2024 SCI® ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
----- Start of picture text -----
ISSUE 01 | JANUARY 2024 ISSUE 02 | FEBRUARY 2024
EV BATTERIES FRESH WATERSPACE WASTE SUSTAINABLE RECYCLING ATMOSPHERIC IMPACT REUSING A RESOURCE PHARMACEUTICALSHYDROGENARCHAEOLOGY TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTMORE SUSTAINABILITYANALYSING THE PAST
SMELL OF
A MEMORY
BRAIN
WAVES
ISSUE 03 | MARCH 2024 ISSUE 04 | APRIL 2024 ISSUE 05 | MAY 2024
BIOPESTICIDESGLOBAL WARMINGBATTERIES NATURE-INSPIRED DETERRENTS SURGE FOR SODIUM-ION REMOVING METHANE ORGANOIDSCLIMATEPROTEINS ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS BETTER DRUG TESTING NOT FROM ANIMALS PALAEONTOLOGYLONG COVIDOBESITY DRUGS RETHINKING TREATMENT MORE ANCIENT DNA NEXT GENERATION
INTELLIGENT
TEXTILES
INEXHAUSTIBLE PSYCHEDELIC
WATER SOURCE SCIENCE
ISSUE 06 | JUNE 2024 ISSUE 07-08 | JULY-AUGUST 2024 ISSUE 09 | SEPTEMBER 2024
CLOSING THE LOOP SUPPLY FEARSMEMORYBATTERIES ANCIENT MECHANISMS EDIBLE ELECTRONICS CRITICAL MINERALS FOOD WASTEVACCINE TECHCARBON CAPTURE A VALUABLE COMMODITY QUICK ACTING THERAPY EVALUATING COSTS A JURASSIC QUEST FOR NEW ANTIBIOTICSCOULD HELP A MISSION TO MARSCHEMISTRY LESSONS FOR AIWHY ANIMAL HIBERNATION
NATURALLY
CLEANER
ROBOTS
THAT FEEL
How new materials are making e-skin a reality
ISSUE 10 | OCTOBER 2024 ISSUE 11 | NOVEMBER 2024 ISSUE 12 | DECEMBER 2024
MATERIALS: ARE WE RUNNING OUT OF SAND? INDUSTRIAL BIOTECH AND SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE OF SMELLS: NEUROSCENTS AND THE BRAIN
MOUTHFEEL AND THE FUTURE OF FOOD WHY INDOOR SOLAR HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE WHY RARE EARTH METALS RECYCLING MATTERS
POLLUTION AND BRAIN DISEASE SYNTHETIC BIOMES ARE BIG BUSINESS ASTRAZENECA AT 25
PHARMACEUTICALS NATURE-INSPIRED
REEFS IN PERIL
FROM SPACE Climate change threatens coral reefs. ADHESIVES
Why orbit is the next frontier for drug manufacturing Can science help? How science is learning new tricks from oysters and geckos’ feet
----- End of picture text -----
REPORTS Reference and administrative information ................................... 5 Trustees’ report.............................. 6 Independent auditor’s report ........ 19 ACCOUNTS Consolidated statement of financial activities ................... 24 Balance sheets ............................. 25 Consolidated statement of cash flows ............................... 26 Principal accounting policies ........ 27 Notes to the accounts .................. 31
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 3
2024 SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
S O C I E T Y O F C H E M I C A L I N D U S T R Y REPORTS
4 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
W H E R E S C I E N C E M E E T S B U S I N E S S
REFERENCE & ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
TRUSTEES No. CHARITY The Rt Hon Greg Clark Chair REGISTRATION NUMBER Dr G Fowler Acting Treasurer Dr D Allen 206883 Dr B Alston Mr T Birk Dr V Christou AUDITOR Mr J Compton Buzzacott Audit LLP Dr S Curtis 130 Wood Street Dr J Hague London EC2V 6DL Dr G Mackey Dr S Malik Dr K Matthews
Dr J Parker INVESTMENT Dr A Perroni Laloe MANAGER Dr E Rowsell Quilter Cheviot Investment Dr J Sheridan Management Dr S Skerratt 1 Kingsway London WC2B 6AN Dr A Waterhouse Dr T Wood BANKERS HSBC Bank plc CHIEF EXECUTIVE The Peak 333 OFFICER Vauxhall Bridge Road Ms S E Todd London SW1V 1EJ PRINCIPAL OFFICE SOLICITORS 14-15 Belgrave Square Stone King LLP London 16 St John’s Lane SW1X 8PS London EC1M 4BS
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 5
R E P O R T S A C C O U N T S
W H E R E S C I E N C E M E E T S B U S I N E S S
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
The trustees present their statutory report together with the audited accounts of the Society of Chemical Industry (“SCI” or “the Society”) for the year ended 31 December 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 27 to 30 of the attached accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
A NOTE FROM THE
OUTGOING CHAIRMAN
I am delighted to report a strong year in 2024. SCI activities continue to convene and facilitate the development of scientific solutions to the big societal challenges facing us today. The first year of the new strategy was delivered. There was a strong focus on sustainability throughout the year, as SCI is in a unique position to help convene those who need to collaborate to deliver true sustainability.
Harry Swan
Chair of the Board of Trustees, 2023-24
OBJECTIVES & ACTIVITIES
SCI[®] was established in 1881 by forward thinking scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs to help support and accelerate the rate of adoption of chemistry and related science into industry for the benefit of society. During its 144 years SCI[®] ’s community has developed a multitude of new products and processes across a wide range of industry sectors, from new medicines to new materials, bringing extensive benefits to society.
Operating as an international membership organisation, SCI[®] connects industry with academia, government and other key stakeholders to come together to solve some of the biggest global challenges facing society, whether that is developing scientific solutions to Climate Change or Health and Wellbeing issues. By harnessing its unique networks novel solutions are developed, new entrepreneurial businesses are supported, and ideas are developed into reality.
SCI[®] ’s is a unique community, being multidisciplinary, bringing together people from different disciplines, businesses and backgrounds. A wide range of industry sectors are represented, including agrifood, energy and materials, pharmaceutical and consumer products. Members range from C suite and Heads of R&D and Innovation to marketing and business development professionals, patent lawyers and a wide range of scientists and engineers. Academics include chemists, biochemists, biologists, horticulturalists, environmental scientists, digital scientists and engineers.
6 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
SCI[®] ’s current strategy has focussed on SCI[®] committing to:
----- Start of picture text -----
1
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
ACCELERATING INNOVAT IO N
----- End of picture text -----
Helping to promote and support the acceleration of emerging technologies into industry for the benefit of society through the translation of knowledge via conferences, publications and by building communities.
----- Start of picture text -----
2
SUPPORTING THE
NEXT GENERATION
----- End of picture text -----
Providing valuable resources for members including gaining new knowledge, personal development and training, and support to build new networks.
3 RECOGNISING & REWARDING EXCELLENCE IN INNOVATION Recognising individuals or teams who show leadership in innovation or who excel in the application of science.
----- Start of picture text -----
4
PUBLIC OUTREACH
----- End of picture text -----
Engaging the pubic in the benefits of the application of science via events, publications, C&I magazine, SCIBlog, and the SCITalks Public Lecture Programme.
In formulating the Society’s aims and in planning the work of the charity, the trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the general guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 7
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
YEAR IN REVIEW
In 2024, the first year of the new strategy was delivered and income levels have been strong across the organisation. Membership has continued to grow and is now in its eighth consecutive year of growth. A new journal has been launched and publishing operations strengthened under the new contract with Wiley. SCI[®] has continued its campaigning on the Manifesto for science and innovation in the UK.
Charitable Purpose As a charity SCI is focussed on its charitable purpose and delivering impact for society. Our community is working to provide scientific solutions to the most difficult challenges facing society today, ranging across Climate and Planet, Sustainability and Health and Wellbeing. The SCI community consists of the practitioners and leaders who are developing and then commercialising these new technologies.
future scientists, inventors and entrepreneurs. Events covered a wide range of technology areas as well as functional areas covered in various training programmes, such as developing and managing a commercial intellectual property portfolio. During the year all programmes, such as the Mentoring Programme, continued to operate.
SCIDEA WINNER 2024
ADDRESSING CLIMATE AND PLANET
SCI’s communities continue to work on addressing the energy transition, developing new forms of energy such as hydrogen, new more carbon efficient materials and recycling technologies in the race to Net Zero. SCI continues to publish cutting edge translational research in these areas and run conferences showcasing emerging technologies.
ADDRESSING HEALTH AND WELLBEING
SCI’s communities work on addressing a range of societal challenges across new therapies and treatments to address cancer and other major diseases. Health and sustainability of agriculture and food production is a key thematic area, as is new sustainable materials for a wide range of consumer products, the everyday products we use every day. Throughout the year SCI published emerging research that could be applied in these areas and ran a range of conferences and events addressing how emerging technologies are being adopted by industry.
