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2023-12-31-accounts

Society of Genealogists

Annual Report & Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 December 2023

www.sog.org.uk

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 2023

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees
Trustees Edward Percival (Chair Retired July 2023)
Graham Walter (Chair from July 2023)
Heather Nowlan (Vice Chair from July 2023)
Raymond O'Connell (Treasurer)
David Gill
Darris Williams
Sophie Hutcherson (Appointed July 2023)
Sheila Mercieca (Appointed July 2023)
Alan Pursell (Appointed July 2023)
Hayley Hall (Appointed July 2023)
Robert George (Retired July 2023)
Secretary Dr Wanda Wyporska (Until February 2023)
Patrick Barker (From February until December 2023)
Rebecca Gregory (From December 2023)
Charity number 233701
Company number 00115703
Registered office 40 Wharf Road
London
N1 7GS
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

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

CONTENTS

Page
Chairman's statement 1
Trustees' report 2 - 9
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities 10
Independent auditor's report 11 - 13
Statement of financial activities 14 - 15
Balance sheet 16 - 17
Statement of cash flows 18
Notes to the financial statements 19 - 33

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

A Message from the Chair

It is my pleasure to report on the 2023 accounts of the Society of Genealogists.

As we, the Board, report on 2023, we reflect, as we have done for the last few years, a period of significant change in our organisation. I am pleased to say that the direction of that change is positive, and we are already seeing good results.

We have much to look forward to in 2024 and future years. Thanks are mainly due to a great team of staff and volunteers, all under the leadership of Patrick Barker as Interim CEO and Natalie Pithers and Rebecca Gregory in the last part of December 2023 and into 2024.

This year, we have fitted out our new premises at Wharf Road and successfully opened the new Research Hub. This has been well received by members and the wider genealogical community, including positive coverage by the genealogical press. We must also thank our staff and volunteers for the immense work they completed to ensure the premises were ready for the opening.

Although still in their infancy, at the same time, we released exciting new services such as:

SOG Explore is a new search tool that provides many new ways to search our online collections and facilitates the expansion of our online material. Migration of all our existing data to the new system is ongoing, but we have already added almost 2 million new names (not previously available) to SOG Explore—most of which are coming from the active indexing projects mentioned below.

TreeSearch™ is the Society’s innovative way to bring more of our collections to members. It has been available for some time for a small number of trees but is being enhanced, so it will soon be available through SOG Explore for all of the Pedigree Rolls collection and any other family tree material we place online.

In addition to helping with the launch of Wharf Road, our large team of hard-working volunteers continues to work in many other areas. Key indexing projects include the Great Card Index, and the pedigree rolls project. We are also substantially expanding our indexes for parish registers, poll books, and other material. Migration of all our existing material from Data-online to SOG Explore is another key volunteer project.

I want to thank our Trustee Board, who generously gave their time and expertise to make the many varied and vital decisions required for our premise's fit-out and relocation. I am also delighted to welcome Heather Nowlan as our Board’s Vice Chair, who brings with her genealogical knowledge and business acumen.

Our educational programme and calendar of events have continued to expand this year and have been well received by members. This can only improve with the new offerings to our members at the beginning of 2024, which will see the launch of our Gold membership tier.

We are heading into an exciting future for the Society of Genealogists as we look to a period of growth, partnership, and the continuing need to make our collections more available to the genealogy community, both those who are already interested in family history as well as those who are starting their family history journey.

Of course, we are a membership organisation and a charity, so I would like to thank our members, who have remained loyal to us as we continue our journeys. Our successes are also due to everyone’s generosity, be it time, expertise, or donations, which allow us to continue.

Graham Walter

Chairman

Date: 17 June 2024

page 1

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. 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 Memorandum and 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 & 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 as:

Strategic Overview

The Society completed its purchase of the new premises at 40 Wharf Road, London - a modern building off the City Road, near the Wenlock Basin of the Regents Canal, in January 2023. This year saw the fit-out, refurbishment and opening of the new building; quitting temporary offices at the Resource for London Centre on Holloway Road, North London in July. The Society opened its new Research Hub, encompassing a library, archive and computers with access to key genealogical sites, in December. The Society’s manuscript archives and some of the lesser-used library resources remain in store, with the order and retrieval system that had been tested in the previous year now fully operational.

