l National Heritage Illll Science Forum Trustees, Annual Report For the peri()d 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 The National Herilage Science Forum is a Charitable incorporated Organisation (CIO), registered charity nllmher (England & Wales) 1154160. Registered office: c/0 The Institute of Conservation 106-109 Saffron Hill London ECIN 8QS Website: www.heritagescienceforum.org.uk Email.. administrator@heritagescienceforum.org.uk Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME18 4JQ Independent Examiner: Oliver Read FCCA ACA James Todd & Co Drayton House Drayton Lane Chichester West Sussex P020 2EW Charity trustees: DrAlex Ball Nancy Bell Sara Croft5 Prof Gaffney (Chairl (from 24101/2024) Prof Adam Gibson Drjen Heathcote Dr Freya Horsfield Prof Nigel Llewellyn (Chair) (until 24101/2024) Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
Boris Pretzel Objects, mission and strategic priorities The stated charitable object of the National Heritage Science Fnrum is.. ro promore rhe efficiency and effectiveness of charities, not-for-profit organisotions und voluntary organisations and the effective use of re50urce5for charitoble purpose5 by charltable and non-charitable bodies working to promote the understanding, preservation and conservation of the UK'S material cultural heritGgefor the benefit of the public. Material cultural heritage is the thing5 both narurol and man-made that are valuedfor their meaning and significance. About the National Heritage Science Forum The National Heritage Science Forum (NHSFI has its roots in the recommendations of a House of Lords Select Committee report on Science and Heritage (20061, the Science and Heritage Programme (AHRC/EP5HC 2007/121 and the National Heritage Science Strategy (published 2010). The mission of the National Heritage Science Forum is to improve collaboratinn in heritsge Science by connecting communities of practice. The Forum- Shapes the future through strategic partnerships to build and share knowledge. data and skills across organisational boundaries. Coniiect5 people: researchers, conservators, curators, scientists from many disciplinary backgrc)iinds, educators at all levels, and commercial operators. Co- creates the strategy for Heritage Science in the UK and coordinates its delivery. Structurep governance and management Tlie National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) is a charitable incorporated organisation ICIO), registerp.d charity number (England & Wales} 1154160. The operation of NHSF is governed by it5 Constitution. This reporting period covers l April 2023 to 31" March 2024. NHSF'S Board of TrusLee5 (currently eight trustees) is responsible tor managing the affairs of NHSF including compliance. public bp_ngfit. strategic direction, development of thc orsanisation, risk management, financial sustainability and application of resources in the pursuit of the Forum's charitable object. The Board of Trustees met (virtually) four times in this reporting period. In addition, two virtual planning sessions were held to review the charity's place in the evolving heritage science landscape. The NHSF Member Council, on which representatives of NHSF'S member organisations sit, is a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees. Its role is to initiate arrd direit the Forum's subject-specific {heritage science) activities. A nominated trustee attends meetings of the Member Council to support good communication between the two groups. The Member Council met four time5 in this reporting period. th NHSF'S 11 Annual General Meeting took place in hybrid fomiat {in-person and online) on 24 th th January 2024. At the AGM members agreed: the minutes of the 10 AGM be signed as a correct record," to receive the annual report for the year ending 31, March 2023,. to receive the statement of accounts for the year ending 31, March 2023 and to appoint Prof Chris Gaffney as a trustee and Chair of the Forum. At the AGM Prof Nigel Llewellyn concluded his term as a trustee, and Chair of the Forum. Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
NHSF contracts out operational and administrative support to Preservation Matters Ltd. The schedule of services and contract is reviewed annually by the Board of Trustees. Appointment and induction of trustees One trustee {the Chairl retired from the Board in 2023-24. Two trustees led (lie reiruittnent process for a new Chair which included a review of the role description and open advertisement of the opportunity. Following applications and inteNiews. Prof Chris Gaffney was proposed to the Board of Trustees for appointment. The Board agreed to the proposal and in turn proposed him for th appointment by the members at the AGM on 24 January 2024. Before appointment potential trustees have access to the role description, the latest annual report and annual accounts and a meeting to discuss current strategic priorities and how the Forum