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2020-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 233701

Company Registration No. 115703 (England and Wales)

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Neil Allcock Resigned December 2020
Amelia Bennett (Vice Chair)
Andrew Douglas Co-opted 15 December 2020
Laura Doyle Resigned December 2020
Robert George
David Gill Co-opted 15 March 2021
Heather Nowlan Co-opted 25 August 2020
Raymond O’Connell (Treasurer)
Edward Percival (Chair)
Janice Tulloch Retired November 2020
Graham Walter
Darris Williams Co-opted 15 December 2020
Charity number 233701
Company number 115703
Registered office 14 Charterhouse Buildings
Goswell Road
London
EC1M 7BA
Auditor Richard Place Dobson Services Limited
1-7 Station Road
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 1HT
Bankers HSBC
74 Goswell Road
London
EC1V 7DA
Solicitors Field Fisher Waterhouse
5 Vine Street
London
EC3N 2AA

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

CONTENTS

Page
Chairman's statement 1
Trustees' report 2 - 10
Statement of trustees' responsibilities 11
Independent auditor's report 12 - 14
Statement of financial activities 15 - 16
Balance sheet 17 - 18
Statement of cash flows 19
Notes to the financial statements 20 - 34

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT FOR THE YE4R E]VDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 A Mes8Age from the Cbirnian Once again I find Tnyself writing about an organisation whi¢h in August 2021 is very different from that which c105ed 2020. As with all organi5ations,CoVIt￿19 has had ¢1 huge on our abilities to function, but unlike oth¢n, we've also btn goin¥ through Ihe most significant trnnsfomiation in OUT history. At the elose of 2020. we had compl¢t¢d the ￿le of our premise5 at Charterhouse Buildin8s and had set an ambitlOU5 prograttltnc for translormation to ensure w¢ had the systems in platt to ensure the fiJtur¢ of th¢ So¢i¢ty. Our CFO, June Perrin. retired in December 2020 &lld we thank her for her long and dedicoled servi¢e. urn Doyl¢ %tcppcd down from the tnjstee board 10 take u the CEO role on interim b&8is. Similarly, another trustK Neil Allc(Kl stepp¢d otTih¢ board io use his considerable ¢xp¢rtise lo ourtransformalion progTwnme. Both have driven our hugely successful ¢hange ptt)grammc - scoping and introducing muliipl¢ n¢w systems to ￿place tho which wcre failing. In additiot). it became Clear that we needed to pu%h ahead wilh our planncd tnove lo new premises. Thus th¢ enomious t&sk of carefully boxin& rntionalising and storin8 our wllc¢¢ions I￿k ilK)usands of min hours We will have vacated the buildinb by th¢ start of Octo￿r202[ and ar¢ negotiuting on thc acquisition ofncw premises, in London, whi¢h hetter fil io necds of our future operations. We hopc to be hlly moved and operatin¥ belore ihe clL7se of 2022. In the int¢rim. th¢ l¢am ¢onttnue io complete the tr8nsforn)aiion pro8rammt. well as delivering o much expand¢d and outstanding ¢duratiunal proBramme. We are enomiously grateful to our members who have coniinued to suprK>rt us durin8 the long p¢ri(Kl of enforced closure and ¢rnnsfonllBtion, as well &s the generous bequests we havc received. Our m¢mb¢rs and visitors will soon s¢¢ th¢ fruits of this cnormous chang& in th¢ em¢r8¢n¢e of & revitalised Socicly of (ienealogists. Te50urced and prepar¢d for the fulur¢. I'm al%() delighted ¢hal I)r. Wanda Wy￿)rIka will tslkc up th¢ C.F.O Tol¢ fri)m O¢tobcr 2021. Shc brin85 Wlth her both ¢on%iderable cxpcriencc as a ¢harity CEO, and extensive conncctions, bul also a re41 passton for history. W¢'r¢ ¢xGiid for our future. l offer my Brati¢ude to our interim CBO. Laurn Doyle and her team for their continued resilien¢¢ 8nd ¢fforts, and our am)y tsf volunlc¢rs, without whom nothing would be w)ssible. It is incr¢dibl¢ how much can be a¢hicvcd with limited resources, partirularly when people WO￿ Iheir so¢ks otT. I nced to give ihanks to the %uppon of our Iru5tce board. who have provided experi¢nLc and many hour5 of thcir limc as we collertively 5tecr the Society through troubled wat¢r5. In particular. my dep￿tY chair Amelia Bennelt, who Gomplet¢s her second tenn &s a trustee. has been vithl, both in her intimat¢ under51andtngofth¢ library, lis collections. our team and volunteers, but also in hor knowlcdgc of the #¢ncalo¥y world. She will bE 50rely misscd. bul I know she won't b¢ far away. Finally, I thank our members in Sup)￿rting ourwork. It is IhTOU8h the dedi¢ation of all member5 of ourSoG cornrnunity working togeth¢r that we have achieved so much and That we can bc coRfident ihat the So¢iery ofcJen¢alogisis will continue to flourish in Ihe years oh¢ad. We will d¢liver a refres￿ or8atJis•tion, Wh£￿ SU51atnY4bility will be reliant on a 8rowin8 and healthy m¢mbership base. The windfall flnance of our b￿lIdIng sale is a once-only event. enabling a step ¢h8nge In investment in our organisation. It will not repld¥¢ ourr¢lian¢eon membcr5hip income and the generosity of ourdonors. I thank you fork¢¢ping with us in th¢5e diificult and uneertain limes. Edward Percival Chairnian P￿e]

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the society's [governing document], the Companies Act 2006 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 UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)".

Governance, Structure & Management Team

Constitution & Organisation

Constitution

The Society of Genealogists is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. Charity number 233701. Company number 115703.

The Board of Trustees

For the purposes of charity law, a Board of Trustees are directors of and administer the charitable company. The Board consists of up to 10 members who receive no emoluments for their service. As set out in the Articles of Association, the trustees are elected by the charity’s members, serving for a term of three years and for a maximum of two successive terms. These trustees have the power to appoint an honorary treasurer and an honorary solicitor, who ex-officio serve as members of the Board. No honorary solicitor has been appointed for many years. The trustees also have the power to elect any eligible member of the Society to the Board to fill any casual vacancy arising between one Annual General Meeting and the next; any person so elected shall retire at the AGM next following their election but shall be eligible for re-election. The trustees serving during the year 2020 and up to the date of this report are listed on the legal and administrative page

Committees

The Board of Trustees appoints other committees and working parties as it considers expedient from time to time.

A Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day activities of the charity.

Directors & Trustees

Trustee Recruitment, Induction & Training

The Society’s Governing documents require all Trustees to become a Member once successful in applying for Board membership. By not having to be a member for a requisite time in advance it means individuals with particular skillsets can become a Trustee.

Trustees are recruited through notice in the main instruments of communications with Members i.e. The Genealogists Magazine and the Website and actively approach organisations where skilled people put themselves forward for positions on the Board. We carry out an audit of skillsets when considering any gaps for new applicants. Applicants wishing to put themselves forward are invited for an interview and appropriate checks to ensure they satisfy the criteria of Trustee along with a 200 word CV. Formal election takes place at the Annual General Meeting where all Members have a right to vote.

The Society requires a good cross section of skills on its board of Trustees to cover all the areas the Charity encompasses. Formal processes ensure there are no major gaps in necessary skillsets and that all Trustees are aware of their responsibilities. This process is consistently under review to ensure it is still adequate for our needs.

To assist ongoing awareness, Trustees receive any updates received from the Charity Commission, etc. The Trustees employ a Chief Executive whose role it is to ensure any arising issues are highlighted to the Trustees. Training is continual as needs arise.

New Trustees have an induction to assess the new skill sets being added to the Society.

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SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Strategic Overview

Present

2020 saw the Society of Genealogists grasp the opportunity provided by the sale of the building to set in train plans for a significant transformation of our systems and services to ensure a robust response to the challenges of the year and secure a firm foundation for the future.

2020 was an extremely challenging year for the Society of Genealogists, as it was for many. The COVID-19 shutdowns from March meant all staff and trustees had to re-evaluate operations in a very short time frame, devise new front facing services and work practices for staff who could work from home and sadly some staff were furloughed, but for as short a period as possible. Having made the decision to sell, the building was put on the market and sold reasonably quickly considering the market conditions, leaving the option of the Society renting the premises for two years in anticipation of a move. A comprehensive strategic review of options for future business activity, relocation, investments, membership services and IT systems was set in train with Neil Allcock stepping down from the board in the middle of the year with permission from the Charity Commission for England and Wales to direct the transformation project as a consultant.

Day to day priorities during 2020 were to provide remote services and education programmes for members, provide systems and support for staff who could work from home, and to prepare for gradual reopening under strict socially distanced COVID-19 safety structures. The detail of this will be outlined elsewhere in the relevant sections of the report, but thanks must be paid the efforts of the staff and volunteers and our members. The transformation to a remote delivered events programme using the Zoom platform showed a significant growth in income and attendance. Membership held up remarkably well given the circumstances and this must in part be down to the improved interaction through the enhanced online events and education programme; the switch to remote management of digital data volunteering programmes; better communications ;and we were gratified that, after its initial postponement, the online AGM proved to be the highest attended in recent years. As part of the transformation agents were appointed to assess the Society’s relocation needs which included a comprehensive survey of members and other stakeholders.

In 2020 the Society has:

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SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Future

June Perrin retired as CEO at the end of 2020 and, after consultation with the Charity Commission, Laura Doyle stepped down from the Board of Trustees and was appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer. The appointment of a new permanent CEO, Dr. Wanda Wyporska, was announced in August 2021. Wanda is expected to join the Society on 1 October 2021 and Laura will step down.

The opportunity for investment provided by the sale of the building has meant that 2021 has seen the appointment of a restructuring and transformation team under the directorship of the Interim CEO Laura Doyle and Neil Allcock who had also stepped down from the Board. Strategic appointments for new Head of Membership Services, Fundraising and IT infrastructure were made, along with an overhaul finance, web and membership systems. The first stage of the development of the new website was introduced and plans are in train to implement a further integration of digital data into the website.

After consideration of the costs of rent and maintenance etc. it was decided that the Society will not continue with its lease of the current building and to invest that expenditure in the transformation and preparation of the library and collections for our new building. Hence the Society gave notice to vacate Charterhouse buildings from October 2021. Intensive preparations are underway to pack up the library and offices, retrieve items from existing offsite storage, conserve and prepare items for permanent off-site storage or digitisation. The Society has engaged an agent to make a wide-ranging search for new premises in London based on the conclusions from extensive surveys of members and stake holders.

Objectives & Activities / Achievements & Performance

Objectives & Aims of the Society

The objectives and aims of the charity are to promote, encourage and foster the study, science and knowledge of genealogy. The Society’s principal activities in achieving this aim continue to relate to education:

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SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The objectives we set ourselves were radically challenged by circumstances in 2020 which made imperative efforts to maintain membership numbers as best we could; provide digital services through education and web interactions; keep our members informed of our endeavours and to devise and implement a strategic plan for the future. Library, bookshop and administrative staff were furloughed for some considerable part of the year and hence targets for cataloguing and data provision were set aside, although activity did continue in these where possible and where staff were able to work from home. COVID-19 secure measures were introduced for the safety of staff and visitors and the library was configured for a limited number of members to pre- book visits under socially distanced regulations. In anticipation of the potential hit to the Society’s income a concerted appeal for donations via the website was instigated along with the general legacy fundraising.

Achievements & Performance

Detailed descriptions of the different departments’ performance are made throughout this Annual Report. However, the Trustees recognise the need to have some Key Performance Indicators to assess the Society is achieving its Objectives. Given the uncertainty at the start of the year Key Performance Indicators were approved and instigated in 2020 based on holding stability with the previous year. An assessment is made each year on the continuing suitability of the Indicators and the Trustees monitor them regularly.

Key areas of
Operation		 Specific Task Actual
Membership To maintain membership at current
levels as far as possible		 7,530 at 31 Dec 2020, down from 7,998 at 1 Jan 2020,
a decrease of 5.9%
Lectures To achieve 3,250 attendees 846 (physical attendees at the Library) Jan-Mar 14;
6,226 remote attendees Apr-Dec
In total, 7,072 attendees, 118% above target
Lectures To achieve income of £45,000 £65,000, 44% above target
Data On-line To add at least 200,000 records 265,631, 33% above target
Customer Care To ensure customer satisfaction on
visits to the Library – Target 95%		 No surveys undertaken due to COVID-19 closure
Cataloguing To ensure priority material is
catalogued within three months of
receipt		 Priorities turned to work that could be done from
home – such as adding links from the catalogue to
digital data
Fundraising To achieve income of £116,350 £73,799, 37% below target due to COVID-19 and
furlough impacts

The Board of Trustees and the Management Team suspended these ‘business as usual’ objectives during the transformation period. In their place focus was moved to successful achievement of the transformation plan within the set budget. Once the transformation work is complete, new performance indicators will be set, appropriate to the goals of the Society.

