WHALE AND DOLPHIN CONSERVATION
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the group reported a net deficit of £700,375 for the year ended 30 September 2025, resulting in total reserves of £1,302,026. Per the trustees' report, unrestricted free reserves of £1,055,094 were slightly below the stated policy target of £1,100,000, though the trustees consider the going concern basis appropriate given current cash balances and operating position.
What the accounts disclose
“In the band £90,001 - £100,000” — page 43
“As a result of the most recent review, the Trustees have determined that the reserve level which will meet the above objectives is £1,100,000 in unrestricted funds.” — page 24
“A grant of £100,347 (2024: £21,153) was awarded to the Charity by WDC (North America) Inc during the year to support their projects.” — page 54
“A grant of £Nil (2024: £3,809) was awarded by the Charity to WDC (North America) Inc during the year to support their projects.” — page 54
“A grant of £100,347 (2024: £21,153) was awarded to the Charity by WDC (North America) Inc during the year to support their projects.” — page 54
“A grant of £Nil (2024: £3,809) was awarded by the Charity to WDC (North America) Inc during the year to support their projects.” — page 54
“A grant of £100,347 (2024: £21,153) was awarded to the Charity by WDC (North America) Inc during the year to support their projects.” — page 54
“A grant of £Nil (2024: £3,809) was awarded by the Charity to WDC (North America) Inc during the year to support their projects.” — page 54
“The trading subsidiary, WDC (Trading) Ltd., raises income through merchandise, running a café, licensing and lotteries.” — page 18
Year-over-year changes
- Top pay band moved from £80,001 - £90,000 (FY2024) to £90,001 - £100,000 (FY2025).
Corporate structure
- Trading subsidiary: WDC (TRADING) LIMITED Companies House 02593116
- Registered company of the charity Companies House 02737421
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 30/09/2025)
Trustees
- Dr LISA DREWEchair
- ADRIAN JOHN REED
- ALEXANDER JOHN HUNT
- Arietta Bortot
- Hannah McCarthy
- JOHN GERARD LEIGH
- Jessica Pollitt
- PHIL SMITH
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/09/2025 | £5.2m | £5.9m |
| 30/09/2024 | £5.3m | £6.5m |
| 30/09/2023 | £5.9m | £5.8m |
| 30/09/2022 | £4.8m | £4.8m |
| 30/09/2021 | £5.0m | £4.4m |
Common questions
Is WHALE AND DOLPHIN CONSERVATION financially healthy?
The accounts state that the group reported a net deficit of £700,375 for the year ended 30 September 2025, resulting in total reserves of £1,302,026. Per the trustees' report, unrestricted free reserves of £1,055,094 were slightly below the stated policy target of £1,100,000, though the trustees consider the going concern basis appropriate given current cash balances and operating position. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Bishop Fleming Audit Limited.
What does the highest-paid employee of WHALE AND DOLPHIN CONSERVATION earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £90,001 - £100,000 band.
Who funds WHALE AND DOLPHIN CONSERVATION?
Funders whose own accounts filings name WHALE AND DOLPHIN CONSERVATION as a grant recipient include The Global Returns Project Limited, CHAPMAN CHARITABLE TRUST, R G HILLS CHARITABLE TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Global Returns Project Limited | FY2024 | £75k |
| The Global Returns Project Limited | FY2023 | £28k |
| CHAPMAN CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2024 | £1k |
| R G HILLS CHARITABLE TRUST | FY2023 | £1k |
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| The National Lottery Heritage Fund | 28/11/2019 | £190k | "Bringing WDC Shorewatch to the Northern Isles: community action for whales and dolphins" |
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| MARJORIE COOTE ANIMAL CHARITY TRUST | 2 | £3k |
| WHITLEY ANIMAL PROTECTION TRUST | 1 | £254k |
| The William Brake Foundation | 1 | £250k |
| THE CONSTANCE TRAVIS CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £130k |
| THE RORY AND ELIZABETH BROOKS FOUNDATION | 1 | £100k |
| THE FOUNDATION FOR THE PROMOTION OF WELL-BEING | 1 | £85k |
| THE DIXON FOUNDATION | 1 | £65k |
| THE CORCORAN FOUNDATION | 1 | £63k |