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2025-03-31-accounts

COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NI071966 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: 100008

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Financial Statements

31 March 2025

Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfast BT2 8DN

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

Page
Trustees' annual report (incorporating the director's report) 1
Independent auditor's report to the members 9
Statement of financial activities (including income and
expenditure account) 15
Statement of financial position 16
Statement of cash flows 17
Notes to the financial statements 18
The following pages do not form part of the financial statements
Detailed statement of financial activities 30
Notes to the detailed statement of financial activities 31

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report)

Year ended 31 March 2025

The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Reference and administrative details

Registered charity name Advice NI
Charity registration number 100008
Company registration number NI071966
Principal office and registered First Floor, Block 3
office Forestview
Purdy's Lane
Newtownbreda
Belfast
BT8 4AR
Northern Ireland
The trustees
M Loughran
G Morgan (Resigned 24 March 2025)
A Cunningham
A Watson (Appointed 11 September 2025)
D Abrahams (Chairperson) (Appointed 6 May 2025)
E Campbell (Appointed 11 September 2025)
K Kelly (Appointed 11 September 2025)
S McKinley (Appointed 20 February 2025)
M Taulbutt (Resigned 10 October 2025)
B McMullan
G O'Neill (Resigned 20 February 2025)
D McGregor
J Farrell
Company secretary Kathleen Mulligan
Auditor Finegan Gibson Ltd
Chartered accountants & statutory auditor
Causeway Tower
9 James Street South
Belfast
BT2 8DN
Bankers Ulster Bank
365-369 Ormeau Road
Belfast
BT7 3GP

1

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Structure, governance and management

The organisation is a charitable organisation recognised by HM Revenue & Customs and registered with the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland. As of April 2009 the organisation has been registered as a charitable company limited by guarantee established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association.

Appointment of trustees

Trustees are appointed by the members of Advice NI at its Annual General Meeting. The process for appointing Trustees is outlined in the governing documents.

The Trustees when complete shall consist of at least three and not more than fourteen individuals, all of whom must be either elected by Ordinary Members at an AGM from amongst the nominees; or be a person appointed by the Trustees to be a Trustee at a board meeting. The Ordinary Members and Trustees shall endeavour to have a Board of Trustees composed of no less than 60 per cent elected by Ordinary Members and 40% appointed by Trustees.

Trustee induction and training

An annual induction is held for all new members of the Board and training in good governance is also provided to the whole board each year.

Arrangements for setting pay and remuneration of key management personnel

Pay for senior staff is set by the board of trustees and are broadly in line with NJC local government scales for the equivalent job role.

Organisation structure and how charity makes decisions

The management board meets at least 4 times per annum to set the strategy for the organisation and to receive reports (including financial report) from the Chief Executive. There is also one sub-committee Audit and Risk which also meet a minimum of 4 times per annum and are elected each year from within the ranks of the Board.

Relationships with related parties

Advice NI has a number of external relationships and partnership across a range of projects and services. .Further information on projects and partnership are contained within our Annual Report.

Risk management

Advice NI has a risk management strategy in place which is reviewed and updated each quarter by the Staff and Resources subcommittee and then presented and discussed at each board meeting. A risk register has been established. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces.

2

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Objectives and activities

Introduction and Impact Overview:

The Trustees are pleased to present their Annual Report together with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025, for Advice NI. Advice NI is the leading membership body for independent advice services across Northern Ireland, representing 62 member organisations who provide information, advice and representation to people in greatest need. Over 60% of all enquiries related to social security benefits, with other significant areas including housing, debt, and employment. We believe that independent advice is a cornerstone of a fair society - helping people to secure their rights, access services, and improve their lives.

The Charity's objects as set out in the governing documents are:

The Charity's objects are to promote the following purposes for the public benefit:

(i) the advancement of citizenship or community development by the provision of training, advice, administrative support and information to charities in direct pursuit of their objects and to the general public; and

(ii) such other exclusively charitable purpose according to the law of Northern Ireland as the Trustees may from time to time decide

The focus of our work

The main focus of our work for the year continued to be the development of an independent advice sector that provides the best possible advice to those who need it most. We work to support our members in the areas of training, research, policy, IT and membership services.

How our activities deliver public benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to have due regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland's public benefit guidance. Our main activities and who we try to help are described below. All our charitable activities focus on the development of an effective independent advice sector that in turn provides advice, information and advocacy on behalf of the public.