Public Benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act 2006 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit. The purpose of the Charity is encapsulated in its objects to promote, encourage and foster the study, science and knowledge of genealogy. One excellent example is the free Open Access area which provides a good resource to newcomers in starting their educational journey. By reading this report it will be clear what services the Society offers to ensure all the public can benefit from its services. The membership fees are kept as low as possible.

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SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Risk Statement

The Society recognises that it has a responsibility to manage risks effectively in order to control its assets and liabilities, protect its employees and community against potential losses or against obstacles in the way of achieving its objectives. The trustees have given consideration to the major risks to which the charity is exposed and satisfied themselves that systems or procedures are established in order to manage and minimise those risks.

Additionally the risk assessments required to ensure the safety of employees and the public against COVID-19 were undertaken and the plan implemented.

Principal risk identified Planned response
A continued steady decline in membership combined
with increases in operational costs through general
inflation are a threat to the long-term sustainability of
the Societyand the services it offers		 Through the Transformation Programme, Trustees
have taken steps to limit the growth in operational
costs and to reverse the long-term trend in membership
and income
Lack of a permanent physical home and the restriction
on traditional services during any relocation period
reduces the effectiveness of the Society and its
attractiveness to existing and new members		 Trustees are seeking to confirm a new permanent
physical home for the Society in London and to put in
place interim arrangements to support the continued
operation of core services and the retention of staff and
volunteer expertise. Enhancements to our online
services are prioritised to provide resources to a
potentiallywidergroupof members and online visitors
Changing responses to COVID-19 through the
emergence of new variants limit the Society’s ability to
operate and present a challenge to the health and well-
being of staff, volunteers and visitors		 The Trustees have taken a precautionary approach to
the use of buildings and will continue to do so, by
limiting access, providing all appropriate social
distance and hygiene measures, and by enabling more
activity to be undertaken remotely, including through
online collaboration and theprovision of digital tools
Continued deterioration of the Charterhouse building
and historic challenges associated with storage and
office space make it harder to ensure a safe working
environment for staff and volunteers		 The Trustees have accelerated the process of
relocation, and given priority to the process of clearing
and storing all materials held at the Charterhouse
building, at a time when COVID-19 restrictions
(including on travel) reduced access for visitors, so as
to minimize overall disruption.

.

Reserves Policy

It is the policy of the society that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to six month’s expenditure. The trustees considers that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the society’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The trustees are aware that the unrestricted reserves are currently in excess of the stated policy but feel that the level of uncertainty surrounding the move and COVID-19, they feel it is prudent to hold higher reserves and the reserves policy will be reviewed during the next financial year.

The Library

During 2020 the library was closed to visitors from March till August and again from November 2020 until May 2021. When access was permitted, staff made considerable preparations and reconfigurations to provide adequate social distancing and COVID-19 secure measures. Public access to the library was reduced to a maximum of 20 members for pre booked sessions on Tuesdays and the first Saturday of the month.

The library staff were furloughed for some of the year and hence some work on accessions, project management and digital collections was put into abeyance. Some cataloguing did continue, however, and greater focus was made to make links from the catalogue to the increasing number of digital books viewable from home via SoG Data Online. The library was able to receive some limited accessions and despite the constraints of labour and access to the library, significant lists of notable accessions and digitised collections uploaded to the website were able to be listed in the quarterly Genealogists Magazine in this period.

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SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Projects

Thanks to the efforts of the staff and volunteers a significant amount of effort was put into ensuring that project work for our digital collections could shift to remote home working. Literally thousands of existing scanned images from the collections were made available to upload and view remotely so they could be worked on.

Equipment was transferred from the library to volunteers’ homes so that work could continue scanning the Society’s collection of roll pedigrees and volunteers worked to abstract the data from the scanned images to create GEDCOM files for the pedigrees.

The Wells Wills project was complete which makes the Society’s unique index to probate documents in the Consistory and Archdeaconry Courts of Bath and Wells, which were destroyed in 1942, available to members. Volunteers continue to work at home indexing our unique transcripts of registers and monumental inscriptions, transcribing information from the Great Card Index, Certificates, Memorial Cards, Poll Books and Directories. A dedicated volunteers’ forum ensured the team can support each other as remote volunteer transcribers and indexers and create digital records for future uploads.

Volunteering

2020 was a year of interruptions; our volunteer community was no exception.

The year started in the usual way, with volunteers attending the annual Closed Week to assist library staff with tidying, sorting, preparing removal of collections material to offsite storage and getting the premises ready for the new year. Also in January, we had a special meeting of Counter Volunteers, to give them the opportunity to meet others doing this important, front-line work, to talk about their experiences and to make recommendations for service improvement.

With the first COVID-19 lockdown occurring in late March, many onsite volunteers had their work interrupted. Some transitioned to volunteering offsite by taking on home indexing projects, hosting online events and responding to members’ research questions in the Community Hub on our website. Volunteers have also assisted us with one-off duties such as testing online events and closed captioning software.

In March, we set up the SoG Volunteer Community Forum on the Groups platform. This has been useful for keeping volunteers connected and informed and to enable volunteers to converse about and assist each other with their work. Those carrying out home projects have been the most frequent users of the forum and using community input we have been developing resources for those projects. From an administration standpoint, the relative immediacy of communication to volunteers on the forum enabled us to quickly respond in 2020 to frequently changing circumstances. We'd like to thank all those volunteers who have supported this initiative and registered on the forum. Twenty e-bulletins (the ‘SoG Volunteer Dispatch’) were also distributed throughout the year to provide volunteers with information about the society and project updates.

Throughout the lockdowns we held a number of online activities for volunteers including project specific information sessions, and some software training. Volunteers were offered the opportunity to attend gratis six ‘SoG Orientation’ sessions, which were developed in response to the Counter Volunteers’ request for further training about the major resources in the society’s collections. In December, we hosted a meeting of the Advice Line volunteers (one of the groups whose volunteering was indefinitely interrupted by the pandemic) and there are plans to host more of these for other volunteers whose work for the society has been interrupted. The volunteer program was also well supported by the events team in its offering of many free events for volunteers throughout the year, and volunteers appreciate these benefits and learning opportunities.

