Charity number: 299756
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Unaudited
Trustees' report and financial statements
For the year ended 30 November 2024
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers | 1 |
| Trustees' report | 2 - 5 |
| Independent examiner's report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 9 - 15 |
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Reference and administrative details of the Charity, its Trustees and advisers For the year ended 30 November 2024
| Trustees | Professor Brycchan Carey, President (to January 2024) |
|---|---|
| Professor Matthew McCormack, Vice President (to January 2024),President (from January 2024) |
|
| Dr Paul Stephens, Treasurer | |
| Dr Helen Williams, Secretary | |
| Professor Caroline Warman (resigned 3 January 2024) | |
| Dr Karen Lipsedge, Vice President (from January 2024) (appointed 3 January 2024) |
|
| Professor Kate Elizabeth Tunstall | |
| Charity registered number 299756 Principal office 4 West Street Moulton Northampton NN3 7SB Secretary Helen Williams Accountants Kreston Reeves LLP Chartered Accountants Montague Place Quayside Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent ME4 4QU Independent Examiner Samantha Rouse FCCA DChA Kreston Reeves LLP Montague Place Quayside Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent ME4 4QU |
Page 1
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Trustees' report
For the year ended 30 November 2024
The Trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the Charity for the year 1 December 2023 to 30 November 2024.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
Object of Society
The object of the society is the advancement of research, scholarship, and public education in particular by the promotion of study of the cultural history of the eighteenth century.
Principal activities undertaken
In furtherance of its objectives the Society engaged in the following main activities during the year:
- Held an annual society conference at St Hughes College,Oxford, in January 2024 ;
2 Held a Conference for early-career and postgraduate scholars at the Uppsala University, Sweden, in August 2024
-
Held full council meetings;
-
Produced further volumes of its journal;
Public benefit
In setting objectives and planning for activities, the Trustees have given due consideration to general guidance published by the Charity Commission relating to public benefit, including the guidance 'Public benefit: running a charity (PB2)'.
b. Review of Activities and Financial Position
The Council was pleased with the activities arranged and managed by the Society during the year. The Council met three times (once in person and twice online) to discuss society matters, and the Officers also met online most months to review progress on actions points agreed in Council meetings. The Annual Conference at St Hugh’s College, Oxford in January 2024, and the Postgraduate/ECR Conference at Uppsala University, Sweden in August 2024, were well attended and well received. During the year, the Council reviewed the society’s risk register for the year ahead and the financial forecast for the next five years. It also reviewed and updated several policies and procedures documents in line with the guidelines provided by the Charities Commission.
The Society is currently planning the next BSECS Annual Conference, to be staged in-person (with some online sessions) at Pembroke College, Oxford, in January 2025. The change of venue after several years at St Hugh’s College was the result of the Council reviewing the evolving requirements of the Conference, including an increased demand for hybridity and additional accessibility needs from the membership. These factors will be reviewed annually to ensure that the chosen venue for the Annual Conference going forward continues to cater for these requirements.
Between 1 December 2023 and 30 November 2024 the Society ultimately gave awards and prizes to the value of £10,951.
The publishers of the journal, Wiley-Blackwell, receive all subscriptions and pay the society a lump sum for each issue of the journal and share of any future profits, an arrangement which is now well-established and successful.
The movement in funds of the year is set out in the statement of financial activities.
The society’s unrestricted reserves at 30 November 2024 amounted to £94,256 and restricted reserves were £11,080 making total reserves of £105,336.
Enquiries about the society should be addressed to the Executive Secretary, Dr Helen Williams: secretary@bsecs.org.uk
Page 2
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 30 November 2024
Achievements and performance
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
b. Reserves policy
The executive committee ensures reserves are sufficient to meet the cost of our conferences and funding of the journal for 12 months.
This is currently presumed to be £93,000, of which £70,000 relates to the annual conference, and £23,000 to the journal.
The executive committee is satisfied with the current level of reserves, and ensures that the reserves policy is reviewed annually.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies is a registered charity, number 299756, and is constituted under a Trust deed. A revised constitution was drafted by the Society and approved at an Annual General Meeting of the Society on 5 January 2011.
Page 3
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 30 November 2024
Structure, governance and management (continued)
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The Officers
The officers of the Society during the year were:
President: Prof. Brycchan Carey (to Jan 2024) Prof. Matthew McCormack (from Jan 2024) Vice-President: Prof. Matthew McCormack (to Jan 2024) Dr Karen Lipsedge (from Jan 2024) Treasurer: Dr Paul Stephens Executive Secretary: Dr Helen Williams
The officers are elected at an Annual General Meeting and are eligible for re-election, except that the president shall not normally be eligible for re-election on more than two successive occasions.