The Bright SCIdea Challenge 2024 took place on 19 March 2024 where five finalists pitched their scientific business idea to the panel of industry experts. AGregen, from the University of Birmingham, presented their business for a non-ammonia-based fertiliser based on a novel polymer designed to degrade precisely into the nutrients required for the soil at a slow and controlled rate. Owing to their well-rounded pitch, their clear and concise answers to all of the judges’ questions and the potential value of their idea in use, paired with its excellent sustainability impact – AGregen went home with the £5,000 cash prize.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
The SCITalks public lecture programme ran throughout 2024. The programme is an important part of SCI’s outreach programme, helping to educate and engage the public on the importance of science and industry for society. Talks given included AI4You: What can AI do for you and what do you need to be able to use it? (Jeremy Frey, University of Southampton), Bayesian optimization and design of experiments (Ruth Missener, Imperial
CONVENING COLLABORATIONS
Collaboration is a key underpin to accelerating scientific innovation and this was seen very clearly with the rapid development of the covid vaccines. One of SCI’s roles is to convene communities across multidisciplinary boundaries so that ideas can be developed, and new alliances formed to work together to solve societal challenges.
Since the beginning of 2020 SCI has connected over 2,000 companies with over 3,000 universities to help accelerate science out of the lab and into industry
INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION
SCI continues to have a strong focus on supporting and developing early and mid-career members. Activities are aimed at educating and developing this critical group of
8 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
College) and AI in Drug Discovery (John Overington, Exscientia).
collaboration will demonstrate that it is possible to recycle carbon from flue gases into useful products for society. The impact of this project will be demonstrate a completely renewable carbon system.
2024 IN FOCUS : SUSTAINABILITY
During the 2024 the focus was on developing programmes to address Sustainability. Sustainability at SCI encompasses not only scientific innovations but also ensuring businesses and supply chains are sustainable.
The collaboration is ground-breaking – seeking to solve several inventive steps to both capture the CO2 on an industrial scale and then convert this into useable materials that would otherwise be derived from virgin fossil fuel. Through the year several significant steps forward were made, with the CO2 being successfully captured from flue gases from a paper mill and being converted to a new sustainable surfactant material. Further work is needed to optimise the technologies being developed. The project concludes in 2025.
A new industry body was formed to enable companies to work together to find solutions across their supply chains. SCI Sustainability, a new journal focussed on sustainability, was also developed and launched late in the year.
Since 2020 SCI has connected up over 2,000 companies with 3,000 Universities to help accelerate science out of the lab and into industrial products for society.
OPERATIONS
2024 has been another strong year as the organisation has stabilised after the covid pandemic, with income across all areas steady throughout the year. Membership has continued to grow and is now in its eighth consecutive year of growth. Publishing operations have been restructured throughout the year, and SCI continued to support its Manifesto for science and innovation in the UK.
Membership Membership numbers have continued their steady growth, with year on year increases over the last seven years, and increasing 8% in 2024.
SUSTAINABILITY AT SCI
SCI also takes its own sustainability obligations seriously. We work to reduce our impact on the environment by using our resources wisely, cutting waste, and improving energy efficiency. In 2024 we installed new energy efficient boilers in the Belgrave Square headquarters and moved our electricity provision onto 100% green tariffs, saving 16 tonnes of CO2.
During the year existing corporate partners continued their support for SCI and we were delighted to welcome Reckitt as a new partner. SCI’s community of start-up and Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) also continues to grow with around 300 companies being active in the organisation.
FLUE TO CHEM (F2C) : SUSTAINABILITY IN ACTION
SCI now represents organisations with revenues in excess of $468bn, with research and development investments amounting to over $25bn per annum globally.
F2C is a collaboration of 17 partners working together to develop new sustainable materials for a range of consumer products. This is a complex project but the
----- Start of picture text -----
SCI [®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 9
----- End of picture text -----
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
The SCI membership is very diverse with different disciplines, sectors and ages being represented. Members range from early career to mid-career and C-suite, sectors represented range from lifesciences and biotech to food, materials and consumer products. The disciplines range from chemistry, biology, biochemistry, data science, physics, medchem, horticultural science, environmental science, food science and all forms of engineering.
Publishing During the year the restructuring and rebuilding of the publishing business continued. A new contract was concluded with our publishing partner, Wiley, with terms designed to facilitate the transition to open access for the journals. The charity has also now assumed responsibility for some editorial functions from Wiley and as a result the team has been strengthened with new hires.
A new journal, SCI Sustainability was launched, bringing together research across SCI’s multidisciplinary academic community with industry to identify solutions to the significant challenges of sustainability across a range of industry sectors.
This unique platform bridges the gap between research and industry, aiming to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges across climate, sustainability, health, and wellbeing. SCI Sustainability journal is accessed here: https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/ journal/29976286
SCI Sustainability was launched, bringing together research across SCI’s multidisciplinary academic community with industry to identify solutions to the significant challenges of sustainability across a range of industry sectors
Gross income from publishing was marginally down in the year – reflecting the competitive environment and the ongoing move to open access. However, due to the impact of the new publishing contract with Wiley, the SCI royalty share was actually higher. Readership across all publications continues to grow, in particular in the digital media area. 2024 saw year-on-year increases in online visits to C&I (+36%) and the general news section of the website (+11%). Downloads of the Society’s journals also increased by 6%.
Conferences 2024 was a strong year for conferences with face-to-face conferences being well attended, and continued high income levels. Throughout the year, 53 events were held, across a range of topics covering our Societal Challenge areas of Climate and Planet, Health and Wellbeing and Sustainability.
Property Income from property has remained strong with the building fully let. Room hire performed well during the year although income was down on 2023 as many organisations continue to meet online.
Awards: Recognising Excellence in Innovation
SCI runs an extensive international Awards Programme, promoting and recognising excellence in innovation and industry. Scholarships and awards are presented to early and mid-career innovators from academia and industry, to support their personal development or to fund research.
During the year 118 awards were presented, including scholarships, fellowships and prizes to recipients in organisations across 12 countries. 51% of award recipients were female and 49% male.
2024 in Focus: A Manifesto for Science and Innovation (UK)
Throughout the year work continued on the Manifesto for Science and Innovation. This is a UK based programme which seeks to promote how new scientific innovations can create benefits for the economy as well as society in general. During the year extensive work was carried out with UK government bodies and departments to assist in shaping the role of science in the economy in future years.
DIVERSITY
SCI’s charitable purpose is built on diversity. Collaboration, working across non-traditional boundaries and supporting others for a common purpose are at the heart of the organisation. SCI strives to ensure that these values are operating in action within the organisation.
As a truly interdisciplinary organisation this diversity is reflected in members who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines and in the activities of the charity – from our publications and journals to our conferences and events.
----- Start of picture text -----
Sust
----- End of picture text -----
Over recent years we have sought to encourage a broadening of the age range of members within the organisation and encouraged gender diversity. The age demographic has moved over recent years and the representation of females in the Society has increased from 26.6% in 2016 to 32% in 2024 shown in Figure 1, with strong representation in the student member group, where 53% are female. The average age of
10 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
FIGURE 1 GENDER SPLIT 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
Female 32%
Male 68%
FIGURE 2
MEMBERSHIP
BY AGE
GROUP 2024
18-35 25%
36-55 51%
56+ 24%
----- End of picture text -----
science-led industry.
In the year a new scheme was launched to support members with disabilities to attend conferences and events.
We continue to focus on recognising and valuing diversity and on making SCI a welcoming environment for all.
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VOLUNTEERS
The Society continues to run a wide range of activities thanks to the incredible contribution of the many members and volunteers who support SCI. We continue to recognise their important contribution and are grateful for their vision and passion, giving their time and expertise to the charity.
FUTURE PLANS
SCI STRATEGY
During 2025 SCI will continue to focus on delivering the strategy that will deliver our charitable objectives into the future. The strategy is focussed on the practical interventions that are now needed to accelerate the pace of adoption of new technologies across the societal challenges identified in Climate and Planet and Health and Wellbeing as shown below.
members is 46 as shown in Figure 2 with increasing numbers of younger members.
The Society continues to seek to strengthen diversity across its governance committees, including the Board of Trustees, with a first female chairs of the Careers Committee and the Membership Committee being appointed.