A relatively small but enthusiastic contingent of volunteers attended the society between lockdowns during 2020 and assisted staff with all areas of collection work and service delivery. These volunteers were working in unusual circumstances, with the rearrangement of computers in the building and the necessity of working within new COVID-19 safety guidelines. We'd like to commend these people for their patience, cheerfulness and productivity in difficult circumstances.

The Trustees and staff of the Society are very grateful to all our amazing volunteers, whose support and work was so important in 2020 and will continue to be vital in the society’s major transformation plans.

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SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Membership

The uncertainties brought about to the economy during 2020 were expected to have a devastating impact on the Society’s revenues and while membership did decline, and stood at 7,530 at the end of 2020, this was considerably better than our projection. The strategic plan had already started to address the potential for revised memberships services, recruitment and ways to forestall decline. Part of that review recommended in 2020 the appointment of a new Head of Membership Services who would be part of the renewed transformation and communications.

New Members pay £80 for Full Membership and £56 for Associate Membership. Day entry fees remained at £5 for two hours, £10 for four hours and £18 for a day. Associate Members received 50% discount on the four hour and day rates.

Once again membership fees were not increased in 2020 for Full Members who joined prior to September 2017.

Publications

Our bookshop sales were resilient throughout the lockdowns, albeit with delays to delivery times.

Adelle Emm’s work My Ancestor worked in Textile Mills was well received and is selling well. No new titles were commissioned or published in 2020, but several existing titles were reprinted.

The Genealogists Magazine was published as usual. Efforts continue to encourage our members to take advantage of the electronic version and of the e-newsletter. Both remained vital means of communicating with our members.

Communication

The challenges of this year mean the Society’s communications outlets were busier than ever. Like most organisations the Society has several means of communicating with its members and the genealogical community at large. The website with its news functions was updated regularly and provided links to and contacts for the Society’s Genealogists Magazine , (published quarterly) and the monthly e-newsletter. The latter was significantly redesigned in this period and distributed to more members and nonmembers via a new distribution service. The members’ online hub in the dedicated member’s area of the website was effectively utilised in lockdown as many of the Society’s former library counter volunteers helped answer enquiries and direct conversations between members. A separate forum for volunteers was established to assist communications for those volunteering on digital projects.

The Society remains active on social media, on Facebook Page and via the @SoGGenealogist Twitter account. The Society promotes its events via Instagram and Pinterest. While personal genealogical consultations and telephone enquiries in the library were put on hold the Society dealt with marked increase in emailed genealogical enquiries and questions.

Education, Lectures, Courses & Shows

The challenges in 2020 brought about by lockdown enabled the Society to fulfil long held plans to create digital and remote access to our courses and events – something our out-of-town members had wanted for some time. The Society already had a free beginner’s course for members on its website and a number of recorded lectures along with record guides and hints and tips free to the public and some exclusively for members. These were added to during the year. However, the main boost to the programme came from a concerted effort by staff and volunteers to make use of Zoom to deliver our lectures and courses and even to adapt our social activities for a virtual world. 2020 saw a significant growth in both attendance and income for the events and courses. With a target to achieve attendance figures for the year of 3,350 on the events, courses and visits, the physical presence of some 846 attendees at the Library between January and March 2020 looked like we were off to a good start.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 forced the cancellation of all the events that had been planned to take place at the Library for the year. In their stead, and within six weeks the Society had invested in Zoom, trained our admin staff, volunteer hosts and speakers and from 1 May 2020 we delivered over 100 virtual activities including 2 extremely well received extensive study courses badged as virtual Genealogy Getaways. We tripled attendance on our regular skills evening classes. Working with our regular team of tutors and bringing on some new to the Society, we developed online full and half study days, one- hour talks, extensive and intensive study courses. As part of the virtual programme, the Society created free talks highlighting the free resources available to family historians via the catalogue and website and transferred the members’ orientation sessions to a Zoom event.

We were delighted to welcome 6,226 remote attendees during May-December (including 933 non-members). This success meant we surpassed the income targets considerably. Our thanks go to those who supported the programme as attendees, staff and volunteers who hosted the events, our tutors and speakers and particularly to the events team who devised and coordinated the education programme. Other online social activities included virtual common room chat groups, the virtual AGM and the virtual Christmas Party.

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SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The Society’s partnership with Pharos Tutors continues to deliver the Intermediate and Advanced Family History Skills certificated courses. The Intermediate course has now been running ten years. The Society partnered with the New England Historic Genealogical Society (American Ancestors) to deliver English genealogy courses to an American audience with two extensive online courses on 19[th] and 17[th] century genealogy.

External Liaison & Media Coverage & Outreach

Lockdown restrictions meant that most planned opportunities for the Society to be present at physical genealogy events and fairs were cancelled and sadly two American Tour Groups who were to be hosted at the Society were forced to postpone their trips. At the beginning of the year the Genealogist travelled to Boston, MA to run a Seminar on 17[th] century English research for the New England Historic Genealogical Society (American Ancestors). A scheduled lecture tour of Australia was curtailed halfway through in early March due to the pandemic. In response to the National Archives making digital documents freely available, the Society assisted the Times Newspaper History Correspondent with an article on using historic probate records and the Society and volunteers were featured in an article in the Telegraph about Tracing Family History in Lockdown .

The Society continues to work with FamilySearch as an affiliate library although Lockdown did cause some delay in the proposed partnership to scan and digitise the Society’s collection of compiled printed family histories. The Society continued to host the Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain and The Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS). Neither were able to open their libraries after lockdown however the IGRS members joined the Society in presenting a very successful online series of courses.

The Society continues to represent and advocate for the genealogy community and liaises with various record societies and archives.

Premises

The sale of the building was concluded in 2020 with a two-year leaseback. However ongoing maintenance costs and expenses, along with the unsatisfactory and cramped general working conditions for staff and volunteers in the library, as well as its detrimental effect on our collections contributed to the Board’s decision that the Society would be unable to continue working in the premises for the next two years. Hence the decision was made to terminate the lease agreement when possible and start preparations to pack up the library and vacate Charterhouse Buildings after 37 years. A relocation working group has been established which appointed agents to undertake a survey of the Society’s needs and requirements for a new building and set in train search for new premises. We look forward to announcing our new location as soon as possible.

Financial Review

For the year ended 31 December 2020 the Charity made a surplus of £3,245,122 (2020: £55,582). If the profit on the sale of the building is excluded the Charity made a deficit of £20,212.

The results of the Charity are shown on page 15 to the accounts.

