Company Registration No. N131418 (Northern Ireland) Registered Charity No. NIC100009 RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) (Company Limited by Guarantee) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) COMPANY INFORMATION Trustees Raymond Craig Patsy O'Hanlon Frances Spence (Hon Secretary) Arnold Hatch Nicholas Moore John Waddell (Chairperson) Noelle Donnell (Vice Chairperson) Rosemary Forde Eimear Monlague Philip O'Kane Karin Eyben Hugh Haslings Ruth Montgomery lan Pallerson Denlse Kelso Liam Campbell Alan Pools Corporate Management Toam Katé Clifford (Director) Kevln Traynor (Finance & IT Officer) Company number N131418 Reglstered offlce 38a Oldlown Street Cookslown Co Tyrone BT80 8EF Audltor David Lyllle + Co Ltd Slallon House 46 Molesworth Street Cookslown Co Tyrone 8T80 8PA Banker8 Bank of Ireland 32 James Slreet Cookslown Co Tyrone BT80 8LU Solicitors PA Duffy & Co 14 Molesworth Street Cookstown Co Tyrone BT80 8NX
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Direclors. responsibilities slalemenl Independent examinerfs report Slalement of financial activities 10 Balance sheet 11 Notes lo the financlal statements 12-23
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 The tnjslees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, submit their Annual Report and the externally independently examined Financial Slalements fof the year ended 31 March 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalement of Recommended Practice appli¢abl& to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard appli¢abl& in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102 effective 1 January 20151, in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Trustoes The trustees who held office durlng Ihe year and up lo the dale of signature of tha financial statements were as follows.. Raymond Cralg Palsy O'Hanlon Fiances Spence (Hon Secretary) Ainold Hatch Nicholas Moore John Waddell {Chairperson) Noelle Oonnell (Vice Chalfperson) Rosemary Forde Aidan Bunting Eimear Monlague Philip O'Kane Karin Eyben Hugh Haslings Ruth Montgomery lan Patterson Denise Kelso Liam Campbell Alan Poots (Resigned 1 March 2023) Structure, Governance and Management Rural Community Network {Nl) was sel up In 1991, as a company limited by guarantee constiluled under the Companies Act 2006 and is a registered charily, number XR17297. Rural Community Network (Nl} Is registered with the Chafity Commission for Northern Ireland as a Company Llmiled by GLtarantee, number NIC100009. 11 is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Associalion. The prlnclpal offic8 of the company Is located at 38a Oldlown Street, Cookslown, Co Tyrone, BT80 8EF. The trustees of the company are ils direclors for the purposes of charity law and are collectively referred to as Iruslees. The number of Iruslees must not be less than 5 or more than 23. Rural Community Network INI) Is managed by voluntary Iruslees elected every two years and there are also a number of co-opted positions. The elected Iruslees include two community representatives from each of the six counties in Northern Ireland, two affiliate members from regional voluntary organisations and one representative from the statutory aulhorilies. The co-oplions can be representatives from agriculture, disability and cross border sectors. After each election an induction is held for the Iruslees. Areas considered al the induction include an explanation of the major areas of activity (including the current programmes of work), guidance on the governance aspects of trustee's role, an introduction to the strategic aims over the two-year period and an examination of the main threats and opportunities facing the charity. The day to day management of Rural Community Network (Nl) is delegated to a management team headed by Kale Clifford (Oireclof) which reports lo the Board of Trustees 6 to 7 limes per year. The Finance and Human Resources sub-commillee oversees major areas ofwork and reports from the sub-committee are presented al each Board meeting. Written policies and procedures detail the decision making powers which are delegated lo the staff and those which are retained by the trustees. The current Finance and Human Resources sub-committee has committed to working with the Board on an ongoing programme of review of policies which are used within the organisalion.
