REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1200422 Report ofthe Twstees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st Decernber 2023 for The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisationl ' SHEEN STICKLAND CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS Est. 1944
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated OTganisation) Contents of the Financial Statements for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st Decernber 2023 Pa8e Report of the Trustees I to 4 Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 8 to 14 Detailed Statement of Financial Activities 15 to 16
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Report of the Tfustees for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st Decernber 2023 The trustees present the¥r report with the financial statemenls of the charity for the period 21st September 2022 to 3151 December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provtsions of Accounting ènd Reportin8 by Charities-. Staternent of Recommended Praciice applicable to charitie5 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Rèpublic of Ireland IFRS 1021 leffective ljanuary 20191. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and aims The Charitable Incorporated Organisation ICIOI wa5 formed on 21st September 2022 with the objective of takin8 over the net assets and activities of the unincorpor31ed charity The Jane Austen Society (registered charity 10406131. The principal objective of the S(Kiety is as follows= To promote the advancement of education for the public benefit of the life and work5 of Jane Austen and the Austen family, in particular by publicatiorbs or any other means that the charity trustees may deem appropriate. The objective is primarily achieved by the production of publication5 relating to the life and works of lane Austen, through educ3tion and by Contributions to academic debate regarding JaneAusten. her works and family. The Society, where appropriate. may seek to preserve artefacts relaling to Jane Austen, either by purchase or by contributions towards expenses. In particular it may contribute to projerts at lane Austen's House Museum in Chawton. The Society's objectives for the year were to build on the progress made in previovs years and io raise the profile of the Society by the production of new articles and publications. Publk Benefrt When planning activities and considering the making of grants. the trustee5 have considered the Charity Commission'5 gLJidance on public benefit and in particular. the specific guidance on charitie5 for the advancement ol education and the advallcement of the arts. culture. heritaee or science. The trustees believe that ihe Society fuifils thesè objeciives through its educational activities. by its contribution to historical research regarding Jane Austen and the preseThation of 3rtefart5 relating to lane Austen and the Austen family. Page I
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Report of the Trustees for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 OBJECTIVES AND AcllviTrES Significant artivities On 1st January 2023. the net a55ets and activities of the unincorporated tharity The Jane Austen Society (registered charity 10406131 were transferred to the CIO. No nèt assets were held or activitiès performed by the CIO during the period from 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2022. The Society did not produce or reprint any publications in the period. No conference was held in 2023. The 2024 3nnu31 conference is planned to be held in Sheffield in September 2024. In anticipation of the 250th anniversèry of Jane Austen's birth in 2025, the trustees launched a fundraising initiative in 2018 to support the educational role of the Society. This is known as the.jane Atjsten 250 Fund" and although an unrestricted fund, a purpose which the trustees specifically wish to SUPPDrt is the educational activity of the lane Au5ten'5 House Mu5eurn. No grarbts were made from this fund in 2023.Two payments totalling £ISO were made from the fund in respect of the Society's essay prize. No 8pplication5 were received for grant5 from the Education Fund during the period.The cost of the Society's new website, however. amounting to £25,445 was charged to this fund in 2021 as in the opiniorn of the trustees thi5 enhanced fLJnctionality conlributes to the educational objertive of the Societv. FINANCIAL REVIEW rhe financial results for the period are set out in the Statement of Financial Act4Vities on page 6 of these financi31 statements. There was a surplus of income over expendilure on the general fund 01 £212.670 in the period_ Of this amount, however, £213,074. represents the transfer of funds from the unincorporated charity. Excluding this transfer there was a deficit on the general fund of £404. Thi5 deficit wa5 covered. however, by an increase in the value of the Society'5 investment5 of £21.052. resulting in a 5urplu5 of £20.648 excluding the transfer. Further information regarding the charitv's reserves is given in the accounting policies note on page 8 of the financial statements. As the unincorporated charity is a separate legal entity to the CIO, the resulrs of the unincorporated charity for the year ended 31st December 2022 are not shown as comparalive figures in these financial statements. FUTURE PLANS The trustees, aiyns in the future are to continue to promote the objects of the Society, by the production of publications. the organisation ol conferences and any other activities which they consider appropriate. STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governlng document The charity is controlled by its constitution adopled on 21st September 2022. Recruitment and appointment of new trustees The srembers or the trustees may at any time decide to appoini a new trustee either in place of an outgoing trustee or as an additional trustee. provided ihat the total number ol riustees does not exceed 15. New Trustees will receive a copy ol the constitution and any amendments made to it and a copy of the Society's latest annual report and statement ol accounts. New trustees are a150 referred to the Charity Commission's guidance on the dufies and responsibilities ol trustees. Page 2