Our extensive virtual education programme continued, along with preparations for expanded membership opportunities and engagement with the genealogical and historical community.

In December, SoG Explore, a new comprehensive tool for searching the Society’s online records was launched. The Annual General Meeting for 2022 was held in June 2023 as a hybrid event with online attendance and a physical meeting at the Resource for London building on Holloway Road. Sadly, this was the last AGM for the Society’s Interim CEO, Patrick Barker, who having completed his contract, stepped down to pursue other interim opportunities.

In 2023 the Society:

Future

page 2

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Now the Society is settled into its new permanent home it can concentrate on delivering improved services to its members. It can provide improved care and conservation of its collections and make better and more innovative use of the library.

The improved online provision of the Society’s digital collections can continue to attract new users. Having consolidated and built a vibrant online education and events programme it can increase capacity within the library’s premises for events and education, and develop the Society’s premises into an inviting and welcoming space for the genealogy and wider communities.

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 objectives to promote, encourage and foster the study, science and knowledge of genealogy. 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 engaging with the genealogical community, giving talks to local history societies, the broader history community and creating partnerships in-kind. The TreeSearch™ application remained free to use.

Following its charitable objectives of supporting education in the wider genealogical community, the Society partnered with the British Association of Local History, the Society of One Place Studies and Genealogy Stories, along with other sponsors, to host a very successful online event called All About That Place . The event ran for ten-days and provided 130 short online presentations from nearly as many speakers, with these talks broadcast across Facebook and YouTube. The Society is grateful to those speakers who gave permission for the recordings to remain accessible on the SoG’s YouTube channel after the event.

Achievements and Performance

Library and Archives

The provisional and interim library service continued at the temporary premises in Holloway Road until the team were ready to move to Wharf Road. This tested the new appointment booking process and systems for retrieval of stored items. During this period work continued on the planning for the redesign and layout of the new library, selection of stock for the items being brought back into the new building, and updating the appropriate catalogues and store inventories.

Archive work continued on new accessions and existing collections, deaccessioning older now digitised microfilm assets, and sorting and reducing some of the items from store. Work progressed on the new (back office) Collections + archive catalogue, which now contains information on some 1165 special collection records, and special collections A-D are largely catalogued from existing collection reports. The old paper lists relating to the document, special and topographical collections, along with the pedigree inventory and old special collections card index, have been scanned to support the archive cataloguing project. These have been put online to view from home as an interim measure until the new catalogue is available. Cataloguing and listing of new library accessions continues, with over 20 new collections listed in the Genealogists Magazine .

With the opening of the new library, resources for the UK counties and Ireland, along with other selected materials, have been reshelved and catalogued. The library now makes regular exhibitions of featured library collections and holdings.

Work continues on the new library guides and the appropriate website pages. The library remains an affiliate FamilySearch partner making films and digital material available at the SoG. The partnership project to scan compiled family histories continues.

The Society has completed the scanning of its transcribed Parish Registers and Monumental Inscriptions and digital images of these are made available to view in the library. This year a regular series of online subject talks on SoG resources (and those held elsewhere) started. This “Treasures” series is free to watch for both members and non-members.

Volunteer Projects

page 3

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

The Society remains grateful for the tremendous work undertaken by volunteers.

Volunteers undertook the unpacking and cataloguing of the library books being brought into the new premises and then shelved approximately 1000 feet of books in less than two weeks.

Projects are ongoing for the scanning, transcribing and indexing of the Society’s records, the digitising and indexing of the Society’s Roll Pedigrees, and the Great Card Index. Volunteers sort new archive accessions, compile collection lists and reports and contribute towards cataloguing. As more records are indexed volunteers are working on the migration of newly indexed records to the SoG Explore platform.

The volunteers maintain an active online forum along with wikis relating to several aspects of their work. Volunteers also contribute to the SoG members' forum answering questions and helping other members. A team of volunteers act as hosts and support for the online events programme and as the library has reopened volunteers have reconvened as front-of-house help, and provide visitors with advice at the library enquiry counter.

