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)
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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.
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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:
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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:
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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.
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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
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4 May- Communities working group (mentoring, strategic framework drivers, plans for EDI-themed
summer Member Meeting)
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17 May- Research working group (de-brief following digital infrastructure event of 3, May,
strategic framework drivers, societal challenge case studies)
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17 May- Mentor/Mentee information event
26, May- Capturing impact member meeting
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9 June- Communities working group {mentoring next steps, planning of EDI event)
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16 June- Board of Trustees
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28 June- Member Meeting on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
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G July- Impact wowking group meeting
12th July- Member Council meeting
rd
3 October- Board of Trustees
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24 October- Board planning meeting
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20 November- Communities work group (actions following EDI event. mp.mber initiatives (HES
Skills Investment Plan; TNA curriculum workl
21" November- Board planning meeting
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4 Decetnber- Board of Trustees
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7 December- Research working group (Climate emergency event planning)
24 January- Climate Emergency 'deep dive, event
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24 January- AGM
31, January- Impact Group (explore role in follow-on to Climate emerEency event)
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6 February- Member Council
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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.
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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.
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CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR EN￿LAND 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
W0b￿lte
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
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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
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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 p￿paratIOn 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 2￿6 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 p￿pared 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
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