BRITISH
ECOLOGICAL
SOCIETY
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
together with the reports of the Board of Trustees and auditors
Company number.. 1522897
Charity number.. 281213
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Contents
Truste8s Report
WhoWeAre..............................................................................
Whalwe Do..............................................................................
Our Plans lor the Future.
.12
Financial Review.
.13
Slruclure, Governance & Managemenl.................................16
Reference S Adminislralive Details .
.18
Signature of the Report on Behalf of the Trustees.................20
IndependentAuditor'sReport..................................................23
statement of Financial Activities
..25
BalanceSheet.........................................................................26
Cash FlowStatement..............................................................27
NoteToTheAccounts.............................................................28
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Who we are
The British Ecological Society IBESI isthe largest scientific societyfor ecologists in Europe with a
m8mb6rshlp of over 8,000 ecologlsts from mor8 than 120 countrles around the world.
We support the ecology community at 1 stages oftheir careers through ourj0LJrns, meetings, grants.
education and policy work. The first ecological society lo b8 established anywhere in the world, we have been
the champion of ecology for more than a century.
Ecologists study the interactions of living things and their environment, providing new understanding ol these
critical systems as they are now and how they may change in the future.
Ecology enriches OLJr world and is crucial lor human wellbeing and prosperity.11 provides new knowledge of the
interdependence between people and natur8 that is vital for food production. maintaining clean air and water
and sustaining biodiversity in a ohanging olimate.
Our vision and mission
The objectives for which the Society is established are lo..
Advance the education ol the public in the subject of ecology as a branch ol natural science.,
Advance and support research in that lield., and
Disseminate the results of such useful research.
Our Strategic Plan for 2023-2027 is set within that framework and focuses on the science of ecology, the world
and the people who live in it. We are seeing unprecedented change in the earth's ecosystems and environment.
and ecology is more relevant today than it has ever been.
Our Strategic Plan is set in a context of great uncertainly for both political and publishing landscapes, and where
science itself is being challenged in some areas. But ecological science is ofgrowing importance in explaining
how nature works and in finding solutions lo some of the greatest challenges facing, and caused by, human
society.
Our Strategy sets out how we will work towards ourvision in which people and nature thrive in a world
that values ecology. As a financially robust and well-governed charity and Scientific Society, with our staff.
membership and volunteers providing tJenl and energy in abundanoe, we are oonlident that we will continue to
lead positive change towards our Vision.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
What we do
We deliver a wide range of activities and events to further ourvision and mission. From publishing
world-18ading research and running confer8nces on cutting-8dg8 ecological advances, to raisingthe
profile of ecology and fostering diverse communities, we aim to increase the impact of ourscience.
The following sections highlight key achievementsfrom 2024.
aligned to our 2023- 2027 strategic plan.
Goal I: Advance ecology to deepen our
understanding of the living world
Ourombition is to increase the impactoIecologicalscience, supporting newideos and connections. We will be
the beslplaoe to publish, meetanddiscuss ecology.
One of the ways in which we support this work is through bringing together diverse audiences lo consider
key ecological topics. In collaboration with the Zoological Society of London, we published ajoint report,
Prioritising Land Use in the Midst oIa Climate and Nature Emergency. The report was the result of ourjoinl
Land Use Summit earlierthis year linking policy makers- including senior government officials from DEFRA,
the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero IDESNZI and the Department lor Levelling Up, Housing, and
Local Communities IDLUHCI- with leading academics in this subject.
We continued ourwork on resilient landscapes which was born from our 2023 report The Future of Ecological
Research in the UK. The UK is home to an ever-increasing number of landscape-scale restoration projects.
Most are mulli-laceted, crossingthe environmental, social and economic spectrum. Bul how do w8 know if they
are working? Attracting delegates from nearly a 100 organisations, ourtwo-day symposium was held to support
the creation ol a more cohesive community around large-scale land, freshwater and coastallmarine projects
lo encourage the sharing of best practice, promote more standardised and effective monitoring and evaluation
approaches, and support the development of new projects to enhance our evidence base and ensure the most
impaclful outcomes.
We continue lo publish ecological research at the culling edge. The heart of the BES lies in our internationally
renowned journals- we publish the best science forthe widest audience working with an editorial team from
nearly 50 countries. This year, we made another of ourjournals open access, with a progressive waiv8r policy
that allows more people lo publish with us.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Goal 2: Place ecological evidence at the
heart of decision-making and action
Ourombition is to conv8ne and enable all thos8 who use ecologicol know18dg8 and dalo- government,
business, unNversities, proclitNoners (Jnd the widerecologicol community. We willbtjild the community's
capocily to inIlu8nc8 policy.
The ClS for action are becoming louder and more urgent as we gain more understanding of the twin crises of
climate breakdown and biodiversity loss. Bul the road to achieving the goals set out in the Environment Act
120211 is complex, with a nuanced interplay between stressors and their impact on freshwater ecosystems.
The BES worked with nearly 40 experts lo publish a report launched on BBC Today lo help Delra navigate
freshwater policy with a list of priorities for the biodiversity evidence programme.
"The BES report is helping us to build ourunderstonding of the pressures onfreshwalerbiodiversily and the
actions that will be most impocllulfor largel delivery." Dr Emma Jardine, Lead Scientist, Defra
During the year we built on our work around regenerative agriculture. In June, the BES attended Groundswell
Festival and hosted a packed session with Rolhamsled Research, looking al the available evidence for the
suGcess orotherwise of regenerative farming practices. The panel discussed the effectiveness ofthe principles,
highlighted th8 gaps forfuture research, and focused on the opportunities lor experimentation and collaboration
between farmers, academics, and ecologists.
Goal 3: Nurture an international community that is
strong, equitable and collaborative
Ourombition is to ensure that ecology is recognised os u welcoming andinclusive discipline. We willsupport
ecologists Ihroughoutevery stage of theircor6ers.
Ourwork in equity and inclusion continues to grow. Our Equity and Diversity Advisory Group, chaired by
the BES President, allended by the CEO and including members from across the breadth ol our UKand
international membership, is responsible lor developing and overseeing the delivery of th8 Society's equity and
inclusion strategy. Our priorities in 2024 focused on our goals of..
Equitable leadership
Equitable communication
Equitable publishing
Equitable membership
Equitable support
We are working towards these goals in a numberof ways. Over half of ourgrant funding now goes lo
researtrhers in the Global South. Our peer review process is double-anonymised across more of our portfolio,
ensuring the science isjudged by its quality alone, not by the people and institutions il comes from. We have
also reviewed our membership fees and structures, recognisingthal affordability varies across the globe, so
membership fees will vary by country.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
In 2024, the BES invested £0.5M through our revised grants portfolio, lunding and supporting 142 students
and researchers from 32 countries across the world. Funding was awarded lo projects that increased our
understanding of the natural world. From bumblebees in heatwaves and tackling climate anxiety in schools to
manatee responses to drones, we fund projects that advance ecologic science and spread the wonder
ofecology.
Grants were also awarded to innovative projects promoting ecology to a wider audience including..
Listening for Life.. opening the public earto our natural world
Engaging future ecologists in counleracting stakeholder misp8rc8Ptions about wildfire
Science and Art for Pangolins
Nearly 80 PhD sludenls and postgraduate researchers were awarded Training and Travel grants to attend
courses and conferences where they could present their research. We want lo make sure our grants portfolio is
environmentally responsible, so we now ask researchers in the Global North applyingforthis funding stream lo
show that they are travelling sustainably.
