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2022-09-30-accounts

~~ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS~~

~~FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 REGISTERED NUMBER 11444362 CHARITY NUMBERS 1185265 & SC049896~~

CONTENTS

02 FOREWORD BY THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES AND REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

04 DIRECTORS’ AND TRUSTEES’ REPORT
INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT
04 CHARITABLE PURPOSE & OBJECTS
05 OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES
06 PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
08 OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES
09 OUR STAKEHOLDERS
11 OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITEE
13 DELIVERING OUR STRATEGIC GOALS
14 AN OCEAN OF WONDER
15 AN OCEAN OF WORRY
16 GOAL 1 ADVANCE
22 GOAL 2 SHARE
28 GOAL 3 INNOVATE
32 CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF LAB-ON-CHIP INNOVATION
36 GOAL 4 ENABLE
42 25 YEARS OF AUTOSUB
54 GOAL 5 GROW & DIVERSIFY
58 GOAL 6 GOVERNANCE
60 GOAL 7 PEOPLE & CULTURE
67 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT
69 REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
71 SECTION 172 STATEMENT
72 STREAMLINED ENERGY & CARBON REPORTING (SECR)
76 RISK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE Annual Report and Financial Statements Year Ended 30 September 2022 Registered Number 11444362 Charity Numbers 1185265 & SC049896

01

FOREWORD BY THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES

I would like to thank John Hirst for his outstanding leadership, and I am looking forward to chairing a Board of such committed and knowledgeable leaders. I am thrilled to be joining NOC at such a critical time for ocean research and technology. The work done by the dedicated scientists and innovators at NOC is crucial to protecting our ocean and our planet. The passion NOC’s experts have for their work is inspiring to see and I look forward to helping them ensure that their important work has global impact and recognition.

MESSAGE FROM THE FORMER CHAIR

The 2021 State of the UK Climate report was a reminder that temperatures continue to rise, and with that, we see considerable sea level rise. The important role of the ocean in climate was clear at COP26 last year, and growing from that, we are now part of a global Blue Ocean Pavilion at COP27, working with the world’s leading ocean institutes to influence the climate agenda. We have been prominent on the national and international stage this year when it comes to advocating for the ocean and putting science and technology at the heart of understanding our seas.

Another key area where NOC is leading in this space is in the development of net zero oceanographic capability. We published a ground-breaking report on this, leading to the Natural Environment Research Council developing its own programme for across the whole community. As others set their own net-zero targets, NOC can work in partnership with industry to inform and advise on solutions and mitigation.

With the turbulent political and economic environment, there will be challenging times ahead for all organisations. NOC is an established world leader with a strong reputation for excellence and a sound sustainability strategy and business plan. I look forward to us continuing our vital work in the coming year.

JEREMY DARROCH

CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES 27 APRIL 2023

We continue to raise awareness of the ocean with public and policy makers, and we celebrated World Ocean’s Day this year with a stakeholder event for Government colleagues and donors, and a huge Open Day for thousands of members of the public to learn about the importance of the ocean and the role NOC plays in educating and advocating for its future health.

This is our third annual report as an independent charity, and my last as Chair because I reach the end of my term this year. I will miss working with NOC, but I step down knowing it is in good hands, with a very strong Board and a dynamic new Chair in Jeremy Darroch. I would like to thank my fellow Board members and all the staff at NOC, who strive to make a difference to the world through our work with the ocean.

JOHN HIRST CBE

FORMER CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES

REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

We took the opportunity of our third year of independence to ensure we are staying true to our core purpose – balancing our science and technology aspirations with our determination to diversify our income by working in new areas. As a result, we reviewed and refreshed our Purpose as an organisation with our staff, and we know that we unite around our goals with a shared passion.

We continue to play a vital role in the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, and have led and partnered on a number of projects endorsed this year. We have grown our activity influencing domestic and global agendas, with our experts advising the UK Government at G7 fora and international meetings, as well as providing the scientific evidence and expertise on key ocean issues with our own Parliamentarians at home, through Select Committees, events and Party Conferences. There is no doubt that NOC is ensuring conversations and decisions about the ocean are based on sound science and innovation leadership.

I was particularly proud of our work with the Government of Saint Lucia this year, through the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project. We installed three new tide gauges to help reduce the island’s vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change. The network of tide gauges will continuously measure and report sea level and tidal variability, providing valuable information to local seafarers and port authorities, as well as being an important addition to the Caribbean Early Warning System for tsunamis and other coastal hazards.

This example clearly illustrates how observing the ocean remains fundamental to understanding its effect on human lives. This year, we led a review of the UK funded ocean observations, both in the context of our

own science and as global contributors to the shared efforts in this area. We will publish the outcomes of this and make recommendations to the Natural Environment Research Council on what the UK priorities are in this area. Our world leading developments in observing were also recognised by industry, when Teledyne chose NOC to service all of its European gliders. This year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of our first underwater autonomous vehicle mission, so it was a great time to reflect how far we have come in this technology.

Thank you to every person and every team at NOC. Our staff continue to be our greatest assets and we were proud to be awarded our Silver accreditation by Investors in People this year. We continue to house world leaders; nurture our own talent, and build teams that support our organisation to grow and thrive.

PROFESSOR ED HILL CBE CHIEF EXECUTIVE 27 APRIL 2023

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FOREWORD BY THE CHAIR OF TRUSTEES & REPORT OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE

03

CHARITABLE PURPOSE & OBJECTS

NOC’s charitable objects, which were developed to benefit the public and the world in which we live together, are as follows:

in relation to ocean science and technology through seminars, talks, leaflets, papers and other means.

to digital data, samples and other specimens.

OUR BENEFICIARIES

THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE, in particular enhancing the scientific knowledge and understanding of oceanographic sciences, and the ocean and its interaction with the earth system, and facilitating the use and application of that knowledge and understanding, particularly by:

We exist to make a difference, so our beneficiaries are at the forefront of all we do. They include:

THE ADVANCEMENT OF EDUCATION IN OCEANO-

robust evidence.

c. Communicating with and engaging with the public

OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES

OUR VISION

Our vision for the NOC is by 2025 to be seen as the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.

OUR MISSION

Our main mission is to make sense of changing seas, upon which future human prosperity and well-being depends. The way in which we intend to achieve our mission is by:

Going forwards, we will better exploit the synergies across these different supporting pillars of our mission to drive novel and innovative approaches to our work, enabling us to do things that are distinctive and that few others could do.

OUR VALUES

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PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT

In setting the vision and mission for the NOC, the Trustees gave due consideration to the guidance on public benefit, as outlined by the Charity Commission of England and Wales and the Scottish Charity Regulator OSCR.

NOC’s key driver for selecting topics for research is always what will take ocean science forward for the furtherance of our charitable purpose, our touch stone in all endeavours is increasing knowledge to deliver public benefit.

To enable the organisation and individuals to exercise independent discretion in this decision making we have established an Activity Decision Tree. Its general principles are applied when deciding whether activity is routed through the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) or the trading subsidiary: National Oceanography Centre Innovations Limited (NOC Innovations Ltd). This includes examination of ethical considerations, reputational risks, organisation and scientific independence of NOC, where the benefit is accrued and risk and mitigations thereof.

~~GROW MARINE-BASED ECONOMIES WHILST PROTECTING THE OCEAN’S FUTURE HEALTH~~

~~MAKE SENSE OF GLOBAL ADVOCATE FOR THE OCEAN BY EDUCATING ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES IN WHICH AND ENGAGING HUMANKIND IN UNDERSTANDING THE OCEAN IS DEEPLY IMPLICATED ITS ROLE IN OUR LIVES~~

Where contract research is undertaken by NOC we do so in line with the Commission’s guidance on Research by Higher Education Institutions, and ensure it is funded at full economic cost, often by matching funding across the portfolio. NOC retains scientific control of any IP licensed so that it can continue to advance science and technology for the benefit of the public.

NOC and our trading subsidiary, NOC Innovations, bring benefits in a number of ways, including through scientific research, marine technology, education, information and advice. Through our work, we aim to do five things:

~~PROTECT PEOPLE AND ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE FROM MARINERELATED DISASTERS~~

~~ADDRESS ISSUES OF NATIONAL IMPORTANCE REQUIRING INTERDISCIPLINARY SCIENCE; A STRONG EMPHASIS IN GLOBAL INFLUENCE~~

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OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES

~~JEREMY DARROCH DAVID GEE SARAH KENNY OBE INCOMING CHAIR AUDIT AND RISK REMUNERATION OF THE BOARD COMMITTEE CHAIR COMMITTEE CHAIR~~ For 14 years, Jeremy has David is a strategically Sarah is the Chief Executive been instrumental in leading orientated senior business Officer at the BMT Group, Sky into a new era of environmental manager and finance professional with a leading international multi-disciplinary awareness with a substantial commitment a focus on value creation with a proven engineering, science and technology to environmental sustainability. He helped track record of strategic definition and consultancy offering a broad range of launch major initiatives designed to bring management. services, particularly in the defence, awareness to the challenges facing the energy, environment, shipping and ports environment. and logistics sectors.

~~JOHN HIRST CBE FORMER CHAIR OF THE BOARD~~ John is a highly experienced business leader in both the private and public sectors serving at board level for over 20 years. His previous roles include CEO of the Met Office, where he was also the UK Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organisation. He is also chairman of BSI and Anglian Water.

~~DR RUTH PROFESSOR SIR BOUMPHREY IAN BOYD FRS~~ Ruth is the Chief Executive Ian is a marine and polar Officer at Lloyd’s Register scientist who was Chief

Foundation, a global charity protecting Scientific Adviser to the UK Government life and property and supporting on Food and the Environment. He is education, engineering-related research currently a Professor at the University of and public engagement. St Andrews and the Chairman of the UK Research Integrity Office.

~~DANIEL HOOK~~

~~DR SARAH MCMATH~~

NOC EXECUTIVE ATTENDEES Professor Ed Hill CBE Dan is a Naval Architect and Julie Pringle-Stewart, Company Secretary Chartered Engineer with over Professor Angela Hatton 18 years’ experience in the OBSERVERS marine industry. Dan worked as a naval NERC architect on the development, testing and trials of a wide range of specialist Victoria McMyn (Up to June 2022) craft. He is now the Chief Technology Nigel Bird (July 2022 onwards) NOC Association Officer of Ocean Infinity and Director of several start-up marine tech companies.

Sarah is the Chief Executive Officer, of Market Operator Services Ltd (MOSL). MOSL allows 1.2 million businesses, public sector bodies, charity and not-for-profit organisations in England to choose who provides their water retail services.

Victoria McMyn (Up to June 2022) Nigel Bird (July 2022 onwards) NOC Association David Thomas (Up to December 2021) Mark Inall (January 2022 onwards)

OUR STAKEHOLDERS

During the year, NOC has continued developing its formal framework for engagement with stakeholders, led by the Executive Committee, with the Board being briefed on and involved with setting the strategy.

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The Board reviewed its interaction with stakeholders, and that of NOC as
a whole, as part of its annual Board Effectiveness review in September
2021 and is developing actions to embed and extend this further during
the next financial year.
SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS Enabling scientists and researchers is one of our core goals, with activities Goal 3
AND RESEARCHERS Innovate
including operating research ships; providing key data; as well as marine
robotics facilities. Goal 4
Enable
MARINE RESEARCH We are the hub of many marine networks, providing us with a position of Goal 1
ORGANISATIONS Advance
AND PUBLIC AUTHORITIES authority and influence, including through the NOC Association of Marine
National Capability Beneficiaries; the Marine Facilities Advisory Board;
and the Cruise Programme Review Group, which provide formal feedback
to us from beneficiaries around major areas of our activities. Our work
allows collaborative relationships with national and international marine
institutions, as well as government.
PUBLIC IN THE UK Despite the challenges of the last year, which limited in-person opportuni- Goal 2
AND WORLDWIDE Share
ties, our public engagement has successfully continued, including virtual
events such as World Oceans Day.
YOUNG PEOPLE We continue to work closely with universities, including the Universities
AND STUDENTS
of Southampton and Liverpool, and collaborate with schools within our
local area.
EMPLOYEES We continue to be driven by our values, engaging with our people; Trade Goal 7
Unions; and developing our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion approach. People and Culture
FUNDERS We regularly engage with funders day to day through the delivery of Goal 5
projects, as well as through more formal interactions with Board Observers Grow &
Diversify
from UKRI-NERC and strategic meetings.
SUPPLIERS Our Procurement team engage with suppliers from tender stage to Goal 6
delivery, building good relationships and high standards. Governance
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NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
10 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22
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OUR EXECUTIVE COMMITEE

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PROFESSOR ANGELA HATTON JULIE PRINGLE-STEWART
PROFESSOR ED HILL CBE DIRECTOR OF DATA, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
NATALIE CAMPBELL PROFESSOR DOUG CONNELLY
CAIT ALLEN
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
CORPORATE BUSINESS SUPPORT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ENGAGEMENT
DR MAATEN FURLONG HUW GULLICK DR JOHN SIDDORN
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR
NATIONAL MARINE FACILITIES NOC INNOVATIONS DIGITAL OCEAN
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GOAL 1 ADVANCE
UNDERTAKE INTERNATIONALLY EXCELLENT RESEARCH
AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT TO ADVANCE THE
FRONTIERS OF KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE OCEAN
GOAL 3 INNOVATE
GOAL 2 SHARE SUCCESSFULLY TRANSLATE WORLD-LEADING
CREATE PUBLIC BENEFIT FROM AND INNOVATIVE RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
ALL OF NOC’S CAPABILITIES DEVELOPMENTS TO ACHIEVE WIDER IMPACT
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30 MILLION PEOPLE OVER HALF
WERE IN FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT OF ALL THE OXYGEN ON EARTH
THROUGH THE OCEAN ECONOMY IN 2010¹ IS PRODUCED BY OUR OCEAN²
GOAL 5 GROW & DIVERSIFY
RESPONSIBLY GROW AND DIVERSIFY REVENUE TO
SUSTAIN OUR MISSION WITH A CRITICAL MASS OF
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CAPABILITY
BY 2030, EMPLOYMENT IN OCEAN 95%
BASED INDUSTRIES WILL REACH
OF ALL THE UK’S IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
40 MILLION PEOPLE² AN OCEAN TRAVEL VIA OUR OCEAN PORTS³
GOAL 4 ENABLE OF WONDER
PROVIDE WORLD-CLASS UNDERPINNING CAPABILITIES GOAL 6 GOVERNANCE
THAT ENABLE THE UK AND GLOBAL OCEAN SCIENTIFIC TRANSFORM THE WAY NOC
ENDEAVOUR IS GOVERNED AND OPERATED
OUR OCEAN SUPPORTS THE LIVELIHOODS OF OVER A QUARTER
OF OUR ENERGY SUPPLIES
3 BILLION PEOPLE¹ Our planet is a blue planet. 70% of its expanse is COMES FROM THE OCEAN³
covered by the ocean. With a rapidly changing
climate there’s a lot of worry about, our fate is
DELIVERING OUR bound in our ocean. So, we go deeper, with our
STRATEGIC GOALS enable and innovate. To unlock the potential and charitable goals we pledge to advance, share,
provide solutions to problems facing the ocean
The delivery of our five-year strategy is structured around seven clear
today and tomorrow.
goals, each of which links directly to our Charitable Purpose and Objects.
Together with the Board of Trustees, our Executive Committee are united
in the delivery of these goals as well as living by our values every day.
GOAL 7 PEOPLE & CULTURE
INVEST AND REINVEST IN NOC AND
ITS PEOPLE
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NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

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13

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ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

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THE OCEAN IS OUR PLANETS
LARGEST ECOSYSTEM¹
OUR OCEAN CONTAINS 97%
OF ALL WATERX AND COVERS
70% OF EARTH²
OUR OCEAN PROVIDES THE 76.6%
MAIN SOURCE OF PROTEIN FOR OF OUR VAST OCEAN
1 BILLION PEOPLE² FLOOR REMAINS UNMAPPED IN ENOUGH DETAIL³
95%
OF INTERNET TRAFFIC
TRAVELS BY SUBSEA CABLE³
BY 2030, THE ECONOMIC OUTPUT FROM
OUR OCEAN IS PREDICTED TO REACH
US $3 TRILLION¹
OUR OCEAN IS HOME TO
THE MAJORITY OF EARTHS
BIODIVERSITY²
6000
AUTOSUB
LONGRANGE
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1/4 93%
OF GLOBAL ANNUAL CO₂ OF EXCESS HEAT FROM
EMISSIONS ARE ABSORBED CLIMATE CHANGE IS
BY OUR OCEAN ABSORBED BY OUR OCEAN “Tide gauge records provide robust observational evidence
that sea level around the UK continue to rise due to
increased rate of ice loss from the Greenland and Antarctic
“The second report from the IPCC emphasises that climate
ice sheets, as well as continued glacier mass loss and
change is a major threat to human wellbeing and the health
warming of the ocean.
of the planet. It has highlighted that climate change is
continuing to cause substantial damage to open ocean
Our long term records show that over the past few decades
marine ecosystems.
the rate of sea level rise in the UK is increasing. As sea
levels rise there can be greater impacts from storm surges.
Ocean warming and acidification have adversely affected
Last year storm surges of over 1.5m were seen during
food production from fisheries in some oceanic regions, and
Storm Arwen, but extreme sea levels were avoided as this
forecast levels of climate change, plus habitat destruction,
occurred during low water and a neap tide.
will lead to the loss of much of the world’s coral reefs and low-
lying coastal wetlands. DR SVETLANA JEVREJEVA
PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
The next 20-50 years will see a change in the Earth’s climate, DISCUSSING THE MET OFFICE STATE OF UK CLIMATE 2021 REPORT
and how that will affect nature and humans will depend on
how plants, animals and people adapt.
There is a rapidly closing window of opportunity to both
reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop climate
resilient adaptation measures. By conserving, protecting and
restoring ocean ecosystems, we can reduce the vulnerability 50% 2/3
of biodiversity to climate change.” LOWER ATMOSPHERIC CO₂ OF BRITISH PEOPLE
LEVEL IS ONLY POSSIBLE SURVEYED SUPPORT
DUE TO THE CONTRIBUTIONS INVESTMENT INTO SEA
OF THE ‘BIOLOGICAL CARBON LEVEL MONITORING
PROFESSOR STEPHANIE HENSON PUMP’ SYSTEMS TO TACKLE
PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE COASTAL FLOODING
DISCUSSING THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL
PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE (IPCC) SIXTH ASSESSMENT REPORT
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¹The Sustainable Development Goals Report 2022 (Unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2022) & Sustainable Development Goal 14 (sdgs.un.org/goals/goal14) ²UN World Oceans Day 2022 (un.org/en/observances/oceans-day) ³National Oceanography Centre (noc.ac.uk) British Oceanographic Data Centre (bodc.ac.uk)

~~CLIMATE CHANGE IS A MAJOR THREAT SCIENTISTS ARE PREDICTING THE LOSS TO HUMAN WELLBEING AND THE OF MUCH OF THE WORLD’S CORAL REEFS HEALTH OF THE PLANET AND LOW-LYING COASTAL WETLANDS IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE 2022: IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE 2022: IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY CLIMATE CHANGE IS CONTINUING IN EUROPE, COASTAL FLOOD DAMAGE TO CAUSE SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO PREDICTED TO INCREASE TEN FOLD OPEN OCEAN MARINE ECOSYSTEMS BY END OF THE 21ST CENTURY IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE 2022: IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE 2022: IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY~~ ~~AN OCEAN ABOUT HALF OF THE WORLD’S MARINE IN EUROPE, SEA LEVEL RISE SPECIES ARE MIGRATING POLE-WARD REPRESENTS AN EXISTENTIAL THREAT IN AN ATTEMPT TO SURVIVE IN COOLER FOR COASTAL COMMUNITIES AND~~ ~~OF WORRY WATERS THEIR CULTURAL HERITAGE IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE 2022: IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE 2022: IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY~~ To influence positive change for our ocean and ~~ANNUAL SPRING BLOOM OF~~ planet we provide unbiased and independent ~~SINCE THE 1900’S, THE SEA LEVEL PHYTOPLANKTON HAS SHIFTED~~ research to governments, business, academics ~~AROUND THE UK HAS RISEN BY EARLIER~~ and the public. ~~AROUND 16.5CM IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE 2022: MET OFFICE STATE OF THE IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY UK CLIMATE REPORT 2021~~ Some of the headline evidence we provided this year was published in the Sixth Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report and the Met Office State of the UK Climate Report 2021. ~~OCEAN WARMING AND ACIDIFICATION ALL THE TOP TEN WARMEST YEARS HAVE ADVERSELY AFFECTED FOOD RECORDED IN THE UK SINCE 1884 PRODUCTION FROM FISHERIES HAVE OCCURRED THIS CENTURY IPCC CLIMATE CHANGE 2022: MET OFFICE STATE OF THE IMPACTS, ADAPTATION AND VULNERABILITY UK CLIMATE REPORT 2021~~

GOAL 1 ADVANCE

Undertake internationally excellent research and technology development to advance the frontiers of knowledge about the ocean

To solve the huge problems facing our world and climate today, we need to go deeper. We need to go further in our thinking than ever before. That’s why with the intellect and dedication of world leading scientists we’ve pursued deeper understanding and have collaborated on the most influential, agenda setting research and reports this year, both at home and internationally. Whilst our facts highlight threats to human wellbeing our long-term goal to advance solution-focused work continues stronger than ever. We are committed to not only understand the issues better but to mitigate the impacts on our coasts and deep ocean.