Acknowledgments

Patron

HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia (2013 – present)

President

Patric Dickinson, LVO, MA, FSG (2010 – present)

Vice-Presidents

William Bortrick (2014 – present) Colin Chapman, FSG (2014 – present) Miriam Margolyes, OBE (2014 – present) Sir Mervyn Medlycott, FSG (2014 – 2021) Dan Snow (2014 – present) The Rt Hon Lord Sudeley, FSA (2014 – present)

page 9

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS TRUSTEES, REPORT IINCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YE4R ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 FeUow$ AS 4 rcsutt of the pandiwac and its locidoiwjs it wls decidgj to p￿tpOlle the Fdltn¥'s meeting ané thei¢fwe no Domin￿lOn9 w¢re put lo Ihe Fellows It is with sadne55 that we hèv¥ to Teport th4t Sue Lufft￿. c￿lI Humphery-srwth Sir M¢wn Med]ycott di￿ sin¢¢ the1&8t The Bi)9rd of Tntsiees is able to recognise the twtribulion of mwn1￿5, non-m¢mbers and 8pprowiate or8Bni$ab¢M5 through ¢h¢ aW￿d of4 C¢￿rICaie ofAppTecia¢ioll. His Royoj Highnts8 fvin¢¢ Mjchaej of hw 8r¥tOU51y we&J a $p8cia] award mty be rn4de from limpto ume b￿]￿8 his nam& In 2020 no llwArd was M￿e. In 2020 theCeTufJe•w of R￿09￿tiOn wa% awthj to y￿81 F¢w. E¥h ofthe trUSle45 tw eozLfinn￿l ther¢ 15 no informAtion ofwhith Ihey we 4waTe whith 2$ rliev￿¢ 10 the 4udiL bui of i£h the alldiloi 15 unaww. They hayo further confinned hllve appropria Swps lo identify Suth Telewortl information and 10 aslablish thot the aydiioT is aw8ro of such infoym￿lQn. Th¢ th￿l¢es, report apprfrv•J by th¢ BoaTd of TrustW5. R O'cottkndl TNste¢ Dated.. 2%19 l 21 E P¢r¢lvl Trustee Daied.. pag¢ 10

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

The trustees, who are also the directors of Society of Genealogists for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the society and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the society and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the society and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

page 11

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Society of Genealogists (the ‘society’) for the year ended 31 December 2020 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

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 financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the society in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. 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 financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

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 society’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements 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 financial statements 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 financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

page 12

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the society for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the society’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 charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 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 whether the financial statements 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 financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. The objectives of our audit are to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding compliance with laws and regulations that have a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, to perform audit procedures to help identify instances of non-compliance with other laws and regulations that may have a material effect on the financial statements, and to respond appropriately to identified or suspected non-compliance with laws and regulations identified during the audit.

In relation to fraud, the objectives of our audit are to identify and assess the risk of material misstatement of the financial statements due to fraud, to obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the assessed risks of material misstatements due to fraud through designing and implementing appropriate responses and to respond appropriately to fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit.

However it is the primary responsibility of management, with the oversight of those charged with governance, to ensure that the entity’s operations are conducted in accordance with the provisions of laws and regulations and for the prevention and detection of fraud.

In identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud, the audit engagement team made enquiries of management, and those charged with governance, regarding the procedures relating to identifying, evaluating and complying with;

  1. laws and regulations and whether they were aware of any instances of non-compliance; 2. detecting and responding to the risks of fraud and whether they have knowledge of any actual, suspected or alleged fraud;

  2. the internal controls established to mitigate risks related to fraud or non-compliance with laws and regulations;

As a result of these procedures we consider the most significant laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the financial statements are FRS 102, General Data Protection Regulations, Companies Act, Charities Act 2011, Charities Statement of Recommended Practice and employment law and regulations. We performed audit procedures to detect non-compliance, which may have a material impact on the financial statements. These included reviewing financial statement disclosures and evaluating advice received from external advisors. There were no significant laws and regulations we deemed as having an indirect impact on the financial statements.

page 13

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED)

TO THE TRUSTEES OF SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

The audit engagement team identified the risk of management override of controls as the area where the financial statements were most susceptible to material misstatement due to fraud. Audit procedures performed included but were not limited to testing manual journal entries and other adjustments and evaluating the rationale in relation to any significant, unusual transactions and transactions entered into outside of the normal course of business.

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. 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 auditors' 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.

Richard Place Dobson Services Limited 28 September 2021 Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor 1-7 Station Road

1-7 Station Road Crawley West Sussex RH10 1HT

Richard Place Dobson is eligible for appointment as auditor of the society by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

page 14

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Current financial year
Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2020
2020
2020
Notes
£
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
130,400
-
-
Charitable activities
4
491,878
-
2,813
Investments
5
1,209
-
-
Other income
6
3,329,450
-
-
Total income
3,952,937
-
2,813
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
4,823
-
-
Charitable activities
8
687,234
14,693
3,878
Total resources expended
692,057
14,693
3,878
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources
before transfers
3,260,880
(14,693)
(1,065)
Gross transfers between funds
(2,519,133)
2,519,133
-
Net income/(expenditure) for the year/
Net movement in funds
741,747
2,504,440
(1,065)
Fund balances at 1 January 2020
407,851
3,076,302
56,825
Fund balances at 31 December 2020
1,149,598
5,580,742
55,760		 Total
2020
£
130,400
494,691
1,209
3,329,450
3,955,750
4,823
705,805
710,628
3,245,122
-
3,245,122
3,540,978
6,786,100		 Total
2019
£
171,056
504,109
2,131
7,058
684,354
2,016
626,756
628,772
55,582
-
55,582
3,485,396
3,540,978

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

page 15

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED) INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Prior financial year
Unrestricted Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
designated
2019
2019
2019
Notes
£
£
£
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies
3
145,606
-
25,450
Charitable activities
4
490,046
1,591
12,472
Investments
5
2,131
-
-
Other income
6
7,058
-
-
Total income
644,841
1,591
37,922
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
2,016
-
-
Charitable activities
8
615,900
1,910
8,946
Total resources expended
617,916
1,910
8,946
Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before
transfers
26,925
(319)
28,976
Gross transfers between funds
6,326
-
(6,326)
Net income/(expenditure) for the year/
Net movement in funds
33,251
(319)
22,650
Fund balances at 1 January 2019
374,600
3,076,621
34,175
Fund balances at 31 December 2019
407,851
3,076,302
56,825		 Total
2019
£
171,056
504,109
2,131
7,058
684,354
2,016
626,756
628,772
55,582
-
55,582
3,485,396
3,540,978

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

page 16

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Investments
14
Current assets
Stocks
15
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
17
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
18
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
19
General unrestricted funds		 2020
£
16,498
331,120
6,335,943
6,683,561
(156,318)
5,580,742
1,149,598		 £
238,857
20,000
258,857
6,527,243
6,786,100
55,760
6,730,340
6,786,100		 2019
£
19,447
68,785
440,490
528,722
(161,699)
3,076,302
407,851		 £
3,153,955
20,000
3,173,955
367,023
3,540,978
56,825
3,484,153
3,540,978

page 17

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED) ASA T31 DECEMBER 2Q20 The Gonwany 15 entitt￿l to th6 ￿eMptiOn ftom the audit Nu]rer[￿l conta1t￿ uj 5￿tiOn 477 of tho Comp4Dir5 Ath 20￿ for theye4T ended 31 D￿eM￿er 2020. olthou8h m audit ¢AlliEd out under 5xtyon 144 of theclwities Act 2011. Thedirectorsa¢knowlEdg¢thBiTre5pons)biliti% forensurin8th&thecharity keeps accounting r￿orth which comply with section 386 ofthe Aei trtd for preparing financial ststements give a and fasr view ofthe staie of Aff2irs of the comparty Ls at the end of the fin8neid year ond of its incoming t¢50urce5 8nd applicHtion of resource5. itsc1￿lIng lis income exp&)diiure, ror the finaneiai year in 0¢￿rdanG¢ with th¢ T¢quiremw)ts of seetiorJ8 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requrements of the Companies Act 2fX)6 rdatin8 to fJDaDcial statements, so far as applic4ble lo the tompBny. The members have noi requtr&l company to obtwn ) auth"t of its fLtWKi8I sto10m￿ts ￿der thè req1llmn￿ts of th# Comp4n)es Act 20(M4. ror the yelrin qu#slion m aC¢OTdance wtth s￿110￿ 476. Thest financi￿ $tatemmts hove bee￿ ptepArÈd fft a¢¢ordme4 with the Provisions applicAble to comp8ni18 subjea to th SMAII ¢omp8nio5 r4ime. The fLn•n¢iNI wern *PPToved by th¢Tnth on..281091202I Rtrttx)nd (Yconngll (freasurerl Trnit¢¢ EdwllTd PereivB] (Chwr) Tru¥l•e Compw Reghthitlon No. 115703 pa8¢ 18

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
25
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds on disposal of subsidiaries
Investment income received
Net cash generated from/(used in) investing
activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2020
£
(12,200)
6,097,939
-
1,209		 £
(191,495)
6,086,948
-
5,895,453
440,490
6,335,943		 2019
£
(19,844)
-
(20,000)
2,131		 £
170,715
(37,713)
-
133,002
307,488
440,490

page 19

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Society of Genealogists is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is 14 Charterhouse Buildings, Goswell Road, London, EC1M 7BA.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the society's governing document, the Companies Act 2006 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 UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The society is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the society. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.1.1 Basis of Consolidation

These accounts are for Society of Genealogists and do not include the results of its subsidiary Society of Genealogists Enterprises Limited. on the basis that the subsidiary entity has not traded during the year and is to be formally wound up after the year end.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the society has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Designated Funds are unrestricted funds which have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty. Income is deferred only when charity has to fulfil conditions before becoming entitled to it or where the donor has specified that the income is to be expended in a future period.

Donations are accounted for gross when receivable, so long as they are capable of financial measurement, recognises legacies when they have been informed they are to be in receipt of a legacy. This represents a change in accounting policy, as in previous years legacies were only recognised when there was adequate certainty and reliability of their value and could be accurately measured.

Grants receivable are recognised when there is reasonable assurance of their receipt, whether capital or revenue in nature. Grants are recognised on an accruals basis.

Membership income represents subscriptions for membership of the charity and is recognised in the period to which it relates.

page 20

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1 Accounting policies

Event income represents sponsorship and entrance fees for events and is recognised in the accounts when the event takes place.

Genealogy income represents sum paid for specific genealogical consultation.

Bookshop, magazine and publications income represents income from sales of genealogy books and the Society of Genealogist magazine and is recognised on the day the sale takes place.

1.5 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category.

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office and governance costs which support membership, library, event, genealogy and bookshop and publication activities. These costs have been allocated and apportioned to the various charitable activates. A percentage basis has been used to apportion the support costs to the charitable activities. Staff support costs are by time allocation and all other support costs are by space allocation.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets other than books and manuscripts are stated at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less estimated residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, for items over £250. No depreciation is provided on freehold land or on books, manuscripts, and typescripts, since it is the Society's practice to maintain these in a continual state of sound repair and any depreciation involved would not be material. Provision will be made should any permanent diminution in the value of these documents occur. The Charity has chosen to take advantage of the transitional relief available on adoption of FRS102-1A and have elected to include the land and building at its valuation which is its deemed cost for the purposes of these accounts. The rates currently used are as follows:

Freehold buildings 2% straight line per annum Where residual value exceeds cost there will be no depreciation Fixtures, fittings & computer equipment 20% on books value per annum Library 50% straight line per annum Microfilm 10% on book value per annum

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

The investment in the subsidiary is stated at cost less provision for any diminution in value.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the society reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.9 Stocks

Stocks of publications and other items for sale are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after providing for slow moving items.

page 21

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1 Accounting policies

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.11 Financial instruments

The society has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the society's balance sheet when the society becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

1.12 Taxation

No provision has been made for corporation tax or deferred tax as the charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt.

1.13 Employee benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

1.14 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

1.15 Leases

Rentals payable under operating leases are charged against income on a straight line basis over the period of the lease.

1.16 Foreign exchange

Transactions denominated in foreign currencies are recorded at the rate ruling at the date of the transaction.

Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date. All differences are included in net outgoing resources.

1.17 Pensions

The charity operates a defined contribution scheme. The pension costs charged to the SOFA represent the amount of the contributions payable to the scheme in respect of the accounting period.

1.18 Irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is included in Resources Expended within administration costs.

page 22

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

1 Accounting policies

1.19 Debtors, cash and creditors

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

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

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any discounts due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the society’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Valuation of the library

The valuation of the books which are included within fixed assets is a material figure in the accounts and is based primarily on the historical cost value that the society paid a number of years ago. Given that the majority of these items are not available to be purchased on the open market, it has been estimated that their value has not fluctuated since the original cost incurred by the society. For insurance purposes the library is valued at £2,937,887.