Goal 4: Celebrate ecology and the wonder of the
natural world to inspire change and action
Ourombition is to share stories that bring ecology to lil8. W8 will inspir8, encourage andsupporto new
generation of ecologists.
We celebrated ten years of oursuccessful Summer School in 2024 in the stunning scenery of North Wales. The
diverse programme was led by past alumni to showcase how the SLJmmer School kickstarted their careers. The
BES Summer school is a fully-funded residential field course that supports undergraduate students from across
the UK who have experienced at least one barrier, often more, to Iheircareer progression.
The Summer School also provides an opportunity for secondary and further education teachers to develop
Iheirown skills in teaching field ecology alongside undergraduates. This has increased their knowledge and
awareness ol the potential next steps their students lake as they progress beyond school into Higher Education.
We 8xpand8d ourteacher n8lworks to around 400 teachers across the UKworking togelh8r to support 8ach
other in the teaching of ecology to primary and secondary students and furthereduealion colleges. We have
been developing a free to access and use high quality flexible resource on ecosystems interactions that allows
teachers to tailor lessons lo the needs, stage and looalion of their students. This will be supported by additional
online content in 2025.
We collaborated with the Linnean Society to delivera Green Careers conference. for 70 students and careers
advisors.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Goal 5: Lead the way in best practice and
sustainability to ensure a long-term future
Outambition is lo create a working environm8nl thatlosters trust, collaboration and innovation. W8 will s81
ambitious t(Jrgets lo become more sustainuble environmentally, sociallyand econornically, andprovide
18ad8rship lo others on thatjourney. We willdevelop new income slreamsforlong-lerm resilience.
The BES'S investment fund managers are Rathbones Greenbank and WIM (formally Waverton). They have
different criteria for stock selection, which widens the range of our holdings and spreads risk more effectively.
They both have a track record and commitment to ethical investing. In addition to not investing in companies
that damage the environment- for example we do not hold stocks in companies that primarily extract fossil
fuels. The BES aims to invest in those companies seeking to make a positive impact. We also see our
portfolio as a tool to leverage positive environmental change and are working with ourlund managers to find
opportunilies for knowledge exchange between ecologists and fund managers.
We continue lo reduce our own environmental impact, establishing an effective system for monitoring and
recording our carbon. We now purchase carbon credits that offset residual carbon emissions, but we also
remain committed lo bridging the gap beeen the research community and those involved in developing the
voluntary carbon market especially in the Gontext of higher integrity carbon schemes that oonsider how we
miligale biodiversity loss. Our net carbon emissions for 2024 were 116 IC02e, a 230/0 reduction from 2023 (see
the section on our commitment to reducing our environmental impact for more details)
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
How our work delivers public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 ofthe Charities Act 2011 to have due
regard lo the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. Ourtruslees give Iheirtime voluntarily
and do not retteive any private benefit. Details oftrustees, expenses and remuneration are disclosed in note 6.
Fundraising
Ourfundraising policy follows the Charity Commission's CC20'CharityfvndraisAng.' u guAde to trustee duties,
guidelines.
Ourguiding principles are..
Protect personal data and confidentiality-
Treat donors courteously and fairly.,
Respond promptly to donor queries orcomplainls.
We will never..
Share donor details with another charity forthe purposes of their fundraising-,
Telephone to askfora donation unless donors have specifically asked us to do so.,
Bombard donors with emails.,
Pass donor personal data lo athird party such as a commercial partners or publishers unless we have
been given explicit consent lo do so.
We have not r8ceived any complaints about ourfundraising activities. Our full fundraising policy is available
Irom ouroffice.
Ensuring our grant-giving is effective, fair and transparent
In 2024 we gave away £0.5M in grants, which was 90/0 of ourspending. This substantial sum needs to be
managed carefully and we have established processes and policies in place to do so.
We launched our new grants programme at the beginning of 2024 aftera period of consultation with the
ecological community. Application and scoring criteria are published on our website and are regularly reviewed.
We provide Case studies of suooessful applioalions and a grants FAQ to help applicants complete their
application. Except for ourTraining and Travel Grants, all applications go through a peer-review process to
Comment on their suilabilitylorfunding. Grant reviewers are recruited to our Review College through regular
open calls to build a community of individuals who have the knowledge, skills, experience and expertise in
ecology to assess grant applications. Successful applications are required to provide a report on the outcome
and impact of their project.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
The contribution of volunteers to our work
We rely on a huge numberof volunteers to help us achieve our strategic vision. The direct involvement of
the ecological community in much ol what we do helps to ensure that we continue lo be a communily-led
organisalion. Volunteers include our Board of Trusle8s, committee members and workinggroups. Our 17
Special Interest Groups and six Networks produce a range of events, workshops and communications-efforts
that benefit many across the full breadth ot ecology- and are all run by volunteers. Ourjournals would not
be able to run without dedicated ecologists across the world who peer review papers and serve as Associate
Editors. Much of ourcareers work relies on ecologists willingto give up Iheirtime for free to help us inspire the
next generation. In addition, we recognis8 that volunteering with the BES provides valuable experiences for our
community.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We value the diversity and wide range ol perspectives that people Irom different backgrounds bringto their work
and to ecology.
Everyone at the BES has a role lo play in ensuring that individuals are valued, treated with dignity and respect,
and that discrimination does not occur. Every member of staff and the Board ol Trustees is responsible for
implementing relevant policies, objectives and working praetiees linked to equality and diversity to ensure equal
opportunity at all stages of enEagem8nt with the Society.
We remain committed to addressing inequalities and more details of ourwork can be found in the section Goal
3.. Nurture an international community that is strong, equitable and collaborative.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Our commitment to reducing our environmental impact
Our community has done much lo raise awareness ofthe impact of human society on the natural world. It Is
important that we reduce the impact of ourown activities and improve environmental sustainability. We are
committed lo making continual improvements and are pleased lo have made more progress in 2024.
In the office and homeworking.. our offices are closed on Fridays and the BES has mad8 the four-day work
week permanent, with staff typically working ten days in the office per month. Our electricity is provided on a
IOOts/o renewable tariff, with consumption measured via regular metr8 readings.
Out and about.. travel continu891o be the highest proportion ot our residual carbon emissions, followed
by emissions associated with ourAnnual Meeting. We request that domestic travel be undertaken by train
and encourage train journeys to and within Europe, where feasible. We choose meeting venues for their
sustainability credentials and work with venues lo provide on-site services such as catering in sustainable ways,
avoiding waste as mueh as possible. Catering is fully vegan with no ehoice over main courses to reduce food
waste.
Ourgross lolal 2024 carbon emissions are 125 tC02e. As ourelectricity is supplied on a IOOOA renewable tariff,
we only need lo factor in emissions for the grid, resulting in nel carbon emissions of 116 tC02e which is a 23 %
reduction from 2023, exceeding our own target for reduetions.
Emissions relaled lo travel remain the majority166Q/ol of recorded carbon (Table 11. In 2024 we were able
to eliminate domestic flights, saw incr8ased train travel in and around Europe, less international travel and
significantly less travel between two non-UK destinations. Annual Meeting venue emissions conslilule 8°A 2024
emissions, significantly lower compared lo 2023 as the conference venue, ACC Liverpool, is being powered by
renewable energy. A venue's sustainability criteria remain an important, albeit not the only, consideration when
deciding where to host the largest ecology conference in Europe.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
io
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Table l. Percentage of residual carbon emissions for the BES to offset.