A new leadership in Diversity Award was launched in 2024 – showcasing programmes operating across the membership. The submitted programmes for the year were very broad ranging from Johnson Matthey’s programme to build a talent pipeline of women for leadership roles to GSK transforming their recruitment practices and which is serving as a model for others in a
Within the strategic aims the following areas were identified for focus:
| identified for focus: | |
|---|---|
| Climate and Planet | Health and Wellness |
| Renewable Energy | Life Sciences |
| Sustainable Materials | AgriFood |
| Regenerative Agriculture | Consumer Products |
The Society has focussed its activities on knowledge sharing and developing solutions to societal challenges in Climate and Planet and Health and Wellbeing, as shown in the Societal Challenges map below. Content creation and curation develop knowledge, which is shared through conferences and events, where connections are made, and collaborations are built. With close of 5m downloads and 50 conferences SCI is the place where science meets business.
----- Start of picture text -----
C L I M A T E & P L A N E T H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Renewable Energy Life Sciences
Hydrogen / Electrification / Batteries / Low Carbon Systems Biopharmaceuticals / Precision Medicines / Process Technologies
Sustainable Materials AgriFood
Green Feedstocks / Materials Recycle & Reuse Sustainable Ingredients / Healthy and Chancing Diet Diet / Sustainability
Regenerative Agriculture Consumer Products
Harnessing the natural ecosystem sustainably Sustainable Ingredients / Sustainable Packaging
S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y
C R I T I C A L U N D E R P I N S
People & Skills Carbon management AI, data and digital Policy & Regulation
SCI [[®]] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 11
tainability
----- End of picture text -----
SCI[[®]] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 11
GOVERNANCE, STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT
CONSTITUTION
The Society of Chemical Industry was founded in 1881 and incorporated by Royal Charter in 1907. A copy of the Royal Charter, By-laws and Rules which governs the charity’s activities may be obtained on request from the principal office at 14-15 Belgrave Square, London, SW1X 8PS or viewed on our website, www.soci.org. SCI registered itself with the Charity Commission in 1962 (Charity Registration No 206883).
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Overall responsibility for the affairs of the charity lies with its Board of Trustees (“the Board” or “BoT”). The following trustees were in office throughout the period of report and up to the date of approval of the annual report and accounts, except where shown:
EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT
The Chief Executive is responsible to the Board for the efficient conduct of SCI’s affairs in accordance with the Royal Charter, By-Laws and Rules and the delivery of the strategy and the day-to-day management of SCI. The Chief Executive delegates to the line managers. Staff work to an operational plan and budget agreed with the Board, with progress reported to the trustees on a regular basis. The management and staff work within a framework of delegated authority.
GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE AND MANAGEMENT
SCI is governed by the Board of Trustees, supported by governance committees, to provide advice and support to the Board and the CEO on aspects of the Society. Authority is delegated to the Chief Executive and her team to manage the strategy and operations of the Society. The trustees consider that they, together with the Chief Executive, comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and running the operations of the charity.
Trustees are kept up-to-date with best practice standards and developments in governance through the Chief Executive and the Society’s professional advisors. SCI seeks to comply with the Charity Governance Code for the voluntary and community sector. New trustees and those taking office on Standing Committees are made aware of the responsibilities of trustees and office bearers under the Charities Act 2011 and under the Society’s governing documents.
Members are elected to governance committees via an annual election process. Co-opted positions are used to attract trustees with skills and talent to complement the trustees elected by the membership of the Society. Trustees are not remunerated for their services to the
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
----- Start of picture text -----
TRUSTEE APPOINTED/RESIGNED
Rt Hon Greg Clark
appointed January 2025
(Chair)
Mr Harry Swan (Chair) term ended December 2024
Dr Dave Allen
Dr Ben Alston
Mr Thomas Birk appointed September 2024
Dr Nick Challoner term ended July 2024
Dr Victor Christou appointed July 2024
Mr Jeremy Compton
Dr Charlotte Crowhurst term ended July 2024
Dr Simon Curtis appointed July 2024
Dr Geoff Fowler
Mrs Chloe Frankish resigned November 2024
Dr Jonathan Hague
Prof Ray Jones term ended July 2024
Dr Geoff Mackey
Dr Sharali Malik
Dr Kevin Matthews
Dr Jeremy Parker
Dr Ana Perroni Laloe appointed September 2024
Dr Elizabeth Rowsell
Dr Jacqueline Sheridan
Dr Sarah Skerratt
Dr Andrew
Waterhouse
Dr Tiffany Wood
----- End of picture text -----
charity.
SCI pursues an overall policy of transparency and clear communication. Minutes are taken at all meetings and actions documented. SCI communicates with its community through a range of publications, such as C&I, electronic newsletters, via the website and social media.
STANDING COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES
The Board is supported by one Standing Committee and five Sub-Committees, which advise on specific aspects of SCI’s work. The Chairs of each are also members of the Board of Trustees.
12 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
Finance and Investments Advisory Committee (FIAC) FIAC is a Standing Committee and advises the Board on all financial matters relating to the Society including investments, investments, reserves IT policies and property.
Membership Committee (MC) The Membership Committee advises the Board and the Chief Executive on ways and means of enhancing the value of SCI membership from the members’ perspective. Publications Committee (PC) The Publications Committee advises on SCI publishing strategies. Careers Committee (CC) The Careers Committee advises on services to support careers members of SCI. The CC also manages the College of Scholars and oversees key awards.
Senior Appointments and Remuneration Committee (SARC) SARC’s role is to appoint the Chief Executive and
to approve overall pay increases for staff. Nominations Committee (NC) The Nominations Committee has the remit to oversee and strengthen the process of appointment or election of members to governance positions.
TRADING SUBSIDIARY
SCI owns and controls a wholly owned subsidiary company, SCI Business Limited (Company Registration Number 02994541). It undertakes trading activities, which are ancillary to, but not part of, SCI’s core activities, and donates the annual profits to SCI in the form of a Gift Aid donation. The accounts accompanying the annual report are consolidated and incorporate the financial results and year end position of both SCI and its wholly owned subsidiary.
STANDING COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES
The Board is supported by one Standing Committee and five Sub-Committees, which advise on specific aspects of SCI[®] ’s work. The Chairs of each are also members of the Board of Trustees.
Finance and Investments Advisory Committee (FIAC)
FIAC is a Standing Committee and advises the Board on all financial matters relating to the Society including investments, reserves and IT policies and property.
Membership Committee (MC)
The Membership Committee advises the Board and the Chief Executive on ways and means of enhancing the value of SCI[®] membership from the members’ perspective.
Publications Committee (PC)
The Publications Committee advises on SCI[®] publishing strategies.
Careers Committee (CC)
The Careers Committee advises on services to support careers members of SCI[®] . The CC also manages the College of Scholars and oversees key awards.
Senior Appointments and Remuneration Committee (SARC)
SARC’s role is to appoint the Chief Executive and to approve overall pay increases for staff.
Nominations Committee (NC)
The Nominations Committee has the remit to oversee and strengthen the process of appointment or election of members to governance positions.
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 13
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
FINANCIAL REVIEW
RESULTS FOR THE YEAR
Total income for the year amounted to £4,384k (2023 – £3,840k). The principal funding sources were: publications £2,567k (2023 – £1,862k), conferences £426k (2023 – £583k), investment income £335k (2023 – £272k), income from letting and licensing of premises £603k (2023 – £604k), commercial trading operations £113k (2023 – £172k); and member subscriptions of £253k (2023 – £240k).
Total expenditure for the year amounted to £4,261k (2023 – £3,862k). Of the expenditure incurred in the year, £3,982k (2023 – £3,642k) representing 93% (2023 – 94%) of the total expenditure incurred, was spent on charitable activities, which includes directly attributable costs, project costs and overhead costs supporting core charitable objectives.
Other expenditure incurred of £279k (2023 – £220k) was in respect of trading activities, letting and hiring of premises and investment management.
The net income for the year before investment gains and losses was therefore £123k (2023 – net expenditure of £22k).
After accounting for the net gains generated on the revaluation and disposal of listed investments of £470k (2023 – gains of £648k), the charity’s overall funds increased by £593k (2023 – £626k).
The Society’s wholly owned trading subsidiary, SCI Business Limited, reported a profit before Gift Aid donations of £44k (2023 – £72k). The profit earned is payable to the parent charity under Gift Aid in order to assist in meeting its objectives.
Total income for the year amounted to £4,384k
FUNDRAISING
The Society does not currently engage in traditional forms of fundraising activity such as collections or appeals, and as such, the trustees do not consider it necessary at the moment for the Society to adopt any particular code of practice in this area. However, the Society has conducted an initial scoping exercise in the area of fundraising, incorporating process, procedure, governance and compliance. No complaints have been received by the Society in relation to fundraising.
INVESTMENT POLICY AND PERFORMANCE
All funds of the Society not immediately required to be used or applied for the ordinary purposes of, or in
SCI[®] ’s TOTAL INCOME 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
2%
6%
8%
10%
16%
58%
2,567k Publications
Letting and
716k
licensing premises
426k Conferences
335k Investments
253k Member subscriptions
87k Other
----- End of picture text -----
carrying out the objects of, the Society and any property held by the Society, subject to the terms of any trust, may be invested by the Board of Trustees on behalf of the Society in any permitted investment.
