SOUTHERN UNIVERSITIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Latest income
£4.8m
Latest spending
£4.8m
Registered
1994
Accounts read
FY2024
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a surplus of £993k for the year ended 31 July 2024, with total income increasing to £4,789k. Per the trustees' report, free reserves held at the year-end were within the target range of 6 to 9 months of operating costs, and the directors confirmed the charity is a going concern with adequate resources.
What the accounts disclose
Reserves policy: 6 and 9 months of operating costs (held: £3.2m)
“The Management Committee set the target for the 2023/24 financial year for free reserves – working capital – to be maintained in a range of 6 and 9 months of operating costs.” — page 7
Per its FY2024 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: University of Reading
“The University of Reading also provides payroll, supplier payments, banking services, pensions facilities, IT infrastructure and IT support to the charitable company. The charitable company makes payment to the University of Reading for the services provided and for rentals for the premises occupied under lease by the charitable company.” — page 5
“During the year, £30,011 (2023: £12,616) was paid by the Charity to an individual under a contract of employment through the Charity payroll in line with the pay policy and normal pay scales. The individual is connected to Joel Arber, SUMS Group Managing Director.” — page 28
Per its FY2024 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Joel Arber
“The University of Reading also provides payroll, supplier payments, banking services, pensions facilities, IT infrastructure and IT support to the charitable company. The charitable company makes payment to the University of Reading for the services provided and for rentals for the premises occupied under lease by the charitable company.” — page 5
“During the year, £30,011 (2023: £12,616) was paid by the Charity to an individual under a contract of employment through the Charity payroll in line with the pay policy and normal pay scales. The individual is connected to Joel Arber, SUMS Group Managing Director.” — page 28
Per its FY2024 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Director Expenses
“The University of Reading also provides payroll, supplier payments, banking services, pensions facilities, IT infrastructure and IT support to the charitable company. The charitable company makes payment to the University of Reading for the services provided and for rentals for the premises occupied under lease by the charitable company.” — page 5
“During the year, £30,011 (2023: £12,616) was paid by the Charity to an individual under a contract of employment through the Charity payroll in line with the pay policy and normal pay scales. The individual is connected to Joel Arber, SUMS Group Managing Director.” — page 28
Per its FY2024 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/07/2025)
Total income
£4.8m
Total spending
£4.8m
Reserves (reported)
£3.3m
Employees
45
Trustees
- Colin Campbell
- Elizabeth Colden
- Joanne Sibbald
- Lisa Jeffries
- Martin Williams
- Robert John Bloomer
- Stuart Higgins
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/07/2025 | £4.8m | £4.8m |
| 31/07/2024 | £4.8m | £3.8m |
| 31/07/2023 | £4.1m | £3.4m |
| 31/07/2022 | £3.1m | £3.1m |
| 31/07/2021 | £2.5m | £2.2m |
Common questions
Is SOUTHERN UNIVERSITIES MANAGEMENT SERVICES financially healthy?
The accounts state that the charity reported a surplus of £993k for the year ended 31 July 2024, with total income increasing to £4,789k. Per the trustees' report, free reserves held at the year-end were within the target range of 6 to 9 months of operating costs, and the directors confirmed the charity is a going concern with adequate resources. Its FY2024 accounts were audited by James Cowper Kreston Audit.