Category
Proportion oftC02e
to offset
Trav81
e6.2/
AM venue
8.0°
Hlworking
Electricity- consumption
Hotels
7.3%
5.3/
Paper, printing, stationery
Electricals
3.7°
1.4%
Electricity- grid use
Waste
0.9Yo
0.1 /)
Materials other
0.1°
Water
o.oso
Total
100.OYo
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
li
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Our plans for the future
We look forward to 2025 as the third year of our ambitious Strategic Plan with the mission to advance ecology
and innovating for a planet under threat. Some ol our activities for the coming yearare detailed below.
Goal I.. Advancing ecology to deepen our understanding of the natural Wofld
Develop workstreams on FOERUKtopics Novel Futures and Dynamic Ecological systems
Develop a new publishing strategy
Grow the membership for Applied Ecological Research IAERI
Deliverexcellenl service with submission increases
Establish working relationships with colleagues in new Wiley structure
Identify and deliverGollaboration projefjtsfvnded by the WileylBES equity fund
Goal 2.. Place ecologicol evidence ot the heartof decision-making and action
Establish a syslemalic approach lo monitorand track legislation
Analyse opportunitiwes to raise the BES'S international policy ambition
Launch the regenerative agriculture report and a summary and engage stakeholders
Convene and enable the ecological community to develop key messages and influence planning and
land use legislation
Develop a vision and plan for a closer working partnership with the SIGS
Goal 3 Nurture on inlernolionalcommunity Ihatis strong, equitable and collaborative
Briefing on the role of Al in supporting international equity
Launch the BES fellows scheme
Implement phase l of new membership fees, phase 2 in development
Review the implementation of the new grants portfolio
Expand our mentoring programme and platform
Goal 4.. Celebrole ecologyand the wond6rof th8 nolural world to inspire action andchange
PrideinSTEM.' Developing Gollaboralive solutions to the inlerseotional barriers faced by minoritized
ecologists
Support educators through resource development and equipment loans
UsinE modern pedagogical approaches to digital resource development
Refresh and update the careers strand ol the Annual Meeting
Launch Green Careers week
Go(Jl 5.. Lead the wayin bestpractice and sustuinability to ensure a long-termfuture
Deliver the volunteer strategy
Showcase the BES as an employer of choice fora diverse group of candidates.
Continue insights from the transformation project to support the development ol our income
diversification work
Complete the Biodiversity Impact AesSMent of BES activities
Continue to explore opportunities to work with the financial services industry and review the
ESG criteria
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
12
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Financial review
Review of our financial position
In 2024, total income was £5.7M1£5.IM in 20231, with 80 % of income from publishing. Duringthe year,
expenditure was £5.4M1£5.IM in 20231 with 490/0 spent on publishing. The accounts show a surplus ol £0.3M
(surplus of £0.03M in 20231 before net gains on investments of £0.5M (net gains of £0.6M in 20231. Total funds
ol the Society were £17.8M at th8 end of 20241£17.OM al the end of 20231 includ8d £7k of reslricled funds1£17k
in 2023}.
Financial management and control
BES commille8s plan their workforthe forthcoming yearwilhin the framework of our Strategic Plan. Annual
budgets for the following yearare drawn up in the fourth quarlerand are approved by the Board of Trustees
at their meeting in December. Throughout the financial year, the Finance Committee considers manaEement
accounts al its meetings, with a narrative provided by the Honorary Treasurer, Chief Executive and external
accountancy firm JS2, as appropriate. The narrative focuses on reasons forvariation against budget. Monthly
management accounts are also circulated lo budget holders. Al the mid-point in th8 financial year the budgets
are reforecast, taking into aceount Changes in planned activities and events.
We have a sel of Financial Regulations which must be followed and are reviewed annually by the Finance
Committee. We have a Financial Strategy, reviewed annual by the Finance Committee, which is structured
around the aims to111 ensure the long-term financial stability and sustainability of the BES,121 invest in
environmentally and ethically responsible funds, and131 diversify income through increases in non-publication
sources. These are achieved through a reseives policy, investment policy and income generation policy
respectively.
Our reserves: to ensure the long-term financial stability
and sustainability of the BES
The reserves policy seeks to ensure cashflow to maintain the continuity of core operations of the Society. This
takes a view beyond the timeframe ofany single Strategic Plan, whilst also allowing for adaptation to changing
circumstances.
Core operations are defined as..
al direct staff cosls1360/o of expenditure in 20241
bl running costs and maintenance ol BES offices and other assets (excluding depreciation)
cl routine and recurrent Society activities le.g. Annual Meeting) excluding grants and external
publishing costs
dl commilled projects underthe current Strategic Plan
Our reserves policy slates that W8 should have a free reserve of at least six months core op8raling costs to
be held in aeeessible accounts (maximum go-day access). In 2025 our budgeted core operating costs for6
months are £2.25m and ourfree reserves al the yearend for 2024 were £5.1m.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
13
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
In doing so, we provide staff, trustees and volunteers with the confidence to deliver the charitable purposes of
the Society, including the Strategic Plan. This meets the aim lo deliver long-lerm stability while recognising the
potential for disruptive change to our main income source of journal publishing. We will maintain a buffer against
income fluctuations and as a contingency against financial shocks or challenges. Periodic expenses (cycles
longerthan annual budgets) are managed through designated funds.
The reserves policy underpins all other sections of the Sliategy and sets the minimum expectations for
investment fund holdings and income generation.
The reserves policy is reviewed annually by Finance Committee and recommended changes are considered by
the Board of Trustees. The policy was updated in 2024.
Going concern and viability
Based on the reserves policy and detailed cashflow forecasts there are no specific circumstances or
untrertainties that impatrt on the Board ofTrustees assessment that tho Society is a Going Concern.
Our investment policy
The Expendable Endowment Fund is primarily held in the torm of investments. In addition to generating
additional revenue lorthe Society and providing reserves, these serve the purpose of showing leadership in
ethical and environmental investment. Our priority is to invest in funds that show innovation or leadership in
environmental sustainability. We will continue to leverage our portfolio to create opportunities for dialogue and
knowledge exchange between the financial services industry and the eoological community.
Given the strong financial position of the Society, which is not dependent on investment returns for core
business, we can adopt a medium-high risk profile with a large weightingtowards equities as 80+ % ofthe
portFolio. This reflects the dual purpose ol both holding strategic reserves and generating additional income
(see Income Generation Policyl. Market performance can be highly variable and therefore the funds should bè
evaluated over a seven-yeartimeframe. Sustained under-performance over shorter periods would merit earlier
intervention bul not within any single reporting cycle.
The day-to-day management of our investments is delegated to two firms of professional fund managers,
Ralhbones Greenbank and WIM Ilormerly Wavertonl. The splitting ofthe portfolio in this way allows us to
compare the results of differing investment strategies and spread risk. We have agreed that the risk profile lor
the fund managers should be the second highest for each company as we are investing for the long term. Fund
managers are appointed through a compelitlV8 contract tendering process.
Our metrics of success are not solely related to financial performance, although long-lerm growth in the
investments is a minimum expectation. We also evaluate a narrative of investment strategy and priorities and its
implementation in the portfolio held by the Society.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
14
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Investment management and performance
As slated in the Balance Sheet ofthese accounts, our investments were valued al £10.8M on 31 December
2024. This comprises £9.2M held in stocks and shares in the BES long-term investment funds and £1.6M of
cash in higher rale cash d8POSlts needed lo meet expenditure requirements in the short to medium term.
