Indian Himalayas - Peruvian Amazon – Dangoor Next Generation Programme: Iceland Operation Aspire: Romania – Stellar Leadership Development Programme: Norway Arctic Skills Course: Svalbard

Annual Report 2015

Our environment, our knowledge, our society,

indeed life itself, is constantly changing, some

would say at an ever-increasing pace. At British

Exploring we believe that change is to be embraced,

to be seen as opportunity, albeit often very

challenging. Just as we expect our young explorers

to step up to many a challenge, so we, the Society,

have to rise to challenges and seek out the

opportunities that come from them.

What changes, what challenges, what

opportunities have we been encountering and

how are we addressing them?

There are well-researched, long-term trends in

wealthy, developed societies such as loss of

resilience and a lack of appreciation of risk; there is

the diminishing opportunity to find the unexplored;

there is the ratchet of ever-increasing, well-meaning

regulation; the marketplace of offerings for the

young to go into the wild is ever more crowded;

the retrenchment of government funding for the

young is having a ripple effect across the charitable

sector and has reached our bottom line; there

seems to be an increasing cynicism towards, or

should I say alienation from, the ‘establishment’;

and so on. The list is long.

Looked at from another perspective, what British

Exploring has to offer by way of developing the life

skills of the young is ever more important; the

more you discover, the more you realise there is

to discover; regulation provides a marvellous

opportunity to improve standards; the competition

drives us to highlight our unusually successful

development methods and differentiate them from

the crowd; we are necessarily driven to diversify

our partnerships to give us greater resilience;

we have the opportunity to help develop the

responsible leaders of tomorrow that will eschew

cynicism and populism; and so on.

These six issues, with many others, provide the

backdrop to potentially very exciting developments

at British Exploring.

During the year we instigated a major strategic

review setting the parameters for our newly-in-

stalled Chief Executive, who will complete the review

and develop a long-term plan for considerable

expansion with an increasing emphasis on those

young people who have most to gain from our

highly-successful development methods. Honor

Wilson-Fletcher will be putting her proposed

strategic plan to the meeting of trustees in June.

It will build on the modernisation of the Society in

recent years and, we hope, will be transformative.

It will undoubtedly require investment in our future

- a further challenge, which, I am convinced, will

lead to ever more opportunities.

I expect this to be the last annual report that I will

sign for British Exploring. In doing so I wish it well.

It has a dynamic forward-looking board of trustees,

a highly professional Chief Executive, an

extraordinarily enthusiastic staff, a very committed

group of volunteers and well-proven ways of

developing the young through exploration -

all the ingredients for success!

Edward Watson, Chairman

6 March 2016

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Contents

Chairman’s Report 02Expedition Reports

Indian Himalayas 03Peruvian Amazon 04Operation Aspire - Romania 05Dangoor Next Generation Programme - Iceland 06Stellar Leadership Development Programme - Norway 08Arctic Skills Course - Svalbard 09

Previous Expeditions of the Society 10Company Information 11Council’s Report 12Summarised Financial Statements 15Acknowledgements 19

Chairman’s Foreword

Edward Watson, Chairman

The 2015 British Exploring expedition to the Himalayas was based at the headwaters of theZanskar valley in Jammu and Kashmir, wherevast glacier valleys run down to meadows ofalpine flowers and where the distinct cultures ofthe Himalayas meet. At 4400m above sea level ittook three days of difficult driving to reach theZanskar valley where we established a basecamp by crossing the Pensi La on foot with allthe expedition supplies.

The Zanskar is a region cut off by snow for eightmonths of the year; yet it is also a Buddhist enclave on the edge of Baltistan where semi-nomadic herders reach high pastures during thesummer months making camps from which tograze yak, horses, cattle and goats. The mountainlandscape is striking, with rock pinnacles and icefaces rising steeply from the valley floor. Streamsof crystal water flow down the glacier valleysforming small rivers that coalesce to form tremendous torrents.

With food and equipment on their backs the sixexpedition Fires explored hidden places, caves,crevasses and waterfalls, and climbed throughsnow, rock and ice to reach mountain tops. Theenvironments around us required everyone to develop fitness and the technical competence forsafe mountain travel. Every member of the teamlearnt the essential skills for moving across rivers,over glaciers, on remote area hikes and to dealwith camping in every situation they encountered.

Explorers rose to the challenges of camp craft andtrekking as well as the daily chores of expeditionlife. At this altitude the weather and conditionswere extreme, with periods of blistering heat followed by flurries of snow, freezing rain andwind storms. Tents were tied to the ground bycountless ropes. Stoves would be encased in rockshelters to enable successful cooking. The Firesundertook formidable journeys and ascentsthroughout the area, coping with all manner of obstacles.

For the 82 members of this team the Pensi La was the centre point for a diverse programme ofexploration, field studies and technical training.The expedition's talented team of science andmedia leaders coordinated projects in botany, geology, glaciology, meteorology, physiology andlake studies. Each day, small teams learnt methodsfor collecting, analysing and interpreting dataabout the natural environment. The expeditionalso formed two teams to study the ethnic and cultural elements of the Zanskar. It was a remarkable privilege to be welcomed into monasteries, to share meals in herder camps and have an audience with community elders,monks and amchi (traditional healers).

The cooperation and perseverance displayed by this team was second to none. Having led numerous other expeditions with British Exploring,I was still astounded to see the stamina, creativity,teamwork, humour and skill that this team displayed in its journeys, projects and daily life.

Andrew Stokes-Rees, Chief Leader

Indian Himalayas Expedition

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“I love how both science and adventure were combined into one trip. Although we were one expedition everyone could have their

own personal experiences where they could choose exactly which science projects or activities they wanted to participate in and

everyone felt challenged in their own way.”Explorer, 2015

The Amazon 2015 expedition was a bold and ambitious return by the British Exploring Societyto the tropical rain forest, bringing to life itsfounding ethos of adventure with purpose.Working in partnership with the Crees Foundation we deployed a very large expeditionto the Fundo Mascoitania in the Manu NationalPark and Biosphere Reserve of Southern Peru.

The primary objectives of the expedition were toconduct ecological surveys from the Rio AlteMadre de Dios through the secondary tropical forest up onto the outlying Andean ridge of thePini Pini and its little explored primary cloud forest. We created new trails up the ridge to allow

access both for the expedition and for the scientists from the Manu Learning Centre run byCrees. The data captured through the extensiveflora and fauna surveys demonstrated the extraor-dinary biodiversity of the location and would beutilised by Crees to evidence the pressing need toconserve this vital ecological resource. Our workreinforced considerably the ongoing science workand capacity of Crees in this vital research area.

In conjunction with the science and adventurework, the expedition also participated in and bolstered the ongoing community project work of the Crees Foundation in the Salvacion area with Fires engaged in agroforestry and bio gardendevelopment work.

The expedition was located in a large base camparea adjacent to the Rio Alte Madre de Dios utilising a central hub and distributed Fire Camps.The complex and ambitious matrix of science, adventure and community project work was successfully undertaken by an extraordinarily engaged and enthusiastic expedition team. As the first iteration of this series of tropical rain forest expeditions in partnership with Crees, it proved an outstanding success.

Dr Steve Lloyd, Chief Leader

Peruvian Amazon ExpeditionBri

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The TrainingOur journey begins in Tower Hamlets with a groupof teenagers filled with trepidation but with an appetite for a challenge. Their first introduction to the expedition experience was an inductionweekend, set in the hollow of Phasels Wood. Aninteresting experience for some when they realizedthat a 6ft x 5ft x 4ft piece of nylon was going tobe their home for the forth-coming three week expedition.

The week-long training was based in the Peak District in Edale. Here our Explorers experiencedcooking in the field, an alien concept to most thatwould soon become daily routine in the altogethertougher environment of the Romanian Mountains.

The Expedition We landed in Bucharest with high temperatures of 35c and headed to our Base Camp at VamaBuzaului. The Explorers’ first challenge was to

ascend to 1954 metres in the Ciucas Mountains.Some struggled to come to terms with the enormity of the task at hand. The picturesque massifs of Transylvania are no push over. Our Explorers learned that they really needed to focus if they were to complete the task they had been set.

We transferred to Piatra Craiului Massif with its extremely challenging terrain including a descentdown a tortuous limestone couloir (although radial treks allowed for flexibility of route choice within the group). While in this area we experienced lightning and violent rain burstswhich battered the area. Romania was definitelyshowing the Explorers her tougher side.

