Caseware UK (AP4) 2024.0.164 2024.0.164 Caseware UK (AP4) 2024.0.164 2024.0.164 2025-03-3113520381531428479376012686971616589352761910777261020952127402013759282025-03-312025-03-3192024-04-01falseNo description of principal activity8 SC129889 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 SC129889 2025-03-31 SC129889 2024-03-31 SC129889 2024-04-01 SC129889 2023-04-01 SC129889 c:RegisteredOffice 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 d:OfficeEquipment 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 d:OfficeEquipment 2025-03-31 SC129889 d:OfficeEquipment 2024-03-31 SC129889 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2025-03-31 SC129889 d:CurrentFinancialInstruments 2024-03-31 SC129889 d:FurtherSpecificTypeProvisionContingentLiability1ComponentTotalProvisionsContingentLiabilities 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 d:FurtherSpecificTypeProvisionContingentLiability1ComponentTotalProvisionsContingentLiabilities 2025-03-31 SC129889 d:FurtherSpecificTypeProvisionContingentLiability1ComponentTotalProvisionsContingentLiabilities 2024-03-31 SC129889 c:FRS102 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 c:Audited 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 c:PrivateLimitedCompanyLtd 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee1 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee2 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee3 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee4 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee5 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee6 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee7 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee8 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee9 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee10 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee11 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee12 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee13 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee14 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee15 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee16 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee17 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee18 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee19 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Trustee20 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 SC129889 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 SC129889 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:UnrestrictedFundsGeneral 2024-03-31 SC129889 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:RestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-03-31 SC129889 d:WithinOneYear 2025-03-31 SC129889 d:WithinOneYear 2024-03-31 SC129889 d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2025-03-31 SC129889 d:BetweenOneFiveYears 2024-03-31 SC129889 c:ChiefExecutive 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 1 2025-03-31 SC129889 1 2024-03-31 SC129889 b:Activity1 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Activity1 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 SC129889 b:Activity1 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Activity2 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:Activity2 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 SC129889 b:Activity2 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2023-04-01 2024-03-31 SC129889 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:TotalUnrestrictedFunds 2024-03-31 SC129889 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2025-03-31 SC129889 b:TotalRestrictedIncomeFunds 2024-03-31 SC129889 c:FullAccounts 2024-04-01 2025-03-31 iso4217:GBP xbrli:pure

Registered number: SC129889
Charity number: SC017886














SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
(A company limited by guarantee)
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 

CONTENTS



Page
Reference and administrative details of the Company, its Trustees and advisers
1 - 2
Trustees' report
3 - 14
Independent auditors' report on the financial statements
15 - 18
Statement of financial activities
19
Balance sheet
20 - 21
Statement of cash flows
22
Notes to the financial statements
23 - 45

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025



Trustees
Catherine Bruce (appointed 8 November 2024)
Yvonne Barclay (appointed 21 November 2024)
Alan Clarke, Chair
Gary Cameron (resigned 8 November 2024)
Richmond Davies
Shanti Graheli (appointed 8 November 2024)
Lindsay Kinloch (appointed 8 November 2024)
Martina McChrystal
Anna McInnes (resigned 8 November 2024)
Lindsay McKrell (resigned 8 November 2024)
David McMenemy (resigned 27 November 2024)
Aileen Morton
Alyson Mitchell (appointed 8 November 2024)
Hilary Reid (resigned 21 July 2025)
Amina Shah
Maisie Smith
Alison Stevenson (resigned 8 November 2024)
Robert Sullivan
Jonathan Tait (resigned 26 August 2024)
Craig Vickery, Treasurer
Jenna Young (appointed 8 November 2024)
Lisa Mclaren (appointed 22 July 2025)

Company registered number
SC129889

Charity registered number
SC017886

Registered office
Suite 4/3
Turnberry House
175 West George Street
Glasgow
G2 2LB

Chief executive officer
Pamela Tulloch (retired 12 August 2024)
Alison Nolan (appointed 12 August 2024)
Page 1

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE COMPANY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


Independent auditors
Sumer Auditco Limited
Chartered Accountants
14 City Quay
Dundee
DD1 3JA

Bankers
Bank of Scotland
The Mound
Edinburgh
EH1 1YZ

Solicitors
Thorntons Law LLP
Whitehall House
33 Yeaman Shore
Dundee
DD1 4BJ

Investment managers
Rathbones Investment Management Limited
Port of Liverpool Building
Pier Head
Liverpool
L6 1NW


Page 2

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
  
TRUSTEES' REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees present this annual report together with the audited financial statements for the year 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025. The annual report serves the purposes of both a Trustees' report and a directors' report under company law. The Trustees confirm that the annual report and the financial statements of the company comply with the current statutory requirements, the requirements of the company’s governing document and the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable to charities preparing accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
 

Since the charity qualifies as small under section 383, the strategic report required of medium and large companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Director’s Report) Regulations 2013 is not required.
 

Objectives and activities
 

a. Policies and objectives
 

The purposes of the charity are:
The Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information services.SLIC provides leadership, focus and support to its membership which includes public library services, libraries in schools, colleges, universities, and a broad range of specialist information services. 
At the heart of the key objectives SLIC:
• Provides leadership to library and information services and facilitates the co-ordination of these services.
•Promotes understanding of the contribution library and information services make to the life of the nation.
• Monitors standards of provision and advocates for the development required to continuing vitality.
• Advises the Scottish Government on library and information service matters.
• Undertakes research and provides information, education, and advice to its members.
• Facilitates joint working with key partners.
• Supports innovation and development in Scottish library and information services by awarding grants.
 

b. Activities undertaken to achieve objectives
 

SLIC's activity this year focused on priority areas of funding, standards, innovation, and partnership working.
As an organisation, SLIC has continued to practise a hybrid working model and continues to implement SMARTer working processes. SLIC continues to collaborate with partner organisations and collaborative workstreams are central to many of our deliverables.
Key projects which enabled SLIC to achieve objectives include the expansion to eleven Lend and Mend Hubs including lending collections, establishing, and collecting data sets for public libraries and the delivery of Inclusive communication in Libraries project.
 



 

Page 3

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Objectives and activities (continued)

c. Main activities undertaken to further the Company's purposes for the public benefit
 

ADVOCACY
Challenge Poverty Week
SLIC wrote to all MSPs as part of Challenge Poverty Week in October 2024. It gives an opportunity highlight the injustice of poverty in Scotland and show that collective action based on justice and compassion can create solutions - shining a light on several cost-of-Living support projects which are being delivered through libraries such as the Warm and Welcoming Initiatives, free activities for families, employment and skills support, seed libraries and repair cafes. This also allowed SLIC to highlight how sustained funding for library initiatives can combat cost-of-living challenges and improve social cohesion.
2025/26 Budget setting process
As part of the Local Government 2024/25 Budget setting process, SLIC wrote to the leaders of all thirty-two local authorities to ensure public library and school library interests remained at the forefront of discussions. Meetings took place with Clackmannanshire Council. SLIC also contributed to service redesign consultations for 2025/26 with Edinburgh, LiveBorders, OnFife and LiveArgyll ensuring that they are fully committed to their library services in recognition of vital part they play within the community.
NLS Centenary programme
Along with partners SLIC supported the development of Love Libraries toolkit for wider library sector providing a landing page within the SLIC website to host the Love Libraries toolkit and actively promoting campaign on SM channels.
National Strategies
SLIC supported the Implementation Group for FORWARD: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-25. Councillor Maureen Chalmers, COSLA spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, and Councillor Amy McNeese-Meechan Co-chair the Implementation Group. The Implementation Group comprises a mix of service representatives and public library stakeholders. The Implementation Group met twice online during 2024/25.
SLIC continued to support the implementation of Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023 by playing an active part in the Scottish Government Implementation Group. SLIC supported the school library community through its online group on Basecamp and the Education Scotland professional learning community.
SLIC worked with Digital Health Scotland, NHS, and THE ALLIANCE to take forward the action plan for A Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing. A number of pathfinder projects have been delivered in partnership with the third sector such as Diabetes UK -establishing Diabetes Information Hubs in forty-seven sites across five local authorities and Alzheimer’s Scotland creating Dementia Information Hubs in 120 sites across eleven local authorities.
SLIC played an active part in Digital Inclusion Alliance. The significant role which public libraries play to support digital access and tackle data poverty has been acknowledged at a national level.
SLIC has also been active in a range of national working groups which have taken place across 2024/25 to deliver on the outcomes of the Culture Values summit which SLIC chaired in May 2024. This forms the action plan for the national Culture Strategy which was published in December 2023.
 
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SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Objectives and activities (continued)

Ministerial Engagement
On 22nd May 2024, Ms Jenny Gilruth MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills visited Leith Primary School in Glasgow to announce the opening of the School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).
On 10th October 2024, Mr. Angus Robertson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, visited to Denny Library as part of Challenge Poverty week.
An online meeting with the Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, the Chair of the SLIC Board and CEO took place on 31st October 2024 and focused on SLIC and its wider work.
2nd December 2024 The First Minister, Mr. John Swinney visited Edinburgh Central Library for Makar announcement - This has led to the new Makar Pàdraig MacAoidh working closely with Edinburgh Libraries supporting the EDGE conference and Western Isles with their Gaelic Language Literary Symposium.
3rd March 2025 - Boroughmuir High School, Edinburgh, The First minister Mr. John Swinney attended Boroughmuir High School on 3rd March 2025 to meet the children involved in the “Library is for Everyone” and “Back to basics- Information Literacy” SLIF projects. The First Minister also used the occasion to celebrate World book Day and to highlight the importance of project funding to support progressive library service delivery.
Conferences
SLIC presented at “Digifest 24” Smart Communities 10th December- progress with the Collective Force for Action and digital inclusion work with the libraries.
SLIC presented Phase 2 Collective Force Webinar - Digital Health Inclusion on 12th December 2024.
SLIC presented at the annual YLG conference on 24th September 2024 on the groundbreaking work which had been taking place through the rollout of Scotland’s first reading moment “Keep the Heid and Read” .
SLIC presented on the dashboard on Public Library Data Framework to Culture Leisure UK and four nations partners this fiscal year.
Member Events
The SLIC Annual Showcase took place in November 2024 at The Royal Society of Edinburgh. Members from all sectors attended the event which focussed on SLIC funded projects which had taken place over the last year.
National Mobile Libraries Day
The sixth National Mobile Libraries Day took place in November 2024 as part of Book Week Scotland. SLIC published an update on the 2018 Libraries on the Move report “Mobile Libraries in Scotland 2024” and an updated communications toolkit to support Mobile Libraries Day November 2024, focus was on stories of unsung heroes, mobile drivers.
Newsletter
Due to a website refresh, SLIC distributed its newsletter once last year to 572 subscribers.
Membership Survey
SLIC conducted its annual membership survey in January 2025. As with previous years, the organisation received positive feedback from the membership on the support, information, accessibility, and representation provided by SLIC.
 
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SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Objectives and activities (continued)

Media Activity
Throughout the year there was a wide range of media engagement. National and local newspapers covered the successful applications from the Public Library Improvement Fund, the School Library Improvement Fund and the Innovation and Development Fund.
BBC Scotland through The Big Scottish Book Club, worked closely with SLIC to ensure public libraries provided free access to the books featured on the programme.
Several thought pieces by the CEO were publiched in The Herald and The Scotsman, relating to public libraries. 
STANDARDS
Public Libraries
SLIC commissioned the Robert Gordon University to deliver peer assessor training on How Good is our Public Library Service?
SLIC commissioned NOMAD to work with services on creating an Inclusive Communication toolkit.
Internal Standards
Cyber Essentials accreditation, a government backed scheme to ensure that organisations are protected from cyber-attacks, was retained. Accreditation as a Living Wage Employer was also re-confirmed for the organisation in 2024-2025.
RESEARCH
Public Libraries
The 2022/23 Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF) projects were evaluated. In line with previous evaluation exercises of PLIF, it demonstrated that small sums of project funding are extremely impactful to the sector. The impact of the projects on mental health and wellbeing, digital inclusion, and sustainable development has been particularly noteworthy. These initiatives have not only enhanced the services offered by libraries but have also reinforced the role of libraries as crucial community hubs that support lifelong learning, social cohesion, and digital literacy. The projects have also shown how libraries can effectively bridge gaps in service provision, especially in rural and remote areas, by adapting their offerings to meet local needs.
School Libraries
SLIC commissioned an evaluation of the 2022/23 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) projects. Staff praised the ease of the application process, the projects have maintained a strong focus on diversity, racial equality, and empathy, which has led to an increased awareness and understanding of these crucial issues within the school environment. The projects funded through SLIF have not only enhanced discussions around diversity and racial equality but have also fostered an environment where these topics are more deeply embedded in the curriculum and school culture. The influence of these projects has extended beyond individual schools, impacting partner organisations and local authority areas as well.
SLIC undertook the annual survey of school libraries in Spring 2024. This survey now enables comparative data to be mapped across the implementation of the National School Library Strategy.
 
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SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Objectives and activities (continued)

Evaluation Lend and Mend Phase 1
The evaluation of the Lend and Mend Hub pilot is complete, and an executive summary made available spring 2025 - 295 workshops attracting 1839 participants in year 1. Thirty partner organisations engaged across the network of hubs and twenty staff upskilled to use sewing/ embroidery machines and overlockers.
I
NNOVATION
Digital Training Platform for Public Library Staff
SLIC continues to develop and promote the Public Library Digital Training Platform. Over 1168 staff from all thirty-two local authorities are now registered and using the platform. The Digital Champions Network played an active part in the continued development of the platform. There are currently twenty-five online courses available with seven in development for rollout in 2025.
Community Planning Dashboard
SLIC enabled the Community Planning Dashboard to be accessed from its website. The platform was developed by EKOS for public libraries to use to inform community plans. Through using a range of open data sets libraries are now able, at the stroke of a button, to obtain demographic information about the communities in which they are based as well as map their own data across the platform to demonstrate reach and identify gaps.
The platform has been praised not only within the library community in Scotland, but other countries now see it as a model for the way forward.
SLIC has further developed the platform to include public library service data, and the Scottish Government are using this data set as its data bank. SLIC has now a complete set of data for 2022/23 and for 23/24. The data has been uploaded to a secure section of the Community Planning Dashboard. SLIC have convened a working group for 25-26 within APLS to review baseline data.
Leadership Development Training
SLIC commissioned the Social Enterprise Academy to develop a bespoke leadership course for emerging public library leaders. Five cohorts, over sixty members of public library staff have accessed the ILM Level 5 course in Leadership. SLIC also launched ‘Managing Change’ training courses via our partner Social Enterprise Academy in 2024/25. Future Advocacy also delivered two workshops with heads of service. SLIC received positive feedback from the trainers and attendees about course delivery for 24/25.
Lend and Mend Hubs
In 24-25 Lend and Mend hubs expanded to eleven. The Lend and Mend Hubs build on the aspirations of FORWARD: Scotland’s Public Library Strategy 2021-2025 to ensure that libraries not only deliver against the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also ensure that public libraries are a sustainable space within the community to engage with, learn about and collaborate about the climate emergency. The Hubs have proved to be popular with the community and many of the programmes are community led.
 
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SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Objectives and activities (continued)

Every Child a Library Member (ECALM)
The Programme for Government initiative – Every Child a Library Member (ECALM) was rebranded and dedicated website introduced www.everychild.scot in February 2023. Work continues the promotion and delivery of Every Child a Library Member (ECALM) which is supported by a detailed web resource, a network of thirty-two champions, a baseline data set and strengthened partnerships with registration services all developing over the lifespan of the strategy. SLICs data has shown an overall increase of 13% in 0–15-year registrations . SLIC is in conversation with Parent Club for further promotion and delivery.
PARTNERSHIP
SLIC continued to work in partnership with national library advocacy bodies across the UK and beyond such as Libraries Connected, Libraries Wales, Libraries NI and LGMA in Dublin. SLIC continued to be an active member of NAPLE (National Authorities of Public Libraries in Europe) and EBLIDA (European Bureau for Library and Information Development Agencies) contributing to EBLIDA Strategy 2025-28.
One of SLIC’s strongest partnerships is A Collective Force for Health and Wellbeing. This is a partnership with the NHS, Digital Health Scotland, The Alliance and many more health agencies which looks to bring self-management and realistic medicine alive in communities through libraries. Staff training and pathfinder projects have seen a strong partnership work ethos at a local level between librarians in the NHS and the public library staff. Growth by stealth has developed a strong information and support network at a local level for members of the public with a range of health conditions. While initiatives play well to preventative spending, they also empower communities to access trusted information in a safe space which is a non-clinical environment.
Collective Force has positioned libraries to play a key role in delivering top health and care policy priorities. In February 2024, Collective Force Leads in HIS, SLIC and the ALLIANCE opened a conversation with Scottish Government policy leads in the Preventative and Proactive Care programme, Digital Inclusion team, Primary Care, and the Care and Wellbeing Portfolio around the library contribution to these policy priorities.
An initial positive practical outcome from this engagement has been agreement with the Preventative and Proactive Care team to involve public libraries in community engagement around the new digital resources being developed for the Waiting Well initiative – supporting people’s health and wellbeing needs while they are on waiting lists for outpatient appointments or inpatient procedures. Collective Force has also strengthened the recognition of the role of libraries in contributing to the Realistic Medicine and Value-Based Health and Care goal of empowering people to become active partners in their care. Libraries are active participants in the piloting of the new Realistic Medicine app for Citizens – “Being a partner in my care” – and have a strong position within the communication and engagement plan for this app.
The Information for Wellbeing course offers library and third sector staff access to equip learners with the skills they need to make libraries the "go to" physical and virtual space for their communities to access health and wellbeing information, health literacy and bibliotherapy support. It continues to be popular.
SLIC continued to engage with Culture Partners in Scotland to ensure that libraries, the public library strategy, and the wider community remained at the forefront of people’s thinking. Organisations such as Scottish Book Trust, Community Leisure UK, Publishing Scotland, Museums, Galleries Scotland, Scottish Archives Council and Creative Carbon Scotland (now Culture for Climate Scotland) were all in regular communication and where opportunities arose joint working took place.
SLIC continues to collaborate with the Scottish Government on a number of public information campaigns. During 2024/25, initiatives included Autism Acceptance Week, Climate Week, Mind-to-Mind Mental Health, and the Fitness to Drive campaign.
SLIC worked in partnership with the European Cultural Foundation on the Library Challenge. Falkirk Libraries were awarded funding through the Challenge to further develop community engagement – this was showcased in OBA, Amsterdam in September 2025.
The Digichamps Network
The Digichamps Network went from strength to strength over the course of the year. It increased the diet of
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SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Objectives and activities (continued)

meetings and focussed on raising digital engagement through working with a range of partners and initiatives. A particular focus for the group was the emerging impact of AI and libraries.
Book Week Scotland
SLIC played an active part to support and promote Book Week Scotland which is co-ordinated by Scottish Book Trust. This included a grant of £27, 000 covering thirty-one local authorities to support projects which took place during the week. 395 events took place in libraries across Scotland and 12, 254 people attended these events as part of the Book Week Scotland in libraries programme, this was also supplemented by an additional 391 Bookbug sessions with an audience of 6114. SLIC also supported National Mobile Libraries Day which took place during Book Week Scotland.
FUNDING
The Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF). The focus of the 2024/25 round of PLIF funding was Gaelic and Scots language and new Scots languages, Digital Inclusion and Sustainability. Grants to the total of £209, 910 were awarded to thirteen projects across Scotland.
School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF)
Grants to the total of £151,233 were awarded to seventeen projects. As with previous years projects that encouraged racial equality and anti-racism, as well as improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, featured in the successful bids.
I
nnovation and Development Fund (IDF)
Six libraries and information centres across Scotland have been awarded a share of £34,000 to support a series of pioneering projects during 2025, Now in its 13th year, the fund has supported the development of new resources, inspired original research and enhanced staff training – and this year turns its focus to innovative projects including an AI toolkit for staff training, a chill out space for students and a podcast studio for a rural part of Scotland.
CGI funding
SLIC received one year funding of £85,162.90 from CGI for Glasgow Life to conduct a Digital Skills for Employment project. SQA accredited qualifications were offered as a flexible online course with additional support (laptop lending and free connectivity where required) and drop-in sessions supported by digital tutors in three community libraries located in the bottom 20% SIMD areas across the city. The City of Glasgow has a higher-than-average number of residents who suffer from data poverty, digital exclusion and worklessness.
Bursaries
During the year, SLIC provided bursaries for ten librarians to attend the CILIPS Annual Conference in Dundee three bursaries for the YLG conference and three bursaries for the EDGE conference.
Funding e-Newsletter
The funding newsletter continued to be updated and circulated every two months. It provided information on a wide range of sources of financial support for the library community.
 

Achievements and performance
 

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SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Achievements and performance (continued)

a. Key performance indicator
 

SLIC received funding to continue to support the implementation of Forward: Scotland's Public Library Strategy 2021-2025 to support national activity to promote, evaluate or conduct research into public libraries. This includes the delivery of One Card and Every Child a Library Member. They also received funding to support national activity to promote, evaluate or carry out research into school libraries. Funding included:
Public Library Improvement Fund - £450,000
School Library Improvement Fund - £200,000
The Scottish Government maintained the core grant at £215,000 and the Public Library Improvement Fund in recognition of the work being delivered through the implementation of Forward: Scotland's Public Library Strategy 2021-2025.
 

b. Review of activities
 

A full review of the charitable company’s activities is provided above. 
 

c. Factors relevant to achieve objectives
 

SLIC is the independent advisory body to the Scottish Government on library and information related matters.  SLIC’s funding is dependent on a core grant from the Scottish Government and membership subscriptions.  SLIC’s positive relationship with the Scottish Government and the membership is essential to enable the library community in Scotland to prosper. 
 

d. Investment policy and performance
 

The Trustees manage the budget of the charity to deliver the key priorities of the charity. 
All investments are carried at their fair value. Investment in equities and fixed interest securities are all traded in quoted public markets. Holdings in common investment funds, unit trusts and open-ended investment companies are at the bid price. The basis of fair value for quoted investments is equivalent to the market value, using the bid price. Asset sales and purchases are recognised at the date of trade at cost (that is their transaction value).
SLIC manages these investment risks by retaining expert advisors and operating an investment policy that provides for a high degree of diversification of holdings within investment asset classes that are quoted on recognised stock exchanges. The Scottish Library and Information Council does not make use of derivatives and similar complex financial instruments as it takes the view that investments are held for their longer-term yield total return and historic studies of quoted financial instruments have shown that volatility in any particular 5-year period will normally be corrected.
There are Investment/Ethical Restrictions in place, in addition to those outlined in the Investment Standard Terms of Business.  Avoid direct investments in tobacco, armaments and gambling. No investment in any one entity (excluding UK Government  Securities) may exceed 5% of the portfolio at the time of investment. No investment should exceed 10% of the portfolio value at any time. The Trustees recognise the climate change challenge, with a particular emphasis on fossil fuel production. Investment managers should ensure any investment in the Oil and Gas sector be limited to those firms which can demonstrate their commitment to evolve and influence the transition to a low carbon/renewable energy environment.
 
 

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SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Financial review
 

a. Going concern
 

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.  For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.  Further details regarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies.
 

b. Principal funding
 

The Scottish Library and Information Council receives its core funding from the Scottish Government.  Additional income is received from membership subscriptions and consultancy work. 
 

c. Reserves policy
 

The Trustees are of the view that the charity's aim is to hold sufficient unrestricted reserves in the event that there was a reduction or end to core grant funding. The Trustees aim to maintain the level of the unrestricted reserves at £250,000.
SLIC's total reserves at 31 March 2025 amount to £1,175,873 (2024 - £1,198,400), of which £538,863 (2024 - £510,476) is restricted. The unrestricted funds (excluding pension reserve) amount to £637,010 (2024 - £687,964) and the defined benefit pension scheme is no longer a net liability. The defined benefit pension asset is not recognised on the balance sheet (2024: no asset recognised). 
Free reserves are £631,686 (2024 - £684,990) which is represented by the unrestricted funds net of tangible fixed assets and any pension deficit. Although this is in excess of the £250,000 target, this figure is subject to a significant fluctation due to actuarial movement on the pension reserve and the trustees do not consider this amount excessive. 
 

d. Material investments policy
 

The Trustees manage the charity budget to deliver the key priorities of the charity.  There is no intention to invest as part of this objective.
 

Structure, governance and management
 

a. Constitution
 

The company, which is a recognised charity in Scotland, is registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee and was set up by a Memorandum and Articles of Association which were updated and adopted at the AGM in November 2020 and has the registered charity number SC017886.
The principal objective of the charity is to provide independent advice to the Scottish Government on library and information services. 
 

b. Review of activities
 

A full review of the charitable company’s activities is provided above. 
 

c. Investment policies and performance
 

The management of the charity is the responsibility of the Trustees who are elected and co-opted under the terms of the Articles of Association. 
 

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SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Structure, governance and management (continued)

d. Policies adopted for the induction and training of Trustees
 

New Trustees undergo an orientation day to brief them on their legal obligations under charity and company law, the Scottish Charity Regulator’s guidance on trustees duties and inform them of the content of the Memorandum Articles of Association, the committee and decision making processes, the business plan and recent financial performance of the charity.
In addition to this, the Board attend an Away Day once a year to reflect on the running of the organisation and plan for the future.
 

e. Pay policy for key management personnel
 

The Board of Directors, who are the organisation’s trustees, and the Chief Executive Officer comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running, and operating the organisation on a day-to-day basis. All directors give their time freely and no director received remuneration for the year.
Details of Trustees expenses are disclosed in note 12 to the accounts.
The pay of staff is reviewed annually and, if approved by the Trustees, increased in accordance with the public sector pay award.
 

f. Organisational structure and decision making
 

The Board of Trustees, which can have up to 15 members with the option to co-opt a further three members, administers the charity. The Board normally meets three times per year and there are sub-committees covering allocation of funds,
Board nominations and a Staffing and Remuneration which meet as required. The Chief Executive is appointed by the trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. To facilitate effective operations, the Chief Executive has delegated authority within the terms of the scheme of delegation approved by the trustees for the operational matters including finance, employment, and member liaison.
 

g. Risk management
 

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, those relating to the operations and finances of the charity and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Regular meetings are held with the Treasurer, Chief Executive, and company accountants.
Quarterly budget monitoring statements are provided and circulated to the Board with a commentary prepared by the Treasurer. The Board meets on a regular basis, and the financial report is a standing item on the agenda. The Treasurer provides a report and there is the opportunity for Board members to ask questions, make comments and seek further information from the Chief Executive.
A risk register is maintained by the organisation and is also a standing item on the Board agenda. The trustees can assess any risks to which the organisation is exposed as part of this process.
 

Page 12

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Structure, governance and management (continued)

h. Trustees' indemnities
 

In accordance with governance arrangements, the Trustees have obtained Directors' and Officers' (D&O) liability insurance to protect the Trustees against claims arising from their roles and responsibilities. This insurance covers legal costs and damages resulting from alleged wrongful acts or breaches of duty in their capacity as Trustees. 
The policy remains in force at the date of this report.
 
 
Plans for future periods
 

In addition to its core business, SLIC will continue to advocate for the library sector, promote standards within the sector, encourage innovation, seek to nourish, and develop partnership and support the library sector to seek external funding opportunities.
SLIC will work with the Scottish Government and the membership to address the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
SLIC will recruit new Board members in line with the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the organisation.
SLIC will review the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the organisation in 2025.
SLIC will implement the strategic actions for the final year of the Public Library Strategy.
SLIC will refresh the Public Library Strategy for 2026 in 2025.
SLIC will continue to work with the Scottish Government’s Education and Education Scotland to ensure that School Library standards are adopted.
SLIC will continue to work in partnership with the Scottish Government’s Culture, Digital and Education teams to maximise opportunities for library development and ensure that libraries deliver the best for the users.
SLIC will continue to work with The Alliance and NHS to deliver A Collective Force for Health and wellbeing.
SLIC will continue to distribute funds such as PLIF, SLIF and IDF to the library sector.
 

Funds held as custodian
 

SLIC holds no funds as a Custodian.
 

Page 13

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
 
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities
 

The Trustees (who are also the directors of the Company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).


Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under company law, the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102);
make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Company will continue in business.


The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended). They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.


Disclosure of information to auditors
 

Each of the persons who are Trustees at the time when this Trustees' report is approved has confirmed that:

so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity's auditors are unaware, and
that Trustee has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditors are aware of that information.
 

Auditors
 

The auditorsSumer Auditco Limitedhave indicated their willingness to continue in office. The designated Trustees will propose a motion reappointing the auditors at a meeting of the Trustees.
 

 

Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees on 31 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
 




Alan Clarke
Chair



Richmond Davies
Vice Chair
Page 14

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 

Opinion


We have audited the financial statements of Scottish Library and Information Council (the 'charitable company') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the Statement of financial activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of 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:

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 March 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and regulation 8 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006.


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 Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the United Kingdom, including the Financial Reporting Council'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 charitable company'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.


Page 15

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL (CONTINUED)


Other information


The other information comprises the information included in the Annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditors' report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual reportOur 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.


Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
 

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

the information given in the Trustees' report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statements.
the Trustees' report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.


Matters on which we are required to report by exception


In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charitable company and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' report.


We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which Companies Act 2006 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended) require us to report to you if, in our opinion:

adequate and proper accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or
certain disclosures of Trustees' remuneration specified by law are not made; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit; or
the Trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and take advantage of the small companies' exemptions in preparing the Trustees' report and from the requirement to prepare a Strategic report.


Responsibilities of trustees


As explained more fully in the Trustees' responsibilities statement, the Trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes 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 charitable company'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.
 

Page 16

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL (CONTINUED)


Auditors' responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements


We have been appointed as auditor under section 44(1)(c) of the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and under the Companies Act 2006 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.


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 Auditors' 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.


Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the company and the industry in which it operates, and considered the risk of acts by the company that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud. We designed audit procedures to respond to the risk, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. 
We focussed on laws and regulations which could give rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements, including, but not limited to, the Companies Act 2006, the Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and UK tax legislation. Our tests included agreeing the financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation, enquiries with management and enquiries of legal counsel. There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and, the further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it. We did not indentify any key audit matters relating to irregularities, including fraud.
As in all our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including testing journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the directors that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.


A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our Auditors' report.


Page 17

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF  SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL (CONTINUED)


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, and to the charitable company's trustees, as a body, in accordance with regulation 10 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members and Trustees 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, its members, as a body, and its trustees, as a body for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.





Douglas Rae (Senior statutory auditor)
for and on behalf of
Sumer Auditco Limited
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
14 City Quay
Dundee
DD1 3JA

31 October 2025


Sumer Auditco Limited are eligible to act as auditors in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.


Page 18

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)


 
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025


Unrestricted funds
2025
Restricted funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £
        £

Income from:







Donations and legacies

3

383,614

77,518

461,132

470,466
 
Charitable activities

4

-

600,000

600,000

650,000
 
Investments

6

71,452

-

71,452

58,685
 
Total income
455,066
677,518
1,132,584
1,179,151
Expenditure on:







Charitable activities

8

498,995

648,782

1,147,777

1,314,443
 
Total expenditure
498,995
648,782
1,147,777
1,314,443

Net (expenditure)/income before net (losses)/gains on investments

  

(43,929)

28,736

(15,193)

(135,292)
 
Net (losses)/gains on investments

  

(8,374)

-

(8,374)

9,625
 
Net (expenditure)/income

  

(52,303)

28,736

(23,567)

(125,667)
 
Transfers between funds

 19 

349

(349)

-

-
 
Net movement in funds before other recognised gains/(losses)

  

(51,954)

28,387

(23,567)

(125,667)
 

Other recognised gains/(losses):

  





Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension schemes

 26 

309,000

-

309,000

160,000
 
Pension surplus not recognised

 26 

(308,000)

-

(308,000)

(196,000)
 
Net movement in funds
  
(50,954)
28,387
(22,567)
(161,667)

Reconciliation of funds:

  





Total funds brought forward

  

687,964

510,476

1,198,440

1,360,107
 
Net movement in funds

  

(50,954)

28,387

(22,567)

(161,667)
 
Total funds carried forward
  
637,010
538,863
1,175,873
1,198,440

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

The notes on pages 23 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

Page 19

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: SC129889


 
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025


2025
2024
£
£

Fixed assets
  

Tangible assets
 13 
5,449
2,974

Investments
 14 
318,507
309,690

  
323,956
312,664

Current assets
  

Debtors
 15 
94,841
65,353

Investments
 16 
542,633
517,491

Cash at bank and in hand
  
258,466
397,934

  
895,940
980,778

Current liabilities
  

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
 17 
(44,023)
(77,002)

Net current assets 
  
 
 
851,917
 
 
903,776

Total assets less current liabilities
  
1,175,873
1,216,440

Provisions for liabilities
  
-
(18,000)

Net assets excluding pension asset 
  
1,175,873
1,198,440

Total net assets 
  
1,175,873
1,198,440


Charity funds
  

Restricted funds
 19 
538,863
510,476

Unrestricted funds
 19 
637,010
687,964

Total funds
  
1,175,873
1,198,440

Page 20

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)
REGISTERED NUMBER: SC129889


 
BALANCE SHEET (CONTINUED)
AS AT 31 MARCH 2025

The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and preparation of financial statements.

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

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 31 October 2025 and signed on their behalf by:




Alan Clarke
Chair



Richmond Davies
Vice Chair

The notes on pages 23 to 45 form part of these financial statements.

Page 21

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL
 
(A company limited by guarantee)


 
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2025
2024
£
£

Cash flows from operating activities

Net cash used in operating activities

(125,957)
(234,070)

Cash flows from investing activities

Dividends, interests and rents from investments
36,452
31,685

Purchase of tangible fixed assets
(7,589)
(1,171)

Proceeds from sale of investments
50,164
65,835

Purchase of investments
(92,538)
(591,809)

Net cash used in investing activities

(13,511)
(495,460)

Cash flows from financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities

-
-

Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year
 
(139,468)
 
(729,530)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
397,934
1,127,464

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
258,466
397,934

The notes on pages 23 to 45 form part of these financial statements

Page 22

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

1.


General information

The company is a company limited by guarantee. The members of the company are the Trustees named on page 1. In the event of the company being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £1 per member of the company.
The company operates from its registered office at Suite 4/3, Turnberry House, 175 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2LB.


2.Accounting policies

  
2.1

Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) - Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.

Scottish Library and Information Council meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

  
2.2

Going concern

After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The company's budget supports this viewpoint. The accounts are, therefore, prepared on the going concern basis. 

  
2.3

Income

All income is recognised once the Company has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.

Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.

  
2.4

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Company's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.

Page 23

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)

2.4

Expenditure (continued)

Grants payable are charged in the year when the offer is made except in those cases where the offer is conditional, such grants being recognised as expenditure when the conditions attaching are fulfilled. Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end are noted as a commitment, but not accrued as expenditure.

  
2.5

Government grants

Government grants relating to tangible fixed assets are treated as deferred income and released to the Statement of financial activities upon the completion of the relevant performance-related conditions. Other grants that are not subject to performance-related conditions are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the grant proceeds are received. Grants received prior to the revenue recognition criteria being satisfied are recognised as a liability.

  
2.6

Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the Company; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the institution with whom the funds are deposited.