Each investment fund manager uses a composite index as a benchmark and we also require them to report
against the midpoint ol the ARC Steady Growth and ARC Equities Risk benchmarks. The target for ourfund
managers diff8rs between Rathbones (CPI +4 / l and WIM (CPI + 3.5Y.l. We also use the Suggestus portfolio
lo independently benchmark the performance of the fund managers. The investment managers attend Mo
Finance Committee meetings a yearto discuss performance and general strategy. Day-lo-day investment
decisions are delegated to the fund managers in accordance with the agreed mandates.
We have spread the risk of our assets as faras practicable by owning a very long lease on our headquarters and
holding some of our reserves in cash accounts, in addition to the equities in our two investment portfolios, and
the use of bonds and cash funds to improve short-lerm yields from cash holdings.
Our principal risks
We maintain a risk register, updated al least quarterly, and significant changes are reported to each Board of
Trustees meeting. The three most critical risks currently are..
A lackof income diversification andsustainobility
There are significant threats and uncertanties in academic publishing which is a large part ofthe Society's
income. We try lo mitigate this risk in several ways. We stay abreast ol industry developments, respond to
consultations and participate in discussions to ensure the voice of learned societies is represented. We have
also diversified our publishing business model by offering Open Access as an option in our subscription
journals, flipping subscription titles to Open Access, launching newjournals as Open-Access titles and
collaborating with the Open-Accessjournal Ecology and Evolution. There is also a riskthat the 8ES is over
reliant on publications income. The recently created Head of Marketing role will help us to strengthen existing
revenue streams as well as explore new ones such as consultancy work.
Loss orabsence of key staff
The work ofthe BES could be significantly impacted by the loss orabsence of key staff. There is a riskthal
knowledge could be lost, key projects delayed ordecisions cannot be made. We mitigate these by succession
planning, improving team resilience and knowledge sharing, having agreed notice periods and an emergency
plan in place for the absence of the CEO.
Artificial Intelligence
There are many ways in which Al could have a negative impact on the BES bul there are CLJrrently significant
uncertainties and possible opportuni118s. For example, Al could compromise the integrity of the academic
record and undermine public confidence in ecological evidence. Fraudulent grant applications could be created
or false Cvs and covering letters generated for employment vacancies. Al may also bring benefits in reducing
in8qualilies for thos8 whose first language is not English but need lo present their research findings in English. It
may also help us reduce the burden on peer reviewers and streamline processes.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
15
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Structure, governance and
management
Our structure
We are a company limited by guarantee (Registration no. 15228971 and have no share capital. As a registered
charity (Registration no. 2812131, we are governed by our Articles ofAssociation.
Our Board of Trustees comprises the President, President-Elect or Past President, two Vice Presidents,
Honorary Treasurer, Honorary Secretary, Chair of the Education and Careers Committee, Chair ol the Events
Committee, Chwrofthe Publioalions Committee, Chairofthe Polioycommittee, three Ordinary Membersand a
Co-opted Member. The Board me8ls quarterly and is responsible for our strategic direction and policies. There
are eight committees which report quarterly lo the Board on their areas of responsibility. We have a governance
document which details the structure, terms of reference and membership ofthe Board ofTrustees and
committees.
Ourday-to-day operation is delegated lo the Chief Executive and the rest ol the Senior Leadership Team. The
Chief Executive ensures our resources are effectively and efficiently focused on delivering our Strategic Plan
and that key performance indicators are mel. The Senior Leadership Team ensures the smooth running of the
organisation and leadership of the staff team. Remuneration of all staff, including key management personnel,
is considered on an annual basis by our Personnel Committee which reports directly to the Board ol Trustees.
Factors such as aftordabilily and inflation are considered by the Personnel Committee. Market research, sector
benchmarks and comparability with similar, existing roles within the Society are considered when salaries for
new staff roles are agreed by the Committee.
Recruitment to the Board of Trustees
The Board is responsible for nominating officer and chair posts and members of the Society can put themselves
fonNard for these roles through an open recruitment process. Nomination for Ordinary Members is op8n to the
whole membership. All members ol the Board are elected by the membership through an online ballot and the
results ofthe election are announced al the Annual General Meeting. Online voting has enabled many more
members lo participate in the selection of the Board.
Induction and training of trustees
All newly appointed trustees go through a process of induction, which fully briefs them about their roles,
responsibilities and the BES. During their tenure, trustees can have ongoing training, paid for by the Society, lo
help them fulfil their duties.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
16
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Responsibilities of the Board of Trustees
The Board ol Trustees of the BES Ith8 trustees and directors) is responsible for preparing the Annual R8POrt
and the financi statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the
Board to prepare financial statements lor each financial year. Underthal law, the Board has elected to prepar8
Ihe financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United
Kingdom Accounting standards and applicable lawl. The financid statements are required by law to give a tru8
and far view ofthe state of affairs ofthe company and of the surplus ordelicit ofthe company forthal period.
In preparing these financial statements, the Board is required lo..
Selecl suitable a¢¢ounting policies and then apply them ¢onsistenlly',
Observ8 the methods and principles in the Charities Statement ol Recommended Practice ISORPI.,
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
Slate whether applicable UKAccounting Standards have been followed, subjectto 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
Company will continue in business.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for keeping proper accounting r8cords that disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position ofthe BES lo ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies
Act 2006. They are also responsible tor safeguarding the assets of the BES and hence fortaking reasonable
steps lorthe prevention and detection ol fraud and other irregularities.
Members of the Board of Trustees, who are directors for the purpose of company law and trustees for the
purpose of charity law, who served during the year and up to the dale ofthis report are set out in the'References
and Administrative Details, section. In accordance with company law, as the company's directors, they certity
that..
So far as the directors are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors
are unaware., and
They have taken all the steps that they ought lo have taken as directors in order lo make themselves
aware ofany relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware ofthal
information.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
17
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Reference and administrative details
Charity details
British Ecological Society
42 Wharf Road
London
N17GS
Charity Commission registration number 281213
Companies House registration number 1522897
Board of Trustees
M Austen
R Brooker
S Clarke
T Coulson
C Dwyer
M Eichhorn
M Emmerson
B Emmell
R Freckleton
C Howe
L Graham
T Helgason
Z Lewis
Y Malhi
C Pinches
R Slafford
Pam Vick
Appoinled D8cemb8r 2024
Resigned December 2024
Resigned December 2024
Appointed December 2024
Resigned December 2024
Resigned December 2024
Appointed D8cemb8r 2024
Oflice bearers:
President
. B Emmett
PresidentElect..............................................M Austen
Vice President
.T Coulson
Vice President .
.CHowe
Hon. Secretary
- R Brooker
Hon.Treasurer..............................................M Eichhorn
Chairs of standing committees las at date of this report):
Finance Committee
. M Eichhorn
Education and Careers Commiltee............... P Holland
Events Committee
.LGraham
Grants Committee
.CHowe
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
18
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Membership Committee
.T Coulson
Personnel Committee ................................... R Brooker
Policy Committee
. R Stafford
Publications Committee
- R Frecklelon
Advisors
Senior Leadership Team..
ChiefExeculive..............................................H Norman
Director ol Communities and Inclusion
. K Devine
Director ol Policy and Cornmunications
- J Bromley
Director of Publishing.
- A Baler
Bankers:
Barclays Bank plc
Leicesler. LE87 2BB
Investments..
Ralhbones Greenbank Investments
8 Finsbury Circus
London, EC2M 7AZ
WIM
16 Babmaes Street
London, SWIY6AH
Accountants:
JS2 Limited
One Crown Square
Woking, GU216HR
Auditors:
Haysmac LLP
10 Queen Street Place
London, EC4R IAG
Solicitors:
stone King LLP
Boundary House
91 Charterhouse Street
London, ECIM 6HR
Mason Hayes 8 Curran LLP
Barrow Str8et
Dublin 4
D04 TR29, Ireland
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
19
Board of Trustees Report for the year ended 31 December 2024
Signature of the report on behalf of the trustees
This report has bean preparad in accordanc8 with th8 provisions applicable to 8ntities subject to the
small companies, regime.
Approved by the Board of Truslees on 12 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by..
Professor Bridget Emm8tt
President
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
20
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of the British Ecology Society
Independent auditor's report
to the members of the British
Ecological Society
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of British Ecological Society lor the year ended 31 December 2024
which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement and notes to
thefinancial statements, includinEasummaryof signilicanlaccounting policies. Thelinancial reportingframework
that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including
Financi Reporting standard 102 The Financial Reporting Sland(Ydapplicablein the UKandRepublicof Ireland
(United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Praclicel.
In our opinion, the financial slat8ments'.
give atrue and fairview of the slate ol the eharitable company's affairs as al 31 December 2024 and ol
the charitable company's net movement in funds, including the income and expenditure, for the yearthen
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 Aet 2006.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing IUKI IISAS IUKII and applicable
law. Our responsibilities underthose standards are lurther described in the Auditor's responsibilities forthe audit
of the financial statements section otour report. We are independent ofthe charity in accordance with the ethical
requirements that are relevant lo 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 th8 audit evid8nce we hav8 obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis forour opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial slalemenls, we have concluded that the Iruslees, 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 charitable company's ability
lo continue as a going concern lor 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 concem are described in the
relevant sections of this report.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
21
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of the British Ecology Society
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included
in the Trustees, Annual Report. Ouropinion on the financial statements does not coverthe other information and.
except lo the extent otherwise explicitly slated in our report, we do not express any form ol assurance conclusion
Ihereon.
In connection with our audit ol the financial statements, 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 audit or olheNise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material
inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material
misstalemenl in the financial statements or a material misstalem8nl of the other information. 11, based on the
work we have performed, we Conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are
required to r8POrt that fact. We have nothing lo report in this regard.
Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course ofthe audit..
the information given in the Trustees, Annual Report (which includes the strategc report and the
dir8clors' report prepared forthe purposes of company lawl lorthe financial year for which the financial
statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements- and
the strategic report and the directors, report included within the Trustees, Annual Report have been
prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and ils environment obtained in
the course of the audit, we have not identified material misslalemenls in th8 Trustees, Annual R8POrt (which
incorporates the strategic report and the directors, report).
We have nothingio report in respect ofthefollowing matters in relation to which the Companies Act2006 requires
us to report to you il, in our opinion:
adequate accounting records have not been kept by the charitable company., or
the charitable company linancial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and
returns., or
certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made- or
we have not rec8iV8d all the information and explanations w8 require for ouraudit., or
the trustees were not enlilled lo prepare the linancial statements in accordance with the small
companies, regime and take advantage ofthe small companies, exemptions in preparing the trustees,
report and from the requirement lo prepare a strategic report.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
22
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of the British Ecology Society
Responsibilities of trustees for the flnancial statements
As explained more lully in the trustees, responsibilities statement sel out on page 15, the Iruslees Iwho are also
the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for the preparation of
the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and lor such internal control as
the trustees determine is necessary lo enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statem8nts, the truste89 are responsible for assessing the charitable company's ability
lo 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 bul lo do so.
Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
Ourobjectivesarelo obtain r8asonabl8assuranceaboul wheth8rlhefinancialstalemenlsasawholearefr8efrom
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 ol assurance, bul is not aguarantee that an audit conducted in accordance
with ISAS IUKI will always delect a material misstalemenl 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 ol these linancial stalemenls.
Irregularities, includingfraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures
in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respeot of irregularities.
including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is
detailed below..
Based on our understanding of the charitable company and the environment in which il operates, we identified
thatthe principd risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations related to regulatory requirements forGDPR.
Charitl8s Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006, and we considered th8 exlenl to which non-compliance might have
a material effect on the financial statements. We also considered those laws and regulations that have a direct
impact on the preparation of the financial statements such as the Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Act
2011, income lax and payroll tax.
We evaluated management's incentives and opportunitiesforfraudulent manipulation ofthe financial statements
(including the risk of override of controls), and determined that the princip risks were related to posting
inappropriate journal entries to revenue, management bias in accounting estimates and application of controls
around authorisation of expenditure and payments . Audit procedures performed by the engagement team
included..
Inspecting correspondence with regulators and tax authorities,.
Discussions with manag8ment including consideration of known or suspected instances of non-
compliance with laws and regulation and fraud.,
Evaluating management's controls designed to prevent and detect irregularities.,
Identifying and teslingjournals, in particular journal entries posted with unusual account combinations,
postings by unusual users or with unusual descriptions., and
Challenging assumptions and judgements made by management in their critical accounting estimates
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
23
Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of the British Ecology Society
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including
those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This
risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions
reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware ol instances of non-compliance.
The risk is alsogrealerregarding irregularities occurringdue lolraud ralherlhan error, as fraud involves intentional
concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities for ifve audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial
Reporting Council's website at.. www.frc.or
.uklaudilorsres
onsibilities. This description forms part of our
auditor's report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of
Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might slate lo the charitable
company's members 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 charitable company and the charitable company's members. as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or
forthe opinions we have formed.
Kathryn Burton (Senior Statutory Auditor}
For and on behalf of Haysmac LLP, Stalulory Auditor
Date 2010612025
10 Queen Street Place
London
EC4R IAG
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
24
## **Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## ·---------------------------·
## **Statement of financial activities**
Incorporating the income and expenditure account **For the year ended 31 December 2024**
|||||Permanent|Expendable|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||Notes|Unrestricted|Restricted|Endowment|Endowment|2024|**2023**|
|||£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|£'000|
|**Income from:**||||||||
|_Donatons, Legacies 8_
_Grnt_||30|15|17||62|130|
|**Other Trading Activities**||||||||
|Investment income|2|46||5|180|231|198|
|Profit on disposal of Fixed||||||||
|Assets||1||||1||
|Other income||12||||12|19|
|||89|15|22|180|306|347|
|_Income fm chartable activities_||||||||
|Publications||4,568||||4,568|4,034|
|Income from conferences||568||||568|480|
|Subscriptions||235||||235|223|
|**Total income**||5,460|15|22|180|5,677|5,084|
|**Expenditure**||||||||
|**Expenditure on raising**||||||||
|**funds**||||||||
|Investment management||||||||
|fees||15|||54|69|59|
|_Eenditur on chartble_
_actvities_||||||||
|Publications||2,637||||2,637|2,194|
|Meetings||834||||834|770|
|Research||507||5||512|722|
|Education||308|19|||327|397|
|Policy||477|12|||489|455|
|Niche 8 Other services||549||||549|461|
|**Total expenditure**|3|5,327|31|5|54|5,417|5,058|
|**Net income before gains**||||||260||
|**on investment**||133|(16)|17|126||26|
|**Net gains on investments**|11|114|||406|520|591|
|**Transfer between funds**||(6)|6|||||
|**Net movement in funds in**||||||||
|**year**||241|**(10)**|17|532|780|617|
|Fund balance brought||||||||
|forward||9,419|17|223|7,362|17,021|16,404|
|**Fund balances carried**||||||||
|**forward**|15|9,660|7|240|7,894|17,801|17,021|
All of the above results derive from continuing activities. There are no gains and losses other than those disclosed above. The accompanying notes form an integral part of these financial statements.
