Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 01 April 2024 To 31 March 2025
Charity name:
International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease | DOHaD
Charity registration number: 1190519
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | The International DOHaD Society is dedicated to advancing the understanding of the developmental origins of health and disease on a global scale. Its mission centres on fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and supporting research that aims to improve lifelong health outcomes through early-life interventions. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
In accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, the trustees confirm that all activities undertaken during the reporting period were directed towards advancing the Society’s charitable purpose: the promotion of research, education, and understanding relating to the developmental origins of health and disease. During the year, the Society delivered a programme of scientific and educational activities designed to disseminate knowledge and support capacity building within the global DOHaD community. This included the organisation of scientific meetings, online educational events, and training opportunities, all provided through the Society’s digital-first model to maximise accessibility. |
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| The Society contributed to public benefit by supporting the coordination and development of regional DOHaD networks, facilitating international collaboration, and offering grants and mobility awards to early career researchers to enable participation in research and professional development opportunities. Further public benefit was delivered through the ongoing publication of the Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (JDOHaD), through which peer-reviewed scientific evidence is disseminated to researchers, practitioners, policy makers, and the wider public. The trustees are satisfied that these activities collectively advanced the Society’s aims and delivered clear public benefit in line with its charitable objectives. |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | Trustees have all had regard to the guidance issued by the Commission on public benefit. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment Para 1.38 including program related investment Contribution made by Para 1.38 volunteers Other
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Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | During the reporting period, the Society delivered a remarkable programme of activity that significantly advanced its mission and strengthened its position as a global leader in early‑life science. As a fully online charity, the Society continued to champion inclusive participation, enabling researchers, practitioners, and advocates from more than 50 countries to contribute to a vibrant and equitable international community grounded in scientific integrity and collaboration. A major highlight of the year was the successful delivery of the 13th World Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, which brought together global experts despite ongoing travel challenges. The Congress showcased the depth and breadth of DOHaD science, featuring 485 accepted abstracts and 60 oral presentations, and served as a powerful catalyst for international exchange, partnership, and innovation. Alongside this flagship event, the Society expanded its educational and capacity‑building efforts through a global webinar series, new short courses, and a strengthened programme of support for regional development. Notably, the year saw the launch of DOHaD India and the European DOHaD Society, both marking significant milestones in the expansion of the global DOHaD network. Early career researchers benefited from targeted support through travel grants and the prestigious Brain Mobility Award, helping to cultivate the next generation of scientific leadership. The Society’s journal, the Journal of Developmental Origins of Health and Disease |
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(JDOHaD), achieved strong performance, reporting increased income and notable citation gains, with an Impact Factor of 1.5 and a CiteScore of 4.1. Its growth reflects the journal’s rising influence and the increasing recognition of DOHaD research worldwide. The Society also advanced its commitment to environmental responsibility, operating ‑ through a digital first, paperless model that enhances both sustainability and accessibility. Membership continued its upward trajectory, reaching 705 individuals across more than 50 countries, with over 30% based in Low‑ and Middle‑Income Countries (LMICs). Regional activities, mentorship programmes, and collaborative research initiatives further deepened global engagement and broadened the Society’s impact across diverse contexts and communities. Collectively, these achievements underscore a year of significant progress, strengthened global presence, and meaningful contributions to the advancement of early‑life science and its potential to improve lifelong health worldwide.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against Para 1.41 objectives set Performance of fundraising Para 1.41 activities against objectives set Investment performance Para 1.41 against objectives Other