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197 RESEARCH PAPERS PRODUCED

154 GOLD OPEN ACCESS RESEARCH PAPERS

9 GREEN OPEN ACCESS RESEARCH PAPERS

34 NON-COMPLIANT RESEARCH PAPERS

83%

OF ALL RESEARCH PAPERS ARE OPEN ACCESS

PREDICTING CHANGE

From real life ocean observations, we can inform digital climate models to forecast how the world will respond to climate change caused by increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

UN Ocean Decade endorsed initiative FLAME will act as the international focal point and coordinator for understanding the impacts of future climate change in the global coastal ocean.

Within the project we’ll generate innovative, high-resolution, projections of future coastal ocean climates and the impacts on coastal ecosystems, hazards, services and resources. We will do this at the local-regional scales necessary for informed decision making across a range of polar, temperate, subtropical and tropical regions.

Hawkins, Ed, 2018. “Warming stripes for 1850-2018” Climate Lab Book. 4 December 2018. Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

OCEAN EYES

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

At the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more commonly referred to as COP26, we called for investment in the global ocean observation system, after all, how can we manage what we cannot measure. We’re nothing without quality data so this action is imperative to fulfil our collective stewardship responsibility and understand the effects of climate change on human life, economic, and environmental wellbeing.

We joined with other leading UK climate science organisations to develop a new national alliance focused on climate solutions for society. Together, with six Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) supported centres and the Met Office, we will work together as the new UK National Climate Science Partnership (UKNCSP) to respond to threats posed by a rapidly changing climate by putting climate science at the forefront of the solutions agenda.

To fully realise this service, we must expand our view of the value of ocean observing and move towards a sustained observing system to deliver crucial information to stakeholders and policymakers. UN Ocean Decade endorsed initiative AtlantOS, supports Atlantic basin scale implementation by identifying and fostering collaborative partnerships among user communities and ocean observing and data networks. AtlantOS is actively building formal relationships with international bodies and AtlantOS-connect will facilitate engagement with national and regional entities, connecting observing networks and providing visibility to the common challenges, needs and opportunities of Atlantic communities.

Recognising the urgency of accelerating action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the UKNCSP will play a leading role in the development of an end-to-end climate strategy.

“The UK has world-leading capabilities for monitoring, modelling and predicting UK and global climate change and its impacts. We need to continue to develop these capabilities to address new challenges, provide early warning of potential high impact changes that may emerge and evaluate specific policy options to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The UKNCSP provides the foundations to enable the UK to continue to lead in these areas.”

The solutions-focused approach is supporting the UK Government in developing and evaluating solutions to the challenges of mitigating and adapting to climate change. The partnership will also work with the public and private sectors to ensure decision makers and businesses have access to the climate information they need, in order to build resilience and adapt to the pressing challenges of the coming decades.

PROFESSOR ANGELA HATTON DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

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BLUE MEADOWS

A study underway on the Isle of Man is investigating, for the first time, the Island’s marine and coastal role in storing carbon to help mitigate climate change. Blue carbon habitats like seagrass meadows, which are found around the Isle of Man, capture significant amounts of carbon, and they can also protect coastal communities against storms and flooding, improve ocean health and provide habitats for a multitude of species and commercially important fisheries. Understanding the management and restoration of these environments supports the Manx government’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality on the Isle of Man by 2050.

CARBON VAULT

In a world-first, our research off the coast of Scotland suggested that storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) under the sea is both viable and safe.

The process known as carbon capture and storage (CCS) is regarded as one of the more effective tools in the fight against climate change. The process involves separating the CO₂ generated during industrial processes and injecting it directly into rock formations or depleted oil and gas reservoirs deep underground. Evidence from our pilot study will now help inform the direction of technology development for the long-term monitoring of offshore CO₂ storage reservoirs. It is a huge step forward in assuring regulators that this process is safe by being able to monitor any potential leaks as well as assess any potential damage to marine life.

RAPID RESPONSE

The eruption of the Tongan Volcano Hunga Tonga – Hunga Ha’apai, which culminated in the most explosive eruption in more than a hundred years, took the world by surprise and highlighted a global vulnerability to large magnitude volcanic events. The most explosive phase of the eruption broke the only seafloor telecommunication cables that connected the Kingdom of Tonga to international telecommunications; effectively cutting an entire nation off from the rest of the world for more than 5 weeks, at a critical time for disaster response.

Commitment to our Values and Sustainability and Social Responsibility Strategy (see Goal 7) saw us rally into action and form an international collaboration. Working with the National Institute of Water and Research (NIWA), New Zealand, the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), collaborators across the Kingdom of Tonga and subsea cable companies we coordinated ambitious research to understand the processes that drove the eruption and the resultant cascades of hazards.

We led a NERC Urgency Grant, which enabled seafloor surveys to be performed within 2 months of the event - revealing powerful seafloor flows were triggered by the eruption, travelling at fast speeds over tens of kilometres, explaining the widespread damage to seafloor telecommunications cables. These findings were immediately transferred to local stakeholders and subsea cable companies to select optimal locations for the repaired cables and design new cable routes that are required to improve resilience in the region.

The power of the Hunga Tunga – Hunga Ha’apai eruption was unexpected, but there are many similar volcanoes along the Tongan Volcanic Arc. A new NERC Global Seedcorn project aims to improve our knowledge of these kinds of hazards, identifying other volcanoes that pose a similar risk. This research builds on our strong background in assessing threats to critical infrastructure and volcanic hazard research across the Pacific including a similarly rapid response to the 2019 eruptions of Tongan Volcano F and Late’iki.

SAFTEY FIRST

Working on behalf of the Government of Saint Lucia through the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project we installed three new tide gauges to help reduce the island’s vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change. The network of tide gauges will continuously measure and report sea level and tidal variability, providing valuable information to local seafarers and port authorities, as well as being an important addition to the Caribbean Early Warning System for tsunamis and other coastal hazards.

Alongside an existing tide gauge installed by NOC under the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme in 2016, the data from these gauges will be transmitted in near real-time to the Sea Level Station Monitoring Facility, enabling the data to be publicly accessible globally.

With the frequency of coastal inundation due to storm surges projected to increase and global mean sea level likely to rise by up to 0.23m by 2050*, the installations will help local planning authorities to decide how high to build coastal defences to protect coastal populations from the dangers of flooding. In addition, the gauges will enable the Saint Lucia Meteorological Service to produce tide tables that show times and heights of sea level to aid safe navigation and port operations.

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Create public benefit from all of NOC’s capabilities

Our science must go deeper than just gaining academic understanding. Understanding needs to translate into awareness, action and positive change. That’s why we’re inspiring and empowering the next generation of ocean scientists and technologists through community events, school projects, education resources and online engagement. We’re helping young people have a deeper connection and a deeper understanding of the ocean. We passionately believe positive change for the planet starts with ocean literacy.

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SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Our scientists, engineers and mariners worked with students from King Edward VI School in Southampton to send a miniature research sailboat on a 46-day expedition of discovery.

Named ‘KES Kraken’ by the students, the mini-boat was built over several weeks as part of a hands-on afterschool project. The students equipped it with a sail and a satellite tracker, as well as a unique suite of scientific sensors, that enabled them to track in real time the air and water temperature and compare it to NOC research.

During the build, to support our commitments to ocean literacy, NOC scientists dropped in to provide support and educational talks on ocean and environmental issues including microplastics and climate change.

Once complete KES Kraken was launched into the Atlantic Ocean by our crew on board RRS Discovery on the 19th February. After 46 days at sea KES Kraken was successfully recovered on the shores of Brazil having travelled 40,000km and provided the captivated students a unique and unforgettable experience.

The King Edward VI School project is a collaboration between NOC, Educational Passages non-profit and EU Interreg iFADO project, with additional support from the EU-funded GOCART project and the NERCfunded DIAPOD projects.

“We really enjoyed working with this group of young students to engage them in oceanography in such a unique way. It’s so important to inspire people from a young age, especially on crucial environmental issues like climate change and microplastics that they might not otherwise be exposed to in school.” DR B.B. CAEL RESEARCHER, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

“I hope all students involved in the project were inspired by the NOC experts who visited the school, and have dedicated their careers to science. It was also wonderful to see Sixth Form assisting younger students with the project.” DR MAYOR TEACHER, KING EDWARDS VI SCHOOL

WORLD OCEAN DAY

1207 ONLINE DELEGATES

In London our Board of Trustees and Executive team welcomed friends, supporters and Ocean Alliance partners from across government and business who, like us, recognise the need to act to protect our ocean and our planet.

Our position as the UK’s leading marine charity, having left the public sector in 2019, allows us to unite and explore new innovative opportunities. Keynote speaker The Right Honourable Lord Goldsmith, Minister of State for the Pacific and the International Environment, acknowledged our work has been key to understanding the urgency with which we need to act to protect our ocean.

2759 VIEWS ON DEMAND

Internationally, as part of the United Nations Ocean Conference, we partnered with aligned research organisations, UN agencies and industry partners in delivering many side events. We participated on a number of exciting panels to raise awareness and champion ocean sustainability, women leadership and empowerment, and inclusive governance. All causes supported by our vision, vision and values.

175k SOCIAL MEDIA REACH

Digitally, our education focused hybrid event on site in Southampton, UK allowed us to broadcast live into classrooms and homes internationally. Our experts shared knowledge on the challenges we face, as well as the solutions we’re helping to advance.

TOTAL “OCEAN SCIENCE IN ACTION” MOOC LEARNERS

2271

TOTAL ACTIVE MOOC PARTICIPANTS

721 145 4199

FULLY COMPLETED MOOC COURSES

COUNTRIES WITH MOOC PARTICIPANTS

INTERACTIVE COMMENTS

MARINE 3 TECHNOLOGIES CASE STUDIES IN THE INDIAN 4 OCEAN

MARINE TECHNOLOGIES

MOOC

The highly successful Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) ran for its fifth year with 2021-22 seeing new lectures launched on Somalia upwelling and fisheries.

The free course introduces learners to innovative marine technologies and their applications used to tackle the challenges of the sustainable management of marine ecosystems. Digitally, our education focused hybrid event on site in Southampton, UK allowed us to broadcast live into classrooms and homes internationally. Our experts shared knowledge on the challenges we face, as well as the solutions we’re helping to advance.

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CASTING FURTHER

889 PODCAST LISTENS SINCE LAUNCH ON WORLD OCEANS DAY 2022

Into the Blue is our latest free and online resource designed to share our understanding of the ocean environment and enable everyone to dive deeper.

SINCE LAUNCH ON In each episode we unravel the complexity of issues WORLD OCEANS facing today’s ocean and the variety of ways a healthy DAY 2022 ocean supports human wellbeing and prosperity. These conversations complement the already popular ‘Under the Surface’ pages on our website, giving even more accessibility to ocean literacy. The podcast introduces 957 the wealth of talented scientists and engineers working at NOC and gives them a platform to educate and inform VIDEO VIEWS SINCE LAUNCH ON about their passion projects and world leading work. WORLD OCEANS DAY 2022

OCEAN NEWS

We pride ourselves on being the spokespeople for the ocean, we’re a trusted source of facts and our people are passionate. We share stories of our research and experiences in lots of different ways to turn ocean worriers into action advocates. You’ve likely seen some of our work on the news, or in a magazine, you may have read our newsletters or visited our website. If so, we’re delighted you’ve joined us as part of our growing ocean news community.

OCEAN NEWS EMAIL 5763 SUBSCRIBERS

64k

TOTAL SOCIAL MEDIA AUDIENCE

1846

TOTAL PODCAST VIEWS AND LISTENS

PIECES OF MEDIA 626 COVERAGE

TOTAL MAINSTREAM 191.1m MEDIA REACH

TOTAL TRADE MEDIA 788k REACH

UNIQUE PAGE VIEWS 596k ACROSS NOC WEBSITE

UNIQUE PAGE VIEWS ON 77k NOC NEWS STORIES NOC NEWS STORIES 103 PUBLISHED ON WEBSITE

TRUST TRAINING

Microplastics are of emerging global concern, due to their potential to cause harm across eco systems, but more data is needed about their spread in the ocean, and their interaction with plankton – a food source for many aquatic organisms.

In order to fill this data gap, we’re training citizen scientists at The Wildlife Trusts to generate a microplastic and plankton time-series using Stanford University’s PlanktoScope. The PlanktoScope, a low-cost flow imaging microscope, is composed of a Rapsberry Pi computer and a camera, two lenses for magnification and a flow system. The flow system affords efficient imaging of microscopic particles in a water sample as they move past the camera.

TIDE OF SUPPORT

Over 3,800 volunteers from The Zooniverse, an online citizen science platform, helped to digitise historical data of tides and sea level near Liverpool.

We launched the UK Tides Citizen Science Project in January 2021 and asked you to help transcribe handwritten tide data from two gauges in Hilbre Island and George’s Pier between 1853–1903. The new data gathered will help the science community understand how tides and extreme sea levels have changed over the past two centuries and allow them to better quantify the risks we face from flooding in the future.

“Wildlife Trusts all over the country, at coastal locations and inland on our waterways are preparing to construct PlanktoScope to take a closer look at the animals and plants that lie hidden from the naked eye in our waters.

We are excited about the opportunities that having these specialised microscopes will bring. We hope to raise awareness of these tiny life forms and use the PlanktoScope to give us the ability to monitor long term and help us address conservation questions about the health of our waters, both fresh and salty.

The adventure awaits!”

DR LISSA BATEY HEAD OF MARINE CONSERVATION, THE WILDLIFE TRUSTSS

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GOAL 3 INNOVATE Successfully translate world-leading and innovative research and technology developments to achieve wider impact The brilliant minds at the helm of ocean discovery need equally brilliant technology to push the boundaries of innovation. That’s why the latest, cutting-edge technology plays a major underpinning role in our work. This technology doesn’t just take us to the depths of the ocean, it gives us a deeper understanding of everything past, present and future, from the coast to deep ocean. From deep diving data, to pioneering measurement technology, we’re living our value of innovation.

The Nippon Foundation-GEBCO Seabed 2030 Global Center (GDACC) on behalf of Seabed 2030

MAPPING UNKNOWN

76.6% OF THE SEA FLOOR IS UNMAPPED IN ENOUGH BATHYMETRIC DETAIL

It covers 70% of our blue planet yet the ocean is still a greater mystery than our moon.

But Seabed 2030 is out to change that, endorsed by the UN Ocean Decade it’s an international effort to chart the world’s entire ocean floor. This year the total amount of sea floor mapped now stands at 23.4%, reflecting an increase of 10.1 million square kilometres of new bathymetric data. This increase is equivalent to an area around the size of Europe; and slightly larger than the Sahara - Earth’s largest hot desert. As the global centre for Seabed 2030, NOC’s British Oceanographic Data Centre brought together the regional compilations into a single, global, harmonised, data set. This will help identify underwater hazards and inform sustainable marine resource management and infrastructure development, ultimately saving lives.

THE GEBCO SEABED 2030 PROJECT AIMS TO MAP THE WHOLE OCEAN TO THE ORDER OF TENS OF METRES IN SCALE BY 2030

INDUSTRY ALLIANCE

The launch of the BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance™ has helped us bridge the gap between industry and science to support sustainable research and development. Together the Alliance is providing researchers access to hard-to-reach areas and sharing open access scientific data and knowledge at every step of the way.

The Alliance successfully developed a prototype essential ocean variable sensor box and deployed it for trials in the North Sea with Subsea7. The first complete box is now being commissioned in Brazil with Subsea7 on one of their client sites and will be in service for 18 months to supply key data on the health of the ocean in that region. There are also projects in development to research acoustic monitoring in deep-sea canyons and management of endangered species.

“With innovation at its heart, BORA Blue Ocean Research Alliance™ will help push the limits of scientific knowledge, setting the standard for collaboration between the industrial and scientific communities and delivering meaningful research on a global scale that will provide benefits for all communities.”

HUW GULLICK ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, NOC INNOVATIONS

DOUBLE ACT

Digital Twins, a virtual representation of an object or system, have the potential to be a massive step-change in the way we understand our evolving environment. These intelligent systems, using simulations or databased methods such as machine learning, are already revolutionising how some sectors work. Our experts are championing progress towards digital twins of the ocean and environment as they could be a solution towards net-zero targets and a paradigm shift in protecting and managing our ocean.

In pursuit of this vision our experts lead a community report, which has outlined the building blocks necessary for unlocking the true potential of environmental digital twins. The recommendations cover everything from a conceptual framework, management and governance, common language to pilot studies and computational architecture. This first report, ‘An Information Management Framework for Environmental Digital Twins (IMFe)’ is just the first collaboration into this exciting digital frontier.

