**Richard Place Dobson Services Limited Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor** 

page 17 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements** 

**Charity registration number 233701** 

**Company registration number 00115703 (England and Wales)** 

## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

**ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021** 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION** 

|**Trustees**|Andrew Douglas (appointed on 15 December 2020)|
|---|---|
||Robert George|
||David Gill (appointed on 15thMarch 2021)|
||Heather Nowlan|
||Raymond O'Connell (Treasurer)|
||Edward Percival (Chair)|
||Graham Walter (Vice Chair from December 2021)|
||Darris Williams (appointed on 15thDecember 2020)|
||Amelia Bennett (Vice Chair, resigned on December 1st2021)|
|**Secretary**|Dr Wanda Wyporska|
|**Charity number**|233701|
|**Company number**|00115703|
|**Registered office**|(until September 2021)|
||14 Charterhouse Buildings|
||Goswell Road|
||London|
||EC1M 7BA|
||(from October 2021)|
||Richard Place Dobson Services Limited|
||Ground Floor|
||1 - 7 Station Road|
||Crawley|
||West Sussex|
||RH10 1HT|
|**Auditor**|Richard Place Dobson Services Limited|
||Ground Floor|
||1 - 7 Station Road|
||Crawley|
||West Sussex|
||RH10 1HT|
|**Bankers**|HSBC|
||74 Goswell Road|
||London|
||EC1V 7DA|
|**Solicitors**|Withers LLP|
||20 Old Bailey|
||London|
||EC4M 7AN|





**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **CONTENTS** 

||**Page**|
|---|---|
|Chairman's statement|1|
|Trustees' report|2 - 13|
|Statement of trustees' responsibilities|14|
|Independent auditor's report|15 - 17|
|Statement of financial activities|18 - 19|
|Balance sheet|20 - 21|
|Statement of cash flows|22|
|Notes to the financial statements|23 - 37|





Draft Annu81 Report 1115n2
SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021
e from the C.'h*lrnA
As ever, I find myself writing ai%)ui huge change at the Society. but as we end the first half of 2022. 1 am delighted to say that
the direction of change is exciiing, positive and showing great results already. We have a lot to look forward to in 2022 and
tryon4J. Ye¢ again, COVID-19 had a hugc IMp￿t on our abilitics ts) function in person and an added cijmplexity was moving
out 0fcharterl￿use Buildin8S Ot a far more ￿¢¢I¢￿ted speed than w¢ had anti¢ipat¢d. Thi5 Wa5 thanks largely to staff. c&8ua]
statrand volUn￿ts, all ut)dtr the great leadership of Laura Doyle, who S¢Tved as Int¢rim Chief EX￿￿tIVe unlil Septemkr 2021
and continued to advis¢ until the ¢nd of the y¢&r.
A5 we left ¢he buildin& we welcomed ournewChiefExecutive, Drwanda wy￿r8ka. tnoved totemporary premises in North
London. After an ¢nthusiastiC 5earrh for premise5. having Ca￿led out due dilig¢nce, w¢ w¢r¢ disappoin*d ￿ discover some
major issue5 with our pr05PXtiv¢ new home and so th¢ search began on¢c more. We ¢x￿cl to be in new pre(nises early in 2023,
but the delay h&s given us the opportunity to forensically analyse our¢oll¢¢tions, starta huge dL8jtisation pro8rthnn]eofour Parish
Registers and monwnen1￿ INcriptions, as well as launching the wonderful TrceSe4rchl11 and our onlin¢ Memorial Cards
collection.
Non¢ of this would have been w)ssible without the Sterling effort of our sthff t¢am, fanthsii¢ volut)t¢en and my ftllow Trustees,
all of whom I would like to heartily thank for their hard work. I'd also like to reeord my appreciation of our rnembeTS who have
stuck with ￿, &$ we undergo this SI￿1r1CanI transforni&tion of systems, premises and our online offering. It has to be s&id that
we have be¢n abl¢ to ￿8¢h far morc meml*rs and non-members with our renowned educational pmgjwnme aThJ e8lendir of
events, including our inaugural youth Conference. held with the Family History F¢dergtion. This was just one tsf many significant
partnerships the Soctety is r¢n¢wing ond forging in the history and genealogy communities. tx) look out for some mor¢ exciting
announc¢ments this year and some offers from partners which will enhan¢¢ yourmeMbe￿hlp.
I wwlt ti) thatsk our Tru5t¢e Board, which has, once again, given ge4kerously of time and expertise, to take what hav¢ often be¢n
complex de¢isK)ns. l am delight￿ to welcome Graharn Walter as Vice Chairand we Shall soon be opening up our search for new
tnjstees and a new Chair. l am also looking forward to our first hybrid AGM on July 2￿1 and htspe to see rnany of you there.
TheTe are very exciting times thead for the Society of GeneAlogists. &5 we look to the fvture with a new stratsgy for growt
pthnership, and the r¢ai desire to make our collections m¢)r¢ wcessible to the genealogy community hnd all who are interested
in faTtJily hi$tory. W¢or¢w¢ll on the way to d¢liverin8 a refreshed organisation which 1$ susthinobl¢ and fit for puwe. However.
such hug¢ change nece55itated extr¢mely dilfi￿lt de¢isions and the Society had to make a numberof redundancies in 2021.
The sai¢ of the building allowed us to carry out the trAnsfomiatiOD And we are confidertt that you will like the wider-ranging
results. We extrtmely grat¢ful to all thos¢ who have left us gifts in their wills or Tnade g¢nerou& donations. As a membership
organisation and a ¢harity, we air reliant upon membership inwme and th¢ generosity of our donors. Our success is in large part
due to your generosity and so my last words are to CXPftS5 Tt]y deepest grdtitude to all those who hav¢ $upport¢d with time,
expertise and ththatioDs- we would not able to cary out such a con$id¢rdble improvements for tk 8ener&lions to come without
you.
17
gel

**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2021. 

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 Articles of Association, 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)". 

## **Objectives and Activities / Achievements** 

## **Objectives and 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: 

- maintains the foremost specialist library in the country 

- provides a comprehensive programme of lectures, tutorials and courses 

- publishes textbooks and indexes of genealogical material 

- maintains co-operative relationships with allied organisations 

- lobbies government and other relevant organisations on behalf of the genealogical community 

The objectives set in 2021 were radically challenged by the continuing impact of COVID19 and the effects of the furlough of the library team, as well as by the closure of service, which made it imperative to try 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. Due to ongoing updating and transformation of our systems, the move from Charterhouse Buildings and new leadership, the previous targets for cataloguing and data provision were set aside, although activity continued in these areas where possible, against a backdrop of packing and storing our library and archives. 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 fall in the Society’s income a concerted appeal for donations via the website was instigated along with the general legacy fundraising. 

page 2 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **Strategic Overview** 

Having sold the Society’s premises, it was originally intended to lease back the building for two years, in preparation for a more leisurely move. However, after consideration of costs of rent and maintenance etc., it was decided that instead of continuing to lease the building, an investment be made in the transformation of systems and preparation of the collections. The Society gave formal notice, closed the building to visitors from July and in October 2021 left 14 Charterhouse Buildings, which had been its home since 1984. The Society moved into temporary offices at the Resource for London Centre in Holloway Road, North London. 

Extensive surveys of members and stakeholders led the Society to instruct agents to search for new premises in London and a potential building was identified. Unfortunately, some way into the due diligence investigations, it proved to be unsuitable. The search began again at the end of the year and it is envisaged that the Society will be in new premises in the first half of 2023. Operational day-today priorities for 2021 became dominated by the mammoth task of packing up and preparation of the library, archives, materials in the SoG offsite storage in Braintree, shop and offices to store and for the move. Alongside this, ongoing work with the transformation of new systems and the remote delivery of the Education programme and communications continued. Despite a backlog as a result of the library staff being furloughed in 2020, the sterling work of the staff team maintained a smooth service as membership numbers remained relatively stable and the preparations and packing were completed on time. Deep strategic work was put on hold out of necessity and due to the anticipated arrival of the incoming CEO. 

The Board of trustees appointed a new permanent Chief Executive, Dr Wanda Wyporska, who shortly after joining in October, oversaw the second online AGM. This had been postponed to December 1[st] , but saw one of the highest attendance rates for an AGM. 

In 2021 the Society has: 

- Continued the transformation review and implementation of new administrative and finance systems 

- Established the search for a new building 

- Located and moved staff into temporary offices 

- Implemented a new membership administration system 

- Introduced the new design, content and launch of the www.sog.org.uk website 

- Increased the number of,  and attendance at, online events and education 

- Undertaken an archival and conservation survey of the SoG’s manuscript archives and collection in anticipation of packing and removing to storage 

- Appointed offsite storage and retrieval partners 

- Appointed digitisation partners and commenced a significant digitisation programme 

- Prepared and packed the library, multimedia and archive collections, shop and offices for storage and removal 

- Continued and developed volunteer archival projects 

- Began work on a new platform for the Society’s existing digital collections 

- Began preparation for the cataloguing, digitisation and digital publication of further library and archive assets for remote access to members. 

- Began preparation to digitise significant parts of the library’s book collection in order to conserve space for the new building 

- Started a review and significant restructure of the staff team 

- Continued a skeleton library service up to July and when public access was permitted under COVID regulations 

- Established new, and revived, significant external partnerships and out-reach liaison 

page 3 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **Future** 

The hard work and transformation of systems undertaken in 2021 will place the Society in a far stronger position to face the future. The collections reviews and survey of the library’s books, microforms, multimedia and archive manuscript collections will enable decisions to be made about the best use of space and provide a bedrock upon which to improve library services. Work will continue to provide better access to existing digital collections and to create more. Our manuscript archives can be better maintained and prepared for improved access, which our digitisation programme will support. 

The Society expects to be in the temporary offices in Holloway Road until the end of 2022, and while there, the management of the storage of the library and collections and the order and retrieval procedures is being fine-tuned in anticipation of the move to a new building. We have also started to welcome volunteers and members back to the library. 

A new strategic review, analysing the changing landscape of the industry, our transformation and partnerships, will ensure a more secure financial and operational foundation. The Society will continue its work to ensure the purchase of a new building is achieved and managed successfully, since this is a key part of the growth strategy. Moving to a new building is an exciting prospect and there is much that improved facilities will do to support greater outreach, events, education and partnerships within the genealogy and history communities. The Society intends to provide improved membership opportunities and services and to ensure that it serves all. Work is already under way to promote and work with young genealogists and those of more diverse communities. There are opportunities for the Society to forge new partnerships and funding pathways. The coming year is both challenging and exciting, as 2022 will be a year of consolidation and strategic planning. 

## **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 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 and the Society is frequently to be seen at shows, giving talks to local history societies, the broader history community and creating partnerships in kind. 

The Treesearch™ application is free to use for the first selection of family trees and will form part of the Society’s suite of educational materials to be used in schools, colleges and community settings. Once the Society is firmly ensconced in its new premises, the tradition of open days and taster sessions will recommence, as part of our marketing programme. 

page 4 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

The performance of different departments are highlighted throughout this Annual Report. The Trustees recognise the need to have some Key Performance Indicators to assess whether the Society is achieving its o bjectives. Given the uncertainty at the start of 2021 and the subsequent change in plans to swiftly move premises, not all of the annual Key Performance Indicators were relevant. The Board of Trustees and the Management Team suspended these ‘business as usual’ objectives during the transformation period. In their place, the focus was moved to successful achievement of the Transformation Plan within the set budget. Once the Transformation and its consolidation, is complete, new performance indicators will be set, appropriate to the goals of the Society and its new strategy in 2023. 

## **The Library** 

Due to ongoing COVID restrictions the library remained closed to visitors from November 2020 until May 2021, after which public access was reduced to a maximum of 20 members for pre-booked sessions on Tuesdays and the first Thursday of the month. The library was closed to visitors from July in order to prepare for the move. All items in the library were packed and inventoried in anticipation of the move and the contents of the library and archives transferred to store. The Society is working with Restore, which has provided similar services for other libraries and archives along with their Heritage Storage arm, a remote heritage archiving facility in Oxfordshire that partners with the National Conservation Service to inspect and ensure the books and other collections are mould and pest free and in good condition. Work commenced in ingesting the inventoried information onto the library catalogue and preparing to create an order and retrieval service for future library users and members wishing to use our library collections in a new building. 

