BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisors
There are three officers of the Association: The Chairman, The Honorary Secretary and The Honorary Treasurer. The Chairman is an ordinary member who is elected to office annually for a three-year term which can be extended by a further two years by the ordinary members at an Annual General Meeting; The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer are both ordinary members, elected by the ordinary members present at the Annual General Meeting; both serve until the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election up to a maximum term of five years. There is a one-year overlap between the final year of the current officer’s term of office, and the first year of the newly appointed officer (termed officer-elect for this period). This overlap period facilitates smooth transition between officer posts and their successors. The Association's Executive Committee consists of the three Officers of the Association (plus any officer-elects), plus nine ordinary members elected as described in the Rules. Provision is also made to co-opt member(s) where specific expertise is required. The President holds a non-executive position, is not a trustee and is elected for a four-year term.
For the accounting period the BACR Executive comprised of: Professor Adrian L Harris (President), Professor Ingunn Holen until December 2024, and Professor Kevin Ryan from January 2025 (Chair), Professor Charlotte Bevan (Honorary Secretary), Professor Joanne Edwards (Honorary Treasurer), William Brackenbrugy, Tim Fenton, Anita Grigoriadis, Jack Leslie, George Poulogiannis, Anna Wilkins, Giorgia Cioccoloni, Louise Fets and Mark Wade.
Newly elected trustees are supplied with documentation, obtained from the Charity Commission, outlining their responsibilities as trustees of the Charity. They, along with pre-existing trustees, are also regularly updated with Charity Commission News. The association is also a member of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) that keeps it informed of relevant voluntary sector and charity information.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Association is constituted as an unincorporated association, and its governing document is its constitution. The BACR has a charitable registration number (289297) and its principal address during this reporting period was BACR Secretariat, c/o Leeds Institute of Medical Research, at, St. James’s Cancer Genetics Building, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
The Association maintains its own Secretariat: Mrs Janet Alexander (based within the Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James) who was appointed as the BACR Administrative Secretary on 1[st] January 2010.
Applicable law requires the trustees to prepare for each financial year accounts that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and the surplus or deficit of the Association for that period. In preparing those accounts the Trustees are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
-
Make judgements and estimates which are reasonable
-
Prepare the accounts on a going-concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Association will continue to operate
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Association and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act, 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The BACR accounts are scrutinized annually by Independent Examiners; their report is appended to this trustees’ report. A resolution to appoint Independent Examiners ahead of the next financial year will be put forward to the membership by the Honorary Treasurer, at the 2025 AGM.
1
Objectives and Activities
Under its Constitution, the Association's objects are for the promotion of the advance of research in relation to all aspects of cancer by encouraging the exchange of information. The policies adopted in furtherance of these are (i) the organising of meetings and workshops and (ii) the provision of funds to support BACR members in attending these and other such meetings. There has been no change in the remit of the BACR with respect to its activities during the reporting period.
Achievements and Performance
During the reporting period the Association held the Response and Resistance in Cancer Therapy meeting at University of Kent, Canteburgy, on the 8[th] to 10[th] July 2024 and New Developments in Breast Cancer Research-From Lab to Clinic at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead on the 25[th] to 27[th] November 2024.
In the 2024-25 financial year the Association is delighted to announce that 44 awards worth a total of £47,673.67 were made to research students and established cancer researchers to present their work at international scientific conferences and visit overseas laboratories to learn new techniques. Some of these costs will be incurred during 2025-26 with a total of £38,867 being spent in the 2024-25 financial year.
Financial Review
The principal funding source for the association is its capital investment and membership subscriptions. The investment portfolio is managed with an ethical concern that prohibits funds being invested in any tobacco or tobacco-related companies. The portfolio management company delivers an annual report to trustees with additional advice being delivered, also in the form of an annual report, by an independent financial advisor. The Association does not currently have any social programme related investments. On 31 March 2025, had a market value of £1,356,337.28.
In the course of its normal activities, the BACR recorded an operating deficit for the year of £3,690.