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Rlsk management The trustees have undertaken a delailed review of the major rlsks to which the charity Is exposed. A major risk is around cash flow and Ihe ability of Rural Community Nelwork (Nl) lo meet payments due to delays in paymen15 from funders. The trustees have considered this risk and have made provision under the Reserves Policy. Systems and procedures have been established lo mitigate risk identified and slralegi8s are being developed lo minimise the impact on the community, should any of the risks malerlalise. Background Rural Communily Network Is a voluntary membership-based organlsallon supporting rural communities across the region. RCN works with rural communities to address issues relating lo poverty, inequality, community, and good relations. RCN adopts a community development approach lo ils work. Areas of work Include community developm8nl training, action research, policy analysis, peacebuilding, slrateglc planning, Consullalion. mediation and facililalion. OUR VISION Is of vibrant, articulate, Inclusive and suslalnable rural communities whose Gonlribulion Is valued across Norlhern Ireland. OUR MISSION is lo provldé an effective volce for, and support to, rural communllies, particularly those who are most disadvanlaged and excluded. OUR VALUES are set wilhin Ihe Gonlexl of community development which Is a long- term value-based process which aims lo address imbalances In power and bring aboul change founded on soclal Sustice, equality and inGlusion. The value5 we bring lo our work are.. Community Ernpowerment Social Juslice Collective Action WorkinglLearning Togelher Equality and Anli-di3ciimlnallon
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Achlevements and Performance The external independent examination of Rural Community NeOrk accounts presented in Ihls report comprise its results for Ihe year ended 31 March 2023, detailed on page 10. Key achievements under each Stralegic Aim are listed below. RCN continues to be in a consortium wilh NICVA, CENI and C03 in the extenslon period of the Generlc strand of lh& Regional Infrastructurè Support Programme (RISP) funded through DAERA and Dfc lo deliver key services lo community and voluntary sector groups throughout Northern Ireland with a strong rural presence. Rural Community Network {Nll currently uses the RISP funding lo part support a Director's post, a Policy and Public Affairs post, a Community Learning and Skllls posl and a Finance and IT post. Rural Community Network INI) currently has Ihree staff employed through a Communlty Relations Council Core funded programme. In addition, RCN has secured funding for the Ours lo Shar8 project funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We also have additional conlracl and lender work though bids lo undertake work In relation lo poverty research, facililatlon. houslng, educalion and peacebulldlng. The following report glves a snapshot of the achlevemenls of Rural Communlty NeOrk durlng the reportlng period under our 4 slralegic aims lo illuslrale how we are meeting our targets across the aims and objectives of our slraleglc plan, Tha Slraleglc Plan's flflh alm Is concerned with Intgrnal systems and resourclng for the Nètwork and is feported at Ihe end of this documenl, Kèy figures from thlB year for RCN Actlvltles: UK and Republlc of Ireland work wg havè done: RCN remains connected lo European Rural community Alllance, European Rural Parliament, and Scolllsh Rural Action 5G New Thlnklng Consortlum (UK wlde) Shared Island parl of a panel speakers al four evenls Working on peace Issues with Ihe Department of Forelgn Affairs House of Lords Committee on Nl Prolo¢ol x 3 events 2 presentations al Nl Affairs Commillee North South Ministerial Council meeting with international delegations OECD Conference 2 presentations British Irish Council events x 3 attended with presentations Representatlon on 23 Nl wldo commltteos Includlng: Integraled Care slralegy CVS workslream Developing Governance working group Future framework for Rural Nl - DAERA DAERA Moniloring Commillee for Rural Development CRC Annual Good Relations Week planning committee Human Rights Consortium Brexit working group Ad Hoc Group for North ,Soulh, East, Wesl co-operation Women addressing paramililarism co design group LGBTQ+ Stralegy group convened by Dfc Anli-poverty Slralegy Convened by Dfc Cosl of Living Crisis Emergency Leadership groLtp convened by DFC Business in the Community Digital inclusion group 20 new groups supported with Heritage Lottery investment Ihrough 'Ours lo Share, Project 213 Zoom sessions hosted 74 workshops and Training session organised 521 No of people attendinglreached by our programmes 200+ Meetings facililaled 45+ Groups received Social Value Engine Impact support 31 groups allended Impact support training sessions 9 Consultation responses including ongoing policy representation on rural issues 5000+ Social media followers (Twitter. Linked in, Facebook etc) 4 Blogs written on issues impacting rural life 10 Rural Brief newsletter editions 3 Policy link publications 5 Beyond Belfast peace and good relations. Praclilioners support sessions
