The Mass Observation Archive Annual Report 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024 Report Number 44 www.massobs.org.uk moa@sussex.ac.uk
Trustees of the Mass Observation Archive
John Brewer Simon Garfield Jane Harvell Kitty Inglis Michelle Johansen Claire Langhamer Lucy Noakes Ben Highmore
Public Benefit Statement
The Archive is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (registered charity number: 1179673) in the care of the University of Sussex as part of the University’s Special Collections. The Archive seeks to benefit the wider community by providing the public with the opportunity to gain knowledge of everyday life in 20[th] and 21[st] Century Britain through access to the original Mass Observation social research organisation (1937 to early 1950s), and newer material collected continuously since 1981.
The Archive proactively engages in educational outreach with schools, Further and Higher Education institutions and the local and national community. This outreach provides the opportunity for intergenerational and interregional learning.
The Archive also provides the opportunity for people all over the UK to participate in the recording of their everyday lives, either through participation in the national Mass Observation Project and other related projects and partnerships or through the donation of their personal papers and diaries to a publicly accessible archive.
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Contents
| Contents | Contents |
|---|---|
| Public Benefit Statement................................................................................................2 | |
| 1. | Access....................................................................................................................4 |
| 2. | Engagement............................................................................................................4 |
| 3. | Projects and partnerships........................................................................................6 |
| 4. | The 12thMay diary project.....................................................................................8 |
| 5. | The Trustees...........................................................................................................8 |
| 6. | Staff changes..........................................................................................................8 |
| 7. | Volunteers and placement students........................................................................8 |
| 8. | The Mass Observation Project...............................................................................9 |
| 9. | Collectons............................................................................................................10 |
| 10. | Publications......................................................................................................10 |
| 11. | Events, talks and conferences..........................................................................12 |
| Appendix 1...................................................................................................................13 |
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1. Access
Research visits
54 individuals visited the Mass Observation Archive and made 266 orders for material (see fig.1 and fig.2 in the appendix).
Group sessions
The Mass Observation Archive hosted 50 group visits (appendix fig.3). 1428 people participated in these sessions. A list of groups who visited during 2023-2024 is available in Appendix fig.4. The Mass Observation team delivered these sessions online and in person.
Online Access
Researchers continued to be able to access parts of the Archive through the Adam Matthew products, Mass Observation Online and Mass Observation Project Online. The publishers have reported that the Mass Observation Online resource was accessed 25,287 times and the Mass Observation Project resource was accessed 38,039 times. See Section.4, Appendix fig. 5.
2. Engagement
We continued to offer opportunities to engage with the Archive both online and in person at The Keep.
Teaching and learning sessions have included:
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Varndean College 70 x 6[th] form students Oct
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MA Art & Design Middlesex 25[th] Oct
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Voices in the Archives English UoS 26[th] Oct
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Criminology MA UoS 30[th] Oct & 2[nd] Nov
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History MA 31st Oct (3 further visits)
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University of Brighton Visual Diaries 7[th] Nov
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MA Contemporary History, UoS 13[th] Nov & 20[th] Nov
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Nov
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Education, History of Childhood 22[nd]
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BA Geography 5[th] Dec
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PG Social Work 23[rd] Jan
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MA Geography 16th Feb
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BA Media x 5 sessions 19[th] – 23[rd] Feb
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Feb
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BA Death and Dying, elective module 26[th]
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Feb
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Celebrating Literacy 29[th]
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Education MA 6[th] March / 13[th] March
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• March Humanities UG Uni of Brighton 14[th]
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Kings School Hove Year 9 20[th] March
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History of Emotions UoS 22[nd] April
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PGCE Uni of Brighton 24[th] April
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Varndean College 6[th] Form 30[th] April
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Doctoral School one-day workshop 23[rd] May
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PGCE UoS 5[th] June
The Engagement Manager also delivered outreach in HMP Lewes, talks for Evergreen and older people’s group in Hollingdean, Micheldene WI and the Miners’ Strike event at University of Sussex and hosted community visits for Fresh Start Portslade and for Speak Out, an advocacy group for people with learning disabilities, who are working on research project commissioned by the Open University looking at the history of learning disability.
Mass Observation Staff attended and hosted a stall at Senate House for History Day 23[rd] Nov 2023 – Awarded second prize for best stall voted by attendees. 200 attended.
The following events were hosted by Mass Observation as part of its public events programme;
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1940’s session for UoS History students, with clothes provided by Gladrags, dance and make up workshop by Sussex Swing and vintage fashion, makeup and 1940’s home installation on 12[th] December.
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MO Festive Diary event with festive themed 1940’s home installation 13[th] December.
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Pins, Patches and Paper: Celebrating LGBTQIA+ History Month with Mass Observation 21[st] February.
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Bad Taste Zine-Making Session: Celebrating International Women's Day with Mass Observation 7[th] March.
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Talking to our past and future selves: workshop led by students on placement with Mass Observation on 10[th] April.
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What does Nature mean to you? Walkshop led by Lucy Dixon Sarah Macbeth on 13[th] July.
Resources are available on the Mass Observation Archive website for schools and community groups to engage with the collections and recorded talks are available on the MO YouTube channel providing introductions to the Archive.
Webinar Events
- The Politics of Brexit Britain and Everyday Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic , Emily Robinson & Jonathan Moss, University of Sussex and Nick Clarke, University of Southampton, Wednesday 1[st] May, In-person (University of Sussex) and Online
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Everyday Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic , Nick Clarke in Conversation with Ben Highmore, Thursday 2[nd] May
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What does Nature Mean to you? Lucy Dixon and Sarah Macbeth Wednesday 26[th] June
3. Projects and partnerships
Morgan Centre, University of Manchester
Mass Observation has worked closely with members of the Morgan Centre for many years, with academics having commissioned Directives for research. In July 2023 Kirsty Pattrick and Suzanne Rose met with Sociologists at the Morgan Centre, along with researchers and previous commissioners from Southampton, Kent, York and Sussex to discuss collaborative opportunities.
The Morgan Centre have increased their use of Mass Observation material for their teaching and actively promote its use for 2[nd] modules and 3[rd] year projects.
