THE NATIONAL LIFE STORY COLLECTION
The charity was established in 1987 to 'record first-hand experiences of as wide a cross-section of present-day society as possible'. Its key focus and expertise has been oral history fieldwork and for thirty years it has initiated a series of innovative interviewing programmes.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that total income for the year was £306,343 against total expenditure of £367,729, resulting in a net deficit before investment gains. However, unrestricted funds increased to £726,809, and the charity holds total reserves of £953,411, which the Trustees consider sufficient to continue activities for the foreseeable future.
What the accounts disclose
“Unrestricted funds are intended to provide sufficient resources to maintain the general activities of the charity.” — page 9
“During the year the Charity purchased services eg printing, travel, office consumables, staff training and hospitality from the British Library amounting to £7,905.” — page 27
Trustees
- DAME JENNY ABRAMSKY DBEchair
- Amanda Game
- BOB BOAS
- Bill Knight
- Dr Andrew David Flinn
- Dr Janet Constance Topp Fargion
- Dr ROB PERKS
- Mary Stewart
- Prof Jon Agar
- Professor Fareda Banda
- Professor Nelarine Estella Cornelius
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/12/2025 | £306k | £368k |
| 31/12/2024 | £299k | £319k |
| 31/12/2023 | £289k | £347k |
| 31/12/2022 | £275k | £253k |
| 31/12/2021 | £164k | £222k |
Common questions
Is THE NATIONAL LIFE STORY COLLECTION financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that total income for the year was £306,343 against total expenditure of £367,729, resulting in a net deficit before investment gains. However, unrestricted funds increased to £726,809, and the charity holds total reserves of £953,411, which the Trustees consider sufficient to continue activities for the foreseeable future. Its FY2025 accounts were audited by Parker Cavendish.
Who funds THE NATIONAL LIFE STORY COLLECTION?
Funders whose own accounts filings name THE NATIONAL LIFE STORY COLLECTION as a grant recipient include THE MARCHUS TRUST.
Known funders
| Funder | Year | Amount | Purpose (as stated by the funder) |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE MARCHUS TRUST | FY2025 | £5k |