Council
The following individuals were members of the council during the year:
President: Prof. Brycchan Carey (to Jan 2024) Prof. Matthew McCormack (from Jan 2024) Past President: Prof. Caroline Warman (to Jan 2024) Prof. Brycchan Carey (from Jan 2024) Vice-President: Prof. Matthew McCormack (to Jan 2024) Dr Karen Lipsedge (from Jan 2024) Treasurer: Dr Paul Stephens Assistant Treasurer: Prof. Jon Stobart (from Feb 2024) Executive Secretary: Dr Helen Williams Journal Editor: Prof. Kate Tunstall ISECS Representative: Prof. Matthew Grenby
Awards Officer: Centres & Associate Societies Officer: Communications & Media Officer:
Conference Organisers:
Criticks Editor: Equality, Inclusion & Diversity Officers:
Heritage & Public Engagement Officer: Membership Officer: PG/ECR Representatives:
Reviews Editor: Ordinary Members: Co-opted Members:
Dr James Harriman-Smith Dr Stephanie Howard-Smith Dr Katie Snow Dr Sarah Fox Dr Meg Kobza Dr Brianna Robertson-Kirkland Mr Alex Hobday (to Jan 2024) Dr Adam James Smith Dr Declan Gilmore-Kavanaugh Dr Karen Lipsedge Dr Alice Marples Dr Gillian Williamson Dr Katie Noble Ms Rachel Bynoth Ms Emma Pearce Mr Hardeep Singh Dhinsa Dr Emrys Jones None None
Page 4
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Trustees' report (continued) For the year ended 30 November 2024
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
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make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the Trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Professor Matthew McCormack BSECS President and Trustee Date: 11 February 2025
Page 5
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Independent examiner's report
For the year ended 30 November 2024
Independent examiner's report to the Trustees of The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies ('the Charity')
I report to the charity Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 November 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the Trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner's statement
Your attention is drawn to the fact that the Charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with 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) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has been withdrawn.
I understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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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.
Signed: S M Rouse Dated: 11 February 2025 Samantha Rouse FCCA DChA
Kreston Reeves LLP
Chartered Accountants Montague Place Quayside Chatham Maritime Chatham Kent ME4 4QU
Page 6
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Statement of financial activities For the year ended 30 November 2024
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Investments 5 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities 6 Total expenditure Net (expenditure)/income before net gains on investments Net gains on investments Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 1,110 80,122 3,223 84,455 86,957 86,957 (2,502) 122 (2,380) 96,636 (2,380) 94,256 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ - - 357 357 - - 357 - 357 10,723 357 11,080 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,110 80,122 3,580 84,812 86,957 86,957 (2,145) 122 (2,023) 107,359 (2,023) 105,336 |
Total funds 2023 £ 745 71,002 125 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71,872 91,582 |
||||
| 91,582 (19,710) 61 |
||||
| (19,649) 127,008 (19,649) |
||||
| 107,359 |
The Statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Balance sheet As at 30 November 2024
| Note Fixed assets Current assets Debtors 9 Investments 10 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 11 Net current assets Total net assets Charity funds Restricted funds: Mason Lecture 12 Prizes and Awards Fund 12 Total restricted funds 12 Unrestricted funds General funds 12 Total unrestricted funds 12 Total funds |
20,796 1,183 145,016 166,995 (61,659) 5,615 5,465 94,256 |
2024 £ 105,336 105,336 11,080 94,256 105,336 |
19,433 1,061 135,172 155,666 (48,307) 5,434 5,289 96,636 |
2023 £ 107,359 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 107,359 | ||||
| 10,723 96,636 |
||||
| 107,359 |
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by:
Professor Matthew McCormack
BSECS President and Trustee Date: 11 February 2025
The notes on pages 9 to 15 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 November 2024
1. General information
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies is a charity registered in England with number 299756. Its principle office is 4 West Street, Moulton, Northampton, NN3 7SB
2. Accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements 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), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) published in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.
The financial statements have been prepared in British Sterling and rounded to the nearest Pound.
2.2 Going concern
The Trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the Trust to continue as a going concern. The Trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of at least one year from the date of authorisation of the financial statements and have concluded that the Trust has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern, thus they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Subscriptions are credited to the statement of financial activities in the year which they are recieved.
Income recieved in respect of conferences is credited to the statement of financial activities in the year in which the conference takes place.
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, 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 on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
Page 9
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 November 2024
2. Accounting policies (continued)
2.5 Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.
2.6 Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
2.7 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.8 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
2.9 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.10 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.
Designated funds comprise the ICE Legacy Fund, which will be used to fund projects that further the charitable objectives of BSECS.