Membership

In moving to temporary accommodation, the Society predicted an impact on membership numbers but it has been heartening to see the continued support the Society received from so many of its committed members and volunteers. Membership at the end of December 2023 stood at 6654 (the Society attracted over 544 new members).

Total members as of December 2023: 6654

Member UK: 4494 (4,916 in 2022)

Member Full: 522 (438 in 2022)

Member Associate: 1017 (897 in 2022)

Member Overseas: 372 (406 in 2022)

Member 50 Years: 197 (169 in 2022)

Honorary/life members: 40 (54 in 2022)

TOTAL: 6654 (6,880 IN 2022)

Up to the end of 2023 New Members paid £80 for Full Membership and £56 for Associate Membership. Day entry fees for nonMembers were priced at £20 for a full day or £10 for a half day. Associate Members received 50% discount on these rates.

Projects

After considerable behind-the-scenes preparation and design, the new SoG Explore online platform was launched at the end of the year to provide much-improved access and search functionality for the Society’s extensive digital holdings, indexes and data from the library and archives. Migration of data from the existing online digital collections to the new platform will continue throughout the coming year and is progressing well as SoG Explore now contains over 70% of the previously indexed names and some 40% of the existing datasets. Additionally, new hither-to unpublished indexes and datasets are included on SoG Explore, including a further million names and over 100 new sets of data and images. A list of those datasets and records currently on SoG Explore appears on the SoG website along with instructional guidance videos. Ultimately SoG Explore will provide a single search pathway for SoG’s digital resources.

page 4

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Communications

The Society continued its work on improving the SoG website and other social media channels, and saw engagement, activity and followers grow across them all. The SoG YouTube channel was renewed as part of the very successful All About That Place online event. Engagement with members on the SoG members' forum, the members' online quarterly socials, lunchtime chats, and virtual café coffee mornings remained popular.

In anticipation of the move to the new premises, the Interim CEO and staff gave regular progress updates and orientations on finding the building, and materials within. The Society’s Genealogists’ Magazine continues to be published quarterly. Take-up of the new e- newsletter, renamed the Genealogy Gazette (as voted for across a social media campaign) grew considerably, resulting in some 12,000 subscribers at the end of the year. Additionally, the SoG sends out email events listings (weekly and monthly), and other ad hoc announcements.

Education, Lectures and Courses

The Events team of staff and indefatigable volunteers presented the Society’s biggest and best-attended programme of events, comprising over 220 online courses, talks, socials, in-person visits, and walks. Attended by 10,810 attendees (4,093 in 2022) of whom just 16% were non-members. 60% attended online events live and the remainder watched recordings ‘on catch up’. This year saw the introduction of the SoG Paleography Club, and the SoG Book Club continued to go from strength to strength. Guest speakers from outside the genealogy community have included Dr Ian Mortimer (author of the The Time Traveller's Guide to Restoration Britain ) and Alan Titchmarsh. The Society is very much looking forward to hosting in person events in its new premises as a complement to the online programme.

Longer courses continue to be developed and preparations are underway for the free video library of recorded talks which will be a benefit for Gold members in 2024. In partnership with Pharos Tutors, the Society continues its online certificated distance learning programme Family History Skills and Strategies (Intermediate and Advanced) .

External Liaison and Media Coverage

The Society of Genealogists exhibited with bookstands at the Family History Shows at York and Kempton Park and HISTFEST at the British Library. The SoG Census Detective volunteer team attended other local events. The Genealogists and the CEO (Wanda Wyporska) gave presentations at the Rootstech conference in Salt Lake City, where the SoG also exhibited a stand in the vendor area. Staff and volunteers had tables at the International Jewish Genealogy Conference in London. Items from the Society’s ColyerFergusson collection were lent to an exhibition on Country Houses, Jewish Homes at Ightham Mote (once home to Mary Freda Cohen, the second wife of Sir Thomas Colyer-Fergusson), and the collection was also used by academics from Durham University as part of a research project.