Who used and benefited from our services?

Advice NI exists to promote the welfare of the public by ensuring that people in need have access to free, independent, high-quality advice services. Through our members and direct services, we provide practical assistance, support and advocacy to individuals and families, particularly those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or in crisis. In doing so, we contribute to reducing poverty, promoting social inclusion and securing people's rights. The benefits of our work are demonstrated in the positive outcomes achieved for thousands of people across Northern Ireland each year.

Details on all Advice NI's work can be accessed through our website www.adviceni.net

Charitable Purposes (Articles of Association)

Advice NI's charitable objects are to advance citizenship or community development by providing training, advice, administrative support and information to charities in direct pursuit of their objects and

3

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

to the general public; and to pursue such other exclusively charitable purposes according to the law of Northern Ireland as the Trustees may from time to time decide. These purposes underpin Advice NI's work in advancing access to justice, welfare rights, debt advice, digital inclusion, and capacity-building across the independent advice sector.

4

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Achievements and performance

The activities described in this section demonstrate how Advice NI has furthered its charitable purposes for the public benefit, supporting communities across Northern Ireland and enabling access to justice, welfare rights and debt relief.

Our key achievements include the following:  Equipping members with the knowledge and skills to provide high quality independent advice - over 400 training sessions offered to members; more than 3,000 participants; overall satisfaction rate of 97%.

 Evidence-based policy work responding to issues affecting members; shaping public policy and securing improvements in people's lives; 19 consultation responses; 164 social policy publications produced; 5 research and policy propositions; 8 campaigns; 87 promotion and awareness events.

 Supporting members to deal with complex cases - 382 complex case queries answered for advisers.

 Helping maintain high quality and compliance with industry and legal requirements - 190 quality audits; 2,390 case file reviews; 51 call listening and shadowing activities; 58 assessor & adviser workshops; 16 peer review workshops; 28 bespoke training sessions (164 participants); 27 quality presentations; 205 development and learning meetings; 111 policy guides produced.

 Promotion of the vital role of independent advice and strengthening the voice of the sector - 311,600 social media policy impressions; 95 press releases; 12 radio & TV interviews; 61 website articles/updates; 2 radio ads, 16 billboards, 267 digital ads, 17 print ads; 1,091 social media posts.

 Supporting the membership with communications - 23 job vacancies advertised; 11 member articles featured in AdviceMatters; 30 members supported with PR; 8 member offices provided with promotion materials; 24 events shared with members; 2 members supported with comms for events; IT procurement support delivered.

Other important pieces of work include:

5

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

 Ensuring access to information and relevant resources - 238,574 visitors to www.adviceni.net with 4,335 using the accessibility toolbar.

Helplines and Specialist Support

Advice NI provided vital direct services across a wide range of issues:

Service

Enquiries / Outcomes

HMRC Helpline 3,368 tax and benefits enquiries Historical Institutional Abuse Service 641 enquiries (up from previous year) Welfare Reform Support Project 17,312 enquiries Trussell Trust Project 1,791 food vouchers issued Business Debt Service 131 business owners supported; £7.3m debt managed Personal Debt Service 3,481 clients; £39.1m debt supported Specialist Debt Support Service 282 enquiries Referral Portal 34 organisations, 223 users, 1,242 referrals

Public relations activity achieved a combined reach of over 30 million across print, broadcast, and digital channels, covering key themes such as Debt Relief Order (DRO) reform, childcare costs, cost-of-living pressures, scam awareness and debt trends.

We are especially proud to have supported thousands to secure their immigration status in the UK through the EU Settlement Scheme project, funded by the Home Office. Advice NI is OISC Level 3 Immigration, Asylum and Protection registered (Ref: N2O1900041).

The Trustees wish to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of Advice NI's staff, volunteers, and members. Their commitment ensures that people facing crisis or hardship are not left alone, but supported with expert advice, advocacy, and compassion.

6

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Financial review

The charity has incurred a deficit during the year of £119,820, which includes £124,907 deficit in unrestricted funds which has decreased the total fund balance carried forward to £697,525 Unrestricted funds carried forward are £501,422 and restricted funds carried forward are £196,103. The Statement of Financial Activities for the year is detailed on page 14.