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Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The financial year was characterised by typical high expenditure in the lead-up to the International DOHaD Congress, while the income from the congress itself had not yet been realised. Total income for the year amounted to £35,226, derived mainly from membership subscriptions, journal income, Gift Aid, webinars, and interest. Expenditure totalled £63,332, reflecting costs associated with administration, website development, membership processing, consultancy, legal fees, travel awards, and workshops. The year- end balance stood at £50,186, a decrease from £78,292 at the start of the year, which is consistent with the Society’s pattern of increased spending before major events. Accounts are managed by the Finance Officer and audited by an external auditor, with Gift Aid claimed from HMRC. The Society maintains reserves to ensure financial stability and to support ongoing activities, particularly in years with major events. Principal funding sources include membership fees, journal income, Gift Aid, and event-related income, while funds are held in medium-term savings accounts to generate interest. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The Society's governing Council has approved a reserves policy, carefully crafted based on both known and potential liabilities of the Society. This policy serves as a strategic guide for managing reserves. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Currently set at £30,337 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | Not applicable |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | Not applicable |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | There are no uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern. |
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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: The charity’s principal Para 1.47 sources of funds (including any fundraising) Investment policy and Para 1.46 objectives including any social investment policy adopted A description of the principal Para 1.46 risks facing the charity Other
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 |
Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g., unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | Charitable Incorporated Organisation (Association Model) |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g., election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | 1. Elections are held biennially, to elect one- third of the charity trustees, thus replacing each charity trustee every six years. If the number of charity trustees is not three or a multiple of three, then the number nearest to one-third shall retire from office but if there is only one charity trustee, he or she shall retire. 2. The charity trustees to retire by rotation shall be those who have been longest in office since their last appointment or reappointment. If any trustees were last appointed or reappointed on the same day those to retire shall (unless they otherwise agree among themselves) be determined by lot. 3. Elections are held by an electronic mail process completed not later than the end of June in the relevant year. Charity trustees shall hold office from the conclusion of the next scientific meeting after the election. Serving charity trustees may be re-elected. If any charity trustee should retire mid-term, interim elections may be held. |
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- The date of any election shall be notified by the Secretary in a call for nominations. The call for nominations shall precede the ballot by at least 28 days and ballot papers shall be circulated 14 days in advance if posts are contested. The names of those elected shall be circulated to members or announced at the AGM. 5. The charity trustees may in addition appoint not more than 2 co-opted charity trustees but so that no-one may be appointed as a co-opted member if, as a result, more than one third of the charity trustees would be co-opted. Each appointment of a co-opted member shall be made at a special meeting of the charity trustees called under clause 19(c) and shall take effect from the end of that meeting unless the appointment is to fill a place which has not been vacated in which case the appointment shall run from the date when the post becomes vacant. 6. The members of the CIO or the charity trustees may at any time decide to appoint a new charity trustee, whether in place of a charity trustee who has retired or been removed in accordance with clause 15 (Retirement and removal of charity trustees), or as an additional charity trustee, provided that the limit specified in clause 12(3) on the number of charity trustees would not as a result be exceeded. 7. A person so appointed by the members of the CIO shall retire in accordance with the provisions of sub-clauses (2) and (3) of this clause. A person so appointed by the charity trustees shall retire at the conclusion of the next annual general meeting after the date of his or her appointment, and shall not be counted for the purpose of determining which of the charity trustees is to retire by rotation at that meeting.
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Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures Para 1.51 adopted for the induction and training of trustees The charity’s organisational Para 1.51 structure and any wider network with which the charity works Relationship with any related Para 1.51 parties Other
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | International Society for Developmental Origins of Health and Disease |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | DOHaD Society |
| Registered charity number | 1190519 |
| Charity’s principal address | MRC LifeCourse Epidemiology Centre University of Southampton Southampton General Hospital Southampton, SO16 6YD |
| Charity’s postal address | DOHaD Society KCL Dept Women and Children’s Health 10th Floor, North Wing St Thomas’ Hospital Westminster Bridge Road London, SE1 7EH |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Professor Lucilla Poston | President | |||
| Professor Nuruddin Mohammed | Secretary | |||
| Professor Torsten Plösch | Treasurer | |||
| Professor Caroline Fall | Trustee | |||
| Professor Mark Hanson | Trustee | |||
| Professor Shane Norris | Trustee |
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Corporate trustees – names of the directors at the date the report was approved N/A
Director name