The SoG was again featured in the Family Tree Magazine 2023 Handbook and the Genealogist wrote articles for the Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine. Both magazines covered the opening of Wharf Road.

A press event to celebrate the opening of the new premises was held, as well as special open days for Fellows and Volunteers.

The Genealogist, Else Churchill, was awarded the Julian Bickersteth Memorial Medal by the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies. The award is made to persons or organisations who have made notable and exemplary contributions to family history studies. The SoG’s President, Patric Dickinson, received the award in 2022, and both Patric and Else attended a reception in Canterbury to collect their medals.

Premises

Having completed the purchase of a new permanent home at 40 Wharf Road the Society was able to prepare to leave its temporary offices in Holloway Road. Project and design partners worked in conjunction with the Interim CEO Patrick Barker and staff to equip and refurbish the new Research Hub, reception, bookshop, event spaces and staff offices. While a little work still remained, it was possible to welcome Press, Fellows, Members and invited guests to the Society’s new home by the end of the year.

Library visits have recommenced and the Research Hub is in active use. The modern facilities, oak shelves and efficient working spaces are a distinct improvement. Wharf Road offers an accessible building off the City Road near the Regents Canal. It is equidistant from the Angel and Old Street Underground stations with good transport links.

page 5

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Acknowledgments

PATRON:

PRESIDENT

Patric Dickinson, LVO, MA, FSG

VICE PRESIDENTS

Dr Colin Chapman, FSG (re-elected 2022)

Miriam Margolyes OBE (re-elected 2022)

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 no meeting has been held since, therefore, no nominations were put to the Fellows. It is with sadness that we report that Jeremy Sumner Wycherley Gibson, Rosalind (Roz) McCutcheon, Duncan Wilson Harrington, and Lord Charles Teviot have died since the last report.

Awards

The Board of Trustees can 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 2023 no awards were made.

Financial Review

The policy of the Society is as follows: “the 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.”

It is recognised that the level of free reserves the society holds as of December 2023 is above the sum of six months of expenditure while the society reviews its long-term strategy after a period of significant change.

page 6

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Risk Statement

The Society recognises that it has a responsibility to manage risks effectively 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.

Principle Risks and Mitigation

A continued steady decline in membership (due to the
demographics and the uncertainty of the impact of the
increased costs of living) combined with growing
operational costs through general inflation are a threat
to the long-term sustainability of the Society and the
services it offers.		 The release of SoG Explore and the opening of the
Society’s new permanent home in Q4 2023 will
strengthen the offer to current and potential members.
The charity has continued to receive legacy fundraising
and income from events increased in 2023.
Failure to grasp the opportunity of expanding
membership beyond those with easy access of the
Society’s London premises.		 SoG Explore continues to grow, giving greater at home
access to our digitised records. Plans created for the
2024 launch of Gold Membership, to include greater
access to our vast array of successful online talks.
Lack of a permanent physical home and the restriction
on traditional services during the relocation period
reduces the effectiveness of the Society and its
attractiveness to existing and new members.		 The Society completed the fit-out of its new permanent
home in 2023.

The Board of Trustees

For the purposes of charity law, the Board of Trustees are directors 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. The usual maximum service without a gap is two successive terms, unless this is waived under Article 6.5. The Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Treasurer are elected by the Trustees from among their number, each for a term of two years, which may be renewed.

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 2023 and up to the date of this report are listed on page 12/13.

Committees

The Board of Trustees appoints other committees and working parties as it considers expedient from time to time. Trustees are recruited through notice in the main instruments of communications with Members i.e. The Genealogists’ Magazine , the newsletter, the website and via organisations where skilled people put themselves forward for positions on the Board. The Board carry out an audit of skillsets when considering any gaps for new applicants. Applicants wishing to put themselves forward are invited to submit a CV and covering letter before attending an interview. Appropriate checks are made to ensure candidates satisfy the criteria of Trusteeship. 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 CEO 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.

page 7

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Staff

The senior staff during 2023, until the date of this report are:

Joint Chief Executives (interim): Natalie Pithers and Rebecca Gregory (from December 2023)

Chief Executive (interim): Patrick Barker (from February – December 2023)