And now for the big one. The Explorers moved onto Plaiul Foii as their launch pad for the FagarasRidge known as the Transylvanian Alps. TheForestry Corporates are slowly eating away at

Romania and have been destroying the landscapefor decades. As a result some of the routes havebecome a complicated jungle with discarded logs,churned up roots and general debris slowingdown progress to a crawl.

Everyone had to work hard navigating throughthe wreckage, and the Explorers found them-selves using extraordinary amounts of energy. The Fagaras Ridge successfully tested everyone as our Explorers were stretched further than ever,and learned valuable lessons about being on achallenging expedition, and about their own capacity.

Thank you to those who made the expedition possible, and well done to all our participants!

Kev Sidford FRGS, Chief Leader

Operation Aspire – Transylvania Romania Expedition

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“There was something there that you cannot really find herein London and that is the immense constellation of stars.”Operation Aspire Explorer, 2015

“British Exploring helped me learn so much aboutmyself: my strengths and weaknesses, and my abilityto put others first. My team was so amazing and really helped me through the experience and I hope I helped them too. I believe this programme is life changing […] and would like to say thank you to British Exploring, Catch 22 and my awesome team. Team Dragon!” Dangoor Next Generation participant, 2015

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Dangoor Next Generation Programme – Iceland

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The collaboration of the British Exploring Society and Catch 22 has, in just a few years, established one of the most forward lookingyouth adventure learning programmes any-where. The journey to Iceland 2015 started in the autumn of 2014 as we began recruiting leaders before running a number of weekendtraining programmes. After a weeklong preparation expedition on Dartmoor, the reality of the Icelandic landscape beckoned and so on 17th July 2015 commenced the threeweek journey of discovery.

Iceland is a close neighbour to the UK, easily accessible and yet so different. The landscapes varybut predominantly the interior is sparsely inhabitedand resembles something more like the moon. Thesurroundings and weather never fail to leave you inspired and challenged and they provide this programme with a unique blend of wilderness and exploration. Based some 70km from Akureyri, the

expedition took part in the region south of Svartakotfarm. This is an area of ancient and barren lava fields,deserts, old volcanoes, deep gorges, waterfalls andthe massif of the active volcano, Askja. Snowfields arein abundance around here and just to the south ofthis area lies the mighty Vatnajokull icecap. The pre-dominant lava fields provide great challenges as thereare few paths and route finding can be problematic ifyou stray. There are limited water supplies away fromthe rivers and the weather even in July and Augustcan be very cold with high winds, rain and even snow.The environment would test both team and individualresilience and require a real effort to support eachother. The expedition provided three key phases:

• The volcano phase, the ascent of Askja.

• The mountain phase, the ascent of Sellandafjall

• The water fall phase, the exploration of the river Svarta and its associated waterfalls and valleys.

Base camp was set up in an area central to thesephases next to the river on the edge of the lava fields.

The programme enables young people to exploretheir own needs, to set goals and to reflect upon the progress they are making. Facilitated by the leaders, there is real sense of purpose, challenge and reflection from all the Teams and whilst the outcomes on each phase are seen and celebrated as team achievements the individual stories andprogress within this has been outstanding.

The programme is about a journey. When the leader-ship group first met I sought to ensure we shared ourmotivations, hopes and fears to allow us to under-stand what our overall ethos might be. It was clearthen that we had a very special group of people onboard, and it has been my privilege to have been apart of it. I have rarely seen such effective facilitatorswho have supported one another and then engagedso powerfully with a group of young people who

maybe thought the world seemed not to care aboutthem. We all whole heartedly believed we could makea difference – and we have!

The journey towards and through Iceland has been ajourney about individuals and has enabled some veryspecial achievements. Some are obvious to us all andshine through so vividly. Others are more covert, butwill be equally powerful; and others in time, will show.

David Bartles-Smith, Chief Leader

The 2015 ‘Stellar’ Leadership Development Programme was the fifth successive programmerun in partnership with the London Law Trust.Developing 'Leadership for Good' is the guidingprinciple of the programme which aims to provide young people with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of themselvesand the concept of values-based leadership. We ran the programme in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in 2011 and 2012 and then moved toSouthern Norway in 2013. We returned to theOtra valley for the 2014 programme and again in 2015 using the village of Evje as our base.

'Stellar' aims to develop the leadership abilities ofthe participants by focusing on developing theirself and social awareness as well as critical leader-ship skills. Learning how to act and lead based onpersonal values and in the best interests of societyare the foundations for the Stellar programme.The mechanism for achieving this is through

practical hands on experiences, academic inputs,facilitated reviews and discussions whilst using aremote wilderness canoe journey to act as a class-room for exploration. A community engagementproject allows the participants to put into practicethe skills and knowledge they have acquired overthe programme.

For the first three days of the programme wewere based at an outdoor centre on the banks of the Otra River. This is a fantastic venue wherewe laid the foundations of development with a variety of sessions on topics such as emotional intelligence, exploring beliefs and the concept ofleadership as action whilst discussing the conceptof behavioural preferences.

Five days canoeing down the stunning Otra River allowed us to work in three smaller groupsto have more in depth discussions and allow theparticipants to practice facilitating ethical debate.

They also had the chance to plan their ideas for the community project and consider the world of well-being through the lens of positivepsychology.

Four weeks after the expedition we ran a followup weekend that gave the group the chance to reflect on their personal learning and commit tomaintaining their personal growth through regularcontact with their development groups and theever growing and active Stellar alumni society.

We are enormously grateful for the vision andcontinued support of the The London Law Trust in helping young people to develop the skills andconfidence to influence society for good in an ethically led way.

Scotty Johnson, Programme Director

Stellar Leadership Programme 2015 - Norway

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The aim of the Arctic Skills Course in Svalbardwas to train a cohort of future leaders experi-enced in British Exploring Methodology to gainthe necessary skills and knowledge to compe-tently lead on future expeditions in the Arcticand Svalbard in particular.

The course objectives were to:

• Undertake a rigorous training course / expedition to ensure skills delivery and consolidation.

• To deliver comprehensive glacier travel, crevasse rescue training and rope skills.

• To deliver a comprehensive Polar Bear behaviour and countermeasure training programme, to ensure understanding and compliance with Standard Operating Procedures.

• To deliver a comprehensive weapons familiarisation training course, alongside a practical demonstration of competence with the weapons systems used.

• To deliver a course that is rigorous, comprehensive and based in sound theory and practice, that is industry defining and leading, ensuring that the Society continues to be able to operate safely in Arctic environments.

• Leaders will leave the programme with a clear insight into operating in an Arctic environment.

SyllabusDuring the training course the participants followed a syllabus designed by the Society tomeet the requirements of delivering an expeditionin the Arctic in conjunction with Subject MatterExperts deemed as rigorous, comprehensive and suitable for the aims of the programme.

Principal subjects covered were:• Leadership• Camp Craft• Travel on snow and ice• Rescue Techniques• Weapons Familiarisation• Natural and Cultural History

OutcomesWe were unfortunate in that we were not able toset up base camp at the Northern access point ofthe Nordenskiold Glacier due to winter sea ice inthe fjord. Our eventual base camp was sited some2 hours from the glacier snout which involved carrying the equipment before the pulks could beused. We also had 3 days of winds at base campand high winds and spindrift could be seen on the upper reaches of the glacier. It was thereforenecessary to modify our programme somewhatwhich resulted in us being in base camp longerthan planned and having greater distances totravel to get to the glacier and the icefall for glacier travel and crevasse rescue training.

Considerable time was spent at base camp in perfecting the security fence system and testing a variety of cartridges.

All participants were enthusiastic and took a fullpart in the course, adding their own personalknowledge and experience to the mix and givinga broader base for discussion and reinforcing thelearning experience.

