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2022-07-31-accounts

Charity Registration No. 313850

Company Registration No. 868820 (England and Wales)

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION (A Company Limited by Guarantee)

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Professor Pauline Kneale - Chair of
the Governing Council
Dr Ibrar Bhatt
Professor Jane Creaton
Professor Gina Wisker
Professor Jacqueline Stevenson
Professor Helen Higson - Vice-Chair
Professor Susan Harris-Huemmert
Dr Rachel Brooks
Mr David Palfreyman - Hon Treasurer
Dr Emily Henderson
Ms Andrea Cameron
Ms Harriet Barnes
Professor Anna Mountford-Zimdars (Appointed 1 January 2022)
Secretary Mr Rob Gresham
Charity number 313850
Company number 868820
Registered office Society Building
8 All Saints Street
London
N1 9RL
Auditor Critchleys Audit LLP
Beaver House
23-38 Hythe Bridge Street
Oxford
OX1 2EP
Bankers The Co-operative Bank
60 Kingsway
London
WC2B 6DS
Scottish Widows Bank plc
PO Box 12757
67 Morrison Street
Edinburgh
EH3 8JY
Solicitors Bates Wells
10 Queen St Place
London
EC4R 1BE

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Investment advisors

Partners Wealth Management 16 Old Bailey London EC4M 7EG

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 8
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
Independent auditor's report 9 - 11
Statement of financial activities 12
Balance sheet 13
Statement of cash flows 14
Notes to the financial statements 15 - 28

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2022.

The financial statements have been prepared 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) issued on 16 July 2014, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and the Companies Act 2006.

Objectives and activities

The main objective of the Society is:

“the advancement of understanding of higher education through the support and dissemination of research and scholarship”.

Knowledge exchange and public engagement are therefore the cornerstones of the Society’s activities.

In pursuit of this aim we:

All of our activities (seminars, networks, conferences, and publications) are open to non-members as well as members of the Society. Research grants in the form of Scoping Awards and awards to Newer Researchers are open to all, and membership of the Society is not a criterion for access to these funds and opportunities.

It is imperative that policy and practice in higher education are under constant review and is able to be informed by new ideas and the sharing of best practice nationally and internationally. It is the aim of the Society to encourage new people to come into the higher education research sector so that fresh perspectives can be gained, to support those in this work and to assist in the dissemination of research to the community of scholars and practitioners and those responsible for setting policy both in the UK and overseas.

Public Benefit

In setting our objectives and planning our activities the directors/trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on Public Benefit and in particular to its supplementary guidance on advancing education. The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

As Directors/trustees we have taken particular note of the public benefit expectations, with all current initiatives and our forward strategy being determined with the need to reach the widest possible audience in mind. Below are some examples:

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Developing research capacity

The Society has addressed this objective in a number of ways. The Society offers three prizes, annually, in an open competition for newer researchers, by inviting submissions for a small scale research project. All submissions are reviewed and judged by a panel of experienced researchers. The Society supports each research project undertaken by these award holders both financially and through a mentoring process and fosters the professional development of these early researchers through participation on the Society's Research and Development Committee.

In 2021-22 the Society continued to provide a further funding of £45,000 for a total of six research awards to both promote innovative research in higher education and open research opportunities to a wider and multidisciplinary field of researchers.

Supporting the Society’s membership

The Society aims to support its members in three main ways:

Society members are offered a range of special interest networks, which operate as an essential basis for the sharing and examination of research on both policy and practice. These network meetings are open to all and the cross fertilisation of ideas from outside the confines of higher education research is actively sought and encouraged.

Developing engagement with policy makers and practitioners

The Society’s Annual Conference has established itself as one of the major opportunities globally in which to showcase current research in higher education and engage with issues of policy. A fully online conference took place in December 2021, and the response was very encouraging with 223 individual papers, 16 symposia, and 17 posters being accepted for presentation, and 627 registered participants.

The Society seeks to contribute to any relevant public consultations and actively seeks out partnerships with other bodies, providing a specific perspective on the role and value of research into higher education.