Plans for the Future
The BACR 65[th] Annual meeting was held on the 2[nd] to 4[th] June 2025.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, the Association is hosting a Cancer immunology meeting which will be held on 10[th ] to 12[th] September 2025 at the University of Southampton. The BACR will also be hosting a Tumour Microenvironment conference which will include an Ex-vivo models for drug discovery Workshop by the NC3R from the 6[th] to 8[th] July 2026 in Nottingham and a Trailblazers in Cancer Research meeting which will be held in November 2026, the date has yet to be confirmed.
By order of the Executive Committee
Professor Joanne Edwards, Honorary Treasurer, BACR,
2
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Registered Charity No.289297
Accounts for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
President
Prof. Adrian Harris
Chair
Prof. Kevin Ryan
Honorary Treasurer
Prof. Joanne Edwards
Honorary Secretary
Prof. Charlotte Bevan
Secretariat
Janet Alexander Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's Cancer Genetics Building St James's University Hospital Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7TF
Bankers
National Westminster Bank PLC 501 Silbury Boulevard Saxon Gate East Central Milton Keynes MK9 3ER
Independent Examiners
UHY BPR Heaton Chartered Accountants Glenewes House, Gateway Drive Yeadon LS19 7XY
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Contents of the
Accounts for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1 |
| Independent Examiners' Report | 3 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 |
| Balance Sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 6 |
| Income and Expenditure Account | 9 |
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisors
There are three officers of the Association: The Chairman, The Honorary Secretary and The Honorary Treasurer. The Chairman is an ordinary member who is elected to office annually for a three-year term which can be extended by a further two years by the ordinary members at an Annual General Meeting; The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer are both ordinary members, elected by the ordinary members present at the Annual General Meeting; both serve until the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election up to a maximum term of five years. There is a one-year overlap between the final year of the current officer’s term of office, and the first year of the newly appointed officer (termed officer-elect for this period). This overlap period facilitates smooth transition between officer posts and their successors. The Association's Executive Committee consists of the three Officers of the Association (plus any officer-elects), plus nine ordinary members elected as described in the Rules. Provision is also made to co-opt member(s) where specific expertise is required. The President holds a non-executive position, is not a trustee and is elected for a four-year term.
For the accounting period the BACR Executive comprised of: Professor Adrian L Harris (President), Professor Ingunn Holen until December 2024, and Professor Kevin Ryan from January 2025 (Chair), Professor Charlotte Bevan (Honorary Secretary), Professor Joanne Edwards (Honorary Treasurer), William Brackenbrugy, Tim Fenton, Anita Grigoriadis, Jack Leslie, George Poulogiannis, Anna Wilkins, Giorgia Cioccoloni, Louise Fets and Mark Wade.
Newly elected trustees are supplied with documentation, obtained from the Charity Commission, outlining their responsibilities as trustees of the Charity. They, along with pre-existing trustees, are also regularly updated with Charity Commission News. The association is also a member of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) that keeps it informed of relevant voluntary sector and charity information.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Association is constituted as an unincorporated association, and its governing document is its constitution. The BACR has a charitable registration number (289297) and its principal address during this reporting period was BACR Secretariat, c/o Leeds Institute of Medical Research, at, St. James’s Cancer Genetics Building, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
The Association maintains its own Secretariat: Mrs Janet Alexander (based within the Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James) who was appointed as the BACR Administrative Secretary on 1[st] January 2010.
Applicable law requires the trustees to prepare for each financial year accounts that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and the surplus or deficit of the Association for that period. In preparing those accounts the Trustees are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
-
Make judgements and estimates which are reasonable
-
Prepare the accounts on a going-concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Association will continue to operate
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Association and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act, 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The BACR accounts are scrutinized annually by Independent Examiners; their report is appended to this trustees’ report. A resolution to appoint Independent Examiners ahead of the next financial year will be put forward to the membership by the Honorary Treasurer, at the 2025 AGM.
1
Objectives and Activities
Under its Constitution, the Association's objects are for the promotion of the advance of research in relation to all aspects of cancer by encouraging the exchange of information. The policies adopted in furtherance of these are (i) the organising of meetings and workshops and (ii) the provision of funds to support BACR members in attending these and other such meetings. There has been no change in the remit of the BACR with respect to its activities during the reporting period.
Achievements and Performance
During the reporting period the Association held the Response and Resistance in Cancer Therapy meeting at University of Kent, Canteburgy, on the 8[th] to 10[th] July 2024 and New Developments in Breast Cancer Research-From Lab to Clinic at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead on the 25[th] to 27[th] November 2024.