Mick Pawley, Chief Leader

Arctic Training Course – Svalbard

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Previous Expeditions of the Society

Finland Expedition 1932Hon Chief Leader: Surg Cdr G Murray Levick RN8 Boys

Lapland Expedition 1933Hon Chief Leader: Surg Cdr G Murray Levick RN4 Leaders 30 Boys

Newfoundland Expedition1934Hon Chief Leader: SurgCdr G Murray Levick RN6 Leaders46 Boys

Newfoundland Expedition1935Hon Chief Leader: SurgCdr G Murray Levick RN6 Leaders46 Boys

Lapland Expedition 1936SENIOR EXPEDITIONHon Chief Leader: SurgCdr G Murray Levick RN6 Leaders64 Boys

JUNIOR EXPEDITIONHon Chief Leader: Capt C A Carkeet-JamesRA5 Leaders38 Boys

Newfoundland Expedition1937Hon Chief Leader: Surg Cdr G Murray Levick RN10 Leaders77 Boys

Newfoundland Expedition1938Hon Chief Leader: Surg Cdr G Murray Levick RN9 Leaders 42 Boys

Newfoundland Expedition1939Hon Chief Leader: Surg Cdr G Murray Levick RN6 Leaders45 Boys

Newfoundland Expedition1947(First Post-War)Hon Chief Leader: Surg Cdr G Murray Levick RN8 Leaders70 Boys

Northern Quebec Expedition 1948Hon Chief Leader: Maj G F Spooner PARA7 Leaders54 Boys

Northern Norway Expedition 1949Hon Chief Leader: Maj G F Spooner PARA9 Leaders67 Boys9 Norwegian Boys, guests of the Society

Northern Norway Expedition 1950Hon Chief Leader: Dr J CHawksley CBE PhD FRCP 7 Leaders55 Boys6 Norwegian Boys, guests of the Society

Central Iceland Expedition 1951Hon Chief Leader: Maj F G Hannell RE BSc9 Leaders64 Boys2 Icelandic Boys, guests of the Society

Central Iceland Expedition 1952Hon Chief Leader: Capt J A Taplin RM12 Leaders65 Boys1 Icelandic Boy, guest of the Society

British Columbia Expedition 1953Hon Chief Leader: Maj G F Hannell PhD BSc11 Leaders69 Boys

Northern Quebec Expedition 1954Hon Chief Leader: Maj E D Stroud DSC RM(Retd)8 Leaders58 Boys including 5 Canadians

Newfoundland Expedition1955Hon Chief Leader: Maj G F Spooner RFusiliers7 Leaders55 Boys

Central Iceland Expedition 1956Hon Chief Leader: Maj G F Hannell PhD BSc10 Leaders50 Boys

Finnish Lapland Expedition 1957Hon Chief Leader: Capt A G Bomford RE10 Leaders63 Boys

Labrador Expedition 1958Hon Chief Leader: Maj G S Murray MC9 Leaders63 Boys

Arctic Sweden Expedition1959Hon Chief Leader: Maj G F Hannell PhD BSc10 Leaders65 Boys2 Swedish Boys, guests of the Society

Central Iceland Expedition 1960Hon Chief Leader: Maj A P H B Fowle MC RA11 Leaders65 Boys4 Icelandic Boys, guests of the Society

Arctic Scandinavia Expedition 1961Hon Chief Leader: Dr J A Payne MB BS11 Leaders65 Boys1 Norwegian and 7Swedish Boys, guests ofthe Society

Swedish Lapland Expedition 1962Hon Chief Leader: Dr I Y Ashwell MA9 Leaders64 Boys4 Swedish Boys, guests of the Society

Arctic Finland Expedition1963Hon Chief Leader: Capt T D Dean 1st Bn East Anglian Regt9 Leaders66 Boys2 Finnish Boys, guests of the Society

Central Iceland Expedition 1964Hon Chief Leader: Maj W Stanford RHA10 Leaders67 Boys2 Icelandic Boys, guests of the Society

Arctic Norway Expedition1965Hon Chief Leader: Maj D R Goddard SCLI11 Leaders66 Boys3 Norwegian Boys, guests of the Society

Arctic Sweden Expedition1966Hon Chief Leader: R J Wood MA9 Leaders67 Boys2 Swedish Boys, guests of the Society

Arctic Norway Expedition1967Hon Chief Leader: Capt D T Jackson PARA11 Leaders63 Boys2 Norwegian Boys, guests of the Society

Spitsbergen Expedition1968Hon Chief Leader: Dr J A Payne MB BS8 Leaders35 Boys

Newfoundland Expedition1969Hon Chief Leader: Maj T D Dean Anglian Regt11 Leaders:69 Boys1 Newfoundland Boy, guest of the Society

Iceland Expedition 1970Hon Chief Leader: Dr I Y Ashwell PhD MA12 Leaders70 Boys

Iceland Expedition 1971Hon Chief Leader: D J Mordaunt:13 Leaders65 Boys

Greenland Expedition1972Hon Chief Leader: Dr J A Payne MB BS7 Leaders22 Boys

Arctic Norway Expedition1972Hon Chief Leader: Flt Lt D G Allan RAF Regt7 Leaders50 Boys1 Norwegian Boy, guest of the Society

Arctic Sweden Expedition1973Hon Chief Leader: D J Mordaunt13 Leaders75 Boys

Arctic Sweden Expedition1974Hon Chief Leader: G Downie BSc10 Leaders65 Boys

Central Iceland Expedition 1975Hon Chief Leader: Dr I Y Ashwell PhD MA13 Leaders63 Boys

Arctic Finland Expedition1976Hon Chief Leader: M L Winspear14 Leaders76 Boys

(1) North Iceland Expedition 1977Hon Chief Leader: Maj D T Jackson PARA14 Leaders56 Boys

(2) East Iceland Expedition 1977Hon Chief Leader: R G Derrick5 Leaders16 Boys

South East Iceland Expedition 1978Hon Chief Leader: R H Ward16 Leaders48 Boys

Northern Norway Expedition 1979Hon Chief Leader: J G Vessey21 Leaders68 Boys

Arctic Norway Expedition1980Hon Chief Leader:Harvey Jones14 Leaders75 Young Explorers

Central Iceland Expedition 1981Hon Chief Leader: Brian Needham31 leaders105 Young Explorers

East Greenland Expedition 1982(50th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Chief Leader: Roger Chapman MBE BA30 Leaders78 Young Explorers

East Greenland Expedition 1983(50th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Leaders: Ray Ward, Capt Mark Grieves R Signals3 Leaders11 Young Explorers

East Greenland Expedition 1983(50th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Chief Leader: G Downie BSc26 leaders61 Young Explorers

Lyngen, Arctic Norway Expedition 1984Hon Chief Leader: Tony Duncan23 Leaders98 Young Explorers

East Greenland Winter Expedition 1985Hon Leaders: David Mordaunt, Tom Metcalf5 Leaders14 Young Explorers

Alaska Expedition 1985Hon Chief Leader: Dr John Cohen29 Leaders104 Young Explorers

South East IcelandBSES/Colson Expedition1985Hon Chief Leader: Ray Ward18 leaders46 Young Explorers

Yukon Expedition 1986Hon Chief Leader: Dr Barry Meatyard PhDBSc CBiol MBiol FRGS27 Leaders105 Young Explorers

Kenya Expedition 1986Hon Chief Leader: Peter Drake FRGS18 Leaders57 Young Explorers

Papua New Guinea 1987Hon Chief Leader: David Wright20 Leaders59 Young Explorers

Svalbard Expedition 1987Hon Chief Leader: Cdr Chris Furse OBE RN23 Leaders65 Young Explorers

East Greenland Expedition 1988Hon Chief Leader: Ray Ward20 Leaders60 Young Explorers

West Himalaya Expedition1988Hon Chief Leader: Derek Jackson34 Leaders, including 4 Indian leaders97 Young Explorers,including 21 Indian Young Explorers

Arctic Norway Expedition1989(a) LyngenHon Chief Leader: Dr Brian Whalley10 Leaders42 Young Explorers

(b) OksfjordjokelenHon Chief Leader: Dr Anne Gellatly9 Leaders30 Young Explorers

(c) Sea KayakingHon Chief Leader: John Ramwell9 Leaders, including support group36 Young Explorers

Del-Monte-Fruitini Alaska Overwinter Expedition1989-90Hon Chief Leader: Brian Hull5 Leaders31 Young Explorers

Svalbard Spring Expedition 1990Hon Chief Leader: Dr Andrew Collinson2 Leaders16 Young Explorers

Svalbard Summer 1990Hon Chief Leader: Pat Cannings19 Leaders68 Young Explorers

Yukon Summer 1990Hon Chief Leader: Geoff Billington16 Leaders73 Young Explorers

Botswana Expedition 1991Hon Chief Leader: Dr Alan Wilson3 Leaders24 Young Explorers

North Greenland Expedition 1991Hon Chief Leader: Sgt David Walker RAF17 Leaders62 Young Explorers

Central Iceland Expedition 1991Hon Chief Leader: Richard Crabtree15 Leaders72 Young Explorers

Svalbard Spring Expedition 1992Hon Chief Leader: Mark Evans5 Leaders23 Young Explorers

Iceland Expedition 1992Hon Chief Leader: Dr I Y Ashwell12 Leaders60 Young Explorers

South Greenland Expedition 1992Hon Chief Leader: Les Turnbull- Brown15 Leaders58 Young Explorers

Del-Monte-Fruitini WhiteSea of Russia Expedition1992Hon Chief Leader: John Ramwell16 Leaders50 Young Explorers, including 12 Young Explorers from Russia