In 2024 a PhD scholarship was announced. Led by the University of Manchester in collaboration with Mass Observation. Funded by CASE with match-funding from Mass Observation, Kirsty Pattrick will be the non-academic supervisor. The successful candidate Neve Meats will explore visual submissions to Mass Observation with a sociological research lens. She will spend time at the archive with the team and produce a catalogue of this material.
Mass Observation Critical Series
The Mass Observation Critical Series is an interdisciplinary publication series published by Bloomsbury. The series aims to make Mass Observation’s rich primary sources accessible to a wide range of academics and students across multiple disciplines, as well as to the general reading public. Recent publications include Reflections on British Royalty, edited by Jennifer J. Purcell and Fiona Courage (2024) and Everyday Life in the COVID-19 Pandemic by Nick Clarke (2024)
Mass Observing COVID-19
This Wellcome-funded project (for £178,353.00) is now complete. An open access resource makes available nearly 7,000 submissions from the Mass Observation COVID-19 collection. It allows researchers to select relevant documents through searches of meta-data, keywords and open text. It is then possible to export the data into research tools of their own choice for analysis.
This offers exciting opportunities across disciplines for research, teaching and learning. The collection comprises of diaries and narrative responses to open questionnaires (Directives) including drawings, paintings and photography. It captures the minutiae of the everyday throughout the pandemic. People across
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Britain, of all ages, document their thoughts, feelings and opinions, as they make sense of events, moment-by-moment.
A multi-disciplinary Advisory Group and Project Team comprised of those from the University of Sussex, University of Warwick, University of Chester, University of Southampton and the Institute of Historical Research.
Mass Observation Project Online
The Mass Observation Archive entered discussions with AM Digital regarding extending the Mass Observation Project Online resource to include responses to Mass Observation Project Directives from 2010 to 2019. Work on this project will start in January 2024.
Good Space
Mass Observation continues to be part of the Good Space Heritage partnership. This partnership of 16 heritage organisations is supported by DCMS Volunteering Futures and funded by Arts Council England. The project partnership aims to foster an innovative approach to growing volunteering opportunities, with a focus on championing the positive impact of volunteering on mental health and wellbeing. To support partner organisations’ volunteer recruitment, retention, training and delivery, improving diversity and breaking down barriers to engagement. Mass Observation has benefitted from Communities of Practice sessions, training and knowledge exchange with partner organisations. The pilot year for the project ended in March 2024 and the partnership completed an evaluation of its activities and achievements. Good Space is continuing from September 2024.
National Centre for Research Methods
The Research Manager is a member of a national Special Interest Group for participatory and collaborative research methods. This group co-delivered a Critical Conversations webinar on 9[th] November 2023 ‘ When collaborative and participatory research gets messy! ’ and Kirsty Pattrick presented on the COVID-19 collection.
Living Histories
An NHS Heads On partnership project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Living Histories project aims to record experiences of those accessing or delivering mental health services as part of the Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust. This will include people’s lived experience of mental health throughout their life course, or work, as well as during the Covid 19 pandemic.
Creative Community Resilience
An AHRC funded Creative, Community, Resilience project with University of Southampton and University of Brighton to research and record experiences of trans young people. Mass Observation will be delivering training and support to the research team and supporting engagement activities linked to 12[th] May to record and receive diaries.
University of Sheffield New Approaches to Appeasement
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MO resources launched on Historical Association’s website along with series of films to support teaching and learning in the classroom created in partnership with University of Sheffield.
4. The 12[th] May diary project
The Mass Observation Archive repeated its annual call for day diaries written on the 12[th] May 2024. 626 diaries were submitted to the Archive.
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233 electronic diaries
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50 diaries sent by post by individuals
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343 diaries from Birchwood Grove primary school
As with previous years, participants were asked to share the copyright of their diary with the Archive. Invitations to take part were also sent out to schools, colleges, community groups and prisons and via social media.
This year the Archive partnered with organisations in different geographic parts of the country – Live from Worktown in Bolton and Take Shelter in Brighton in order to encourage the national reach of the Archive. MO staff also took part in a Heritage event at Take Shelter, which was part of the Brighton Fringe on 12[th] May.
52 diaries were received from Bolton and Live from Worktown also used the opportunity to consult with their local community about culture and heritage in Bolton, which was named Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture in 2024.
MO also delivered a life writing workshop in HMP Lewes on 8[th] May 2024.
5. The Trustees
Professor Claire Langhamer (Institute of Historical Research) left the board of Trustees in 2024. Professor Langhamer had been a Trustee since 2007.
Professor Hester Barron (University of Sussex) joined the board in Summer 2024. In 2021 she published a trade book (co-authored with Claire Langhamer) Class of '37: Voices from working-class girlhood which drew upon essays written by schoolchildren for Mass Observation in 1937.
6. Staff changes
Angela Bachini completed her role as Junior Project Archivist for the Mass Observing COVID-19 project funded by the Wellcome Trust.
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Jessica Scantlebury (Mass Observation Archivist) was on maternity leave June 2023 – August 2024.
7. Volunteers and placement students
The Archive hosted several students and work experience placements during the year and is hugely appreciative of their hard work, enthusiasm and commitment.
Molly Reid, Queen Mary London UG History student undertook a placement with Mass Observation in Autumn 2023. This was hybrid enabling remote and in-person tasks such as transcribing, identifying relevant extracts for teaching and publicity, blog writing and supporting the staff stand at History Day in November.
Wei Wei, a University of Sussex UG English and Media student started a placement in September 2023 for 6 one-day sessions.
Ella Beales continues to volunteer with the Archive regularly and oversaw the social media strand of the MO85 Anniversary programme.
Emily Warwick MA student placement University of Brighton (February to August 2024 completed). Emily has secured a post at Lewes Library on completing her placement and MA course.
Lily Moreno–Sheridan BA student placement University of Brighton (February – April 2024 completed)
Hannah Cannon, Bronny Way, Tillie Lam, & Eleanor Philip UoS 3[rd] year English placement students (February to April 2024). Delivered event Writing to our past and future selves at The Keep in April 2024.