Chief Executive: Dr Wanda Wyporska (until March 2023)

Library Co-ordinator and Volunteer Manager: Christine Worthington

Genealogist: Else Churchill

Head of Membership (maternity cover): Hasnath Kalam (to May 2023)

Head of Membership: Rebecca Gregory

Head of Events and Education: Ruth Willmore

Financial Controller : Moses Lam-Ayiko Communications Manager : Natalie Pithers

Project Manager : Natalie Pithers

The Society would also like to thank its other current members of staff who served during 2023: Alex Bimpeh-Segu, Alexander Andreou, Catherine Hopkins, Edmund Bishop, Emma Jolly, Essie Clarke, Graham Collett, Heather Laine-Webster, Rachel Stakes and Virginia Gilman.

Trustees

The Trustees who served during the year were:

Edward Percival (Chair retired July 2023) Graham Walter (Chair from July 2023) Heather Nowlan (Vice Chair from December 2023)

Raymond O'Connell (Treasurer)

David Gill

Darris Williams

Sophie Hutcherson (appointed July 2023)

Sheila Mercieca (appointed July 2023)

Alan Pursell (appointed July 2023)

Hayley Hall (appointed July 2023)

Robert George (retired July 2023)

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.

page 8

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SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 10

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 2023 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).

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:

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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 12

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.

Revenue recognition was also identified as a significant risk, particularly due to the large amount of legacies that the organisation receives. All material legacies have been assessed and the amount of income recognised in the year has been evaluated. Samples of donations were reviewed and the membership income was also analytically tested. The systems and controls surrounding revenue recognition was also assessed and documented in the year.

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/ auditors responsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Darren Harding (Senior Statutory Auditor) Richard Place Dobson Services Limited ......................... 19 June 2024 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 13

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Current financial year
Unrestricted
funds
general
Unrestricted
funds
designated
Restricted
funds
Income from:
Notes
2023
£
2023
£
2023
£
Donations and legacies
3
125,069
-
97,000
Charitable activities
4
485,108
-
-
Investments
5
64,566
-
-
Other income
6
32,896
-
-
Total income
707,639
-
97,000
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
7
-
-
-
Charitable activities
8
1,000,366
156,556
5,000
Total resources expended
1,000,366
156,556
5,000
Net incoming resources before transfers
(292,728)
(156,556)
92,000
Gross transfers between funds
(2,008,129)
2,008,129
-
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds
(2,300,857)
1,851,573
92,000
Fund balances at 1 January 2023
3,607,620
3,860,578
753,188
Fund balances at 31 December 2023
1,306,763
5,712,151
845,188		 Total
Total
2023
£
2022
£
222,069
1,593,567
485,108
476,061
64,566
11,176
32,896
42,599
804,639
2,123,403
-
-
1,161,923
1,393,224
1,161,923
1,393,224
(357,284)
730,179
-
-
(357,284)
730,179
8,221,386
7,491,207
7,864,102
8,221,386

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 14

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

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

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

Prior financial year
Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Total
funds funds funds
general designated
2022 2022 2022 2022
Notes £ £ £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 873,567 - 720,000 1,593,567
Charitable activities 4 431,061 - 45,000 476,061
Investments 5 11,176 - - 11,176
Other income 6 42,599 - - 42,599
Total income 1,358,403 - 765,000 2,123,403
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 7 - - - -
Charitable activities 8 747,864 569,374 75,986 1,393,224
Total resources expended 747,864 569,374 75,986 1,393,224
Net incoming resources before transfers 610,539 (569,374) 689,014 730,179
Gross transfers between funds 654,800 (654,800) - -
Net income for the year/
Net movement in funds 1,265,339 (1,224,174) 698,014 730,179
Fund balances at 1 January 2022 2,342,281 5,084,752 64,174 7,491,207
Fund balances at 31 December 2022 3,607,620 3,860,578 753,188 8,221,386