Svalbard Spring Expedition 1993Hon Chief Leader: Dr Christine Partridge7 Leaders27 Young Explorers

British Columbia Expedition 1993Hon Chief Leader: Dr John Cohen20 Leaders84 Young Explorers

Svalbard Summer Expedition 1993Hon Chief Leader: Duncan Mackay19 Leaders2 Assistant Leaders72 Young Explorers

Montana Expedition 1994Hon Chief Leader: Brian Needham15 Leaders6 Assistant Leaders72 Young Explorers

Del-Monte-Fruitini Northern Norway Expedition 1994Hon Chief Leader: Tony Duncan17 Leaders1 Assistant Leader72 Young Explorers2 Norwegian Young Explorers

Zimbabwe Expedition1994Hon Chief Leader: Maj Fiona Rose12 Leaders4 Assistant leaders54 Young Explorers12 Zimbabwean Young Explorers

North Queensland Expedition 1995Hon Chief Leader: Marianne Overton14 Leaders3 Assistant Leaders60 Young Explorers

South East Iceland Expedition 1995Hon Chief Leader: Rod Hartley13 Leaders44 Young Explorers

Del-Monte-Fruitini Alaska Expedition 1995Hon Chief Leader: Tony Whiting15 Leaders80 Young Explorers

Svalbard Spring Expedition 1996Hon Chief Leader: Mark Evans7 Leaders29 Young Explorers

Namibia Expedition 1996 Hon Chief Leader: Jeff South16 Leaders58 Young Explorers14 Namibian Young Explorers

Svalbard Summer Expedition 1996Hon Chief Leader: Chris Furse OBE18 Leaders80 Young Explorers

Vancouver Island Expedition 1996Hon Chief Leader: Keith Maslen16 Leaders48 Young Explorers

ANZSES/BSES Expeditionto Tasmania 1996-97Richard PitchforkHannah James-Roll

Lahaul (Indian Himalaya) Expedition 1997Hon Chief Leader: Mr Dominic Jones23 Leaders – including Indian & Australian69 Young Explorers – including Indian

Sinai Expedition 1997Hon Chief Leader: Dr Emma Loveridge22 Leaders71 Young Explorers

South Greenland Expedition 1997Hon Chief Leader: Les Morgan16 Leaders71 Young Explorers

East Greenland Expedition 1998Hon Chief Leader: Pat Cannings16 Leaders68 Young Explorers

Lesotho Expedition 1998Hon Chief Leader: Ken Josey20 Leaders66 Young Explorers

Morocco Expedition 1998Hon Chief Leader: Alasdair Kennedy18 Leaders66 Young Explorers

Alaska Expedition 1999Hon Chief Leader: Tony Whiting15 Leaders57 Young Explorers

Kenya Expedition 1999Hon Chief Leader: Richard Crabtree11 Leaders32 Young Explorers – including 5 Kenyans

Tien Shan Expedition1999Hon Chief Leader: Dr Michael Ridd15 Leaders57 Young Explorers – including 6 Kyrgyzstan nationals

Greenland Expedition2000Hon Chief LeaderMr Les Morgan14 Leaders40 Young Explorers

The John Cohen MemorialExpedition, Iceland 2000Hon Chief Leader: Chris Gwinnett13 Leaders46 Young Explorers

Lahaul Expedition 2000Hon Chief Leader: Caroline Christie6 Leaders19 Young Explorers

Malawi Expedition 2000Hon Chief Leader: Chris Wright12 Leaders41 Young Explorers

Alaska Expedition 2001Hon Chief Leader: Tony Whiting14 Leaders59 Young Explorers

Ladakh Expedition 2001Hon Chief Leader: Pete Allison20 Leaders52 Young Explorers

Svalbard Expedition 2001Hon Chief Leader: Dr. Lorraine Craig12 Leaders43 Young Explorers

Svalbard Arctic-Year Expedition 2001-2002Hon Chief Leader: Mark Evans10 Leaders34 Young Explorers

Svalbard Summer Expedition 2002Hon Chief Leader: Tony Duncan12 Leaders26 Young Explorers

Amazonas Expedition2002Hon Chief Leader: Belinda Kirk21 Leaders, including Peruvian leaders58 Young Explorers 12 Peruvian Young Explorers

Arctic Norway Expedition2002Hon Chief Leader:David Martin17 Leaders61 Young Explorers

Footsteps of Shackleton Expedition 2002-03Hon Chief Leader: Brig DV Nicholls RM (ret’d)9 Leaders21 Young Explorers

East Greenland Expedition 2003Hon Chief Leader: Lt Col John Muston15 Leaders60 Young Explorers

Lesotho Expedition 2003Hon Chief Leader: Nick Thompson13 Leaders39 Young Explorers8 Basotho Young Explorers

Iceland Expedition 2004Hon Chief Leader: Brian Needham16 Leaders21 Young Leaders and 32 Young Explorers

Svalbard Expedition 2004Hon Chief Leader: John Ramwell12 Leaders48 Young Explorers

Tanzania Expedition 2004Hon Chief Leader: Hon Colin Nicol9 Leaders36 Young Explorers

Svalbard 2005Hon Chief Leader: Dr Trevor Clarke16 Leaders61 Young Explorers

Arctic Norway 2005Hon Chief Leader: Stephen Saddler13 Leaders43 Young Explorers

Peruvian Andes 2005Hon Chief Leader: Dr Malcolm Bell16 Leaders8 Young Leaders43 Young Explorers

KwaZulu Natal 2005Hon Chief Leader: Col Chris Blessington6 Leaders18 Young Explorers & 8 Young Explorers from South Africa

Peruvian Andes 2006Hon Chief Leader: David Martin13 Leaders29 Young Explorers

East Greenland 2006Hon Chief Leader: John Muston14 Leaders54 Young Explorers

Svalbard Spring 2006Hon Chief Leader: Ade Harris10 Leaders20 Young Explorers

Amazonas 2006Hon Chief Leader: Chris Horobin8 Leaders43 Young Explorers

Svalbard – Leadership Development Programme2006Hon Chief Leader: Andrew Johnson6 Leaders15 Young Leaders

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Amazonas 2007(75th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Chief Leader: Chris Horobin9 Leaders31 Young Explorers

Greenland 2007(75th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Chief Leader: Sarah Mayer17 Leaders51 Young Explorers

Madagascar 2007(75th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Chief Leader: Dr Ewan Laurie12 Leaders35 Young Explorers

Yukon 2007(75th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Chief Leader: Nigel Harling9 Leaders26 Young Explorers

Svalbard – Leadership Development Programme2007(75th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Chief Leader: Ade Harris6 Leaders12 Young Leaders

South Georgia & The Falklands 2007(75th Anniversary Expedition)Hon Chief Leader: Pat Parsons6 Leaders11 Young Explorers

Svalbard Spring 2008Hon Chief Leader: Ade Harris7 Leaders15 Young Explorers

Amazon 2008Hon Chief Leader: David Williams11 Leaders41 Young Explorers

Ladakh 2008Hon Chief Leader: Chris Horobin13 Leaders38 Young Explorers

South Georgia 2008Hon Chief Leader: Bruce Manning7 Leaders13 Young Explorers

Svalbard Summer 2008Hon Chief Leader: Philip West21 Leaders65 Young Explorers

Norway - Leadership Development Programme2008Hon Chief Leaders: HelenTurton & Rob Cousins 8 Leaders 14 Young Leaders

Extreme Arctic 2009Hon Chief Leader: Ade Harris8 Leaders15 Young Explorers

Amazon 2009Hon Chief Leader: Ewan Laurie15 Leaders47 Young Explorers

Uncharted Himalayas2009Hon Chief Leader: Chris Horobin15 Leaders41 Young Explorers

Greenland 2009Hon Chief Leader: Pete Allison24 Leaders48 Young Explorers

Arctic Kayaking 2009Hon Chief Leader: Mike Devlin14 Leaders31 Young Explorers

Leadership Development Programme 2009Hon Chief Leader: Helen Turton3 Leaders5 Young Leaders

Peruvian Amazon 2010Hon Chief Leader: David Martin12 Leaders55 Young Explorers

Arctic Adventure 2010Hon Chief Leader: Trevor Clarke21 Leaders48 Young Explorers

Coastal Svalbard 2010Hon Chief Leader: Mike Devlin12 Leaders20 Young Explorers

Extreme Arctic 2010 Hon Chief Leader: Ade Harris12 Leaders19 Young Explorers 3 Arctic Skills Course

Indian Himalaya 2010Hon Chief Leader: Mike Pawley12 Leaders28 Young Explorers

Peruvian Amazon 2011Hon Chief Leader:Stephanie Law14 Leaders58 Young Explorers

Arctic Adventure 2011Hon Chief Leader: Richard Payne 16 Leaders72 Young Explorers

Extreme Arctic 2011Hon Chief Leader: Ade Harris6 Leaders10 Young Explorers

Arctic Skills 2011Hon Chief Leader: Ade Harris2 Leaders7 Participants

Arctic EnvironmentalStudies 2011Hon Chief Leader: Ade Harris2 Leaders7 Participants

Indian Himalaya 2011Hon Chief Leader: Chris Horobin13 Leaders56 Young Explorers

Dangoor Next Generation Programme, Norway 2011Hon Chief Leader: Neil Laughton14 Leaders34 Participants

Stellar Leadership Development Programme,Morocco 2011Hon Chief Leader: Scotty Johnson5 Leaders14 Participants

Empty Quarter, Oman 2012Hon Chief Leader: Terry FonesLeaders: 5Explorers: 13

Arctic Odyssey 2012Hon Chief Leader: Les Turnbull BrownLeaders: 16Trainee Leaders: 12Explorers: 46

Amazon Cocama 2012Hon Chief Leader: Andie BrazewellLeaders: 14Explorers: 49

Canyons to Coast,Namibia 2012Hon Chief Leader: Dr Steve LloydLeaders: 14Trainee Leaders: 12Explorers: 56

Dangoor Next Generation Programme, Sinai 2012Hon Chief Leader: Neil LaughtonLeaders: 23Adventurers: 36

Stellar Leadership Development Programme,Morocco 2012Hon Chief Leader: Scotty JohnsonLeaders: 5Participants: 21

Arctic Finnmark 2013Hon Chief Leader: Mick PawleyLeaders: 16Trainee Leaders: 14Explorers: 47

Indian Himalaya 2013Hon Chief Leader: Andy RockallLeaders: 14Explorers: 23

Canyons and Craters, Namibia 2013Hon Chief Leader: Sam McConnellLeaders: 15Trainee Leaders: 6Explorers: 45

Empty Quarter, Oman 2013Hon Chief Leader: Soo RedshawLeaders: 5Explorers: 18

Dangoor Next Generation Programme, Iceland 2013Hon Chief Leader: Neil LaughtonLeaders: 19Senior Adventurers: 9Adventurers: 30

Stellar Leadership Development Programme,Norway 2013Hon Chief Leader: Scotty JohnsonLeaders: 6Participants: 21

Empty Quarter 2014Hon Chief Leader: Andrew Stokes-ReesLeaders: 9Explorers: 25

Canyons and Coast 2014Hon Chief Leader: Sam McConnellLeaders: 12Trainee Leaders: 5Explorers: 30

Arctic Finnmark 2014Hon Chief Leader: Mick PawleyLeaders: 16Trainee Leaders: 10Explorers: 48

Himalaya 2014Hon Chief Leader: Soo RedshawLeaders: 14Trainee Leaders: 8Explorers: 24

Dangoor Next Generation Programme 2014Hon Chief Leader: Tom Abbey Leaders: 20Senior Adventurers: 8Adventurers: 36

Namibia Bound 2014Hon Chief Leader: Steve LloydLeaders: 11Explorers: 26

Stellar Leaders Development Programme 2014 Hon Chief Leader: Scotty JohnsonLeaders: 7Explorers: 21

Dangoor Next GenerationProgramme, Iceland 2015Hon Chief Leader: David Bartles-SmithLeaders: 17Senior Explorers: 7Explorers: 33

Indian Himalayas 2015Hon Chief Leader: Andrew Stokes-ReesLeaders: 20Trainee Leaders: 12Explorers: 49

Peruvian Amazon 2015Hon Chief Leaders: Dr Steve Lloyd/Andie BrazewellLeaders: 17Trainee Leaders: 8Explorers: 53

Operation Aspire, Romania 2015Hon Chief Leader: Kev SidfordLeaders: 5Explorers: 18

Stellar Leadership Development ProgrammeNorway 2015Hon Chief Leader: Scotty JohnsonLeaders: 7Explorers: 20

Arctic Leadership SkillsCourse 2015Hon Chief Leader: Mick PawleyInstructors: 2 Trainees: 13

MEMBERS’ EXPEDITIONS

Nepal 1978-79Leaders: R G Derrick, Brian Needham21 Members

Himalayas 1981-82Leader: Andrew Toal8 Members

Finland Pilgrimage Expedition 1992Leaders: Andrew Toal,Murray Mitchell5 Members

Lahaul 1995Leaders: Andrew Toal,Richard Kearns8 Members

Everest Base Camp 1998Leader: Andrew Toal13 Members

Millennium Antarctic Expedition 1999-2000Hon Chief Leader: Chris Furse OBE6 Leaders10 Young Explorers, including a Falkland Islander

Kilimanjaro 2003Leader: Andrew Toal9 Members

Everest Base Camp 2004Leader: Andrew Toal6 members

Mongolia 2005Chief Leader: Andrew Toal4 members

South Georgia 2005 –2006Chief Leader: Brig DV Nicholls RM (ret’d)8 members

Members Empty Quarter,Oman 2012Hon Chief Leader: Kenneth Lord9 Members

Members Empty Quarter,Oman 2013Hon Chief Leader: Kenneth LordDeputy Chief Leader:Robin Loveland10 Members

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Company Information

British Exploring Society(A company limited by guarantee and not having ashare capital)

COMPANY INFORMATION AT 31 OCTOBER 2015

PresidentProfessor David Rhind CBE

Members of the CouncilEdward Watson (Chairman)Doug Oppenheim (Vice Chairman)Jeremy Moss (Hon Treasurer)John ChristieRupert Eastwood (coopted 3 March 2015)Jon GeldartNigel Harling (retired 31 January 2015)Daragh HorganProfessor Michael LewisDr Steve LloydSoo Redshaw (coopted 23 June 2015) Deidre Sorenson (confirmed 31 January 2015)Richard Williams MC

Executive Director and SecretaryLieutenant General Andrew Graham CB CBE(Responsible for day-to-day management)

Charity Registered Number802196

Company Number2411786 (England and Wales)

Registered Office and Principal Address1 Kensington Gore LondonSW7 2ARe-mail: info@britishexploring.org www.britishexploring.org

BankersRoyal Bank of Scotland plc49 Charing Cross LondonSWIA 2DX

Fund ManagersTowry6 New Street SquareNew Fetter LaneLondonEC4A 3BF

AuditorsSpofforths LLPChartered Accountants Third Floor SouthOne Jubilee Street BrightonEast Sussex BN1 1GE

The Council presents its report and audited financialstatements for the year ended 31 October 2015.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out onpage 15 and comply with the governing document,statutory requirements and the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reportingby Charities 2005 (SORP 2005).

Structure, Governance and ManagementThe Council of the Society is ultimately accountablefor all the activities carried out by the Society. It is responsible for direction, policy, governance, over-sight, planning and advice. The Office Staff, under the direction of the Executive Director, is responsiblefor implementing the strategy and executing theyearly operational plans. The Executive Director is accountable for the implementation of these plans.The responsibility for those aspects that take place in the field during the expeditions is delegated toChief Leaders.

The Company is organised so that the Members of theCouncil meet regularly, either by way of a full Councilmeeting (at least three per annum) or by way ofmeetings of committees to manage its affairs. There are currently eight full time and two part time employees who manage the day-to-day administration of the Company. A number of volunteers, who offer their services from time to time, also assist the Council and staff.

The Company is limited by guarantee and governedby Articles of Association.

Members of the Council listed under Company Information on Page 11 are the directors for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006 and trustees forthe purposes of the Charities Act 2011. Members ofCouncil are appointed formally at the Annual GeneralMeeting each year. Since the Company is limited byguarantee, none of the Members of the Council hasany beneficial interests in shares in the Company.

The Council is entitled to propose candidates for election to Council and to appoint additional Members

of Council. Such additional Members are then required to seek election at the next Annual GeneralMeeting following their appointment.

New Members of the Council are recruited to theCouncil of British Exploring Society by application,which may have followed an invitation from the Chairman, or may be a voluntary application. Their application must be proposed and seconded by current members of the Society and, in the case of competition for places on the Council, whose numbers are limited, members must be voted in by aquorum of the Members of the Society at the AnnualGeneral Meeting. In selecting new Members of the Council, consideration is given to the specific contribution that they can make to the Council andthe Society. All new Members of the Council are given an induction.