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Report of the Trustees lor the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 STRUCTURE.GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Organisational strurture The number ol Trustees shall be at least 3 and Shall not exceed 15. The first trustees of the charity were as set out in the constitution adopted on 21st September 2022. At every Annual General Meeting of the Society. one third of the elecied charity trustees shall retire from office. If the numbe¥ of elected charity trustees is not three or a multiple of ihiee, then the number nearest to one third shall retire from office. The charity trustees to retire by rotation sh311 be those who have been longest in office since their last elettion or re-election. Any per9)n who retires as a chaiity trustee by rotation or by giving notice to the Society is eligible for re-election. A charity trijstee who has served for three consecutwe terms may not be re-elected fo a fourth consecutive term but may be re-elected after an interval of at least one year. The following trustees will retire at the 2024 Annual General Meeting and will not seek re-election- Matthew Huntley. Clare Graham and Richard lenkyns. Andrea Clarke having been appointed since the last Annual General Meeting will retire at the 2024 Annual General Meeting and being eligible will offer herself for re-election. Michael Kenning and Fion3 Ainsworth will also retire at the 2024 Annual General Meeting in accordance with the constrtution and being eligible will offer themselves for re-election. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1200422 Principal address 20 Parsonage Road Henfield West Sussex BN591G Trustees Mèureen Stiller lappointed 21.9.221 Fiona Ain5WOrth (appointed 21.9.221 Clare Graham (appointed 21.9.221 Sharron Ba55ett13ppoinied 21.9.221 Mary Hogg lappointed 21.9.221 Mich3el Kenning lappoirited 21.9.221 Fiona Riley lappointed 21.9.221 Marion Davies13ppointed 21.9.221 Heather Thomas (appointed 21.9.221 Matthew Huntley lappoinled 21.9.221 Richard Jenkyns (appointed 21.9.221 Andrea Oorothy Clarke (appointed 14.10.231 Page 3
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Report of the Trustees for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Indepen(lent Examiner D A Sanders BA (Honsl FCA Sheen Stickland Chartered Accountants 2 Oriel Couri Omega Park Alton Hampshire GU34 2YT Bankers Nat West Bank PIC 105 High Street Winchester Hampshire 5023 9AH RESERVES The Society's policy regarding reserve5 is delailed in note l on page 9 of these accounts. The trustees consider. on the bèsis of current information available, that these funds are adequate lo meet their known future commitments. Approved by order of the board of trustees on .....).A..Iw..AUA* . and signed on its behalf bv.. Richard Jenkyns- Trustee Page 4
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustee5 of The Jane Austen Society Independent examirber's report to the trustees of The Jane Aen Society I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Jane Austen kKiety (the Trust) for the period 215t September 2022 to 315t December 2023. Responsibilities and basls of report As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of ihe accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 20111.the Act'l. I report in respect of my examirnation of the Trust's accounts carried out under Sertion 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under Sertion 1451Sllbl of the Act. Independent examiner's ststemerbt since your charity's gross income exceeded £250.IXK) your examiner must be a member ol a listed body. I can confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attenlion in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respert: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 01 the Act.. or the accounts do not accord wsth those record5.' or the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Account5 and Reports) Regulations 21)08 other than any requirement thèt the account5 give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper UndersndIng of the accounts to be reached. O A Sander5 BA IHonsl FCA Sheen Stickland Chartered Accountants 2 Oriel Court Omega Park Alton Hampshire GU34 2 Date.. Page 5
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisationl Statement of Financial Activities for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 Unrestricted funds Restricted fund Total funds Notes INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Subscriptions, donations and legacies 23,856 23.856 Other charitable activities Investment income Other ificome 28,076 8,598 329,612 28,076 8,598 330,612 Total 390.142 391,142 EXPENDITURE ON Charitable artivities Charitable activities 62,382 62,382 Net gain5 on investments 21.052 21.052 NET INCOME 348.812 349.812 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 348.812 349,812 The notes form part of these financial statements Page 6
The Jane Austen Society {a Charitable Incorporated Organisationl Balance Sheet 31st December 2023 Unrestiicted Restricted funds fund Total funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Heritage assets Investments 60,OCKJ 250,153 250.153 310.153 310,153 CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash ai barnk io 5.662 40.5 5.662 41,590 i.O(K) 46.252 47.252 CREDITORS Arnounts falling due within one year li 17.5931 17,5931 NET CURRENT ASSErs 38,659 39,659 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 348.812 349.812 NET ASSErs 348,812 349,812 FUt4DS Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 12 348,812 TOTAL FUNDS 349.812 The li an al Statements weTe approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue J:tyrf LL'L.t... and were 5tgned on it5 behalf by.. on LThYT Richard Jenkyns- Trustee I Kg ILiio/ Matthew Huntley- Trustee The notes form part of these financial statement5 Page 7
The Jane Austen Society (a Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Notes to the Financial Statements for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 ACCOUNTING POUCIES Basis of preparing the financial statements The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FR5 1021 'Accovnting and Reporting by Charitie5.' Statement ol Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective l January 20191,. Financi31 Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland, and the Charitie5 Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical c05t convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market value. as modified by the revaluation of certain a55ets. Income All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds. it Is probable ihal the income will be received and the amount can measured reliablv. The net a55ets of the unincorporated charity. The Jane Austen SrKiety. were transferred to the Charitable Incorporated Organisation at their value as Shown in the accounts of the unincorporated Charity for the year ended 31st December 2022. Expenditure Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure. 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 accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings ihey have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent wilh the use of resources. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been rnet at theyear end date are noted a5 a cornmitrrent bLJt not accrued as expenditure. Taxation The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable artivitie5. Fund accountin8 Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable ofy'ectives at the discretion of the trustees. Designated Funds fepresent unrestricted funds earniarked for partTcular purposes by the trustees of the Society in the exercise of their discretionary powers_ Restricted Funds are funds which are subject to a restrirtion as to their use. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. Investment5 Investment5 are stated at mid-market value at ihe balance sheet date. All movements in value arising from investment change5 are shown in the siaiement of Financial Activities. Unrealised gains and/or1055es are the drfference in market value of investments held at the beginning ol the year, or their cost il purchased in the year. and at the end of the year. Page 8 continued...
The Jane Austen Society {a Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Notes to the Financial Staternents- continued for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 ACCOUNTING POLICIES- continued Heritage Assets Under the provisions of the Charities SORP heritage assets are induded on the balance sheet at their latest valuation. Reserves The balance of the general lund (excluding designated funds and ihe value of heritage assets) represents approximately 33 months expenditure Ibased on expenditure in the period ended 31st Dember 20231 which the trustees consider to be appropriate in ihe circumstances. £120,000 of the legacies received. by the unincorporated charity. in the years ended 31st December 2003 and 31st December 2004 was transferied to a designated fund to cover a range ol the Society's educational activities. The trustees considei thai the Society website forms part of its educational activities and therefore the tost of upgrading ihis was charged to the Education Fund. Branche5 and Groups Br3nche5 of the Society as defined in charity law are an irbtegral part of the Society and as such enjoy variou5 privileges and responsibilities in regard to the Socieiy. In particuLar a branch can call upon rhe Society for financia1 support and is covered by the public liability insurance of the Society. The financial results of the branche5 are incorporated into the Society's statement of financial Xtivitses and the a5se15 and liabilitie5 of branche5 are included in the Society'5 balance sheet. A group is an informal 8athering ol members of the Society lor othersl f¥om a particular 3rea and has no connection in law with The Jane Austen Society. and the financial artivities of groups are not included in these accounts. Detai15 of activities of the branches are shown in note 14 to the a(ct5. Website Costs Website costs are recognised as an expense in the year of expendilure 3s. in ihe opinion of the trustees. the primary functiofi of the website is to promote the activities of the charity and therefore does not meet the conditions required to be treated as an intangible fixed asset. SUBSCRIPTIONS, DONATION5 AND LEGACIES Annual subscriptions received Gilt Aid tax recoverable Sundry donations and receipls Legacies 14,673 1,690 2,436 5,057 23.856 Page 9 continued...
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Notes to the Finantlal Statements - continued for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 OTHER CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Sales of fundraising items Sale of Annual General Meeting tickets Income of branches 2.427 25.644 28.076 INVESTMENT INCOME Income from listed investments 8.598 OTHER INCOME Net assets transferred from unit)corporated charity 330.612 Othèr income represents the value of the net assets of the unIncporaIed charity, The Jane Austen Society (charity number 10406131, which were iransferred io the charity on 1st January 2023. TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS There were no trustees. remuneration or other benefits for the period ended 31si December 2023. Trustees, expenses During the period a total of £1,532 was reimbursed to seven trusiee5 in respect of travelling and other expenses. NET INCOMEIIEXPENDtTUREI FOR THE YEAR 2023 Independent examiner's remuneration Other accountancy fees 2.000 2,560 4,560 Page 10 continued...
