The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom
Also known as: The Rsl
The Royal Society of Literature celebrates and nurtures all that is best in British literature, past and present. We are the UK's charity for the advancement of literature. We act as a voice for the value of literature, engage people in literature, and honour and encourage writers. Activities include public events, awards and prizes, campaigns and young people's outreach.
Activities & Mission
The Royal Society of Literature celebrates and nurtures all that is best in British literature, past and present. We are the UK's charity for the advancement of literature. We act as a voice for the value of literature, engage people in literature, and honour and encourage writers. Activities include public events, awards and prizes, campaigns and young people's outreach.
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 16% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 293). How is this calculated?
Higher than 42% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 32% 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 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 2013 — Brookleaze Trust (organisation 249539)
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | £236,467 | £734,644 | 0 / 20 | |||
| 2023 | £254,690 | £576,937 | 0 / 20 | |||
| 2022 | £1,248,913 | £512,001 | £482,302 | £4,270,363 | £38,286 | 4 / 20 |
| 2021 | £290,353 | £463,132 | 0 / 20 | |||
| 2020 | £338,117 | £428,280 | 0 / 20 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom
What does The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom do?
The Royal Society of Literature celebrates and nurtures all that is best in British literature, past and present. We are the UK's charity for the advancement of literature. We act as a voice for the value of literature, engage people in literature, and honour and encourage writers. Activities include public events, awards and prizes, campaigns and young people's outreach.
How much income did The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom report in 2024?
The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom reported total income of £236k and reported expenditure of £735k for the financial year ending 2024, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom?
The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom has a program ratio of 38.6%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 16% of UK Arts charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 293 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom registered as a charity?
The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 29 January 1963 as charity number 213962. It has been registered for 63 years.
Who runs The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom?
The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom is governed by a board of 13 trustees. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom operate?
The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom operates across 3 areas: Ireland, Scotland and England And Wales.
Is The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom a registered charity?
Yes — The Royal Society Of Literature Of The United Kingdom is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 213962.
Details
SOMERSET HOUSE
STRAND
LONDON
WC2R 1LA
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
Also governs 2 other charities
Also governs 1 other charity
Also governs 1 other charity
Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- The Rsl
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 30 July 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated