Community Development Journal - Charities report

REGISTERED COMPANY NUMBER: SC188407 (Scotland)

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: SC028812

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

FOR

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL

Page

Report of the Trustees

1

to

4

Independent Examiner's Report

5

Statement of Financial Activities

6

Balance Sheet

7

to

8

Notes to the Financial Statements

9

to

13

The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Objectives and aims

The charity's objects, as set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Association are:

(a) To advance education and, in particular (1) to increase understanding of the theory and practice of community development and its role in relieving poverty, disadvantage and social exclusion through the publication of the Community Development Journal (CDJ) (2) to stimulate and disseminate research into the causes and effect of poverty, social disadvantage and social e xclusion and into the contribution which community development may make to the relief of same, and to publish results of such research.

(b) To promote, establish, operate and/or support other schemes and projects of a charitable nature for the benefit of the general public.

In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered OSCR's guidance on public benefit.

Mission

To be the leading international journal in the field of community development, through the publication of high quality articles promoting critical learning and social solidarity.

Objectives/activities

1. Produce the leading international journal in the field

2. Develop critical reflection and theoretical learning on community development

3. Promote international learning and exchange

4. Promote informed critical debate on community development theory and practice

5. Develop and support appropriate partnerships and networks to further these objectives.

Significant activities

Based on these objectives and activities, the Board has updated its Development Plan to cover the period 2023-2025 This plan enables the Board to more readily anticipate and manage ongoing changes in academic publishing - particularly with respect to the delivery of and reader access to academic journals - as well as ensuring that it maximises the readership of and public interest in the content of the Journal.

Last year marked a transition as several long-serving members of the board stood down and a new Executive team was established. While the board continues to function well, we have plans in place to recruit new board members to increase our capacity, and to expand the International Advisory Board.

In the field of academic publishing, key trends include the continuing movement of journals towards publishing exclusively online, and changing expectations on the part of readers, funders, governments, libraries and other stakeholders with respect to open access. Traditionally, journals have been financed through subscriptions paid by academic institutions and small numbers of individual subscribers. This model has been challenged by the growing availability of and pressure for open access articles, where publication costs are covered by grant funding, research councils, authors and/or institutions rather than by reader/institutional subscriptions. Whilst the speed at which open access has been implemented has been slower than originally anticipated, this remains the dominant trend in academic publishing. CDJ therefore continues discussions with the publisher (Oxford University Press) to fully understand the future financial implications of Open Access for the journal. As the funding model changes, we have sought to ensure that authors from developing counties and others that do not have access to personal or institutional funds can publish high quality articles and therefore retain a truly international dimension to the journal.

Mindful of the possible changes to the wider academic publishing landscape the Board remains focused on keeping costs low, whilst also ensuring we meet our objectives. We have moved some meetings, in particular meetings of the Executive, to on-line only rather than face to face to reduce avoidable expenditure and further control costs. Meanwhile, and in keeping with our objectives, we have invested money in the development of the website and support for international colleagues to hold events.

Over the year we have finalised new elements of our policies and procedures - including explicit statements on journal ethics and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategies as well as setting timelines for subsequent reviews of existing policies and procedures.

Throughout 2024 the CDJ has worked to build on and more effectively utilise its social media presence and visibility. Daniel Kerr has led this work in collaboration with the Digital Engagement Sub-group, and in line with the Board's own Digital Engagement Strategy. Ilya Maude has joined the Digital Domain team and will lead on the development of the CDJ website. As OUP have ceased to support the website in its current form we will invest in an independent standalone site which will drive traffic to the journal.

Over 2024 the new editorial team established a good working practice and have successfully published Volume 59 of the CDJ.

Volunteers

The Charity benefits greatly from the involvement and enthusiastic support of its many volunteers. In accordance with FRS 102 and the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the economic contribution of general volunteers is not recognised in the accounts.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Charitable activities

In 2024, the four issues that constituted Volume 59 of the CDJ included 35 Original Articles, four Editorials and 10 Book Reviews. Issues 58.1 and 58.4 were special issues: Ethics in Community Development and Health Equity and Community Development respectively.

Each issue contained one 'Editor's Choice' article, which is available as open access. Additionally, we appear to be seeing a continued (but very gradual) increase in the number of 'gold' open access articles. These are paid for either by authors, by organisations funding their research, and/or by their institutions through 'read and publish' agreements with university libraries. In total, nine open access articles were published in 2024.