This year, the charity is reporting a relatively high deficit, primarily due to rising operational costs - particularly in the area of technology, where new systems and controls had to be implemented. This has been compounded by flat funding from some contracts and higher salary costs required to meet the growing demand for our services

Reserves policy and going concern

The Board has examined the charity's requirements for reserves in light of the main risks of the organisation. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be between 3 and 6 months of expenditure. Running costs for 2024/25 was £3,268,772 excluding partner payments and therefore the target is £817,193 to £1,634,386 in general funds. Free reserves of the charity at 31st March 25 stand at £404,478 which is below the target level

Advice NI does not anticipate any risks to its financial stability although this is under constantly under review by the senior management team, staffing and resources committee and the Board.

Plans for future periods

Trustees' responsibilities statement

The trustees, who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period.

7

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Trustees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Auditor

Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that:

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption.

The trustees' annual report was approved on 20 October 2025 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by:

D Abrahams (Chairperson) Trustee

8

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Advice NI

Year ended 31 March 2025

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Advice NI (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 March 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account), statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and the provisions available for small entities, in the circumstances set out below, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

In common with many other organisations of our size and nature we use our auditors to prepare and submit returns to the tax authorities and assist with the preparation of the financial statements.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

9

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Advice NI (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees' report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

10

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Advice NI (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the trustees' responsibilities statement set out on page 6, the trustees (who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Our responsibility is to audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing (UK). Those standards require us to comply with the Financial Reporting Council's (FRC's) Ethical Standard for Auditors', in the circumstances set out in note 24 to the financial statements.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

11

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Advice NI (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks in operation, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included ongoing compliance with the UK Companies Act and tax legislation.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental for their ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

12

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Advice NI (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

13

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Advice NI (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Paul Dolan ACA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfast BT2 8DN

20 October 2025

14

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Activities (including income and expenditure account)

Year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
Unrestricted Restricted
funds funds Total funds Total funds
Note £ £ £ £
Income and endowments
Charitable activities 5 121,780 3,664,831 3,786,611 3,413,999
Other trading activities 6 63,856 63,856 67,284
Investment income 7 10,063 10,063 12,383
Other income 8 49,346 49,346 26,434
───────── ──────────── ──────────── ────────────
Total income 245,045 3,664,831 3,909,876 3,520,100
═════════ ════════════ ════════════ ════════════
Expenditure
Expenditure on charitable activities 9 369,952 3,659,744 4,029,696 3,541,233
───────── ──────────── ──────────── ────────────
Total expenditure 369,952 3,659,744 4,029,696 3,541,233
═════════ ════════════ ════════════ ════════════
───────── ──────────── ──────────── ────────────
Net expenditure (124,907) 5,087 (119,820) (21,133)
═════════ ════════════ ════════════ ════════════
Transfers between funds 17,085 (17,085)
───────── ──────────── ──────────── ────────────
Net movement in funds (107,822) (11,998) (119,820) (21,133)
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 609,244 208,101 817,345 838,478
───────── ──────────── ──────────── ────────────
Total funds carried forward 501,422 196,103 697,525 817,345
═════════ ════════════ ════════════ ════════════

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The notes on pages 18 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

15

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Financial Position

31 March 2025

2025 2024
Note £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets 14 96,947 79,003
Current assets
Debtors 15 573,995 446,667
Cash at bank and in hand 246,674 584,233
───────── ────────────
820,669 1,030,900
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 220,091 292,558
───────── ────────────
Net current assets 600,578 738,342
───────── ─────────
Total assets less current liabilities 697,525 817,345
───────── ─────────
Net assets 697,525 817,345
═════════ ═════════
Funds of the charity
Restricted funds 196,102 208,101
Unrestricted funds 501,423 609,244
───────── ─────────
Total charity funds 18 697,525
═════════
817,345
═════════

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime.

These financial statements were approved by the board of trustees and authorised for issue on 20 October 2025, and are signed on behalf of the board by:

D Abrahams (Chairperson) Trustee

The notes on pages 18 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

16

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net expenditure (119,820) (21,133)
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 22,955 31,943
Other interest receivable and similar income (10,063) (12,383)
Interest payable and similar charges 1,045 940
Gains on disposal of tangible fixed assets (12,500)
Accrued income (219)
Changes in:
Trade and other debtors (127,328) (209,356)
Trade and other creditors (72,467) (17,014)
───────── ─────────
Cash generated from operations (318,178) (227,222)
Interest paid (1,045) (940)
Interest received 10,063 12,383
───────── ─────────
Net cash used in operating activities (309,160) (215,779)
═════════ ═════════
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of tangible assets (40,899) (5,102)
Proceeds from sale of tangible assets 12,500
───────── ─────────
Net cash used in investing activities (28,399) (5,102)
═════════ ═════════
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (337,559) (220,881)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 584,233 805,114
───────── ─────────
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 246,674 584,233
═════════ ═════════

The notes on pages 18 to 28 form part of these financial statements.