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

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
15
Current assets
Stocks
16
Debtors
17
Cash at bank and in hand
Short-term Investment
Creditors: amounts falling due within one
year
18
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
19
Unrestricted funds
Designated funds
20
General unrestricted funds		 2023
£
4,718
1,781,736
416,698
2,039,040
4,242,192
(299,830)
5,712,151
1,306,763		 £
3,921,740
3,921,740
3,942,362
7,864,102
845,188
7,018,914
7,864,102		 2022
£
10,639
3,318,426
1,851,136
5,180,201
(233,294)
3,860,152
3,608,046		 £
3,274,479
3,274,479
4,946,907
8,221,386
753,188
7,468,198
8,221,386

page 16

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS BALANCE SHEET (Co￿]NUED) ASA T31 DECEMBER 2023 The compatLy is entitled to the exemptioll from the audit requirement contsincd in section 477 of the Conynte5 Act 2(X)6. for the ycar cnded 31 Deceniber 2023. although an au(bt has been carried out under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011. The directors acknowledge their responsibililies for complying witb the requirrments of the Companics Act 2006 with reSp￿t to accuuntits¥ returds the preparati(>n vf findriGial statem¢llts. The members have not required the compatsy to otAaitt 2n audit of its fixwicial statements under the requiremet)(s of the Cornpani￿ Act 20(16. for thc yw in qu&stim in a¢¢ordanrc Mryth sc¢tim] 476. These financial statrments have been prepued in accordance with Éhe prow&ion5 appIl￿ble to companies 5ubjectts the smil ¢ompanics rtgime. The fJtsatLciai statem¢ttt$ wtte approved by the TTU5tee5 0n.....-................. Raymond O'C¢)nn¢ll (freasurer) Trustee GTaham Walter (Chair) Trnstte Company reglstr•tlon nurober INJ11571J3 page 17

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
25
Investing activities
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of subsidiaries
Investment income received
Net cash used in investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2023
£
(723,276)
0
0
64,566		 £
2022
£
1,263,312
(3,044,809)
(3,437)
20,000
11,176
(658,710)
-
604,602
1,851,136
2,455,738		 £
(730,941)
(3,017,070)
-
(3,748,011)
5,599,147
1,851,136

page 18

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Society of Genealogists is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Unit 2, 40 Wharf Road London N1 7GS.

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.

1.2 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.

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

page 19

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

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 leasehold 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:

Leasehold land and 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 the statement of financial activities.

1.7 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).

1.8 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 20

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 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.

1.10 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.

1.11 Taxation

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

1.12 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.

1.13 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.

1.14 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.

1.15 Irrecoverable VAT

Irrecoverable VAT is included in Resources Expended within administration costs.

page 21

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

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 £2,717,023.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted
funds
general
2023
Restricted
funds
2023
Total
2023
£
£
£
Donations and grants
24,112
5,000
29,112
Legacies receivable
100,957
92,000
192,957
125,069
97,000
222,069		 Total
funds
2022
£
95,467
1,498,100
1,593,567

page 22

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

4
Charitable
activity
income
Membership
income
Library income
Event income
Genealogy
income
Bookshop and
publications
2023
2023
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
Income
from
charitable
activities
333,898
14,058
128,018
177
8,957
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted
funds - general
333,898
14,058
128,018
177
8,957
Restricted
funds
-
-
-
-
-
333,898
14,058
128,018
177
8,957		 Total
2023
Total
2022
£
£
485,108
476,061
485,108
431,061
-
45,000
485,108
476,061

For the year ended 31 December 2022

Membership
income
£
Library income
£
Event income
£
Genealogy
income
£
Bookshop and
publications
£
Income from charitable
activities
327,964
52,947
79,469
228
15,453
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
327,964
7,947
79,469
228
15,453
Restricted funds
-
45,000
-
-
-
327,964
52,947
79,469
228
15,453		 Total
2022
£
476,061
431,061
45,000
476,061

page 23

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

5
6
7		 Investments
Unrestricted
funds
general
2023
£
Unrestricted
funds
general
2022
£
Interest receivable
64,566
11,176
Other income
Unrestricted
funds
general
2023
£
Unrestricted
funds
general
2022
£
Royalties
-
159
Other income
32,896
42,440
32,896
42,599
Raising funds
Total
2023
Unrestricted
funds
general
2022
£
£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs
-
-
-
-

