769
29
14,006
14,590
37,444
877
-
4,222
6,765
284,702
284,702
2024
£
-
29

10 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 £93,860 (2024: £100,916). The Association considers its key management personnel to comprise the Trustees and the senior management team.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
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 2025

11
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:
£100,001 to £110,000		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
173,707
167,551
13,146
12,277
27,730
26,941
214,583
206,769
2025
2024
Number
Number
1
1		 (Continued)
2025
2024
£
£
173,707
167,551
13,146
12,277
27,730
26,941
214,583
206,769
2025
2024
Number
Number
1
1
206,769
2024
Number
1

Other pension costs include the charge to profit or loss in respect of defined contribution schemes.

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.

12 Taxation

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

13 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2025
£
2,512
-
33,701
36,213		 2024
£
3,101
2,082
58,281
63,464

14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Other taxation and social security
Credit Card
Accruals and deferred income		 2025
£
28,457
1,606
305,061
335,124		 2024
£
4,859
641
281,199
286,699

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fund balances at 31 March 2025 are represented by:
Current assets/(liabilities) 312,946 317,244
312,946 317,244

16 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).