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Or£anisat¢onl Notes to the Financial Statements- continued lor the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 HERITAGE A55ETS Total MARKET VALUE Additions 60,000 NET BOOK VALUE At 31st December 2023 60,000 The Society acquired a portrait of Edward Au5ten-Knight in 1953. Ihis portrait is now on display at Chawton House Library under a long term loan 3gfeement. This is included in the financial srarements as a heritage asset at the profession31 valuation prepared by Woolley and Walli5 in M3y 2015. The Society has a clear duty of care for this a55et ènd provision5 in this respea are set out in the loan agreement. Any decision regarding public access to the portrait wll be at the discretion of Chawton House Library. The Society does not envisage the acquisition of any heritage assets in the future but will continue to support the Jane Austen's House Museum in any appropriate acquisition by the museum, In particular by the use of funds held tn the 250 Fund. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS Listed investments MARKET VALUE Additions Revaluations 229,101 21,052 At 315t December 2023 250,153 NET BOOK VALUE At 31st December 2023 250,153 There were no investment assets outside the UK. Cost or valuation al 31st December 2023 is repiesenied by.. Listed investments Valuation in 2023 250,153 Investments at 31st December 2023 represents 12.605 units in the COIF Charitie5 Investment Fund. The historical cost of fixed asset inve5tfflents at 315t December 2023 was £229,101. This represents the market value of the invesrments on the transfer from the unincorporated tharity. The original cost of the investments to the unincorporated charity was £154.922. Page 11 continued...
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisationl Notes to the Financial Staternents- continued for the Period 21st September 2022 to 315t December 2023 io. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Other debtors Prepayments and accrued incoffle 3,931 1,731 5.662 ii. CREDITORS.. AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WH1N ONE YEAR Other creditors Accrua15 ènd deferred income 2,793 4,800 7,593 12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Net movement in funds At 31.12.23 Unrestrirted funds General fund Education Fund The Elizabeth Jenkins Fund 250 Fund 233,722 1110,555 io,c 4,535 233,722 100,555 10,000 4.535 348,812 348,812 Restricted funds Acquistion fund i.(K)o TOTAL FUNDS 349.812 349,812 Page 12 continLJed...
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisationl Notes to the Financial Statements- continued lor the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS- continued Net movement in funds. included in the above are as follows.. Incoming resources Resources expended Gains and losses Movement in funds Unrestrirted fvnds General fund Education Fund The Elizabeth Jenkins Fund 250 Fur¢d 273.554 Itx).555 iO.IXKI 6.033 160.8841 21.052 233,722 100.555 10.000 4,S35 {1.4981 3.142 162.3821 21.052 348.812 Restrirtetl funds Acquistion fund TOTALFUNDS 391.142 162.3821 21.052 349,812 13. RELATED PARTY DISCL05URES There were no related party transactions for the period ended 31st December 2023. Page 13 continued...
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisationl Notes to the Financial Statements- continued for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 14. BRANCHES South Wesi London Hampshire Midlands Kent Northem Scotland Total Income Subscriptions Income from events Sales of publications Donation5 Interest Other income 467 1.067 922 2,553 86 20 1.052 2.744 1.181 3.665 850 5.713 139 335 5,552 449 19.301 525 192 49 25 3.255 100 13 24 39 24 12 12 15 1,526 3,726 3.859 5.170 3.856 6.708 799 25,644 South Wesi Midlands Kent Northem Scotland London Hampshire Total Expenses Expenses of events Cost of publications Donations Administration 745 2.866 596 643 io 112 2.31x1 669 4.256 3.286 6.686 369 20,508 213 2,122 122 expenses 53 170 759 754 161 147 71 2,115 1.404 3.791 3,728 5,010 3.447 6.834 653 24.867 Branch surpluslldeficitl 122 1651 131 160 409 11261 1461 777 Page 14
The Jane Austen Society {a Charitable Incorporated Organisationl Detailed Statement of Financial Artivities for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 INCOME AND ENDOWMETrtrs Subscfiptions. donations and legacie5 Annual subscription5 received Gilt Aid tax recoverable Sundry donations and receipts Legacie5 14,673 1,690 2,436 5,057 23,856 Other tharitable actNlties Sales of fundraising items Sale of Annual General Meeting tickets Income of branches 2,427 25,644 28,076 Investment income Income from listed investment5 8.598 Other income Ner assets transferred from unincorporated charity 330.612 Total incoming resour¢es 391.142 EXPENDITURE Charitable 3ctivitie5 Website Subscription5 Insurance Sundry expenses Newsletter Members, database Annual General Meeting Annual Report Bank charges Expenses of branches Grants 3,939 25 757 40 9.882 673 8.535 6.778 98 24,867 150 55,744 Support costs Management Trustees, expenses 1,178 This page does not form part olthe statutory financial statements Page 15
The Jane Austen Society la Charitable Incorporated Organisation) Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Period 21st September 2022 to 31st December 2023 Management Governance cost5 Accountanry fees Legal and professional fees 4,560 900 5,460 Total resources expended 62,382 Net income 328,760 This page does noi form part ol Ihe ststuiory financial statements Page 16