In the 2024-25 financial year the Association is delighted to announce that 44 awards worth a total of £47,673.67 were made to research students and established cancer researchers to present their work at international scientific conferences and visit overseas laboratories to learn new techniques. Some of these costs will be incurred during 2025-26 with a total of £38,867 being spent in the 2024-25 financial year.
Financial Review
The principal funding source for the association is its capital investment and membership subscriptions. The investment portfolio is managed with an ethical concern that prohibits funds being invested in any tobacco or tobacco-related companies. The portfolio management company delivers an annual report to trustees with additional advice being delivered, also in the form of an annual report, by an independent financial advisor. The Association does not currently have any social programme related investments. On 31 March 2025, had a market value of £1,356,337.28.
In the course of its normal activities, the BACR recorded an operating deficit for the year of £3,690.
Plans for the Future
The BACR 65[th] Annual meeting was held on the 2[nd] to 4[th] June 2025.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, the Association is hosting a Cancer immunology meeting which will be held on 10[th ] to 12[th] September 2025 at the University of Southampton. The BACR will also be hosting a Tumour Microenvironment conference which will include an Ex-vivo models for drug discovery Workshop by the NC3R from the 6[th] to 8[th] July 2026 in Nottingham and a Trailblazers in Cancer Research meeting which will be held in November 2026, the date has yet to be confirmed.
By order of the Executive Committee
Professor Joanne Edwards, Honorary Treasurer, BACR,
2
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH (CHARITY NO. 289297)
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of the British Association For Cancer Research
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the British Association for Cancer Research (the trust) for year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable directions given by the charity commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Stephen B Hinchcliffe ACA UHY BPR Heaton Chartered Accountants Glenewes House Gate Way Drive Leeds West Yorkshire LS19 7XY
Dated: 11 December 2025
3
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Note Incoming resources From generated funds; Voluntary income Activities for generating funds Investment income From charitable activities Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of generating funds; Costs of generating funds Charitable activities Governance costs 2 Total resources expended Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before transfers Transfers Gross transfers between funds Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before holding gains and losses Transfers between funds Holding gains/(losses)-(realised and unrealised) Gains/(losses) on investment assets 3 Net movements in funds Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Restricted Funds £ - - - 16,000 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 5,134 81,071 33,498 49,579 |
Total Funds £ 5,134 81,071 33,498 65,579 |
Prior Period Total Funds £ 6,476 70,607 31,543 44,079 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16,000 | 169,282 | 185,282 | 152,705 | |
| - 25,010 - |
113,126 48,161 2,675 |
113,126 73,171 2,675 |
138,398 75,626 2,460 |
|
| 25,010 | 163,962 | 188,972 | 216,484 | |
| (9,010) - |
5,320 - |
(3,690) - |
(63,779) - |
|
| - (9,010) - |
- 5,320 (6,286) |
- (3,690) (6,286) |
- (63,779) 64,523 |
|
| (9,010) 23,510 |
(966) 1,491,470 |
(9,976) 1,514,980 |
744 1,514,236 |
|
| 14,500 | 1,490,504 | 1,505,004 | 1,514,980 |
4
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS 4 Investments Intangible assets Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 5 Cash at bank and in hand 6 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 7 NET CURRENT ASSETS/ (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES INCOME FUNDS Restricted funds 8 Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 1,347,743 - - 1,347,743 30,780 182,158 212,938 55,678 157,260 1,505,003 14,500 1,490,504 1,505,004 |
2024 £ 1,104,029 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 1,104,029 | ||
| 7,030 448,169 |
||
| 455,199 44,248 |
||
| 410,951 | ||
| 1,514,980 | ||
| 23,510 1,491,470 |
||
| 1,514,980 |
The accounts were approved by the Honorary Treasurer on behalf of the Executive Committee.
Joanne Edwards - Honorary Treasurer
Dated: 11 December 2025
5
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity rounded to the nearest pound.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
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. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund Accounting
The accounts include the results of the charities operations, which include unrestricted and restricted funds.
Restricted funds
The association has the following restricted fund;
The AstraZeneca Fund, which combines the Tom Connors AstraZeneca Fund with the Frank Rose Fund. This fund provides support for both annual BACR AstraZeneca Young Scientist Frank Rose Award Lecture.
Movements in this fund are detailed in Note 8 to the accounts.
Fixed assets investments
Investments are included at market value.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Fixtures and fittings are written off on a 15% reducing balance basis.
Intangible assets and amortisation
The website development cost has been amortised in full.
Future meetings
Payments made and income received in respect of meetings to be held in a future year are carried forward to be brought into account in the year in which the meetings are held.
Deficit and surpluses on joint meetings
The association makes provision for the receipt, from third party organisers of meetings held during the year, and for payments to third party organisers for the Association's share of any deficits arising on such meetings, only when the sums involved can be accurately quantified, or have been either received or paid, as appropriate.
6
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025, continued
| 2025 £ 2. SUPPORT COSTS Committee travel expenses Governance 155 Accountancy Costs 2,520 University of Leeds - Employee costs 67,525 Bank and PayPal charges 701 70,901 3 Investment gains/(losses) Market value carried forward 1,347,743 Funds invested in the year (250,000) Market value brought forward (1,104,029) Gain/(loss) for the year (6,286) 4. FIXED ASSETS Investments Market Value at 1st April 2024 1,104,029 Acquisitions at cost 602,257 Disposals at cost (372,343) Gains/(losses) in the period 42,907 Unrealised gains/(losses) in the period (52,815) Market Value at 31st March 2025 1,324,035 Cash holding at 31st March 2025 23,708 1,347,743 Historical cost at 31st March 2025 1,128,528 The Association's investments are managed by Quilter Cheviot Limited. Intangible Assets - Website Cost at 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 20,304 Depreciation at 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 20,304 Net Book Value at 31st March 2025 - Tangible Assets Cost at 1st April 2024 - Disposals in year - At 31 March 2025 - Depreciation at 1st April 2024 - Charge for period - Eliminated on disposal - Accumulated depreciation at 31st March 2025 - Net Book Value at 31st March 2025 - Allocation 50% Charitable activities |
2025 £ 2. SUPPORT COSTS Committee travel expenses Governance 155 Accountancy Costs 2,520 University of Leeds - Employee costs 67,525 Bank and PayPal charges 701 70,901 3 Investment gains/(losses) Market value carried forward 1,347,743 Funds invested in the year (250,000) Market value brought forward (1,104,029) Gain/(loss) for the year (6,286) 4. FIXED ASSETS Investments Market Value at 1st April 2024 1,104,029 Acquisitions at cost 602,257 Disposals at cost (372,343) Gains/(losses) in the period 42,907 Unrealised gains/(losses) in the period (52,815) Market Value at 31st March 2025 1,324,035 Cash holding at 31st March 2025 23,708 1,347,743 Historical cost at 31st March 2025 1,128,528 The Association's investments are managed by Quilter Cheviot Limited. Intangible Assets - Website Cost at 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 20,304 Depreciation at 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 20,304 Net Book Value at 31st March 2025 - Tangible Assets Cost at 1st April 2024 - Disposals in year - At 31 March 2025 - Depreciation at 1st April 2024 - Charge for period - Eliminated on disposal - Accumulated depreciation at 31st March 2025 - Net Book Value at 31st March 2025 - Allocation 50% Charitable activities |
2024 £ - 2,460 82,162 973 |
|---|---|---|
| 85,595 | ||
| 1,104,029 - (1,039,506) |
||
| 64,523 | ||
| 1,004,987 100,201 (97,346) 157 78,017 |
||
| 1,086,016 18,013 |
||
| 1,104,029 | ||
| 855,707 | ||
| 20,304 | ||
| 20,304 | ||
| - | ||
| 1,971 (1,971) |
||
| - | ||
| 1,625 (1,625) |
||
| - | ||
| - | - |
7
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025, continued
| 5. DEBTORS Prepayments and accrued income 6. CASH AT BANK Current account Reserve account 7. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accrued expenditure 8. RESTRICTED FUNDS Balance at 1st April 2024 Awards and costs Balance at 31st March 2025 |
2025 £ 30,780 |
2024 £ 7,030 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 182,058 |
100 448,069 |
|
| 182,158 | 448,169 | |
| 55,678 | 44,248 | |
| Astra - Zeneca 23,510 (9,010) |
Total 23,510 (9,010) |
|
| 14,500 | 14,500 |
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Charity is controlled by it's Trustees.
There have not been any material transactions with any related party during the year.
10. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
The market value of Investments stated in note 4 as at 2 December 2025 was in the sum of £1,464,327 including cash holdings of £24,463
8
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Income Voluntary income Donations and Legacies Activities for generating funds Response and Resistance in Cancer Therapy New Developments in Breast Cancer Research Tumour Microenvironment and 3D Model Workshop Trailblazers in Cancer Research Investment income Interest and dividends receivable From charitable activities Subscriptions Astra Zeneca contribution to travel awards Provisions no longer required Total income Expenditure Costs of generating funds BACR conferences Recharged employee costs EACR Membership Printing, postage, stationery, advertising and publications Bank and PayPal charges Charitable activities Travel awards and bursaries National Council for Volunteer Organisations Recharged employee costs Bank and PayPal charges Governance costs Committee travel and other expenses Accountancy Surplus/(deficit) for the year |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - 16,000 - |
Unrestricted Funds £ 5,134 41,342 39,729 - - 33,498 49,216 - 363 |
Total Funds £ 5,134 41,342 39,729 - - 33,498 49,216 16,000 363 185,282 67,942 33,763 8,072 2,999 351 38,867 191 33,763 351 155 2,520 188,972 (3,690) |
Prior Year Total Funds £ 6,476 - - 49,946 20,661 31,543 43,532 - 547 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16,000 | 169,282 | 152,705 | ||
| - - - - - 25,010 - - - - - |
67,942 33,763 8,072 2,999 351 13,857 191 33,763 351 155 2,520 |
85,515 41,081 7,649 3,666 487 33,880 179 41,081 487 - 2,460 |
||
| 25,010 | 163,962 | 216,484 | ||
| (9,010) | 5,320 | (63,779) |
9
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Registered Charity No.289297
Accounts for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
President
Prof. Adrian Harris
Chair
Prof. Kevin Ryan
Honorary Treasurer
Prof. Joanne Edwards
Honorary Secretary
Prof. Charlotte Bevan
Secretariat
Janet Alexander Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's Cancer Genetics Building St James's University Hospital Beckett Street Leeds LS9 7TF
Bankers
National Westminster Bank PLC 501 Silbury Boulevard Saxon Gate East Central Milton Keynes MK9 3ER
Independent Examiners
UHY BPR Heaton Chartered Accountants Glenewes House, Gateway Drive Yeadon LS19 7XY
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Contents of the
Accounts for the period 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 1 |
| Independent Examiners' Report | 3 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 4 |
| Balance Sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 6 |
| Income and Expenditure Account | 9 |
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MARCH 2025
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisors
There are three officers of the Association: The Chairman, The Honorary Secretary and The Honorary Treasurer. The Chairman is an ordinary member who is elected to office annually for a three-year term which can be extended by a further two years by the ordinary members at an Annual General Meeting; The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer are both ordinary members, elected by the ordinary members present at the Annual General Meeting; both serve until the next Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election up to a maximum term of five years. There is a one-year overlap between the final year of the current officer’s term of office, and the first year of the newly appointed officer (termed officer-elect for this period). This overlap period facilitates smooth transition between officer posts and their successors. The Association's Executive Committee consists of the three Officers of the Association (plus any officer-elects), plus nine ordinary members elected as described in the Rules. Provision is also made to co-opt member(s) where specific expertise is required. The President holds a non-executive position, is not a trustee and is elected for a four-year term.
For the accounting period the BACR Executive comprised of: Professor Adrian L Harris (President), Professor Ingunn Holen until December 2024, and Professor Kevin Ryan from January 2025 (Chair), Professor Charlotte Bevan (Honorary Secretary), Professor Joanne Edwards (Honorary Treasurer), William Brackenbrugy, Tim Fenton, Anita Grigoriadis, Jack Leslie, George Poulogiannis, Anna Wilkins, Giorgia Cioccoloni, Louise Fets and Mark Wade.