Providing opportunity for Publications

By the 31st of July 2022, the Society had published a total of 29 books in the SRHE book series.

The Society’s flagship journal, Studies in Higher Education publishes 12 issues per calendar year, which includes two Special Issues on specific and topical themes. The Society supports a quarterly journal publication, Higher Education Quarterly , which promotes research into higher education policy and practice internationally and provides an opportunity for publication on these issues. The first issue of a new journal, Policy Reviews in Higher Education was published in January 2017, and eleven issues had been published by July 2022. The Society also continues to support Research into Higher Education Abstracts , an abstracting and indexing service to propagate knowledge about, and encourage discussion of, significant research into higher education.

Copies of all research papers presented at the Society’s conference are published online and available for free download.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

Develop and support a network of scholars and researchers

The Society’s network of scholars and researchers has continued to develop and change throughout the year and now represents a wide cross section of the higher education research community worldwide. The Society networks, through their events and other activities, continue to involve a wide variety of researchers across different communities of practice.

Organise and promote opportunities for the presentation of research

The Society's SRHE Annual Conference remains highly significant in achieving this aim and despite moving to an online format, it still offers the opportunity for the presentation over 250 research papers. This event provides a showcase for new research each year and attracts researchers and scholars worldwide.

Organise and promote special interest networks

In 2021-22 the Society continued to offer 11 active special interest networks which are open to members and non-members. These attract international researchers working in- and with links to- UK universities, and provide opportunities for researchers to exchange and transfer knowledge from a local to an international perspective and vice versa.

16 Network events that took place over 2021-22 attracting 1,102 registrations in total. These were all online events following Covid-19 restrictions.

Supporting and Developing those new to the field of Higher Education Research

Over the 2021-22 period, the Society provided a series of 23 online Professional Development Workshops to help newer researchers develop and improve their research skills, and these attracted 639 registrations.

Financial review

The annual budget is prepared in May/June of each year based on operational projections for the year ahead. The budget is reviewed and endorsed by the Management and Finance Committee and ratified by the Governing Council.

The financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2022 show total funds received in 2021/22 of £611,870 against £612,104 in 2020/21 with the Unrestricted Fund balance at 31 July 2022 being £536,333 (as against £571,225 at 31 July 2021). Reserves are being expended in line with agreed budgets, and this includes a move to a smaller but more modern office premises at a significantly lower rent. We are grateful to our Treasurer, Mr David Palfreyman, our former Director Ms Helen Perkins and the small executive team for achieving this planned outcome for the Society.

The directors/trustees have examined the Society’s requirements for reserves in the light of the main risks to the organisation and its operational needs. It has established a policy whereby it retains a level of reserve which will enable the Society to develop its long term aims as well as ensuring its current activities and ensuring that all contractual obligations can be met. A break-even budget is planned for 2022-23 to avoid continuing to draw further on the reserves accumulated. The trustees have established the level of non-expendable reserves for 2022 to 2023 (that is those funds freely available) that the charity ought to have at £300,000.

This reserves policy will be reviewed annually to ensure that it fully supports the requirements of the Society and

reflects relevant Charity Commission guidance.

The directors/trustees may invest the monies of the Society not immediately required for its purposes in or upon such investments, securities or properties as may be thought fit. It is the policy of the Society to invest funds only on a low-medium risk basis.

The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

The Society Trustees last met on 30[th] June 2022, and this meeting of the SRHE Governing Council considered and approved the proposed budget for 2022-23. Trustees also considered the various immediate issues the Society faces in terms of its new office accommodation, its strategy around online and face-to-face events – including larger-scale conferences - and its future staffing structure. A further strategic review is planned in 2023.

Core objectives remain to maintain connectivity with Society members and the wider global community of researchers in the field, especially through greater use and investment in online communications and events, ensuring the safety and well- being of the Society employees, and keeping close control of income and expenditure.