17

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements

Year ended 31 March 2025

1. General information

The charity is a public benefit entity and a private company limited by guarantee, registered in Northern Ireland and a registered charity in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is First Floor, Block 3, Forestview, Purdy's Lane, Newtownbreda, Belfast, BT8 4AR, Northern Ireland.

2. Statement of compliance

These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.

3. Accounting policies

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properties measured at fair value through income or expenditure.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the entity.

Going concern

There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.

Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment.

Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal, and fall into one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endowment funds.

18

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Incoming resources

All incoming resources are included in the statement of financial activities when entitlement has passed to the charity; it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income:

Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannot be fully recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates:

All costs are allocated to expenditure categories reflecting the use of the resource. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the activities they contribute to on a reasonable, justifiable and consistent basis.

Tangible assets

Tangible assets are initially recorded at cost, and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts are recorded at the fair value at the date of revaluation less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.

19

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

3. Accounting policies (continued)

Tangible assets (continued)

An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financial activities. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain, in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losses on the statement of financial activities.

Depreciation

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost or valuation of an asset, less its residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset as follows:

Short leasehold property - 10% straight line
Fixtures and fittings - 25% straight line
Motor vehicles - 25% straight line
Equipment - 33% straight line

Impairment of fixed assets

A review for indicators of impairment is carried out at each reporting date, with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. Where the carrying value exceeds the recoverable amount, the asset is impaired accordingly. Prior impairments are also reviewed for possible reversal at each reporting date.

For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallest identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets.

For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units.

Defined contribution plans

Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised as an expense in the period in which the related service is provided. Prepaid contributions are recognised as an asset to the extent that the prepayment will lead to a reduction in future payments or a cash refund.

When contributions are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the end of the reporting date in which the employees render the related service, the liability is measured on a discounted present value basis. The unwinding of the discount is recognised as an expense in the period in which it arises.

20

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

4. Limited by guarantee

Advice NI is a company limited by guarantee and accordingly does not have a share capital.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of its being would up while he or she is a member, of within one year after he or she ceases to be a member.

5. Charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
Department for Communities 1,500 2,843,519 2,845,019
Insolvency Service 1,850 1,850
Portal Income 33,700 33,700
CFNI Carers Fund
Legal Education 56,000 56,000
Ofcom 2,425 2,425
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough
Council
Feeding Britain 20,000 20,000
Power NI
Consumer Council NI 4,999 4,999
Big Lottery Income 15,188 15,188
Link Scheme
Lloyds 42,858 42,858
Ulster Garden Villages 18,667 18,667
EUSS 75,200 75,200
Trussell Trust 80,532 80,532
Begin Together
Forward South Belfast Roma Hub 14,448 14,448
HMRC 83,864 83,864
Victim and Survivors Service 39,171 39,171
Deloitte
Charities Trust
Living wage 20,000 20,000
SEC National Lottery Community Fund 308,221 308,221
DOE Living Wage NI 94,999 94,999
E Visa 29,470 29,470
───────── ──────────── ────────────
121,780 3,664,831 3,786,611
═════════ ════════════ ════════════