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 strateglc Alm I: Empowering the Volce of Rural Communlties Peace and reconclllatlon We represented the voice of our network al the following events. Every event we attended required work beforehand lo contact and understand the voices of our membership so we Could represent these al the committee. Sharéd Island part of a panel speakers at four events Working on peace issues with the Department of Foreign Affalrs House of Lords Commitlee on Nl Protocol x 3 8V8nls 2 presentations at Nl Affairs Committee North South Ministerial Council meetlng with International delegalions Health Sector transfomlatlon; C and V sector group Health service reform in Nl. We have Developed the Rural Health Toolkit for Nl in partnership with Centre for Rural Health in the UK. Rural Proofing as we continue health service reform remains a key element of our work. We have hosted the PHA Elevate training for our members supporting understanding Ihe link between community development, prevention and intervenlion work al Community level and the effects of the social determinants of health on the demand for servlces across Ihg region. Rural Regldents, Forum - supporting the Forum lo raise ils voice on Issues which Impact rural tenants - through presentations lo raise awareness of NIHE Corporate plan, Rural New Building largels, Personal Independence Paymenl, Rural Needs Act. Charity Sector Support: Supporting groups with Issues that Impact on Ihem across the region such as.. access lo banking facilities, governance, regulation, and digilal inclusion. Also, significant work lo allow posl-covid operating suppori with changes to Conslilullons wilh groups Includlng online access for members and meetings, and funding deadline and delivery changes as a result of the ongoing pandemic. Meetlngs wlth Socretary of State, EU Commlsslon, Irlsh Government and UK Governmont and Oepartmonts MLAS on issues such as the Collapse of NS Government, Rights agendas post Brexit, Protocol, rural social housing. rural development replacement funding and fundln9 slralegles, Rural Needs Impact As5essrnent Issues, Brexit, and budget issue5. Ad Ho¢ group - RCN Is part of Ihe group 5UPPOrtlng North South and East West relallons lo talk about the Impact of Brexit, protocol, funding for all i51and projects and support for groups and Individuals in border regions. Maintainin9 and sustaining support for nelworking connecting on an Ea51 West basis too. Consultations Iln tho absgnco of Nl Assembly) responded to include Doh Review of Urgent and Emergency care service Sin l. DOH Reform of Soclal Care EleclriG Vehicle Infrastructure Consumer Subgroup NHSCT- Causeway Hospital service changes NIE networks RP7 Nl Peatland Strategy EQIA NIHE Corporate Slrategy NHSCT Acute maternity Services
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 strateglc Aim 2: Promoting, supporting and celebratlng community development practlce In rural communlties Looking back to go forward report- a revlew of the learning from the use of the LEADER approach in Diploma: 19 Individuals have completed the NUI Galway Diploma In Community Development Practice and are due lo graduate in November 2023 Tralnlng for groups and individuals In: Canva, Avoiding Bluders with Funders, NINNIS slatistics in local areas, Rural Needs Impact Assessment and Understanding the Rural Needs Act, CD practlC8 and Principles, Meeting management and group work skills, managing confli¢l and mediation. Weblnarsl Online éngagement . Social Enterprise opportunities In Nl, Successlon planning, Building Back Beller? Assembly Explained.. Rural SustaSnabilily Issues., Rural Digital Exclusion, The Bill of Righls; Community Responses lo the Pandemic,, Connecting rural.. RCN is a partner in the UK 5G New Thlnking Project to empower rural and poorly conne¢led communities lo explore remote working, digital hubs and produced a report on the policy conlexl for Digital remote working in Nl. RCN also works on the Digilal Inclusion group wilh Business in Ihe Community and has advised Govarnment of the roll out of project Slralum. Community Leadershlp In the West - funded by National Lottery Community Fund in partnership with Fermanagh Trust and Holywell Trust to revive leadership and group training and support in community development and leadership in the rural West. 23 seminars, 26 n8lworkin9 events and over 40 group sessions run. Our8 to Share.. NeorkIng and supporting groups to engage in the exploration of wider inclusion in Iheir History and Hèritage projects. Wè invested In projects with 20 groups lo support them lo engage wider and more diverse audiences in their projects. StrateglG Alm 3: Actlvely worklng toward8 an equltable and pea¢eful soclety 25 Years of the Good Frlday Agroement: RCN Partnered wllh Corrymeela on a number of reflection exercises regarding the annlversary RCN staff spoke al a number of GFA 25 anniversary events hosted by our members across Nl. Hume Foundallon: RCN attended and spoke at several evenls hosted by the Hum8 Foundation on fulure of Rural Peace in Ihis region. Beyond Belfast practitioners support group - RCN ran 5 support meellngs for praclilioners who are largely working in isolation in their communities during the COVID pandemic. We undertook a strategic review of the forum and ils work. We engaged rural Praclilioners in Trauma Informed Practice Training National Lottery Heritage Fund Shared Hlstory Fund Completed '100 Years of Change in Nl, project that yielded: 32 seminars and supported 37 groups lo lake part in events and showcase work. Governmenu Statutory engagement: RCN Continues to with Dfc, PSNI DOJ, TEO and CRC on issues of rural peaGebuilding and issues of racism and sectarianism. Contributlon to the co-deslgn groups set up for the social strategies by DFC on LGBTQ rights and the Anti- poverty strategy. Provided input lo the responses on Disability and children's poverty issues from a rural perspeclive. NSEW AD Hoc group - RCN continues to play and active part in this group of organisalions who are supporting beller relations between those working across Ihese Islands in line with Strand 2 of the GFA.