Structure, governance and management

The Society for Research into Higher Education (SRHE) is a company limited by Guarantee and a Charity registered with the Charities Commission. The Society's original Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 31st December 1965 was updated in 2020 and this new version was accepted by Companies House on 18 January 2021. The Society also produced an updated set of Bye-Laws to replace its previous Constitution and these new Bye-Laws were agreed by the Governing Council of the Society and amended as appropriate by Council resolution at their meeting of 4th March 2021.

SRHE is a learned society and membership organisation open to any individual engaged or interested in research into higher education and its related fields. The following four sub classes of membership currently exist: Individual, Student, Retired, and Retired Lifetime. In May 2021, reduced rates for members based in countries in receipt of Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) were created to encourage members to join from these countries also. Over the 2021-22 period, the Society recorded an average of 790 members.

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

Professor Pauline Kneale - Chair of the Governing Council Dr Ibrar Bhatt Professor Jane Creaton Professor Gina Wisker Professor Amanda Fulford (Retired 31 December 2021) Professor Jacqueline Stevenson Professor Helen Higson - Vice-Chair Professor Susan Harris-Huemmert Professor Lesley-Jane Eales-Reynolds (Retired 31 December 2021) Dr Rachel Brooks Mr David Palfreyman - Hon Treasurer Dr Emily Henderson Ms Andrea Cameron Dr Neil Harrison (Retired 31 December 2021) Ms Harriet Barnes Professor Chris Pole (Retired 31 December 2021) Professor Anna Mountford-Zimdars (Appointed 1 January 2022)

Appointments to the Governing Council are made via an open call for nominations, and if the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies, by membership election. This is a formal process that takes place annually prior to the AGM. Council members draw on their leadership and governance skills to ensure the future relevance and sustainability of the Society. The Governing Council is responsible for the strategic direction, policy and financial management of the Society. Under the Company's articles, the Members of Governing Council are directors of the Company and are also trustees as defined by charitable law.

None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company. All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

The Officers of the Governing Council are appointed in accordance with the Bye-Laws; by the elected directors/ trustees through a process of nomination by the directors/trustees. The Society’s Governing Council is made up of the following: a Chair, up to two Vice Chairs, The Honorary Treasurer, and the CEO. There is a maximum of 12 elected trustees and up to four further co-opted members. Co-opted members bring in additional specialist skills and knowledge and are appointed by the Governing Council as required.

Governing Council

The term of office for elected Council members is 3 years. At the end of this term they may stand for re-election for a further term if they so choose but with the aim that at least one third of the members of the Governing Council will retire by rotation each year. No elected or co-opted member of Council may serve for more than three consecutive terms of three years (in the case of elected members) or nine consecutive years (in the case of co options).The Governing Council meets 3 times a year, in March, June and October. The work of the Governing Council is currently supported by four Standing Committees. Terms of reference for each committee are agreed by the Governing Council and detailed in the Society’s Bye-Laws. Membership of these Committees is drawn from the Society membership as well as from current Council members. All Committees report into the Governing Council.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

As current members of the Society, new Council members are usually already familiar with the aims and objectives of the Society, but are formally inducted into their responsibilities as directors/trustees. Newly elected members of Council receive all relevant documents provided by the Charity Commission for England and Wales outlining the role of charity trustees, together with a copy of the Society’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Society’s Bye-Laws and its most recent and current Annual Reports and Financial Statements. The Society updates Council members on any new legislation that may affect the governance of the Society as it arises and offers on-going support.

Management and Finance Committee

This Committee is composed of the Chair of the Governing Council, the Hon Treasurer, two further elected members of the Governing Council and the Chairs of each of the Standing Committees. The Committee keeps under review and oversees all issues affecting financial and management issues of the Society within the overall policies established by the Governing Council. The Committee meets 3 times a year and is available throughout the year as an on-going resource to the CEO. It reports into the meetings of the Governing Council where a review of the financial statements and forward strategy are major items on the agenda.

Governance & Appointments Committee

The Governance & Appointments Committee is comprised of the Vice-Chair appointed by Governing Council, two Trustee Members of Governing Council, members of the Society invited by the Committee, approved by Governing Council, and the CEO of he Society. The primary purpose of this Committee is to review all governance procedures and revise the Society’s governing documents, in particular the Articles of Association and the Bye-Laws. The Committee also oversees the nomination and election of new Council members, Committee members and Fellows, and considers requests made to the Society for representation or membership of other bodies, groups or societies.