Valuation of Land and Buildings

Freehold land and building was included in the accounts at historic cost. No depreciation is charged on the building on the basis that the estimated residual value is in excess of the cost included in the accounts and depreciation would be immaterial. The Society has had the land and buildings in the accounts revalued, the valuation being £6,000,000 as at February 2019. This valuation is on a freehold vacant possession value and was conducted by Cushman & Wakefield. On adoption this valuation has become deemed cost.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
funds
general
general
2020
2019
2019
£
£
£
Donations and gifts
72,799
145,606
25,450
Legacies receivable
57,601
-
-
130,400
145,606
25,450		 Total
2019
£
171,056
-
171,056

page 23

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

4 Charitable activity income

Membership
income
Library income
Event income
Genealogy
income
Bookshop and
publications
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
£
£
£
£
£
Income
from
charitable
activities
362,894
4,604
93,636
6,038
27,519
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted
funds - general
362,894
1,791
93,636
6,038
27,519
Unrestricted
funds -
designated
-
-
-
-
-
Restricted
funds
-
2,813
-
-
-
362,894
4,604
93,636
6,038
27,519		 Total
2020
£
494,691
491,878
-
2,813
494,691		 Total
2019
£
504,109
490,046
1,591
12,472
504,109

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Membership
income
Library income
Event income
Genealogy
income
Bookshop and
publications
£
£
£
£
£
Income from charitable
activities
383,593
16,106
50,059
589
53,762
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
383,593
2,043
50,059
589
53,762
Unrestricted funds -
designated
-
1,591
-
-
-
Restricted funds
-
12,472
-
-
-
383,593
16,106
50,059
589
53,762		 Total
2019
£
504,109
490,046
1,591
12,472
504,109

page 24

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

5 Investments

Interest receivable
6 Other income
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2020 2019
£ £
1,209 2,131
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2020 2019
£ £
Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets 3,265,334 -
Royalties 33,346 -
Other income 4,118 7,058
Furlough income 26,652 -
3,329,450 7,058
7 Raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
general general
2020 2019
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs 4,823 784
Staff costs - 1,232
Fundraising and publicity 4,823 2,016
4,823 2,016

page 25

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

8 Charitable activities expenditure

Membership
expenditure
Library
expenditure
Event
expenditure
Genealogy
expenditure
Bookshop &
publications
expenditure
2020
2020
2020
2020
2020
£
£
£
£
£
Staff costs
45,430
180,515
55,949
-
45,847
Direct other
costs
29,293
18,800
20,645
17,276
9,722
74,723
199,315
76,594
17,276
55,569
Share of
support costs
(see note 9)
104,039
61,057
70,627
-
30,250
Share of
governance
costs (see note
9)
6,378
3,925
4,252
-
1,800
185,140
264,297
151,473
17,276
87,619
Analysis
by fund
Unrestricted
funds - general
185,140
248,226
151,473
14,776
87,619
Unrestricted
funds -
designated
-
14,693
-
-
-
Restricted
funds
-
1,378
-
2,500
-
185,140
264,297
151,473
17,276
87,619		 Total
2020
£
327,741
95,736
423,477
265,973
16,355
705,805
687,234
14,693
3,878
705,805		 Total
2019
£
271,862
165,179
437,041
164,650
25,065
626,756
615,900
1,910
8,946
626,756

page 26

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

8 Charitable activities expenditure

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Membership
expenditure
Library
expenditure
Event
expenditure
Genealogy
expenditure
Bookshop &
publications
expenditure
£
£
£
£
£
Staff costs
46,881
103,795
71,699
20,190
29,297
Direct other costs
72,626
35,248
44,378
-
12,927
119,507
139,043
116,077
20,190
42,224
Share of support costs (see
note 9)
27,880
106,210
16,830
-
13,730
Share of governance costs
(see note 9)
9,775
6,016
6,517
-
2,757
157,162
251,269
139,424
20,190
58,711
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
157,162
240,413
139,424
20,190
58,711
Unrestricted funds -
designated
-
1,910
-
-
-
Restricted funds
-
8,946
-
-
-
157,162
251,269
139,424
20,190
58,711
Support costs
Support costs
Governance
costs
2020 Support costs
Governance
costs
£
£
£
£
£
Staff costs
30,227
-
30,227
65,067
-
Depreciation
94,693
-
94,693
21,468
-
Premises costs
141,053
-
141,053
78,115
-
Audit fees
-
7,950
7,950
-
6,450
Legal and professional
-
8,405
8,405
-
18,615
265,973
16,355
282,328
164,650
25,065		 Total
2019
£
271,862
165,179
437,041
164,650
25,065
626,756
615,900
1,910
8,946
626,756
2019
£
65,067
21,468
78,115
6,450
18,615
189,715

9 Support costs

All support costs for 2019 and 2020 have been charged to unrestricted funds.

page 27

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

10 Net movement in funds 2020 2019
£ £
Net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting)
Fees payable to the company's auditor for the audit of the company's financial
statements 7,950 6,450
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 94,693 21,468
Profit on disposal of tangible fixed assets (3,265,334) -

11 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the society during the year.

12 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Direct charitable activities
Governance
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs
Remuneration paid to key management during the year was £135,358 (2019: £148,960)
The number of employees whose annual remuneration was £60,000 or more were:
90,000 - 100,000		 2020
Number
14
2
16
2020
£
317,999
23,799
16,170
357,968
2020
Number
1		 2019
Number
14
2
16
2019
£
299,780
22,090
16,291
338,161
2019
Number
-

page 28

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

13
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold
buildings
£
Cost
At 1 January 2020
3,159,869
Additions
-
Disposals
(3,159,869)
At 31 December 2020
-
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2020
327,264
Depreciation charged in the year
-
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(327,264)
At 31 December 2020
-
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2020
-
At 31 December 2019
2,832,605		 Fixtures,
furniture,
fittings and
computer
equipment
£
601,106
9,885
-
610,991
522,876
80,000
-
602,876
8,115
78,230		 Library
£
225,927
2,315
-
228,242
-
-
-
-
228,242
225,927		 Microfilm
£
159,405
-
-
159,405
142,212
14,693
-
156,905
2,500
17,193		 Total
£
4,146,307
12,200
(3,159,869)
998,638
992,352
94,693
(327,264)
759,781
238,857
3,153,955

The valuation of books, manuscripts and typescripts is a 1952 professional valuation amounting to £8,195. Additions since then have been included at cost. The insured value of books, manuscripts, typescripts, microform, plant and machinery, fixtures and fittings is £3,203,270 (2019: £3,026,023).