operates. After appointment, trustees are provided with a copy of the Trustees and Members Handbook which covers the governance, management and operations of NHSF. Register of related party iiilei'esLs Lran5action5 All trustees are asked to complete the related party interests form on appointment and thereaftpr, annually. All trustees are asked to complete the form for declarations of related party transactions following the end ot the tinancial year. At each trustee meeting trustees are asked if there are any new declarations of interest to be made, or any declarations of interest in relation to the meeting's agenda. For the period I, April 2023 to 31. March 2024 no trustees, remuneration was paid and no trustees were paid expense claims. Four trustees were connected to organisations which paid membership fees totalling Lil,LKJO to the National Heritage Science Forum. There are no other related party transactions. Risk management N H5F maintains a risk register for the purpose ol ideritifying and tnanaging risks to the organlsarion, The risk register is reviewed by trustees at each trustee meeting. In the13st ypar, thp_ kp.y rigk wa% that NHSF would be unable to deliver against key objectives or charitable aims due to a lack of operational/trustee resource, resulting in a loss of confidence in NHSF and a1055 of member support. A number of mitigating controls have been agreed by trustees amongst which are the operation of the Member Council and ensuring good communication between the Board and members. In addition, the board planning sessions that took place in October and November 2023 focussed on prioritisatlon of activities and sirengthening NHSF'S capacity to deliver its objectives by nominating a trustee lead for each of four agreed priority areas of: stakeholders and impact, facilitating heritage science collaboration, diversifying income and supporting members. Activities and achievements The trustees have referred to the Charity Commission'5 guidance on public benefit when reviewing NHSF'S aims and objectives and when agreeing the activities of the charity. NHSF brings together organisations active in the field of heritage science so that knowledge and I IIIIOVd Liuii can be Shared to improve the understandlng and preservation of cultural heritage as well as methods of g_ngagpmpnt with it, for the benefit of the public. It aims to support the strategic development of heritage science in terms of research, capacity building, application, collaboration and infrastructure. The Forum's strategic priorities for 202>2024 were: Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
A successor to the Strategic Framework for Heritage Science in the UK 2018-2023 is developed. UKRI and AHRC are provided with sector data and inslght to support investment in, and successful launch of, RICHeS (Research Infrastrutture for Conservation and Heritage Science}. The broad relevance of heritage science is well articulated, demonstrating how heritage science help5 to addre55 the issues tlial iTldtter to people. A vibrant and sustainable NHSF is able to champinn herit38e science and support its members. l. A successor to the Strategic Frameworkfor Heritage Science in the UK, 2018-2023 is developed. In 2022, the Member Council agreed to lead the development of a successor strategic framework, to cover the period 2024-2027. Members have contribute to a review and refresh of the current framework by examining the current strategic drivers for heritage science in the UK and proposing adjusted outcomes that reflect current needs. The drafting of the refreshed framework was ori811)dlly planned for the end of 2023 but was deferred until 2024 because of member engagpment with the funding calls for the UKRI Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science. The 2018-2023 framework has continued to guide the aciivities of NHSF'S three working groups during this reporting period. In addition, NHSF'S newsletter, blog, social media channels and strategic framework padlets have all been used throughout the year to raise awareness of the current Strategic Framework goals and invite organisations from beyond NHSF'S members to show how their work contributes to the goals. UKRI (Ind AHRC are provided with sector data and insight to support investment in, and successful launch of RICHeS (Research Infrostructurefor Conservation and Heritage Science). NHSF has continued to work with UKRI and AHRC to support the development and launch of RICHeS. Specifically, the Forum has: Held an event in May to support the development of the Digital Research Services (DRS) strand of RICHeS. The event explored the needs of the sector, current and proposed solutions and related initiatives from which the DRS might learn. PLJbl islied d 5eleciion of case Sludies to illusiraie the value of heritage science research to society. Nominated a trustee to the RICHeS project board which has strengthened the Forum's