Annual Report for period 1 November 2024 - 31 October 2025
Registered charity number: 1191998
A Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered on 27 October 2020
Registered Address: 5 Brayford Square, London, E1 0SG
WHO WE ARE
History
The Polar Citizen Science Collective (also known as the Polar Collective) was first conceived by a group of polar guides who saw the unfulfilled potential of the polar expedition cruise industry to act as a platform for science and data collection. In the mid-2010s, travelling in historically data-deficient and prohibitively expensive waters in which to run data collection, these guides were independently running their own projects, using cruise ship passengers as a resource and teaching them how to collect data alongside the guides. With this principle of guide led citizen science, relatively tricky data collection projects that required training and expertise could be undertaken. These independent guides met each other through field staff conferences and chose to combine their efforts, eventually founding the Polar Citizen Science Collective.
The Organisation
Our objects are, for the public benefit, to advance and promote scientific knowledge, understanding and education on any aspect of polar regions and related areas, in particular but not exclusively, environmental protection and improvement, by initiating, facilitating, co-ordinating and encouraging international scientific research activity in polar regions. The charity is governed by a trust deed.
The Polar Citizen Science Collective (also known as the Polar Collective) unites tour operators, scientists, polar guides and travellers to enable research and education through citizen science. High costs and the complexity of access to the polar regions are often prohibitive to Arctic and Antarctic research. Meanwhile, an extensive network of ship and land-based tour operators, carrying engaged polar travellers, is under-utilised for the purposes of science.
We aim to support the needs of the polar science community by engaging travellers in data collection projects.
The Polar Collective is endorsed by the Southern Ocean Observing System. The SOOS mission is to facilitate the collection and delivery of essential observations on dynamics and change of Southern Ocean systems to all international stakeholders (researchers, governments, industries), through design, advocacy and implementation of cost-effective observing and data delivery systems.
While citizen science is a key method by which we aim to collect data, we also support other scientific projects that could be carried out aboard polar tourism vessels, whether by carrying trained scientists and observers or by instrumentation of the ships themselves.
The primary ways in which we support citizen science is by creating training materials, promoting projects to tour operators, explaining how to integrate these projects into daily operations and by providing coordination between data collection teams and project leads. We also undertake outreach to the science community to advertise the existence of what has the potential to be the greatest oceanic research fleet on the planet, and to generate new data collection projects. Finally, we work directly with scientists to assist them in creating projects suitable for placement within polar tour operations.
The trustees believe that they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the guidance on public benefit published by the commission in exercising their powers or duties.
The People
Many people make up the Polar Collective including , our Secretariat, Advisors and Friends of the organisation. An up-to-date list is maintained online on our webpage
The Polar Collective is guided by a board of trustees. This comprises a varying number of people who undertake strategic planning and high-level decision making for the Polar Collective. They have varied backgrounds comprising polar guiding, governance of polar tourism, science, and the charitable and commercial sectors. All have a keen personal interest in polar regions and their protection.
The Board of Trustees
The board was made up of the following members during this financial period:
-
Nick Lambert – Chair of the Board
-
Anna Kettley
-
Alex Cowan
-
Stephanie Martin (until 2 May 2025)
-
Dave Finnegan (until 2 January 2025)
-
Judson Bartlett
We continue to seek out new talent for the board of trustees, particularly where we can secure greater diversity of background, skills and outlook.
In addition to the board, the Polar Collective is made up of several other groups and individuals:
Secretariat
-
Annette Bombosch
-
Conny Bartl
Secretariat members carry out the vital day to day administrative and technical work required by the Polar Collective, such as producing contracts, creating documents and working with scientific leads and polar tour operators. They report to the board of trustees and in addition their advice is sought when appropriate before decisions are made due to their crucial role in the organisation. They bring an understanding of both the scientific process and also polar operations, creating the special skill set that the Polar Collective uses to marry science and polar tourism. Secretariat members are paid on a contract basis when this work is required by the Polar Collective. They do not possess any voting rights.
WHAT WE’VE DONE
In the previous financial years we identified several priorities. Below we briefly summarise our ambitions and what we have done in pursuit of these goals during this financial year:
- Create a Principal Investigator Agreement, governing our relationship with researchers.