Research and Development Committee

The Research and Development Committee is composed of a Chair, plus two members elected by the Governing Council, the CEO, and any other Officer of the Society appointed by the Governing Council plus up to 6 co-opted members of whom at least 4 must be members of the Society at the time of co-option. Members hold office for 3 years, renewable.

The Committee meets 3 times a year and is responsible for all matters of research and policy development. It promotes and oversees the SRHE Annual Conferences and the Society's other research related events and seminars; offers advice to members of the Society and external bodies, such as Government, Research Councils “think tanks” and other groups on research and development issues with which the Society is actively engaged. This Committee has responsibility to initiate and develop the international research strategy for the Society and oversees associated planned activities. It governs the running of the Society’s special interest Networks and considers proposals for new networks. Through the work and engagement of the Research and Development Committee the Society aims to develop and sustain links with other Learned Societies and other relevant bodies and groups engaged in research into higher education. The Committee has a special responsibility for the Research awards offered by the Society oversees the management of any relevant designated funds.

Publications Committee

The Publications Committee is composed of a Chair appointed by the Governing Council; two further members elected by the Governing Council and any other Officer of the Governing Council that it is felt appropriate should serve, plus up to 3 co-opted members of whom at least two must be members of the Society at the time of cooption. The CEO of the Society and the editors of the Society’s journals and Book series together are all full members of this Committee and the representatives of the Publishers of the Society’s Journals and Book Series attend by invitation.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

Employees of the Society

A CEO is appointed by the Council to lead the work of the Society in delivering the aims and objectives of the Society and to manage its day to day operations. The CEO is supported by a small executive team: the Manager: Operations & Finance, the Finance Officer the Team Coordinator, the Conference and Events Manager and the newly created Business Development and Engagement Lead role.

Related Parties

There are no related parties but from time to time the Society engages the services of specialist consultants with expertise in particular areas to contribute to the work of the Society.

Risk Assessment and Management

The Governing Council examines the Society’s principal areas of operation annually to consider the major risks faced in each area of operation. It is the opinion of the Council members that the Society has established adequate resources and relevant review systems. It undertakes:

An annual review of the risks the charity may face.

The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate those risks.

The implementation of procedures designed to minimise any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

The Society's risk register is divided into five sections as follows:

Individual risks are identified and categorised into the above five sections. Each risk is assessed in terms of its likelihood and impact on a 1-5 scale and these two factors are multiplied to give a risk score between 1-25. Current controls are then factored in to provide a residual risk score, and any agreed actions are recorded alongside a risk owner and a suitable timeframe.

Risks that continue posed by the impact of COVID-19

Whilst most COVID-19 restrictions have now been lifted operational and financial risks related to the pandemic remain a concern. The Management & Finance Committee conducted a close review of the Risk Register in May 2022.

This continued to identify the following as priority areas in the current situation:

The trustees (and Standing Committees) will continue to focus on these areas during 2022-2023 to mitigate these risks as far as possible.

Auditor

A resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting that Critchleys Audit LLP be re-appointed as auditors of the Society for the ensuing year.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

Governing Council Responsibilities in relation to the Financial Statements

As directors/trustees, the Council members are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Company Law requires the members of the Governing Council to prepare financial statements that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Society at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for the financial year. In doing so the directors/trustees are required to:

The Council members are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time of the financial position of the Society and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Society and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Each Council member has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a director/trustee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Society’s auditors are aware of that information. The Council members confirm that there is no relevant information that they know of which they know the auditors are unaware of.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

This report was approved by the Society's Governing Council.

.............................. Professor Pauline Kneale - Chair of the Governing Council Trustee Dated: .........................

.............................. Mr David Palfreyman - Hon Treasurer Trustee Dated:.........................

