ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that total funds increased to £29,663,502, driven by significant one-off revenues from corporate secondary licensing sales. The charity maintains free reserves of £10,476,146, which the trustees consider appropriate given the risks associated with publishing income volatility and building maintenance costs. The auditor confirmed that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate with no material uncertainties identified.
What the accounts disclose
“During the year no employees earned between £90,000 and £100,000 (2024 – one employee), one employee of the Society earned between £80,000 and £90,000 (2024 – one employee), one employee earned between £70,000 and £80,000 (2024 – one employee) and one employee earned between £60,000 and £70,000 (2024 – no employee).” — page 46
“During the year no employees earned between £90,000 and £100,000 (2024 – one employee), one employee of the Society earned between £80,000 and £90,000 (2024 – one employee), one employee earned between £70,000 and £80,000 (2024 – one employee) and one employee earned between £60,000 and £70,000 (2024 – no employee).” — page 46
“The Society awarded funding of £4,000 to the British Geophysical Association (BGA). BGA Committee members Prof James Hammond and Prof Andrew Curtis are trustees.” — page 47
“A £1,500 sponsorship payment was made to the UK Planetary Forum (UKPF) for its Impact of Planetary Geoscience conference. UKPF committee member Mrs Karen Anne Deovil is a trustee.” — page 47
“The Society awarded funding of £4,000 to the British Geophysical Association (BGA). BGA Committee members Prof James Hammond and Prof Andrew Curtis are trustees.” — page 47
“A £1,500 sponsorship payment was made to the UK Planetary Forum (UKPF) for its Impact of Planetary Geoscience conference. UKPF committee member Mrs Karen Anne Deovil is a trustee.” — page 47
“The Society awarded funding of £4,000 to the British Geophysical Association (BGA). BGA Committee members Prof James Hammond and Prof Andrew Curtis are trustees.” — page 47
“A £1,500 sponsorship payment was made to the UK Planetary Forum (UKPF) for its Impact of Planetary Geoscience conference. UKPF committee member Mrs Karen Anne Deovil is a trustee.” — page 47
Year-over-year changes
- Top pay band moved from £90,001 - £100,000 (FY2024) to £80,001 - £90,000 (FY2025).
Leadership, per the charity’s website
- Ian Russell — Executive Director
- Robert Massey — Deputy Executive Director
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/12/2025)
Trustees
- Dr Andrew Young
- Dr Andy Nowacki
- Dr Arvind Parmar
- Dr Chrysa Avdellidou
- Dr Cyrielle Opitom
- Dr Emma Elizabeth Kavanagh
- Dr Iain Hannah
- Dr Michael Peel
- Dr Olivia Keenan-Williamson
- Karen Anne Devoil
- Prof David Alexander
- Prof Jorick Vink
- Prof Mark Lester
- Prof Matthew Griffin
- Prof Peter Gallagher
- Prof Steven Miller
- Professor Andrew Curtis
- Professor James Hammond
- Professor James Wild
- Professor Paul Crowther
- Professor Stephen Eales
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £7.1m | £5.6m |
| 31/12/2024 | £5.2m | £4.7m |
| 31/12/2023 | £7.1m | £5.3m |
| 31/12/2022 | £5.3m | £4.7m |
| 31/12/2021 | £5.2m | £4.5m |
Common questions
Is ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY financially healthy?
The accounts state that total funds increased to £29,663,502, driven by significant one-off revenues from corporate secondary licensing sales. The charity maintains free reserves of £10,476,146, which the trustees consider appropriate given the risks associated with publishing income volatility and building maintenance costs. The auditor confirmed that the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate with no material uncertainties identified. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Buzzacott Audit LLP.
What does the highest-paid employee of ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY earn?
Per its FY2025 accounts, the highest-paid employee was in the £80,001 - £90,000 band, and 3 employees earned over £60,000.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE DORFMAN FOUNDATION | 1 | £208k |
| REUBEN FOUNDATION | 1 | £159k |
| THE RISMAN FOUNDATION | 1 | £50k |
| THE SINO-BRITISH FELLOWSHIP TRUST | 1 | £19k |
| DEVELOPMENTS IN LITERACY UK (UK) | 1 | £10k |
| THE JOHN S COHEN FOUNDATION | 1 | £8k |
| ANTIPODE FOUNDATION LTD. | 1 | £6k |
| Friends of the Nations' Libraries | 1 | £3k |