This project continues in development.
- Create new partnerships with researchers and be involved in the development of new projects.
Initial exploratory discussions were held with several organisations. Development of projects is ongoing and it is hoped that additional fully fledged projects will emerge in time.
3. Operator development and support
-
a. We conducted Pre-Season, Mid-Season and End of Season calls with operators, allowing us to understand successes and challenges and be able to adjust training or procedures for the future and to better support operators in their efforts to carry out quality science.
-
b. We signed an agreements with one new tour operator.
-
c. We explored a potential new partnership with one further tour operator and continued progress towards the formal signing of an agreement with another.
-
d. We worked to support an independent expedition “Horizons of Change” with data collection on their Arctic expedition.
4. Project development and support
We conducted End of Season check ins with Principal Investigators to ensure protocols were being followed correctly and satisfactory data were being collected. We also updated the training platform to reflect developments in project protocols and in response to feedback from guides and operators, and all projects received a training platform update.
The South Georgia Seaweed project was upgraded with app-based data collection.
In addition, development work was done in support of Happywhale’s Advanced Training protocols, with an additional training module developed and added.
- Rebranding work was continued and a new website was launched.
THE TRAINING PLATFORM
The training platform has continued to be a cornerstone of our efforts to support data collection in the polar regions. The principle of ‘guide led citizen science’ thrives on a well trained cadre of guides.
During the period 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025, 67 guides from one of 10 partnered operators were registered with the training platform.
The training platform received its annual overhaul, with projects updated to reflect any new protocols. The projects supported by Polar Collective via the training platform are:
The Antarctic Snow Algae Study : This study aims to create a baseline database documenting the temporal and spatial occurrence of snow algae along the Antarctic Peninsula. Snow algae play a significant role in the environment by increasing the absorption of sunlight leading to an enhanced melting of snow. There is strong evidence that warming Antarctic temperatures may be intensifying their growth. Researchers often rely on satellite images to monitor snow algae, but clouds in the Antarctic sky frequently inhibit clear images.
Happywhale : this project was launched in 2015 and is a platform collecting photos of marine mammals taken by citizen scientists from all over the world for photo-ID purposes. Photos submitted to Happywhale are shared with a large network of researchers to improve our understanding of marine mammals. The images provide valuable information on, for example, whale migration patterns and population status. These studies are becoming increasingly important with the ongoing recovery of whale species since the end of commercial whaling and current conservation issues such as ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear and population responses to climate change.
South Georgia Big Seaweed Search : South Georgia is far from many human impacts, but its marine biodiversity faces threats from rapid climate change (ocean warming and acidification) and invasive species (including seaweeds). Seaweeds, many of which exist on the edge of their distributional range here, are indicators of environmental change and their responses to disturbance can resonate throughout entire ecosystems, with knock-on effects for fisheries and tourism. This project aims to survey the distribution of key species along South Georgia’s coastline, to assess their health and susceptibility to climate change, and to detect the arrival and spread of non-native species
GLOBE Clouds : The GLOBE Clouds project was launched in 1994 and compares cloud observations taken by citizen scientists from the ground to information retrieved from satellites.
Despite the many satellites that are continuously monitoring clouds, it's tricky to capture the extent of these interactions with satellites alone. This is why it's crucial for researchers to have ground truth data gathered from the Earth's surface by citizen scientists. These
observations give insight into how clouds are changing throughout the season and ultimately, what impact this might have on our changing climate.
Secchi Disk Study : This is a global citizen science study of marine phytoplankton.
The aim is to increase the data collected from the oceans to compare to historical Secchi Disk data. This will help expand the Secchi Disk study's long-term dataset enabling scientists to better understand changes in the ocean’s phytoplankton.
Southern Ocean Seabird Surveys: These were launched in 2015 and are studying the distribution of birds at sea. So far, hundreds of observations from the Southern Ocean and Antarctica have been gathered to add to the existing collection of bird data from around the world in the eBird database. The project is building a long-term ecological monitoring programme of seabirds in the Southern Ocean and along the Antarctic Peninsula. These recordings help researchers understand how birds use oceanic habitat, to discover new details about the lives of these remote species, and ultimately how their behaviour and populations might be changing as a result of climate change.