A considerable number of indexes, databases and digital books were uploaded to SoG Data Online, and, along with new accessions, were reported in the Genealogists’ Magazine. As part of the Society’s aim to ensure that our library’s holdings are better known, the Society’s library catalogue was successfully uploaded onto the Library Hub Discover service, part of the Jisc National Bibliographic Database (NBK), the successor to Copac. Library Hub Discover is a union catalogue which hosts the catalogues of various academic and specialist libraries, providing holdings information to researchers nationwide and the listing of the 157,000 items on the catalogue has started to attract academic research interest. This was an achievement led by our Head of Library and Archive Services, Francisca Mkandawire, who we are sorry to say, stepped down in 2022 to take up another role. 

page 5 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **Projects** 

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of staff and volunteers, project work on our digital collections continued. Significantly the scanning, transcription and indexing of the Society’s Pedigree Rolls collection continued and in December a prototype of the forthcoming TreeSearch™ was exhibited to members in anticipation of the formal launch at Rootstech 2022. The innovative TreeSearch™ application makes a selection of twenty pedigrees available for free. This is part of the wider ambitious project to digitise the entire collection of over 10,000 physical family trees and pedigrees held by the Society. The application features enhanced navigation and search facilities and has been developed in tandem with Zoompast. The Society was delighted to receive a grant from the Art Fund towards the project and is indebted to the many volunteers who have created the tree images, indexed the trees and linked those index entries with the images. Additionally scanning and indexing of a smaller but unique collection of Memorial Cards was completed and became available online in 2022. 

## **Volunteering** 

In 2021, the long winter lockdown was a hugely productive period for the Society’s home indexing projects – the Great Card Index, the Pedigree Rolls Project, and SoG Data Online indexing (including burials and christenings from parish registers and poll books). During the period of limited opening to members from May through to July, volunteers came onsite and although many were understandably still reluctant to travel to London, there was great support for library staff and enquiry desk coverage. From May, a very hardworking and enthusiastic team of volunteers (some of whom had never volunteered at the Society before) assisted our staff and casual workers with the checking, listing and packing of the library and archive collections. Without this volunteer help, it would have been almost impossible to meet the deadline for the vacation of Charterhouse Buildings. Throughout the year volunteers participated in various aspects of the Transformation programme, including new software testing; research and focus group activities; family histories collection inventory checking; and transcription of the handwritten lists created by library packers. 

The SoG Volunteer Community forum was as busy as ever and continues to be a great way to reach and involve volunteers in the Society’s work no matter where they live. Home project workers have continued to use the forum to interact and assist one another as they work through their projects and online project resources on the forum continued to grow with volunteer contributions to this knowledge bank. Volunteers have continued to host and co-host our online events programme and assist members with their questions on the SoG Community Hub. Volunteers also served at the Society’s virtual booth at the RootsTech virtual conference. The Society recognises and values the cheerful hard work of all the volunteers in 2021 and is extremely grateful to them all for their work which was so important during this year and will continue to be vital in the Society’s major transformation plans. 

page 6 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **Membership** 

The 2020 Transformation review recommended the appointment of a new Head of Membership Services and this appointment was made in February 2021 at a time when it was essential to introduce a quick replacement for the SoG’s membership system. Economic uncertainty continued into 2021 and along with the closure of the building, the Society predicted an impact on membership numbers. While membership did decline overall, the Society attracted over 500 new members and the final figures stood at 7,109 at the end of 2021, which was considerably better than the worst-case scenario budgeted for as a result of the closures and lack of some services. 

## Total members as of Dec 2021: 

|Member UK|5,356|
|---|---|
|Member Full|370|
|Member Associate|740|
|Member Overseas|455|
|Member 50 Years|150|
|Honorary/life members|38|
|**TOTAL**|**7,109**|



New Members pay £80 for Full Membership and £56 for Associate Membership. Day entry fees remain at £5 for two hours, £10 for four hours and £18 for a day. Associate Members receive 50% discount on the four hour and day rates. Membership fees remained the same for Full Members prior to 19 September, 2017. Part of the strategic review being undertaken is to introduce packages for new members. 

## **Communications** 

The newly designed SoG e-newsletter was well received during the year and is distributed monthly to anyone who wishes to subscribe. The quarterly _Genealogists’ Magazine_ for members continues to be published as a paper copy and on PDF via the members’ area of the website. The new forum for online volunteers was extensively used throughout the year and plans were set in motion to redesign a new members’ area and members’ online forum for the new SoG website. The website itself was completely redesigned and refreshed with new content and its first phase of redevelopment was launched in the second half of the year. The Society remains active on social media, on its Facebook Page and promotes its events via Instagram and Pinterest. The Society established #SoGSaturdays and the twitter account @SocGenealogists. Genealogical consultation and advice lines remained in abeyance during 2021 and were revived in 2022. While personal genealogical consultations and telephone enquiries in the library were put on hold, the Society dealt with a marked increase in emailed genealogical enquiries and queries. 

## **Fundraising** 

As part of the Transformation review, a Grants and Fundraising Manager was appointed and achieved great success, as SoG was one of just 22 organisations to secure a grant from the Art Fund's Reimagine fund. Art Fund, the national charity for art, supports museums, galleries, historic houses, trusts and networks and enable them to develop access, expertise and digital capacity. The Fund awarded the Society £50,000 to fund the Pedigree Rolls Project - ‘Reimagining how we work and engage with people’. Grants were also awarded to the Society from the Radcliffe Trust and the National Manuscript Conservation Trust for the conservation and care of the Eyre Roll, one of the largest and most delicate rare rolled pedigrees held in the Society’s collection. Our generous members continued to support the Society in 2021and we would like to thank all who contributed. 

The Friends of the Society initiative continued and in 2021 raised £4,686 (down from £9,826 in 2020). 

The Society would like to encourage people to make a regular standing order donation of any sum large or small, monthly or annually, with our Fund for the Future programme. Income during 2021 stabilised at £1,238 (2020 £1,238). We were also notified of, and received, a number of very generous legacies and bequests. This is reflected in the accounts. 

page 7 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **Education, Lectures, and Courses** 

In 2021, the Events Department ran a total of 147 online events, with seven longer courses of between 4 and 12 weeks, which proved very popular. Along with regular member orientations about the website and digital collections, a programme of online social events for members included the quarter day socials (Lady Day, Midsummer, Michaelmas and Christmas), which allowed for regular updates on the Transformation, projects, new library databases and web features as well as interaction with the staff and trustees. A series of monthly lunchtime chats brought members together to replicate the free interchange and discussions formerly to be found in the library and common room where a wide range of topics were discussed. A Society of Genealogists online Members Book Club had its inaugural meeting in October to discuss the work of Nathan Dylan Goodwin and hosted the author the following month. A full and very successful programme is underway in 2022 and we have expanded the team. Income increased to £112, 737. The Society welcomed some 7,473 attendees, (an increase from the 2020 figure of 6,226) of whom 18% were non-members. The Society also took the decision to elect events and education income for VAT from April 1[st] , 2022. 