channels of communication with UKRI as the project goes through its final stages of approval. Contributed to the evaluation of AHRC'S World Class Labs portfolio which includes awards wiiade Lhrough the Capablllty for Collections (Capco) and Creative Research Capability ICResCa) programmes. In addition, NHSF has provided support in communicating the goals of RICHeS to the wider heritage science community through its website, newsletter and social media, including promotion of the three funding calls which ran from July-october 2023. The broad relevonce of heritage 5cicnce is well articulated, demonstrating how herit(yge Science helps to address the issues that matter to people. The Strategic Framework for Heritage scien in the UK, 2018-2023 is a tool to help the heritage science community work together on three strands of: Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
Excellent research A skilled and diverse heritage science community Demonstrable social and economic impact NHSF facilitates three working groups to support member collaboration on activities that will address these goals. The Research working group focused on the contribution of heritage science to five societal grand challenges of climate emergency, health & wellbeing, digital society, equality and inclusivity, and sustainable development. In the period of this report the group lid5= Held 'deep dive, events on the themes of digital sorip.ty and climate emergency. Engaged the wider community with research gaps relating to the role of heritage science in addressing the climate emergency. Continued to publish case studies which provide examples of the role of heritage science in addressing the societal challenges. Contributed to a Welsh Government focus group on the Climate and Nature Emergency in Wales. The Communities working group focused on increasing engagement with heritaBe science at School age, supporting the development of technical skills and knowledge, supporting access to a range of apprenticeships and postgraduate opportunities and improving recognition of heritage science as an attrar.tive career_ In the period covered by this report, the group has= Facilitated a second year of mentor opportunities by bringing together mentors and mentees. Held a faci litated roundtable on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion to explore the state of practice and the challenges and opportunities associated with improving EDI. Collated resources available from members to SUPPOrt career progression. Engaged with skills initiatives including the Historic Environment Skills Investment Pla n, Icon- led dlscussions on a 'red lisy of conservation skills and an English Heritage convened panel nn the links between Science & the Humanities and how heritage can support learning across disciplines. Explored how to build on the previous yearfs work to increase engagement with heritage scieiice al school age through a project focussed on the creation ot heritage science STEAM education resourcp.£_ The Impart working group brings members together to demonstrate the positive social and economic impact of heritage science. In the year of this report, NHSF has- Surveyed members and the wider community to collect insights on the ways in which organisations collect impact data and the audiences they seek to engage. Discussed the value of aligning existing reporting and evaluation methodologies across home nations and major funders. Heard a presentation from DCMS in April titled 'Economic valuation and cultural values-. the role of heritage science, to explain and support engagement with the Culture & Heritage Capital programme. Published a briefing note on the National Lollery Heritage Fund Strategy'Heritage 2033, in April. Contributed to the Council for Science and Technologvs roundtable on R&D in the Creative I ndustries in July. Published a briefing note in September to summarise developments in the Culture & Heritage Capital programme. Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
NH5F's wider communication activities also sUPPOrt the articulation of the relevance of heritage science. In July-August NHSF commissioned simple messaging on the value of heritage science from an external consultant and this is being used to review how NHSF communicates with a broader community of interest than its existing members. The e-newsletter continues to be published monthly and slidie5 informatlon on NH5F's work, the activities of its members, as well as news. polioi developments. events and jobs from across tho sector. Subscribers have grown from 320 in March 2023 to 392 at the end of March 2024. During 2023-24 Twitter followers have increased from 2,CKJI to 2,160. NHSF set up a Linkedln page in January 2024 wliich had galned 185 followers by April 2024. The purpose of this page is to build links with a peer community of researchers and heritage profe5sional5. A vibront and sustainable NHSF is uble to