·--------------------------
**E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY**
**25**
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Balance sheet
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes
2024
£'ooo
2023
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Fixed assets
Tangble assets
Intangible fixed asset
Investments
4,606
30
10,788
4,730
70
9,432
io
li
15,424
14,232
Current assots
D8blors
Cash on deposit and in hand
12
3,031
978
2,368
1,875
4,007
4,243
Creditors: amounts lallingdue within
one year
Net current assets
13
11,6301
11,4541
2,377
17,801
2,789
17,021
Net assets
Reprosonted by
Unrestricted funds
General fund
5,054
4,606
9,660
4,689
4,730
9,419
Designated funds
Restricted fund
17
Pgrmangnt Endowmant fund
240
223
Expendabla Endowmontfund
7,894
7,362
15
17,801
17,021
Included in th8 above reserves are unr8alis8d gains of £1.3M12023 gains £0.9MI. Th8 accompanying notes form an
integral part ol these tinancial slalemenls.
The accounts were approved and aLrthorised for issue bythe Board of Trusl8es on 12 June 2025 and signed on its
behalf by.
Professor Bridget Emmett Member ofthe Board ofTrustees
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
26
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Statement of cashfiows
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes
2024
£'ooo
2023
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Cash flow from operating activities
Nel Income
AdjustrNents for..
Investment income
Depr8cialion
Amortisation
780
617
12311
141
11981
142
40
40
Decreaselllncreasel in debtors
ID8cr8aselllncr&as8 in cr8ditors
16631
176
33
11501
Nel cash provided by operating activities
243
484
Cash flow from investing activities
Purchase oftangible fixed assets
Investment income
Purchase of investments
Disposal ol investments
IGainsl on investm&nts
1171
231
17,0031
6,167
15201
151
198
13,6731
2,570
15911
Net cash used in investing activities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in
the year
Cash and cash equivalents al the
beginning of the year
Cash and cash equivalents al thè end of
the year
11,1421
11,5011
18991
11,0171
1,875
2,892
976
1,875
Asati
January
2024
Asa131
December
2024
Analysis of changes in net debt
Cashflows
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Cash and Cash equival8nts
1,875
1,875
18991
{8991
978
976
The accompanying notes form an integral part ofthese financial slalements.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
27
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Accounting policles
8usis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities-
statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the
Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021- (Charities SORP S8cond
Edition, effective l January 20191, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UKand Republic of Ireland
IFRS 1021 and the Companies Act 2006. The Society meets the definition ol a Public Benefit Entity as defined
by FRS102.Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise
slated in the relevant accounting policy notelsl.
The trustees have assessed whelherthe use ol the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these
financial stalemenls. The trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of one year from the dale
of approval ol these financial statements. In particular the trustees have considered the charities forecasts and
projections and have taken account of pressures on donation and investment income. After making enquiries
the trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to
continue in Operation existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going
concern basis in preparing ils financial stalemenls.
Financial Instruments
The BES has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12 '0ther
Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of ils financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised
in the Charity's balance sheet when the Charity 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 lo sel off the recognis8d amounts and th8r8 is an intention to settle on a nel basis
or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. With the exceptions of prepayments and deferred
income all other debtor and creditor balances are considered lo be basic financial instruments under FRS 102.
Income
il Subscriptions income.. All subscriptions income is accounted for in the period to which it relates.
Subscriptions receipts in advance are recorded as deferred income.
ill Other income.. All other income has been accounted for on a receivable basis.
Expenditure (including grLts)
Expenditure is classified underthe principal categories of charitable and other expenditure ratherthan the type of
expense, in orderto provide more useful information to Users of the accounts.
Charitable activities comprise direct expenditure including direct staff costs attributable lo the activity. Support
costs have been allocated lo activities based on the average staff lime spent. Governance costs are those
incurred in connection with the management ofthe Society's assets, organisalional
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
28
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Accounting polici8s (continued)
Expenditure (including grants) (continued)
administration and compliance with constitutional and statutory requiremènts. Supportcosts are allocated on the basis
of time spent on each activity.
Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is convgyed lo the recipient except in those cases wherg the
offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants
offered subject to conditions which have not b&en met al the y&ar-end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as
expenditure.
Depreciation
Depreciation has been calculated to write off the cost of assets overlheir expected useful lives as follows..
Freehold & long leasehold property
Leasehold improvem8nls
Furniture
Equipment
2QA per annum on a straight-line basis.
5 /) per annum on a straight-lin8 basis.
IO°A perannum on a straight-line basis.
20% perannum on a straighl-line basis.
The Society's policy is to capilalise assets purchased over £1,500.
Amortisation
Amortisalion has been calculated to write off the cost ol intangible fixed assets over their expected lives al 20Yo per
annum on a straight line basis.
The Society's policy is to capitalise intangible assets where future economic benefits from the asset are expected and
the cost of the asset can be reliably measured.
Investments
Investments are slated at fair value. 11 is the BES'S policy to keep valuations up lo date such that whon investments
are sold there is no gain or loss arising. As a result the Statement of Financial Activities only includes those unrealised
gainsand Ioss8s arisinglrom the r8valualion of the investment porttolio throughout the year. Disclosure is made in note
Q of the difference between the historical cost and the sale proceeds of the investments sold during the year.
Foreign currencies
Monetaryassets and liabilities denominated in aforeign currency are translated into slerlingal the exchange rale ruling
on the Balance Sheet date.
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rale of exchange prevailingat the dale of transa¢lion.
All exchange differences are taken to the slalement of financial a¢livilies.
Op8rcitingl8ase
Rentds payable underoperating leases are charged aganst income on a straight line basis over the lease term.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
29
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Accounting poli¢i8s (continued)
Pensions
BES operates defined contribution pension arrangements, the assets of which are held separately from those of
the BES in independentlyadministered funds. Contributions are charged to the income and expenditure account
as they become payable.
Fundoccounting
General funds comprise the accumulated surplus ordeficil and are available for use atlhe discretion ol the Board
of Trustees in furtherance ol the Eeneral objectives otthe BES.
Restricted funds are funds subject to specific restrictive covenants imposed by donors or by the purpose of the
appeal.
Designated funds comprise funds which have been setaside atthe disoretion oflhe Board ofTrusteesforspecific
purposes.
All income and expenditure of the BES has been included in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Employee benefits
The costs ol 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 h.xed assets.
The cost ol any unused holiday enlitlemenl is recognised in the period in which the employee's services are
received.
Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed
lo terminate the employment of an employee or lo provide termination benefits.
Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered.
Prepayments are valued al the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
Cash ul bankandin hund
Cash al bank and cash in hand includes cash and short tem highly liquid investments.
Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a pasl 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 and provisions are normally recognised al their settlement amount after allowing for
any trade discounts due.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
30
**Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024**
## . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -·
## **Notes to the accounts (continued) For the year ended 31 December 2024**
## _Judgements and estimates_
The items in the financial statements where these judgements and estimates have been made include:
- **1 Accounting policies (continued)**
- the estimates of the useful economic lives of tangible fixed assets used to determine the annual depreciation charge;
- the estimates of the useful economic lives of intangible fixed assets used to determine the annual amortisation charge;
- the assumptions adopted by the trustees and management in determining the value of any designations required from the charity's general unrestricted funds; and
- the basis on which support costs have been allocated across expenditure headings; and
- the value of accrued publication income.
## **2 Investment income**
||**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||**£'000**|**£'000**|
|Income from listed investments|182|163|
|Interest receivable|49|35|
|||-----|
||231|198|
Included in the above is £46K (2023: £26K) of unrestricted income and £185k (2023: £172K) expendable endowment funds .
. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -·
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
**31**
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Analysis oftotal expenditure
2024
Direct staff Other Direct Support Costs
Costs
Costs
Inote 41
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Total
2024
£'ooo
Cost of Raising Funds
Niche & Other Services
69
69
262
89
198
549
Publications
710
1,367
405
376
73
560
2,637
834
512
327
Meetings
Resear¢h
Education
Policy
207
34
183
222
102
71
226
148
115
489
1,822
2,527
1,268
5,417
2023
Direct Staff
Costs
Other Direct Support Costs
Costs
Inote 41
£'ooo
Total
2023
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Cost of Raising Funds
Niche & Other Services
Publications
Meetings
Research
Education
Policy
59
461
222
72
167
695
218
1,070
407
429
145
2,194
770
32
674
16
722
187
272
1,626
80
23
2,385
130
160
1,047
397
455
5,058
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
32
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Supportcosts
Support Costs
2024
£'ooo
2023
£'ooo
Governan¢e Costs
Governance staff costs
Audit Fee
17
13
20
ie
Other Support Costs
Support staff costs
Non salary staff costs
Property
IT costs
327
115
234
58
67
147
134
124
Venu& costs
Publicity
Fees l Affiliations
Oflice running costs
Depreciation
Amortisation
Printing
Outsourced finance & payroll
Legd S ConsLJltancy
Bank charges
27
39
54
72
37
150
141
142
40
40
53
48
26
20
40
21
80
40
1,268
1,047
Support costs are allocated on the basis ol time spent on each activity.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
33
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Grants
Grant commitments are as follows..
2024
£'ooo
37
499
14621
2023
£'ooo
51
646
16601
Grant commitments al l January
Awards made duringyear
Payments made during the year
Grant commitments al 31 December
74
37
The rnajority of grants awarded areto individuals. Grants lo institutions are relatively few in numberand low value.
Net Mov8m8nt In Funds
is slated after charging..
2024
£'ooo
2023
£'ooo
Depreciation
Amortisalion
Auditor's remuneration
- audit setvices
141
40
142
40
17
13
Other than disclosed in note 17, members of th8 Board of Trustees did not receive any remuneration during the year
12023.. nill. Expenses reimbursed lo 1212023.. 131 Members ol the Board of Trustees in the year equalled £9,413
12023.. £8,424).
Taxatlon
The BES is a r8£islered charity and as such ils income andgains are exemptfrom corporation taxtoth8 exl8ntlhal they
are appli8d to ils charitab18 obj8Ctives. There is no Gorporalion tax charge for the year12023.' nill.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
34
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Employees
The a¢tual numberof employees during the year was 38.112023.. 38.51
2024
2023
Membership
Publishing
Conferences l M88tings
Research
Education
Policy
Society
Grants
12.9
13.5
7.0
38.1
38.5
£'ooo
£'ooo
Staff costs during the y8aramounted to..
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Employer's pension contributions
Redundancy
1,656
164
1,569
155
132
129
io
1,863
1,952
The following number ol employees reiVed employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) during the year
between..
2024
2023
£80,000- £69,999
£70,000-£79,999
£80,000- £89,999
£100,000-£109,999
£150,000-£159,999
£'ooo
29
£'ooo
24
Pension costs for hÉher paid staff were..
The aggregate benefits including pension contributions of the key management personnel were £435,692 12023..
£426,347), the trustees were not remunerated forservices to the charity.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
35
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
Fixed asse1$
Tangible fixed assets
Freehold &
long leasehold
property
£'ooo
Furniture,
fixtures &
equipment
£'ooo
Leasehold
improvements
£'ooo
Total
£'ooo
Cost
l January 2024
4,724
428
190
5,342
Additions
17
17
31 December2024
4,724
428
207
S,359
Depreciation
lJanuary2024
Charge for the year
31 Decamber2024
413
93
106
612
21
26
141
507
114
132
753
Net bookvalue
31 December2024
4,217
4,311
314
75
4.606
4,730
31 December2023
335
84
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
36
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
io
Intangible fix8d assats
Customer
Relationship
Management
System
£'ooo
Total
£'ooo
Cost
lJanuary2024
200
200
31 December2024
200
200
Amortisation
lJanuary2024
Charge for the year
130
130
40
40
31 Decamber 2024
170
170
Net bookvalue
31 December 2024
31 December2023
30
30
70
70
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
37
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
li
Investments
2024
2023
£'ooo
£'ooo
Marf(et value l January
Additions
Disposals proceeds
Net investment gain
Movement in deposits
9,432
7,003
17,3971
520
1,230
7,738
3,673
12,3381
591
{2341
Market value 31 December
10,788
9,432
Historical costat 31 December
9,488
8,521
Accumulated unrealised gains based on historic cost at 31 December
1,300
911
Realised gain in yearbased on historic cost
1,436
106
Represented by:
UK equity shares
Overseas equities
UKfixed interest S liquidity funds
Overseas fixed interest
UK Other
Overseas Other
1,429
5,955
1,903
1,642
4,590
2,399
48
654
21
763
Market value of listed investments
10,127
9,354
Inv8slment in subsidiary undertaking
Amounts held in cash
661
78
Total
10,778
9,432
Subsidiary undertakings
The BES holds IOO°kn of the issued share capital of BES Trading Company Limited, a company registered in England
and Wales. The sole activity ol BES Trading Company Limited was to organise the Illh International Congress of
Ecology in August 2013. At 31 December 2024 the Shar8 Capital and nel ass8ts of BES Trading Company Limited
amounted to £212023.. £21 and the company continued to be dormant.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
38
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
12
Debtors
2024
2023
£'ooo
£'ooo
131
187
Trade debtors
VAT
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income
93
2,841
2,270
3,031
2,368
13
Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year
2024
2023
£'ooo
285
67
£'ooo
403
62
Trade creditors
Social security & other taxes
Accruals
Deferred income Inole 141
Grants payable (note 51
1,105
99
74
860
92
37
1,630
1,454
14
Movement in deferred income
2024
2023
As al lJanuary2024
Released in year
Deferred in year
92
1921
99
105
11051
92
As al 31 December 2024
92
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
39
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
15
Movement in Funds
2024
Fund
balances
brought
forward
11112024
£'ooo
Fund
Balances
Carried
FOnard
3111212024
£'ooo
Nel gains
on
Investment
Assets
Expendi-
ture
Income
Transfers
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Restricted
Alex S Watt Brecklan
Policy Assistant Fund
SPAN Trust
12
1121
1121
BES Bursaries
New Phylologisl Foundation
Ecology Resources Ltd
171
iii
Total restricted funds
17
15
1311
Unrestricted funds
General
Tangible fix8d assetfund
Office Renewal fund
Open Access Transition fund
2,811
4,730
485
393
5,460
15,1281
11241
1751
114
11561
4,101
4,606
560
393
150
Total unrestricted funds
Expendable Endowment
Funds
9,419
5,4eo
15,3271
114
161
9,660
7,362
180
1541
406
7,894
17
Ollvia Norfolk
John L Harper Fellowship
17
223
151
223
Total Funds
17,021
5,867
15,4171
520
17,801
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
15
Movement in Funds Icontinuedl
Designated
Tangible fixed Represenls the nei book value oftangible fixed assets in use by the Society and therefore not
asset fund
available to the Board of Trusl8es to meet future expenditure. A transfer is made each yearto
reflect the change in net book value.