## **External Liaison and Media Coverage** 

As the genealogy world became more virtual the Society of Genealogists was represented at online genealogy events run by the Family History Federation (the Really Useful Show in November), The Genealogist’s Family History Shows (June and September), The Oxfordshire FHS Online Genealogy Fair (October) and the largest virtual event RootsTech Connect (in February 2021 and March 2022). The SoG was a society sponsor for this event with a virtual stand, a sponsored stream of recorded talks given by Society members and the Genealogist. She also gave several online talks for local family historians. 

As part of media coverage of the 2021 national census the Society gained coverage in national and local radio, TV and print media, as well as the genealogy and charity trade press, on the census, royal genealogy and the appointment of the new Chief Executive. 

The Society’s Transformation programme was featured in a feature in Family Tree Magazine. The Society’s revamped website was cited in Who Do You Think You Are Magazine’s Website to Watch and a team of tutors and speakers from the SoG provided hints and tips for a feature on genealogy courses in the same magazine. 

The Society continues partnerships with FindMyPast and FamilySearch to digitise and make available data and collections. The Society remains an Affiliate Library with FamilySearch. While the Irish Genealogical Research Society (IGRS) is currently unable to open its library at the Society, IGRS members continue to support our education programme. The Jewish Genealogical Society has relocated its library to the Jewish Museum in Camden, London. The Society continues to represent and advocate for the genealogy community and liaises with various record societies and archives. 

## **Premises** 

The sale of Charterhouse Buildings was concluded in 2020 with a two-year leaseback. However, ongoing maintenance costs and expenses, unsatisfactory and cramped general working conditions for staff and volunteers, as well as the detrimental effect of the building 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 and begin preparations to pack up the library and vacate Charterhouse Buildings after 37 years. As described elsewhere, we are still in the process of finalising a decision on the new premises. We look forward to announcing our new location as soon as possible. 

page 8 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **Acknowledgments** 

## **Patron** 

HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia (2013 – April 2022) 

## **President** 

Patric Dickinson, LVO, MA, FSG (2010 – April 2022) 

## **Vice-Presidents** 

William Bortrick (2014 – April 2022) Dr Colin Chapman, FSG (2014 – April 2022) Miriam Margolyes, OBE (2014- April 2022) Sir Mervyn Medlycott, FSG (2014 – 2021) Dan Snow (2014 – April 2022) The Rt Hon Lord Sudeley, FSA (2014 – April 2022) 

After a change in the articles of the Society at the 2021 AGM, the terms of Vice Presidents and the President were reset, in accordance with the new clauses. The Board has nominated Patric Dickinson, Dr Colin Chapman and Miriam Margolyes as President and Vice Presidents respectively, to be voted upon by members at the 2022 AGM in July. 

## **Fellows** 

The constitution sets a maximum of 100 Fellows and 10 Honorary Fellows. Those put forward for Fellowship must have been members for at least five consecutive years, but those proposed for Honorary Fellowship do not need to be members of the Society at the time of their nomination. Candidates for either honour must be proposed by not fewer than six Fellows and a secret ballot is then held among all the Fellows. Successful nominees must secure a two-thirds majority. In weighing their vote, Fellows must judge whether those proposed for Fellowship have rendered ‘distinguished services to the Society or to genealogy’ and whether they wish to honour those proposed for Honorary Fellowship for their ‘very distinguished services to genealogy’. 

As a result of the pandemic and lockdowns, it was decided to postpone the Fellows’ meeting and therefore no nominations were put to the Fellows. 

It is with sadness that we report that Michael J. Burchall, Eric D. Probert and Sheila A. Rowlands have died since the last report. 

## **Awards** 

The Board of Trustees is able to recognise the contribution of members, non-members and appropriate organisations through the award of a Certificate of Appreciation. His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent has graciously agreed that a special award may be made from time to time bearing his name. In 2021 no awards were made. 

## **Financial review** 

The policy of the Society is as follows: “[t]he Trustees have forecast the level of free reserves including liquid investments (that is those funds not tied up in fixed assets, designated and restricted funds) the Charity will require to sustain its operations and make appropriate adjustments should there be a material reduction in the Charity’s income. The Trustees consider that the most appropriate level of free reserves should be not less than a sum equivalent to six months of the Charity’s running costs,. It is the Trustees’ view that the balance of income and expenditure should be managed to maintain the appropriate level of free reserves.” 

## **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 regularly reviewed and implemented. 

page 9 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

|||
|---|---|
|Principal risk identified|Planned response|
|A continued steady decline in membership (due to the<br>demographics and the uncertainty of the impact of the<br>increased cost of living) combined with increases in<br>operational costs through general inflation are a threat to<br>the long-term sustainability of the Society and the services<br>it offers.|Through the Transformation Programme, Trustees have<br>taken steps to increase the efficiency of the organisation and to<br>reverse the long-term trend in membership and decline in<br>income. The new strategy includes plans to diversify income<br>streams, develop campaigns on legacy giving, individual<br>donations and grant funding.|
|Lack of a permanent physical home and the restriction<br>on traditional services during the relocation period<br>reduces the effectiveness of the Society and its<br>attractiveness to existing and new members.|Trustees are seeking to confirm a new permanent physical<br>home for the Society in London but in the meanwhile, the<br>Society is based in a temporary office in North London. Staff<br>have put in place arrangements to welcome back members and<br>volunteers in this temporary office while the purchase of new<br>premises is completed.<br>The digitisation programme is intended to enhance online<br>services and access and our education and events programme<br>has hugely expanded to make the Society more accessible to a<br>wider range of members and non-members.|
|Changing<br>responses<br>to<br>COVID-19<br>through<br>the<br>emergence of new variants limit the Society’s ability to<br>operate and present a challenge to the health and well-<br>being of staff, volunteers and visitors.|The Trustees have taken a precautionary approach to the use<br>of buildings and will continue to do so, by limiting access,<br>providing all appropriate social distancing and<br>hygiene<br>measures, and by enabling more activity to be undertaken<br>remotely, including through online<br>collaboration and the<br>provision of digital tools.|
|Loss of key staff due to burn out, workload, changing<br>labour market and other reasons.|The Trustees are supporting a review of skills, workloads, and<br>management practices which is underway. This employment<br>review will identify better working practices, and what the<br>organisation needs to support current staff.|



## **Structure, Governance and Management** 

## **Constitution & Organisation** 

## **Constitution** 

The Society of Genealogists is a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity governed by its Articles of Association, which were revised and updated, according to good practice, and approved by the members at the AGM in 2021. Charity number 233701. Company number 115703. 

page 10 



**Annual Report and Financial Statements SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED)** _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **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 2021 and up to the date of this report are listed on page [5]. 