The Board may appoint and terminate the appointment of investment managers upon such terms and conditions as they may from time to time determine, except that no person should be appointed as investment manager unless authorised for this purpose in accordance with the Financial Services Act 2010 or any statutory modification thereof or replacement thereof.
Under delegated authority from the Board of Trustees, administration of the funds of the Society, subject to the overall authority of the Board, are overseen by the Finance, Investments and Audit Committee (“FIAC”). FIAC members take advice on the investment portfolio and performance from an independent advisor, Quilter
14 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
£4,384k
----- End of picture text -----
In 2024, SCI[®] income was £4,384k
----- Start of picture text -----
ISSUE 02 | FEBRUARY 2025
MEMRISTORS MAKING AI LESS ARTIFICIAL EYESIGHTSMES SCI SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS POTENTIAL THERAPIES
FUSION’S NEXT
CHALLENGENEW REACTORS WILL NEED TRITIUM, BUT WHERE WILL THEY GET IT FROM?
£2,567k
In 2024 total publication
revenue was £2,567k.
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
£123k
2024
-£22k
2023
----- End of picture text -----
The net income for the year before investment gains and losses was £123k.
----- Start of picture text -----
£3,982k
----- End of picture text -----
2024 total expenditure amounted to £3,982k was spent on charitable activities.
----- Start of picture text -----
£603k
----- End of picture text -----
In 2024 total revenue income from lettings and room hire was £603k.
----- Start of picture text -----
£593k
2024
£626k
2023
The charity’s overall funds
increased by £593k
----- End of picture text -----
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 15
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
Cheviot Investment Management, who are also responsible for the management of the charity’s investments. They assist the Committee to review the investment policy, asset reallocation and risk level. The Committee last reviewed SCI’s investment policy in late 2018. The overall policy is for a broadly moderate risk appetite, with balanced expectations of income and gains.
The market value of investments at 31 December 2024 was £8,215k compared with £7,785k at 31 December 2023.
Income from listed investments during the year amounted to £243k (2023 – £228k) representing an income yield of approximately 3.12% (2023 – 3.18%). The net gains on the listed investments in 2023 were £470k (2023 – gains of £648k). The total return on the portfolio for the year to 31 December 2024 was 8.6% compared with the benchmark return of 8.2% as per the published ARC Steady Growth Charity Index (2023: 11.9% vs 7.5%).
Surplus cash is held in deposit accounts or term deposits with the Society’s bankers, HSBC.
RESERVES POLICY AND FINANCIAL POSITION
Part of the charity’s net assets is represented by the net book value of SCI’s interest in its tangible fixed assets. The availability of these assets is essential to the day-today work of the charity and as such, the value of these assets cannot be regarded as funds that would be realisable with ease, in order to meet future contingencies. As such, an amount equal to the net book value of the tangible fixed assets has been separated from the charity’s general funds and held as a separate designated fund. At the year end, the balance on this fund was £3,854k (2023 – £4,033k).
£8,215k The market value of investments at 31 December 2024.
£335k Income from investments during 2024.
£470k The net gains on the listed investments in 2024.
8.6% The total return on the portfolio for the year to 31 December 2024.
£7,707k Year end balance of general funds.
£2,570k
At 31 December 2024, funds totalling £2,570k comprised restricted funds that must be applied in accordance with the wishes of the donor.
At 31 December 2024, funds totalling £2,570 (2023 – £2,450k) comprised restricted funds that must be applied in accordance with the wishes of the donor.
FIAC has considered SCI’s free reserves requirements and advises on the same to the charity’s Board. Free reserves comprise the general funds of the Society, excluding designated and restricted funds.
The primary purpose of reserves is to mitigate financial risks and ensure the continuity of the charity’s operations in the face of unforeseen circumstances or economic uncertainties. Reserves serve as a buffer to address cash flow challenges, unexpected expenses, changes in market values or revenue shortfalls without compromising the delivery of charitable objectives.
During 2024 the FIAC and Board reviewed and approved a new reserves policy in line with the Charity Commission guidelines CC19. The reserves requirement has been
16 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
determined by a comprehensive risk analysis, focusing on the risks that their charity and their beneficiaries might face and how to manage them. Key areas considered were:
-
The nature of the charity’s income including predictability of timing and whether it is contractual or voluntary in nature.
-
The nature and quantum of risks that may impact the financial stability of the charity
-
The future planned expenditure of the charity
The Board has designated a target range for reserves, rather than a fixed amount to accommodate fluctuations in income, expenses, and external factors impacting the charity’s operations.
As at 31 December 2024, the charity held free reserves totalling £7.707m (2023 £7.055m) which is within the reserves range of £5.0m to £8.4m. The Board will continue to monitor the financial health of the charity compared to this requirement.
dependents of deceased members. The assets as at 31 December 2024 are investments, which amounted to £155k.
THE RIDEAL TRUST
The object of the Rideal Trust is the general advancement of chemical science and, in particular, branches relating to chemisorption, colloid science, interface science, catalysis and related topics. The Trust is jointly administered by SCI and the Royal Society of Chemistry. The activities of the Trust directly support the overall object of the Society which is to advance the science of applied chemistry and related sciences for the public benefit by providing information, granting bursaries, awards etc. The assets as at 31 December 2024 are investments, which amounted to £18k.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The trustees pursue a system of risk management through FIAC, the Executive, and the Board of Trustees. A Risk Register is in place and is regularly reviewed throughout the year by FIAC, the Executive and BoT.
GOING CONCERN
There is a reasonable expectation that the Society of Chemical Industry has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The trustees believe that there are no material uncertainties that call into doubt the charity’s ability to continue operating as a going concern. In making this decision, the trustees have taken into consideration the current balance sheet of the charity, the economic climate and a view on future risks and uncertainties and conclude that the charity can sustain its operations for a period of at least twelve months from date of signing these accounts. Consequently, the financial statements have therefore been prepared on the basis that the charity remains a going concern.
RELATED ENTITIES
In 2019, SCI established two Dutch legal entities to support and promote SCI’s activities in Europe post Brexit. SCI Europe B.V. (registration no. 860729813) and Stichting SCI Europe (860729795) were both registered on 16th December 2019 and remained dormant to 31 December 2024.
FUNDS HELD AS CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE
The Society acts as Custodian Trustee for the SCI Benevolent Fund and Rideal Trust. The financial results of these two charities are consolidated into SCI’s accounts and full accounts for the trust funds are produced in note 22 in compliance with Charity Commission guidelines.
SCI BENEVOLENT FUND
The object of SCI’s Benevolent Fund is to provide financial relief to persons who are or have been members of the Society and to their spouses, children and dependents and to the widows/widowers, children and
The trustees regularly review the high-level risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The main risks to the Society continue to be market related – in particular from the potential impact of open access on publishing income and the potential volatility in investment earnings. The potential loss of income from publishing is managed by having programmes in place to deliver income growth and appropriate agreements with the publishing partner. The investments are reviewed by FIAC regularly against benchmarks to determine the effectiveness of the investment strategy, which can then be modified if required.
STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the group and of the income and expenditure of the charity and the group for that period. In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
observe the methods and principles in Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 17
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
-
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102);
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and
-
prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and the group and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, applicable Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the charity and the group’s constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and the group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and the group and financial information included on the charity and the group’s website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of accounts may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Honorary Treasurer
Approved by the Board of Trustees on: 22 May 2025
----- Start of picture text -----
Sir Eric Keightley Rideal Credit: NPC, by Hills & Saunders, Creative Commons
----- End of picture text -----
18 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
W H E R E S C I E N C E M E E T S B U S I N E S S
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
Independent auditor’s report to the members and trustees of Society of Chemical Industry
OPINION
We have audited the accounts of Society of Chemical Industry (the ‘parent charity’) and its subsidiary (collective the ‘group’) for the year ended 31 December 2024 which comprise the group and parent charity statement of financial activities, balance sheets, statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and the notes to the accounts. 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).
In our opinion, the accounts:
-
give a true and fair view of the state of the group’s and of the parent charity’s affairs as at 31 December 2024 and of their incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;
-
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
-
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
BASIS FOR OPINION
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report. We are independent of the group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
CONCLUSIONS RELATING TO GOING CONCERN
In auditing the accounts, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the accounts is appropriate.
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 parent charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the accounts 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.
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law.
OTHER INFORMATION
The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, including the trustees’ report, other than the accounts and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the accounts does not cover the other information and 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 accounts or our knowledge obtained in the course of 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 this gives rise to a material misstatement in the accounts 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.