Office renewal The total estimated cost ol the Cat A and Cat B filoul of the BES office plus the cost offixtures
fund
and fittings in 2019 was £1.5m. To ensure that the BES has the funds available in the future
lo renew these, a designated fund was established in 2020 with an annual transfer of £150k
from general funds.
The Board of Trustees have agreed lo lOCate some ofthe funds generated by the current
contract with Wi18y to increase capacity in the BES Publications Team to locus on strategy
and help to develop, research and launch newjournals bringing in future income forthe BES.
The BES is exploring the transition of its existing hybrid journals to an open access model.
This transition is likely lo result in a short to medium term drop in income and a change in
cashllow. This fund has been set up to miligale these impacts forthe transition of one of our
journals. In 2021, £393k was transferred into this fund from the general fund.
Journals
Development
Fund
Open Access
Transition
Fund
Ro$tri¢tgd
Restricted funds of£7k al 31 December2024 are represented by cash on deposil12023- £17kl.
Alex S Watt
Funds administered by the 8ES in the memory of Alex Watt to provide funding for small scale
Breckland
research projects aimed to enhance our understanding ol the conservation of the Breckland
Research Trust Region.
Policy
Restricted donation lo support a staff memberto work in the policy area. The role was created
Assistant Fund in February 2013.
SPAN Trust
The BES received a Span Trust charitable grant of £12,818, split over three years Iso far
Bursary
£4,272 was received in 2021, £4,272 in 2022 and £4,272 in 20231 to support Bursaries for
London and Southeast of England undergraduates, career development Ilhis criterion was
lifted in 2022- undergraduate students across England can now apply for the bursary). As part
ol the funding agreement, the BES adds £2,166 peryear towards the scheme via unrestricted
donations. 5 awards were awarded in 2024, lolalling £6,438. The funds are held in trust by
BES and drawn down by the bursary winners.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
41
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
15
Movement in Funds Icontinuedl
Restricted {continued)
Ecology
An original donation of £7,500 was received to finance three bursaries lo attendees at
Resources Ltd the Undergraduate Summer Schools which took place in the Summer of 2019. The BES
Bursary
continues to fundraise forthis scheme and provide bursaries for sludents attending our
Summer School programmes. Two students were supported in 2019, lourstudents in 2020,
six over 202L2022 and 7 in 2023. The funds are held in trust by BES and drawn down by the
bursary winners to fund training in ecoloEy and associated expenses such as travel related to
attendance at training or meetings and equipment.
The BES received a donation from the New Phytologisl Foundation 01 £3,000, to support the
attendance of seven students at the BES Annual Meeting 2023. These students were from
low-income, low-opportunity backgrounds, or underrepresented groups. The funds are held
in trust by BES and drawn down by the awardees to fund travel and registration costs.
New
Phytologist
Foundation
Thesocietyholds É17,357 (2023- É25,073) on behalf of the Europeon Ecological Foundation and£93,855 on behall
of Intecol (2023-£98,947). The balances do notform portof these accounts.
Endowment
Expendable endowment funds of £7.9M at 31 Decemb8r 2024 are represented by inv8slment12023- £7.4MI.
Expendable
Endowment
fund
The Society is taking proactive steps to mitigate the over-reliance on a single income source
by holding these reserves in an investment portfolio that is managed using an ethical screen.
Returns on these investments are re-invested strategically lo part fund new activities and
specific major projects specified in the Strategic Plan
John L Harper This is a permanent endowment lund to celebrate John Harper's hug8 contribution to our
Fellowship
science. It supports grants forgraduate student research projects that are consistent with the
research themes advanced by him
Olivia Norfolk This is a permanent endowment lo award financial prizes to the best sludenl posters
presented each year at the BES Annual Meeting. The prize is named in memory of Olivia
Norfolk, who presented results from her PhD studies as posters al BES Annual Meetings and
went on lo have a distinguished career in ecology.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
42
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
15
Movemant In Funds Icontlnuedl
2023
Fund
balances
brought
forward
UU2023
£'ooo
Fund
NeignS
Balances
on
Carried
Investment
Forward
Assets Transfers 3111212023
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
Income Expenditure
£'ooo
£'ooo
Restricted
Alex S Watt Brecklan
Policy Assistant Fund
SPAN Trust
io
iioi
131
1611
171
131
1841
GRCF
18
23
20
Ecology Resources Ltd
New Phytologist Foundation
Total restricted funds
15
40
41
17
Unrestricted funds
General
Tangible fixed asset fund
Oth"ce Renewal fund
Journal Development fund
Open Access Transition fund
3,705
4,867
386
62
393
4,716
14,6681
11371
1511
1621
1781
1201
3,705
4,730
485
150
393
Total unrestricted funds
9,413
4,886
14,9181
1781
1201
9,419
Expendable Endowment
Funds
John L Harpar Fellowship
6,728
223
172
1511
151
513
7,362
223
Total Funds
16,404
5,084
15.0581
435
17,021
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
43
Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024
Notes to the accounts (continued)
For the year ended 31 December 2024
16
Analysls of net assots between funds
2024
Expendable
Permanent
Restrioted Endowment Endowment
£'ooo
£'ooo
£'ooo
General
£'ooo
Designated
£'ooo
4,606
Total
£'ooo
4,e06
30
Tangible assets
Intangible assets
Investments
Net current assets
30
2,894
2,130
7,894
10,788
2,377
240
Net assets
5,054
4,606
7,894
240
17,801
2023
Expendable
Permanent
Restricted Endowment Endowment
General Designated
£'ooo
£'ooo
4,730
Total
£'ooo
£'OOD
£'ooo
£'ooo
4,730
70
9,432
Tangible assets
Intangible assets
Investments
Nel current assets I
70
2,070
7,362
2,549
17
223
2,789
Nel assets
4,689
4,730
17
7,362
223
17,021
l R8lat8d partytransaction$
Notransaclions have taken place with either Memb&rsorwith the SeniorManagementTeam. It is the policy ofthe BES
that Commi118e members who have an int&r8sl in any grant awarding decisions must18av8 the room al the lime the
awarding decision is made.
There were no other related party transactions duringthe current year12023'. nill.
2 The George Jackson Estate
As part DI the George Jackson bequest, the Society was left as residuary beneficiary of a revisionary bequest. The
prop8rty passes to the Society upon the death ofthe life interest. Because ofthe uncertainty as lo value and timing the
value ol the property is not included with these financial slalemenls.
E BRITISH ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY
44