## **Committees** 

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

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 a particular skillset can become a Trustee. 

Trustees are recruited through notice in the main instruments of communications with Members i.e. _The Genealogists’ Magazine,_ the newsletter 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 CV and covering letter. 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. Training is continual as needs arise. A Chief Executive Officer is employed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day activities of the charity. 

New Trustees have an induction to familiarise them with the organisation and assess where best they can use their skills to contribute to the governance of the charity. 

## **Staff** 

Staff during 2021 to the date of this report: 

## _Management Team:_ 

Interim Chief Executive Officer: Laura Doyle (until Oct 2021) 

Chief Executive: Dr Wanda Wyporska (from October 2021) Head of Library Services: Francisca Mkandawire (until May 2022) 

Genealogist: Else Churchill 

Internal Transformation and Volunteer Manager: Christine Worthington Head of Membership: Rebecca Gregory (from February 2021) 

We would like to thank the following current members of staff: 

Emma Jolly, Lori Weinstein, Catherine Hopkins, Virginia Gilman, Elizabeth Little, Eve Dickie, Ruth Willmore, Heather LaineWebster, and Robbie Allcock. 

During 2021, there was a larger than usual turnover of staff, for a number of reasons outlined in this report. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the following members of staff who left the organisation in 2021 and the first half of 2022: Francisca Mkandawire, Melanie Skinner, Claire Bullen, Angela Thomson, Jack Sharp, Ahmed Almuterab, Laura Hill, Chris Mappley, Hannah Leathem, Emily Cosaitis, Neil Fludger, and Laura Doyle. 

page 11 



Suppller pymtn* pollcy
The comp&ny's curient policy conc¥rnEng the ￿YMent of rrade OTeditors is lo follow the CBI'S Vrompl Payers Code
(copies are available fr¢itn the CBI. Cetstr&Point, 103 Newoxford Slreet, Londim WCI A IDU}.
Tlie company's current policy co￿¢¢m1r*￿ the payment of tr8dÈ creditors is to..
soltle the tems of paymet)t with supplierg when &gr￿ing the terms of eath tr&3saction,'
• efjsure that suppliers ft￿ Inade aware of th¢ t¢nMs of payment by indusion of the relev8nt ¢¢rms in eonlracts. and
pay io accordonce with the CoMp￿Y'S contractual aRd other legat oblig&tiOll8.
Dlsrlowre of InforfflAtion to xudltor
Eath of tlte tiustees hAs ¢ODfiTmed that there is no thfonnation of which thty ire aware thich is rdevwkl to the audit, but
of thich theauditor is utiawwe. They have fi]rther confimied thattlieyhavetaken appropriate stews to identify suth releV￿t
Inforn￿￿OI) 8J)d fo estthlÈsh that the auditor is awweof I￿rormation.
t2es' report was approved by the Board of Th]st￿.
Andrew Deuglag
Trnltee
Edward Percival (Chair)
Th18tee
page 12

## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

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

_**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 


page 13 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

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: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the society will continue in operation. 

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. 

page 14 



## **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 2021 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and 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 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 financial statements: 

- give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 December 2021 and of its 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 Companies Act 2006. 

## **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: 

- the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the Trustees' report; or 

- sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or 

- the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or 

- we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit. 

page 15 



## **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; 

3. 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 16 



## **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. 

The audit team have also identified existence and valuation of books, manuscripts and microfiches as a significant risk. Audit work carried out to address this risk, included but was not limited to, physical existence checks and searching on line for information regarding the value of books held. 

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** .....................................19/07/2022 **Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor** Ground Floor 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 section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. 

page 17 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

|**Current financial year**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**funds**<br>**funds**<br>**general**<br>**designated**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**Notes**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**Income from:**<br>Donations and legacies<br>**3**<br>1,968,775<br>-<br>-<br>Charitable activities<br>**4**<br>475,856<br>-<br>13,051<br>Investments<br>**5**<br>836<br>-<br>-<br>Other income<br>**6**<br>31,736<br>-<br>-<br>**Total income**<br>2,477,203<br>-<br>13,051<br>**Expenditure on:**<br>Raising funds<br>**7**<br>4,068<br>-<br>-<br>Charitable activities<br>**8**<br>1,284,348<br>492,094<br>4,637<br>**Total resources expended**<br>1,288,416<br>492,094<br>4,637<br>**Net incoming resources before transfers** <br>1,188,787<br>(492,094)<br>8,414<br>Gross transfers between funds<br>3,896<br>(3,896)<br>-<br>**Net income for the year/**<br>**Net movement in funds**<br>1,192,683<br>(495,990)<br>8,414<br>Fund balances at 1 January 2021<br>1,149,598<br>5,580,742<br>55,760<br>**Fund balances at 31 December 2021**<br>2,342,281<br>5,084,752<br>64,174|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>1,968,775<br>488,907<br>836<br>31,736<br>2,490,254<br>4,068<br>1,781,079<br>1,785,147<br>705,107<br>-<br>705,107<br>6,786,100<br>7,491,207|Total<br>2020<br>**£**<br>130,400<br>494,691<br>1,209<br>3,329,450|
|---|---|---|
|||3,955,750|
|||4,823<br>705,805|
|||710,628|
|||3,245,122<br>-|
|||3,245,122<br>3,540,978|
|||6,786,100|



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 18 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

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

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

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



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 19 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **BALANCE SHEET** 