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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF LAB-ON-CHIP INNOVATION

Our ocean technology and engineering experts are at the forefront designing, creating and using novel sensors and instruments to collect these vital data, and continue to push research boundaries.

Lab-on-Chip (LOC) sensors are at the cutting-edge of today’s ocean sensing technology. With reduced power consumption, cost and size compared to more traditional systems, longer deployments on a vast range of oceanographic platforms are now possible, enabling the advancement of scientific research undertaken in the most extreme marine environments. This year we celebrated 10 years since our first paper proving the LOC sensor worked, here are the top ten milestones from the decade that followed.

FIRST SUCCESSFUL FIELD DEPLOYMENT OF A LOC NUTRIENT SENSOR

After many years of research and experimentation, the first successful deployments of the LOC nutrient sensor platform took place in Southampton Water in 2011 and 2012.

The nitrate and nitrite sensors used microfluidics combined with sensitive chemical analysis techniques to make high quality in situ measurements of nutrient concentrations in the estuary over several weeks. Over the next ten years the LOC sensor platform would continue to develop to measure a wide range of chemical parameters, expanding capabilities for more cost effective, and carbon efficient ocean science.

LOC ON THE WORLD STAGE

In 2014, NOC scientists and engineers took part in the high-profile international competition to develop pH sensors to measure changes in the acidity of the ocean.

We were proud to be one of only two organisations representing the UK in the Wendy Schmidt Ocean Health XPRIZE, which attracted all the major players from the global scientific community. The pH sensor we entered was very small in size, and based on a microfluidic design which requires very small volumes of seawater to generate a reading. It was also designed as an autonomous system able to operate on a number of oceanographic platforms and down to depths of several thousand metres.

PROVING LOW TEMPERATURE PERFORMANCE

The robustness and low temperature performance of the LOC sensors was put to the test in 2013 and 2015 when they were deployed to measure nitrate in glacial meltwater draining from the Greenland Ice Sheet.

In collaboration with the University of Bristol, sensors were deployed in proglacial meltwater streams close to Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq in Greenland. The liquid reagents were modified with antifreeze so that they remained liquid at low temperatures.

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GOING DEEPER WITH SEAGLIDER

In 2014, the LOC chemical sensor platform reached new depths when we re-designed it to facilitate deployment in the deep sea and on autonomous vehicles.

In 2015 we proved conception and saw the first successful deployment of a LOC sensor on an underwater glider. The sensor was integrated into a Kongsberg Seaglider, and was used to collect nitrate profiles in the Celtic Sea as part of the Shelf Seas Biogeochemisty programme. This was also the first deployment below 1000 m on CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth) instrument. CTD measurements are fundamental in understanding the physical structure of the ocean but also provide valuable contextual information for other co-located biogeochemical measurements. These deployments subsequently took place with phosphate & pH sensors.

LARGEST EVER LOC DEPLOYMENT

The number of LOC sensors on a deployment scaled up significantly in 2019 when for the first time we operated 25 simultaneously as part of the STEMM-CCS project.

Before the project, a typical deployment involved two to four LOC sensors; making the jump to deploying 25 in one experiment a huge change in scale. The STEMM-CCS project created novel technology, including many new LOC sensors, to monitor the integrity of offshore CO₂ storage facilities. The main field campaign of the project saw the 25 LOC sensors operating simultaneously in the North Sea, measuring 5 different parameters. We deployed them on a variety of platforms including several landers, an ROV, and a ship’s underway.

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GREENLAND
SVALBARD
FRAM STRAIT
BARENTS SEA
GREENLAND SEA
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A YEAR-LONG ARCTIC ADVENTURE

In 2015, the first year-long Arctic deployment of a LOC sensor took place, an event which saw two more firsts; the highest latitude and furthest north deployment of a LOC sensor.

The ability to have long term unattended deployments in remote locations was one of the key goals when developing the LOC sensor platform. This was realised in 2015 when LOC nitrate sensors were successfully deployed for one year on moorings in Fram Strait. This was followed in 2018-2020 with a deployment just over a year-long of LOC sensors on a mooring in the south Pacific.

Map adapted from Bdushaw’s map of the Fram Strait, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR DEVELOPING STATES

In 2019, we provided an innovative pH LOC sensor to the Commonwealth Marine Economies (CME) Programme, which helped to build ocean sensing capacity in small island developing states.

The project first assisted the Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute through the installation of the sensor, which can measure in real-time (every two hours) the acidity, temperature, salinity and oxygen of sea water. LOC technology has enabled Belize to collect essential consistent data needed for important marine environment policy decisions. This success has now been shared with deployments of the pH LOC sensors in the Seychelles, Fiji and Dominica.

ICEBERG INVESTIGATIONS

In 2021, an expedition on the RV Polarstern saw many firsts for LOC technology.

The instruments provided the first nutrient and carbonate data from water behind a freshly created iceberg, which had just broken off the continental shelf. This was also the furthest south deployment to date of the technology (down to 77°S), and was also the first time the instruments were used to measure benthic fluxes by their integration onto a benthic chamber system.

FIRST COMMERCIAL LOC SENSORS DELIVERED Select types of LOC chemical sensor technology and their underpinning intellectual property was successfully licensed for commercial supply from NOC and the University of Southampton in 2019.

BIGGEST BOATY LOC DEPLOYMENT

In March 2022, nine types of LOC systems were simultaneously deployed from RRS Discovery .

The sensors measured a wide range of nutrients (nitrate, nitrite, phosphate, silicate, iron) and components of the carbonate system (pH, total alkalinity, dissolved inorganic carbon), which is crucial for advancing our knowledge of the oceans changing environment and how marine ecosystems are responding. The trials proved the powerful new capability for simultaneous and autonomous biogeochemical sensing in the ocean.

This led to the formation of a start-up company now known as ClearWater Sensors Ltd and together, as part of the Horizon Europe project “GEORGE”, we will develop a new generation of high-performance sensors for the ocean carbonate system.

~~READ MORE IN GOAL 4~~

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GOAL 4 ENABLE

Provide world-class underpinning capabilities that enable the UK and global ocean scientific endeavour

To reach beyond surface-level knowledge, we need a range of excellent facilities and specialist teams. That’s why we have research ships, ocean observatories and moorings. Along with state-of-the art laboratories, and an extensive oceanographic library and specimen collection. And, because deeper knowledge will only ever come from sharing what we have – we operate these services on behalf of the entire UK marine research community. So, together, we can go deeper than ever before into our united ocean.

ANNUAL HEALTH CHECK

The Porcupine Abyssal Plain Sustained Observatory (PAP-SO) is the longest running abyssal time-series study site in the world, with observations dating back to 1985. This expedition saw 18 researchers and engineers make the same pilgrimage to take ocean health checks, including annual sampling and servicing of infrastructure that cannot be achieved autonomously.

It may sound like every year is the same but new technology and methods, such as our new Marine Snow Catchers (pictured below), are fundamental to these expeditions. They continue the legacy of carbon and climate recording and also allow us to study new threats such as microplastics in the Twilight zone and beyond. Recently endorsed as a UN Ocean Decade initiative is JETZON, looking at the study of the Twilight Zone, the dimly lit region extending from a few hundred metres depth to 1,000m. It is poorly understood from almost any perspective. However, it contains possibly the world’s largest and least exploited fish stock and recycles ~80% of the organic material that sinks out of the productive surface waters. Expeditions like this continue our understanding of these valuable ocean zones.

EARLY CAREER RESEARCHERS, SUPPORTED TO JOIN THIS EXPEDITION BY POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS 7 FROM NOC’S CLASS PROJECT

UNDER PRESSURES

Alongside scientists from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) we embarked on an expedition to the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre to measure ocean changes and how they affect the UK’s weather systems. The team made observations of ocean variables such as temperature, salinity, carbon and oxygen, as well as deploying a new recorder to measure water pressure at the seafloor. The pressure recorder will remain in the water for ten years and the data it gathers will be harvested remotely without a need to recover the device. The pressure at the bottom of the sea is three hundred times greater than air pressure on land, and how it changes over time tells scientists about the ocean currents. The new pressure recorder will pave the way for net zero carbon methods to measure the huge ocean currents that flow through the North Atlantic.

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READ MORE IN GOAL 3
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OCEAN SENSORS

Three novel marine sensor suites, integrated by our engineers into Autosub Long Range (ALR), were successfully validated as part of an expedition with our pioneering Oceanids project team.

Two of them, AutoNutS nutrient sensors and CarCASS carbonate chemistry sensors, are both based on the Lab-on-Chip technologies developed inhouse at NOC. All three sensors can now be used for autonomous monitoring of the oceans without the need for an on-site presence by a research ship, a significant step on the road to the future Net Zero Oceanographic Capability large research infrastructure.

FLOAT AND SINK

Using RRS Discovery we deployed the first of the UK’s new fleet of Biogeochemical (BGC) Argo profiling floats. The fleet of 15 robotic floats makes up 50% of the UK’s contribution to BGC Argo and is a vital source of ocean data, transforming the understanding of oceanic processes at depths up to 2,000m. The deployment formed part of our RAPID project’s expedition to the Atlantic, where we serviced a collection of moorings that help measure ocean currents and examine the effects on short-term weather and long-term climate. The floats – which saw an investment from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and NOC of £3.7million – have successfully performed several 24-hour cycles from the surface to depths of 2,000m, marking a huge step towards the UK’s enhanced ocean observations capability.

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“Argo floats have been taking the
temperature of the top 2km of
the ocean for the past 20 years,
forming the beating heart of our
system of ocean observations and
revolutionising the information we
have to guide climate solutions for
society. This new generation of
BGC-Argo floats with their additional
sensors will provide a step change in
our understanding of how the ocean’s
changing biology, chemistry and
physics interact to drive the ocean
carbon cycle, including the exchange
of carbon between the atmosphere
and the ocean.”
NATHAN BRIGGS
OCEAN BIOCHEMIST, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY
CENTRE
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WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH SHIPS

The ability to explore remote and challenging areas at sea is critical to understand the complex nature of our oceans in order to predict future change. Thus, we operate two world class royal research ships on behalf of the marine community;

RRS DISCOVERY DAYS IN SUPPORT 260 OF SCIENCE 14 DAYS IN REFIT 75 DAYS ALONGSIDE DAYS ON PASSAGE 15 TO DESTINATION

RRS JAMES COOK DAYS IN SUPPORT 200 OF SCIENCE 118 DAYS IN REFIT 33 DAYS ALONGSIDE DAYS ON PASSAGE 14* TO DESTINATION

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*RRS James Cook undertook a longer refit period due to starboard motor repair.

BOATY PASSES THE TEST

The most anticipated expedition of the year saw us complete the final deep-sea tests of our newest ocean robots, sensors and control software. A culmination of several years of shore-based trials, this expedition deployed several autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) out into Haig Fras, a Marine Protected Area of Celtic Sea lying about 95 km northwest of the Isles of Scilly, and the deep waters of the Whittard Canyon complex 300km to the south west.

In the first week Autosub 5, our new work-class AUV, carried out its first ever science survey by taking part in a sidescan sonar mission that helped generate habitat maps. It also took part in its first ever overnight mission on multibeam and camera surveys. In its second week Autosub 5 had achieved its deepest ever dive, reaching an incredible depth of 4197.48m. It spent 14 hours in the water undertaking 50km of multibeam and sidescan sonar mapping south of the Whittard Canyon. On a separate deployment it also collected 25,000 images of the seafloor and marine life, including Starfish, Eels and Lobsters. These successful milestones marked its official commissioning into active service. Autosub Long Range 3, better known as Boaty McBoatface, successfully spent several unaccompanied days completing surveys and capturing seabed imagery all using the University of Southampton’s unique and low power 3D visual mapping system BioCAM.

Making a hattrick of success for the expedition, the Deepglider, built to withstand the 600 atmospheres of pressure found in the deepest parts of the ocean profiled south of Whittard Canyon down to targeted depths of 4000m.

ADDRESSING KNOWEDGE GAPS

We set off on the latest CLASS expedition to advance knowledge of some of the richest and most complex deep-sea ecosystems on Earth.

The Whittard Canyon system is home to a variety of species, including cold-water coral reefs, clams, deep-sea oysters. It is a key area for understanding the interaction between coastal, shelf waters and the open ocean, however, there are currently gaps in knowledge in how the system responds to human impacts such as climate change and bottom trawling. To address these knowledge gaps we collected sustained ocean observational data of the canyon using our own recently trialled new Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) equipped with the latest sensors.

ANALYSIS SEDIMENT CORE 106 REQUESTS 1652m ANALYSED

16 UNIQUE USERS 13 INSTITUTES HOURS OF SAMPLE 1434 ANALYSIS 21 REQUESTS SUBSAMPLES SEDIMENT CORES COLLECTED APPROXIMATELY, FROM THE CORE WHICH IS 12.77km 3807 COLLECTION 3000 OF DEEP SEA CORE

BOSCORF

The British Ocean Sediment Core Research Facility (BOSCORF) is the UK’s largest deep-sea sediment repository and state-of-the-art research facility.

Our core collection holds unique geological samples used by scientists worldwide to investigate topics such as geo-hazards, climate change and marine ecosystems.

OF DATASETS AVAILABLE WITHIN 2 CLICKS 1274 NEW USERS 89% OF MEDIN PORTAL BODC OF CRUISE DATA ARCHIVED WITHIN OF NRT PROFILES The British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC) provides 1 MONTH OF AVAILABLE IN 100% RECEIPT 76% DELAYED MODE instant access to over 130,000 unique data sets with 1640 new data sets processed this year alone. Our data helps provide answers to both local questions BATHYMETRY SETS DATA DEPOSITS such as the likelihood of coastal flooding, or global 78k DOWNLOADED 201 RECEIVED issues such as the impact of climate change. This year our data are being used in projects to: NONDOWNLOADS BATHYMETRY OF THE NERC • Research of the feasibility of a tidal power lagoon in SETS VOCABULARY Swansea Bay. 479k DOWNLOADED 1.31m SERVICE (NVS) • Research on the change in dissolved oxygen NEW NERC concentration in seawater, as a consequence of VOCABULARY DELAYED MODE climate change. SERVICE (NVS) ARGO SETS 34k USERS 3629 PROVIDED • Impact of bottom trawling fishing gear on the benthic habitats in the UK EEZ. TOTAL NERC VOCABULARY ARGO DATASETS • Research on the effects of salinity on tidal turbine blades. SERVICE (NVS) SENT TO MET 77k USERS 8022 OFFICE • Planning the nuclear decommissioning of Dounreay.

Our data helps provide answers to both local questions such as the likelihood of coastal flooding, or global issues such as the impact of climate change. This year our data are being used in projects to:

Research on the effects of salinity on tidal turbine blades. Planning the nuclear decommissioning of Dounreay.

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THE AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE VALIDATION ~~1998~~ EXPERIMENT

BERMUDA

25 YEARS OF AUTOSUB

THE FIRST MISSION

SOUTHAMPTON EMPRESS DOCK AND PORTLAND HARBOUR

In June, Autosub-1 ventured out of the lab for the first time and into Empress Dock at the Southampton Oceanography Centre (the precursor to the National Oceanography Centre) to undergo an exhaustive series of tests which included testing all technological systems and on-surface manoeuvres.

Following this, it set sail in Portland Harbour where it completed a 3.6km mission, supported by the catamaran Top Cat, which included surfacing positions and GPS fixes.

THE CALANUS DIVE FIRTH OF LORNE, ARDMUCKNISH BAY

The first demonstration of Autosub-1’s extended survey type missions, leaving Dunstaffnage Bay and navigating autonomously through the channel that was just 130 metres wide at the narrowest point between the mainland and Eilean Mor.

~~1996~~

~~1997~~

~~1999~~

Named AVVEX (Autonomous Vehicle Validation Experiment), this expedition took place aboard the RV Weatherbird II in the vicinity of the Bermuda Atlantic Time Series mooring (BATS). Autosub-1 was fitted with two forward sensors, Chelsea Instruments and SeaBird CTDs, as well as a state-of-the-art turbulence probe that attached onto the nose of the vehicle, provided by the Florida Atlantic University.

LARS DEBUT OBAN SCOTLAND

These trials were the first to include Launch And Recovery System (LARS), which meant Calanus, the support vessel, needed to be loaded with extra ballast in order to ensure stability.

A purpose built gantry was used to help ensure safe and effective deployment and recovery from a range of ships. Under hydraulic power the upper beam telescopes out over the stern, a hydraulic motor on the headpiece then rotates the vehicle parallel to the stern and two motors lower the vehicle via lines to the water. Lines attached to plugs are tugged from the ship, releasing the vehicle from its deployment/ lifting lines.

The mission was supported by the ship Calanus, despite Autosub-1 being too long to fit onto her deck.

UNDER SEA ICE AND PELAGIC SURVEYS

AMERICAN ADVENTURE FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA

Dr Stanley Dunn and his group at Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton obtained funding from the US Office of Naval Research to take Autosub to Florida for a series of missions between the Florida Current and the Florida coast.

This unintentionally became the first unaccompanied mission as Autosub-1 was able to make faster progress at the depth below the currents of the Florida Current than the support boat, the Lady-Go Driver. The team decided to head straight to the mission end waypoint and wait for the Autosub to surface. It was a nervous wait but thankfully Autosub arrived unharmed.

~~1997~~

~~1999~~

NORTH SEA

As part of NERC’s Autosub Science Missions thematic programme, Autosub-2 was deployed on the Fisheries Research Vessel, Scotia. Uniquely, deployment and recovery was through an opening in the side of the vessel to a space known as the ‘hanger’, through which the gantry could still be used.

The images captured from this mission went on to be widely used by various AUV groups to show recovery in typical North Sea conditions. At the time these groups were only working in benign coastal waters and the Autosub images were some of the first examples of large AUV operations in real oceanic conditions.

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BIOLOGY, PHYSICS, AND CHEMISTRY CELTIC AND IRISH SEAS

Aboard the support vessel MV Terschelling, Autosub-2 became the first AUV to carry a Flow Cytometer - an optical instrument to characterise single phytoplankton cells and particles using light scatter and fluorescence. The experimental Cytosub was produced by Cytobuoy NV of the Netherlands.

On another expedition, Autosub-2 was fitted with multiple acoustic instruments in support of the “Sonar and turbulence studies of the upper ocean” project. Subsequently, a manganese sensor was fitted in support of the “Dissolved and particulate manganese and oxygen in the water column of the upper basins of two hypoxic sea lochs” project.

STUCK IN SICILY

STRAIT OF SICILY

During Mission 240, while deployed on the Italian research vessel Urania, the vehicle became stuck under an overhang while terrain following close to the bottom up a steep cliff.

The Leviathan Facility arranged for a passing offshore support vessel with ROVs - the Polar Prince - to attend the site of the stranding, locate the Autosub via its acoustic pinger and use an ROV to pull the Autosub free.

SCIENCE MUSEUM EXHIBITION

LONDON, UK A year after the new Wellcome Wing at the Science Museum, London, had opened the Autosub programme was part of a major exhibition surrounding robot submarines.