Former placement student Abby Hodges returned having graduated and completed her MA at UoS and is now working at the UoS Library. She founded the Bad Taste Collective which hosted event on 7[th] March for International Women’s Day at The Keep.
Archive volunteers include Atheena, Libby, Emily (remote based in Scunthorpe) and Jean who have supported cataloguing, transcriptions, teaching and public events.
Four work experience placements were completed in July 2024. Shae, Sydney and Ryan from Shoreham Academy and Annabel from Priory School. Students gained experience in all aspects of the Archive and created content for the MO website to promote work experience placements for other students in the future.
8. The Mass Observation Project
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The current panel size is 602
The panel was re-opened to new volunteers in May 2024.
Biographical Form
The response rate continues to be good, and these are available to researchers upon request. This captures additional biographical information on ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability and religion.
Commissioners
Advice and support documents were provided throughout the year for academic research funding applications and internal ethics processes. Institutions included University of East Anglia, Bristol, Reading and York for bids to ESRC, AHRC and institution’s internal funding.
9. Collections
The Location Finder Collection acquired from The Museum of Domestic Design & Architecture, Middlesex University Middlesex. Comprises photographs, questionnaires and retail receipts of home interiors in 20[th] century.
10.Publications
Kirsty Pattrick, Suzanne Rose and Angela Bachini COVID-19: Reflections from the archive , Papertrails, UCL Press, July 2024
Walsh, K. (2023). Night-time bedroom soundscapes: embodied geographies of housing and home. Social & Cultural Geography , 1–20. htps://doi.org/10.1080/14649365.2023.2245800
Clarke, N., & Barnett, C. (2023). Beyond compliance: Good citizenship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Transactions - Institute of British Geographers (1965) , 48 (2), 395–407. htps://doi.org/10.1111/tran.12587
Ehgartner, U., & Holmes, H. (2022). Changing understandings of waste reduction and avoidance in moralities of thrift: A comparison of Mass Observers’ narratives three decades apart. Geoforum , 137 , 105–114. htps://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoforum.2022.10.014
Seaton, A. V. (2022). Life and Family Travel in the Time of COVID-19: Pandemic in England 2020. Tourism and Hospitality (Basel) , 3 (4), 931–946. htps://doi.org/10.3390/tourhosp3040060
Harper, T. (2022). Edward Owens. The Family Firm: Monarchy, Mass Media and the British Public, 1932–53. New Historical Perspectives. London: University of London Press, 2019. Pp. 446. $65.00 (cloth). Journal of British Studies, 61(4), 1072-1073. doi:10.1017/jbr.2022.122
Feminist Animal Studies: Theories, Practices, Politics, Erika Cudworth, Ruth E. McKie, Di Turgoose, Taylor & Francis, 30 Dec 2022
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McGlacken, R. (2023). Negotiating the necessity of biomedical animal use through relations with vulnerability. BioSocieties. htps://doi.org/10.1057/s41292-022-00295-3
Parken, O. (2023). The politics of press astrology in wartime Britain, 1939–42. Historical Research : The Bulletin of the Institute of Historical Research , 96 (272), 243–262. htps://doi.org/10.1093/hisres/htac029
Büchs, M., Middlemiss, L., Mylan, J., & Stevens, L. (2023). Sustainable consumption by product substitution? An exploration of the appropriation of plant-based ‘mylk’ in everyday life. Consumption and Society, 2(1), 78–101. htps://doi.org/10.1332/PREN9891
Coleman, R., & Lyon, D. (2023). Recalibrating Everyday Futures during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Futures Fissured, on Standby and Reset in Mass Observation Responses. Sociology (Oxford) , 57 (2), 421–437. htps://doi.org/10.1177/00380385231156651
Clarke, N., & Barnett, C. (2023). Archiving the COVID-19 pandemic in Mass Observation and Middletown. History of the Human Sciences , 36 (2), 3–25. htps://doi.org/10.1177/09526951231152139
Lyon, D., & Coleman, R. (2023). Rupture, repetition, and new rhythms for pandemic times: Mass Observation, everyday life, and COVID-19. History of the Human Sciences, 36(2), 26– 48. htps://doi.org/10.1177/09526951221133983
Pollen, A. (2023). ‘There is nothing less spectacular than a pestilence’: Picturing the pandemic in Mass Observation’s COVID-19 collections. History of the Human Sciences , 36 (2), 71–104. htps://doi.org/10.1177/09526951221134002
Clarke, N., & Barnett, C. (2023). Seeing like an epidemiologist? Mobilising people against COVID-19. History of the Human Sciences , 36 (2), 49–70. htps://doi.org/10.1177/09526951231170574
Collier, P., & Connolly, J. J. (2023). Time shifts: Place, belonging, and future orientation in pandemic everyday life. History of the Human Sciences, 36(2), 105–127. htps://doi.org/10.1177/09526951221139377
Kirby, J. (2022). The stress of work and work of stress in Britain in the late twentieth century. Contemporary British History , 36 (4), 622–645. htps://doi.org/10.1080/13619462.2022.2081549
Hurdley, R. (2023). Literary allusion in sociological analysis: Mass Observation mantelpiece reports as epic and drama. Qualitative Research : QR . htps://doi.org/10.1177/14687941231176944
Observational comedy: Mass Observation and the wartime joke, 1939-45' in British Humour and the Second World War: ‘Keep Smiling Through’ ed. by Juliette Pattinson, Linsey Robb
Lockwood, N., & Scott, S. (2023). Saying something with nothing: Refusal, avoidance and resistance in participant non-response. Methodological Innovations , 16 (2), 215–225. htps://doi.org/10.1177/20597991231179390
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Field, C. (2023). Mass Observation, Religion, and the Second World War: When ‘Cooper’s Snoopers’ Caught the Spirit. In M. Snape & S. Bell (Eds.), British Christianity and the Second World War (Studies in Modern British Religious History, pp. 99-116). Boydell & Brewer. doi:10.1017/9781800108783.006
van Emmerik, C. (2023). Ethical Reflexivity, Care, and Slippery Data: Lessons From Working With the Mass Observation Project. Sociological Research Online . htps://doi.org/10.1177/13607804231164486
Blain, J., Stevens, D., Taylor, L., Kingston, P., & Watts, G. (2023). Views about Euthanasia and Dementia: Exploring Perceptions Utilising Evidence from the Mass Observation Archive. Healthcare (Basel) , 11 (18), 2552-. htps://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare11182552
BEYNON-JONES, S., GRABHAM, E., & HENDRIE, N. (2023). ‘The rules are all over the place’: Mass Observation, time, and law in the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Law and Society, 50(3), 369–391. htps://doi.org/10.1111/jols.12446
Highmore, B. (2023). ‘The Observation by Everyone of Everyone’: The project of MassObservation in 1937. Mass-Observation: Text, Context and Analysis of the Pioneering Pamphlet and Movement , 7.