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 19
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
MATTERS ON WHICH WE ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT BY EXCEPTION
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the group and parent charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report.
responsible for the preparation of the accounts 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 accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
-
the information given in the trustees’ report is inconsistent in any material respect with the accounts; or
-
sufficient accounting records have not been kept by the parent charity; or
-
the parent charity accounts are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
-
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page [X], the trustees are
In preparing the accounts, the trustees are responsible for assessing the group’s and the parent charity’s ability to continue as a going 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 charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
AUDITOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR
THE AUDIT OF THE ACCOUNTS
We have been appointed as auditor under section 151 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about
20 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
How the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud.
whether the accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these accounts.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of noncompliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
How the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud
Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:
- The engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or
recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
-
We identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with key management and from our knowledge and experience of the charity sector;
-
We focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the accounts or the activities of the charity. These included but were not limited to the Charities Act 2011, Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019); and
-
We assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of key management and review of minutes of trustees’ meetings.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s accounts to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:
-
Making enquiries of key management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
-
Considering the internal controls in place to mitigate
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 21
risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:
-
Performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
-
Assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and
-
Investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
In response to the risk of irregularities and noncompliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
- Agreeing accounts disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
of the accounts is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditors responsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
USE OF OUR REPORT
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. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to 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 charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
-
Reading the minutes of meetings of trustees; and
-
Enquiring of as to actual and potential litigation and claims.
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of noncompliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.
Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit
4 July 2025
Buzzacott Audit LLP Statutory Auditor 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL
Buzzacott Audit LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
22 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
2024 SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
S O C I E T Y O F C H E M I C A L I N D U S T R Y ACCOUNTS
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 23
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
W H E R E S C I E N C E M E E T S B U S I N E S S
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
Year to 31 December 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds funds funds funds
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Income from:
Charitable activities 2 3,246 82 3,328 2,685 77 2,762
Other trading activities 3 716 — 716 776 — 776
Investments 4 272 63 335 214 58 272
Other income 5 — 5 30 — 30
Total income 4,239 145 4,384 3,705 135 3,840
Expenditure
Raising funds 5 279 — 279 220 — 220
Charitable activities 6 3,836 146 3,982 3,547 95 3,642
Total expenditure 4,115 146 4,261 3,767 95 3,862
Net income (expenditure) before
gains and losses on investments
and transfers 124 (1) 123 (62) 40 (22)
Transfers (50) 50
Net income (expenditure) before
gains and losses on investments 124 (1) 123 (112) 90 (22)
Net gains (losses) on the revaluation
and disposal of listed investments 13 349 121 470 483 165 648
Net income (expenditure) and net
movement in funds 10 473 120 593 371 255 626
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances brought forward
at 1 January 11,088 2,450 13,538 10,717 2,195 12,912
Fund balances carried forward
at 31 December 11,561 2,570 14,131 11,088 2,450 13,538
----- End of picture text -----
All of the group’s activities derived from continuing operations during the above two financial periods.
The group has no recognised gains and losses other than those shown in the consolidated statement of financial activities.
24 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
R E P O R T S A C C O U N T S
W H E R E S C I E N C E M E E T S B U S I N E S S
BALANCE SHEETS
31 December 2024
----- Start of picture text -----
Group Group Charity Charity
2024 2023 2024 2023
Notes £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 3,854 4,033 3,854 4,033
Investments 13 8,215 7,785 8,215 7,785
12,069 11,818 12,069 11,818
Current assets
Debtors 14 1,340 1,581 1,469 1,736
Cash at bank and in hand 2,534 1,278 2,391 1,104
3,874 2,859 3,860 2,840
Creditors:
Amounts falling due within one year 15 (1,086) (1,004) (1,072) (985)
Net current assets 2,788 1,855 2,788 1,855
Total assets less current liabilities 14,857 13,673 14,857 13,673
Creditors:
Amounts falling due after more than one year 16 (726) (135) (726) (135)
Total net assets 14,131 13,538 14,131 13,538
The funds of the group and charity:
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds 17 3,854 4,033 3,854 4,033
General funds 7,707 7,055 7,707 7,055
11,561 11,088 11,561 11,088
Restricted funds 18 2,570 2,450 2,570 2,450
14,131 13,538 14,131 13,538
----- End of picture text -----
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Honorary Treasurer
Approved by the Board of Trustees on: 22 May 2025
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 25
R E P O R T S A C C O U N T S
Year to 31 December 2024
W H E R E S C I E N C E M E E T S B U S I N E S S
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
----- Start of picture text -----
2024 2023
Notes £’000 £’000
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities A 1,000 (111)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment income 335 272
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (119) (162)
Proceeds from the disposal of investments 443 1,715
Purchase of investments (484) (1,567)
Net cash provided by investing activities 175 258
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year 1,175 147
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January B 1,385 1,238
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December B 2,560 1,385
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
A Reconciliation of net income to net cash (used in) operating activities
2024 2023
Notes £’000 £’000
Net income (as per the statement of financial activities) 593 626
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charge 286 344
Loss on the disposal of fixed assets 12 6
Gains on investments (470) (648)
Investment income (335) (272)
Decrease (increase) in debtors 241 (446)
Increase in creditors 673 279
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 1,000 (111)
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
B Analysis of changes in cash and cash equivalents and net debt
2024 2023
Notes £’000 £’000
Cash at bank and in hand 2,534 1,278
Cash held by investment managers 26 107
Total cash and cash equivalents 2,560 1,385
----- End of picture text -----
26 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
R E P O R T S A C C O U N T S
W H E R E S C I E N C E M E E T S B U S I N E S S
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are laid out below.
BASIS OF PREPARATION
These accounts have been prepared for the year to 31 December 2024 with comparative information in respect of the year to 31 December 2023. They are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest thousand pounds.
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these accounts.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with 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 United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated statement of financial activities and group balance sheet consolidate the results of SCI[®] and its wholly owned subsidiary company, SCI[®] Business Limited, groups and applicable trust funds, made up at the balance sheet date. The results are consolidated on a line-by-line basis.
The results of all the groups were fully incorporated into the Society’s accounts with the exception of the Macro Group which is jointly administered with the Royal Society of Chemistry.
The charity is taking advantage of the concession to only provide a consolidated statement of financial activities and income and expenditure account as permitted by the Charities SORP FRS 102. No separate statement of financial activities has been presented for the charity alone as permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND AREAS OF JUDGEMENT
Preparation of the accounts requires the trustees and management to make significant judgements and estimates. The items in the accounts where these judgements and estimates have been made include:
-
the estimates of the useful economic lives of tangible fixed assets used to determine the annual depreciation charge;
-
the assumptions adopted by the trustees and management in determining the value of any designations required from the charity’s general unrestricted funds;
-
the basis on which support costs have been allocated across expenditure headings; and
-
assessing future income and expenditure flows for the purpose of assessing going concern (see below).
ASSESSMENT OF GOING CONCERN
The trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of one year from the date of approval of these accounts.
The most significant areas of judgement that affect items in the accounts are detailed above. With regard to the next accounting period, the year ending 31 December 2024, the most significant areas that affect the carrying value of the assets held by the charity are the level of investment return and the performance of the investment markets.
INCOME RECOGNITION
Income is recognised in the period in which the charity and the group have entitlement to the income, the amount of income can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received. It excludes VAT where charged.
Income is deferred only when the charity and the group has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor or funder has specified that the income is to be expended in a future accounting period.
Income comprises donations, legacies, grants, income from charitable activities including conferences and events, publications and membership subscription; income from other trading activities including the letting and licensing
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 27
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
of the charity’s premises; and investment income and interest receivable.
Donations are recognised when the charity has confirmation of both the amount and settlement date. In the event of donations pledged but not received, the amount is accrued for where the receipt is considered probable. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
- Legacies are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the legacy, the executors have established that there are sufficient surplus assets in the estate to pay the legacy, and any conditions attached to the legacy are within the control of the charity.
In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102 volunteer time is not recognised.
Grant funding is recognised as and when the work is completed and the grant conditions are fulfilled.
Income from conferences and events are recognised in the financial period in which the conference or event was hosted.
Income from publications and royalties are recognised in the period in which the royalties were accrued or the publications sold.
Annual membership subscriptions are recognised as income on an accruals basis applicable to the membership period, and part of the subscription applicable to the following year is carried forward as deferred income. Life membership can be purchased based on 10 years standing and aged 60 or over on a sliding scale, depending on age. To reflect the costs of providing future membership benefits to such members, a provision is calculated multiplying the annual membership subscription by the estimated number of years that the benefits will be provided for each life member.
Income derived from the letting and licensing of the charity’s premises, is recognised in the period to which the letting or licencing relates. Rent free period income is recognised as a deferred debtor which is written down over the lease period or the lease break clause date, whichever is earlier.