Members of Council are expected to be actively involved in the oversight of the activities of the Society. Annual reports and minutes of previous meetings of the Council are made available to allMembers of the Council and to prospective members,so that they can be fully briefed and updated on therecent activities of the Society.

Members of Council are limited to two three-yearterms, after which a one-year break is enforced beforethe possibility of undertaking a further two three-yearterms. Only the Officers of the Society, the Chairman,Vice-Chairman and Treasurer - may stay on Councilfor longer than 12 years and then only by the passingof an Ordinary Resolution at an Annual General Meeting.

Approach to managing riskEach year Council evaluates the risks facing the Society.

The Society has to manage two categories of risk:those to itself and those to the leaders and young explorers who go on its expeditions to remote areasunfamiliar to many of them. Council is responsible forestablishing processes to manage these two categories of risk and has done so. The processes include internal check and monitoring procedures.

Expedition risk management processThe Executive Director, supported by the Operationsmanager and Programmes manager, is responsible for establishing and operating a system for managingexpeditions and their associated risks, except in thefield when chief leaders, as agents of the Society, are responsible for operating the system.

This system includes checking compliance with standard operating procedures. These cover all aspects of preparing and delivering an expedition and the standards that we expect of leaders, includingtheir ability to assess and manage the changing risksto which an expedition is exposed. These procedurescomply with or exceed the standards in BS 8848 andare reviewed by Council at least once a year. They areupdated in the light of experience in the field andchanges in practice and regulation.

An experienced, capable and strong Chief Leader is the bedrock upon which a safe, well managed expedition is founded. Chief Leaders must have theexperience and ability to plan and deliver all aspectsof an expedition and to assess and manage thechanging risks to which an expedition is exposed oncein the field. The Executive Director and Operations orProgrammes manager question each candidate ChiefLeader and satisfy themselves about his or her abilitiesand experience before making an appointment.

The responsibility for selecting and developing astrong, cohesive leadership team, which understandsthe ethos of British Exploring Society, rests with the Chief Leader and Operations or Programmesmanager, and overseen by the Executive Director whoreports to Council. (The Operations team managestraditional expeditions, open to all and funded primarily by the participants, while the Programmesteam manages expeditions targeted at specificgroups and funded primarily by donors.)

Each Chief Leader works closely with the office whenplanning an expedition. He or she will assess the risks relevant to the terrain, decide on an itinerary and, following the relevant operating procedures, develop a comprehensive set of plans including for communications, major incidents and medical

emergencies. The Operations or Programmes managerreviews the risk assessment, itinerary and plans.

At the briefing weekends for each expedition the ex-plorers and leaders are trained to identify and managerisks. At the start of the expedition, further training isgiven in identifying and managing risks. The chiefleader, liaising with the office in London, will adapt theexpedition’s plans, risk assessment and procedures tosuit the circumstances in the field at the time.

Expedition risk management oversightCouncil members monitor the operation of theseprocesses and review the Executive Director’s assessment of each expedition's readiness to deploybefore authorising deployment. From time to timecouncil members attend briefing weekends and spenda few days in the field with expeditions. After the expeditions return Council reviews the post expeditionreports and the consequent remedial actions to be incorporated into future planning. This ensures thatthe Society’s system for identifying and managing therisks to the leaders and participants on its expeditionsis relevant, robust and transparent.

This year the Society applied for membership of theExpedition Providers’ Association. Learning Outsidethe Classroom, its accrediting body, attended and assessed the induction and training of leaders andparticipants. Its assessment was incorporated into the Society’s assessments of expeditions’ readiness to deploy.

Sources of assurance about expedition risk include:• Standard Operating Procedures and the risk

management process itself;• the Operations and Programmes teams ensuring

these are effected;• the Executive Director as risk manager;• Chief Leaders as agents in the field;• nominated members of Council monitoring all

stages of an expedition and investigating detail when appropriate.

• external assessment by Learning Outside the Classroom and the Young Explorers Trust

Council is satisfied that the Society’s ability to identify

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and manage risks to the safety of expeditions is soundand worked effectively in 2015. A formal statementsummarising Council’s assessment of the effectivenessof the Society’s process expedition risk managementprocess was attached to the minutes of the councilmeeting in November 2015.

Oversight and management of other risks to the SocietyCouncil reviews two areas of risk at each of its threemeetings annually. Council has identified five sourcesof risk to the Society itself:• governance• finance• office work• external perception.• compliance with law and regulationThe risk director and risk manager for each area worktogether to review the area and report their findingsto Council. Council is satisfied that processes for managing risks in these five areas are adequate. These processes are embodied in standard OperatingProcedures. These are reviewed annually by the relevant risk director, who reports to Council, havingbeen updated to reflect changes in law, regulation and practice.

The Executive Director discusses risks regularly withthe chairman and members of Council responsible forparticular risk areas. He is charged with alerting Council, out of committee, to exceptional risks.

Object and ActivitiesThe object of the Society is to advance the educationof young people by providing inspirational and challenging scientific expeditions to remote, wild environments and so promote the development oftheir confidence, teamwork, leadership and spirit ofadventure and exploration.

Bursary ApplicationsGrant applications are considered by the Communications Officer, Explorer Coordinator,Fundraising Consultant and Executive Director.Awards are made in cases of particular need to fund participation in expeditions,

Statement of Public BenefitWe have reviewed the Society's object and our

activities in accordance with the Charities Commissionguidance on public benefit. The principal beneficiariesfor all expeditions are young people between the agesof 16 and 25. In the year to October 2015, the Societyput six expeditions into the field to the educationaland development benefit of 222 young people who deployed on expedition of which 169 receivedsubstantial financial help from the Society and othersupporters. A further 36 started one or other expedition programme but withdrew for personal andhealth reasons before the expedition. Our intention is to be as accessible and inclusive as the nature of challenging expeditions allow and no previous experience is required. Training for participants includes one or several training and briefing eventswhere careful advice regarding preparation and fitness to optimise the educational and developmentbenefit of the expedition is given. That advice is supplemented through social media and other communication channels. Even those who may comeoff the expedition programme during the preparationstage derive considerable development benefit fromparticipating.

Leader selection is crucial to the mounting of extreme,safe expeditions with strong scientific, adventure andmedia content. Following a rigorous selection processleader training takes place over two or more weekends.

The Society runs two categories of expedition – Core expeditions and Programme expeditions. Thoseparticipating in Core expeditions are expected to contribute, to a greater or lesser extent, to the cost of the expedition and are encouraged and supportedto raise their own funds. The office issues fundraisingguidelines and ideas. Young people who are unable to raise sufficient funds are entitled to apply to the Society for a bursary. Those participating in Programme expeditions are funded by benefactorsthrough the Society.

Core ExpeditionsIn July-August 2015 the Society ran two core expeditions to the Indian Himalaya and to Peru (Amazon jungle). A planned expedition to Oman wascancelled due to lack of take-up. The Society also organized an Arctic Leadership Skills course in Spitsbergen to develop experienced leaders for future

expeditions in the Extreme Arctic. A reconnaissancetrip for a future expedition to the Yukon was completed successfully.

Programme ExpeditionsSince 2010 British Exploring has partnered the youth charity, Catch 22, delivering a pioneering newprogramme which has changed the lives of some ofthe more marginalised young people in the UK. Thethree-phase Dangoor Next Generation Programmetakes young people from the national charity Catch22's youth services across the UK and offers them anunrivalled opportunity to improve their self-esteem, develop their soft skills and increase their employability.In Phase 1 sixty four young explorers participated in the UK training programme, which provided an introduction to the principles of camp craft and expedition life and built on the foundations of self-esteem through a series of outdoor challenges andteam building exercises. On completion of the trainingphase 40 explorers participated in Phase 2 of the 3week expedition to Iceland.

Phase 3 involved encouraging the adventurers eitherback into education or on to some form of training or work experience / employment. All the explorers attended an afternoon of talks and workshops designed to start them thinking about their next steps and how to use their skills in a work environment.To date, some 90% of those who completed Phase 2are in education, training, work or carrying out work experience.

The Stellar Leadership Development Programme wasrun by the Society in partnership with the London LawTrust for the fifth year in succession. Twenty youngpeople were selected from a wide pool of applicants,most just graduating from university, to take part in afive-module leadership-development programme, thecentrepiece of which involved a two-week expeditionto Norway. The participants received very substantialbursaries from the London Law Trust.

This year the Society generated from a standing startan initiative to partner a school in Tower Hamletsthrough a development programme culminating in a 3 week expedition to Romania for twenty young people. The initiative was enabled by two generous

donations – one from a charitable Trust, the other froma charitable Foundation. The expedition feedback fromthe schools, parents and participants in terms of thebenefit to the individuals indicates that this partnershipshould be repeated.