21

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

5. Charitable activities (continued)

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Department for Communities 3,000 2,621,401 2,624,401
Insolvency Service 900 900
Portal Income 47,200 47,200
CFNI Carers Fund 45,205 45,205
Legal Education 57,000 57,000
Ofcom 7,275 7,275
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough
Council 31,576 31,576
Feeding Britain 20,000 20,000
Power NI 9,800 9,800
Consumer Council NI 5,000 5,000
Big Lottery Income 50,188 50,188
Link Scheme 45,510 45,510
Lloyds 9,885 9,885
Ulster Garden Villages 13,333 13,333
EUSS 142,376 142,376
Trussell Trust 80,532 80,532
Begin Together 37,928 37,928
Forward South Belfast Roma Hub 14,448 14,448
HMRC 110,030 110,030
Victim and Survivors Service 37,967 37,967
Deloitte 3,445 3,445
Charities Trust 20,000 20,000
Living wage
SEC National Lottery Community Fund
DOE Living Wage NI
E Visa
───────── ──────────── ────────────
161,809 3,252,190 3,413,999
═════════ ════════════ ════════════
Other trading activities
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Membership fees and insurance 15,473 15,473 15,450 15,450
Training income 48,383 48,383 51,580 51,580
Room hire 254 254
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
63,856 63,856 67,284 67,284
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════
Investment income
Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Bank interest receivable 10,063 10,063 12,383 12,383
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

6. Other trading activities

7. Investment income

22

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

8. Other income

Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds
Funds 2025 Funds 2024
£ £ £ £
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed
assets held for charity's own use 12,500 12,500
Other income 36,846 36,846 26,434 26,434
──────── ──────── ──────── ────────
49,346 49,346 26,434 26,434
════════ ════════ ════════ ════════

9. Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type

Activities
undertaken Total funds Total fund
directly Support costs 2025 2024
£ £ £ £
Advice service provider 3,955,089
34,769
3,989,858 3,472,018
Governance costs
39,838
39,838 69,215
────────────
────────
──────────── ────────────
3,955,089
74,607
4,029,696 3,541,233
════════════
════════
════════════ ════════════

10. Analysis of support costs

Analysis of
support costs Total 2025 Total 2024
£ £ £
Staff costs 34,769 34,769 42,627
Governance costs 39,838 39,838 69,215
──────── ──────── ─────────
74,607 74,607 111,842
════════ ════════ ═════════

11. Net expenditure

Net expenditure is stated after charging/(crediting):

Net expenditure is stated after charging/(crediting):
2025 2024
£ £
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets 22,955 31,943
Gains on disposal of tangible fixed assets (12,500)
Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements 7,470 7,844
════════ ════════

23

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

12. Staff costs

The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows:

2025 2024
£ £
Wages and salaries 2,215,596 1,848,482
Social security costs 211,748 178,073
Employer contributions to pension plans 229,452 202,715
Other employee benefits 8,748
──────────── ────────────
2,665,544 2,229,270
════════════ ════════════

The average head count of employees during the year was 75 (2024: 65).

The number of employees whose remuneration for the year fell within the following bands, were: The number of employees whose remuneration for the year fell within the following bands, were: The number of employees whose remuneration for the year fell within the following bands, were:
2025 2024
No. No.
£70,000 to £79,999 1
£80,000 to £89,999 1
──── ────
1 1
════ ════

Key Management Personnel

Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the charity. The total compensation paid to key management personnel for services provided to the charity was £519,528 (2024:£499,842).

13. Trustee remuneration and expenses

The charity trustees were not paid or received any other benefits from employment with the Charity in the year (2024: Nil).

No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplies to the charity (2024: Nil).

One trustee was reimbursed travel expenses during the year totalling £86 (2024: £91).

24

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

14. Tangible fixed assets

Short
leasehold
Fixtures and
Motor
property
fittings
vehicles Equipment Total
£ £ £ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2024 144,498
132,634
31,464 254,085 562,681
Additions
40,899 40,899
Disposals
(31,464) (67,288) (98,752)
─────────
─────────
──────── ───────── ─────────
At 31 March 2025 144,498
132,634
227,696 504,828
═════════
═════════
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Depreciation
At 1 April 2024 72,250
132,634
31,464 247,330 483,678
Charge for the year 14,450
8,505 22,955
Disposals
(31,464) (67,288) (98,752)
─────────
─────────
──────── ───────── ─────────
At 31 March 2025 86,700
132,634
188,547 407,881
═════════
═════════
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Carrying amount
At 31 March 2025 57,798
39,149 96,947
═════════
═════════
════════ ═════════ ═════════
At 31 March 2024 72,248
6,755 79,003
═════════
═════════
════════ ═════════ ═════════
Debtors
2025 2024
£ £
Trade debtors 521,552 423,246
Prepayments and accrued income 21,551 23,421
Other debtors 30,892
───────── ─────────
573,995 446,667
═════════ ═════════
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Trade creditors 133,363 201,282
Accruals and deferred income 7,844 7,844
Social security and other taxes 52,186 46,105
Other creditors 26,698 37,327
───────── ─────────
220,091 292,558
═════════ ═════════

15. Debtors

16. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

17. Pensions and other post retirement benefits

Defined contribution plans

The amount recognised in income or expenditure as an expense in relation to defined contribution plans was £229,452 (2024: £202,715).