On display was a model of Autosub-2 suspended from the ceiling, an ARGO profiling float, interactive Autosub displays on computer screens and images from the recent Oban mission.

~~2000~~

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2000
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~~2000~~

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2001
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BRAVING THE ELEMENTS

ANTARCTICA

The Autosub team undertook their first Polar mission, accompanied by scientists from the British Antarctic Survey, the Open University and the Marine Lab in Aberdeen. Due to the lack of support container on the ship, the team had to service the Autosub on the snow covered deck. Some incredible locations were visited including the ice edge in the Weddell Sea, Drake Passage and the Falkland Islands.

At the very end of the 60km Mission 252 in February, Autosub-2 collided with an iceberg, resulting in a bent nose.

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OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
2002 EXCEL CENTRE, LONDON
AUTOSUB UNDER ICE
2003 BRANSFIELD STRAIT, ANTARCTICA
Ross
multiple under ice missions.
sensors of Autosub-2.
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OCEANOLOGY INTERNATIONAL

The Southampton Oceanography Centre had entered a commercialisation licensing agreement with Halliburton SubSea7, where it would build and operate variants of Autosub, named Geosub for its own purposes. The stand at the Oceanology International Exhibition was co-curated by the Autosub team and featured a Geosub as well as a working model of the Autosub gantry used in multiple previous missions.

The Autosub team again braved snow and ice onboard RRS James Clark Ross . Due to heavy ice, the cruise was unable to reach its intended working area, the Pine Island Glacier, and instead Autosub was used on multiple under ice missions.

A number of open water tests were carried out in benign conditions of the Bransfield Strait, with the team treated to an appearance from a group of Cetaceans. At one point a team was landed onto the sea ice with a manual ice drill to make ice thickness measurements and compare with those inferred from Autosub sonar draft measurements. Overall the cruise was successful but on one mission impact with the side of the ship on recovery in choppy conditions damaged the nose and sensors of Autosub-2.

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MUDDY NOSE

SOUTH WEST APPROACHES

Autosub-2 underwent a major rebuild to address design weaknesses in the commercial underwater connectors. These weaknesses had been identified during the 2003 Autosub Under Ice cruise.

A continental shelf depth mission was organised to trial the modified vehicle, but unfortunately it didn’t go to plan. Four hours into the mission acoustic tracking showed Autosub to have stopped and stuck on the seafloor. An altimeter fault meant it had been ploughing a furrow into the soft sediment, accumulating material in its nose, sufficient so it ground to a halt and was too heavy to surface even after dropping its weight.

TO THE ARCTIC COURTAULD GLACIER, ARCTIC

Autosub undertook two cruises aboard RRS James Clark Ross in the Arctic. Slender wings were added to the rear half of the centre section of the vehicle. Also added was an Aqualab water sampler, a 200ml motorised syringe taking in water and saving into one of twenty-five 50ml bags. Conditions were more often mist and fog, with sunny days being the exception.

Autosub successfully executed several under sea ice missions. The vehicle was fitted with two semi-transparent acoustic ‘windows’ which covered the upward looking Kongsberg EM2000 swath bathymetry transducers.

MISSING IN ACTION FIMBULISEN ICE SHELF, ANTARCTICA

The major milestone of this mission was Autosub’s first successful under ice shelf mission. This campaign was part of the NERC Autosub Under Ice thematic programme, led by Dr Keith Nicholls from the British Antarctic Survey.

Following a successful first mission, things took a turn when, during mission 383, Autosub-2 became trapped under the ice shelf. The team had no idea what happened, they had no choice but to abandon the vehicle. It’s possible that the ice shelf will fracture and form an iceberg, which will melt and reveal Autosub-2 once again.

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2004
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DYNAMICS OF SHELF SEAS FRONTS ~~2006~~ THE IRISH SEA

Autosub operations were conducted from MV Terschelling in the Irish Sea off the North Wales coast, with the mission totalling 751km. For this mission, Autosub-3 was fitted with a turbulence probe on it’s nose, which was angled up by 0.7˚ with reference to the inertial navigation system so that it was near horizontal when in flight.

As you can see by the image, not all recoveries have the desirable equal lengths on the recovery lines, resulting in some interesting recoveries.

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AUTOSUB6000 TRIALS
2007 SOUTH WEST APPROACHES
RRS Discovery
rear of the mid section to aid diving.
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AUTOSUB6000 TRIALS

In September, Autosub6000 took part in its first deepwater trial aboard RRS Discovery as part of cruise D323.

Led by Steve McPhail, the vehicle went 4500 metres below sea level and stayed there for 90 minutes. It was fitted with short stubby wings at the rear of the mid section to aid diving.

DEEPWATER TRIALS MAP SEAMOUNT ~~2009~~ CASABLANCA SEAMOUNT

Autosub6000 continued to take part in further deepwater trials in preparation for future missions. The vehicle was fitted with Edgetech Seaking collision avoidance sonar with resilient rubber ‘bumpers’ underneath to minimise damage should the vehicle strike the seabed. Autosub6000 was specifically designed with low altitude seabed photographic missions in mind. In these trials, Autosub6000 descended 2500m to the top of the Casablanca Seamount twice, with the second dive being within 10m of the seabed.

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2010
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DISCOVERING HYDRO-THERMAL VENTS

CAYMAN TROUGH

As part of an International Interridge Programme, Autosub6000 provided fine-scale maps of the seafloor bathymetry to pinpoint new vent sites. The vehicle detected magnetic anomalies when flying close to the seabed to help indicate vent sites. This was possible due to most of Autosub6000 being constructed of non-magnetic metals, plastics and syntactic foam, meaning it could carry a sensitive magnetometer. The mapping was made possible by the use of a special sensor provided by Dr Koichi Nakamura, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan.

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EXPLORING UNDER ICE
PINE ISLAND GLACIER, ANTARCTICA 2010
Autosub-3 undertook 6 missions under the glacier, with 167 hours
covering a whopping 510km in total for the NERC Under Ice thematic
programme. The cruise was aboard the RV Nathaniel B. Palmer, a
twin-screw vessel with a cut-away counter, which meant that Autosub
could easily be drawn under the hull. To combat this, launch and recovery
operations used a support boat to keep the vehicle away from the stern.
On mission 431, when following the underside of the ice, the vehicle rose
into a crevasse and hit the ice side-wall, sustaining damage to its nose but
thankfully managing to make its way back to the ship.
PHOTOGRAPHY MISSION
DARWIN MOUNDS, SCOTLAND 2011
In operation on the RRS James Cook , Autosub6000 took part in an
expedition to study benthic habitats and human impact in the Rockall
Trough, Rockall Bank and Hatton Basin. Unfortunately, for the most part,
the weather was atrocious.
Autosub6000 was a key tool in the expedition providing high-resolution
seabed morphology, multibeam bathymetry and photographic images
which were thankfully unaffected by surface conditions. In total, the
vehicle surveyed 685km of track, 96km² in a total of 7 days in the water.
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AUTOSUB LONG RANGE

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Autosub Long Range AUV (ALR) was a new type of AUV with a depth rating of 6000m. Although a third the weight of Autosub3 and Autosub6000, it is able to travel greater than ten times the distance and can be deployed for over a hundred times the duration.

NERC Core Strategic “Autosub and Sensors” technology programme was treated as the first deepwater trials of ALR. The vehicle was launched over the side of the RRS Discovery by crane as it did not have a dedicated gantry.

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SEA CREATURE ENCOUNTER

EASTERN NORTH ATLANTIC Autosub6000 took part in this Ecological Sampling and Surveying cruise during the early days of its seabed photography capabilities. It was fitted with an oblique forward-looking camera with flash and a vertical camera with vertical flash.

Autosub encountered a diverse variety of wildlife during its numerous dives, photographing a selection of benthic invertebrates and demersal fish during mission 58, dive 3. It also captured litter such as plastic bags and bottles and metal cans discarded on the seabed.

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SURVEYING SUCCESS
2012 NORWAY
Autosub6000 MKII took part in a long surveying mission, fitted with
a brand new launch and recovery system on its afterdeck to help
manouvre the vehicle. 708km of track lines were surveyed over a period
of 141 hours with various tools and features including a sidescan sonar,
5M pixel colour camera and a light backscatter sensors.
The red tape shows where there was top panel damage from a ship
collision on a previous recovery.
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SHORE COMMAND GRAN CANARIA

A series of AUV trials were carried out from a base at the Spanish oceanographic research facility PLOCAN. The trials were a success, with much learnt about the characteristics of the vehicle. Perhaps the greatest achievement was the demonstration that such trials could be accomplished from a shore base, with the AUV deployed from a trailer on a ramp, from where a small rib towed it a short distance offshore. A signal was then sent to the AUV via a WiFi link, and the AUV started its journey East.

FIRST UK VISIT TO THE CLARION CLIPPERTON ZONE NORTHERN EQUATORIAL PACIFIC

The first UK science cruise to the Clarion Clipperton Zone (CCZ) in the northern equatorial Pacific, an area likely to be targeted for deep-sea mining. In particular, the cruise visited the north easternmost Area of Particular Environmental Importance (APEI).

Autosub6000 carried out wide-area acoustic surveys, collected seabed photographs and made physical measurements of the water column of the APEI.

LOSS AND RETURN OF AUTOSUB3

CELTIC SEA

It was not possible to complete the first of two Benthic Shelf Seas Biogeochemistry (SSB) NERC cruises due to the loss of Autosub3. An immediate post mission search began and an estimated position of the AUV from its emergency beacon was found. With time running short, the Autosub was left on the seabed to be recovered a few weeks later by the Trinity House ship, Endeavour.

It turned out that less than 3m off the seabed, the Autosub3 had become entangled in a discarded fishing net. Autosub3 was recovered, repaired within 2 months and subsequently took part in the second cruise back again in the Celtic sea.

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COMMENCEMENT OF OCEANIDS ~~2016~~ SOUTHAMPTON, UK

The Oceanids Programme, a £16M Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS) development programme funded by UK Government as part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), is launched.

The programme aims to see two new autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) classes delivered: three 1500m depth-rated Autosub Long Range vehicles that will have longer endurance and greater payload capacity compared with the current vehicles; and a 2000m depth-rated Autosub capable of carrying high-power sensors and operating under ice.

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BOATY’S FIRST MISSION

~~2017~~ SCOTIA SEA, ANTARCTIC RRS James Clark Ross arrived in Southampton, returning Autosub Long Range (ALR), known as ‘Boaty McBoatface’, home after its first scientific deployment in the Antarctic.

Supported by NOC engineers, the team, which involved scientists from the University of Southampton and British Antarctic Survey, collected data on temperature, speed of water flow and underwater turbulence rates of the Orkney Passage, a region of the Southern Ocean that is around 4000m deep and roughly 500 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula.

EPIC ANTARCTIC ADVENTURES ~~2018~~ WEDDELL SEA, ANTARCTIC From January to February, the Autosub Long-Range, ‘Boaty McBoatface’ was deployed during RV Polarstern cruise PS111 as part of the Filchner Ice Shelf System (FISS) Project – a collaboration involving leading UK research institutions.

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‘Boaty’ spent a total of 51 hours under the Antarctic ice, travelling 108km
over the duration of the deployment. The vehicle reached water depths
of 944m, and spent 20 hours exploring beneath a section of the ice shelf
that was 550m thick.
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CORAL MOUNDS CHECKUP DARWIN MOUNDS MARINE PROTECTED AREA

RRS Discovery and Autosub6000 travelled to an area of small cold-water coral mounds in the Northern Rockall Trough which was discovered by NOC scientists in 1998. This area is protected from bottom contact fisheries, in order to identify and quantify any long-term changes to this deep-sea habitat. Autosub6000’s job was to survey the mounds using a sidescan sonar and was supported by the HyBIS video platform and a series of targeted boxcores.

Despite some time lost due to weather and unfortunate equipment malfunctioning the expedition was a success with the required surveys completed.

ALR1500 HARBOUR ACCEPTANCE TRIALS PORTLAND HARBOUR, DORSET UK

The Autosub Long Range (ALR) vehicle, developed under the NERC Oceanids programme, successfully completed its first live trials.

ALR1500 – named for the 1500m depth it can achieve – passed its first major test with flying colours, successfully demonstrating its integration with the unified web-based Command and Control (C2) software platform that had been developed in parallel by the NOC in partnership with the Scottish Association for Marine Science.

SUCCESS AT LOCH NESS

LOCH NESS, SCOTLAND

Following the Portland trials, two of the three new ALR1500’s went through their first round of commissioning trials. The vehicles carried out a range of test missions of increasing complexity across three weeks to test the vehicles’ enhanced functionality, including Terrain Aided Navigation and environmental profiling capabilities. The NOC returned later in the year to conduct trials of the next generation of marine sensors and autonomous underwater vehicles.

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BIOCAM ON TRIAL ~~PRESENT~~ LOCH NESS, SCOTLAND The Oceanids Autosub 2000 Under-Ice platform begun the next phase of trials; in-water Harbour Acceptance Testing. An important milestone in developing a reliable platform for delivering high-power missions in deep-water and under-ice environments.

HARBOUR ~~PRESENT~~ ACCEPTANCE TESTING LOCH NESS, SCOTLAND The Oceanids team began testing the integration of the BioCam sensor system with Autosub Long Range. Led by Professor Blair Thornton at the University of Southampton, the BioCam project develop innovative hardware and software for autonomous measurements of benthic biology. The Oceanids team also tested new vehicle navigation software ready for the next scientific deployment at the Thwaites Glacier, Antarctica.

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GOAL 5
GROW &
DIVERSIFY
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Responsibly grow and diversify revenue to sustain our mission with a critical mass of scientific and technical capability

As the UK’s leading marine charity, we’ve worked hard and smart to get the best results for our ocean from careful use of time, resource and funding. With newly defined donation streams we’ve carved out exciting new ocean literacy and education offerings for the next generation of science and engineering students. We’ve built on our reputation as the spokesperson of the ocean, maintaining our authority on the world stage as an impartial expert. New business-sector relationships, aligned to our purpose and five-year plan, have already seen creation of several exciting partnerships and missions.

ACTION IN ALLIANCE

“When we can understand the ocean and its ecosystems, we are in a better position to know how to not only preserve it, but also to manage it to ensure that it is protected for the future.

We launched a new fundraising call to enable individuals and businesses to protect the future of the ocean by joining our Ocean Alliance. The funding programme will be an essential resource for global ocean research and vital technological development, empowering society to become more involved in the global science needed to support a sustainable ocean.

At NOC we have the existing scale, experience and infrastructure to deliver the science needed to drive forward global action, but require the financial support to continue driving discovery and pursue bold new lines of ocean research in ways other funding types cannot.

The Ocean Alliance is a group of partners that promote knowledge, innovation and sustainable use of the ocean and fund the research and technology development needed to make a positive impact and drive change. As the largest, most connected and vital ecosystem on earth, the ocean sustains all life. Yet today, ocean conservation receives less than 1% of global charitable giving. With the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science highlighting the importance of including the ocean in climate conversations, NOC is encouraging those interested in protecting the oceans and the planet to join the Ocean Alliance and have the chance to directly impact the global scientific findings, innovations and education needed to tackle climate change. The alliance comprises four funds:

We want our supporters to come with us on this journey and learn about the impact they are having.”

SOFIE BENNETT HEAD OF PHILANTHROPY, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

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THE THE
ADVANCE INNOVATE
FUND FUND
BRINGING SCIENTIFIC USING SCIENCE AND
SOLUTIONS TO THE WORLD’S TECHNOLOGY TO FUEL
MOST COMPLEX PROBLEM INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO
CREATE A THRIVING OCEAN
ECONOMY FOR ALL
THE THE
EMPOWER EDUCATE
FUND FUND
INFORMING GOVERNMENT A DIVERSE WORLD OF FUTURE
POLICIES, GOOD CORPORATE SCIENTISTS TO ENSURE
PRACTICES, AND A STEP THE OCEAN REGAINS AND JOIN THE NOC OCEAN ALLIANCE
CHANGE IN PUBLIC MAINTAINS ITS HEALTH
AWARENESS OF THE ROLE
THE OCEAN PLAYS
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BURSARY ON BOARD

Together with the West of England P&I Club (West P&I) we were proud to announce Adeola Dahunsi and Selasi Yao Avornyo as the two students selected for the second year of our collaborative international bursary programme.

They joined their first sea-going research expedition in July to get hands-on experience of working and living on an oceanographic research ship. As part of the science team on board the RRS James Cook (JC238) they travelled to the North Atlantic Subpolar Gyre to measure ocean changes and how they affect the UK’s weather systems.

“It’s so exciting to be able to provide this sea-going experience thanks to the bursary programme with West P&I. Adeola and Selasi Yao were selected for it because of their research interests, which fit with the expedition objectives, plus the commitment and talent they demonstrated during the bursary programme’s first year which had to be run completely online.” DR SAMIA BURRIDGE HEAD OF PHILANTHROPY, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

The West P&I Seagoing Science Bursary provides financial support to enable students and early career researchers in the field of marine science or oceanography, or those from developing countries who are keen to become involved in the field of marine science or oceanography, to gain practical experience of ship borne science.

EUROPEAN CENTRE OPENS

Working in partnership with Teledyne Marine, NOC took the stage at Oceanology International 2022 to announce a new European Glider Service Centre.

Based in our Southampton dockside location, the Service Centre will offer an official service, support and repair facility for Teledyne Slocum Gliders.

“Our new NOC Glider Service Centre builds on years of expertise from servicing our own underwater glider fleet – part of the largest autonomous vehicle fleet in Europe – to offer a commercial service incorporating our own in-house Calibration Laboratory and Pressure Testing Facility.”

HUW GULLICK ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR NOC INNOVATIONS, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

NET ZERO DECOMMISSIONING SURVEY

We proved it’s possible to launch an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) from shore to undertake a long-distance, high-tech, low-impact marine monitoring survey.

This huge step forward in technology may eventually replace the current approach for environmental monitoring at decommissioned oil and gas sites, which need dedicated ships and teams of people offshore.

“Our goal is to improve the environmental protection of the North Sea at a reduced cost and impact to the environment. We aim to demonstrate how this leading robotic technology could be used worldwide to support this crucial ocean monitoring.”

DR DANIEL JONES ASSOCIATE HEAD OF OCEAN BIOGEOSCIENCES NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

Our technical mission ended up being a great success and provides a huge step forward in operations offshore and the journey to net zero.

© National Oceanography Centre & University of Southampton

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GOAL 6 GOVERNANCE

Transform the way the National Oceanography Centre is governed and operated

Our approach is not just about ensuring we are operating in line with company and charity law but encouraging responsibility and accountability that will ultimately improve performance and ensure we operate in a sustainable manner. We use two routes to achieve good governance; a sound governance framework for operation and an adherence to Charity Governance Code that aligns with our values and culture. This year we have pressed on with our continuous improvement journey.

GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

We have worked to improve our governance framework, we have reviewed our audit approach and developed a more practical and sustainable route, that is linked to the identified risk areas and meets the requirements of the charity governance code.