The Society attracts a wide range of adults who havean interest in adventure, scientific research, educationand youth development. The majority of leaders arevolunteers who give their time and expertise for free.In return the Society aims to provide leaders with opportunities to develop their skills prior to expeditiondeparture, including first aid, tropical skills, leadershiptraining and Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award facilitation. Many of the young people who participatein a British Exploring Society expedition as a Young Explorer return to lead on future expeditions; this ‘pullthrough’ is an integral feature of the Society's lifelonglearning and development ethos.

Financial ReviewThe Statement of Financial Activities is shown onpage 15. There were net outgoing resources, togetherwith realised and unrealised gains on investments, on the unrestricted, restricted and endowment fundsof £144,265 (2014: £17,057 net incoming). The Councilconfirms that the Society's assets are available andadequate to fulfil the financial obligations of the Society.

Achievements and PerformanceThe income and expenditure relating to these expeditions and programmes are reflected in theStatement of Financial Activities on page 15 of these financial statements. Income was also received in respect of and expenditure incurred on expeditionsthat will take place after 31 October 2015. Such income and expenditure has been carried forward as debtors and creditors respectively, as can be seen in notes 12 and 13 to the full accounts.

Investment Policy and PerformanceIn accordance with the Articles of Association, theCouncil has the power to invest in such stocks, shares,investments and property as they see fit. The Councilhas engaged Towry as investment managers, with theCouncil reviewing their performance. The investmentpolicy is to adopt a strategy that will secure a medium

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return on funds available for investment, with growthat least in line with inflation.

Reserves PolicyWhilst the need for certain specific reserves is identified in the accounts, the balance representing thegeneral fund is retained on the basis of working capitalbeing required, in order to allow the charity to fund andrun expeditions in furtherance of its charitable object.

The Council wishes, in general, to retain a sufficientamount of the General Fund in order to be able to organise and complete expeditions to which the Society has already committed, and the net free assets are kept under review in assessing the Society’soperational needs. As a matter of policy the Council is seeking to raise funds to improve the financial investment for future operations.

Statement of Council Members' ResponsibilitiesThe Members of the Council are responsible forpreparing the Council's Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law andUnited Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).Company law requires the Members of the Council toprepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs ofthe charitable company and of the incoming resourcesand application of resources, including the incomeand expenditure, of the charitable company for theyear. In preparing these financial statements, theMembers of the Council are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonableand prudent;

• state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in operation.

The Members of the Council are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose withreasonable accuracy at any time the financial positionof the charitable company and enable them to ensurethat the financial statements comply with the CompaniesAct 2006. They are also responsible for safeguardingthe assets of the charitable company and hence fortaking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Members of the Council are responsible for themaintenance and integrity of the corporate and financialinformation included on the charitable company’swebsite. Legislation in the United Kingdom governingthe preparation and dissemination of financial statementsmay differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

Disclosure of information to the AuditorSo far as each Member of the Council at the date ofapproval of this report is aware:

• there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditor is unaware; and

• certain Members of the Council, on its behalf, havemade the appropriate enquiries and have taken all reasonable steps to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to ensure that the auditors are aware of that information.

Small company special provisionsThe Council's Report has been prepared taking advantage of the small companies exemption in Section 415A of the Companies Act 2006. The accounts comply with the current statutory requirements, the governing document and SORP 2005.

This report was approved on 16 February 2016 andsigned on behalf of the Council by

Edward Watson Chairman

STATEMENT BY THE COUNCILThe attached summarized financial statements are a summary of information extracted from the annualfinancial statements and other information relatingboth to the Statement of Financial Activities and theBalance Sheet for the year ended 31 October 2015.

These summarized financial statements may not contain sufficient information for a full understandingof the financial affairs of the Charity. For further information, the full financial statements and theCouncil’s annual report should be consulted. Copies ofthese documents can be obtained from the Charity’soffice at 1 Kensington Gore, London SW7 2AR

The full financial statements have been subject toindependent audit and received an unqualified report.

The annual financial statements were approved by the Members of Council on 16 February 2016 and arein the process of being submitted to the Charity Commission and to Companies House.On behalf of the Council

Edward Watson Chairman

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF BRITISH EXPLORING SOCIETY(A company limited by guarantee and not having ashare capital)

We have examined the summarised financial statements of British Exploring Society for the yearended 31 October 2015.

This statement is made solely to the company’s members and to the fullest extent permitted by law,we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyoneother than the company and the company’s membersfor this statement.

Respective responsibilities of Council Members and auditorThe Members of Council are responsible for preparingthe summarised annual report in accordance with applicable law.

Our responsibility is to report to you on the consistencyof the summarised financial statements within the annual report with the full financial statements and theCouncil’s Report and its compliance with the relevant requirements of section 427 of the Companies Actand the regulations made thereunder. We also readthe other information contained in the annual reportand consider the implications of our report if we becomeaware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the summarised financial statements

Basis of opinionWe conducted our work in accordance with Bulletin2008/3 issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our report on the company’s full annual financialstatements describes the basis of our opinion onthose financial statements and the Council’s Report.

OpinionIn our opinion the summarised financial statementsare consistent with the full financial statements andCouncil’s Report of British Exploring Society for theyear ended 31 October 2015 and comply with the ap-plicable requirements of section 427 of the Compa-nies Act 2006 and the regulations made thereunder.

Spofforths LLPAlexander Spofforth BA FCA, Senior Statutory AuditorFor and on behalf of Spofforths LLP, Statutory AuditorOne Jubilee StreetBrightonEast Sussex BN1 1GE

29th of February 2016

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Summarised Financial Statements

Statement of Financial ActivitiesIncorporating the income and expenditure accountfor the year ended 31 October 2015

Balance Sheetas at 31 October 2015Registered number: 2411786

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UNRESTRICTED FUNDS RESTRICTED ENDOWMENT TOTAL TOTAL

GENERAL FUND FUNDS FUNDS 2015 2014

£ £ £ £ £

INCOMING RESOURCES Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income 155,351 73,500 385 229,236 235,498 Investment income 18,491 - 479 18,970 11,159Incoming resources from charitable activities 439,431 293,184 - 732,615 865,929 Other incoming resources 12,680 - - 12,680 17,466

Total incoming resources 625,953 366,684 864 993,501 1,130,052

RESOURCES EXPENDED Costs of generating fundsCosts of generating voluntary income 42,400 - - 42,400 29,283Investment management costs 2,216 - - 2,216 2,472Charitable activities 594,540 395,883 - 990,423 1,011,155Grants made - 72,220 1,000 73,220 43,739Governance costs 32,444 - - 32,444 29,410

Total resources expended 671,600 468,103 1,000 1,140,703 1,116,059

Net incoming resources before transfers (45,647) (101,419) (136) (147,202) 13,993

Transfers between funds (13,100) (13,100)

Net incoming resources before other recognised gains and losses (32,547) (114,519) (136) (147,202) 13,993 Other recognised gains and losses - - - - -Realised and unrealised gain on investments 2,937 - - 2,937 3,046

Net movement in funds (29,610) (114,519) (1136) (144,265) 17,057Total funds brought forward 460,028 260,981 48,867 769,876 752,819 Total funds carried forward 430,418 146.462 48,731 625,611 769,876

2015 2015 2014 2014

£ £ £ £ Fixed assetsTangible assets 15,726 25,316Investments 315,280 459,638 331,006 484,954

Current assetsDebtors 69,049 94,088Cash at bank and in hand 324,469 312,037

393,518 406,125

Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year (98,913) (121,203)

Net Current Assets 294,605 284,922Total assets less current liabilities 625,611 769,876Provisions for liabilities: Other provisions - -

Total assets less current liabilities 625,611 769,876

Represented by:Unrestricted funds General Funds 430,418 460,028

Restricted fundsRestricted funds 146,462 260,981Endowment funds 48,731 48,867

Total funds 625,611 769,876

Approved and signed on behalf of the Council on 16 February 2016 by:

Edward Watson Jeremy MossChairman Treasurer

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIESFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 OCTOBER 2015

Basis of accountingThe financial statements have been prepared underthe historical cost convention as modified by therevaluation of investments, which are included at market value, and include the results of the charity'soperations, which are described in the Council's Re-port and all of which are continuing.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of RecommendedPractice (SORP) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities' published in March 2005, applicable UK Accounting Standards and the Financial ReportingStandard for Smaller Entities (effective April 2008).

