The Oxford Preservation Trust

Also known as: Opt

Preservation and enhancement, for the benefit of the public, of the amenities of the city of Oxford and its surroundings. Promotion and encouragement of public interest in and knowledge of the history of the city of Oxford and its surroundings.

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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

Oxfordshire

Financial Information

Latest Income

£838,193

Latest Expenditure

£844,477

Financial Efficiency

Program Ratio 94.5%

% of income going directly to charitable activities

Higher than 71% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 392). How is this calculated?

Overall Efficiency 93.8%

% of expenditure going to programs (vs overhead)

Higher than 41% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?

Administrative Ratio 7.7%

Overhead (fundraising + governance) as % of total expenditure

Lower overhead than 37% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?

Latest Financial Breakdown

Income Sources

Donations & Legacies £345,607

Charitable Activities £356,854

Other Trading £0

Investments £135,732

Other Income £0

Expenditure Categories

Charitable Expenditure £792,423

Raising Funds £52,054

Governance £13,174

Grants to Institutions £0

Other Expenditure £0

Financial Trend

Annual Returns

As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2024.

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 2025 — Critchley Charitable Trust (organisation 238259)

Financial Year	Income	Expenditure	Charitable Spending	Net Assets	Reserves	Staff
2024	£838,193	£844,477	£792,423	£8,045,138	£7,782,858	8 / 200
2023	£790,134	£1,273,512	£1,232,510	£7,804,592	£7,592,155	9 / 150
2022	£2,072,058	£816,230	£761,885	£8,136,669	£7,932,513	8 / 50
2021	£832,006	£1,220,869	£1,172,337	£7,343,566	£7,185,867	8 / 50
2020	£891,757	£814,181	£770,742	£7,362,895	£6,755,591	8 / 30

Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers

Frequently asked questions about The Oxford Preservation Trust

What does The Oxford Preservation Trust do?

How much income did The Oxford Preservation Trust report in 2024?

The Oxford Preservation Trust reported total income of £838k and reported expenditure of £844k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.

How efficient is The Oxford Preservation Trust?

The Oxford Preservation Trust has a program ratio of 94.5%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 71% of UK Heritage charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 392 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.

When was The Oxford Preservation Trust registered as a charity?

The Oxford Preservation Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 27 February 1962 as charity number 203043. It has been registered for 64 years.

Who runs The Oxford Preservation Trust?

The Oxford Preservation Trust is governed by a board of 15 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.

Where does The Oxford Preservation Trust operate?

The Oxford Preservation Trust operates in Oxfordshire, as recorded in its Charity Commission filing.

Is The Oxford Preservation Trust a registered charity?

Yes — The Oxford Preservation Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 203043.