OKRE: OPENING KNOWLEDGE ACROSS RESEARCH AND ENTERTAINMENT
Latest income
£999k
Latest spending
£959k
Registered
2020
Accounts read
FY2025
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity held £273,648 in unrestricted reserves, which is below its stated policy target of six months' core costs. However, the trustees report that the charity remains in a strong financial position due to a seven-year funding commitment covering core costs and confirmed adequate resources for the foreseeable future.
What the accounts disclose
Reserves position: below the charity's own stated reserves policy
“As of 30 September 2025, the charity held £273,648 in unrestricted reserves, which represents approximately 2.5 months of core operational expenditure, under the set reserves policy target of six month’s core costs.” — page 13
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Payments to trustees: Nicholas Michael Button-Brown received £4,000 for services as a contractor.
“In the year ended 30 September 2025 Nicholas Michael Button-Brown, who served as a trustee throughout the period, was paid £4,000 in respect of services delivered to the charity as a contractor in relation to a oneoff project.” — page 32
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Philomena Gibbons - employment with Wellcome Trust
“OKRE trustee Philomena Gibbons was an employee of the Wellcome Trust until June 2025, which is the principal funder of the Charity.” — page 39
“During the prior year ended 30 September 2024, the purchase of venue tickets for the Sister Act Charity Gala fundraising event was underwritten by a £66,765 loan provided by Simon Ruddick who served as a trustee during the year until 19 July 2025.” — page 39
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Simon Ruddick - Loan
“OKRE trustee Philomena Gibbons was an employee of the Wellcome Trust until June 2025, which is the principal funder of the Charity.” — page 39
“During the prior year ended 30 September 2024, the purchase of venue tickets for the Sister Act Charity Gala fundraising event was underwritten by a £66,765 loan provided by Simon Ruddick who served as a trustee during the year until 19 July 2025.” — page 39
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Simon Ruddick - Donations
“OKRE trustee Philomena Gibbons was an employee of the Wellcome Trust until June 2025, which is the principal funder of the Charity.” — page 39
“During the prior year ended 30 September 2024, the purchase of venue tickets for the Sister Act Charity Gala fundraising event was underwritten by a £66,765 loan provided by Simon Ruddick who served as a trustee during the year until 19 July 2025.” — page 39
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Nicholas Michael Button-Brown - Services Delivered to Charity
“OKRE trustee Philomena Gibbons was an employee of the Wellcome Trust until June 2025, which is the principal funder of the Charity.” — page 39
“During the prior year ended 30 September 2024, the purchase of venue tickets for the Sister Act Charity Gala fundraising event was underwritten by a £66,765 loan provided by Simon Ruddick who served as a trustee during the year until 19 July 2025.” — page 39
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 30/09/2025)
Total income
£999k
Total spending
£959k
Cost of raising funds
£1k
Reserves (reported)
£274k
Employees
8
Trustees
- Dame Christine Ryan
- Jonathan Patrick Frederick Bradley
- Laura Clare
- Nicholas Michael Button-Brown MBA
- PHILOMENA GIBBONS
- Stephen Soo Lee
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 30/09/2025 | £999k | £959k |
| 30/09/2024 | £1.1m | £1.0m |
| 30/09/2023 | £790k | £652k |
| 30/09/2022 | £608k | £603k |
| 30/09/2021 | £646k | £367k |
Common questions
Is OKRE: OPENING KNOWLEDGE ACROSS RESEARCH AND ENTERTAINMENT financially healthy?
The accounts state that the charity held £273,648 in unrestricted reserves, which is below its stated policy target of six months' core costs. However, the trustees report that the charity remains in a strong financial position due to a seven-year funding commitment covering core costs and confirmed adequate resources for the foreseeable future. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Sedulo Audit Limited.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| Founders Pledge Ltd | 1 | £1.1m |
| EFFECTIVE VENTURES FOUNDATION | 1 | £136k |
| PROJECT GIVING BACK | 1 | £84k |
| THE THOMAS J HORNE MEMORIAL TRUST | 1 | £25k |
| CYSTIC FIBROSIS TRUST | 1 | £25k |
| ROBERT LUFF FOUNDATION LIMITED | 1 | £20k |
| SIR SAMUEL SCOTT OF YEWS TRUST | 1 | £20k |
| ZURICH COMMUNITY TRUST (UK) LIMITED | 1 | £16k |