The CDJ Impact Factor for 2023 was released in 2024, showing that the impact factor remains steady at 1.5. The figure is now calculated to a decimal point of 1 rather than 3.

Subscription levels for the CDJ are currently gradually declining, following general trends in academic publishing. The period 2023 to 2024 saw further decreases in Conventional Academic subscriptions (103 to 97) There are currently 2,347 cites that have online access to the journal through a subscription to a Collection agreement.

From 2023 to 2024 we have maintained out readership as measured by content engagement on the journal website. There has been an increase in the proportion of the readership (specifically that access journal content online) from Europe (32.8% to 35.2%) and the upwards trend has continued in readership from Central and South Asia (4.8% to 6.8%), Africa (4.4% to 7%) and Oceania (15.7% to 17.3%). CDJ therefore has continued to meet its objective of being a truly international journal both in terms of authors and readers.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Financial position

The Trustees are satisfied with the results for the year. The surplus of £11,176 (2023 - £12,093) was expected. The level of reserves being carried forward is in line with the aims of the Trustees set out in the Reserves Policy below.

Principal funding sources

The principal funding source of the charity was a grant from Oxford University Press by way of profit sharing to cover administration, editing, reviewing and publication costs.

Reserves policy

The trustees have examined the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks to the organisation. In doing so they considered the reason why the company needs restricted and unrestricted funds, the level of these reserves required and the steps to be taken in order to establish and maintain reserves at the required level.

The target set by the trustees was to build up reserves equivalent to twelve months running costs, and this has been achieved. The charity has total reserves of £277,471, all of which are unrestricted.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The charity is controlled by its governing document, its memorandum and articles of association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee as defined by the Companies Act 2006.

In the event of the charity being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

Members wishing to become trustees must be recommended by the board or proposed by a fellow member of the charity, in advance of the general meeting. The member then stands for election at a general meeting.

Organisational structure

The board of trustees meets twice a year and has responsibility for all strategic decisions of the charity. In addition, a smaller Executive, made up of the chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer, editors, secretary and review editors meet on two additional occasions during the year.

Induction and training of new trustees

All new Board members are inducted by the trustees of the charity. The chairperson of the board of trustees meet with new trustees to outline the code of governance.

Related parties

The company is a stand-alone charity.

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Company number

SC188407 (Scotland)

Registered Charity number

SC028812

Registered office

4th Floor Atlantic House

1a Cadogan Street

Glasgow

G2 6QE

Trustees

Rosemary Raphael Meade Trustee (resigned 6.6.24)

Orla O'Donovan Trustee

Arni Thara Raj Trustee

Amanda Jane Wilson Trustee (Co Chair) (resigned 23.3.24)

Joanna Cholmondeley Trustee (Co Chair)

Niamh McCrea Trustee (Review Editor) (resigned 23.3.24)

Ruth Pearce Trustee (Editor)

Clementine Hill O'Connor Trustee

Sarah Banks Trustee

Mark Garavan Trustee

Alice Butler-Warke Trustee

Kirsty Lohman Trustee (Editor)

Aideen O'Shaughnessy Trustee (Reviews Editor)

Luke Ray Di Marco Campbell Trustee (Treasurer)

Arek Dakessian Co-chair

Ciara Bradley Trustee (appointed 2.7.24)

Eleanor Munro Trustee (appointed 2.7.24)

Company Secretary

Alice Butler-Warke

Independent Examiner

Thomas Barrie & Co LLP

Atlantic House

1a Cadogan Street

Glasgow

G2 6QE

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 30 September 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Luke Ray Di Marco Campbell - Trustee

I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024 set out on pages six to thirteen.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). The charity's trustees consider that the audit requirement of Regulation 10(1)(a) to (c) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under Section 44(1)(c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of the independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention :

(1)	which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements

-	to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44(1)(a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations; and

-	to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with Regulation 8 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations

have not been met; or

(2)	to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Martin Greig BA CA

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland

Thomas Barrie & Co LLP

Atlantic House

1a Cadogan Street

Glasgow

G2 6QE

Date: .............................................