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

TO THE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Society For Research into Higher Education (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 July 2022 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit:

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the directors' report included within the trustees' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees' responsibilities, the trustees, who are also the directors of the charity for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

We assessed the susceptibility of the charitable company’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the 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 state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors' report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Robert Kirtland (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of Critchleys Audit LLP

4/11/2022 .........................

Chartered Accountants Statutory Auditor

Beaver House 23-38 Hythe Bridge Street Oxford OX1 2EP

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
15,000
-
Charitable activities
4
587,340
-
Investments
5
9,483
47
Total income
611,823
47
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
351
-
Charitable activities
7
682,284
-
Total expenditure
682,635
-
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
12
35,920
-
Net movement in funds
(34,892)
47
Fund balances at 1 August
2021
571,225
57,221
Fund balances at 31 July
2022
536,333
57,268		 Total Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
2021
£
£
£
15,000
15,000
-
587,340
583,338
-
9,530
13,710
56
611,870
612,048
56
351
1,181
-
682,284
636,671
-
682,635
637,852
-
35,920
36,323
-
(34,845)
10,519
56
628,446
560,706
57,165
593,601
571,225
57,221		 Total
2021
£
15,000
583,338
13,766
612,104
1,181
636,671
637,852
36,323
10,575
617,871
628,446

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 JULY 2022

2022
Notes
£
Fixed assets
Intangible assets
13
Tangible assets
14
Investments
15
Current assets
Debtors
16
26,179
Cash at bank and in hand
313,131
339,310
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
17
(257,710)
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Income funds
Restricted funds
19
Unrestricted funds		 2021
£
£
16,459
5,191
490,351
512,001
61,180
277,458
338,638
(280,558)
81,600
593,601
57,268
536,333
593,601		 £
32,918
2,169
535,279
570,366
58,080
628,446
57,221
571,225
628,446

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on ......................... .............................. .............................. Professor Pauline Kneale - Chair of the Governing Mr David Palfreyman - Hon Treasurer Council Trustee Trustee Company registration number 868820

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

Notes
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash absorbed by operations
25
Investing activities
Purchase of intangible assets
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds on disposal of tangible fixed
assets
Purchase of investments
Proceeds on disposal of investments
Investment income received
Net cash generated from/(used in)
investing activities
Net cash used in financing activities
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year		 2022
£
-
(5,508)
387
(9,152)
90,000
9,530		 £
(49,584)
85,257
-
35,673
277,458
313,131		 2021
£
(11,998)
(3,186)
-
(12,515)
-
13,766		 £
(40,372)
(13,933)
-
(54,305)
331,763
277,458

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Society For Research into Higher Education is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Society Building, 8 All Saints Street, London, N1 9RL.

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Articles of Association and ByeLaws, the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4 Income

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.

Subscriptions, conference income and periodicals and royalties are apportioned over the period to which they relate. Income received in advance of the year it falls due is included in current liabilities.

Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares . It includes dividends and interest. Where it is not practicable to identify investment management costs incurred within a scheme with reasonable accuracy the investment income is reported net of these costs. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably.

Interest income is recognised using the effective interest method and dividend income is recognised as the charity’s right to receive payment is established.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Costs of raising funds

This includes all expenditure incurred by the charity of raise funds for its charitable purposes and includes all costs of all fundraising activities, events and non-charitable trading.

Expenditure on charitable activities

These are costs incurred on the charitable activities, including support costs and costs relating to the governance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities.

Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grants. Where grants are conditional relating to performance then the grant is only accrued when any unfilled conditions are outside of the control of the charity.

Support costs allocation

Support cost are those that assist the work of the charity but do not directly represent charitable activities and comprise governance costs. They are incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity. Where support costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources.

1.6 Intangible fixed assets other than goodwill

Intangible assets acquired separately from a business are recognised at cost and are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses.

Intangible assets acquired on business combinations are recognised separately from goodwill at the acquisition date where it is probable that the expected future economic benefits that are attributable to the asset will flow to the entity and the fair value of the asset can be measured reliably; the intangible asset arises from contractual or other legal rights; and the intangible asset is separable from the entity.