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Strategic Alm 4: Supportlng rural communities to reallse their potentlal and ambitions 5G New Thinking Dlgltal Incluslon Project- Concluded. Wa commissioned a paper on policy needed to enable greater use of digital hubs. Convened a number of sile visits and networking meetings to alert funders Government departments and community group lo Ihe opporlunities arising from Digital Hubs, Remote working and SMARTer towns and villages. Covld and Cost of Living Crisis~ one to one support was given for groups applying for financial support for both Covid Recovery, and the Cost of Living Crisis, includlng Red Cross Hardshlp fund CFNI, Dfc and Children in Need. Neorking. Provided networking opportunities for practitioners and groups lo share learning on the use of warm hubs, Cost of living crisis and the dislribulion of food and energy aid. Supported the community and faSth sector through a series of webinars and online Iraining including social media. Twitter, Insla9ram & Canva,. Fundraising, Grants and Foundations, Funding Applications,. Lobbying & Campaigning,. Successlon Planning., Return to Work Premises; Social Fund., Facililaling Effective Meetings., and Fundraising for Schools & PTAS. Soclal Value Englne 45 groups have received support with access lo and training on the use of the SVE,. DAERA and Dfc have both commlssloned the use of SVE In evaluallon processes. CRC have commissloned the use for core funded groups. RCN Mgmber$hlp Survey on Ihelr Issues and n8eds at Ihls Ilme and found that very many of our group5 are acting and responding to the crls15, but many are worrled about Ihelr future sustalnability. Affordable, reliable dlgilal conneclivily for rural reglons is an ongoing Issue, Stratoglc Alm 5: Doveloplng staff systoms and resources, on8urlng contlnuous Improvement and development of RCN servlces. RCN Slaff and Board have embarked on a strateglc revlew of th8 Network Its systems, Ils resources, its, funclionalily, and ils ambitions. Post covid, and with a changing rural landscape post- Brexit, Rural Nl Is changing and so are we. We have agreed lo a root and branch review ofwhat we do, what we alm lo deliver and how we do that with our members, our board and our staff team. Over thè coming year RCN will be embarking on an internal and external strategic review process which will hopefully see us emerg8 as a more robu51, effecllve, efficlenl, well-resourced and well-SUPPQTted organisalion.