champion heritage science and support its members. In the year covered by this report, NHSF has gained three new members (the Science Museum Group, British Library aiid Uviiver5ity of Readlng) who are all making an active contribution to the Forum. The Member Council remains the primary means of connectin8 members to each other and sharing views on research interests and wider challenges and opportunities. NHSF facilitates collaboration between its members, and the wider heritage science community. The Climate Emergency'deep dive, event that took place in January 2024 is a good example of collaborative actlvlty. Presentations were given by twelve of the Forum's twenty-one member organls3tions, whilst nineteen member organisations were amongst the 96 people who attended. The Forum also plays an active role in raising issue5 of importance to the sector with policy-makers and other opinion-formers. NHSF'S engagement with the development of UKRI'S RICHeS programme, representillg ¢]n investment of £80 million over a period of 10 years, provides an example of the positive contribijtion that the Forum has made to the wider landscape. In the year ending 31" March 2024, the Forum engaged in a number of other policy, advocacy and partnership activities, including: Consultation on future National Centre for Archaeological Archives Contribuiion to Welsh Government focus group on Climate & Nature Emergency Council for Science & Technology roundlable on R&D in Ihe Creative Industries Refresh of the Historic Environment Scotland Skills Investment Plan Briefing note on Scotland's Museums & Galleries Strategy Briefing note on National Lottery Heritage Fund Strategy'Heritage 2033, Briefing note on the Culture & Heritage Capital programme Engli5ki Heritage STEAM skills panel event Communication and events Over the course of the year the Forum has organised a range of events for members and non- members to deliver it_£ mi%5ion of connecting communities of practice and increasing collaboration. Events in 2023-24 included- Ih 19 April- Member Council 21st April - Working group co-convenors (next steps Strategic Framework refresh) 3, May- Digital Society 'deep dive'_ Digital infrastructure needs. provision and gaps Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
4 May- Communities working group (mentoring, strategic framework drivers, plans for EDI-themed summer Member Meeting) th 17 May- Research working group (de-brief following digital infrastructure event of 3, May, strategic framework drivers, societal challenge case studies) th 17 May- Mentor/Mentee information event 26, May- Capturing impact member meeting th 9 June- Communities working group {mentoring next steps, planning of EDI event) th 16 June- Board of Trustees th 28 June- Member Meeting on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion th G July- Impact wowking group meeting 12th July- Member Council meeting rd 3 October- Board of Trustees th 24 October- Board planning meeting th 20 November- Communities work group (actions following EDI event. mp.mber initiatives (HES Skills Investment Plan; TNA curriculum workl 21" November- Board planning meeting th 4 Decetnber- Board of Trustees th 7 December- Research working group (Climate emergency event planning) 24 January- Climate Emergency 'deep dive, event th 24 January- AGM 31, January- Impact Group (explore role in follow-on to Climate emerEency event) th 6 February- Member Council th 9 February- Presentation to EM-UKI meeting about NHSF and development of RICHeS. 21" February- Board of Trustees nd 22 February- Communities working group meeting Planning and development The strategic framework for heritage science in the UK has continued to guide NHSF'S activities in 2023-24 and work in that period has contributed iu d refresh of the framework for 2024-2027. NHSF will now consult with members and the wider heritage sr.ip.nce community on the goals of the emerging framework so that it delivers benefit for the many different organisations and individuals active in the field of heritage science. Each year the NHSF Board of Trustees aRrees priorities for Forum for the yp.ar ahead, in consultation with the Member Council. The strategic priorities that have been agreed by the Board of Trustees for 2024-25 are: A successor to the Strotegic Frameworkfor Heritage Science in the UK, 2018-2023 is launched. The importance, potential, context and wider relevantr of heritage science is effectively articulated. A vibrant and sustainable NHSF is able to champion heritage Science and supporl ils members. NHSF will now develop an action plan against which progress can be measured. Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
