The Society of College, National and University Libraries
Analysis
The Society of College, National and University Libraries is a registered charity in England and Wales, based in London. It was registered in October 1979, 47 years ago. Its declared purposes cover education/training, which this site groups under education and training. Legally it is a charitable company (Companies House number 01436951). It says it provides advocacy/advice/information.
In the financial year ending December 2025, The Society of College, National and University Libraries reported income of £769k and spending of £673k, spending 88% of its income. Across the 5 years on record, from December 2021 to December 2025, income grew from £484k to £769k (+59%), an average of +12% a year. The sharpest change came in the year to December 2023, when income rose by 32%. Over the whole period it spent 93% of the income it received.
Among 21,402 England and Wales charities whose main cause is education and training and that reported income, The Society of College, National and University Libraries sits at the 93rd percentile: it is larger than about 93% of them. Against every charity in England and Wales with reported income it ranks in the 92nd percentile. Charities of a similar size with the same main cause include Little Oaks Nursery Leeds Ltd (£769k), Green Lane Nursery and Child Care Centre (£770k) and Ben Gurion University Foundation (£767k).
In its latest detailed accounts, income came from donations and legacies 84%, charitable activities 7.0%, trading 5.7% and investments 3.6%. Charitable activities took 100% of spending and raising funds 0.0%. Reserves of £539k would cover about 10 months of spending at that rate. It employed 7 people.
Income and spending
Where the income comes from
- Donations 84%
- Charitable activities 7.0%
- Trading 5.7%
- Investments 3.6%
In the charity's own words
- Influencing government agencies and other bodies to develop policies and practices that support our vision- Adopting an advocacy role (in relation, for example, to legislative and scholarly communication developments)- Facilitative and collaborative working both within the sector and with other partners (including an observatory and technology watch role).
Similar-sized charities, same cause
| Charity | Location | Income |
|---|---|---|
| Little Oaks Nursery Leeds Ltd | Leeds | £769k |
| Green Lane Nursery and Child Care Centre | Barnard Castle | £770k |
| Ben Gurion University Foundation | London | £767k |
| Causeway Education Ltd | London | £772k |