25

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

18. Analysis of charitable funds

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds
At At 31
1 April 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers March 2025
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 481,372 245,045 (369,952) 17,086 373,551
Capital fund 127,872 127,872
───────── ───────── ───────── ──────── ─────────
609,244 245,045 (369,952) 17,086 501,423
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ════════ ═════════
At At 31
1 April 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers March 2024
£ £ £ £ £
General funds 750,872 267,910 (327,006) (210,404) 481,372
Capital fund 127,872 127,872
───────── ───────── ───────── ───────── ─────────
878,744 267,910 (327,006) (210,404) 609,244
═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Restricted funds
At At 31
1 April 2024 Income Expenditure Transfers March 2025
£ £ £ £ £
Department for
Communities 2,843,519 (2,882,086) 38,567
EUSS 75,200 (75,200)
Trussell Trust 80,532 (80,532)
HMRC 83,864 (122,434) 38,570
Victim and Survivors
Service 39,171 (39,171)
Begin Together 15,598 (12,853) 2,745
Community Foundation
NI 11,840 (14,071) 2,231
Legal Education
Foundation 47,583 56,000 (60,516) (2,397) 40,670
Ofcom 26,524 (295) (26,229)
Deloitte 3,208 (3,208)

26

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

18. Analysis of charitable funds (continued)

National Lottery
Dormant Accounts Fund 46,539 15,188 (19,024) (23,772) 18,931
Link Scheme 43,476 (5,532) (37,944)
Ulster Garden Villages 13,333 18,667 (32,631) 631
SEC Community Fund 308,221 (201,172) (2,431) 104,618
E-Visa 29,470 (17,448) (1,104) 10,918
Living Wage 114,999 (96,779) 18,220
───────── ──────────── ──────────── ──────── ─────────
208,101 3,664,831 (3,659,744) (17,086) 196,102
═════════ ════════════ ════════════ ════════ ═════════
At At 31
1 April 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers March 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Department for
Communities (105,357) 2,621,401 (2,677,607) 161,563
EUSS 142,376 (174,599) 32,223
Trussell Trust 80,532 (80,532)
HMRC 110,030 (125,823) 15,793
Victim and Survivors
Service 37,967 (38,792) 825
Begin Together 37,928 (22,330) 15,598
Community Foundation
NI 4,720 45,205 (38,085) 11,840
Legal Education
Foundation 22,977 57,000 (32,394) 47,583
Ofcom 37,394 7,275 (18,145) 26,524
Deloitte 3,445 (237) 3,208
National Lottery
Dormant Accounts Fund 50,188 (3,649) 46,539
Link Scheme 45,510 (2,034) 43,476
Ulster Garden Villages 13,333 13,333
SEC Community Fund
E-Visa
Living Wage
───────── ──────────── ──────────── ───────── ─────────
(40,266)
═════════
3,252,190
════════════
(3,214,227)
════════════
210,404
═════════
208,101
═════════

The transfer out of restricted funds relates to the capital assets purchased with restricted funding which do not have a restriction over their ongoing use. Transfers out of funds Ofcom, Deloitte and Dormant Accounts Fund have been made to correct balance for expenditure that was recognised as unrestricted in a previous year. Transfers into restricted funds relate to overspends on projects being supported by unrestricted funds.

27

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Financial Statements (continued)

Year ended 31 March 2025

19. Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2025
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 96,947 96,947
Current assets 442,952 377,717 820,669
Creditors less than 1 year (38,476) (181,615)
(220,091)
───────── ───────── ─────────
Net assets 501,423 196,102 697,525
═════════ ═════════ ═════════
Unrestricted Restricted Total Funds
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Tangible fixed assets 79,003 79,003
Current assets 641,223 389,677 1,030,900
Creditors less than 1 year (110,986) (181,572)
(292,558)
───────── ───────── ────────────
Net assets 609,240 208,105 817,345
═════════ ═════════ ════════════

20. Taxation

The Company is a registered charity, and as such is entitled to tax exemptions on income and profits in furtherance of the charity's primary objectives.