Policy on reserves The trustees of the National Heritage Science Forum {NHSFI have considered the charity's budget and future plans in determining its need for reserves. The trustees have agreed a reserves policy to safeguard NHSF'5 aciivities in line with its charitable objects against uncertain income streams. The trustees have agreed to retain unrestricted free reserve5 equivalent to a minimum of nine months of operational expenditure to meet these needs. This is calculated as an average of the past 3 years, operating budgets, and estimated for 2024-25 as approximately £32,513. At 31 March 2024, NHSF'S unrestricted reserves were £51.599. Thp. trustees will monitor reserves through the year as part of budget reporting and will review this policy annually. Planned expenditure in the forthcoming year is expected to draw minimally on free reserves. The Trustees confirm that there is no materi31 uncertainty as to whether the charity can continue as a Going Concern. Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees: Signature Signature Print full name Prof. Chris Gaffney Print full name Dr. Jen Heathcote Positinn Chair, Board of Trustees Position Treasurer Date 2111012024 Date 2211012024 Accounts Accounts for the period I" April 2023 to 31" March 2024 are presented using the receipts and payments accounts template provided by the Charity Commission. Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENLAND AND WALES National Heritage Scten¢e Forum 1154160 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period from 0110412023 3110312024 Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds Restrietgd lunds Endowmont funds Total funds Last year to the nearest to the neafesl £ to nearest £ to th8 nearest £ to the neare91 £ A1 Recelpts Membership subscriptions Fee incomé MiÈeèllanoOUS Bank in18resl 5.875 45.875 42,875 1.600 115 115 87 Sub total(Gross income forARJ A2 Asset and investmenl sales, (Bee table). Sub total Total receipts 45,990 45,990 44,562 A3 Payments Consuytancy servioes Board meeting5 Trustee expenses W0blte Telephone, print, post, stationery Events Travel and subsistence Subscriptions Comrnissioned res8aTchlservices Independent examination Projcet- Bank Bhanjes 41,477 41,477 36,446 100 952 1,150 2,632 156 850 1,$00 960 1.474 60 50.259 2.632 156 850 1.5 200 864 1.474 60 50,259 72 40,026 Sub total A4 Ass8t and Investment purchases, Isee table) Sub total Tots%l payments 50,259 50,259 40.026 Net of receApts/(payments) A5 Transters between lunds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds thls year end 4,269 4,269 4,536 55,868 51,599 55,868 51,599 51,331 55,868 Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted funds to neaie31 £ Restricted funds to nearest £ Endowment funds to nearest £ Calegorigs DetaFIs BIC hf nds 1 accounts ISSI Gasn at Darbk 51,599 Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
Total cash funds 51,599 14ree ba *ith receip15 aTh1 payments ao))wUsll Unrestricted funds lo wrest £ Reslricled funds lo neare51 £ Endowment lunds to noargst t Fund to which a55el belongs LJnl",Iilq Current valwe optionall C051 loptiongll B3 Investment assets Fund io which asset belon Cost loptionall Curront value o tionall B4 Assets retained for the charity's own use Fund to whi¢h rnlaioè Unrestricted Amount dug ionall When due lonfjl B5 Liabilities Independeni examiner lee 2023-24 accounts 960 Signed by one or two Iruslees on behall ol all the trustees Signature Prinl Name Date of roval Chris Gaflne Jen Healhcote CCXX R2 accounts ISSI 3010812024 Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2
NATIONAL HERITAGE SCIENCE FORUM INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NATIONAL HERITAGE SCIENCE FORUM I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of National Heritsge Science Forum (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024. Responsibilities and basis of report A5 the trusrees of the charity you are responsible tor the pparatIOn of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements ol the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). I report in respect ot my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Direction5 given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llbl of the 2011 Act. Independent examiner'5 Statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me causÈ to believè that in any material rcspect= accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity a5 required by section 386 of the 2006 Act,. or the financial statements do not accord with those records,. or the financial ststements do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 26 Act other than anv requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination- or the financial statements have not been ppared in accordance with the methods and principle5 of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in ac.cordance with the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a propcr understanding of the financral statements to be reached. Oliver Read FCCA ACA James Todd & Co Limited Drayton House Drayton Lane Chichester West Sussex P020 2EW England Dated.. 2211012024 Doc ID". ebOdc47583e6e22f788ded9af9693bb0883e1 be2