Blain, J., Stevens, D., Taylor, L., Kingston, P., & Watts, G. (2023, September). Views about Euthanasia and Dementia: Exploring Perceptions Utilising Evidence from the Mass Observation Archive. In Healthcare (Vol. 11, No. 18, p. 2552). MDPI.
Purcell, J. J., & Jones, B. (Eds.). (2023). Mass-Observation: Text, Context and Analysis of the Pioneering Pamphlet and Movement . Bloomsbury Publishing.
Davies, L. L. (2022). Representing the Poor: Interwar Documentary Film, Mass Observation, and Victor Gollancz Ltd. Twentieth Century Literature , 68 (1), 1-24.
Goldsmith, R. (2023). Mass-Observation and Vernacular Politics at the 1945 General Election. Twentieth Century British History , hwad047.
McGlacken, R. (2022). Constrained, contingent, and conflicted: Complicating acceptance of animal research through an analysis of writing from the UK Mass Observation Project. In Transforming food systems: ethics, innovation and responsibility (pp. 245-250). Wageningen Academic Publishers.
11.Events, talks and conferences
Suzanne Rose
Miners’ Strike Event with Kirsty Pattrick, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, 19[th] March 2024
Michelene WI, Monday 5[th] February 2024
Evergreen, 31[st] October 2023
Kirsty Pattrick
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November 2023 National Centre for Research Methods e-Festival, 7[th] Mass Observing the Everyday
with Angela Bachini Concept Quest Event, University of Sussex, 11[th] March 2024 Generating narrative data with Mass Observation: the possibilities for concept Analysis
With Suzanne Rose Roundtable Event on Working with Sensitive Material in Research, Teaching and Public Engagement, Institute of Historical Research, 22[nd] April 2024
Appendix 1
Fig. 1 Number of visits made by individual researchers 2018-2024
| Year | To MOA | % of all visits to Special Collectons |
% of all visits to The Keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 54 | 30 | 5 |
| 2022-2023 | 118 | 20 | 7 |
| 2021-2022 | 70 | 46 | 9 |
| 2020-2021 | 42 | 77 | 8 |
| 2019-2020 | 226 | 49 | 9 |
| 2018-2019 | 317 | 51 | 10 |
Fig. 2 Number of documents issued from the MOA to researchers at The Keep 20182024
| 2024 | |
|---|---|
| Year | Number of documents |
| 2023-2024 | 266 |
| 2022-2023 | 257 |
| 2021-2022 | 436 |
| 2020-2021 | 342 |
| 2019-2020 | 430 |
| 2018-2019 | 882 |
Fig. 3 Group visits 2018-2024
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| Year | To MOA | Atendance |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | 50 | 1428 |
| 2022-2023 | 53 | 1072 |
| 2021-22 | 51 | 846 |
| 2020-2021 | 30 | 561 |
| 2019-2020 | 42 | 456 |
| 2018-2019 | 83 | 1834 |
Fig. 4 Group visits made to the MOA in 2023-2024
| Date | Name ofgroup / insttuton/organisaton | Inperson or online | Number in group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/10/2023 | Speak Out | Inperson | 7 |
| 17/10/2023 | Varndean College | Inperson | 70 |
| 25/10/2023 | MA Art & Design Middlesex Uni | Inperson | 45 |
| 26/10/2023 | Voices in the Archive,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 14 |
| 30/10/2023 | MA Criminology,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 26 |
| 31/10/2023 | Evergreen | Inperson | 30 |
| 31/10/2023 | MA ContemporaryHistory,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 9 |
| 2/11/2023 | MA Criminology,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 26 |
| 6/11/2023 | MA ContemporaryHistory,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 7 |
| 7/11/2023 | Visual Diaries,Uni Brighton | Inperson | 10 |
| 7/11/2023 | Natonal Centre for Research Methods | Online | 33 |
| 9/11/2023 | Natonal Centre for Research Methods | Online | 98 |
| 13/11/2023 | MA ContemporaryHistory,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 7 |
| 20/11/2023 | MA ContemporaryHistory,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 3 |
| 22/11/2023 | Historyof Childhood | Inperson | 22 |
| 23/11/2023 | HistoryDayat Senate House | Inperson | 200 |
| 5/12/2023 | Geography,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 21 |
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| 12/12/2023 | History,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 20 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13/12/2023 | Festve MOpublic event | Inperson | 30 |
| 23/1/2024 | Social Work,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 12 |
| 1/2/2024 | UCL Record Keeping | Online | 25 |
| 5/2/2024 | Micheldene WI | Inperson | 70 |
| 7/2/2024 | Speak Out | Inperson | 5 |
| 9/2/2024 | Media,Universityof Sussex | Inperson | 8 |
| 21/2/2024 | LGBTQI History public event | Inperson | 30 |
| 22/2/2024 | Media,Universityof Sussex | Inperson | 8 |
| 22/2/2024 | Media,Universityof Sussex | Inperson | 10 |
| 22/2/2024 | Media,Universityof Sussex | Inperson | 8 |
| 23/2/2024 | Media,Universityof Sussex | Inperson | 9 |
| 26/2/2024 | Social Work Death & Dying,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 30 |
| 29/2/2024 | CelebratngLiteracy,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 15 |
| 6/3/2024 | MA Educaton Uni Sussex | Inperson | 17 |
| 7/3/2024 | Internatonal Women’s Day public event | Inperson | 10 |
| 13/3/2024 | MA Educaton,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 25 |
| 14/3/2024 | English,Uni Brighton | Inperson | 25 |
| 22/3/2024 | Kings School Hove | Inperson | 80 |
| 10/4/2024 | Writng to past and Future selves public event |
Inperson | 12 |
| 27/4/2024 | Historyof Feeling,Uni Sussex | Inperson | 12 |
| 24/4/2024 | PGCE Uni Brighton | Inperson | 8 |
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| 30/4/2024 1/5/2024 2/3/2024 8/5/2024 12/5/2024 5/6/2024 26/6/2024 5/6/2024 13/7/2024 27/7/2024 17/9/2024 |
Varndean College | Inperson | 12 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Politcs of FeelingWebinar | Hybrid | 30 | |
| Nick Clarke 12thMayWebinar | Online | 12 | |
| HMP Lewes workshop | Inperson | 10 | |
| Take Shelter Brighton Fringe Open Day | Inperson | 200 | |