CYBER SECURITY AND DATA PROTECTION

Cyber security activity has seen significant investment during this year, we have recruited a new Head of Information Technology and a Cyber Security Manager that have increased our skills and improved our approaches. We have delayed our Cyber Essentials Accreditation submission, to dedicate resources to completing a ship cyber review for the two NERC research vessels we operate. Installation of our new Active Directory setup and completing a third-party vulnerability assessment have improved our current position, and our ability to adapt to future threats. We will continue with Cyber Essentials Accreditation and aim to complete this in spring 2023.

This year we began work to analyse the current status of Data Protection policies and procedures, and other information available to staff in relation to current data protection legislation. This has included reviewing and updating Data Privacy Impact assessments; and reviewing and updating all Privacy Notices on the NOC website. This activity will continue next Financial year, where aim to improve our training approach for the organisation.

Recruitment of a new Information Governance & Publications Officer during Q3 provides the further resource needed to support this activity.

There were no reportable data protection breaches during the financial year.

RISK MANAGEMENT

RECRUITMENT

The Trustees continue to have oversight of the risk We have continued to develop our skills with the management of the organisation. Staff training and workrecruitment of new leaders across Corporate Business shopping have continued through 2022, this has helped Support that are contributing to significantly improving to embed risk understanding, and improve monitoring our operations and governance. and reporting across the organisation.

As our maturity increases, we will continue to develop improved approaches to support our staff who on day to day basis manage our operational risks in specialist areas.

ETHICS, SAFEGUARDING

DUE DILIGENCE

AND CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Carrying out effective due diligence allows NOC to make good decisions; to understand and mitigate risks; and to ensure that in working we comply with our governance, and terms and conditions flowed down by our funders, customers, regulators including the Charity Commission and Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and other third parties.

We have reviewed our Research Integrity Policy, and have identified the need to deliver specific training in this area.

The training programme is in development and we will sion and Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) and other look to roll this out during the next financial year. A full third parties. review of NOC’s Safeguarding Policy, Safeguarding Guidance and Reporting Procedure has been conducted NOC has reviewed and updated it approach to due by the Legal & Governance team, considering current diligence of our partners that we work with. The new Charity Commission guidance; UKRI guidance and approach sits alongside the NOC Ethics Policy, and sets requirements for projects that its funds; and current legisout (a) the requirements in relation to due diligence to be lation and practice. The update provides the inclusion of undertaken prior to NOC and/or National Oceanography comprehensive descriptions for specific scenarios to help Centre Innovations Limited (NOC Innovations) entering considerations and support to our staff. into an agreement with a third party.

There were no externally reportable conflicts of interest and no significant governance or control issues during the financial year.

It also outlines a route for monitoring projects with other parties where a specific risk in relation to the other party is identified.

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GOAL 7 PEOPLE & CULTURE

Invest and reinvest in the National Oceanography Centre and its people

We value individual differences and the rich diversity that this brings. Through a dedicated and inclusive culture, strong human empathy, alongside the strength of our policies, procedures, expectations and ways of working, we continue to create a positive and supportive environment for everyone, allowing them to reach their full potential and to bring out their very best self. This ethos is underpinned not only by our vision and values but by the positive pillars of our Sustainability and Social Responsibility Strategy.

OF OUR WORKFORCE 34% ARE FEMALE

OF OUR 151 PEOPLE MANAGERS 40% ARE FEMALE

56%

OF OUR WORKFORCE ARE ON NOC CLG T&C’s

EMPLOYEES ARE TRAINED AS MENTAL HEALTH 9 FIRST AIDERS

VACANCIES 115 FILLED OUR STAFF HAVE FORMAL FLEXIBLE WORKING 15% PATTERNS

STAFF MEMBERS ATTENDED ACTIVE BYSTANDER 397 TRAINING

TOOK PART IN OUR PEOPLE MANAGER DEVELOPMENT 131 PROGRAM

THE INVESTORS IN PEOPLE ASSESSOR DESCRIBED OUR IIP WELLBEING STRATEGY AS BEING OUTSTANDING

SUCCESS IS SILVER

We were awarded the Investors in People (IIP) silver accreditation – an accolade awarded to just 15% of organisations assessed. This is the first time NOC has achieved Silver, and reflects the positive progress made since our last assessment in 2018, especially during the last two years as we transitioned into a charity and navigated the pandemic.

Results from a recent staff survey showed 80% of staff agreed or strongly agreed that NOC was a great place to work. Our people also believe that we have supported them exceptionally well during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our initiatives are providing a measured and integrated approach to supporting the current and future wellbeing of our people.

“To be given this award, by the organisation that sets the benchmark when it comes to people management, is testament of our shared commitment to a positive, values-focused internal culture. I’m delighted to know that staff feel supported and that they believe as I do, that their work has purpose and are proud to associate with the NOC’s world class reputation.”

PROFESSOR ED HILL CBE

CHIEF EXECUTIVE, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

We are all incredibly proud of this achievement, and we are committed not only to maintaining the silver standard, but to exceeding it in the future. The same week we won the award we published our Sustainability and Social Responsibility Strategy, which sets People as one of our five pillars of culture, alongside community, environment, operations and research ethics.

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COLLABORATION AWARD

It was an incredible proud day for everyone at NOC when SeaDataCloud, a collaborative project involving our British Oceanographic Data Centre, was awarded a “les Etoiles de l’Europe” trophy.

The award was presented by the French minister of Research and Innovation in Paris, as part of the 2021 Horizon Europe summit. This innovative project is the latest in a series of EU projects to develop a pan-European infrastructure called SeaDataNet, set up to enable the management and sharing of marine data and information across Europe and beyond. The SeaDataCloud project, managed by the team at the BODC and its European partners, has considerably advanced the technological infrastructure of SeaDataNet, with the adoption of cloud and high-performance computing capabilities.

“We are delighted that SeaDataCloud has been presented with this prestigious French award that recognises excellence in project coordination and European-wide collaboration. We have a long association with SeaDataNet - as data providers and technical experts – and we are immensely proud of our contribution to this latest project. It represents a huge step forward for the international exchange of marine data and information.”

MARK HEBDEN

SENIOR MARINE DATA MANAGER, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE PROJECT LEAD FOR SEADATACLOUD

COLLEAGUE RECOGNITION

Staff were rewarded for all their hard work and contributions over the year at our annual Summer Celebration and Values Awards event.

Held in person at our sites and ships we saw 14 awards, all reflecting our corporate values, presented to peer-nominated colleagues. As a fantastic celebration of all we’ve achieved together this event is always the highlight of the social calendar and especially so this year as it marked our first in person staff event since the pandemic.

ENVIRONMENT AWARDS

Our Environmental Management System was recertified with ISO14001, with its effectiveness demonstrated through operational processes, internal audit programme, monitoring, measurement, leadership and processes. Our dedicated team ensured that we met objectives and demonstrated regulatory and legal compliance.

We were re-accredited with 0 non conformities and only four minor observations.

DECARBONISATION PLAN

We set ourselves new challenging science-based targets, driven by Paris Agreement, to reduce our Scope 1 emissions by 27.5%, Scope 2 emissions by 46%, and Scope 3 by 46% with an ultimate goal of becoming a zero emissions based organisation by 2040.

Scope 1 emissions relate to the direct burning of fossil fuel on site (gas consumption) and Scope 2 emissions relate to the indirect generation of electricity for use on site (electricity consumption). This year we have generated 233,579.90 kWh of our own energy through our solar PV array.

We made good progress already this year, with annual gas consumption reduced by 26% from the 2019 baseline. The reduction in electricity consumption has been less significant (only 5% compared to 2019), but associated carbon emissions have decreased substantially due to the decarbonisation of grid electricity. The grid is expected to decarbonise further by 2030, which would allow us to meet the 2030 Scope 2 target (for building energy use) without the need for further reduction in energy consumption. We are engaged with our partner consultants to ensure a decarbonisation roadmap is fit for future and meets the required need to achieve our targets at 2030 and 2040.

As an international research centre, travel is an inevitable part of our scope 3 emissions. As part of our new decarbonisation plan, we have committed to reducing our business travel by 23% over the next 4 years. We have launched our Sustainable Travel and Commuting Guidance to support and guide staff to choose lower carbon modes of travel.

CARBON CHANGES

Science expeditions have been an integral part of learning about our oceans for a very long time. We currently operate two world-class scientific research vessels, RRS James Cook and RRS Discovery , which have travelled around the world completing important missions and exploring every aspect of the ocean.

But our social media campaign #pastpresentfuture explored the exciting and innovative ways we’re upholding our commitment to the environment and moving towards the 2040 future of net-zero oceanographic capability.

FIT FOR FUTURE

To continue to see us thrive in all that we undertake, we have embarked on an ambitious journey of internal transformation. Our Fit for Future programme, spanning our long-term strategy, will create a collaborative, welcoming and inclusive environment that accommodates post pandemic working styles and is synonymous with creativity and unity. It will actively encourage cross functional working and facilitate rich and unique conversations that lead to scientific, technological, and collaborative innovations. The look and feel of this environment will be ‘more than the sum of its parts’, creating not only an exceptional and collaborative workplace but also somewhere to showcase NOC to the external environment.

This creative environment will be supported by highly efficient, digitally connected, corporate business support teams who are able to generate strong and sustainable value. These teams will embrace the culture of consistent innovation and continual improvement with the aim of delivering accurate, timely, and best in class services, ultimately creating more time for world class engineering and science. Executed well, this transformation will become enabling and energising, delivering an exemplary environment where our teams are able to work to their full potential, collaboratively and seamlessly from any location.

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OCEAN EDUCATION If there was ever a day in the year for us to shout that extra bit louder about our 1207 4 175k passion and hopes for the ocean it’s the United Nations International World ONLINE ‘OCEAN LITERACY’ TOTAL SOCIAL DELEGATES SESSIONS WITH MEDIA REACH Oceans Day, this year framed around the LIVE Q&A theme of revitalisation.

Supported by the UN Decade of Ocean

Science and the UN Ocean Conference we proudly participated in events locally, virtually and internationally. Schools, homes 4235 4 6.2% and offices tuned in to our dedicated day VIEWS ON HYBRID ‘HOT AVERAGE of education, through our hybrid talks and DEMAND TOPIC’ PANEL SOCIAL MEDIA online classroom sessions, all delivered by DISCUSSIONS ENAGAGEMENT our skilled ocean literacy ambassadors.

BUSINESS SMART

We’ve gotten smarter at project management by further integrating our bespoke business systems.

The resource planning and financial outputs are now directly linked, enabling staff to more effectively plan out time and directly see the financial impact from their planning. There is now the possibility to assess the performance of projects on a real time basis where information is kept up to date. Regular proactive reporting to senior leaders, much earlier in the plan, means our people and business benefits from quicker and more informed decision making.

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A GUIDE FOR SUPPLIERS
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CODE OF CONDUCT

We take a comprehensive view of our entire supply chain and work closely with our suppliers to ensure social responsibility is at the heart of what we do. Last year we reported that a Supplier handbook had been drafted and was ready to be launched this year. We’re excited to update that the implementation was very successful and has helped consolidate vendor relationships and further improve our due diligence processes.

Through adoption of this guide we know all our suppliers agree to a code of conduct, clearly outlining our expectations and ways of working. All new suppliers that follow the full due diligence process are now categorised as TRUSTed. This commits to treating all people and communities with respect across the entire supply chain; recognise and work to minimise environmental impacts; understand our ways of working, our processes and needs; support our science and engineering through continual improvement and innovation; and be technically competent and compliant.

RESPECT AT SEA

Creating an even more inclusive workplace culture is an ongoing priority for marine science institutions worldwide. Given the unique working environment of research ships and the potential to be at sea for weeks or even months, it is essential to promote positive values that instil respect for their colleagues.

To galvanise inclusive culture onboard research ships, NERC (Natural Environment Research Council) launched a thought-provoking training video designed to empower ocean researchers and remind them of their responsibility to respect colleagues and promote inclusion. The video is the latest element of NERC’s ED&I (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) commitments and features some NOC oceanographers and marine engineers who share their joy of going to sea and calls for colleagues to treat each other with respect. The film is being shown on board both NERC ships, operated by NOC, as part of the onboarding training for those setting sail.

“Working globally and leading the broad science and technology around our vast ocean is one of the great challenges of our age. This needs the talents of many people from different backgrounds to make it possible, and to engage with diverse communities about the importance of the sea in all our lives. We strive for excellence in this area, whether that is through delivering education and awareness or driving change to our cultural practices.”

CAIT ALLEN ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR FOR ENGAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE & MANAGEMENT

OVERVIEW

The first three-year term of four Trustee Directors (Dr Ruth Boumphrey, Professor Sir Ian Boyd, Daniel Hook, and Dr Sarah McMath) expired during 2022, following which all four were reappointed for a further three-year term.

NOC was incorporated on 2 July 2018 as a charitable company limited by guarantee and commenced trading on 1 November 2019. It is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission in England & Wales and the Scottish Charity Regulator and is governed by articles of association in accordance with the Companies Act 2006.

DELEGATION OF DECISION MAKING - EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Board delegates the day-to-day leadership and operations of NOC to its Executive Committee, which is made up of the Chief Executive Officer; the Chief Operating Officer/ Chief Financial Officer; the Director, Data, Science and Technology; and six Associate Directors. The Executive Committee meets monthly, reviewing progress against NOC’s goals; the KPIs set by the Board; and both current and longer-term priorities for the organisation. The Board has approved a formal Statement of Delegations for the Executive Committee to allow them to conduct the business of the organisation effectively. During the financial year, the Board approved an updated Executive Roles and Responsibilities framework, setting out accountabilities for each member of the Executive Committee.

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE AND DECISION-MAKING POLICIES BOARD OF TRUSTEES

NOC’s Board of Trustees, who are also Non-Executive Directors for the purposes of company law, have overall responsibility for ensuring that NOC is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit; the continued financial viability of the organisation; and for ensuring that we meet all of our legal and compliance requirements. The Trustees oversee the day-to-day delivery of NOC’s strategy which is led by the Executive Committee. Trustee Directors are appointed by the existing Trustee Directors for a term of three years and are eligible for re-appointment for a further three years.

BOARD MEETINGS

The Board of Trustees during the financial year was as follows:

The NOC Board meets formally at least quarterly. Standing items covered in Board meetings include strategy, performance, risk and compliance. The Executive reports quarterly to the Board on progress against KPIs set at the start of the financial year, which cover each of NOC’s goals. Their activities included providing oversight and guidance in the development the Marketing Strategy and the Public Affairs Strategy, and the setting of a first Digital Strategy for NOC.

CHAIR

Jeremy Darroch

DIRECTORS

Dr Ruth Boumphrey

Professor Sir Ian Boyd

David Gee

Daniel Hook

DELEGATION OF DECISION MAKING - COMMITTEES

Sarah Kenny OBE

Dr Sarah McMath

The Board of Trustees has established four formal committees: the Audit & Risk Committee; the Nominations Committee; the Remuneration Committee; and the Scientific and Technology Advisory Committee.

The previous Chair of Trustees, John Hirst, retired 30th September 2022. The newly appointed Chair, Jeremy Darroch officially started his term 1st October 2022.

Their role is to undertake detailed scrutiny of specific subject matters and to make recommendations on those topics. The committees are Chaired by a Trustee Director appointed by the Board and report directly to the Board. The constitution of the committees and their respective Terms of Reference are reviewed at least annually.

AUDIT AND RISK COMMITTEE

The Audit and Risk Committee is chaired by David Gee and meets quarterly. On behalf of the Board, it has overall responsibility for financial reporting and controls; risk management; audit; and whistle-blowing. The committee acts independently from the NOC Executive, to ensure that the interests of the charity are properly protected in terms of monitoring the integrity of the company financial statements. This year the committee established a new route to assure that the risk framework is embedding within the organisation, and provided advice and guidance on the development of our due diligence approach and update to safeguarding.

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE

The Remuneration Committee is chaired by Sarah Kenny OBE, and meets quarterly. It provides a forum for developing policy on trustee and executive remuneration; to recommend levels of remuneration for Directors; and to review the remuneration policy and reward package for all employees. It oversees any major changes in the employee benefits structure throughout the organisation. During 2022, the committee reviewed and approved the Executive pay and performance, and also advised on the succession planning for the Executive.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Nomination Committee has the role of leading the process for Board appointments and making recommendations to the Board and meets at least twice a year. It is chaired by Jeremey Darroch and is responsible for longterm succession planning for future trustees, seeking to ensure there is a formal, rigorous and transparent procedure for the appointment of new directors to the

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Board and reviewing and evaluating the balance of skills, knowledge, experience and diversity on the board. The Board analyses the capabilities of the existing Trustee Directors using a skills matrix, which is reviewed annually. The committee had oversight of the recruitment and appointment of the new Chair of Trustees.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Science and Technology Advisory Committee is chaired by Professor Sir Ian Boyd. Its remit is to provide independent advice to support the Board of Trustees and the Director Science & Technology in their responsibilities for development and delivery of the research strategy for NOC and on sustaining the quality and impact of NOC’s research performance, its research environment and the health of its intellectual capital base. The committee is chaired by a member of the NOC Board and has a membership of no more than 10 people with expertise covering the breadth of NOC’s main areas of scientific research and technology development. Members are drawn from outside NOC, taking due consideration of diversity, and bringing stakeholder and international perspectives commensurate with NOC’s role as one of a relatively small number of large-scale oceanographic institutions in the world.

TRUSTEES’ INDEMNITIES

Under NOC’s governing documents, directors and former directors are entitled to an indemnity against liability incurred by them to a third party in the proper performance of their duties as a director or officer of NOC. The governing document also gives NOC powers to provide indemnity insurance for the Trustees in respect of liability arising from breach of trust or duty, negligence, subject to the conditions of s.189 of the Charities Act 2011 (which excludes from such insurance any criminal and regulatory fines and penalties). NOC maintains such insurance for the Trustees, with an annual cap on liability.

PAY POLICY FOR SENIOR STAFF

During the year one Trustee received remuneration as disclosed under note 7 to the financial statements. Details of Trustees’ expenses incurred in the course of their duties and reimbursed are disclosed under note 7.

The Remuneration Committee has responsibility for developing, implementing and reviewing the remuneration, considering market value; performance; capabilities, values and leadership behaviours, and using up to date and relevant comparative salary information. The Chair of the Remuneration Committee recommends the remuneration package of the Chief Executive Officer to the Chair of the Board, who in turn reports to the Board.

established in 2019 as a private limited company. Its role is to undertake more applied and commercial work, to facilitate knowledge exchange and encourage innovation. It has covenanted to donate to NOC all profits earned which it may legally donate and to re-claim gift aid on its profits to NOC. The NOC Innovations Board is chaired by David Gee, and its other directors are members of the Executive Committee. The NOC Innovations Board meets quarterly. Its Associate Director, Huw Gullick, provides regular updates to the NOC Board of Trustees on the activities and financial reporting of NOC Innovations.

INDUCTION AND TRAINING OF TRUSTEES

As part of our on-boarding process, new Trustees receive an induction to introduce them to our work, which includes introduction to each member of the Executive team, presentations, tours and meeting various colleagues to learn about the different functions of NOC. NOC also provides a trustee handbook with guidance on both NOC itself, and on charity governance requirements. Trustees are encouraged to attend relevant training events, and to identify any specific training requirements throughout the year.