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Flnancial Review For the year, income is £453,234 (2022: £698,329), a decrease of £245,095 coming from funding received. Expenditure has decreased on last year by £139.484. The Trustees of RCN have met wlth our appointed Independent Examiner to dlscuss the surplus in last year's accounts and are aware of the implications for the organisalion. The Trustees of RCN acknowledge and understand Ihe current financial situation and are confident of the performancè of the organisation for the coming 12 month period but will keep a watchlng brièf on the accounts in Ihese austere limes. Rural Communlly Network (Nl) receives funding from a range of government and charitable organisalions and discharges these funds in pursuit of ils charilable obleclives and the particular programme funding largels. Reserrfes Pollcy Rural Cornmunlly Network (Nl) has a Reserves Policy whlch d&lalls why reserves are held and the level of reserves appropriale for the charity. The trustees review the level of free reserves required (that is those funds not lied up in fixed assets, designated and reslficled lundsl on an annual basi$10 ensure conlinuily of charitable operations. In Ihe event of Rural Community Network {Nl) being wound up there Is a legal requlremenl to 81ore documentation for seven years and the associated costs would need lo be met from reserves. The actual free reseNes at 31 March 2023 are £253,055, Designated reserves for other purposes are detailed in note 18. A cash flow fund Is held lo bridge any polenlial shortfall in fundralslng largels and to underpln viable programmes that are experlencing cash flow problems. A staffing fund is held lo enable Rural Community Network (Nl) to cover sickness, maternily and meet redundancy costs. A development fund Is held lo facililale Ihe development of new programmes and lo provlde for reslruclurlng of existing a¢livilies. A capilal fund exisls lo hold funds received for Ihe purchase of fixed assets. Funds held a8 Custodlan trustoos on behalf of others The charity holds no funds as Custodlan trustees on behalf of others. Statement of dlsclosure to Independent Examlner So far a5 each person who was a direclor al the dale of approving this report is aware, there is no relevant information of which the company's Independenl Examiner is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps Ihat they ought lo have taken as directors in order lo make themselves aware ol all relevant information and to establish that the company's Independent Examiner is aware of that information. This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies èntitled to Ihe small Companies exemption. On behalf of the board John Waddell (Chairperson) Director 6 December 2023
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) DIRECTORS, RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 The trustees (who are also directors of Rural Community Network (Nl) for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing Ihe annual report and th8 financial slatemenls In accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the directors lo prepare financlal statements for each financial year, Under that law the directors have elected to prepare the financial slalements in accordance with United Klngdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors musl not approvè Ihe financial slalemenls unless they aré satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the company and of the surplus or deficit of the company for that period. In preparing these financial slalemenls, the direclors are required lo.. select sultable accounling policies and then apply them consislenlly., observe the methods and principles In the Charities SORP; make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudenl., slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, sublect to any material departures disclosed and explalned in tha Financial Slalemenls., and prepare Ihe financial slalemenls on the golng concern basis unless It Is inappropriate to presume that the company will contlnue in business. The Iruslees are responslble for keeplng adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's Iransaclions and dlsclose with reasonable accuracy at any limo the financlal posilion of the company and enable Ihem to ensure that Ihe financial slalemen15 Gomply wilh the Companles Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for lakln9 reasonable sleps for Ihe prevention and deleclion of fraud and other irregularilie5. On behalf ol the board John Waddell (Chairperson) Dlrector 6 December 2023
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES ON THE PREPARATION OF THE UNAUDITED STATUTORY FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Independent Examlners Report to the Trustees of Rural Communlty NebNork {Nll I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023, which are sel out on pages 14 10 26. Re8pectlve responslbllltles of dlrectors and examlner As Ihe charity's Tfuslees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts In accordance with the Charities Act (Northefn Ireland) 2008. 11 is my responsibility lo., examine the accounts under secllon 65 of the Charitles Act follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Commlssion under section 65 (9) (bl of the Charities Act slate whether parlicular mallers have come to my allention. Basls of Indepondont examlnerfs report I have examined your charity accounts as requlred under section 65 of the Charities Acl and my examination was carried out in accordance with the gener81 directions given by the Charity Commlssion for Northern Ireland under section 65{9){b> of the Charities Act. My examinalion included a review of the accounting records kepl by Ihe charity and a comparlson of th8 accounts presented with those records. 