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity N/A Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets held in this capacity No assets are held by the Society in this capacity
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this N/A falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets N/A from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of adviser Name Address
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Professor Lucilla Poston (President) Professor Nuruddin Mohammed (Secretary) Professor Torsten Plösch (Treasurer)
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
N/A
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Other optional information
N/A
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Professor Lucilla Poston Professor Torsten Plösch Position (e.g., Secretary, Treasurer Chair, etc)[President ] Date 28th January 2026
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||THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR DEVELOPMENTAL
ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE | DOHAD|THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR DEVELOPMENTAL
ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE | DOHAD|THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR DEVELOPMENTAL
ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE | DOHAD|THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR DEVELOPMENTAL
ORIGINS OF HEALTH AND DISEASE | DOHAD|CC16a|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||For the period
from|01/04/2024|To|||
|||||||
|Section A Receipts and payments||||||
|A1 Receipts|Unrestricted
funds
to the nearest £
20,273
593
11,959
-
-
-
1,949
452
35,226
-
-
-
35,226
12,175
7,750
-
17,620
-
2,953
750
963
900
18,447
1,041
233
500
-
63,332
-
-
-
63,332
- 28,106
-
78,292
50,186|Restricted
funds
to the nearest £
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-|Endowment
funds
to the nearest £|Total funds
to the nearest £
20,273
593
11,959
-
-
-
1,949
452
35,226
-
-
-
35,226
12,175
7,750
-
17,620
-
2,953
750
963
900
18,447
1,041
233
500
-
63,332
-
-
-
63,332
- 28,106|Last year
to the nearest £|
|Membership subscriptions (standard,
student & affiliate)|20,273||-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-||20,420|
|HMRC Gift Aid received|593||||723|
|DOHaD Journal income|11,959||||8,313|
|Congress Income & TaxRefunds|-||||43,603|
|Sponsorships for DOHaD Congress 2022
travel awards|-||||-|
|Donations|-||||-|
|Interest received|1,949||||929|
|Webinars & Short courses|452||||2,220|
|Sub total(Gross income for AR)|35,226||||76,208|
|||||||
|A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).||||||
||-||-
-
-|||
||-||||-|
|Sub total|-||||-|
|Total receipts
A3 Payments||||||
||||-||76,208|
|||||||
|Administration including teleconference
charges, promotional materials & secretariat
support|12,175||-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-||19,877|
|Travel awards|7,750||||-|
|Brain mobilityaward|-||||3,000|
|Web & journal promotion of Society
objectives|17,620||||2,697|
|DOHaD Congress 2022 expenditure|-||||-|
|DOHaD Chapters Membership processing|2,953||||-|
|Workshopsupport awards|750||||4,750|
|Bank charges|963||||1,085|
|Accountingfees|900||||900|
|Legal andprofessional fees|18,447||||-|
|Insurance|1,041||||988|
|Sundries|233||||116|
|Courses Honorariums|500||||800|
||-||||-|
|Sub total |63,332||||34,213|
|||||||
|A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)||||||
||-||-
-
-||-|
||-||||-|
|Sub total |-||||-|
|Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A5 Transfers between funds
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end||||||
||||-||34,213|
|||||||
||- 28,106||
-||41,995|
||-||-
-|-
78,292|-|
||78,292||||36,297|
||50,186||
-|50,186|78,292|
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
28/01/2026
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| Section B Statement of | assets and liabilities at the end of the period | assets and liabilities at the end of the period | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Categories Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details Details Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) Details DOHaD Society general funds Details Signature |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ 50,186 - - - - - 50,186 - OK OK Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Professor Torsten Plösch Professor Nuruddin Mohammed |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| OK | |||
| Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
|||
| Date of approval |
|||
| Professor Torsten Plösch | 29-Jul-25 | ||
| Professor Nuruddin Mohammed | 31-Jul-25 |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
28/01/2026
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The International Society for Developmental Origins of Health Disease (DOHaD) Independent Examiner's Report for the year ending 31st March 2025
Report to the Trustees of: DOHaD Charity No: 1190519
Accounts for the Year ended 31st March 2025.
Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner
The Charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act), and that an independent examination is needed
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act,
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under
-
section 145 (5)(b) of the 2011 Act), and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An
examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently. No opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent Examiner's Statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
-
1 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act: and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent s examination, have not been met; or
-
2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for this report
Signed Date 7th October 2025 Name Mrs J Crouch
Relevant Professional Qualification or Body
Association of Accounting Technicians Address 12 Bramble Rise Cobhan, Surrey KT11 2HP
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