| PGCE Uni Sussex | Inperson | 10 | |
| What does Nature mean toyou? Webinar | Online | 6 | |
| BHASVIC 6thform college | Inperson | 15 | |
| What does nature mean toyou? Walkshop | Inperson | 9 | |
| Fresh Start Portslade | Inperson | 12 | |
| Micheldene WI | Inperson | 15 |
Fig. 5 Access to Mass Observation Online 2018-2024
Year |
Sessions |
Number of sessions from members of the University of Sussex |
Number of sessions made from The Keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023- 2024 |
25,287 | 1806 | 73 |
| 2022- 2023 |
28,391 | 2,286 | 83 |
| 2021- 2022 |
32,497 | 1,726 | 87 |
| 2020- 2021 |
25,372 | 1,202 | 32 |
| 2019- 2020 |
18,790 | 2,525 | 110 |
| 2018- 2019 |
27,018 | 2,048 | 288 |
Fig. 5 Access to Mass Observation Project Online 2020-2024
Year 2023-2024 2022-2023 |
All sessions |
Number of sessions from members of the University of Sussex |
Number of sessions from The Keep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38,039 | 442 | 0 | |
| 41,421 | 449 | 3 |
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| 2021-2022 | 636 | 556 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020-2021 | 1,141 | 368 | 1 |
| July – September 2020 |
10,672 | 22 | 0 |
| Fig.6 Directve themes 2023-2024 | Fig.6 Directve themes 2023-2024 | Fig.6 Directve themes 2023-2024 | Fig.6 Directve themes 2023-2024 | Fig.6 Directve themes 2023-2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Topic | Commissioner | Funding | Response |
| Autumn 2023 (No 129) |
Everyday living with multple long- term health conditons |
Sue Bellas, University of Manchester and Newcastle |
£7,500 | 147 (26%) |
| Seasons | In-house | 145 (26%) | ||
| The Israeli- Palestnian confict |
In-house | 133 (24%) | ||
| Spring 2024 (No 130) |
Retrement | Helen McCarthy, University of Cambridge |
£10,000 | 192 (33%) |
| Mystery | James Hodgeson, University of Manchester |
£10,000 | 182 (31%) | |
| Summer 2024 (No 131)* |
Everyday oral health |
Paul Kingston, University of Chester |
£4,000 | 112 (19%) |
| The General Electon |
In-house | 110 (18%) | ||
| Singing | In-house | 108 (17%) |
*Responses to these Directives Directive are still arriving at the Archive.
January 2024: This report was written by Kirsty Pattrick and Suzanne Rose with support by Jessica Scantlebury
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The Mass Observation Archive
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2024
Registered Charity Number: 1179673 Company Number: CE014960
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administration details | 1-2 |
| Report of the Trustees | 3-5 |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7-8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10-12 |
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
LEGAL STATUS The Mass Observation Archive is a Registered Charity (Charity Registration No. 1179673) and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Company number CE014960) PRINCIPAL OFFICE University of Sussex The University Library Falmer Brighton BN1 9QL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair: Ms Jane Harvell Trustees: Mr John Brewer Mr Simon Garfield Ms Kitty Inglis Dr Michelle Johansen Professor Claire Langhamer Professor Lucy Noakes Professor Ben Highmore Secretary: Dr Fiona Courage (non-Trustee)
1
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Independent Examiner
VMR Anderson BA(Hons) FCA DChA Clark Brownscombe 2 St. Andrews Place Lewes East Sussex BN7 1UP
Bankers
Co-operative Bank P.O. Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP
2
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Introduction
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024.
The Mass Observation Archive is registered as a charity (Charity Registration No. 1179673). It is governed by its rules which were first adopted on 28 August 2018. It should be noted that the charity is the successor charity to Mass Observation Archive (Charity Registration No. 270218). The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Company number 1179673)
The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Rules and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.
Objectives of the charity
To advance education for the public benefit by operating and maintaining an archive specialising in particular but not exclusively in the modern social history of Great Britain.
The role of the Trustees
The charity trustees shall manage the affairs of the CIO and may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the CIO. It is the duty of each charity trustee:
-
a. to exercise his or her powers and to perform his or her functions in his or her capacity as a trustee of the CIO in the way he or she decides in good faith would be most likely to further the purposes of the CIO; and
-
b. to exercise, in the performance of those functions, such care and skill as is reasonable in the circumstances
The chair of Trustees is the Director of Library Services, University of Sussex, an ex officio appointed by the University of Sussex in line with the provisions of the CIO’s constitution. The Risk Register is the responsibility of the Trustees. They provide the material support necessary for the effective running of the CIO. The Trustees work in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Charity Commission.
Management is the responsibility of the Trustees and is delegated to the Mass Observation Team in terms of dayto-day administration. Under the Mass Observation University of Sussex Memorandum of Understanding (May 2018) the University of Sussex takes responsibility for the line management of staff employed specifically to work on the Mass Observation Archive.
3
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Trustee responsibilities
Financial statements
The Trustees are required to prepare annual financial statements, which provide a true and fair view of the affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of the income and expenditure of the charity for the year.