Newly elected trustees are supplied with documentation, obtained from the Charity Commission, outlining their responsibilities as trustees of the Charity. They, along with pre-existing trustees, are also regularly updated with Charity Commission News. The association is also a member of the National Council of Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) that keeps it informed of relevant voluntary sector and charity information.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Association is constituted as an unincorporated association, and its governing document is its constitution. The BACR has a charitable registration number (289297) and its principal address during this reporting period was BACR Secretariat, c/o Leeds Institute of Medical Research, at, St. James’s Cancer Genetics Building, St James’s University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds, LS9 7TF.
The Association maintains its own Secretariat: Mrs Janet Alexander (based within the Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James) who was appointed as the BACR Administrative Secretary on 1[st] January 2010.
Applicable law requires the trustees to prepare for each financial year accounts that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and the surplus or deficit of the Association for that period. In preparing those accounts the Trustees are required to:
-
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
-
Make judgements and estimates which are reasonable
-
Prepare the accounts on a going-concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Association will continue to operate
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records, which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Association and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act, 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The BACR accounts are scrutinized annually by Independent Examiners; their report is appended to this trustees’ report. A resolution to appoint Independent Examiners ahead of the next financial year will be put forward to the membership by the Honorary Treasurer, at the 2025 AGM.
1
Objectives and Activities
Under its Constitution, the Association's objects are for the promotion of the advance of research in relation to all aspects of cancer by encouraging the exchange of information. The policies adopted in furtherance of these are (i) the organising of meetings and workshops and (ii) the provision of funds to support BACR members in attending these and other such meetings. There has been no change in the remit of the BACR with respect to its activities during the reporting period.
Achievements and Performance
During the reporting period the Association held the Response and Resistance in Cancer Therapy meeting at University of Kent, Canteburgy, on the 8[th] to 10[th] July 2024 and New Developments in Breast Cancer Research-From Lab to Clinic at the Glasshouse International Centre for Music, Gateshead on the 25[th] to 27[th] November 2024.
In the 2024-25 financial year the Association is delighted to announce that 44 awards worth a total of £47,673.67 were made to research students and established cancer researchers to present their work at international scientific conferences and visit overseas laboratories to learn new techniques. Some of these costs will be incurred during 2025-26 with a total of £38,867 being spent in the 2024-25 financial year.
Financial Review
The principal funding source for the association is its capital investment and membership subscriptions. The investment portfolio is managed with an ethical concern that prohibits funds being invested in any tobacco or tobacco-related companies. The portfolio management company delivers an annual report to trustees with additional advice being delivered, also in the form of an annual report, by an independent financial advisor. The Association does not currently have any social programme related investments. On 31 March 2025, had a market value of £1,356,337.28.
In the course of its normal activities, the BACR recorded an operating deficit for the year of £3,690.
Plans for the Future
The BACR 65[th] Annual meeting was held on the 2[nd] to 4[th] June 2025.
Looking ahead to 2025-26, the Association is hosting a Cancer immunology meeting which will be held on 10[th ] to 12[th] September 2025 at the University of Southampton. The BACR will also be hosting a Tumour Microenvironment conference which will include an Ex-vivo models for drug discovery Workshop by the NC3R from the 6[th] to 8[th] July 2026 in Nottingham and a Trailblazers in Cancer Research meeting which will be held in November 2026, the date has yet to be confirmed.