The freehold buildings were sold during the year and the sales proceeds are held as cash at the year end.

The majority of fixed assets of the society are used for direct charitable activities. The assets used for non-charitable activities are of immaterial values and therefore have not been disclosed separately in the financial statements,

14 Fixed asset investments

Investment in
subsidiary
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2020 & 31 December 2020 20,000
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2020 20,000
At 31 December 2019 20,000
2020 2019
Other investments comprise: Notes £ £

page 29

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

14
Fixed asset investments
Investments in subsidiaries
24
15
Stocks
Finished goods and goods for resale
16
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings
Other debtors
Building rent deposit
Prepayments and accrued income
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
Trade creditors
Amounts owed to subsidiary undertakings
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 20,000
2020
£
16,498
2020
£
3,322
14,867
85,910
207,000
20,021
331,120
2020
£
16,155
90,405
35,746
-
2,718
11,294
156,318		 20,000
2019
£
19,447
2019
£
191
34,764
24,286
-
9,544
68,785
2019
£
553
93,470
45,930
4,401
1,397
15,948
161,699

page 30

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

18 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Movement in funds Movement in funds
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Revaluations, Balance at
1 January 2019 resources expended gains and losses 31 December
2019
£ £ £ £ £ £
Fellows fund 226 - - - - 226
Library funds 27,954 12,381 (4,232) (6,326) - 29,777
Binding funds 3,495 91 (2,214) - - 1,372
Transformation fund - 25,450 - - - 25,450
Digitisation 2,500 - (2,500) - - -
34,175 37,922 (8,946) (6,326) - 56,825
- Movement in funds -
Balance at Incoming Resources Transfers Revaluations, Balance at
1 January 2020 resources expended gains and losses 31 December
2020
£ £ £ £ £ £
Fellows fund 226 - - - - 226
Library funds 29,777 2,813 (1,378) - - 31,212
Binding funds 1,372 - - - - 1,372
Transformation fund 25,450 - (2,500) - - 22,950
56,825 2,813 (3,878) - - 55,760

The Fellows Fund is to be used by the Fellows for any purpose deemed appropriate.

The Library Funds are to be used specifically for library purchases. The transfer to unrestricted funds represents capital expenditure incurred in the year.

The Binding Funds are to be used towards the cost of binding records.

The Transformation Fund (formally the IT Systems Funds) is to be used towards the transformation programme. The Digitisation Funds are to be used towards digitisation of library material.

page 31

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

19 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes:

Balance at
1 January 2019
£
Land and
Buildings
2,832,605
Library Fund
(Books,
Manuscripts,
Microform)
244,016
Transformation
project
-
Relocation
fund
-
3,076,621		 Movement in
Incoming
resources
£
-
1,591
-
-
1,591		 funds
Resources
expended
Balance at
1 January 2020
£
£
-
2,832,605
(1,910)
243,697
-
-
-
-
(1,910)
3,076,302		 Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 December
2020
£
£
£
-
(2,832,605)
-
(14,693)
1,738
230,742
-
1,350,000
1,350,000
-
4,000,000
4,000,000
(14,693)
2,519,133
5,580,742		 Resources
expended
Transfers
Balance at
31 December
2020
£
£
£
-
(2,832,605)
-
(14,693)
1,738
230,742
-
1,350,000
1,350,000
-
4,000,000
4,000,000
(14,693)
2,519,133
5,580,742
5,580,742

The Land and Buildings fund represents the funds of the charity that are tied up in the land and the buildings that the charity operates out of. The building was sold during the year.

The Library fund represents the funds of the charity that are to be used to add to the holdings of the library. The Transformation project fund represents monies set aside from the sale of the property to be used in the multi-part transformation of the system and services of the Society.

The Relocation Fund represents monies set aside to acquire a new property and related moving costs..

page 32

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

20
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
2020
2020
2020
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 December 2020 are represented
by:
Tangible assets
8,115
230,742
-
Investments
20,000
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
1,121,483
5,350,000
55,760
1,149,598
5,580,742
55,760
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
2019
2019
2019
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 December 2019 are represented
by:
Tangible assets
77,653
3,076,302
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
310,198
-
56,825
387,851
3,076,302
56,825		 Total
2020
£
238,857
20,000
6,527,243
6,786,100
Total
2019
£
3,153,955
367,023
3,520,978

21 COVID 19

Since the end of 2019 there has been a global COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in the Society, along with many other organisations having to suspend its physical onsite services. We found other ways to deliver some services and have been pleased with our members support. For 2021 because of our move to online delivery of education programmes we lessened the effect, just the usual ongoing downturn in membership. We are keen to see that membership will continue to support us moving forward are building new services to nurture, retain and recruit as many members as possible.

Because of the continuing pandemic it is not possible to predict the impact this will have on the society but it is felt with the sale of the building and relocation to new premises, there are sufficient cash reserves available to redevelop and grow the services we offer. On this basis no adjustments have been made to the accounts for possible impacts from COVID-19.

22 Related party transactions

Prior permission by the Charity Commission has been given for Trustees to receive lecture fees and any author royalties. In 2020 there were £0 payments (2019 - £0)

During the year there were no transactions between the Charity and it's trading subsidiary. The amount owed to the charity by its subsidiary was £14,867 (2019: £30,363).

In December 2020 Laura Doyle stepped down as Trustee to take up the role of interim CEO.

page 33

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

23 Status of the Society

The Society is a company limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. The liability of members is limited to £2 each.

24 Subsidiaries

These financial statements are separate society financial statements for Society of Genealogists.

Details of the society's subsidiaries at 31 December 2020 are as follows:

Name of undertaking Registered Nature of business Class of % Held
office shares held Direct Indirect
Society of Genealogists England Provision of Genealogy services Ordinary 100.00
Enterprises Limited

The aggregate capital and reserves and the result for the year of subsidiaries excluded from consolidation was as follows:

Name of undertaking
Profit/(Loss)
Capital and
Reserves
£
£
Society of Genealogists
Enterprises Limited
-
20,000
25
Cash generated from operations
Surplus for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in stocks
(Increase)/decrease in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
(Decrease)/increase in deferred income
Cash (absorbed by)/generated from operations
26
Analysis of changes in net funds
The society had no debt during the year.		 2020
£
3,245,122
(1,209)
(3,265,334)
94,693
2,949
(262,335)
(2,316)
(3,065)
(191,495)		 2019
£
55,582
(2,131)
-
21,468
1,195
68,265
25,794
542
170,715

page 34