Amortisation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Website and CRM database 3 years straight line

1.7 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses. Assets costing £1,000 or more are capitalised.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Leasehold improvements 5 years Furniture & IT Equipment 3 years

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.8 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.9 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.11 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the 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 to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.12 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.13 Retirement benefits

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

Valuation of investments

Deferred income

Income received from the publishing agreement and membership is deferred across 12 months from the date of receipt.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated to write off the fixed assets over their useful economic lives.

Amortisation

Intangible asset (website and CRM database) is amortised over its useful economic life of 3 years.

3 Donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2022 2021
£ £
Donations 6,000 6,000
Grants 9,000 9,000
15,000 15,000

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

4 Charitable activities

Subscriptions
Conference Revenue
Periodicals and royalties		 2022
£
66,286
12,478
508,576
587,340		 2021
£
52,581
(617)
531,374
583,338

5 Investments

Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2022
£
£
Dividends - equities
9,153
-
Interest - deposits
330
47
9,483
47		 Total
Unrestricted
Restricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
2021
£
£
£
9,153
13,526
-
377
184
56
9,530
13,710
56		 Total
2021
£
13,526
240
13,766

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

6 Raising funds

Fundraising and publicity
Promotions
7
Charitable activities
Staff costs
Depreciation and impairment
Conferences
Groups/networks
Services to members
Grants and awards
Other indirect costs
Share of governance costs (see note 8)
8
Support costs
Support
costs
Governance
costs
£
£
Audit fees
-
7,400
-
7,400
Analysed between
Charitable activities
-
7,400		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
£
£
351
1,181
351
1,181
2022
2021
£
£
292,960
274,122
18,558
18,734
31,984
6,462
428
210
88,084
108,406
25,440
26,379
217,430
195,623
674,884
629,936
7,400
6,735
682,284
636,671
2022Support costs Governance
costs
2021
£
£
£
£
7,400
-
6,735
6,735
7,400
-
6,735
6,735
7,400
-
6,735
6,735		 Unrestricted
Unrestricted
funds
funds
2022
2021
£
£
351
1,181
351
1,181
2022
2021
£
£
292,960
274,122
18,558
18,734
31,984
6,462
428
210
88,084
108,406
25,440
26,379
217,430
195,623
674,884
629,936
7,400
6,735
682,284
636,671
2022Support costs Governance
costs
2021
£
£
£
£
7,400
-
6,735
6,735
7,400
-
6,735
6,735
7,400
-
6,735
6,735
1,181
2021
£
274,122
18,734
6,462
210
108,406
26,379
195,623
629,936
6,735
636,671
2021
£
6,735
6,735
6,735

Governance costs includes payments to the auditors of £7,400 (2021- £6,735) for audit fees.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

9 Auditor's remuneration

Fees payable to the charity's auditor and associates:
Audit of the charity's annual accounts
Non-audit services
Taxation compliance services
All other non-audit services
Total non-audit fees		 2022
£
7,400
300
2,184
2,484		 2021
£
6,735
-
2,430
2,430

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

Travel and subsistence expenses of £2,415 were paid to 4 Trustees in the year (2021: £nil).

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

Chief Executive
Direct Charitable
Total
Employment costs
Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs		 2022
Number
1
5
6
2022
£
237,248
22,708
33,004
292,960		 2021
Number
1
4
5
2021
£
222,176
19,937
32,009
274,122

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

2022 2021
Number Number
£60,001 - £70,000 - 1
£70,001 - £80,000 1 -

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

12 Net gains/(losses) on investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2022 2021
£ £
Revaluation of investments 35,920 36,323
13 Intangible fixed assets
Website and CRM database
£
Cost
At 1 August 2021 and 31 July 2022 49,377
Amortisation and impairment
At 1 August 2021 16,459
Amortisation charged for the year 16,459
At 31 July 2022 32,918
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2022 16,459
At 31 July 2021 32,918