## _**AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

|**Notes**<br>**Fixed assets**<br>Tangible assets<br>**13**<br>Investments<br>**14**<br>**Current assets**<br>Stocks<br>**15**<br>Debtors<br>**16**<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>**Creditors: amounts falling due within one**<br>**year**<br>**17**<br>Net current assets<br>**Total assets less current liabilities**<br>**Income funds**<br>Restricted funds<br>**18**<br>Unrestricted funds<br>Designated funds<br>**19**<br>General unrestricted funds|**2021**<br>**£**<br>12,453<br>1,926,633<br>5,599,147<br>7,538,233<br>(294,042)<br>5,084,752<br>2,342,281|**£**<br>227,016<br>20,000<br>247,016<br>7,244,191<br>7,491,207<br>64,174<br>7,427,033<br>7,491,207|**2020**<br>**£**<br>16,498<br>331,120<br>6,335,943<br>6,683,561<br>(156,318)<br>5,580,742<br>1,149,598|**£**<br>238,857<br>20,000|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||258,857<br>6,527,243|
|||||6,786,100|
|||||55,760<br>6,730,340|
|||||6,786,100|



page 20 



SOCl[I TY OF GENEALOGISTS
BALANCE SUEF'I (CONTINUED)
ASAf31 DECEMBER 2021
Th¢ company is entitied to the ¢xeryiion from the audit r4uiremenl ¢ont#ined section 477 of the Compaiit09 Act 2W6, for
tho year endd 31.De¢ember 2021, altho￿ an ￿di£ h&$ i￿) cwri¢d sectÉon 144 of the ChAriti¢s Act 2011.
Th¢ directors i¢knowledbye their cesponsibilities for complyin8 with tho rquir#wits of the COM￿leS Aet 2C()6 with respectto
8c¢ounting records andthe prepaiation of finaneiai statements.
The members have not required tho company to obtain sn audit of its finan¢Éal statemmts under lh¢ r¢qutrements oe tho
Companies Act 2￿6, for yMr in qu¢sfton in a¢coidan¢¢ with saclion 476.
These rjttancl￿ statancnts havè prepared in ac¢ordJD¢o with th¢ provisions applicablo to ¢omp#tiies subje¢t to tho small
companies regime.
Th¢fi
eial Statements wore appwvod by the Tnt8t¢es on
ndrew DOu￿&S
EdW￿d Percivai {Ch4ir)
Trvth¢
Cofflpany withiion nu¥nb•r00115703
pnge21

## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

|**Notes**<br>**Cash flows from operating activities**<br>Cash absorbed by operations<br>**25**<br>**Investing activities**<br>Purchase of tangible fixed assets<br>Proceeds on disposal of tangible fixed assets<br>Investment income received<br>**Net cash (used in)/generated from investing**<br>**activities**<br>**Net cash used in financing activities**<br>**Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents**<br>Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year<br>**Cash and cash equivalents at end of year**|**2021**<br>**£**<br>(10,547)<br>-<br>836|**£**<br>(727,085)<br>(9,711)<br>-<br>(736,796)<br>6,335,943<br>5,599,147|**2020**<br>**£**<br>(12,200)<br>6,097,939<br>1,209|**£**<br>(191,495)<br>6,086,948<br>-<br>5,895,453<br>440,490<br>6,335,943|
|---|---|---|---|---|



page 22 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **1 Accounting policies** 

## **Charity information** 

Society of Genealogists is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Richard Place Dobson Services Limited, 1-7 Station Road, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 1HT. 

## **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. 

## 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 the 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 when receivable, so long as they are capable of financial measurement. Legacies are recognised when the Charity has been informed they are to be in receipt of a legacy. 

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 23 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **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 the sum paid for specific genealogical consultation. 

Bookshop, magazine and publications income represents income from sales of genealogy books and the Society of Genealogist’s 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 has 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: 

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 the statement of financial activities. 

## **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 24 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **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. 

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. 

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. 

## **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** 

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. 

## **1.15 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. 

page 25 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **1 Accounting policies** 

## **1.16 Irrecoverable VAT** 

Irrecoverable VAT is included in Resources Expended within administration costs. 

## **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. 

## **3 Donations and legacies** 

||**Unrestricted**|Unrestricted|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|funds|
||**general**|general|
||**2021**|2020|
||**£**|£|
|Donations and grants|106,775|72,799|
|Legacies receivable|1,862,000|57,601|
||1,968,775|130,400|



page 26 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

|**4**<br>**Charitable**<br>**activity**<br>**income**<br>**Membership**<br>**income**<br>**Library income**<br>**Event income**<br>**Genealogy**<br>**income**<br>**Bookshop and**<br>**publications**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Income<br>from<br>charitable<br>activities<br>345,324<br>14,515<br>112,737<br>193<br>16,138<br>Analysis by fund<br>Unrestricted<br>funds - general<br>345,324<br>1,464<br>112,737<br>193<br>16,138<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>-<br>13,051<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>345,324<br>14,515<br>112,737<br>193<br>16,138|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>488,907<br>475,856<br>13,051<br>488,907|**Total**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>494,691|
|---|---|---|
|||491,878<br>2,813|
|||494,691|



## **For the year ended 31 December 2020** 

|**Membership**<br>**income**<br>**Library income**<br>**Event income**<br>**Genealogy**<br>**income**<br>**Bookshop and**<br>**publications**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Income from charitable<br>activities<br>362,894<br>4,604<br>93,636<br>6,038<br>27,519<br>Analysis by fund<br>Unrestricted funds - general<br>362,894<br>1,791<br>93,636<br>6,038<br>27,519<br>Restricted funds<br>-<br>2,813<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>362,894<br>4,604<br>93,636<br>6,038<br>27,519|**Total**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>494,691|
|---|---|
||491,878<br>2,813|
||494,691|



page 27 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

**5 Investments** 

Interest receivable 

|**Unrestricted**|Unrestricted|
|---|---|
|**funds**|funds|
|**general**|general|
|**2021**|2020|
|**£**|£|
|836|1,209|