Restricted funds comprise the Mason Lecture Fund and the Prizes and Awards Fund.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
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The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 November 2024
3. Income from donations and legacies
| Donations Total 2023 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 1,110 745 |
Total funds 2024 £ 1,110 745 |
Total funds 2023 £ 745 |
|---|---|---|---|
4. Income from charitable activities
| Subscriptions received Conference Income Total 2023 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 22,008 58,114 80,122 71,002 |
Total funds 2024 £ 22,008 58,114 80,122 71,002 |
Total funds 2023 £ 23,038 47,964 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 71,002 | |||
5. Investment income
| Bank interest Total 2023 |
Unrestricted funds 2024 £ 3,223 115 |
Restricted funds 2024 £ 357 10 |
Total funds 2024 £ 3,580 125 |
Total funds 2023 £ 125 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities
| Charitable activities Total 2023 |
Support costs 2024 £ 86,957 91,582 |
Total funds 2024 £ 86,957 91,582 |
Total funds 2023 £ 91,582 |
|---|---|---|---|
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The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 November 2024
6. Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of support costs
| ISECS Affiliation fees ISECS conference expenses Conference expenses Journals and publications Bursaries Legal and professional fees Accountancy fees Legal and professional fees Bank charges Insurance Subscriptions |
Total funds 2024 £ 571 - 62,852 1,350 10,951 - 1,440 8,082 - 389 1,322 86,957 |
Total funds 2023 £ 812 4,689 56,128 2,400 13,810 4,446 1,314 6,891 19 389 684 |
|---|---|---|
| 91,582 |
Sundry expenses consist primarily of committee meeting expenses and the re-imbursement of the committee members' travelling/administrative expenses incurred in representing the Society.
The Charity has no employees.
7. Independent examiner's remuneration
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent | ||
| examination of the Charity's annual accounts | 1,440 | 1,314 |
8. Trustees' remuneration and expenses
During the year ended 30 November 2024, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2023 - £NIL).
During the year ended 30 November 2024, expenses totalling £3,945 were reimbursed or paid directly to 5 Trustees (2023 - £6,191 to 6 Trustees). The expenses related to travel costs.
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The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 November 2024
9. Debtors
| Due within one year Trade debtors Conference expenses paid in advance |
2024 £ 3,372 17,424 20,796 |
2023 £ 1,601 17,832 |
|---|---|---|
| 19,433 |
10. Current asset investments
| Listed investments Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year Creditors and accruals Conference fees received in advance |
2024 £ 1,183 2024 £ 2,189 59,470 61,659 |
2023 £ 1,061 |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 £ 2,063 46,244 |
||
| 48,307 |
11. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
12. Statement of funds Statement of funds - current year
| Unrestricted funds General Funds Restricted funds Mason Lecture Prizes and Awards Total of funds |
Balance at 1 December 2023 £ 96,636 5,434 5,289 10,723 107,359 |
Income £ 84,455 181 176 357 84,812 |
Expenditure £ (86,957) - - - (86,957) |
Gains/ (Losses) £ 122 - - - 122 |
Balance at 30 November 2024 £ 94,256 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5,615 5,465 |
|||||
| 11,080 | |||||
| 105,336 |
Page 13
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 November 2024
12. Statement of funds (continued)
Statement of funds - prior year
| Balance at | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance at | 30 | ||||
| 1 December | Gains/ | November | |||
| 2022 | Income | Expenditure | (Losses) | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| General Funds | 116,295 | 71,862 | (91,582) | 61 | 96,636 |
| Restricted funds | |||||
| Mason Lecture | 5,429 | 5 | - | - | 5,434 |
| Prizes and Awards | 5,284 | 5 | - | - | 5,289 |
| 10,713 | 10 | - | - | 10,723 | |
| Total of funds | 127,008 | 71,872 | (91,582) | 61 | 107,359 |
| Analysis of net assets between funds | |||||
| Analysis of net assets between funds - current period | |||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |||
| funds | funds | funds | |||
| 2024 | 2024 | 2024 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Current assets | 155,915 | 11,080 | 166,995 | ||
| Creditors due within | one year | (61,659) | - | (61,659) | |
| Total | 94,256 | 11,080 | 105,336 | ||
| Analysis of net assets between funds - prior period | |||||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total | |||
| funds | funds | funds | |||
| 2023 | 2023 | 2023 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | |||
| Current assets | 144,943 | 10,723 | 155,666 | ||
| Creditors due within | one year | (48,307) | - | (48,307) | |
| Total | 96,636 | 10,723 | 107,359 |
13. Analysis of net assets between funds Analysis of net assets between funds - current period
Page 14
The British Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies
Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 30 November 2024
14. Related party transactions
The Charity has not entered into any related party transaction during the current or prior years, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Charity at 30 November 2024 nor 30 November 2023.
Page 15