By order of the Executive Committee
Professor Joanne Edwards, Honorary Treasurer, BACR,
2
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH (CHARITY NO. 289297)
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of the British Association For Cancer Research
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the British Association for Cancer Research (the trust) for year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable directions given by the charity commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3) the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Stephen B Hinchcliffe ACA UHY BPR Heaton Chartered Accountants Glenewes House Gate Way Drive Leeds West Yorkshire LS19 7XY
Dated: 11 December 2025
3
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Note Incoming resources From generated funds; Voluntary income Activities for generating funds Investment income From charitable activities Total incoming resources Resources expended Costs of generating funds; Costs of generating funds Charitable activities Governance costs 2 Total resources expended Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before transfers Transfers Gross transfers between funds Net incoming/(outgoing) resources before holding gains and losses Transfers between funds Holding gains/(losses)-(realised and unrealised) Gains/(losses) on investment assets 3 Net movements in funds Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Restricted Funds £ - - - 16,000 |
Unrestricted Funds £ 5,134 81,071 33,498 49,579 |
Total Funds £ 5,134 81,071 33,498 65,579 |
Prior Period Total Funds £ 6,476 70,607 31,543 44,079 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16,000 | 169,282 | 185,282 | 152,705 | |
| - 25,010 - |
113,126 48,161 2,675 |
113,126 73,171 2,675 |
138,398 75,626 2,460 |
|
| 25,010 | 163,962 | 188,972 | 216,484 | |
| (9,010) - |
5,320 - |
(3,690) - |
(63,779) - |
|
| - (9,010) - |
- 5,320 (6,286) |
- (3,690) (6,286) |
- (63,779) 64,523 |
|
| (9,010) 23,510 |
(966) 1,491,470 |
(9,976) 1,514,980 |
744 1,514,236 |
|
| 14,500 | 1,490,504 | 1,505,004 | 1,514,980 |
4
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2025
| Notes FIXED ASSETS 4 Investments Intangible assets Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 5 Cash at bank and in hand 6 CREDITORS Amounts falling due within one year 7 NET CURRENT ASSETS/ (LIABILITIES) TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES INCOME FUNDS Restricted funds 8 Unrestricted funds |
2025 £ 1,347,743 - - 1,347,743 30,780 182,158 212,938 55,678 157,260 1,505,003 14,500 1,490,504 1,505,004 |
2024 £ 1,104,029 - - |
|---|---|---|
| 1,104,029 | ||
| 7,030 448,169 |
||
| 455,199 44,248 |
||
| 410,951 | ||
| 1,514,980 | ||
| 23,510 1,491,470 |
||
| 1,514,980 |
The accounts were approved by the Honorary Treasurer on behalf of the Executive Committee.
Joanne Edwards - Honorary Treasurer
Dated: 11 December 2025
5
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity rounded to the nearest pound.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
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. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund Accounting
The accounts include the results of the charities operations, which include unrestricted and restricted funds.
Restricted funds
The association has the following restricted fund;
The AstraZeneca Fund, which combines the Tom Connors AstraZeneca Fund with the Frank Rose Fund. This fund provides support for both annual BACR AstraZeneca Young Scientist Frank Rose Award Lecture.
Movements in this fund are detailed in Note 8 to the accounts.
Fixed assets investments
Investments are included at market value.
Tangible fixed assets and depreciation
Fixtures and fittings are written off on a 15% reducing balance basis.
Intangible assets and amortisation
The website development cost has been amortised in full.
Future meetings
Payments made and income received in respect of meetings to be held in a future year are carried forward to be brought into account in the year in which the meetings are held.
Deficit and surpluses on joint meetings
The association makes provision for the receipt, from third party organisers of meetings held during the year, and for payments to third party organisers for the Association's share of any deficits arising on such meetings, only when the sums involved can be accurately quantified, or have been either received or paid, as appropriate.
6
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025, continued
