English Pen
Promotion of Literature;Promotion of human rights of Writers and Publishers throughout the World;Relief of Poverty and Distress among beneficiaries' dependants
Activities & Mission
Promotion of Literature;Promotion of human rights of Writers and Publishers throughout the World;Relief of Poverty and Distress among beneficiaries' dependants
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Region
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 89% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 962). How is this calculated?
Higher than 14% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 12% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
One or more years show a significant change in income (over ±100%) compared with the prior year. This usually reflects a merger, transfer of activities, restated accounts, or a one-off legacy — not necessarily a real change in operating scale. See the methodology for context.
The Commission record shows this related event on the register:
- Asset transfer in in 2012 — The P E N Literary Foundation (organisation 261272)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £662,635 | £930,997 | £738,316 | £1,343,650 | £747,000 | 10 / 0 |
| 2024 | £972,880 | £817,920 | £764,756 | £1,594,367 | £712,000 | 10 / 0 |
| 2023 | £1,477,101 | £842,107 | £704,043 | £1,434,964 | £1,008,192 | 9 / 0 |
| 2022 | £636,236 | £682,178 | £671,595 | £810,801 | £45,000 | 11 / 0 |
| 2021 | £718,111 | £494,055 | £484,632 | £852,308 | £377,000 | 10 / 0 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about English Pen
What does English Pen do?
Promotion of Literature;Promotion of human rights of Writers and Publishers throughout the World;Relief of Poverty and Distress among beneficiaries' dependants
How much income did English Pen report in 2025?
English Pen reported total income of £663k and reported expenditure of £931k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is English Pen?
English Pen has a program ratio of 111.4%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 89% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 962 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was English Pen registered as a charity?
English Pen was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 26 August 2008 as charity number 1125610. It has been registered for 18 years.
Who runs English Pen?
English Pen is governed by a board of 15 trustees. The chair of trustees is Ruth Borthwick. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does English Pen operate?
English Pen operates in England And Wales, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.
Is English Pen a registered charity?
Yes — English Pen is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 1125610.
Details
LONDON
WC1R 4EH
Registry Information
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Major UK charities in the same primary sector, drawn from the curated priority cohort.
Trustees
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated