THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
The Royal Society of Literature celebrates and nurtures all that is best in British literature, past and present. We are the UK's charity for the advancement of literature. We act as a voice for the value of literature, engage people in literature, and honour and encourage writers. Activities include public events, awards and prizes, campaigns and young people's outreach.
Financial health, per its FY2024 accounts
The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £81,830 for the year, driven by significant legal and governance costs following a period of public scrutiny. Despite the deficit, the charity holds unrestricted and designated reserves of £591,780, which is substantially in excess of its stated policy target of £90,000 to £180,000. The trustees confirm that adequate resources are available to continue operations on a going concern basis.
What the accounts disclose
“During the year, the following employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension’s costs) over £60,000, in the following bands: £90,001 - £100,000 No. 1” — page 34
“During the year, the following employees received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension’s costs) over £60,000, in the following bands: £90,001 - £100,000 No. 1” — page 34
“Following Charity Commission guidance, the Trustees aim to maintain unrestricted reserves equivalent to three to six months of core operating costs, which equates to £90,000 to £180,000” — page 14
“Daljit Nagra £2,200 (2023: £nil) for outreach activities” — page 41
“Louise Doughty £180 (2023: nil) for outreach activities” — page 41
“Daljit Nagra £2,200 (2023: £nil) for outreach activities” — page 41
“Louise Doughty £180 (2023: nil) for outreach activities” — page 41
“Daljit Nagra £2,200 (2023: £nil) for outreach activities” — page 41
“Louise Doughty £180 (2023: nil) for outreach activities” — page 41
“In early 2024 the RSL made a serious incident report to the Charity Commission in relation to potential reputational damage from press coverage.” — page 10
“In February, the Trustees made a voluntary, precautionary self-referral to the Charity Commission, recognising that heightened public scrutiny posed a material reputational and therefore financial risk.”
“In early 2024 the RSL made a serious incident report to the Charity Commission in relation to potential reputational damage from press coverage.” — page 10
“In February, the Trustees made a voluntary, precautionary self-referral to the Charity Commission, recognising that heightened public scrutiny posed a material reputational and therefore financial risk.”
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/12/2022)
Register events
- Received assets from another charity (15/08/2013)
Trustees
- Catherine Johnson FRSL
- Daisy Hay FRSL
- David Taylor
- Dr Helen Mort FRSL
- Dr Joanna Kavenna FRSL
- Dr Ruth Scurr
- Inua Ellams
- Maureen Freely FRSL
- Patrick McGuinness FRSL
- Professor Claire Harman FRSL
- Reza Vishkai
- Susheila Nasta
- William Russell Dixon
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2024 | £236k | £735k |
| 31/12/2023 | £255k | £577k |
| 31/12/2022 | £1.2m | £512k |
| 31/12/2021 | £290k | £463k |
| 31/12/2020 | £338k | £428k |
Common questions
Is THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM financially healthy?
Per its FY2024 accounts: The accounts state that the charity reported a net deficit of £81,830 for the year, driven by significant legal and governance costs following a period of public scrutiny. Despite the deficit, the charity holds unrestricted and designated reserves of £591,780, which is substantially in excess of its stated policy target of £90,000 to £180,000. The trustees confirm that adequate resources are available to continue operations on a going concern basis. Its FY2024 accounts were audited by Azets Audit Services.
What does the highest-paid employee of THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE OF THE UNITED KINGDOM earn?
Per its FY2024 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £90,001 - £100,000 band, and 1 employees earned over £60,000.
Government & lottery funding
| Funder | Date | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK government | 20/12/2024 | £7k | Entente Litteraire Award |