Charity Registration No. 803000 (England and Wales)
Charity Registration No. SC041548 (Scotland)
COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Trustees Dr Paul Sant Prof R Aspin Prof J Davenport Dr Chalmers N Danino Prof S Bradley
Charity number (England and Wales) 803000 Charity number (Scotland) SC041548 Principal address 3 Newbridge Square Swindon SN1 1BY
Independent examiner HaysMac LLP 10 Queen Street Place London EC4R 1AG
COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 30 June 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s governing document. They have also been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) second edition – October 2019 and Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
Objectives and activities
The charity’s objects are to advance public education in the core subject of computer science and in the wider context of computing and its applications.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake. All our charitable activities are undertaken to further our charitable purposes for the public benefit.
Achievements and performance
Strategy to 2030
In 2025, CPHC launched a new Vision and Strategy to 2030, setting out an ambitious roadmap for the next 5 years. The vision statement defines CPHC’s aspiration to be recognised as the leading voice for academic computing leadership, one that shapes responsible and sustainable practice, champions ethical leadership, advances pedagogy, supports staff development, and enables knowledge and resource exchange both within the UK and internationally. The strategy identifies several priority areas. These include developing confident and capable academic leaders, strengthening the integration of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and cyber security into higher education, advancing pedagogical innovation, and driving measurable improvements in equity, diversity, and inclusion. The plan also emphasises the need to foster a vibrant and engaged membership community, capable of influencing policy, sharing best practice, and shaping the future of computing education.
In practical terms, the strategy positions CPHC not merely as a representative body but as a national thought leader. It aims to expand the organisation’s influence across universities, industry, and policy by offering clear frameworks for staff development, leadership training, and institutional collaboration. The focus on measurable outcomes, such as membership engagement, the adoption of inclusive practices, and visible leadership in emerging technologies, marks a shift towards a more proactive and accountable model of operation.
Development and Implementation of the New Website
As part of the strategic refresh, CPHC has also undertaken the development and implementation of a new website, designed to align with its 2030 vision. The updated site presents a more professional and accessible interface, with streamlined navigation and dedicated sections highlighting CPHC’s vision, strategy, governance, events, and member activities. The addition of a dedicated Vision & Strategy page reflects the Council’s commitment to transparency and to communicating its long-term priorities clearly to members and external stakeholders.
The new website serves multiple strategic purposes. It supports CPHC’s ambition to be the “leading voice” for computing in higher education by enhancing its visibility and credibility across the sector. It also functions as a central hub for communication, resource sharing, and engagement. The design and structure of the site are aligned with the organisation’s goals to improve accessibility, inclusivity, and responsiveness, while enabling better data-driven insights into member engagement and activity.
This digital enhancement is not simply an aesthetic upgrade but a key enabler of the wider 2030 strategy. It will allow CPHC to demonstrate progress against strategic goals, share success stories, and make its advocacy work more visible to policymakers, employers, and partner organisations. By creating a stronger and more connected online presence, CPHC is better positioned to deliver on its mission of uniting and advancing the UK computing higher education community.
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
Financial review
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been exceeded throughout the year.
Total income for the financial year was £43,834 (2024: £53,122). Outgoings for the same year were £92,483 (2024: £59,604) creating an annual deficit of £48,649 (2024: £6,482). Total funds carried forward into the new financial year are £12,912 (2024: £61,561).
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.
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual 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 and Wales and Scotland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the accounts on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008; the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 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.
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
Structure, governance and management
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.
The trustees who served during the year were:
Prof R Aspin Prof J Davenport N Danino
Prof S Bradley
Dr Paul Sant Dr K Chalmers
New trustees are appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Trustees and/or when they bring additional experience and skills to the board. Any new trustees are inducted and trained by the other trustees.
There are no employees of the charity and it is run by the Board of Trustees.
The Trustees' Report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
Rob Aspin
.............................. Prof R Aspin Trustee
Dated: 18/11/25
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of the Council of Professors and Heads of Computing for the year ended 30 June 2025.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the 2011 Act”) [and with the requirements of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 (“the 2005 Act”) and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended)]. The trustees are satisfied that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) [or under Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (the 2006 Regulations)] and have chosen instead to have an independent examination.
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts as carried out under section 44 (1) ( c) of the 2005 Act and section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed the requirements of Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since the charity has prepared its accounts on an accruals basis and is also registered in Scotland your examiner must be a member of a body listed in the 2011 Act, I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of ICAEW which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention 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 44 (1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and 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 accounting requirements Regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) and 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.