Life membership can be purchased based on 10 years standing and aged 60 or over on a sliding scale, depending on age.
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
28 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
EXPENDITURE RECOGNITION
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity and the group to make a payment 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. Irrecoverable input VAT is included in the expenditure. Expenditure comprises direct costs and support costs. All expenses, including support costs, are allocated or apportioned to the applicable expenditure headings. The classification between activities is as follows:
-
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure associated with raising funds for the charity and the group. This includes the fees payable to the investment manager in connection with the management of the charity’s listed investments, the costs in connection with the management and upkeep of the charity’s premises, and other direct costs associated with the charity’s other trading activities.
-
Expenditure on charitable activities comprises expenditure in support of the charity and the group’s primary charitable purposes as described in the trustees’ report. This includes the costs associated with the servicing of members, costs in connection with hosting events and conferences for the Society’s beneficiaries, costs associated with the production of publications, grants and awards to individuals for endeavour in the fields of science, engineering and technology as well as bursaries and scholarships.
Grants are awarded from various restricted funds by the Early Careers Committee to successful applicants. Each fund has its own particular criteria. They are accounted for in the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are awarded.
Expenditure on charitable activities includes both costs which can be directly attributed to the four key activities as well as an allocation of shared support costs (see below).
the various categories of charitable expenditure on an appropriate basis such as turnover, the number of staff serviced in each area, floor space, or in proportion to direct costs. The basis of allocation is further explained in note 8 to the accounts.
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets costing less than £1,000 are not capitalised unless part of a wider project, and are written off in the year of purchase.
Tangible fixed assets which are capitalised are included at cost (including any incidental expenses of acquisition), stated at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:
----- Start of picture text -----
Long leasehold property
by equal instalments over the
life of the lease
Leasehold improvements
ten to twenty years on cost
Furniture, IT & other
equipment
three to five years on cost
----- End of picture text -----
Assets under the course of construction are not depreciated until the asset is complete and available for use.
The property is subject to an annual impairment review.
INVESTMENTS
ALLOCATION OF SUPPORT AND GOVERNANCE COSTS
Support costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. In order to carry out the primary purposes of the charity and the group it is necessary to provide support in the form of a finance function, IT and human resources function, and facilities management support.
Furthermore, support costs include governance costs. These comprise the costs involving the public accountability of the charity and the group (including audit costs) and costs in respect to its compliance with regulation and good practice.
Support costs including governance costs are allocated to
Listed investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price.
As noted above, the main form of financial risk faced by the charity and the group is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitude of investors to investment risk, and changes in sentiment concerning equities and within particular sectors or sub sectors.
The Society’s investment in its wholly owned trading subsidiary is included in the charity balance sheet at cost.
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 29
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
DEBTORS
Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material.
CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition. Deposits for more than three months but less than one year have been disclosed as short term deposits. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investment.
ruling at the balance sheet date or if appropriate at the forward contract rate. All differences are taken to income and expenditure through the statement of financial activities.
TAXATION
SCI[®] is a UK registered charity and, therefore, is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.
SCI[®] Business Limited passes all its taxable profits as Gift Aid to the Society in accordance with an agreed Deed of Covenant.
CUSTODIAN ARRANGEMENTS
CREDITORS AND PROVISIONS
Creditors and provisions 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. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity and the group anticipate it will pay to settle the debt. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash payment where such discounting is material.
The Society acts as Custodian Trustee for the SCI[®] Benevolent Fund and Rideal Trust. The financial results of these two charities are consolidated into SCI’s accounts and full accounts for the trust funds are produced in note 22 in compliance with Charity Commission guidelines.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The charity only holds basic financial instruments as defined in FRS 102. The financial assets and financial liabilities of the charity and their measurement basis are as follows:
FUND ACCOUNTING
Restricted funds comprise monies raised for, or their use restricted to, a specific purpose, or contributions subject to donor-imposed conditions.
Designated funds comprise monies set aside out of unrestricted general funds for specific future purposes or projects.
Unrestricted general funds represent those monies which are freely available for application towards achieving any charitable purpose that falls within the charity’s charitable objectives.
LEASED ASSETS
Rentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownership remain with the lessor are charged to the statement of financial activities in equal annual amounts over the lease term.
Financial assets
other debtors are basic financial instruments and are debt instruments measured at amortised cost. Prepayments are not financial instruments.
Cash at bank
classified as a basic financial instrument and is measured at face value.
FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Assets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rate of exchange ruling at the date of the transaction.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange
Financial liabilities
accruals and other creditors are financial instruments, and are measured at amortised cost.
30 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
W H E R E S C I E N C E M E E T S B U S I N E S S
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
1. CONTRIBUTIONS FROM VOLUNTEERS
Members of SCI, its trustees, committees and many other volunteers make major practical contributions to SCI’s meetings, publications and other operations as well as to its overall governance. The trustees consider that there is no objective way of putting a financial value of this effort and therefore, in accordance with the guidance provided in the Charities SORP FRS 102, the value of volunteer time is not recognised in these accounts. However, Trustees wish to record their gratitude to these volunteers (and in many cases their employers) for this considerable and essential contribution.
2. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds
2024 2023
Total funds Total funds
£’000 £’000
Conferences 426 583
Publications 2,567 1,862
Members subscriptions 253 240
3,246 2,685
----- End of picture text -----
3. INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds
2024 2023
Total funds Total funds
£’000 £’000
Commercial trading operations 113 172
Letting and licensing of premises 603 604
716 776
----- End of picture text -----
4. INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted 2024
funds funds Total funds
£’000 £’000 £’000
Income from listed investments 180 63 243
Interest receivable 92 — 92
272 63 335
Unrestricted Restricted 2023
funds funds Total funds
£’000 £’000 £’000
Income from listed investments 170 58 228
Interest receivable 44 — 44
214 58 272
----- End of picture text -----
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 31
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
5. EXPENDITURE ON RAISING FUNDS
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds
2024 2023
£’000 £’000
Commercial trading costs 255 187
Investment management costs 24 33
279 220
----- End of picture text -----
6. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Restricted 2024
funds funds Total funds
£’000 £’000 £’000
Conferences
Direct costs 519 — 519
Support costs (note 8) 176 — 176
695 — 695
Publishing
Direct costs 1,278 — 1,278
—
Support costs (note 8) 1,026 1,026
—
2,304 2,304
Membership activities
Direct costs 721 — 721
Support costs (note 8) 111 — 111
832 — 832
Awards, bursaries and scholarships
Grants payable (note 7) — 20 20
Other direct costs 5 126 131
— — —
Support costs (note 8)
5 146 151
3,836 146 3,982
----- End of picture text -----
32 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
6. EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
| Unrestricted funds £’000 Restricted funds £’000 2023 Total funds £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Conferences Direct costs Support costs (note 8) Publications Direct costs Support costs (note 8) Membership activities Direct costs Support costs (note 8) Awards, bursaries and scholarships Grants payable (note 7) Other direct costs Support costs (note 8) |
607 — 607 367 — 367 |
| 974 — 974 |
|
| 598 — 598 408 — 408 |
|
| 1,006 — 1,006 |
|
| 979 — 979 560 — 560 |
|
| 1,539 — 1,539 |
|
| — 19 19 5 76 81 23 — 23 |
|
| 28 95 123 |
|
| 3,547 95 3,642 |
7. GRANTS PAYABLE
| 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Awards, bursaries and scholarships to individuals in the year Adjustment to previous year provisions (awards not claimed) |
21 20 |
| (1) (1) |
|
| 20 19 |
|
| 2024 Number 2023 Number |
|
| Awards of £1,000 or more Awards of up to £1,000 Total number of grants awarded |
7 6 |
| 9 11 |
|
| 16 17 |
Grants which have been agreed internally, but for which no legal or constructive obligation existed at 31 December 2024 and thus not accrued in these accounts totalled £nil (2023 – £nil).