page 24

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

8 Charitable activities expenditure

Membership
Library
Event
Genealogy
Bookshop &Global Search
expenditure
expenditure
expenditure
expenditure
publications
costs
2023
2023
2023
2023
expenditure
2023
2023
£
£
£
£
£
£
Staff costs
122,208
229,304
37,714
113,710
49,638
36,057
Direct other costs
57,339
117,303
42,575
-
7,125
71,742
179,547
346,607
80,289
113,710
56,763
107,799
Share of support costs (see note 9)
14,550
203,586
4,211
-
5,002
-
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
-
49,858
-
-
-
-
194,097
600,051
84,500
113,710
61,765
107,799
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
194,097
510,237
84,500
113,710
61,765
36,057
Unrestricted funds - designated
-
84,814
-
-
-
71,742
Restricted funds
-
5,000
-
-
-
-
194,097
600,051
84,500
113,710
61,765
107,799		 Total
Total
2023
2022
£
£
588,631
458,829
296,084
547,698
884,715
1,006,527
227,349
317,995
49,858
68,702
1,161,923
1,393,224
1,000,366
747,864
156,556
569,374
5,000
75,986
1,161,923
1,393,224

page 25

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

(Continued)

For the year ended 31 December 2022

Membership
Library
Event
Genealogy Bookshop & Transformati
on
expenditure
expenditure
expenditure
expenditure
publications
on costs
£
£
£
£
£
£
Staff costs
42,223
245,537
31,198
91,108
48,763
-
Direct other costs
60,596
267,006
45,217
-
4,014
170,865
102,819
512,543
76,415
91,108
52,777
170,865
Share of support costs (see note 9)
33,560
281,618
1,680
-
1,137
-
Share of governance costs (see note 9)
-
68,702
-
-
-
-
136,379
862,863
78,095
91,108
53,914
170,865
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds - general
136,379
388,368
78,095
91,108
53,914
-
Unrestricted funds - designated
-
398,509
-
-
-
170,865
Restricted funds
-
75,986
-
-
-
-
136,379
862,863
78,095
91,108
53,914
170,865		 Total
2022
£
458,829
547,698
1,006,527
317,995
68,702
1,393,224
747,864
569,374
75,986
1,393,224

page 26

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

9 Support costs
Support costs Governance 2023 Support costs Governance 2022
costs costs
£ £ £ £ £ £
Staff costs - - - 30,061 - 30,061
Depreciation 76,015 - 76,015 783 - 783
Staff costs - - - 18,283 - 18,283
Irrecoverable vat - - - 5,152 - 5,152
Premises costs 88,805 - 88,805 253,988 - 253,988
Administration costs 62,529 - 62,529 9,728 - 9,728
Audit fees - 13,525 13,525 - 10,263 10,263
Accountancy - 5,480 5,480 - 8,510 8,510
Legal and professional - 30,854 30,854 - 49,929 49,929
Other costs - - - - -
227, 349 49,859 277,208 317,995 68,702 386,697
10 Net movement in funds 2023 2022
£ £
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 13,525 10,263
Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets 76,015 783

11 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the society during the year. Any payments made to Trustees for other services are shown in note 23.

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section 252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.

13 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2023
Number
Direct charitable activities
15
Governance
1
Total
16		 2022
Number
15
1
16

page 27

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

14
Employees
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2023
£
510,509
47,819
30,303
588,631		 2022
£
417,734
48,502
22,654
488,890

Remuneration paid to key management during the year was £388,766 (2022: £203,744).

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

70,000 - 80,000
15
Tangible fixed assets
Cost
At 1 January 2023
Additions
Disposals
At 31 December 2023
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2023
Depreciation charged in the year
Eliminated in respect of disposals
At 31 December 2023
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2023
At 31 December 2022		 Leasehold
land and
buildings
£
3,042,165
689,935
-
3,730,100
-
75,402
-
75,402
3,654,698
3,042,165		 Fixtures,
furniture,
fittings and
computer
equipment
£
616,310
33,341
(29,951)
619,700
615,579
613
(29,951)
586,241
31,978
731		 Library
£
231,583
-
-
231,583
-
-
-
-
231,583
231,583		 2023
Number
1
Microfilm
£
159,405
-
-
159,405
159,405
-
-
159,405
-
-		 2022
Number
1
Total
£
4,049,463
723,276
(29,951)
4,742,788
774,984
76,015
(29,951)
821,048
3,921,740
3,274,479

page 28

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

15 Tangible fixed assets

(Continued)

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 £3,217,755 (2022: £3,036,947).