Ke Ot. Kathryn Burton, FCA Chartered Accountant
HaysMac LLP
10 Queen Street Place, London EC4R 1AG
Date 19/12/2025
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
| Unrestricted | Unrestricted | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Notes | £ | £ | |
| Income from: | |||
| Donations and legacies | 2 | 43,834 | 53,122 |
| Expenditure on: | |||
| Charitable activities | 3 | 92,483 | 59,604 |
| Net movement in funds | (48,649) | (48,649) (6,482) |
|
| Total funds brought forward | 61,561 | 68,043 | |
| Total funds carried forward | 12,912 | 61,561 |
The notes on pages 6 to 10 form part of these financial statements.
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 JUNE 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Debtors | 6 | 20,945 | 19,210 | 19,210 | |||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 60,776 | 76,763 | 76,763 | ||||
| 81,721 | 95,973 | 95,973 | |||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within | 7 | ||||||
| one year | (68,809) | (34,412) | (34,412) | ||||
| Net current assets | 12,912 | 61,561 | 61,561 | ||||
| Income funds | |||||||
| Unrestricted funds | 12 | 12,912 | 912 | 61,561 | |||
| 12,912 | 61,561 |
The notes on pages 6 to 10 form part of these financial statements.
The financial statements were approved and signed by the trustees and authorised for issue on 18/11/2025
Rob Aspin .............................. .............................. James Davenport Prof R Aspin Prof J Davenport Trustee Trustee
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Council of Professors and Heads of Computing (‘the charity’) is a non incorporated charity registered in England & Wales and Scotland. The principal address is 3 Newbridge Square, Swindon, SN1 1BY.
Accounting convention
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) second edition – October 2019 and Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
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 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 Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under section 34 of FRS 102.
Going concern
The trustees have reviewed the expected cash outflows for the charity against expected cash inflows for the twelve months from the approval of these financial statements. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The charity is in a strong position with funds of £61,561 and therefore the trustees have concluded that it is appropriate to use the going concern basis in the preparation of these accounts and the charity can continue in operational existence for a period of at least 12 months after the date of signing these financial statements.
Charitable funds
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives, as detailed in the Trustees' Report, unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.
Income
Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be receive
Donations are recognised when the Trust has been notified in writing of both the amount and settlement date. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period. Membership subscriptions are treated as donations and recognised upon being invoiced.
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
1 Accounting policies (Continued)
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 costs 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.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks.
Financial instruments
The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ 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 less any amounts settled.
Basic financial liabilities
Basic financial liabilities, including creditors are initially recognised at transaction price and are subsequently carried at amortised cost less any amounts settled.
Derecognition of financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity's contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.
Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is not liable to pay tax on its income or gains properly applied for charitable purposes.
Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The trustees consider there are no such critical accounting estimates or areas of judgement to report.
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
2 Donations and legacies
| Subscriptions | 2025 £ 43,834 43,834 |
2024 £ 53,122 53,122 |
|---|---|---|
Income on charitable activities of £43,834 (2024: £53,122) relates to unrestricted funds.
3 Charitable activities
| AGM speakers and meeting costs Subscriptions to other bodies Support costs Other charitable expenses |
2025 £ 12,431 2,239 77,813 - 92,483 |
2024 £ 10,859 3,918 44,827 - 59,604 |
|---|---|---|
Expenditure on charitable activities of £92,483 (2024: £59,604) relates to unrestricted funds.
4 Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
Trustees' expenses paid during the year ended 30 June 2025 amounted to £nil (2024: £1,515) relating to travel and subsistence reimbursements and research expenditure. The number of trustees for whom expenses were reimbursed was 1 (2024:1).
5 Employees
There were no employees during the year (2024: none).
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025
6 Debtors
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|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|Amounts falling due within one year:|£|£|
|Trade debtors|20,945|19,210|
|20,945|19,210|
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7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
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|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|£|£|
|Trade creditors|62,671|28,274|
|Accruals and deferred income|6,138|6,138|
|68,809|31,412|
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8 Unrestricted funds
The income funds of the charity include unrestricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for general purposes:
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|---|---|---|---|---|
|Movement in funds|
|Balance at 1 Incoming Resources Balance at 30|
|July 2024|resources|expended|June 2025|
|£|£|£|£|
|Unrestricted funds|61,561|43,834|92,483|12,912|
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COUNCIL OF PROFESSORS AND HEADS OF COMPUTING
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
9 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Analysis of net assets between funds | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds | |
| Total | |
| Fund balances at 30 June 2025 are represented by: | |
| Debtors | 20,945 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 60,776 |
| Creditors | (68,809) |
| 12,912 |
10 Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).
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