 
2.7

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are initially recognised at cost. After recognition, under the cost model, tangible fixed assets are measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. All costs incurred to bring a tangible fixed asset into its intended working condition should be included in the measurement of cost.

Depreciation is charged so as to allocate the cost of tangible fixed assets less their residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method.

Depreciation is provided on the following basis:

Office equipment
-
33%

  
2.8

Investments

Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance sheet date, unless the value cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains and losses, whether realised or unrealised, are combined and presented as ‘Gains/(Losses) on investments’ in the Statement of financial activities.

  
2.9

Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

  
2.10

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

Page 24

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

2.Accounting policies (continued)


2.11

Liabilities and provisions

Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.

Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Company anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.

Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.

  
2.12

Financial instruments

The Company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

  
2.13

Pensions

The Company operates a defined contribution pension scheme and the pension charge represents the amounts payable by the Company to the fund in respect of the year.
The company operates a defined benefits pension scheme and the pension charge is based on a full actuarial valuation dated 31 March 2023.

  
2.14

Fund accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the Company and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the Trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of each designated fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the Company for particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.

Page 25

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

3.

Income from donations and legacies





Unrestricted funds
2025
Restricted funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £
        £
 



 
Donations

86,614

-

86,614

81,879
 
Grants

12,000

77,518

89,518

12,000
 
Government grants

285,000

-

285,000

376,587
 


383,614
77,518
461,132
470,466
Total 2024


408,879
61,587
470,466


4.

Income from charitable activities




Restricted funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £




Public libraries

450,000

450,000

450,000
 
School libraries

150,000

150,000

200,000
 


600,000
600,000
650,000
Total 2024


650,000
650,000


5.

Government grants





Unrestricted funds
2025
Restricted funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £
        £


Income from donations and legacies

383,614

77,518

461,132

376,587
 
Income from charitable activities

-

600,000

600,000

650,000
 


383,614
677,518
1,061,132
1,026,587
Total 2024


315,000
711,587
1,026,587

Page 26

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

6.

Investment income




Unrestricted funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £




Income from listed investments

8,637

8,637

8,958
 
Bank interest

27,815

27,815

22,727
 
Pension income (net interest)

35,000

35,000

27,000
 


71,452
71,452
58,685
Total 2024


58,685
58,685



7.

Analysis of grants




Grants to Institutions
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £




Grants, Public libraries

291,961

291,961

305,434
 
Grants, School libraries

166,881

166,881

196,540
 
Grants, Other

47,498

47,498

44,766
 


506,340
506,340
546,740
Total 2024


546,740
546,740

The Company has made the following material grants to institutions during the year:

Page 27

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

7.Analysis of grants (continued)

2025
2024
£
£

Name of institution

Glasgow City Council
123,632
70,820

Falkirk Council
20,191
-

North Ayrshire Council
-
21,395

East Lothian Council
-
31,912

East Ayrshire Council
-
15,100

South Ayrshire Council
-
12,125

Stirling Council
-
37,127

Aberdeenshire Council
25,578
22,146

Moray Council
-
23,030

Scottish Book Trust
27,000
23,250

Culture Perth and Kinross
-
31,216

Inverclyde Council
-
24,045

City of Edinburgh Council
33,086
65,035

North Lanarkshire Council
21,777
-

Western Isles Council
22,516
-

273,780
377,201


Provisions for grants made/(released)
(18,000)
(33,339)

Returned grants
(4,182)
(27,182)

Other grants to institutions
254,742
230,060

506,340
546,740

Included in the grants expense were amounts of £115,074 (2024 - £152,302) which were paid in respect of grants awarded in previous years for which the conditions were met in the current year. At the year end, £107,615 (2024 - £141,593) of grants had been awarded but conditions had not been met at the year end and so no payment was due. They have been awarded subject to satisfactory achievement of the grant aims and are considered to be a contingent liability.
Other grants and payments awarded to institutions comprises all grants paid to institutions where the total paid by SLIC to that institution in the current year was less than £20,000.

Page 28

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

8.

Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities


Summary by fund type





Unrestricted funds
2025
Restricted funds
2025
Total
2025
Total
2024
        £
        £
        £
        £





Public libraries

236,768

470,097

706,865

819,734
 
School libraries

214,729

178,685

393,414

449,943
 
Other

47,498

-

47,498

44,766
 


498,995
648,782
1,147,777
1,314,443
Total 2024


444,735
869,708
1,314,443


9.

Analysis of expenditure by activities






Activities undertaken directly
2025
Grant funding of activities
2025
Support costs
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £
        £
        £






Public libraries

152,702

291,961

262,202

706,865

819,734
 
School libraries

11,804

166,881

214,729

393,414

449,943
 
Other

-

47,498

-

47,498

44,766
 


164,506
506,340
476,931
1,147,777
1,314,443
Total 2024


325,470
546,740
442,233
1,314,443


Page 29

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

9.Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)

Analysis of support costs





Public libraries
2025
School libraries
2025
Total
funds
2025
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £
        £





Staff costs

146,878

146,877

293,755

292,834
 
Depreciation

2,236

2,236

4,472

2,317
 
Rent & rates

3,246

3,246

6,492

5,744
 
Insurance

1,199

1,199

2,398

2,070
 
Telephone

1,192

1,192

2,384

1,895
 
Cleaning

263

263

526

356
 
Travel expenses

5,561

5,562

11,123

1,656
 
Printing, stationary & postage

274

274

548

384
 
Subscriptions

1,232

1,232

2,464

2,490
 
Training

117

117

234

174
 
AGM costs

-

-

-

2,480
 
Computer expenses

2,001

2,001

4,002

21,839
 
Sundry expenses

13,222

13,222

26,444

1,118
 
Legal & professional fees

19,894

19,895

39,789

26,377
 
Bank charges

153

153

306

252
 
Committee expenses

3,852

3,852

7,704

13,899
 
Conference fees

1,199

1,199

2,398

737
 
Accountancy fees

12,209

12,209

24,418

21,728
 
Governance costs

47,474

-

47,474

43,883
 


262,202
214,729
476,931
442,233
Total 2024


243,061
199,172
442,233


10.

Auditors' remuneration

2025
2024
£
£

Fees payable to the Company's auditor for the audit of the Company's annual accounts
8,650
8,250

Fees payable to the Company's auditor in respect of:

Payroll services
1,632
4,656

All non-audit services not included above
17,600
16,750

Page 30

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

11.



Staff costs


2025
2024
£
£


Wages and salaries
302,731
313,144

Social security costs
26,552
18,472

Contribution to pension schemes
44,641
52,338

Operating costs of defined benefit pension schemes
87,000
126,000

460,924
509,954

The average number of persons employed by the Company during the year was as follows:


2025
2024

No.
No.


Employees
8
9

The number of employees whose employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) exceeded £60,000 was:


2025
2024

No.
No.


In the band £70,001 - £80,000
-
1

The total employee benefits of the key personnel were £101,669 (2024 - £105,178).


12.


Trustees' remuneration and expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2024 - £NIL).

During the year ended 31 March 2025, expenses totalling £1,110 were reimbursed or paid directly to  Trustee (2024 - £95). Expenses reimbursed were in relation to travel for board meetings.

Page 31

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

13.


Tangible fixed assets




Office equipment

£


Cost or valuation

At 1 April 2024
53,707

Additions
7,589


At 31 March 2025

61,296


Depreciation

At 1 April 2024
50,733

Charge for the year
5,114


At 31 March 2025

55,847


Net book value


At 31 March 2025
5,449


At 31 March 2024
2,974


14.


Fixed asset investments





Listed investments

£



Cost or valuation



At 1 April 2024
309,690


Additions
67,396


Disposals
(50,164)


Revaluations
(8,415)



At 31 March 2025

318,507




Net book value




At 31 March 2025
318,507



At 31 March 2024
309,690

Page 32

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

15.



Debtors


2025
2024
£
£


Due within one year

Trade debtors
48,437
-

Other debtors
7,884
5,799

Prepayments and accrued income
38,520
59,554

94,841
65,353


16.



Current asset investments


2025
2024
£
£

Short-term investment bonds
542,633
517,491


17.



Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year


2025
2024
£
£


Trade creditors
17,654
56,703

Other creditors
514
-

Accruals and deferred income
25,855
20,299

44,023
77,002


18.


Provisions


Provision for Grants awarded

£



At 1 April 2024
18,000

Amounts reversed
(18,000)


-

The provision was made for grants awarded where conditions had not been fully met at the prior reporting year end, conditions were still not met hence the amounts have been reversed and not paid out. 

Page 33

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19.

Statement of funds


Statement of funds - current year

Balance at 1 April 2024
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Gains/
(Losses)
£
Balance at 31 March 2025
£

Unrestricted funds







Designated funds








Wi-Fi

21,798

-

(16,475)

-

-

5,323
 
Covid Fund

2,092

-

(2,195)

103

-

-
 



23,890
-
(18,670)
103
-
5,323

General funds








General Funds - all funds

664,074

420,066

(438,325)

(5,754)

(8,374)

631,687
 
Pension reserve

-

35,000

(42,000)

6,000

1,000

-
 



664,074
455,066
(480,325)
246
(7,374)
631,687
Total Unrestricted funds




687,964

455,066

(498,995)

349

(7,374)

637,010

Page 34

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19.

Statement of funds (continued)


Balance at 1 April 2024
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Gains/
(Losses)
£
Balance at 31 March 2025
£







Restricted funds








PLIF

179,632

450,000

(385,311)

-

-

244,321
 
TNT2

16,307

-

(14,862)

-

-

1,445
 
Coworking Hub

9,579

-

-

-

-

9,579
 
SLIF

133,437

150,000

(178,686)

-

-

104,751
 
ECALM

10,408

-

(1,544)

-

-

8,864
 
One Card

2,691

-

-

-

-

2,691
 
Information Literacy

55,771

-

-

-

-

55,771
 
Grampian Information

12,970

-

(950)

-

-

12,020
 
The Reading Moment

18,365

-

(4,865)

-

-

13,500
 
Near Me

6,599

-

-

-

-

6,599
 
Lend & Mend

64,368

-

(29,301)

-

-

35,067
 
Climate Engagement

349

-

-

(349)

-

-
 
CGI

-

77,518

(33,263)

-

-

44,255
 



510,476
677,518
(648,782)
(349)
-
538,863

Total of funds


1,198,440
1,132,584
(1,147,777)
-
(7,374)
1,175,873

Page 35

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19.

Statement of funds (continued)



Statement of funds - prior year

Balance at
1 April 2023
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Gains/
(Losses)
£
Balance at
31 March 2024
£

Unrestricted funds







Designated funds








Wi-Fi

22,677

-

(879)

-

-

21,798
 
Covid Fund

4,627

-

(2,535)

-

-

2,092
 



27,304
-
(3,414)
-
-
23,890

General funds








General funds

664,416

440,564

(398,321)

(52,210)

9,625

664,074
 
Pension reserve

-

27,000

(43,000)

52,000

(36,000)

-
 



664,416
467,564
(441,321)
(210)
(26,375)
664,074
Total Unrestricted funds




691,720

467,564

(444,735)

(210)

(26,375)

687,964


Page 36

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19.

Statement of funds (continued)


Balance at
1 April 2023
£
Income
£
Expenditure
£
Transfers in/out
£
Gains/
(Losses)
£
Balance at
31 March 2024
£







Restricted funds








PLIF

122,738

450,000

(375,719)

(17,387)

-

179,632
 
TNT2

34,148

-

(19,341)

1,500

-

16,307
 
Coworking Hub

9,720

-

(141)

-

-

9,579
 
SLIF

132,264

200,000

(228,827)

30,000

-

133,437
 
ECALM

-

-

(9,592)

20,000

-

10,408
 
One Card

2,691

-

-

-

-

2,691
 
Information Literacy

55,771

-

-

-

-

55,771
 
Pupil Engagement

30,000

-

-

(30,000)

-

-
 
Grampian Information

12,970

-

-

-

-

12,970
 
COVID Relief Fund

-

-

(210)

210

-

-
 
The Reading Moment

18,640

-

(275)

-

-

18,365
 
Near Me

9,225

-

(2,626)

-

-

6,599
 
Fun Palaces

4,113

-

-

(4,113)

-

-
 
Lend & Mend

236,107

-

(171,739)

-

-

64,368
 
Climate Engagement

-

61,587

(61,238)

-

-

349
 



668,387
711,587
(869,708)
210
-
510,476


Total of funds


1,360,107
1,179,151
(1,314,443)
-
(26,375)
1,198,440

Page 37

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19.

Statement of funds (continued)

Fund Details:
Unrestricted funds represent the funds that the Trustees are free to use in accordance with the charitable objectives.
The Trustees have created the following designated funds:
Wi-Fi - A designated fund has been created following the return of Wi-Fi project grants paid out in 2016-17.  As the project has finished, funders can no longer accept the funds and these have been included within SLIC's general fund.  The Trustees have agreed that this money should be retained for use on future digital projects and as a result has been ringfenced within a designated fund.
Covid Fund - The Board approved the establishment of a designated fund to be used to support any impact to the organisation’s operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restricted funds comprise:
 
PLIF - The Public Libraries Improvement Fund (PLIF) consists of an annual grant received from the Scottish Government which is allocated by SLIC in a competitive bidding process to local authorities. 10% of the fund is retained by SLIC as a management fee to cover project management and related support costs, and the status of this fund is regularly reported to Scottish Government.
 
Grants were allocated under the 6 strategic aims implemented by the Scottish Government:
1. Reading, Literacy & Learning
2. Digital Inclusion
3. Economic Wellbeing
4. Social Wellbeing
5. Culture & Creativity
6. Excellent Public Services
PLIF also supports ECALM and One Card.
TNT2 - The Scottish Library and Information Council have received funding from the Scottish Government to develop a national digital training project which will update the current workforce development tool and ensure frontline library staff have the training to deliver digital skills development programmes to local communities and public libraries continue to provide access to emerging technologies. The purpose of this role is to work with public library services, the digital champions network and key stakeholders to develop a national training needs assessment; to focus content creation; to increase capacity through hosting arrangements in order to meet the needs of a fully functioning national training solution and to develop content to cover emerging technology trends facing library staff.
Co-Working Hubs - The Scottish Government awarded SLIC with a grant of £150,000 to carry out the Library Coworking Hubs project.  This project aims to stimulate and support the development of digitally mature businesses, by offering coworking spaces within  public libraries.  The project aims to create a network of six co-working hubs in libraries across Scotland, with the anticipation that such hubs will become a more widespread feature of library service provision in the future.
SLIF - The School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF) is aimed at innovative projects which support the school library sector and is available to all state run schools in Scotland.


Page 38

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

19.

Statement of funds (continued)


Page 39

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

20.

Summary of funds


Summary of funds - current year

Balance at 1 April 2024
£
 
Income
£
 
Expenditure
£
 
Transfers in/out
£
 
Gains/
(Losses)
£
 
Balance at 31 March 2025
£
 
Designated funds

23,890

-

(18,670)

103

-

5,323
 
General funds

664,074

455,066

(480,325)

246

(7,374)

631,687
 
Restricted funds

510,476

677,518

(648,782)

(349)

-

538,863
 


1,198,440
1,132,584
(1,147,777)
-
(7,374)
1,175,873


Summary of funds - prior year

Balance at
1 April 2023
£
 
Income
£
 
Expenditure
£
 
Transfers in/out
£
 
Gains/
(Losses)
£
 
Balance at
31 March 2024
£
 
Designated funds

27,304

-

(3,414)

-

-

23,890
 
General funds

664,416

467,564

(441,321)

(210)

(26,375)

664,074
 
Restricted funds

668,387

711,587

(869,708)

210

-

510,476
 


1,360,107
1,179,151
(1,314,443)
-
(26,375)
1,198,440

Page 40

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

21.

Analysis of net assets between funds

Analysis of net assets between funds - current year

Unrestricted funds
2025
Restricted funds
2025
Total
funds
2025
        £
        £
        £



Tangible fixed assets

5,449

-

5,449

Fixed asset investments

318,507

-

318,507

Current assets

350,311

545,629

895,940

Creditors due within one year

(37,257)

(6,766)

(44,023)

Total 


637,010
538,863
1,175,873



Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year

Unrestricted funds
2024
Restricted funds
2024
Total
funds
2024
        £
        £
        £



Tangible fixed assets

2,974

-

2,974

Fixed asset investments

309,690

-

309,690

Current assets

412,834

567,944

980,778

Creditors due within one year

(37,534)

(39,468)

(77,002)

Provisions for liabilities and charges

-

(18,000)

(18,000)

Total 

687,964
510,476
1,198,440

Page 41

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

22.



Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash flow from operating activities


2025
2024
£
£

Net expenditure for the year (as per Statement of Financial Activities)



(23,567)

(125,667)

Adjustments for:

Depreciation charges
5,114
2,707

Gains/(losses) on investments
8,415
(9,449)

Dividends, interests and rents from investments
(36,452)
(31,685)

Increase in debtors
(25,982)
(3,168)

Increase/(decrease) in creditors
(10,244)
2,531

Defined Benefit pension service costs
42,000
43,000

Payments made to Defined Benefit pension scheme
(41,000)
(79,000)

Increase/(Decrease) in provisions
(18,000)
(33,339)

Net cash used in operating activities
(99,716)
(234,070)



23.



Analysis of cash and cash equivalents


2025
2024
£
£

Cash at bank and in hand
258,466
397,934

Total cash and cash equivalents
258,466
397,934


24.



Analysis of changes in net debt





At 1 April 2024
Cash flows
At 31 March 2025
£
£

£

Cash at bank and in hand

397,934

(139,468)

258,466

Short-term investment bonds

517,491

25,142

542,633


915,425
(114,326)
801,099


25.


Contingent liabilities

A contingent liability exists in respect of grants awarded where performance conditions on the recipient have not yet been met. Further details are shown in Note 7.

Page 42

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

26.


Pension commitments

The company operates a defined contribution pension scheme. The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund. The pension cost charge represents contributions payable by the company to the fund and amounted to £2,641 (2024 - £8,918). No contributions were payable to the fund at the balance sheet date. 

The Company operates a defined benefit pension scheme.

The assets of the scheme are held separately from those of the company in an independently administered fund.
The last full valuation was 31 March 2023. The scheme is fully funded. 

The total contributions made for the year ended 31 March 2025 were £20k (2024 - £66k), of which employer's contributions totalled £6k (2024 - £52k) and employee's contributions totalled £14k (2024 - £14k).

Principal actuarial assumptions at the Balance sheet date (expressed as weighted averages):

At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
%
%

Discount rate
5.80
4.85

Future salary increases
3.45
3.45

Future pension increases
2.75
2.75

Life expectancy is based on the Fund's VitaCurves with improvements in line with the CMI 2023 model, with a 15% weighting of 2023 (and 2022 data), a 0% weighting of 2021 (and 2020) data, standard smoothing (Sk7), initial adjustment of 0.25% and a long term rate of improvement of 1.5% p.a. Based on these assumptions, the average future life expectancies at age 65 are summarised below:



At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
Years
Years

Mortality rates (in years)

- for a male aged 65 now
19.7
19.8

- at 65 for a male aged 45 now
21.5
21.6

- for a female aged 65 now
23.3
23.3

- at 65 for a female aged 45 now
25.3
25.4


Page 43

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

26.Pension commitments (continued)

The Company's share of the assets in the scheme was:

At 31 March 2025
At 31 March 2024
%
%

Equities
60
58

Bonds
23
27

Property
9
10

Cash
8
5

Total fair value of assets
100
100

The actual return on scheme assets was £47,000 loss (2024 - £173,000 gain ).

The amounts recognised in the Statement of financial activities are as follows:

2025
2024
£
£

Current service cost
42,000
43,000

Interest income
(125,000)
(108,000)

Interest cost
90,000
81,000

Total amount recognised in the Statement of financial activities
7,000
16,000

Movements in the present value of the defined benefit obligation were as follows:

2025
2024
£
£

Opening defined benefit obligation
1,825,000
1,680,000

Current service cost
42,000
43,000

Interest cost
90,000
81,000

Contributions by scheme participants
14,000
14,000

Benefits paid
(7,000)
(6,000)

Actuarial gains
(356,000)
13,000

Closing defined benefit obligation
1,608,000
1,825,000

Page 44

 
SCOTTISH LIBRARY AND INFORMATION COUNCIL

(A company limited by guarantee)
 

 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

26.Pension commitments (continued)

Movements in the fair value of the Company's share of scheme assets were as follows:

2025
2024
£
£

Opening fair value of scheme assets
2,579,000
2,238,000

Interest received
125,000
108,000

Return on assets
(47,000)
173,000

Contributions by employer
6,000
52,000

Contributions by scheme participants
14,000
14,000

Benefits paid
(7,000)
(6,000)

Closing fair value of scheme assets
2,670,000
2,579,000


The Company has an unrecognised surplus of £1,062,000 (2024 - £754,000) in respect of its defined benefit pension scheme as it does not expect to recover the plan surplus either through reduced contributions in the future or through refunds from the plan.


27.


Operating lease commitments

At 31 March 2025 the Company had commitments to make future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

2025
2024
£
£


Not later than 1 year
16,856
2,127

Later than 1 year and not later than 5 years
29,498
-

46,354
2,127



28.


Related party note

The Company has not entered into any other related party transaction during the year, nor are there any outstanding balances owing between related parties and the Company at 31 March 2025, except as disclosed in Notes 11 and 12. 






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