Annual Report | United Grand Lodge of England

The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) launched its first annual report in 2021 (related to the year 2020) in its 300-year history, marking another major step forward in its commitment to modernisation, transparency and normalisation.

The annual reports are issued yearly and aim to provide insight into UGLE’s activities and finance of the previous year. The annual reports are published digitally as well as available in hard copy.

Embracing the Strategy and adopting a positive attitude – a ‘yes, if’ approach rather than one of ‘no, because’ – will be key
The Pro Grand Master & Pro First Grand Principal, Jonathan Spence, DL

Annual Report 2022

Especial meeting 300 years Freemasons Constitutions at Freemasons' Hall

The 1723 Constitutions Inventing the Future

2023 sees the 300th anniversary of “The Constitutions of the Free-Masons”, a book which has acted not just as the cornerstone of Freemasonry, but also took Freemasonry to the world and helped spread Enlightenment ideas of equality, democracy and scientific reason.

Some of the highlights of the tercentenary celebration

A yearlong exhibition at the Museum of Freemasonry at Freemasons’ Hall in London, “Inventing the Future”
The Especial Meeting of Grand Lodge on 31 January 2023
1723 - 2023 merchandise

1723 Constitutions Celebrating 300 years Inventing the Future exhibition 1723 - 2023 merchandise

Four pillars in the strategy of the United Grand Lodge of England

Forging a thriving future The Strategy for Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond

2022 saw the launch of our new Strategy, Freemasonry 2022 and Beyond.

The current Strategy was formed in 2022 under the Pro Grand Master’s leadership to develop our approach for the next seven year period. So why do we need one? While most major organisations have a public strategy, we can assure you this is not a tick-the-box exercise or to follow some trend or fad. Our aim is simple: to cement our reputation as a force for good in our communities and society at large, and as a thriving organisation with people aspiring to join us.

How the Royal Arch is Critical to the Delivery of the Strategy Coherent Organisation

A key area of the Strategy is to reinforce the connection between the Royal Arch and the Craft as a means of supporting member engagement and to enhance the experience of all our members in their Masonic activity.

""As in the Craft, whilst attracting new members into the Royal Arch is essential, motivating them to stay is no less critical to our success" "

Professor Stephen Tucker

President of the Committee of General Purposes,

Financial highlight

Our total income rose by 11% compared to 2021, and has now returned to its pre-pandemic level. Income from annual dues was £7.4 million, £0.6m below the 2021 level. Membership has fallen by 9% since 2019, as our normal rate of attrition was not offset by initiations and joiners during the lockdowns. The good news is that the rate of initiations has now recovered. With our new strategy in place, we hope that our membership will begin to grow over the next few years. Investment income grew by 22% to £2.3 million, driven by a recovery in income from our investment properties – although a number of vacancies still remain. Our trading income more than doubled to £1.7 million as activity in the Shop, Café and Bar at Freemasons’ Hall increased.

54% £7.4m Annual dues

17% £2.3m Investment income

11% £1.5m Hire of rooms in FMH

12% £1.7m Trading income

5% £0.6m Registration and other fees

2% £0.2m Other income