John Innes Centre

Notable UK charity

Also known as: Afrc Institute of Plant Science Research, Plant Science Research Limited, The Plant Breeding Institute

An independent, international Centre of excellence in plant science and microbiology. The Centre's mission is:- To generate knowledge of plants and microbes through innovative research- To apply it's knowledge of nature's diversity to benefit agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being- To train scientists for the future- To engage with policy makers and the public

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Activities & Mission

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.

Local Authority

Norfolk

Financial Information

Latest Income

£78,782,050

Latest Expenditure

£54,047,867

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 68.4%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 32% of UK Charitable activities charities with income over £10M (sample: 222). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 99.7%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 81% of UK Charitable activities charities with income over £10M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 0.4%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 87% of UK Charitable activities charities with income over £10M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £128,653

Charitable Activities £75,064,700

Other Trading £1,526,481

Investments £2,062,216

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £53,895,321

Raising Funds £98,546

Governance £93,851

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £54,000

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2025	£78,782,050	£54,047,867	£53,895,321	£150,788,165	£19,829,125	344 / 0
2024	£74,414,677	£52,796,137	£52,669,137	£126,056,149	£17,466,149	346 / 0
2023	£58,426,337	£53,494,209	£53,190,209	£104,438,787	£17,190,787	363 / 0
2022	£52,948,148	£47,024,574	£47,024,574	£135,611,119	£18,506,119	378 / 0
2021	£50,268,463	£46,142,609	£45,998,609	£118,782,402	£19,911,402	375 / 0

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about John Innes Centre

What does John Innes Centre do?

How much income did John Innes Centre report in 2025?

John Innes Centre reported total income of £78.78m and reported expenditure of £54.05m for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is John Innes Centre?

John Innes Centre has a program ratio of 68.4%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 32% of UK Charitable activities charities with income over £10M (sample of 222 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was John Innes Centre registered as a charity?

John Innes Centre was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 4 October 1976 as charity number 223852. It has been registered for 50 years.

Who runs John Innes Centre?

John Innes Centre is governed by a board of 9 trustees. The chair of trustees is SIR THOMAS HUGHES-HALLETT. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does John Innes Centre operate?

John Innes Centre operates in Norfolk, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is John Innes Centre a registered charity?

Yes — John Innes Centre is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 223852.