8. SUPPORT COSTS
----- Start of picture text -----
Awards,
Membership bursaries and Total
Basis of Conferences Publications activities scholarships 2024
allocation £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Finance Turnover 35 214 21 — 270
IT and Human Resources Turnover 19 115 11 — 145
Executive Office Turnover 36 214 21 — 271
Facilities Management Floor space and 39 234 23 — 296
and Shared Premises turnover
Governance costs (note 9) Turnover 9 23 13 — 45
Depreciation Turnover 38 226 22 — 286
176 1,026 111 — 1,313
----- End of picture text -----
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 33
R E P O R T S A C C O U N T S
8. SUPPORT COSTS (CONTINUED)
----- Start of picture text -----
Awards,
Membership bursaries and Total
Basis of Conferences Publications activities scholarships 2023
allocation £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Finance and depreciation Cost 149 146 240 6 541
IT and Human Resources Head count 34 41 49 3 127
Executive Office Head count 59 72 86 5 222
Facilities Management Floor space and 111 135 161 9 416
and Shared Premises head count
Governance costs (note 9) Cost 14 14 24 — 52
367 408 560 23 1,358
----- End of picture text -----
9. GOVERNANCE COSTS
----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds
2024 2023
£’000 £’000
Auditor’s remuneration
Current year 22 21
Prior year 3 —
Trustees’ expenses 12 22
Legal and professional fees — 1
AGM and annual review 8 8
45 52
----- End of picture text -----
10. NET INCOME (EXPENDITURE) AND NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
This is stated after charging:
| 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Auditor’s remuneration Depreciation Operating lease rentals |
22 21 |
| 286 344 |
|
| 1 1 |
11. STAFF COSTS AND REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL
Staff costs during the year were as follows:
| 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Wages and salaries Social security costs Other pension costs Other |
1,600 1,427 |
| 146 134 |
|
| 153 111 |
|
| 16 18 |
|
| 1,915 1,690 |
A salary sacrifice pension scheme was introduced during 2012 under which staff members can choose to sacrifice part of their gross salary. The amount sacrificed is paid into the individual’s pension plan directly by SCI, together with the associated employer’s national insurance saving. The salary sacrificed element is included within other pension costs.
34 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
11. STAFF COSTS AND REMUNERATION OF KEY MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL (CONTINUED)
The average number of employees during the year, analysed by function, was as follows:
| 2024 Number 2023 Number |
|
|---|---|
| Conferences Membership Publishing Premises Governance and administration |
6 6 |
| 7 9 |
|
| 12 7 |
|
| 3 3 |
|
| 6 9 |
|
| 34 34 |
Of the total average monthly number of employees, 23 were full-time (2023–24) and 11 were part-time (2023–10). The number of employees whose actual remuneration was £60,000 or more were as follows:
| 2024 Number 2023 Number |
|
|---|---|
| Between £60,000 – £70,000 Between £70,000 – £80,000 Between £80,000 – £90,000 Between £120,000 – £130,000 Between £150,000 – £160,000 |
1 3 |
| 1 — |
|
| 1 1 |
|
| — 1 |
|
| 1 — |
|
| 4 5 |
The key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling the charity and the group on a day-to-day basis comprise the trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The total remuneration (including employer’s national insurance and employer pension contributions) and on-costs of the key management personnel for the year was £206,268 (2023 – £163,069). None of the trustees received any remuneration during the year for their role as trustees (2023 – £nil).
12. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
----- Start of picture text -----
Long Assets in the Furniture, IT
leasehold Leasehold course of & other
premises improvements construction equipment Total
Group and charity £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Cost
At 1 January 2024 3,400 2,382 97 1,665 7,544
Additions — 56 11 52 119
Transfers — — (94) 94 —
—
Disposals (71) (3) (38) (112)
At 31 December 2024 3,400 2,367 11 1,773 7,551
Depreciation
At 1 January 2024 829 1,253 — 1,429 3,511
Charge for the year 25 150 — 111 286
— —
Released on disposal (62) (38) (100)
At 31 December 2024 854 1,341 — 1,502 3,697
Net book value
At 31 December 2024 2,546 1,026 11 271 3,854
At 31 December 2023 2,571 1,129 97 236 4,033
----- End of picture text -----
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 35
R E P O R T S A C C O U N T S
13. INVESTMENTS
| Group and charity | 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|---|---|---|
| Listed investments at market value Market value at 1 January Additions at cost Disposal proceeds Realised gains (losses) Disposals at opening book value Unrealised gains Market value at 31 December Cash held by investment manager for re-investment Historical cost of listed investments: |
||
| 7,678 7,178 |
||
| 484 1,567 |
||
| (443) | (1,715) | |
| 156 | (85) | |
| (287) | (1,800) | |
| 314 733 |
||
| 8,189 7,678 |
||
| 26 107 |
||
| 8,215 7,785 |
||
| 6,715 6,518 |
At 31 December, listed investment at market value comprised the following:
| 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Fixed income Equities Alternatives |
1,354 1,344 |
| 6,141 5,594 |
|
| 694 740 |
|
| 8,189 7,678 |
At 31 December 2024 listed investments included no individual holdings deemed material when compared with the overall portfolio valuation (including cash held by the investment manager) as of that date (2023 – no holdings deemed material).
Investment in subsidiary
SCI[®] owns 100% of the share capital of SCI[®] Business Limited, a company incorporated in England and Wales, Company Registration Number 02994541. The investment in the subsidiary is held at cost on the charity’s balance sheet.
The main activities of the company are advertising in SCI[®] ’s publications and the hiring of meeting rooms. The company donates all its taxable profits to SCI[®] under the Gift Aid scheme. The net assets of the subsidiary at 31 December 2024 are £100 represented in full by the share capital owned by SCI[®] .
A summary of the subsidiary’s financial results for the year is provided on the next page.
36 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
13. INVESTMENTS (CONTINUED)
| 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Sales Advertising in_Chemistry & Industry_ Room hire and associated services Other income Bank interest Costs (including SCI®service charges) Room hire and associated services Accounting and general administration Proft for the year before Gift Aid Gift Aid to SCI Net proft for the year |
|
| 1 1 |
|
| 112 171 |
|
| 113 172 |
|
| 6 1 |
|
| 6 1 |
|
| 66 96 |
|
| 9 5 |
|
| 75 101 |
|
| 44 72 |
|
| (44) (72) |
|
| — — |
A summary of the subsidiary’s financial position as at 31 December is provided below:
| 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Balance sheet Current assets Current liabilities Net assests Represented by: Share Capital Proft and loss account |
|
| 150 206 |
|
| (150) (206) |
|
| — — |
|
| — — |
|
| — — |
|
| — — |
14. DEBTORS
| Group 2024 £’000 Group 2023 £’000 Charity 2024 £’000 Charity 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Trade debtors Amount due from subsidiary undertaking Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income |
208 371 201 339 |
| — — 136 187 |
|
| 18 83 18 83 |
|
| 1,114 1,127 1,114 1,127 |
|
| 1,340 1,581 1,469 1,736 |
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 37
R E P O R T S A C C O U N T S
15. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| Group 2024 £’000 Group 2023 £’000 Charity 2024 £’000 Charity 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Trade creditors Taxes and social security Licensee rent deposits Other creditors Deferred income (see below) |
106 85 106 82 |
| 34 73 34 73 |
|
| 50 33 50 33 |
|
| 377 468 363 452 |
|
| 519 345 519 345 |
|
| 1,086 1,004 1,072 985 |
Deferred income
Deferred income relates to annual subscriptions received in advance from SCI’s members, income from corporate partner agreements covering two years, rent invoiced in advance, income received in the year for conferences taking place next year and royalties relating to SCI’s journals invoiced in advance. Movements on the deferred income balance during the year were as follows:
| Group 2024 £’000 Group 2023 £’000 Charity 2024 £’000 Charity 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Deferred income at 1 January Amounts released to income Cash received in advance during the year Deferred income at 31 December |
345 276 345 276 |
| (334) (247) (334) (247) |
|
| 508 316 508 316 |
|
| 519 345 519 345 |
16. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR
| Group 2024 £’000 Group 2023 £’000 Charity 2024 £’000 Charity 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Licensee rent deposits Membership income Publications income Life composition fees (see below) |
107 100 107 100 |
| — 14 — 14 |
|
| 600 — 600 — |
|
| 19 21 19 21 |
|
| 726 135 726 135 |
As at 31 December 2024 the charity held a total of £156,283 (2023 – £133,242) in seven (2023 – eight) separate Client Deposit Accounts at HSBC in relation to rent deposits. A deposit is legally required to be paid by each of SCI’s tenants on the commencement of their rental lease and is used as protection against the potential default of rent payment. The deposits are repayable at the end of the relevant lease term.
The life composition fees are in respect of income received from members who have opted for life membership of the Society. A life membership payment is released into the accounts as income over a period of nine years.
| 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| At 1 January Decrease in provision At 31 December Amounts falling due within one year Amounts falling due after one year |
24 28 |
| (3) (4) |
|
| 21 24 |
|
| 2 3 |
|
| 19 21 |
|
| 21 24 |
38 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
17. DESIGNATED FUNDS
The income funds of the charity and the group include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:
| Group and Charity | 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|---|---|
| Tangible fxed assets fund At 1 January Movement during the year At 31 December |
|
| 4,033 4,219 |
|
| (179) (186) |
|
| 3,854 4,033 |
The balance on the tangible fixed assets fund at 31 December 2024 represents the carrying value of SCI’s tangible fixed assets. The availability of these assets (which is primarily the leasehold interest in the property occupied by SCI) is essential to the day-to-day work of the charity and the group and as such, the value of these assets cannot be regarded as funds that would be realisable with ease, in order to meet future contingencies. As such, an amount equal to the net book value of the tangible fixed assets has been separated from the charity and the group’s general funds and held as a separate designated fund.