**6 Other income** 

|||**Unrestricted**|Unrestricted|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**funds**|funds|
|||**general**|general|
|||**2021**|2020|
|||**£**|£|
||Net gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets|-|3,265,334|
||Royalties|29,570|33,346|
||Other income|2,166|4,118|
||Furlough income|-|26,652|
|||31,736|3,329,450|
|**7**|**Raising funds**|||



||**Unrestricted**|Unrestricted|
|---|---|---|
||**funds**|funds|
||**general**|general|
||**2021**|2020|
||**£**|£|
|Fundraising and publicity|||
|Other fundraising costs|4,068|4,823|
||4,068|4,823|



page 28 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **8 Charitable activities expenditure** 

|**Membership**<br>**expenditure**<br>**Library**<br>**expenditure**<br>**Event**<br>**expenditure**<br>**Genealogy**<br>**expenditure**<br>**Bookshop &**<br>**publications**<br>**Transformation**<br>**costs**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Staff costs<br>53,406<br>209,807<br>64,849<br>-<br>53,405<br>-<br>Direct other costs<br>47,828<br>221,344<br>63,277<br>22,541<br>53,248<br>457,104<br>101,234<br>431,151<br>128,126<br>22,541<br>106,653<br>457,104<br>Share of support costs (see note 9)<br>386,881<br>56,441<br>13,341<br>-<br>56,441<br>-<br>Share of governance costs (see note 9)<br>8,255<br>5,080<br>5,503<br>-<br>2,328<br>-<br>496,370<br>492,672<br>146,970<br>22,541<br>165,422<br>457,104<br>**Analysis by fund**<br>Unrestricted funds - general<br>496,370<br>4<br>146,970<br>22,541<br>165,422<br>-<br>Unrestricted funds - designated<br>-<br>34,990<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>457,104<br>Restricted funds<br>-<br>4,637<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>496,370<br>492,672<br>146,970<br>22,541<br>165,422<br>457,104|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>381,467<br>865,342<br>1,246,809<br>513,104<br>21,166<br>1,781,079<br>1,<br>492,094<br>4,637<br>1,781,079|**Total**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>327,741<br>95,736|
|---|---|---|
|||423,477<br>265,973<br>16,355|
|||705,805|
|||687,234<br>14,693<br>3,878|
|||705,805|



page 29 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **8 Charitable activities expenditure** 

**For the year ended 31 December 2020** 

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



page 30 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

|**9**<br>**Support costs**<br>**Support costs**<br>**Governance**<br>**costs**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Staff costs<br>27,915<br>-<br>Depreciation<br>22,388<br>-<br>Staff training<br>50<br>-<br>Irrecoverable vat<br>108,193<br>-<br>Premises costs<br>341,802<br>-<br>Administration costs<br>12,756<br>-<br>Audit fees<br>-<br>10,750<br>Legal and professional<br>-<br>4,223<br>Governance costs heading 5<br>-<br>6,193<br>513,104<br>21,166|**2021**<br>Support costs<br>Governance<br>costs<br>**£**<br>£<br>£<br>27,915<br>30,227<br>-<br>22,388<br>94,693<br>-<br>50<br>-<br>-<br>108,193<br>-<br>-<br>341,802<br>141,053<br>-<br>12,756<br>-<br>-<br>10,750<br>-<br>7,950<br>4,223<br>-<br>8,405<br>6,193<br>-<br>-<br>534,270<br>265,973<br>16,355|2020<br>£<br>30,227<br>94,693<br>-<br>-<br>141,053<br>-<br>7,950<br>8,405<br>-|
|---|---|---|
|||282,328|



All support costs for 2020 and 2021 have been charged to unrestricted funds. 

|**10**|**Net movement in funds**|**2021**|**2020**|
|---|---|---|---|
|||**£**|**£**|
||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|10,750|7,950|
||Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets|22,388|94,693|
||Loss/(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, in relation to their duties as Trustees. Payments made to Trustees for other services are shown in note 22. 

## **12 Employees** 

The average monthly number of employees during the year was: 

|Direct charitable activities<br>Governance<br>Total|**2021**<br>**Number**<br>15<br>1<br>16|**2020**<br>**Number**<br>14<br>2|
|---|---|---|
|||16|



page 31 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **12 Employees** 

|**Employment costs**<br>Wages and salaries<br>Social security costs<br>Other pension costs|**2021**<br>**£**<br>367,170<br>26,724<br>15,488<br>409,382|**2020**<br>**£**<br>317,999<br>23,799<br>16,170|
|---|---|---|
|||357,968|



Remuneration paid to key management during the year was £122,244 (2020: £135,358) 

The number of employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000 is as follows: 

|70,000 - 80,000<br>90,000 - 100,000<br>**Tangible fixed assets**<br>**Cost**<br>At 1 January 2021<br>Additions<br>At 31 December 2021<br>**Depreciation and impairment**<br>At 1 January 2021<br>Depreciation charged in the year<br>At 31 December 2021<br>**Carrying amount**<br>At 31 December 2021<br>At 31 December 2020|**Fixtures,**<br>**furniture,**<br>**fittings and**<br>**computer**<br>**equipment**<br>**£**<br>610,991<br>8,936<br>619,927<br>602,876<br>20,488<br>623,364<br>(3,437)<br>8,115|**Library**<br>**£**<br>228,242<br>1,611<br>229,853<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>229,853<br>228,242|**2021**<br>**Number**<br>1<br>-<br>**Microfilm**<br>**£**<br>159,405<br>-<br>159,405<br>156,905<br>1,900<br>158,805<br>600<br>2,500|**2020**<br>**Number**<br>-<br>1|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||**Total**<br>**£**<br>998,638<br>10,547|
|||||1,009,185|
|||||759,781<br>22,388|
|||||782,169|
|||||227,016|
|||||238,857|



## **13 Tangible fixed assets** 

page 32 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **13 Tangible fixed assets** 

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 £2,991,210 (2020: £3,203,270). 

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** 

|**Cost or valuation**<br>At 1 January 2021 & 31 December 2021<br>**Carrying amount**<br>At 31 December 2021<br>At 31 December 2020<br>Other investments comprise:<br>**Notes**<br>Investments in subsidiaries<br>**24**<br>**15**<br>**Stocks**<br>Finished goods and goods for resale<br>**16**<br>**Debtors**<br>**Amounts falling due within one year:**<br>Trade debtors<br>Amounts owed by subsidiary undertakings<br>Other debtors<br>Building rent deposit<br>Prepayments and accrued income|**Investment in**<br>**subsidiary**<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>12,453<br>16,498<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>6,262<br>3,322<br>7,465<br>14,867<br>1,892,046<br>85,910<br>5,637<br>207,000<br>15,223<br>20,021<br>1,926,633<br>331,120|**Investment in**<br>**subsidiary**<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>20,000<br>20,000<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>12,453<br>16,498<br>**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>6,262<br>3,322<br>7,465<br>14,867<br>1,892,046<br>85,910<br>5,637<br>207,000<br>15,223<br>20,021<br>1,926,633<br>331,120|
|---|---|---|
|||20,000|
|||20,000|
|||**2020**<br>**£**<br>20,000|
|||**2020**<br>**£**<br>16,498|
|||**2020**<br>**£**<br>3,322<br>14,867<br>85,910<br>207,000<br>20,021|
|||331,120|



page 33 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

**17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year** 

|**Creditors: amounts falling due within one year**|||
|---|---|---|
|**Notes**<br>Other taxation and social security<br>Deferred income<br>Trade creditors<br>Other creditors<br>Accruals and deferred income|**2021**<br>**£**<br>3,557<br>72,874<br>144,118<br>9,406<br>64,087<br>294,042|**2020**<br>**£**<br>16,155<br>90,405<br>35,746<br>2,718<br>11,294|
|||156,318|