21. Analysis of changes in net debt

At
At 1 Apr 2024 Cash flows 31 Mar 2025
£ £ £
Cash at bank and in hand 584,233 (337,559)
246,674
═════════ ═════════ ═════════

22. Contingencies

A contingent liability exists to repay grants received should certain conditions not be fulfilled by the charity. In the opinion of the Trustees, the terms of the Letters of Offer have been, or will be, complied with and no liability is expected.

23. Related parties

There were no other related party transactions incurred during the year (2024: nil).

24. Ethical standards

In common with many other businesses of our size and nature we use our auditors to prepare and submit returns to the tax authorities and assist with the preparation of the financial statements.

28

Company Limited by Guarantee

Year ended 31 March 2025

Advice NI

Management Information

The following pages do not form part of the financial statements.

29

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
£ £
Income and endowments
Charitable activities
Department for Communities 2,845,019 2,624,401
Insolvency Service 1,850 900
Portal Income 33,700 47,200
CFNI Carers Fund 45,205
Legal Education 56,000 57,000
Ofcom 2,425 7,275
Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council 31,576
Feeding Britain 20,000 20,000
Power NI 9,800
Consumer Council NI 4,999 5,000
Big Lottery Income 15,188 50,188
Link Scheme 45,510
Lloyds 42,858 9,885
Ulster Garden Villages 18,667 13,333
EUSS 75,200 142,376
Trussell Trust 80,532 80,532
Begin Together 37,928
Forward South Belfast Roma Hub 14,448 14,448
HMRC 83,864 110,030
Victim and Survivors Service 39,171 37,967
Deloitte 3,445
Charities Trust 20,000
Living wage 20,000
SEC National Lottery Community Fund 308,221
DOE Living Wage NI 94,999
E Visa 29,470
──────────── ────────────
3,786,611 3,413,999
──────────── ────────────
Other trading activities
Membership fees and insurance 15,473 15,450
Training income 48,383 51,580
Room hire 254
──────── ────────
63,856 67,284
──────── ────────
Investment income
Bank interest receivable 10,063 12,383
──────── ────────
Other income
Gain on disposal of tangible fixed assets held for charity's own use 12,500
Other income 36,846 26,434
──────── ────────
49,346 26,434
──────── ────────
──────────── ────────────
Total income 3,909,876 3,520,100
════════════ ════════════

30

Advice NI

Company Limited by Guarantee

Notes to the Detailed Statement of Financial Activities

Year ended 31 March 2025

2025 2024
£ £
Expenditure on charitable activities
Advice service provider
Activities undertaken directly
Wages and salaries 2,171,825 1,798,182
Employer's NIC 208,750 174,472
Pension costs 225,586 197,308
Other employee benefits 8,748
Rent & service charges 111,676 106,916
Light & heat 10,533 10,710
Repairs & maintenance 5,040 3,696
Insurance 15,866 14,310
Travel costs 18,001 10,501
Telephone 68,950 62,528
Printing, postage & stationery 12,886 12,439
Depreciation 22,955 31,943
Members training 28,669 39,985
Publications and subscriptions 13,802 15,937
Staff recruitment and training 27,178 24,089
Computer and website development costs 163,701 109,219
Conference costs 8,941 6,236
Publicity and literature 53,080 90,789
Project payments - Money & Debt salaries/EUSS experts 719,863 716,949
Bad debt 725
Members other costs 613 1,681
Employee Benefits & Wellbeing 17,587 9,895
Miscellaneous Expenses (222) 1,712
Grant repayment (10,831)
SEC Partner payments 41,061
──────────── ────────────
3,955,089 3,429,391
──────────── ────────────
Support costs
Wages & salaries 30,628 37,007
Employer's NIC 1,589 2,167
Pension costs 2,552 3,453
──────── ────────
34,769 42,627
──────── ────────
Governance costs
Wages and salaries 13,143 13,293
Employer's NIC 1,409 1,434
Pension costs 1,314 1,954
Audit fees 7,470 7,844
Legal and other professional fees 15,457 43,750
Bank charges and interest 1,045 940
──────── ────────
39,838 69,215
──────── ────────
──────────── ────────────
Expenditure on charitable activities 4,029,696 3,541,233
──────────── ────────────
Net expenditure (119,820) (21,133)
════════════ ════════════
════════════ ════════════

31