In preparing the reports the Trustees:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
-
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
-
State whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements, and
-
Prepare the Financial Statements on the ongoing concern basis unless it is inappropriate.
Public benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s objectives.
Risk review
The Board of Trustees reviews the major risks to which the charity is exposed on a regular basis and systems and actions are implemented to mitigate those risks. The Trustees believe that there is a satisfactory system of internal controls and these are reviewed on a regular basis.
Financial review
Total expenditure and income for the year on operational activities were £152,912 and £207,271 respectively, resulting in a surplus of £54,359. The Charity’s net movement in funds was a surplus of £54,359. (2023: a surplus of £135,229).
The charity carried forwards unrestricted funds of £658,486.
Expenditure is focussed entirely on Staff salaries and commission paid to Curtis Brown in respect of the royalties collected.
Income
The principal sources of income are royalties in respect of the archives and payments for the commissioning of Directives by researchers. This action is in line with the MOA Trust aim to support postgraduate and early career research.
Reserves
It has been agreed it is appropriate for The Mass Observation Archive to maintain strategic reserves sufficient to support unavoidable operating costs for a period of up to 12 months. The strategic reserve must consist of unrestricted funds.
4
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Summary of main financial activities in relation to Objects of the CIO
Three directives covering eight themes were issued during this financial year. Four of these themes were commissioned through researchers funding on Everyday living with multiple long-term health conditions, Retirement, Mysteries and Everyday Oral Health.
Funders included the British Academy/Leverhulme small grants and internal university sources. This totalled £31,500.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Jane Harvell (Chair) Date: 24 April 2025
5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
(3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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 accounts to be reached.
VMR Anderson BA (Hons) FCA DChA
Chartered Accountant Clark Brownscombe 2 St. Andrews Place Lewes East Sussex BN7 1UP
Date: 9 May 2025
6
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve Total funds Unrestricted funds Revaluatio n reserve 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2022-23 2022-23 INCOME Income and endowments from - Royalties 150,249 150,249 247,425 - Other income - Sales 33,680 33,680 25,601 - Interest income 23,030 23,030 18,202 - Donations 312 312 1,236 - Total income and endowments 207,271 207,271 292,464 - EXPENDITURE ON Expenditure on charitable activities 152,912 152,912 157,235 Total expenditure 152,912 152,912 157,235 - Net income/(expenditure) on operational activities 54,359 54,359 135,229 - OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES Net movement in funds 54,359 54,359 135,229 - Total funds brought forward 604,127 2,000,000 2,604,127 468,898 2,000,000 Total funds carried forward 658,486 2,000,000 2,658,486 604,127 2,000,000 |
Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve Total funds Unrestricted funds Revaluatio n reserve 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2022-23 2022-23 INCOME Income and endowments from - Royalties 150,249 150,249 247,425 - Other income - Sales 33,680 33,680 25,601 - Interest income 23,030 23,030 18,202 - Donations 312 312 1,236 - Total income and endowments 207,271 207,271 292,464 - EXPENDITURE ON Expenditure on charitable activities 152,912 152,912 157,235 Total expenditure 152,912 152,912 157,235 - Net income/(expenditure) on operational activities 54,359 54,359 135,229 - OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES Net movement in funds 54,359 54,359 135,229 - Total funds brought forward 604,127 2,000,000 2,604,127 468,898 2,000,000 Total funds carried forward 658,486 2,000,000 2,658,486 604,127 2,000,000 |
Total funds 2022-23 247,425 25,601 18,202 1,236 |
|---|---|---|
| 207,271 207,271 292,464 - 152,912 152,912 157,235 |
292,464 157,235 |
|
| 152,912 152,912 157,235 - 54,359 54,359 135,229 - 54,359 54,359 135,229 - 604,127 2,000,000 2,604,127 468,898 2,000,000 |
157,235 135,229 - 135,229 2,468,898 |
|
| 658,486 2,000,000 2,658,486 604,127 2,000,000 |
2,604,127 |
7
7
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| Expenditure on charitable activities Commission charges and cost of goods sold Travel, training, and meetings Advertising and marketing Postage and stationery Salaries Staff welfare Computer & IT Subscription Accountancy Bookkeeping fees Independent examiners fee Bank charges HMRC interest |
Unrestricted Funds 2023/24 £ 15,258 1,632 672 415 131,393 - 368 126 1,125 1,022 795 7 99 152,912 |
Unrestricted Funds 2022/23 £ 12,255 2,047 - 465 139,246 44 406 123 750 909 990 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 157,235 |
8
7
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
CHARITY NUMBER 1179673
| Note Fixed Asset Mass Observation Archive 2 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors and accrued income 3 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 4 Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Represented by: Unrestricted funds General fund Revaluation Reserve |
45,481 630,019 |
2023/24 2,000,001 658,485 |
31,757 622,706 |
2022/23 2,000,001 604,126 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 675,500 17,015 |
654,463 50,337 |
|||
| 2,658,486 | 2,604,127 | |||
| 658,486 2,000,000 |
604,127 2,000,000 |
|||
| 2,658,486 | 2,604,127 |
The Financial Statements were approved by the Trustees on 24 April 2025
Jane Harvell Trustee
9
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Accounting
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. In addition they have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102. The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accounts are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity.
b. Fund Accounting
The charity maintains various funds in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities FRS 102’. These funds, which require separate disclosure, are as follows:-
Unrestricted Funds . These are the general funds of the charity and are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the charitable objectives. The main sources of general funds are from fees, royalties and income from bank deposits ~~.~~
c. Voluntary Income
Donations are recognised as income when the donation is received.
Legacies are recognised at the earliest point at which the amounts become certain.
d. Investment Income
Interest is accrued on a daily basis and is credited on this basis in the income and expenditure account.
e. Expenditure
Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accrual basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
The main category of expenditure is:
- i. Expenditure on charitable activities, which are the costs of running the trust.
f. Statement of Cash Flows
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
g. Financial Instruments
The Charity has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand, other debtors and prepayments. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise other creditors and accruals.