COUNTER CURRENT
Polar Collective worked with Countercurrent, an ocean data and technology company. Through our network their AI-enabled ocean forecasting and smart ship routing
technology was fitted to Aurora Expeditions’ vessels.
We also worked with TRICUSO to support the installation of a device to Hans Hanson, a vessel belonging to partner operator 60 South. This device records a range of oceanic measurement including CO2.
These collaborations are emblematic of our ambition to not only support science and data collection via citizen science but also to pursue other means of realising the full potential of the polar tourism fleet for science in the most data deficient waters on earth.
CONFERENCES
On 3-6 June 2025 the Ross Sea Region Marine Protected Area Research Coordination Network Inaugural Meeting was held, at which Jud Bartlett gave a presentation on behalf of the Polar Collective.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Funding was received with gratitude from members of the public and from our operating partners.
Antarpply Expeditions
Aurora Expeditions
Bark Europa
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Intrepid Travel
Polar Latitudes
60 South
Swan Hellenic
Viking Expeditions
Internal Financial Controls
Our internal financial controls were last reviewed and amended in July 2024.
Reserves Policy
Our reserves policy remained unchanged, with it remaining appropriate to our needs, but with the continuing intention to keep it relevant to our increasing income and costs in following financial years.
Given the continuing situation where funds are received annually at the most frequent from each source, 3 months of expenditure in reserve is considered prudent. It is our aim to increase this to 6 months, but in the near future we do not wish for this aspiration to limit the development required to fulfil our public benefit objects.
When and How Reserves May be Spent
Our reserve funds may be used for essential day-to-day operating expenses, with none of our reserves constituted by restricted funds. Should the Polar Collective begin using its reserves in this way there should be a review by the Board of Trustees to identify and discuss the reason for this use of reserves and how to ensure that they are replenished as soon as possible by either increasing funding or reducing expenditure. The board would also discuss whether it will be necessary to wrap up the Polar Collective.
Review
This reserves policy should be reviewed every year.
THE FUTURE
In the next financial year our focus will be:
-
Strengthening funding by creating fundraising initiatives and securing a fundraising expert to add to our team.
-
Providing the highest quality services by ensuring governance compliance, continuing to maintain the training platform and by pursuing additional data collection projects.
-
Expanding our reach through improved communication with our partners and ensuring that we are creating good relationships.
-
Maintaining a healthy capital reserve.
This report is approved by the Board of Trustees who, on this date, are:
-
Nick Lambert (Chair)
-
Anna Kettley
-
Alex Cowan (Treasurer)
-
Judson Bartlett
-
Kate Robb
-
Lissa Batey
On: 30 August 2026
Signed
Nick Lambert, Chair
Final 12/7/26
Polar Citizen Science Collective
Unaudited Accounts
31 October 2025
Final 12/7/26
Polar Citizen Science Collective Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Business information | 1 |
| Approval statement | 2 |
| Chartered Accountants' report | 3 |
| Profit and loss account | 4 |
| Balance sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the accounts | 6 |
Final 12/7/26
Polar Citizen Science Collective Business Information
Accountants
Oaktree Accountancy (Cockermouth) Limited 27 Oaktree Crescent Cockermouth Cumbria CA13 9HR
Bankers
HSBC PLC 1 Forge Corner, Enderby Road Blaby LE8 3FZ
Solicitors
Stone King LLP Boundary House 91 Charterhouse Street London EC1M 6HR
Registered Office
27 Oaktree Crescent Cockermouth Cumbria CA13 9HR
Registered Charity Number 1191998
1
Final 12/7/26
Polar Citizen Science Collective
Approval statement
I approve the accounts which comprise of the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes. I acknowledge my responsibility for the accounts, including the appropriateness of the applicable financial reporting framework as set out in note 1, and for providing Oaktree Accountancy (Cockermouth) Limited with all information and explanations necessary for their compilation.