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.

16
Stocks
Finished goods and goods for resale
17
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
18
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income		 £4,718
2023
£
6,646
1,732,848
42,242
1,781,736
2023
£
43,373
74,708
93,625
1,068
87,056
299,830		 £10,639
2022
£
10,507
3,285,721
22,198
3,318,426
2022
£
2,948
83,298
38,958
944
107,146
233,294

page 29

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

19 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 1 Incoming Resources Balance at 31
1 January resources expended January resources expended December
2022 2023 2023
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Fellows fund 226 - - 226 - - 226
Library funds 31,673 720,000 (173) 751,500 92,000 843,500
-
Binding funds 1,462 - - 1,462 - - 1,462
Transformation
fund 22,950 - (22,950) - - - -
Pedigree Rolls
- Art Fund 7,863 45,000 (52,863) - 5,000 (5,000) -
64,174 765,000 (75,986) 753,188 97,000 (5,000)
845,188

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, digitisation or indexing purposes. The Binding Funds are to be used towards the cost of binding records.

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. Final balance received and spent in 2023.

page 30

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

20 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:

Library Fund
(Books,
Manuscripts,
Microform)
Transformation
project
Relocation fund
Land & Buildings
Investments		 Balance at
1 January
2022
£
195,752
589,000
4,300,000
-
5,084,752		 Resources
expended
£
Transfers
£
Balance at
1 January
2023
£
(177,339)
-
18,413
(333,055)
(255,945)
-
(58,980)
(4,240,594)
-
-
3,842,165
3,842,165
-
-
(569,374)
(654,374)
3,860,578		 Resources
expended
£
-
-
-
(156,556)
(156,556)		 Transfers
£
Balance at
31 December
2023
£
-
18,413
-
-
-
-
(30,911)
3,654,698
2,039,040
2,039,040
2,008,129
5,712,151

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 investment represents that part of the charity's liquidity that is currently being invested in a high interest Cash Fund with COIF. This investment supports the financial resilience of the charity, to bolster operational needs in the mediumterm and finance enhancements to member services on an ongoing basis.

page 31

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

21 Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Fund balances at 31 December 2023 are represented
by:
2023
2023
2023
£
£
£
Tangible assets 267,042 3,654,698 -
Investments - 2,039,040
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
1,039,721
18,413 845,188
1,306,763
5,712,151 845,188
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
Fund balances at 31 December 2022 are represented
by:
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
Tangible assets 232,314 3,042,165
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
3,375,306
818,413 753,188
3,607,620
3,860,578 753,188		 Total
2023
£
3,921,740
2,039,040
1,903,322
7,864,102
Total
2022
£
3,274,479
4,946,907
8,221,386

22 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the society had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under noncancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2023
£
-
-
-		 2022
£
10,211
-
10,211

23 Related party transactions

Prior permission by the Charity Commission has been given for Trustees to receive lecture fees and any author royalties. In 2023, there was no payments for lecture fees and any author royalties.

24 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.

page 32

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

page 33

SOCIETY OF GENEALOGISTS

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023

25
Cash generated from operations
Surplus/(Deficit) for the year
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets
Movements in working capital:
Decrease in stocks
(Increase) in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Increase/(decrease) in deferred income
Cash absorbed by operations
26
Analysis of changes in net funds
The society had no debt during the year.		 2023
£
2022
£
(357,284)
730,179
(64,566)
(11,176)
76,015
783
5,921
1,814
1,536,690
(1,391,793)
75,126
(71,172)
(8,590)
10,424
1,263,312
(730,941)

page 34

@societyofgenealogists/ @SoGGenealogist sogenealogists

Company no. 115703 | Registered charity no. 233701