NOC is eligible to bid for funding from UKRI, including the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NOC manages the National Capability funding on behalf of NERC working in partnership with marine centres throughout the UK.

MEMBERS OF THE NOC AND LIABILITY

The Members of the Charity are the Trustee Directors. They guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £1 to the assets of the Charity in the event of winding up.

REVIEW OF BOARD PERFORMANCE

DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITOR

The annual review of the effectiveness of the Board was completed externally by the Chartered Governance Institute between June and August 2022. The review methodology included consideration of various governance documents, trustee and executive director interviews, a • board observation and a review of the board’s competencies against the Institute’s Charity Trustee Competence Matrix. The report stated that, NOC is a well-governed • charity led by high-calibre, professional and experienced trustees who are committed to the work of the charity. NOC performed well against the criteria in the matrix. Importantly the review identified some recommendations for consideration, these areas will be put into an action plan that will provide continuous improvement over the next financial year. The Board Code of Conduct was also reviewed and reapproved during this year.

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees’ Report is approved has confirmed that:

that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charitable company’s auditor is aware of that info.

SUBSIDIARY GOVERNANCE AND RELATED PARTIES

NOC’s wholly owned subsidiary, National Oceanography Centre Innovations Limited (‘NOC Innovations’), was

REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Dr John Siddorn

CHAIR

COMPANY REGISTERED NUMBER 11444362

Associate Director for Digital Ocean

Jeremy Darroch

Natalie Campbell

DIRECTORS AND TRUSTEES

CHARITY REGISTERED NUMBERS 1185265 and SC049896

Associate Director for Corporate Business Support

Professor Sir Ian L Boyd Dr Ruth Boumphrey

Professor Doug Connelly

REGISTERED OFFICE

Associate Director for Science & Technology

National Oceanography Centre European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH

Sarah Kenny OBE Dr Sarah McMath

Cait Allen

Associate Director for Engagement

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR

David Gee

BDO LLP

Huw Gullick

Arcadia House, Maritime Walk, Ocean Village, Southampton, SO14 3TL

Daniel Hook

Associate Director for National Oceanography Centre: Innovations Ltd

SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

Professor Ed Hill CBE Chief Executive

LEGAL ADVISORS

Danielle Rossiter

Eversheds Sutherland Bridgewater Place, Water Lane, Leeds, LS11 5DR

Head of Finance

Julie Pringle-Stewart

Matt Eades

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Company Head of People and Skills Secretary

BANK

NatWest

Professor Angela Hatton Director of Data, Science and Technology, Chief Scientist

FINANCIAL / TAX ADVICE Deloitte LLP

Dr Maaten Furlong Associate Director for National Marine Facilities

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SECTION 172 STATEMENT

The NOC Board of Trustees have acted in the way they consider to be in good faith, would be most likely to promote the success of the company for the benefit of its members as a whole, and in doing so have regard to the matters set out in s172(1)(a-f) of the Companies Act 2006, in the decisions taken during the year.

The Board of Trustees are briefed on their legal duties as part of their induction and are able to seek further advice from the Company Secretary, Head of Legal & Governance or access external independent advice if required.

STRATEGY AND CONSIDERATION OF THE CONSEQUENCE OF LONG-TERM DECISIONS

NOC’s main mission is making sense of changing seas, on which future human prosperity and well-being depend. Our vision for NOC is by 2025 to be seen as the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution. We have now finished the second year of delivery of our five-year strategy “Defining our Future” which aims to preserve the very best of what we do and grow our work – exploring new depths; creating the most innovative technologies; being the most exciting place to learn and work. Throughout the year, decisions and considerations at Board meetings are consistently linked to how NOC meet their strategic objectives and how NOC can build and develop further to the environment around and in turn, contribute further to achieving public benefit. Decisions are underpinned by a detailed business plan, with budgets built from funded projects and forecasts across the following 5 years, based on experience of research funding; pipeline research areas; and market research on future areas of growth. The Board also considers the longer-term prospects and funding landscape for NOC, taking into account expected changes in technology and skills required and types of research and data analysis to be undertaken in the next 10-15 years, and conscious of NOC’s aim to diversify income over the longer term.

OUR PEOPLE

The Board considers that developing and maintaining good employee engagement and cementing NOC’s reputation as an employer of choice, are fundamental to the delivery of the NOC Strategy. Further detail on the comprehensive initiatives undertaken by NOC during the year and overseen by the Board is in Goal 7: People and Culture. After feeding into the development of the ED&I (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) approaches at NOC, the Board approved and signed off the strategy this year. We launched Active Bystander training which has been well received by our employees. Achieving a silver Investors in People award was a particular highlight. We have maintained proactive engagement with the Trade Unions in setting pay for the year, and reviewing our approach to allowances. We continue to engage employees through our Staff Focus Group and Open Staff Meetings, that continue to evolve based on the feedback we encourage. The Board has welcomed the roll out of our World Class Manager programme, to support the leaders across the organisation.

SUSTAINABILITY AND

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

As a registered charity with public benefit at the heart of the organisation, NOC’s aim is to make a positive contribution to society by advancing ocean science and education, supported by continuing substantial public research investment.

As the national centre and a world leader in marine science, NOC’s aim is to lead by example. During 2021-2022 a Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee has met regularly within the organisation, agreeing the content of NOC’s SSR Statement to review the plans for and implementation of its three-year delivery plan, centred around the pillars of People; Operations; Community; Environment; and Research. In its delivery of this plan, NOC is aiming to work to the principles of ISO 26000 Social Responsibility. The Board reviews SSR as part of its regular programme.

HIGH STANDARDS AND BUSINESS CONDUCT

NOC’s values of Excellence, Innovative Thinking, Empowerment, Environmental Responsibility; Integrity; and Working in Partnership, underpin the way in which the Trustee Directors take decisions and set standards for the way in which the organisation operates.

Through the delivery of our strategy, NOC’s intention is to promote our reputation, reflecting responsible behaviour and maintaining high standards of business conduct. The Board reviews the NOC’s Ethics & Research integrity frameworks annually. During the financial year, the Board has had oversight of the operation of the NOC’s Ethics Committee, the remit of which is to review new business proposals against NOC’s charitable purposes and objectives and has also approved an Ethical Positioning statement for NOC, providing further guidance for the organisation. NOC continues to be committed to following the Seven Principles of Public Life, which outline the ethical standards to which those working in the public sector are expected to adhere and which complement NOC’s own values.

MEMBERS

The Trustee Directors are also the Members of NOC. The Directors, in consultation with the Executives, take decisions jointly, in accordance with company law, and regularly review any conflicts of interest they may have in their other capacities or wider activities.

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STREAMLINED ENERGY & CARBON REPORTING (SECR)

from our hire company. Rail and air transport CO₂e data was collected from our transport provider. Transport of employee-owned vehicles used for business travel was calculated using staff expenses from our Finance system and converted to CO₂e using the following assumptions: medium sized car, unknown fuel type, Fuel cost 160/l, 0.0595 l/1km, and the UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for company reporting.

Environmental Responsibility is one of the NOC’s six core Values, and ‘Excellent environmental awareness and best practice’ is built into our Sustainability and Social Responsibility strategy. To ensure our energy and carbon impact aligned with our beliefs and ambition we undertook the following initiatives to bring down our Greenhouse Gas emissions, waste production and transport (mileage) throughout 2021-22. The total CO₂e, was 15,218.22 tonnes, at an intensity ratio of 0.28 (tCO₂e/m[2] ) and 281.64 (kgCO₂e/m[2] ) (Table 1).

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS

Emissions have increased across the board compared with last year, with a few exceptions. This is owing to the increased occupancy following COVID-19 and staff returning to site and ship working.

NOC’s annual quantity of emissions in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from activities for which the company is responsible involving the combustion of gas was 988.14 tonnes CO₂e and for the consumption of fuel for ship transport was 13,087.19 tonnes CO₂e. In addition, the annual quantity of emissions in tCO₂e from the purchase of electricity by the company for its own use was 1,114.80 tonnes CO₂e.

We are on a 100% green tariff, reducing the Carbon impact of our purchased electricity.

Our vessels use Low Sulphur Fuel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1% at all times.

The annual quantity of energy consumed from activities for which the company is responsible, for the combustion of gas was 5,394.96 kWh and for the consumption of fuel for the purposes of transport in vehicle fuel was 14,637.00 litres diesel (fleet vehicles), 1.30 tonnes LPG, and ship fuel used was 2,762.40 m[3] for RRS Discovery and 1,657.00 tonnes for RRS James Cook .

WASTE

Waste production increased slightly, owing to gradual return to pre-COVID-19 levels as staff return to both sites. The Liverpool site sent zero waste to landfill in 2021-22.

TRANSPORT

NOC owned fleet vehicles and hire vehicles both decreased. Travel between the two sites and to external conferences and meetings is therefore significantly reduced compared to the previous year. 252.69 litres of fuel (unknown type) were used for business travel using personal vehicles, equating to 0.74 tonnes CO₂e emissions. Mileage data was unavailable for this report. As such, reasonable assumptions were made for mileage data based on BEIS fuel cost data.

The annual quantity of energy consumed resulting from the purchase of electricity by the company for its own use was 5,250.31 kWh.

The following methodologies were used to calculate the information disclosed for both emissions and energy data: Energy data was collected from the sites’ main meters and converted into CO₂e using UK Government GHG Conversion Factors for company reporting. Ship fuel data is reported by ship Captains and converted to CO₂e using Carbon conversion factors for Marine Gas Oil. Transport data for fleet vehicles was compiled from our Stores’ turnover records and converted to CO₂e using Carbon conversion factors for LPG and Diesel (100% mineral oil). CO₂e for transport of hire vehicles was collected

Air and rail transport all increased substantially due to lifting of some internal travel restrictions. Rail and air transport emissions increased by 379% from 43.55 tonnes CO₂e in 2020-21 to 208.71 tonnes CO₂e in 2021-22. Air travel within the UK accounted for 48% of all emissions from flights in 2021-22.

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TABLE 1 REPORTING YEAR 2020-21 REPORTING YEAR 2021-22
SCOPE / EMISSION / ENERGY USE SOUTHAMPTON LIVERPOOL TOTAL SOUTHAMPTON LIVERPOOL TOTAL
Energy Consumption used to calculate emissions (MWh) 4,759.43 343.37 5,102.80 4,931.72 318.59 5,250.31
Emissions from purchased electricity (Scope 2, location-based) (tCO₂e) 1,010.57 72.91 1,083.48 1,047.15 67.65 1,114.80
Gas Consumption used to calculate emissions (MWh) 5,812.86 - 5,812.86 5,394.96 - 5,394.96
Emissions from combustion of gas (scope 1) (tCO₂e) 1,064.68 - 1,064.68 988.14 - 988.14
Heat purchased for own use (CHP/District heating) (MWh) - 149.47 149.47 - 103.12 103.12
Emissions from heat purchased for own use (Scope 2) (CHP/District - 25.52 25.52 - 18.82 18.82
heating) (tCO₂e)
Fuel used for scientific research deployment - RSS Discovery (m [3] ) - - 2,136.50 - - 2,762.40
Fuel used for scientific research deployment - RSS James Cook (tonnes) - - 1,166.20 1,657.00
Emissions from fuel used for transport purposes- Ships (scope 1) (tCO₂e) - - 9,719.76 - - 13,051.97
Fuel used for transport purposes- Fleet vehicles (L) - - 19,340.00 - - 11,637.01
Gas used for transport purposes- Fleet vehicles (tonnes) - - 0.90 - - 1.30
Emissions from fuel for used transport purposes- Fleet Vehicles (scope 1) - - 51.23 - - 35.22
(tCO₂e)
Fuel used for business transport- Rental Cars (L) - - 6,782.48 - - -
Emissions from fuel used for business transport- Rental cars (Scope 3) - - 20.03 - - 8.52
tCO₂e
Fuel used for business transport- Employee owned vehicles (L) - - 1,318.34 - - 252.69
Emissions from fuel used for business transport- Employee owned vehicles - - 3.89 - - 0.74
(Scope 3) (tCO₂e)
Total CO₂e based on above figures (tonnes) - - 11,968.59 - - 15,218.21
Floor space (m [2] ) 51234.80 2800.00 54034.80 51234.80 2800.00 54034.80
Intensity ratio (tCO₂e/m2) - - 0.22 - - 0.28
Intensity ratio (kgCO₂e/m2) - - 221.50 - - 281.64
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TABLE 2 REPORTING YEAR 2020-21 REPORTING YEAR 2021-22
ADDITIONAL REPORTING- WASTE SOUTHAMPTON LIVERPOOL TOTAL SOUTHAMPTON LIVERPOOL TOTAL
Incinerated waste (tonnes) 23.48 0.47 23.95 39.36 0.37 39.73
Incinerated waste emissions (tCO₂e) 0.50 0.01 0.51 0.84 0.01 0.85
Landfill (tonnes) 10.20 - 10.20 2.28 - 2.28
Landfill waste emissions (tCO₂e) 4.76 - 4.76 1.06 - 1.06
Food Waste (tonnes) 0.93 - 0.93 3.24 - 3.24
Anaerobic digestion emissions (tCO₂e) 0.01 - 0.01 0.03 - 0.03
Recycled (tonnes) 43.05 1.20 44.25 35.47 1.15 36.62
Recycled waste emissions (tCO₂e) 0.92 0.03 0.95 0.76 0.02 0.78
Total Emissions from disposal of waste generated in operations for which 6.19 0.04 6.23 2.69 0.03 2.72
the company does not own or control (Scope 3) / tCO₂e
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TABLE 3 REPORTING YEAR 2020-21 REPORTING YEAR 2021-22
ADDITIONAL REPORTING- AIR AND RAIL EMISSIONS TOTAL TOTAL
Domestic Air emissions (tCO₂e) 9.60 10.29
Short-Haul air emissions (tCO₂e) 12.18 51.63
Long-Haul air emissions (tCO₂e) 15.90 90.39
International air emissions (tCO₂e) 4.29 41.35
Domestic rail emissions (tCO₂e) 1.58 14.97
International rail emissions (tCO₂e) 0.01 0.09
Total CO₂e based on above figures 43.56 208.72
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RISK MANAGEMENT STATEMENT

Pursuit of our objectives and strategy requires NOC to take risks within an acceptable appetite. A thorough understanding of the risks arising from the activities of the organisation is therefore fundamental to the ongoing effective management of NOC.

Our Risk Management Framework continues to embed and improve to provide management with the ability to anticipate the evolution of risks and the mitigations necessary to remain within appetite; to increase or resilience to change, and to reduce the threats and uncertainty faced by the organisation. It also supports management in the maximisation of opportunities by better facilitating informed decision making whilst also providing assurance that the company is operating within its risk appetite.

The Executive play a critical role in identifying and managing risk throughout the organisation, acting as the escalation route for risks to the Executive, the Risk and Audit Committee and the Board of Trustees. The Board and management are aided by a Risk Management function providing oversight, advice, challenge and guidance for the management of risk; support for risk reporting and the development of policies, procedures, regulatory compliance and training.

PRINCIPAL RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

In setting and monitoring the risk appetite of the organisation, the Board of Trustees and the Risk and Audit Committee provide essential and valued external challenge and advice through the robust assessment of the company’s emerging and principal risks. Notably, our Board committees have provided challenge and support to management on the key risks impacting the company over the past 12 months. Principal amongst these risks have been:

NOC continues to evolve its Risk Management Framework in support of improvements in risk insights, accountability, and the future evolution of the organisation.

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DIRECTORS’ AND TRUSTEES’ REPORT
INCORPORATING THE STRATEGIC REPORT 77
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NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

76

FINANCIAL REVIEW

RESULTS FOR THE YEAR

The net income and total increase to reserves for the year ended 30 September 2022 amounted to £4,613k (2021 (as restated): decrease £326k).

INCOME

Total income for the year amounted to £78,717k (£67,141k). The income was principally derived principally from UKRINERC funding for research, the operation of research infrastructure, data management and services and facilities of £57.6m (2021: £50.5m). This included income of £7,563k towards investment in tangible assets, which is the increase on prior year. A further £15.5m (2021: £12.5m) of other grant income was derived from other grants such as EU and GCRF funding.

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure for the year amounted to £74,093k (2021 (as restated): £67,025k). Staff costs accounted for £35,055k (48%) (2021: £32,701k, 49%) of expenditure in the year. The increase in staff costs compared to the prior year relates to the annual pay award.

PRIOR PERIOD ADJUSTMENT

The prior year period financial statements to 30 September 2021 have been adjusted to incorporate two adjustments. Firstly, to reclassify accrued income totalling £3,717k which had previously been netted off with deferred income on the Statement of Financial Position. There was no net impact on the total funds as a result of this adjustment. The second adjustment was to correct for a VAT liability which was identified after the 30 September 2021 results had been approved. The total liability of £1,274k to 30 September 2021 has been accrued for in the prior year adjustment, reducing the total funds by this amount. The liability relates to a VAT underpayment of £566k in the year to 30 September 2020 and an underpayment of £707k in the year to 30 September 2021.

RESERVES POSITION AND POLICY

NOC recorded a net increase in unrestricted reserves of

£6,506k (2021 (as restated): £4,295k) while there was a £812k decrease (2021: £1,526k increase) recorded in restricted reserves. This is due to the phasing of projects with income being earned on restricted projects and released as unrestricted funds to cover central overhead on projects. The restricted fixed asset reserves decreased by £1,081k (2021: £6,147k decrease) being the net of capital additions and depreciation charged during the year. There were no capital additions in the prior year so only depreciation was charged to the fixed asset restricted reserve.

It is the policy of the Trustees to ensure that an amount is held in the unrestricted reserves to mitigate against operational risk likely to materialise over any 12-month period.

On commencing its activities, NOC’s reserve policy was that a £2,000k unrestricted sustainability reserve is held for working capital to be grown by £6m over the next 5 years to cover the operational risk. In FY22 the financial and operational risk of the charity changed with some indemnities and guarantees from UKRI-NERC falling away. In addition, rising inflation saw the operational costs of the charity increase against a fixed committed income. The reserves policy was revised to increase the amount of unrestricted reserves to £7.5m needed as free cash for operational risk cover.

As at 30 September 2021 unrestricted reserves were £10,389k. During the current year the Trustees approved £7.5m to remain as available cash with the remaining £2.9m surplus was approved for investment as set out in the Investment Policy below.

INVESTMENT POLICY

The investment policy ensures that unrestricted reserves earmarked for investment opportunities are agreed, prioritised and approved in line with the NOC Strategy and Business Plan. As well as ensuring the delivery of the associated benefits and enhanced capability, whether this is financial or qualitative or both.