Incoming resourcesExpedition contributions are accounted for as receivable by the Company and recognised in theStatement of Financial Activities, except where theyrelate to an expedition occurring in a later year, whenthey are deferred within creditors and credited to the Statement of Financial Activity in the year the expedition takes place. Donations in kind or by way ofdonated equipment are accounted for on receipt, atthe estimated value. Voluntary income and donationsare accounted for on receipt by the charity, andrecognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.Legacies are accounted for when there is a reasonabledegree of certainty as to the amounts receivable.

Resources expendedExpenses and grants payable are recognised in theaccounts when they are incurred by the charity, withthe exception of costs for future expeditions, whichare deferred within debtors and charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the year the expedition takes place. Grants applications are considered by the Communications Officer (and Expedition Coordinator), Fundraising Consultant andExecutive Director and awards are given to deservingcases to fund participation in expeditions.

Resources expended are allocated to the particularactivity where the cost relates directly to that activity.The staff and office costs incurred on each activity areapportioned on the following basis, which is an esti-mate, based on staff time, of the amount attributableto each activity:

Costs of expeditions 95%Management and administration of the charity 5%

InvestmentsInvestments are stated at market value. Realised and unrealised gains and losses on investments arerecognised within the Statement of Financial Activities. Dividend income is credited to income on an accruals basis, using the date of payment of the dividend.

DepreciationDepreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets atrates calculated to write off the cost less estimatedresidual value, of each asset over its expected useful life. The useful economic lives of expeditionequipment items are reviewed and adjusted annually.The brought-forward values are then written off overthis period. Depreciation is calculated on the followingbasis:

Expedition equipment between 1 and 10 years, straight line basis

Office equipment and computers 25% straight line basis

Individual items of equipment costing less than £100are not capitalised.

ReservesThe charity holds reserves which have been designated for the following purposes:-

• Restricted Permanent Endowment Funds are maintained as required by the individual trust deeds; some of these allow for income to be accumulated in order to provide a meaningful grant at a later date.

• Restricted Funds are certain donations made with conditions attached (e.g. for use in subsidising expeditioners from particular areas, or supporting the outreach project) are kept in a Restricted Fund until applied.

Foreign currenciesAssets and liabilities in foreign currencies are translated into sterling at the rates of exchange at thebalance sheet date. Transactions in foreign currenciesare translated into sterling at the rate ruling on thedate of transaction. Exchange differences are reflected in the Statement of Financial Activities.

Operating leasesRentals applicable to operating leases where substantially all of the benefits and risks of ownershipremain with the lessor are reflected in the Statementof Financial Activities as incurred.

Outstanding contributions from expeditionersContributions that are outstanding at the year end are not included in the accounts. Action is taken tocontact the expeditioner and arrange a repaymentprogramme. If this fails then the debt may be placedin the hands of an agency to seek recovery.

Summarised Financial Statements (cont.)

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“For me, this programme has taught me how to be thebest version of myself. It has changed the way that I livemy life. The value of this cannot be under estimated. We all joined the programme at various cross roads inlife, either just graduated from university or finished ajob, every one of us unsure of where we were goingnext.” Stellar Participant, 2015

“British Exploring provided an opportunity to participatein a wide range of scientific projects in a completely fascinating and beautiful environment while also developing adventure skills and greater knowledge ofthe local culture. In the process I made countless newfriends, learnt a lot about how to interact with otherpeople in different situations and achieved more than I would have thought physically possible.” Explorer, 2015

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We are most grateful to the following supporterswho made financial donations to the Society inthe year 1 November 2014 – 31 October 2015

The donors and supporters of the Michael Garvey Bursary Fund

The donors and supporters of the Tim Ward-Wilson Memorial Award

All the donors and supporters of the DangoorNext Generation Programme, including our delivery partner, Catch22

All the donors who made gifts in memory ofCharlie Norton, a member of our DevelopmentBoard

All the donors, members and supporters who con-tributed to the Society during the year including:

Dr Terence Adams CMGFelix Appelbe The late Dr Ian Ashwell who donated his ArchiveThe BAND TrustBarcapel Foundation LtdCarpenter Charitable TrustMr and Mrs Ian Chadwick Mrs Sarah Christie Dudley and Geoffrey Cox Charitable TrustAndrew Croft Memorial FundDulverton TrustExilarch's Foundation and the late Sir Naim Dangoor CBE French Huguenot Church of London Charitable Trust Sandy and Zorica Glen Charitable Settlement Golden Bottle TrustThe Tom Hall Charitable TrustHedley Foundation

Dr Andrew Holmes Daragh Horgan Brian and Jenny JardineIan Kay Tim Kirk Sir James Knott TrustGray Levett LRH Foundation London Law TrustMacRobert TrustEthel and Gwynne Morgan Charitable TrustMrs Frances Morgan George Moss and his London Marathon effortJeremy Moss North FaceThe Ogden TrustPhilip Oppenheim P F FoundationRiverston Group LtdRichard Rose and the Trustees of The Roses’ Trust Florence Shaw TrustErach and Roshan Sadri FoundationSchroder Charity TrustSwire Family Charitable TrustsKaren Sutton and her London Ride 100 supportersThe Tanner TrustTay Charitable TrustJohn and Jenny Tuckwell Bridget Turnbull-Brown Albert Van den Bergh Charitable TrustVandervell FoundationVerdon-Smith Family Charitable TrustGino Watkins Memorial FundMichael Wood

And to the following who have so kindly supported British Exploring in a variety of waysin the year November 2014 – October 2015

Adventure Activities Licensing Service Dot Adams – Be Well NutritionDave Annandale – BE Well NutritionMichael BaggsFlorin Bana – Transylvania Outdoor Anne-Marie and Odvar BergeColonel Chris Blessington OBEOur Brand Ambassadors, especially CameronMacKay, James Borrell, Matt Burke, Terrie CousinsBritish Antarctic Survey – Steve CaldwellBuffalo Fundraising ConsultantsGeorge Bullard Andy CharltonAlistair Cole – Expedition Care Programme Cotswold OutdoorMichael Cox Mr David Dangoor and the Dangoor Family Roger Daynes – SnowsledBrian Desmond– Destination SetesdalThe Duke of Edinburgh Award SchemeKevin Everett and Richard Foley of Sir John Cass’s Foundation Expedition Providers Association Luciano Figueira – Royal Geographical SocietyTim Fitzgerald – Travel CounsellorsJohn Hall of Aldgate and Allhallows Foundation Major General Sir Michael Hobbs KCVO CBE –London Law TrustSusan Hollock and Trevor Waine – Hollock Waine DesignSir Gerald Howarth MP and Elizabeth Johnston Scotty Johnson – Yela!Kaurimbi ExpeditionsLieutenant Colonel Richard Martin of The LordMayor’s 800th Anniversary Awards Trust The late Professor Anthony Mellows OBE – London Law TrustQuinn Meyer – Crees Foundation

Ms Judi Morgan Chloe Moul – Catch 22Dan Murray – Urban Adventure BaseNorton Rose Fulbright LLP Olympus Julian Penney – Pharos SafetyClaire PhillipsJames Phipps – Global TelesatGrahame Price and George Cowell of St Paul’sWay Trust SchoolMajor Sarah Rawlings – The British Army Regatta Outdoor Clothing RIMO Expeditions The Rose Family The Royal Household Royal Meteorological SocietyDr Malcolm Russell – Prometheus Medical Sea Cargo Chris Searston – Arctic Ltd The Team at SilverbearAlan Smith- John Muir Award STA – James Jasper and Juan CarlosEd Stafford George Stephens – Howdens Insurance BrokersGudrun and Sigurlina Trygvadottir – Svartarkot FarmJohn Ward-WilsonMr Nigel de N Winser Shane Winser – Geography OutdoorsColonel Richard Winstanley – Clerk of The Draper’s Company Chris Wright – Catch22Young Explorers Trust

And especially to the volunteers on our Council,our Patrons, our interns, the Chief Leaders aswell as all our other leaders and mentors, too numerous to mention here

Acknowledgements

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British Exploring Society

1, Kensington Gore

London SW7 2AR

Tel: 020 7591 3141

Email: info@britishexploring.org

Web: www.britishexploring.org

Twitter: @Brit_exploring

Facebook: British Exploring Society

Instagram: Brit_exploring

Registered Charity 802196

As a registered charity, British Exploring Society depends upon the generoussupport of its members, supporters, sponsors and partner organisations.

British Exploring Society relies a great deal on voluntary support to carry out our youth development work. If youare able to help us by making a donation, encouraging young people to join one of our expeditions, introducing usto companies that might be interested in our training for young graduates, or letting us know if you plan to leave alegacy to British Exploring Society, then we would be delighted to hear from you.