18. RESTRICTED FUNDS
The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following to be applied for specific purposes:
----- Start of picture text -----
Other gains, At 31
At 1 January (losses) & December
2024 Income Expenditure transfers 2024
Group and charity £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
A J Banks 400 10 (4) 20 426
Commemoration 115 3 (21) 5 102
Leverhulme Prize 15 1 — 1 17
Messel 142 3 (13) 7 139
Seligman 82 2 (4) 4 84
Benevolent 145 4 (1) 7 155
Rideal Trust 18 1 (2) 1 18
S P S Andrew 1,489 38 (8) 74 1,593
ISEC 45 1 (11) 2 37
Flue2Chem (1) 82 (82) — (1)
2,450 145 (146) 121 2,570
----- End of picture text -----
----- Start of picture text -----
Other gains, At 31
At 1 January (losses) & December
2023 Income Expenditure transfers 2023
Group and charity £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
A J Banks 365 10 (3) 28 400
Commemoration 105 3 — 7 115
Leverhulme Prize 4 1 — 10 15
Messel 104 3 (13) 48 142
Seligman 76 6 (5) 5 82
Benevolent 132 3 — 10 145
Rideal Trust 16 2 (2) 2 18
S P S Andrew 1,352 35 — 102 1,489
ISEC 41 1 — 3 45
Flue2Chem — 71 (72) (1)
2,195 135 (95) 215 2,450
----- End of picture text -----
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 39
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
The main purpose of each fund is as follows:
-
A J Banks Fund – supports research in the manufacture of foodstuffs and dissemination of science.
-
Commemoration Fund – supports the advancement of public education in science according to the objectives of SCI.
-
Leverhulme Prize Fund – distributes travel bursaries.
-
Messel Fund – supports the advancement of scientific research and includes a permanent endowment fund of £97,000.
-
Seligman Fund – assists current or former members of the Society who may be in financial need.
-
Benevolent Fund – assists current or former members of the Society who may be in financial need.
-
Rideal Trust Fund – is a fund jointly administered with the Royal Society of Chemistry, supporting the advancement of chemical science and colloids in particular.
-
S P S Andrew Fund – is a fund for lectures and research into neglected science.
-
ISEC Fund – is a restricted fund, relating to conferences on solvent extraction run by the International Committee for Solvent Extraction.
-
Flue2Chem – this relates to grant funding received from Innovate UK (part of UKRI) for work to be carried out by the Society and associated parties on its behalf in relation to research into converting industrial waste gases into sustainable materials for consumer products.
19. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS
----- Start of picture text -----
Designated Restricted Total
General funds funds funds 2024
Group £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are
represented by:
— —
Tangible fixed assets 3,854 3,854
Investments 5,645 — 2,570 8,215
Current assets 3,874 — — 3,874
— —
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (1,086) (1,086)
— —
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than (726) (726)
one year
7,707 3,854 2,570 14,131
Designated Restricted Total
General funds funds funds 2023
Group £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are
represented by:
— —
Tangible fixed assets 4,033 4,033
Investments 5,335 — 2,450 7,785
Current assets 2,859 — — 2,859
— —
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (1,004) (1,004)
— —
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than (135) (135)
one year
7,055 4,033 2,450 13,538
----- End of picture text -----
40 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
19. ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS (CONTINUED)
----- Start of picture text -----
Designated Restricted Total
General funds funds funds 2024
Charity £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Fund balances at 31 December 2024 are
represented by:
— —
Tangible fixed assets 3,854 3,854
Investments 5,645 — 2,570 8,215
Current assets 3,860 — — 3,860
— —
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (1,072) (1,072)
— —
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than (726) (726)
one year
7,707 3,854 2,570 14,131
Designated Restricted Total
General funds funds funds 2023
Charity £’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are
represented by:
— —
Tangible fixed assets 4,033 4,033
Investments 5,335 — 2,450 7,785
Current assets 2,840 — — 2,840
— —
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (985) (985)
— —
Creditors: amounts falling due after more than (135) (135)
one year
7,055 4,033 2,450 13,538
----- End of picture text -----
The total unrealised gains as at 31 December included in the above constitute movements on revaluation of the charity’s listed investments. Movements during the year were as follows:
| 2024 £’000 2023 £’000 |
|
|---|---|
| Reconciliation of movements in unrealised gains: Total unrealised gains at 1 January Add (less) in respect to disposals in the year Add gains arising on revaluations in the year Total unrealised gains at 31 December |
|
| 1,160 416 |
|
| 156 (85) |
|
| 158 829 |
|
| 1,474 1,160 |
SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024 | 41
R E P O R T S
A C C O U N T S
20. COMMITMENTS UNDER OPERATING LEASES
At 31 December there were no operating leases and therefore the group and charity werecommitted to total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:
----- Start of picture text -----
Office equipment
2024 2023
£’000 £’000
— —
Within one year
— —
Within two to five years
— —
----- End of picture text -----
21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
SCI[®] Business Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of SCI[®] . The subsidiary donates all profits to SCI[®] in the form of a Gift Aid donation (see note 13).
The charity holds a combined insurance policy that includes trustee indemnity insurance to protect the trustees and officers from claims arising in connection with their duties. The cost of the indemnity cover is included within the total premium for the combined policy, and a separate cost for this element is not readily identifiable.
The accounts do not include disclosure of any further transactions between SCI[®] and SCI[®] Business Limited. By virtue of SCI[®] Business Limited being a wholly owned subsidiary undertaking of SCI[®] , SCI[®] is exempt from the requirement to disclose such transactions under section 33.1A of FRS 102.
During the year, one trustee (2023 – none) received £4,762 in remuneration for editorial work on one of the Society’s learned journals. These services were provided in a capacity entirely unrelated to their role as a trustee and were made on normal commercial terms. No trustee received remuneration for services as a trustee.. Four trustees were reimbursed a total of £3,587 in expenses (2023 – five were reimbursed £5,713) for travel and meeting costs, with a further £6,394 (2023 – £7,469) incurred directly by the Society.
All of the trustees are members of the Society and as such, pay an annual membership subscription. The trustees do not benefit from any discounts in the subscription rates set by the Society for all other members.
22. REGISTERED TRUSTEES FUNDS AND JOINT ACCOUNTS
The results of the two charities below are consolidated into SCI[®] ’s accounts as restricted funds (see note 18). SCI[®] Benevolent Fund Registered Charity Number 277329 Rideal Trust Registered Charity Number 271558
SCI[®] Benevolent Fund
The object of SCI[®] ’s Benevolent Fund is to provide financial relief to persons who are or have been members of the Society and to their spouses, children and dependents and to the widows/widowers, children and dependents of deceased members. The assets as at 31 December 2024 amounted to £155,000.
The Rideal Trust
The object of the Rideal Trust is the general advancement of chemical science and, in particular, branches relating to the chemisorption, colloid science, interface science, catalysis and related topics. The Trust is jointly administered by SCI[®] and the Royal Society of Chemistry. The activities of the Trust directly support the overall object of the Society which is to advance the science of applied chemistry and related sciences for the public benefit by providing information, granting bursaries, awards etc. The assets as at 31 December 2024 amounted to £18,000.
42 | SCI[®] ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 2024
22. REGISTERED TRUSTEES FUNDS AND JOINT ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)
----- Start of picture text -----
All resources are restricted by the Trust Deeds
Benevolent Fund Rideal Trust
2024 2023 2024 2023
£’000 £’000 £’000 £’000
Statement of financial activities
Donations — — — —
Investment income 4 3 1 2
Total income 4 3 1 2
Grants and awards — — (2) (2)
— — —
Other expenditure (1)
—
Total expenditure (1) (2) (2)
Net income 3 3 (1) —
(Losses) Gains on investments 7 10 1 2
Income and movement in funds 10 13 — 2
Total funds brought forward 145 132 18 16
Total funds carried forward 155 145 18 18
Balance sheet
Investments at market value 155 145 18 18
Total net assets 155 145 18 18
----- End of picture text -----
SCI[®] is a global organisation – connecting science with business.
Society of Chemical Industry, 14/15 Belgrave Square, SW1X 8PS, London, UK T: +44 (0)20 7598 1500 E: membership@soci.org W: soci.org
SCI[®] founded in London 1881 and in New York 1894 | Incorporated by Royal Charter 1907 | Registered as UK Charity 206883 Recognised as a not for profit organisation across the world | SCI[®] is a trademark of Society of Chemical Industry