10
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| EBTORS Trade Debtors Accrued Income Vat REDITORS Trade Creditors Accruals Cost As at 1stOctober 2023 Additions As at 30thSeptember 2024 Net Book Value As at 30thSeptember 2023 As at 30thSeptember 2024 |
2023/24 £ 4,000 36,788 4,693 45,481 2023/24 £ - 17,015 17,015 Mass Observation Archive £ 2,000,001 2,000,001 2,000,001 2,000,001 |
2022/23 £ 7,000 10,450 14,307 Total £ 2,000,001 2,000,001 2,000,001 2,000,001 |
|---|---|---|
| 31,757 | ||
| 2022/23 £ 48,792 1,545 |
||
| 50,337 |
3. DEBTORS
4. CREDITORS
5. TAXATION
The trust is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charity for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
11
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
6. ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL.
| Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs |
2023/24 £ 109,280 10,477 11,636 131,393 |
2022/23 £ 113,796 10,442 15,008 |
|---|---|---|
| 139,246 |
No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023: nil). Pension costs are wholly charged to unrestricted funds.
No remuneration was paid to any of the trustees during the year by the Mass Observation Archive. The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and the Director of the Archive. The Director and the Chair of Trustees are employed by the University of Sussex and their roles include some responsibilities for the Mass Observation Archive.
12
The Mass Observation Archive
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 30 September 2024
Registered Charity Number: 1179673 Company Number: CE014960
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Legal and administration details | 1-2 |
| Report of the Trustees | 3-5 |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7-8 |
| Balance sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 10-12 |
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
LEGAL STATUS The Mass Observation Archive is a Registered Charity (Charity Registration No. 1179673) and a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Company number CE014960) PRINCIPAL OFFICE University of Sussex The University Library Falmer Brighton BN1 9QL BOARD OF TRUSTEES Chair: Ms Jane Harvell Trustees: Mr John Brewer Mr Simon Garfield Ms Kitty Inglis Dr Michelle Johansen Professor Claire Langhamer Professor Lucy Noakes Professor Ben Highmore Secretary: Dr Fiona Courage (non-Trustee)
1
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Independent Examiner
VMR Anderson BA(Hons) FCA DChA Clark Brownscombe 2 St. Andrews Place Lewes East Sussex BN7 1UP
Bankers
Co-operative Bank P.O. Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP
2
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Introduction
The Trustees have pleasure in presenting their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2024.
The Mass Observation Archive is registered as a charity (Charity Registration No. 1179673). It is governed by its rules which were first adopted on 28 August 2018. It should be noted that the charity is the successor charity to Mass Observation Archive (Charity Registration No. 270218). The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Company number 1179673)
The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the Rules and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.
Objectives of the charity
To advance education for the public benefit by operating and maintaining an archive specialising in particular but not exclusively in the modern social history of Great Britain.
The role of the Trustees
The charity trustees shall manage the affairs of the CIO and may for that purpose exercise all the powers of the CIO. It is the duty of each charity trustee:
-
a. to exercise his or her powers and to perform his or her functions in his or her capacity as a trustee of the CIO in the way he or she decides in good faith would be most likely to further the purposes of the CIO; and
-
b. to exercise, in the performance of those functions, such care and skill as is reasonable in the circumstances
The chair of Trustees is the Director of Library Services, University of Sussex, an ex officio appointed by the University of Sussex in line with the provisions of the CIO’s constitution. The Risk Register is the responsibility of the Trustees. They provide the material support necessary for the effective running of the CIO. The Trustees work in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Charity Commission.
Management is the responsibility of the Trustees and is delegated to the Mass Observation Team in terms of dayto-day administration. Under the Mass Observation University of Sussex Memorandum of Understanding (May 2018) the University of Sussex takes responsibility for the line management of staff employed specifically to work on the Mass Observation Archive.
3
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Trustee responsibilities
Financial statements
The Trustees are required to prepare annual financial statements, which provide a true and fair view of the affairs of the charity as at the end of the financial year and of the income and expenditure of the charity for the year.
In preparing the reports the Trustees:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently
-
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
-
State whether the applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Statements, and
-
Prepare the Financial Statements on the ongoing concern basis unless it is inappropriate.
Public benefit
The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance in the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity’s objectives.
Risk review
The Board of Trustees reviews the major risks to which the charity is exposed on a regular basis and systems and actions are implemented to mitigate those risks. The Trustees believe that there is a satisfactory system of internal controls and these are reviewed on a regular basis.
Financial review
Total expenditure and income for the year on operational activities were £152,912 and £207,271 respectively, resulting in a surplus of £54,359. The Charity’s net movement in funds was a surplus of £54,359. (2023: a surplus of £135,229).
The charity carried forwards unrestricted funds of £658,486.
Expenditure is focussed entirely on Staff salaries and commission paid to Curtis Brown in respect of the royalties collected.
Income
The principal sources of income are royalties in respect of the archives and payments for the commissioning of Directives by researchers. This action is in line with the MOA Trust aim to support postgraduate and early career research.
Reserves
It has been agreed it is appropriate for The Mass Observation Archive to maintain strategic reserves sufficient to support unavoidable operating costs for a period of up to 12 months. The strategic reserve must consist of unrestricted funds.
4
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
Summary of main financial activities in relation to Objects of the CIO
Three directives covering eight themes were issued during this financial year. Four of these themes were commissioned through researchers funding on Everyday living with multiple long-term health conditions, Retirement, Mysteries and Everyday Oral Health.
Funders included the British Academy/Leverhulme small grants and internal university sources. This totalled £31,500.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Jane Harvell (Chair) Date: 24 April 2025
5
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
I report on the accounts for the year ended 30 September 2024, which are set out on pages 7 to 12.
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
I report in respect of my examination of the Trustee’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent Examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
(3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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 accounts to be reached.