2024

2023

Unrestricted

Total

fund

funds

Notes

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Shares of Profit

59,324

55,682

Investment income

2

6,195

3,715

Total

65,519

59,397

EXPENDITURE ON

Raising funds

6,841

-

Charitable activities

Publication of Community Development Journal

47,501

47,304

Total

54,342

47,304

NET INCOME

11,177

12,093

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

277,471

265,378

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

288,648

277,471

2024

2023

Unrestricted

Total

fund

funds

Notes

£

FIXED ASSETS

Tangible assets

7

300

640

CURRENT ASSETS

Debtors

8

46,994

43,808

Cash at bank

246,339

239,399

293,333

283,207

CREDITORS

Amounts falling due within one year

9

(4,985

)

(6,376

)

NET CURRENT ASSETS

288,348

276,831

TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES

288,648

277,471

NET ASSETS

288,648

277,471

FUNDS

10

Unrestricted funds

288,648

277,471

TOTAL FUNDS

288,648

277,471

The charitable company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 December 2024.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for

(a)	ensuring that the charitable company keeps accounting records that comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006 and

(b)

preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company as at the end of each financial year and of its surplus or deficit for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the charitable company.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to charitable companies subject to the small companies regime.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 30 September 2025 and were signed on its behalf by:

Luke Ray Di Marco Campbell - Trustee

1.	ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charitable company, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Companies Act 2006. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

The presentational and functional currency of the financial statements is Pounds Sterling (£).

Going concern

After reviewing the charity's forecasts and projections, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charitable company has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemption in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

•

the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows.

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of the Charity's accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to estimates are recognised prospectively.

The following judgements and estimates have had the most significant effects on amounts recognised in the financial statements:

Tangible Fixed Assets

The estimates and assumptions made to determine asset lives require judgements to be made as regards useful lives and residual values. The useful lives and residual values of the Charity's financial assets are determined by trustees at the time the asset is acquired and reviewed annually for appropriateness. The lives are based on trustees experience with similar assets. The depreciation rates applied have already been outlined elsewhere in these notes.

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Profit Sharing

Income from a profit sharing agreement with Oxford University Press is recognised in the period to which the profits relate.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Tangible fixed assets

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.

Office equipment

-

33% on cost

The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed annually for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying values may not be recoverable.

Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

Financial instruments

The charity has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments.

Debtors

Short term debtors are measured at transaction price, less any impairment.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash balances.

Creditors

Short term trade creditors are measured at the transaction price.

Provisions

Provisions are determined by discounting the expected future cash flows at a pre-tax rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as finance cost.

2.	INVESTMENT INCOME

2024

2023

£

Bank interest received

6,195

3,715

3.	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)

Net income/(expenditure) is stated after charging/(crediting):

2024

2023

£

Depreciation - owned assets

340

4.	TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

2024

2023

£

Editors' honoraria

8,448

10,000

Review editors' honoraria

-

1,000

Trustees' honoraria

8,123

5,800

16,571

16,800

During the year, 8 trustees were paid honoraria (2023 - 9).

Trustees' expenses

Reimbursements of travel expenses totalling £5,160 (2023 - £2,467) were made to the trustees who held office at some point during the year.

5.	STAFF COSTS

The only remuneration paid during the year was in the form of trustees' honoraria, details disclosed within Note 4 to the accounts, "Trustees' Remuneration and Benefits".

6.	COMPARATIVES FOR THE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted

fund

£

INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM

Shares of Profit

55,682

Investment income

3,715

Total

59,397

EXPENDITURE ON

Charitable activities

Publication of Community Development Journal

47,304

NET INCOME

12,093

RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS

Total funds brought forward

265,378

TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD

277,471

7.	TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

Office

equipment

£

COST

At 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2024

1,031

DEPRECIATION

At 1 January 2024

391

Charge for year

340

At 31 December 2024

731

NET BOOK VALUE

At 31 December 2024

300

At 31 December 2023

640

8.	DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2024

2023

£

Debtor: Profit share - O.U.P.

46,994

43,808

9.	CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

2024

2023

£

Accrued expenses

4,985

6,376

10.	MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

Net

movement

At

At 1.1.24

in funds

31.12.24

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

277,471

11,177

288,648

TOTAL FUNDS

277,471

11,177

288,648

Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

65,519

(54,342

)

11,177

TOTAL FUNDS

65,519

(54,342

)

11,177

Comparatives for movement in funds

Net

movement

At

At 1.1.23

in funds

31.12.23

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

265,378

12,093

277,471

TOTAL FUNDS

265,378

12,093

277,471

Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:

Incoming

Resources

Movement

resources

expended

in funds

£

Unrestricted funds

General fund

59,397

(47,304

)

12,093

TOTAL FUNDS

59,397

(47,304

)

12,093

11.	RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES

Other than Trustees' remuneration and expenses outlined in Note 4 to the accounts, there were no related party transactions during the year.