Mr. Alex Cowan
12 July 2026
2
Final 12/7/26
Polar Citizen Science Collective
Company number CE023108
Chartered Accountants' report to Mr. Alex Cowan on the unaudited accounts of Polar Citizen Science Collective
In accordance with the engagement letter dated 7 November 2019, we have prepared for your approval the accounts of Polar Citizen Science Collective for the year ended 31 October 2025 which comprise of the Profit and Loss Account, the Balance Sheet and the related notes from the entity's accounting records and from information and explanations you have given to us.
As a practising member firm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), we are subject to its ethical and other professional requirements which are detailed at icaew.com/membershandbook.
Our work has been undertaken in accordance with ICAEW Technical Release TECH08/16AAF.
Oaktree Accountancy (Cockermouth) Limited Accountants 27 Oaktree Crescent Cockermouth Cumbria CA13 9HR
12 July 2026
3
Final 12/7/26
Polar Citizen Science Collective Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 31 October 2025
| Income Direct expenditure Gross profit Expenses Telephone, fax, stationery and other office costs Bank, credit card and other finance charges Accountancy, legal and other professional fees (Loss)/profit before tax Corporation tax (Loss)/profit after tax Gross margin % Corporation tax payable 31 July |
2025 £ 67,571 60,802 6,769 5,189 3,113 2,958 11,260 (4,491) - (4,491) 10% - |
2024 £ 81,958 53,629 |
|---|---|---|
| 28,329 | ||
| 6,904 2,717 267 |
||
| 9,888 | ||
| 18,441 | ||
| - | ||
| 18,441 | ||
| 35% | ||
4
Final 12/7/26
Polar Citizen Science Collective Balance Sheet as at 31 October 2025
| Notes Current assets Prepayments Bank/building society balances Current liabilities Corporation tax Accruals Net current assets Net assets Capital account Balance at start of period Net (loss)/profit |
1,366 58,908 |
2025 £ 44,701 |
- 49,192 |
2024 £ 49,192 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 60,274 | 49,192 | |||
| - 15,573 |
- - |
|||
| 15,573 | - | |||
| 44,701 | 49,192 | |||
| 49,192 (4,491) |
30,751 18,441 |
|||
| 44,701 | 49,192 |
5
Final 12/7/26
Polar Citizen Science Collective Notes to the Accounts
for the year ended 31 October 2025
1 Accounting basis
The accounts have been compiled on a basis that enables profits to be calculated in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice and that provides sufficient and relevant information to enable the completion of a tax return.
2 Profit and loss account analysis
| Income Grants receivable Operator fees Donations Direct expenditure Auction expenses Subcontractors Telephone, fax, stationery and other office costs Training Postage Stationery and printing Sundry expenses Software Bank, credit card and other finance charges Foreign exchange losses / (gains) Bank charges Accountancy, legal and other professional fees Accountants fees Legal fees Subscriptions |
2025 £ 51,772 2,232 13,567 67,571 128 60,674 60,802 54 1,116 163 - 3,856 5,189 1,359 1,754 3,113 300 2,534 124 2,958 |
2024 £ 61,542 4,196 16,220 |
|---|---|---|
| 81,958 | ||
| - 53,629 |
||
| 53,629 | ||
| 3,621 112 97 3 3,071 |
||
| 6,904 | ||
| 1,785 932 |
||
| 2,717 | ||
| 150 - 117 |
||
| 267 |
6
01900 268086 and 07889 181080 27 Oaktree Crescent Cockermouth CA13 9HR www.oakacc.co.uk
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Polar Citizen Science Collective
I report on the accounts of the collective for the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The collective’s gross income was below £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by:
-
Being independent of the collective and its trustees.
-
Having qualified as a Chartered Accountant on 1 December 1991.
-
Having relevant professional experience since 1991, including having been Secretary of Copeland Mind, having held various trustee roles in Cockermouth Round Table and other organisations which report to the Charities Commission.
Having satisfied myself that the collective is not subject to audit under UK law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:
-
Examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act.
-
Follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
-
State whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the collective 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 you as 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:
-
which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the following requirements have not been met:
-
To keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act.
-
To prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act, or
-
To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Chris MacLeod ACA
Oaktree Accountancy (Cockermouth) Limited
Date: 12 July 2026