## **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**||**Movement in funds**|**Movement in funds**||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||**Balance at**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Balance at**|**Incoming**|**Resources**|**Balance at**|
||**1 January 2020**|**resources**|**expended**|**1 January 2021**|**resources**|**expended**|**31 December**|
||||||||**2021**|
||**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|**£**|
|Fellows fund|226|-|-|226|-|-|226|
|Library funds|29,777|2,813|(1,378)|31,212|461|-|31,673|
|Binding funds|1,372|-|-|1,372|90|-|1,462|
|Transformation||||||||
|funds|25,450|-|(2,500)|22,950|-|-|22,950|
|Pedigree Rolls||||||||
|- Art Fund|-|-|-|-|12,500|(4,637)|7,863|
||56,825|2,813|(3,878)|55,760|13,051|(4,637)|64,174|



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 Funds (formally the IT Systems Funds) are to be used towards online data software. 

Art Fund awarded the SoG a £50,000 Reimagine Grant for the development of our flagship digital Pedigree Rolls project, launched as TreeSearch™ at Rootstech 2022. 

page 34 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **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**<br>**1 January 2020**<br>Land and Buildings<br>2,832,605<br>Library Fund<br>(Books,<br>Manuscripts,<br>Microform)<br>243,697<br>Transformation<br>project<br>-<br>Relocation fund<br>-<br>3,076,302|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>**Transfers**<br>**Revaluations,**<br>**gains and losses**<br>**Balance at 31**<br>**December 2020**<br>-<br>(2,832,605)<br>-<br>-<br>(14,693)<br>1,738<br>-<br>230,742<br>-<br>1,350,000<br>-<br>1,350,000<br>-<br>4,000,000<br>-<br>4,000,000<br>(14,693)<br>2,519,133<br>-<br>5,580,742|**Incoming**<br>**resources**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-|**Resources**<br>**expended**<br>-<br>(34,990)<br>(457,104)<br>-<br>(492,094)|**Transfers**<br>**Revaluations,**<br>**gains and losses**<br>**Balance at**<br>**31 December**<br>**2021**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>195,752<br>(303,896)*<br>-<br>589,000<br>300,000<br>-<br>4,300,000<br>(3,896)<br>-<br>5,084,752|**Transfers**<br>**Revaluations,**<br>**gains and losses**<br>**Balance at**<br>**31 December**<br>**2021**<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>-<br>195,752<br>(303,896)*<br>-<br>589,000<br>300,000<br>-<br>4,300,000<br>(3,896)<br>-<br>5,084,752|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||5,084,752|



The Library fund represents the funds of the charity that are to be used to add to the holdings of the library. 

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 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 total cost to the Society of the Transformation project in the year was £970,104. This represented the direct costs of £457,104 and a loss of income from having to close the library and book shop of £513,000. The anticipated ongoing Transformation project costs for the year ended 31 December 2022 are £589,000. A further £209,104 has been transferred from the general fund to recognise the ongoing costs. These amounts are reflected in the netting off of the transfer amount above. The Relocation fund represents monies set aside to acquire a new property and related moving costs. 

page 35 



## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

|**20**<br>**Analysis of net assets between funds**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Designated**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Fund balances at 31 December 2021 are represented<br>by:<br>Tangible assets<br>-<br>227,016<br>-<br>Investments<br>20,000<br>-<br>-<br>Current assets/(liabilities)<br>2,322,281<br>4,857,736<br>64,174<br>2,342,281<br>5,084,752<br>64,174<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>Designated<br>funds<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>2020<br>2020<br>2020<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>Fund balances at 31 December 2020 are represented<br>by:<br>Tangible assets<br>8,115<br>230,742<br>-<br>Current assets/(liabilities)<br>1,121,483<br>5,350,000<br>55,760<br>1,129,598<br>5,580,742<br>55,760|**Total**<br>**2021**<br>**£**<br>227,016<br>20,000<br>7,244,191|
|---|---|
||7,491,207|
||Total<br>2020<br>£<br>238,857<br>6,527,243|
||6,766,100|



## **21 COVID 19** 

Since the end of 2019 the world has been affected by the impacts of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in disruption to some services, however the Society has moved to online delivery of education and events, which have reached more members and a range of non-members. 

The move out of Charterhouse Buildings to a temporary office has enabled us to open to members and volunteers on a smaller scale in 2022. Membership has continued to decline, however, we are investing in digitisation, new premises and are extending our outreach and commercial partnerships. 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 2021 there were £1,291 payments (2020 - £0) made to 2 Trustees (2020 - 0) 

During the year there was a transfer made between the Charity and its trading subsidiary. The amount owed to the subsidiary by its charity was £5,167 (2020 owed by the subsidiary: £14,867). 

## **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. 

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## **SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS** 

## **NOTES TO THE  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)** 

## _**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021**_ 

## **24 Subsidiaries** 

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

Details of the society's subsidiaries at 31 December 2021 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**<br>**Profit/(Loss)**<br>**Capital and**<br>**Reserves**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Society of Genealogists<br>Enterprises Limited<br>**-**<br>20,000<br>**25**<br>**Cash generated from operations**<br>Surplus for the year<br>Adjustments for:<br>Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities<br>Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets<br>Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets<br>Movements in working capital:<br>Decrease in stocks<br>(Increase) in debtors<br>Increase/(decrease) in creditors<br>(Decrease) in deferred income<br>**Cash absorbed by operations**<br>**26**<br>**Analysis of changes in net funds**<br>The Society had no debt during the year.|**2021**<br>**2020**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>705,107<br>3,245,122<br>(836)<br>(1,209)<br>-<br>(3,265,334)<br>22,388<br>94,693<br>4,045<br>2,949<br>(1,595,513)<br>(262,335)<br>155,255<br>(2,316)<br>(17,531)<br>(3,065)<br>(727,085)<br>(191,495)|
|---|---|



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