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

14 Tangible fixed assets

Leasehold
improvements
Furniture & IT
Equipment
£
£
Cost
At 1 August 2021
36,973
24,065
Additions
3,930
1,578
Disposals
(36,973)
(12,554)
At 31 July 2022
3,930
13,089
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 August 2021
36,973
21,896
Depreciation charged in the year
786
1,313
Eliminated in respect of disposals
(36,973)
(12,167)
At 31 July 2022
786
11,042
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2022
3,144
2,047
At 31 July 2021
-
2,169		 Total
£
61,038
5,508
(49,527)
17,019
58,869
2,099
(49,140)
11,828
5,191
2,169

15 Fixed asset investments

Listed
investments
£
Cost or valuation
At 1 August 2021 535,279
Additions 9,152
Valuation changes 35,920
Disposals (90,000)
At 31 July 2022 490,351
Carrying amount
At 31 July 2022 490,351
At 31 July 2021 535,279
2022 2021
£ £
Investments at fair value comprise:
Equities 490,351 535,279

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

15 Fixed asset investments

(Continued)

The fair value of listed investments is determined by reference to the quoted price for identical assets in an active market at the balance sheet date.

16 Debtors

Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Trade debtors
Other debtors
Prepayments and accrued income		 2022
£
2,156
300
23,723
26,179		 2021
£
-
5,535
55,645
61,180

17 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Notes
Other taxation and social security
Deferred income
18
Trade creditors
Accruals		 2022
£
9,322
227,131
535
20,722
257,710		 2021
£
6,075
227,880
109
46,494
280,558

18 Deferred income

2022 2021
£ £
Other deferred income 227,131 227,880
2022 2021
£ £
Deferred income at 1 August 2020 227,880 224,386
Released from previous years (227,880) (224,386)
Resources deferred in the period 227,131 227,880
Deferred income at 31 July 2021 227,131 227,880

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

19 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Movement Movement
in funds in funds
Balance at Incoming Balance at Incoming Balance at
1 August resources 1 August resources
31 July 2022
2020 2021
£ £ £ £ £
The Donald Bligh Intellectual Exploration
Fund 57,165 56 57,221 47 57,268

The Donald Bligh Intellectual Exploration Fund was set up in 2003 from a donation by Donald Bligh. The fund is restricted in that its purpose is to fund Intellectual Exploration.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

20
Analysis of net assets between funds
Unrestricted
funds
Designated
funds
Restricted
funds
2022
2022
2022
£
£
£
Fund balances at 31 July 2022 are represented by:
Intangible fixed assets
16,459
-
-
Tangible assets
5,191
-
-
Investments
490,351
-
-
Current assets/(liabilities)
24,332
57,268
-
536,333
57,268
-		 Total
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
funds
2022
2021
2021
£
£
£
16,459
32,918
-
5,191
2,169
-
490,351
535,279
-
81,600
859
57,221
593,601
571,225
57,221		 Total
2021
£
32,918
2,169
535,279
58,080
628,446

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

21 Operating lease commitments

At the reporting end date the charity had outstanding commitments for future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases, which fall due as follows:

Within one year
Between two and five years		 2022
£
83,616
109,746
193,362		 2021
£
11,060
-
11,060

22 Related party transactions

Remuneration of key management personnel

The remuneration of key management personnel is as follows.

2022 2021
£ £
Aggregate compensation 92,898 84,887

23 Contingent Liabilities

There are no contingent liabilities that require disclosure.

24 Members Liability

Each member of the charitable company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up while he/she is a member, or within one year after he/she ceases to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £1 for the debts and liabilities contracted before he/she ceases to be a member.

SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH INTO HIGHER EDUCATION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2022

25 Cash generated from operations 2022 2021
£ £
(Deficit)/surpus for the year (34,845) 10,575
Adjustments for:
Investment income recognised in statement of financial activities (9,530) (13,766)
Fair value gains and losses on investments (35,920) (36,323)
Depreciation and impairment of tangible fixed assets 18,558 18,734
Movements in working capital:
Decrease/(increase) in debtors 35,001 (20,853)
(Decrease) in creditors (22,099) (2,233)
(Decrease)/increase in deferred income (749) 3,494
Cash absorbed by operations (49,584) (40,372)

26 Analysis of changes in net funds

The charity had no debt during the year.