NOC will use the TRAC (Transparent Approach to Costing)

FEC (Full Economic Cost) as the framework for pricing all contracts and projects and so ensuring it monitors its sustainability. Under TRAC there is the Margin for Sustainability and Investment (MSI) that is built into the FEC recovery that will contribute to the unrestricted reserves annually and then become the overall investment pot and provide ongoing risk cover. It is in the interests of the charity and the beneficiaries of NOC to continue to invest in new capability and further the aims of the charity in terms of its advance of science. TRAC requires that NOC does not hold too much in the sustainability reserve and encourages continual investment using the amount over the sustainability margin. It is in the interests of the charity and the beneficiaries of NOC to continue to invest in new capability and further the aims of the charity in terms of its advance of science object.

The Board approved an investment of £750k out of unrestricted reserves in October 2021 and a further is committed to investing at least £750k each year to upgrade and replenish assets and infrastructure transferred to NOC when its activities commenced. The £7.5m of reserves held as per the Reserve Policy is to be placed on deposit to help mitigate inflationary rises to costs.

NOC is inviting business cases from staff for investment in furthering its charitable objectives. The Finance and Investment Committee consider the each case for the purposes of making a return as well as investing in the strategic aims of NOC. Investments will be kept under regular review.

TRADING SUBSIDIARY

NOC’s trading subsidiary, National Oceanography Centre Innovations Limited, was incorporated on 9 October 2019 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NOC. In the year to 30 September 2022 the subsidiary reported a loss for the financial year of £37k (2021: £65k). NOCI has a strong opportunity pipeline and a high-level certainty that this will be converted to revenue and be profit making in FY23. There is an Operating Agreement in place between the

charity and the trading subsidiary to ensure there is a structured and governed relationship. This includes detailed clauses which ensure the protection of licensed IP for the charity.

The trading subsidiary undertakes four significant areas of activity; product sales (marine data products), Events (Commercial activity only), Intellectual Property licensing (agreements) and Marine Robotic Innovation Centre – membership and renewal.

The Chair of NOC Innovations reports to the NOC Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees review the progress of the subsidiary, ensuring that the strategic objectives of the subsidiary are not in conflict with its own and that the financial return is satisfactory. One member of the NOC Board of Trustees is a member of the trading subsidiary board.

FUNDRAISING POLICY

NOC seeks to ensure all fundraising activity is conducted with due regard to the guidance of the Charity’s Commission and the Fundraising Regulator. NOC has undertaken limited fundraising activity during the year to 30 September 2022. Going forward, NOC’s approach to fundraising will be to seek support from charitable foundations, trusts and corporations through their foundations. In addition, there will be the opportunity for the public to donate via regular or one-off giving or supporting fundraising events.

PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS

Our Five-Year Strategy, and its seven interdisciplinary strategic goals, will enable us to maintain commitment and delivery of our Charitable Objectives. Detailed in the Trustees’ Report (incorporating the Strategic Report) are the activities we’ll be focusing on between 2020-25, as part of our Five-Year Strategy, and our funding framework will diversify to support this.

GOING CONCERN

NOC has put together a Five-Year Business Plan which brings together the National Capability funding from

NERC-UKRI with signed research projects and those in the pipeline. For the year 2022/23 a bottom up budgeting process was carried out reviewing the full current cost base of NOC which has been trimmed back to achieve some savings assisting with the rising inflation. As such the cost base is covered by funded projects with some resource available to deliver new projects that are in the pipeline or in early stages of bid development at present; some recruitment is likely to be needed in the coming year when current fixed term appointments end. NOC is deploying detailed resource planning to inform recruitment. As the forecast goes out to 2023/24 and beyond there is more capacity to take on new funded projects, at this time the plan starts to forecast increased income from fundraising and NOC Innovations activity. Once this takes more shape, recruitment will be planned around the skills needed to deliver new areas of activity. Taking into consideration, signed Awards for National Capability infrastructure and science facilities and services spanning the next three-five years, current indications of recommissioning for National Capability Science, previous success rates in research grant rounds with sustained bid submission and forecast of future income based on marketing analysis the indications are that NOC can continue to cover its cost base over the coming five-year period.

In conclusion there are no material uncertainties to cast doubt on NOC’s ability to continue as a going concern.

AUDITOR

The auditor, BDO LLP, has indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditor at a meeting of the Trustees.

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by

JEREMY DARROCH CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES 27 APRIL 2023

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

78

79

FINANCIAL REVIEW

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charity for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report including the Strategic Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure of the Group for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Group and the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Financial statements are published on the Charity’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the Charity’s website is the responsibility of the trustees. The Trustees’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein. Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:

JEREMY DARROCH

CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES 27 APRIL 2023

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

80

81

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT

OPINION

tional Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and appliIn our opinion, the financial statements: cable law. Our responsibilities under those standards • give a true and fair view of the state of the are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our Group’s and of the Parent Charitable Company’s report. We believe that the audit evidence we have affairs as at 30 September 2022 and of the obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a Group’s incoming resources and application of basis for our opinion.

INDEPENDENCE

We remain independent of the Group and the Parent Charitable Company in accordance with the ethical requirements relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

• have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Company’s Act 2006, Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulations 6 and 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006, as amended in 2010.

CONCLUSIONS RELATED TO GOING CONCERN

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

We have audited the financial statements of National Oceanography Centre (“the Parent Charitable Company”) and its subsidiary (“the Group”) for the year ended 30 September 2022, which comprise the consolidated statement of financial activities, the consolidated and charity balance sheets, the consolidated cash flow statement, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Group and the Parent Charitable Company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

OTHER INFORMATION

BASIS FOR OPINION

The Trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information

We conducted our audit in accordance with Interna-

included in the Annual Report and financial statements, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

OTHER COMPANIES ACT 2006 REPORTING

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

• the information given in the Trustees’ Report, which includes the Directors’ Report and the Strategic Report prepared for the purposes of Company Law, for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and

the Strategic Report and Directors’ Report, which are included in the Trustees’ Report, have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Charitable Company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic report or the Trustees’ report.

including fraud is detailed below.

concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Charitable Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

We considered those laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial statements, such as the Companies Act 2006, Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005, Charities Act 2011 and tax legislation. We evaluated management’s incentives and opportunities for fraudulent manipulation of the financial statements (including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the principal risks were related to inappropriate journal entries to manipulate financial results.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion;

AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE AUDIT OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1) (c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and report in accordance with the Acts and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Procedures performed by the audit team included:

Discussions with management and those charged with governance regarding consideration of known or suspected instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations and fraud; 

  -

Obtaining an understanding of controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities, including specific consideration of controls and accounting policies relating to significant accounting estimates;

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the Charitable Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Reviewing minutes from resource and finance committee meetings for evidence of any fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

Communicating relevant laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team members and remaining alert to any indications of fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations throughout the audit; and

EXTENT TO WHICH THE AUDIT WAS CAPABLE OF

DETECTING IRREGULARITIES, INCLUDING FRAUD

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 82 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF NOC

83

Our audit procedures were designed to respond to risks of material misstatement in the financial statements, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery, misrepresentations or through collusion. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures performed and the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we are to become aware of it.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located at the Financial Reporting Council’s (“FRC’s”) website at: https://www. frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charitable Company and the Charitable Company’s members as a body and the Charitable Company’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

DAVID I’ANSON

FOR AND ON BEHALF OF BDO LLP, SENIOR STATUTORY AUDITOR SOUTHAMPTON, UK MAY 2023

BDO LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales (with registered number OC305127).

USE OF OUR REPORT

This report is made solely to the Charitable Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006, and to the Charitable Company’s trustee, as a body, in accordance with the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Charitable Company’s members and Trustees those matters we are required to state to

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS AND TRUSTEES OF NOC

84

85

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 INCORPORATING AN INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

NOTE RESTRICTED
UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
FIXED ASSET
TOTAL
FUNDS
FUNDS
FUNDS
2022
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
INCOME FROM:
Donations, grants and legacies
1
Income from trading subsidiary
10
Other trading activities
2
Investments
3
Other income
Total incoming resources		 36,495
29,100
7,563
73,158
1,122
-
-
1,122
4,215
92
-
4,307
18
-
-
18
110
2
-
112
41,960
29,194
7,563
78,717
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds:
Expenditure from trading subsidiary
10
Charitable activities
4
Total expenditure
Net income/ (expenditure)
Transfers between funds
15
Net movement in funds
15		 1,158
-
-
1,158
40,198
27,471
5,266
72,935
41,356
27,471
5,266
74,093
604
1,723
2,297
4,624
5,902
(2,535)
(3,378)
(11)
6,506
(812)
(1,081)
4,613
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Fund balances at beginning of year
(as restated)
15
Net movement in funds
Total fund balances at 30 September 2022
15		 9,116
1,951
11,394
22,461
6,506
(812)
(1,081)
4,613
15,622
1,139
10,313
27,074

FOR COMPARATIVE PURPOSES – FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR THE PRIOR FINANCIAL YEAR

NOTE RESTRICTED
UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
FIXED ASSET
TOTAL
FUNDS
FUNDS
FUNDS
2021
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
INCOME FROM:
Donations, grants and legacies
1
Grant of assets from UKRI
1
Income from trading subsidiary
10
Other trading activities
2
Investments
3
Other income
Total incoming resources		 39,910
23,100
-
63,010
-
-
-
-
376
-
-
376
-
3,019
305
-
3,324
3
-
-
3
428
-
-
428
43,736
23,405
-
67,141
EXPENDITURE ON:
Raising funds:
Expenditure from trading subsidiary
10
Charitable activities
4
Total expenditure
Net income/ (expenditure)
Transfers between funds
15
Net movement in funds
15		 442
-
-
442
38,501
22,384
6,140
67,025
38,943
22,384
6,140
67,467
4,793
1,021
(6,140)
(326)
(498)
505
(7)
-
4,295
1,526
(6,147)
(326)
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS:
Fund balances at beginning of year
(as restated)
15
Net movement in funds
Total fund balances at 30 September 2021
15		 4,821
425
17,541
22,787
4,295
1,526
(6,147)
(326)
9,116
1,951
11,394
22,461

All amounts are derived from continuing activities during the above two periods. The consolidated statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year

The notes on pages 96 - 106 form part of these financial statements.

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 86 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2022 87

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
COMPANY NUMBER: NOTE 2022 2022 2021 2021
AS RESTATED AS RESTATED
11444362 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 8 45 574
Tangible assets 9 15,645 15,967
15,690 16,541
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks 11 583 488
Debtors 12 16,639 30,655
Cash at bank and in hand 17 43,243 42,860
60,465 74,003
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 (49,081) (68,083)
Net current assets 11,441 5,920
Net assets 16 27,074 22,461
FUNDS
Unrestricted 15 15,622 9,116
Restricted 15 1,139 1,951
Restricted fixed asset 15 10,313 11,394
Total funds 15, 21 27,074 22,461
----- End of picture text -----

CHARITY BALANCE SHEET

AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2022

----- Start of picture text -----
COMPANY NUMBER: NOTE 2022 2022 2021 2021
AS RESTATED AS RESTATED
11444362 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
FIXED ASSETS
Intangible assets 8 45 574
Tangible assets 9 15,598 15,967
Investments 10 - -
15,643 16,541
CURRENT ASSETS
Stocks 11 583 488
Debtors 12 17,773 31,161
Cash at bank and in hand 17 41,853 42,417
60,209 74,066
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 13 (48,645) (68,052)
Net current assets 11,564 6,014
Net assets 16 27,207 22,555
FUNDS
Unrestricted 15 15,755 9,210
Restricted 15 1,139 1,951
Restricted fixed asset 15 10,313 11,394
Total funds 15 27,207 22,555
----- End of picture text -----

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:

JEREMY DARROCH CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES 27 APRIL 2023

As permitted by S408 of the Companies Act 2009, the Charity has not presented its own income and expenditure account and related notes. The Charity’s surplus for the year was £4,662k (2021 (as restated): deficit £259k).

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on and signed on their behalf by:

JEREMY DARROCH CHAIR OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES 27 APRIL 2023

The notes on pages 96 - 106 form part of these financial statements.

The notes on pages 96 - 106 form part of these financial statements.

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 88 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

CONSOLIDATED & CHARITY BALANCE SHEETS AT 30 SEPTEMBER 2021

89

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

NOTE 2022
2021
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Surplus for the year
Depreciation
9
Amortisation
8
Loss on disposal of equipment
Investment income
3
Increase in stocks
11
Decrease/ (increase) in debtors
12
(Decrease)/ increase in creditors
13
Net cash provided by operating activities		 4,624
(326)
4,737
5,599
529
540
109
-
(18)
(3)
(95)
(450)
14,016
(26,248)
(19,002)
42,212
4,900
21,324
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment income
3
Purchase of tangible assets
9
Net cash (used in)/ provided by investing
activities
Increase in cash and cash equivalents in
the year
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning
of the year
17
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
the year
17		 18
3
(4,535)
(5,118)
(4,517)
(5,115)
383
16,209
42,860
26,651
43,243
42,860

The notes on pages 96 - 106 form part of these financial statements.

----- Start of picture text -----
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 91
----- End of picture text -----

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

90

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

BASIS OF PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP, 2nd Edition (FRS 102) Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

National Oceanography Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

The financial statements are prepared in Sterling, which is the functional currency of the Group. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds.

The preparation of financial statements in compliance with FRS 102 requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also requires management to exercise judgement in applying the Group’s accounting policies.

The following principal accounting policies have been applied consistently:

BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION

The Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) and Consolidated Balance Sheet consolidate the financial statements of the Company and its subsidiary undertaking. The results of the subsidiary are consolidated on a line-by-line basis.

The Parent Charitable Company has taken advantage of the exemption allowed under section 408 of the Compa-

nies Act 2006 and has not presented its own Statement of Financial Activities in these financial statements.

EXEMPTIONS FOR QUALIFYING ENTITIES UNDER FRS 102

The Parent Charitable Company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions available in FRS 102:

GOING CONCERN

The Trustees have reviewed whether it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis.

The key assumption in assessing going concern is that NOC’s key funders (UKRI and EU) have continued to pay as per their schedules, and the costs of delivery can continue to be met against rising inflation.

NOC has put together a Five-Year Business Plan which brings together the National Capability funding from NERC-UKRI with signed research projects and those in the pipeline. For the year 2022/23 a bottom up budgeting process was carried out reviewing the full current cost base of NOC which has been trimmed back to achieve some savings assisting with the rising inflation. As such the cost base is covered by funded projects with some resource available to deliver new projects that are in the pipeline or in early stages of bid development at present; some recruitment is likely to be needed in the coming year when current fixed term appointments end. NOC is deploying detailed resource planning to inform recruitment.

As the forecast goes out to 2023/24 and beyond there is more capacity to take on new funded projects, at this time the plan starts to forecast increased income from fundraising and NOC Innovations activity. Once

this takes more shape the recruitment will be planned around the skills needed to deliver new areas of activity. Taking into consideration, signed Awards for National Capability infrastructure and science facilities and services spanning the next 3-5 years, current indications of recommissioning for National Capability Science, previous success rates in research grant rounds with sustained bid submission and forecast of future income based on marketing analysis the indications are that NOC can continue to cover its cost base over the coming five-year period.

In conclusion there are no material uncertainties to cast doubt on NOC’s ability to continue as a going concern.

INCOME

All income is recognised once the Group has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the year is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued. Donations and grants for particular purposes are included in income as restricted funds.

Where grants relate to donated fixed assets, they are measured at fair value, unless it is impractical to measure this reliably, in which case the cost of the item to the donor is used. The gain is recognised as income from donations and a corresponding amount is included in the appropriate fixed asset class and depreciated over the useful economic life, in accordance with the Group’s accounting policies.

Investment income relates to interest on funds held on deposit and is included when receivable and the amount

can be measured reliably by the Group; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

Incoming resources from charitable trading activity are accounted for when earned.

Where a contract for services is performed gradually over time the revenue is recognised as the activity progresses. The amount of revenue reflects the costs incurred up to the balance sheet date.

All other income is recognised on an accruals basis once the Group is legally entitled to receipt.

EXPENDITURE

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity.

Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the Charity and its assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.

All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

FOREIGN CURRENCIES

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at rates of exchange ruling at the reporting date.

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate ruling on the date of the transaction.

Exchange gains and losses are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND AMORTISATION

Intangible assets are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable, and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, intangible assets are measured at cost less any accumulated amortisation and any accumulated impairment losses.

At each reporting date the Charity assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

Amortisation is provided on intangible assets at rates calculated to write off the cost of each asset on a straightline basis over its expected useful life.

The estimated useful lives are as follows:

TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised and recognised when future economic benefits are probable, and the cost or value of the asset can be measured reliably.

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Assets in the course of construction are included at costs incurred to date. Depreciation on these assets is not charged until they are brought into use.

At each reporting date the Charity assesses whether there is any indication of impairment. If such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined to be the higher of its fair value less costs to sell and its value in use. An impairment loss is recognised where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount.

Depreciation is charged on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives.

Depreciation is provided on the following bases:

The assets’ residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted prospectively if appropriate, or if there is an indication of a significant change since the last reporting date.

Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing the proceeds with the carrying amount and are recognised in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities.

INVESTMENTS

Investments in subsidiaries are valued at cost less provision for impairment.

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

92

93

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

STOCKS

Stocks comprise of fuel held in storage for vessels and ship bond stock. Fuel stock is recorded at cost. Ship bond stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving stocks.

DEBTORS

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

Work in progress reflects the costs incurred to balance sheet date on a contract for services.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

LIABILITIES AND PROVISIONS

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Group anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Group only 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 their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

OPERATING LEASES

Rentals paid under operating leases are charged to

the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

PENSIONS

The Group operates a defined contribution pension scheme, and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Group to the fund in respect of the year. The Group is also participating in a multi-employer plan with The National Environmental Research Council which is a defined benefit scheme funded from annual grant in aid on a pay as you go basis. It is not possible for the Group to obtain sufficient information to enable it to account for the plan as a defined benefit plan, it therefore accounts for the plan as a defined contribution plan.

FUND ACCOUNTING

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted fixed asset funds represent the moveable assets of the National Oceanography Centre, being the plant, equipment (including IT equipment), libraries, stocks, inventory and consumables of the operation. Without them the National Oceanography Centre could not operate. They are shown separately to other unrestricted funds due to the size and importance of these assets to the National Oceanography Centre.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

GIFT AID DONATIONS MADE TO THE CHARITY

Donations made by the subsidiary to the Parent Charity are recognised as income in the charity either when paid or at the date when the subsidiary has a legal liability to make the donation payment if earlier.

RESEARCH VESSELS

NOC operates and manages two research vessels owned by UKRI under a bareboat charter at peppercorn rates. The terms of the bareboat charter do not meet the definition of a lease and, due to the unique nature of the vessels, it is not possible to reasonably quantify the value ascribed to the ownership and operation of them.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES & AREAS OF JUDGEMENT

Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS

The Group makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.

CRITICAL AREAS OF JUDGEMENT

Depreciation is a key estimate in the accounts which requires management judgement over the useful life of the assets and the residual values. The policy has been set out in the notes above.