| 2025 £ 2. SUPPORT COSTS Committee travel expenses Governance 155 Accountancy Costs 2,520 University of Leeds - Employee costs 67,525 Bank and PayPal charges 701 70,901 3 Investment gains/(losses) Market value carried forward 1,347,743 Funds invested in the year (250,000) Market value brought forward (1,104,029) Gain/(loss) for the year (6,286) 4. FIXED ASSETS Investments Market Value at 1st April 2024 1,104,029 Acquisitions at cost 602,257 Disposals at cost (372,343) Gains/(losses) in the period 42,907 Unrealised gains/(losses) in the period (52,815) Market Value at 31st March 2025 1,324,035 Cash holding at 31st March 2025 23,708 1,347,743 Historical cost at 31st March 2025 1,128,528 The Association's investments are managed by Quilter Cheviot Limited. Intangible Assets - Website Cost at 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 20,304 Depreciation at 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 20,304 Net Book Value at 31st March 2025 - Tangible Assets Cost at 1st April 2024 - Disposals in year - At 31 March 2025 - Depreciation at 1st April 2024 - Charge for period - Eliminated on disposal - Accumulated depreciation at 31st March 2025 - Net Book Value at 31st March 2025 - Allocation 50% Charitable activities |
2025 £ 2. SUPPORT COSTS Committee travel expenses Governance 155 Accountancy Costs 2,520 University of Leeds - Employee costs 67,525 Bank and PayPal charges 701 70,901 3 Investment gains/(losses) Market value carried forward 1,347,743 Funds invested in the year (250,000) Market value brought forward (1,104,029) Gain/(loss) for the year (6,286) 4. FIXED ASSETS Investments Market Value at 1st April 2024 1,104,029 Acquisitions at cost 602,257 Disposals at cost (372,343) Gains/(losses) in the period 42,907 Unrealised gains/(losses) in the period (52,815) Market Value at 31st March 2025 1,324,035 Cash holding at 31st March 2025 23,708 1,347,743 Historical cost at 31st March 2025 1,128,528 The Association's investments are managed by Quilter Cheviot Limited. Intangible Assets - Website Cost at 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 20,304 Depreciation at 1st April 2024 and 31st March 2025 20,304 Net Book Value at 31st March 2025 - Tangible Assets Cost at 1st April 2024 - Disposals in year - At 31 March 2025 - Depreciation at 1st April 2024 - Charge for period - Eliminated on disposal - Accumulated depreciation at 31st March 2025 - Net Book Value at 31st March 2025 - Allocation 50% Charitable activities |
2024 £ - 2,460 82,162 973 |
|---|---|---|
| 85,595 | ||
| 1,104,029 - (1,039,506) |
||
| 64,523 | ||
| 1,004,987 100,201 (97,346) 157 78,017 |
||
| 1,086,016 18,013 |
||
| 1,104,029 | ||
| 855,707 | ||
| 20,304 | ||
| 20,304 | ||
| - | ||
| 1,971 (1,971) |
||
| - | ||
| 1,625 (1,625) |
||
| - | ||
| - | - |
7
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025, continued
| 5. DEBTORS Prepayments and accrued income 6. CASH AT BANK Current account Reserve account 7. CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accrued expenditure 8. RESTRICTED FUNDS Balance at 1st April 2024 Awards and costs Balance at 31st March 2025 |
2025 £ 30,780 |
2024 £ 7,030 |
|---|---|---|
| 100 182,058 |
100 448,069 |
|
| 182,158 | 448,169 | |
| 55,678 | 44,248 | |
| Astra - Zeneca 23,510 (9,010) |
Total 23,510 (9,010) |
|
| 14,500 | 14,500 |
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Charity is controlled by it's Trustees.
There have not been any material transactions with any related party during the year.
10. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS
The market value of Investments stated in note 4 as at 2 December 2025 was in the sum of £1,464,327 including cash holdings of £24,463
8
BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
| Income Voluntary income Donations and Legacies Activities for generating funds Response and Resistance in Cancer Therapy New Developments in Breast Cancer Research Tumour Microenvironment and 3D Model Workshop Trailblazers in Cancer Research Investment income Interest and dividends receivable From charitable activities Subscriptions Astra Zeneca contribution to travel awards Provisions no longer required Total income Expenditure Costs of generating funds BACR conferences Recharged employee costs EACR Membership Printing, postage, stationery, advertising and publications Bank and PayPal charges Charitable activities Travel awards and bursaries National Council for Volunteer Organisations Recharged employee costs Bank and PayPal charges Governance costs Committee travel and other expenses Accountancy Surplus/(deficit) for the year |
Restricted Funds £ - - - - - - - 16,000 - |
Unrestricted Funds £ 5,134 41,342 39,729 - - 33,498 49,216 - 363 |
Total Funds £ 5,134 41,342 39,729 - - 33,498 49,216 16,000 363 185,282 67,942 33,763 8,072 2,999 351 38,867 191 33,763 351 155 2,520 188,972 (3,690) |
Prior Year Total Funds £ 6,476 - - 49,946 20,661 31,543 43,532 - 547 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16,000 | 169,282 | 152,705 | ||
| - - - - - 25,010 - - - - - |
67,942 33,763 8,072 2,999 351 13,857 191 33,763 351 155 2,520 |
85,515 41,081 7,649 3,666 487 33,880 179 41,081 487 - 2,460 |
||
| 25,010 | 163,962 | 216,484 | ||
| (9,010) | 5,320 | (63,779) |
9