11 also included conslderalion of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity Trustees concerning any such matters. My role Is lo stale whether any material matters have come to my all8nlion giving me cause to believe: 1. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act. 2. Thal the accounts do not accord with those accounting records. 3, Thal the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act. 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of Ihe accounts to be reached. Independent examlnerfs statem8nt I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of Ihe mallers {1> to (4> listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commlsslon for Northern Ireland, I have found no mallers that require drawing lo your allenlion. Eri¢a Convery for and on bèhalf of Davld Lyttle + Co Ltd 6 December 2023 Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors Slation House 46 Molesworth Slreel Cookslown Co Tyrone BT80 8PA
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK {NI) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Notes Unrestrlcted Re8trlcted funds funds 2023 Total 2022 Total Incomlng rasources from generated funds Voluntary income 1,500 171.812 173,312 163,234 Investment Income 45 45 19 Incomlng resourcos from charltable a¢tlvltles Charitable projects Income 19,600 225,054 244,654 526,280 Other Incomlng resources 35,223 35,223 8,796 Total Incomlng rasources 56,368 396,866 453.234 698,329 Resources expended Charitable activities Governance cosls 63,701 3,078 339,141 402,842 3,078 542.936 2,468 Total resource8 expended 66,779 339.141 405,920 545,404 Net Incomlnglloutgolng) resources 110,411) 57,725 47,314 152.925 Total funds brought forward 811 April 2022 Transferred lollfrom) Capilal Fund 638,391 10,296 646.687 493,762 Total funds carrled fopAiard at 31 March 2023 625.980 68,021 694.001 646,687 The slalement of financial aclivities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations. There are no recognised gains and losses other than those passing Ihrough the slalemenl of financial activities. 10-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2023 2023 2022 Notes Flxed assets Tangible asse15 13 303,060 310.440 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and In hand 14 47,380 346,723 2,054 380,156 394,103 382,210 Credltors: amounts falllng due wlthln one year 16 (3,162) (45,963) Net curront assets 390,941 336,247 Totsl assets less current IlabSlltle8 694,001 646,687 The funds of the charlty Restrlcted Income funds Unrestrlcted Incomè funds General funds Designated funds 18 18 68,021 10,296 253,055 372,925 246.087 390,304 Total unrestrlcted Income funds 825.980 636,391 Tolal ¢harlty funds 694,001 646,687 For the financlal year ended 31 March 2023 Ihe company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companie5 Act 2006 relaling lo small companl8S. The Trustees acknowledge thelr responsibilities for complying wilh the requirements of the Act with respect lo accounting records and the preparation of financial statements. The members have not required the company lo oblaln an audit of its financial slalements for the year in question in accordance wilh se¢lion 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable lo companies subject lo the small companies regime. The financial slatemenls were approved by the Board of Trustees and aulhorised for issue on 6 December 2023 and are signed on its behalf by.. John Waddell (Chairperson) Company Reglstration No. N131418 11
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Accounting pollcles Company Information Rural Community Network (Nl) is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in Norlhern Ireland. The registered office is 383 Oldtown Slreet, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, 8T80 8EF. 1.1 Accounting conventlon The financial statements have been prepared In accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Slalement of Recommended Practice applicable lo ¢haritles preparing their accounts In accordance with the Financlal Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 1021 effective 1 January 2015) - (Charilles SORP IFRS 102)), Ihe Financlal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and R8public of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companles Act 2008. Rural Community NeOrk (Nl) meels the definillon of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost and transaction value unless otheiS8 slated in Ihe relevant accountancy policy nole{s>. The financial slalemenls are prepared on a going concern basis. The financial slalemenls are prepared in sterling, whlch Is the functional currency of the Gompany. Monetary amounts In the50 financlal statemenls are rounded lo th8 nearest £. 1.2 Income and expenditure All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financlal Activities when Ihe charity is legally enlilled lo the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Voluntary Incomg - Voluntary Income is recelved by way of grants, donations and gifts and Is Included in full in the Slalemenl of Financial A¢livities when the charity is legally enlilled lo income and the amount Can be quanllfied wlth reasonable accuracy. Investment Income - Inveslment Income relates lo bank Interest receivable. Charltable proJe¢ts Income Charitable projects Income Is recelved by way of grants and Is Included in the Slalement of Finan¢ial Aclivltles when Ihe charity Is legally enlilled lo Ihe income and can be quanllfled with reasonable accuracy. Fees and other income ar8 included in full In the Slalemenl of Other Incomlng resources Flnanclal Aclivilies when due. Grants - Grants for the purpose of capital expenditure are credited to restricted incoming resources when receivable and Iransferred to unrestricted fund5 on purchase of the a5sel. Revenue grants are credited to Incoming re50ur¢es on Ihe earlier dale of when Ihey are received, unles5 Ihey relate to Specified future period in which case Ihey are deferred, 12-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Accounting policles (Contlnued) All expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of ils activities and services for ils beneficiaries. 