----- Start of picture text -----
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 95
----- End of picture text -----

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 94 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

1 INCOME FROM DONATIONS, GRANTS AND LEGACIES

RESTRICTED

RESTRICTED
UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
FIXED ASSET
TOTAL
TOTAL
FUNDS
FUNDS
FUNDS
FUNDS
FUNDS
2022
2022
2022
2022
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
DONATIONS
Other donations -
19
-
19
28
-
19
-
19
28
INCOME FROM GRANTS
UKRI NERC grant
UKRI other grants
Other grants		 21,731
28,342
7,563
57,636
50,505
6,072
278
-
6,350
3,118
8,692
461
-
9,153
9,359
36,495
29,081
7,563
73,139
62,982
36,495
29,100
7,563
73,158
63,010

2 INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

----- Start of picture text -----
UNRESTRICTED RESTRICTED TOTAL TOTAL
FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS FUNDS
2022 2022 2022 2021
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
----- End of picture text -----

UNRESTRICTED
RESTRICTED
TOTAL
TOTAL
FUNDS
FUNDS
FUNDS
FUNDS
2022
2022
2022
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Rental
Disbursements
Maintenance and repairs income
Bond sales
Ship charter income
Other trading income		 1,767
-
1,767
696
1,025
-
1,025
1,539
1,407
16
1,423
1,008
-
51
51
56
-
-
-
-
16
25
41
25
4,215
92
4,307
3,324

4 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

STAFF
VESSEL
RESEARCH
ESTATE
COSTS
COSTS
COSTS
COSTS
2022
2022
2022
2022		 DEPRE-
OTHER
CIATION
COSTS
TOTAL
TOTAL
2022
2022
2022
2021
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000		 £'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN DIRECTLY
Scientific research
Support costs:
- Operations & finance staff
- Management, operations & facilities costs
- Depreciation
- Governance costs		 24,874
9,561
2,542
3,105
10,181
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,507
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 4,037
7,424
51,543
48,019
-
-
10,181
9,405
-
6,222
9,729
7,984
1,229
-
1,229
1,446
-
253
253
171
35,055
9,561
2,542
6,612		 5,266
13,899
72,935
67,025
TOTAL
TOTAL
FUNDS
FUNDS
2022
2021
£'000
£'000
ANALYSIS OF GOVERNANCE COSTS
Audit fees:
- Audit of financial statements
- Other fees paid to auditors
Trustee remuneration and expenses
Legal and professional fees
Finance costs		 98
83
28
29
9
6
102
41
16
12
253
171

Total expenditure on charitable activities for the year was £72,935 (2021 (as restated): £67,025k). Of that expenditure £40,198k (2021(as restated): £38,501k) was unrestricted, £27,471k (2021: £22,384k) was restricted and £5,266k (2021:

£6,140k) was restricted fixed asset funds.

3 INVESTMENT INCOME

3 INVESTMENT INCOME
UNRESTRICTED
TOTAL
TOTAL
FUNDS
FUNDS
FUNDS
2022
2022
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
Bank interest
18
18
3

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 96 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

97

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

5 NET INCOME

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£'000 £'000
NET INCOME IS STATED AFTER CHARGING:
----- End of picture text -----

Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 4,737 5,599
Amortisation of intangible fixed assets 529 540
Loss on disposal of equipment 109 -
Auditors’ remuneration:
- Audit fees 98 83
- Non-audit fees 28 29
(Gain) / Loss on foreign exchange (173) 166

6 STAFF COSTS

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
GROUP AND CHARITY £'000 £'000
----- End of picture text -----

GROUP AND CHARITY 2022
2021
£'000
£'000
Wages and salaries
National insurance contributions
Pension costs		 27,556
25,139
2,871
2,559
4,628
5,003
35,055
32,701

During the year there were redundancy costs of £378k (2021: £247k) which were paid to 23 (2021: 25) members of staff. Of these 9 (2021: 17) were statutory redundancy pay and 14 (2021: 9) were severance pay.

The number of employees for the year was as follows:

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
GROUP AND CHARITY £'000 £'000
----- End of picture text -----

GROUP AND CHARITY 2022
2021
£'000
£'000
Science and research staff
Fundraising staff
Operations and finance staff
Engineers and technicians
Mariners		 237
241
4
3
201
198
119
108
86
88
647
638

6 STAFF COSTS (CONTINUED)

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:
2022 2021
NUMBER NUMBER
£60,001 - £70,000 28 22
£70,001 - £80,000 10 6
£80,001 - £90,000 5 4
£90,001 - £100,000 1 -
£100,001 - £110,000 - 1
£110,001 - £120,000 2 2
£120,001 - £130,000 - -
£130,001 - £140,000 - -
£140,001 - £150,000 1 -
2022 2021
£'000 £'000
Key management personnel salaries (inc. pensions)
(Key management personnel are the Senior Management Team, 438 414
listed as the Executive Committee on page 11 of this report)

7 TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

During the year, one Trustee (David John Gee) received £9 k (2021: £5.5k) in relation to remuneration or other benefits.

The remuneration was agreed and provided under a provision in the governing document of the Charity. Remuneration was provided due to the Trustees’ role as the Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee, which requires a range of specialist knowledge and experience and has a wide remit in terms of the role that the Trustee is required to provide. No other benefits were provided.

During the year ended 30 September 2022, one Trustee was reimbursed £0.5k (2021: £nil k) for expenses in relation to travel and subsistence.

During the year indemnity insurance of £47 k (2021: £66k) was purchased in respect of all the Trustees and Officers of the Charity.

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 98 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

99

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

8 INTANGIBLE ASSETS

8 INTANGIBLE ASSETS
GROUP AND CHARITY COMPUTER SOFTWARE
AND TOTAL
£'000
At 1 October 2021
Additions
At 30 September 2022		 1,609
-
1,609
AMORTISATION
At 1 October 2021
Charge for the year
At 30 September 2022		 1,035
529
1,564
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2022
At 30 September 2021		 45
574

9 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

9 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
GROUP SCIENTIFIC
MARINE
FIXTURES
COMPUTER
PLANT &
EQUIPMENT
POOL
& FITTINGS
EQUIPMENT
MACHINERY
TOTAL
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
COST OR VALUATION
At 1 October 2021
Additions
Disposals
At 30 September 2022		 16,826
7,759
122
1,524
1,945
28,176
1,932
1,693
47
565
345
4,582
(273)
(11)
(122)
(7)
(4)
(417)
18,485
9,441
47
2,082
2,286
32,341
DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2021
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 30 September 2022		 7,359
2,958
49
845
998
12,209
2,901
1,137
26
292
381
4,737
(100)
(75)
(75)
-
-
(250)
10,160
4,020
-
1,137
1,379
16,696
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2022
At 30 September 2021		 8,325
5,421
47
945
907
15,645
9,467
4,801
73
679
947
15,967

9 TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS (CONTINUED)

CHARITY SCIENTIFIC
MARINE
FIXTURES
COMPUTER
PLANT &
EQUIPMENT
POOL
& FITTINGS
EQUIPMENT
MACHINERY
TOTAL
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
COST OR VALUATION
At 1 October 2021
Additions
Disposals
At 30 September 2022		 16,826
7,759
122
1,524
1,945
28,176
1,932
1,693
-
565
345
4,672
(273)
(11)
(122)
(7)
(4)
(417)
18,485
9,441
-
2,082
2,286
32,294
DEPRECIATION
At 1 October 2021
Charge for the year
On disposals
At 30 September 2022		 7,359
2,958
49
845
998
12,209
2,901
1,137
26
292
381
4,737
(100)
(75)
(75)
-
-
(250)
10,160
4,020
-
1,137
1,379
16,696
NET BOOK VALUE
At 30 September 2022
At 30 September 2021		 8,325
5,421
-
945
907
15,598
9,467
4,801
73
679
947
15,967

10 FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS

The addition in the year related to 100% of the share capital on incorporation of National Oceanography Centre Innovations Limited on the 9th October 2019 at the cost of £1.

PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES

The following was a subsidiary undertaking of the Charity:

NAME COMPANY NUMBER REGISTERED OFFICE OR
PRINCIPAL PLACE OF
BUSINESS		 PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY CLASS OF SHARES HOLDING
National Oceanography Development of products
National Oceanography
Centre Innovations Limited		 12250763 Centre, European Way,
Southampton, United		 and services based on the
output of ocean science		 Ordinary 100%
Kingdom, SO14 3ZH research and engineering
2022 2021
£’000 £’000
Income 1,122 376
Expenditure (1,158) (442)
Net liabilities (36) (66)

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 100 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

101

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

11 STOCKS

14 DEFERRED INCOME

----- Start of picture text -----
2022 2021
£’000 £’000
----- End of picture text -----

2022
2021
£’000
£’000
Marine fuel
Ship bond		 546
432
37
56
583
488

The difference between purchase price or production cost of stocks and their replacement cost is not material.

14 DEFERRED INCOME
GROUP
GROUP
CHARITY
CHARITY
2022
2021
2022
2021
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
At 1 October
Released to income
Amounts deferred in year
Carried forward		 59,672
14.413
59,655
14,333
(72,043)
(55,938)
(72,027)
(60,401)
49,897
101,197
49,683
105,723
37,526
59,672
37,311
59,655

During the year there was no impairment to the value of stock (2021 - £Nil).

Deferred income relates to grant income, including research grants, which are received in advance of specific conditions being met. The income is shown as deferred until those conditions are fully satisfied.

12 DEBTORS

12 DEBTORS
GROUP
GROUP
CHARITY
CHARITY
2022
2021
2022
2021
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Trade debtors
Group debtors
Prepayments
Accrued income
Other debtors		 10,705
23,598
10,577
23,424
-
-
1,360
680
1,505
1,555
1,505
1,555
4,337
5,433
4,239
5,433
92
69
92
69
16,639
30,655
17,773
31,161

During the year there was no impairment to the value of debtors in relation to bad debt provisions (2021 - £Nil).

13 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

----- Start of picture text -----
GROUP GROUP CHARITY CHARITY
2022 2021 2022 2021
AS RESTATED AS RESTATED
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
----- End of picture text -----

Trade creditors
Due to Marine and EU partners
Pension accrual
Social security and other taxes
Accruals
Deferred income (see note 14)		 1,861
1,427
1,861
1,427
3,347
2,366
3,347
2,366
268
207
268
207
2,062
1,335
1,851
1,335
4,017
3,076
4,007
3,061
37,526
59,672
37,311
59,655
49,081
68,083
48,645
68,051

15 FUNDS

15 FUNDS
GROUP BALANCE AT
BALANCE AT
30 SEPTEMBER
30 SEPTEMBER
2021
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
TRANSFERS
2022
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General unrestricted:
Unrestricted funds
Total unrestricted funds		 9,116
41,960
(41,356)
5,902
15,622
9,116
41,960
(41,356)
5,902
15,622
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Restricted funds
Restricted fixed asset funds
Total restricted funds
Total funds		 1,951
29,194
(27,471)
(2,535)
1,139
11,394
7,563
(5,266)
(3,378)
10,313
13,345
36,757
(32,737)
(5,913)
11,452
22,461
78,717
(74,093)
(11)
27,074

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

102

103

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

15 FUNDS (CONTINUED)

15 FUNDS (CONTINUED)
CHARITY BALANCE AT
BALANCE AT
30 SEPTEMBER
30 SEPTEMBER
2021
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
TRANSFERS
2022
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General unrestricted:
Unrestricted funds
Total unrestricted funds		 9,210
40,838
(40,198)
5,905
15,755
9,210
40,838
(40,198)
5,905
15,755
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Restricted funds
Restricted fixed asset funds
Total restricted funds
Total funds		 1,951
29,194
(27,471)
(2,535)
1,139
11,394
7,563
(5,266)
(3,378)
10,313
13,345
36,757
(32,737)
(5,913)
11,452
22,555
77,595
(72,935)
(8)
27,207
GROUP BALANCE AT
BALANCE AT
30 SEPTEMBER
30 SEPTEMBER
2020
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
TRANSFERS
2021
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Designated:
Long Term Maintenance
General unrestricted:
Unrestricted funds
Total unrestricted funds		 (1,042)
-
-
1,042
-
5,863
43,736
(38,943)
(1,540)
9,116
4,821
43,736
(38,943)
(498)
9,116
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Restricted funds
Restricted fixed asset funds
Total restricted funds
Total funds		 425
23,405
(22,384)
505
1,951
17,541
-
(6,140)
(7)
11,394
17,966
23,405
(28,524)
498
13,345
22,787
67,141
(67,467)
-
22,461

15 FUNDS (CONTINUED)

15 FUNDS (CONTINUED)
CHARITY BALANCE AT
BALANCE AT
30 SEPTEMBER
30 SEPTEMBER
2020
INCOME
EXPENDITURE
TRANSFERS
2021
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Designated:
Long Term Maintenance
General unrestricted:
Unrestricted funds
Total unrestricted funds		 (1,042)
-
-
1,042
-
5,891
43,360
(38,501)
(1,540)
9,210
4,849
43,360
(38,501)
(498)
9,210
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Restricted funds
Restricted fixed asset funds
Total restricted funds
Total funds		 425
23,405
(22,384)
505
1,951
17,541
-
(6,140)
(7)
11,394
17,966
23,405
(28,524)
498
13,345
22,815
66,765
(67,025)
-
23,121

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Group and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes.

The aim and use of each designated fund are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Group for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund.

Restricted funds comprise of NMF ship operating income, charter income balance and NMEP capital replacement.

Restricted fixed asset funds are funds for the sole use of acquiring the moveable assets of NOC on the 1 November 2019 and the expenditure is the subsequent depreciation of these assets.

16 NET ASSETS

16 NET ASSETS
GROUP FIXED
CURRENT
CURRENT
ASSETS
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
TOTAL
2022
2022
2022
2022
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
General unrestricted
Restricted
Restricted fixed asset		 47
51,435
(35,860)
15,622
5,330
9,030
(13,221)
1,139
10,313
-
10,313
15,690
60,465
(49,081)
27,074

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 104 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

105

16 NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)

16 NET ASSETS (CONTINUED)
GROUP FIXED
CURRENT
CURRENT
ASSETS
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
TOTAL
2021
2021
2021
2021
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
CHARITY
General unrestricted
Restricted
Restricted fixed asset		 -
21,368
(12,252)
9,116
5,147
52,635
(55,831)
1,951
11,394
-
-
11,394
16,541
74,003
(68,083)
22,461
FIXED
CURRENT
CURRENT
ASSETS
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
TOTAL
2022
2022
2022
2022
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
General unrestricted
Restricted
Restricted fixed asset
CHARITY		 -
51,179
(35,424)
15,755
5,330
9,030
(13,221)
1,139
10,313
-
-
10,313
15,643
60,209
(48,645)
27,207
FIXED
CURRENT
CURRENT
ASSETS
ASSETS
LIABILITIES
TOTAL
2021
2021
2021
2021
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
AS RESTATED
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
General unrestricted
Restricted
Restricted fixed asset		 -
21,431
(12,221)
9,210
5,147
52,635
(55,831)
1,951
11,394
-
-
11,394
16,541
74,066
(68,052)
22,555

17 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

17 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
GROUP
GROUP
CHARITY
CHARITY
2022
2021
2022
2021
£'000
£'000
£'000
£'000
Cash at bank
43,243
42,860
41,853
42,417

18 ANALYSIS OF NET FUNDS

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AT AT
1 OCTOBER 30 SEPTEMBER
2021 CASH FLOWS 2022
GROUP
Bank and cash balances 42,860 383 43,243
CHARITY
Bank and cash balances 42,417 (564) 41,853
AT AT
1 OCTOBER 30 SEPTEMBER
2020 CASH FLOWS 2021
GROUP
Bank and cash balances 26,651 16,209 42,860
CHARITY
Bank and cash balances 26,467 15,950 42,417
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19 PENSION COMMITMENTS

UKRI-NERC employees are entitled to be members of the Research Council’s Pension Scheme which is a defined benefit scheme funded from annual grant-in-aid and pay-as-you-go basis. The pension scheme is contributory and is administered by the Research Council’s Joint Superannuation Service.

The scheme is a multi-employer scheme, for which a separate Research Council’s Pension Scheme account is published. NERC are unable to identify their share of the underlying assets and liabilities and those relating to NOC. Employees who joined after 1 November 2019 are entitled to be members of the National Oceanography Centre Group Pension Scheme. This is a defined contribution pension scheme administered by Legal and General. Contributions for the year were employer’s 10% and employees a minimum of 5%.

The pension costs charge for the year represents contributions payable to the schemes and amounted to £4,628 k (2021: £5,003k).

NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE 106 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

107

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

20 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The Charity recharged employment costs of £514k (2021: £307k) to National Oceanography Centre Innovations Limited, its subsidiary and also incurred costs of £616k (2021: £134k) on behalf of its subsidiary.

At the year end the Charity was owed £1,360k (2021: £680k) by National Oceanography Centre Innovations Limited. Transactions with Trustees are detailed in note 15.

21 PRIOR PERIOD ADJUSTMENT

The comparative figures for the year ended 30 September 2021 have been restated to correct two errors.

Firstly, debtors and creditors due within one year in the Consolidated and Charity Balance Sheets have been restated to recognise accrued income totalling £5,433k which had previously been netted off with deferred income. There is no impact on net current assets, total funds or net income as a result of this adjustment. Although there is no cash impact, the reconciliation of the deficit/(surplus) for the year to the net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended 30 September 2021 in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been restated for the amended movements in debtors and creditors.

The second correction is to recognise a VAT liability identified after the 30 September 2021 financial statements had been approved. Accounting for VAT is complex given the Charity’s mixture of taxable, exempt, and non-business income and a review commissioned by the Trustees identified historic discrepancies that have been corrected in these financial statements. Creditors as at 30 September 2021 in the Consolidated and Charity Balance Sheets have been increased by £1,273k from the amounts previously stated, with total funds reduced by the same amount. Unrestricted expenditure on charitable activities for the year ended 30 September 2021 in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Activities has been increased by £707k from the amount previously stated, with net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds restated accordingly. Because some of the VAT liability relates to before 1 October 2020, the unrestricted fund balance at the beginning of the comparative year has been reduced by £566k. Consequently, fund balances at 30 September 2021 have been reduced by £1,273k. Again, there is no impact on cash flows, but the reconciliation of the deficit/(surplus) for the year to the net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended 30 September 2021 in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows has been restated for the revised net expenditure for the year and amended movement in creditors.

£’000
ADJUSTMENT 1 -
RECLASSIFICATION OF ACCRUED INCOME
Increase in Debtors - Accrued Income
Increase in Creditors - Deferred Income		 5,433
(5,433)
ADJUSTMENT 2 -
RECOGNITION OF VAT LIABILITY
Increase in Creditors - Social Security and Other Taxes
Total Reduction in Fund Balance at 30 September 2021		 (1,273)
(1,273)

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109
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NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22

108

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NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE
110 ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 21-22
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The National Oceanography Centre is one of the world’s top oceanographic institutions. We provide the UK’s National Capability needed to be a top global player, to lead and participate in international co-operations. We undertake world leading research in large scale oceanography and ocean measurement technology innovation; working with government and business to turn great science and technology into advice and applications. We support scientists in universities and research institutes with facilities, research infrastructure and irreplaceable data assets – enabling the UK to harness the full power and diversity of its ocean science talent.

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