VMR Anderson BA (Hons) FCA DChA
Chartered Accountant Clark Brownscombe 2 St. Andrews Place Lewes East Sussex BN7 1UP
Date: 9 May 2025
6
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve Total funds Unrestricted funds Revaluatio n reserve 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2022-23 2022-23 INCOME Income and endowments from - Royalties 150,249 150,249 247,425 - Other income - Sales 33,680 33,680 25,601 - Interest income 23,030 23,030 18,202 - Donations 312 312 1,236 - Total income and endowments 207,271 207,271 292,464 - EXPENDITURE ON Expenditure on charitable activities 152,912 152,912 157,235 Total expenditure 152,912 152,912 157,235 - Net income/(expenditure) on operational activities 54,359 54,359 135,229 - OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES Net movement in funds 54,359 54,359 135,229 - Total funds brought forward 604,127 2,000,000 2,604,127 468,898 2,000,000 Total funds carried forward 658,486 2,000,000 2,658,486 604,127 2,000,000 |
Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve Total funds Unrestricted funds Revaluatio n reserve 2023-24 2023-24 2023-24 2022-23 2022-23 INCOME Income and endowments from - Royalties 150,249 150,249 247,425 - Other income - Sales 33,680 33,680 25,601 - Interest income 23,030 23,030 18,202 - Donations 312 312 1,236 - Total income and endowments 207,271 207,271 292,464 - EXPENDITURE ON Expenditure on charitable activities 152,912 152,912 157,235 Total expenditure 152,912 152,912 157,235 - Net income/(expenditure) on operational activities 54,359 54,359 135,229 - OTHER RECOGNISED GAINS AND LOSSES Net movement in funds 54,359 54,359 135,229 - Total funds brought forward 604,127 2,000,000 2,604,127 468,898 2,000,000 Total funds carried forward 658,486 2,000,000 2,658,486 604,127 2,000,000 |
Total funds 2022-23 247,425 25,601 18,202 1,236 |
|---|---|---|
| 207,271 207,271 292,464 - 152,912 152,912 157,235 |
292,464 157,235 |
|
| 152,912 152,912 157,235 - 54,359 54,359 135,229 - 54,359 54,359 135,229 - 604,127 2,000,000 2,604,127 468,898 2,000,000 |
157,235 135,229 - 135,229 2,468,898 |
|
| 658,486 2,000,000 2,658,486 604,127 2,000,000 |
2,604,127 |
7
7
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
| Expenditure on charitable activities Commission charges and cost of goods sold Travel, training, and meetings Advertising and marketing Postage and stationery Salaries Staff welfare Computer & IT Subscription Accountancy Bookkeeping fees Independent examiners fee Bank charges HMRC interest |
Unrestricted Funds 2023/24 £ 15,258 1,632 672 415 131,393 - 368 126 1,125 1,022 795 7 99 152,912 |
Unrestricted Funds 2022/23 £ 12,255 2,047 - 465 139,246 44 406 123 750 909 990 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 157,235 |
8
7
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
CHARITY NUMBER 1179673
| Note Fixed Asset Mass Observation Archive 2 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors and accrued income 3 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 4 Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Represented by: Unrestricted funds General fund Revaluation Reserve |
45,481 630,019 |
2023/24 2,000,001 658,485 |
31,757 622,706 |
2022/23 2,000,001 604,126 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 675,500 17,015 |
654,463 50,337 |
|||
| 2,658,486 | 2,604,127 | |||
| 658,486 2,000,000 |
604,127 2,000,000 |
|||
| 2,658,486 | 2,604,127 |
The Financial Statements were approved by the Trustees on 24 April 2025
Jane Harvell Trustee
9
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
a. Accounting
These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. In addition they have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102. The trust constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The Trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the trust’s ability to continue as a going concern. The accounts are prepared in sterling which is the functional currency of the Charity.
b. Fund Accounting
The charity maintains various funds in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities FRS 102’. These funds, which require separate disclosure, are as follows:-
Unrestricted Funds . These are the general funds of the charity and are expendable at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the charitable objectives. The main sources of general funds are from fees, royalties and income from bank deposits ~~.~~
c. Voluntary Income
Donations are recognised as income when the donation is received.
Legacies are recognised at the earliest point at which the amounts become certain.
d. Investment Income
Interest is accrued on a daily basis and is credited on this basis in the income and expenditure account.
e. Expenditure
Expenditure is included in the Statement of Financial Activities on an accrual basis, inclusive of any VAT which cannot be recovered.
The main category of expenditure is:
- i. Expenditure on charitable activities, which are the costs of running the trust.
f. Statement of Cash Flows
The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for Charities applying FRS 102 Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.
g. Financial Instruments
The Charity has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at amortised cost. Financial assets held at amortised cost comprise cash at bank and in hand, other debtors and prepayments. Financial liabilities held at amortised cost comprise other creditors and accruals.
10
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
2. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| EBTORS Trade Debtors Accrued Income Vat REDITORS Trade Creditors Accruals Cost As at 1stOctober 2023 Additions As at 30thSeptember 2024 Net Book Value As at 30thSeptember 2023 As at 30thSeptember 2024 |
2023/24 £ 4,000 36,788 4,693 45,481 2023/24 £ - 17,015 17,015 Mass Observation Archive £ 2,000,001 2,000,001 2,000,001 2,000,001 |
2022/23 £ 7,000 10,450 14,307 Total £ 2,000,001 2,000,001 2,000,001 2,000,001 |
|---|---|---|
| 31,757 | ||
| 2022/23 £ 48,792 1,545 |
||
| 50,337 |
3. DEBTORS
4. CREDITORS
5. TAXATION
The trust is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charity for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
11
THE MASS OBSERVATION ARCHIVE NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR
THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2024
6. ANALYSIS OF STAFF COSTS, TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES AND THE COST OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL.
| Salaries and wages Social security costs Pension costs |
2023/24 £ 109,280 10,477 11,636 131,393 |
2022/23 £ 113,796 10,442 15,008 |
|---|---|---|
| 139,246 |
No employees had employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2023: nil). Pension costs are wholly charged to unrestricted funds.
No remuneration was paid to any of the trustees during the year by the Mass Observation Archive. The key management personnel of the charity comprise the Trustees and the Director of the Archive. The Director and the Chair of Trustees are employed by the University of Sussex and their roles include some responsibilities for the Mass Observation Archive.
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