11 includes both costs that can be allocated directly lo such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary lo supply them. Support costs are allocated to their relevant activity based on the number of staff on the proiect. Charltable actlvltles and grants pald Charitable expenditure comprises Ihose costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of ils activities and services for its beneficlaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated dlreclly lo such aclivitles and those ¢o$ls of an indirect naturè nec8ssary to supply them. Support costs are allocated lo their relevant activity based on the number of staff on the proj8Ct. Governance costs Governance costs Include those Incurred In the governance of ils assets which are associated conslilulional and slalulory requirements, Penslon eosts The charity operates a defined contribution scheme for employees. Contributions are charged to the Statement of Financial Aclivilles in the period lo whlch they relate. Operatlng leases Rentals applicable lo operating leases are charged to the Slalemenl of Flnancial Activities on a stralght line ba51s over the lease terms. Fund accountlng The charity has varlous types of fund for which il is responsible and whlch requlre specific disclosures. A definillon of the varlous types of funds Is as follows.. General funds are unrestricted funds whlch are available for use at the dis¢relion of (he trusteès for furtherance of the general objectives of Ihe Charity and which have not been designaled for other purposes. Designated funds comprise unreslricled funds that have been Sel aside by the Iruslees for particular purposes. The alm and use of each deslgnaled fund Is sel oul in the notes to the financial slalemenls. Reslricled funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific reslriclions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. 1.3 Tanglble flxed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequenlly measured al cost or valualSon, nel of depreciallon and any impairmenl10sses. Depreciaiion is recognised so a5 to write off the cost or valuation of assels less thelr resldual values over their uselul lives on the following bases: Freehold land and buildings Leasehold land and buildings Fixtures and fittings Computers not depreciated 20/0 Straight line 10 /9 slraighl line 33.34/0 straight line The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is Grediled or charged to surplus or deficit. 1.4 Impairment of fixed assets Al each reporting period end dale, the company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indiGation exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order lo determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).'Where il is not possible lo estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the company eslimales the recoverable amount of the cash-generaling unil to which the assel belongs. 13-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Accounting pollcles (Continued) Recoverable amount13 the higher of fair value less costs lo sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the eslimaled future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rale Ihal reflects current market assessmenls of the lime value of money and the risks spe¢ifiG lo the asset for which th8 estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recov8rabl8 amount of an asset (or cash-generaling unil) is esllmaled lo be less than ils carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unll) is reduced lo ils recovèrable amount. An impairment loss Is recognised immediately in surplus or deficit, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case Ihe Impalrmenl loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. Recognlsed Impalrment lossès are reversed If, and only if, the reasons for Ihe impairm8nl loss have ceased lo apply. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amounl of the asset (or cash- generaling unll) Is Increased to Ihe revised estimate of ils recoverable amounl, bul so Ihat the increased carrying amounl does not exceed the carrylng amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognlsed for the asset (or cash-generaling unit) in prior years. A reversal of an impairment loss is recognised immediately in surplus or deficit, unless the relevant asset Is carried al a revalued amount, in which case the reversal of Ihe Impairment Ios515 Irealed as a revaluallon Increase. 1.5 Cash and cash equlvalents Cash and cash equivalenls are basic financial assets and include Cash In hand, deposits held al call with banks, olher short-lerm liquld Inve51ments wilh orlglnal malurilies ol three months Of l&ss, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown wilhln borrowings in Current liabilities. 1.6 Flnanclal Instruments The company has elected lo apply Ihe provlslons of Section 11 'Baslc Flnanclal Instruments. and SeclSon 12 'Other Financial Instruments Issues, of FRS 102 to all of ils financial inslrumenls. Financial inslruments are recognlsed in the company's balance sheet when the company becomes party lo the contractual provi51ons ol the Inslrumenl. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounls presented in the financial slalemenls, when Ihere is a legally enforceable righl lo sel off the recognised amounts and there is an Intention lo sellle on a nel basis or to reali5e Ihe assel and sellle the liabilily simultaneously. Baslc flnanclal assets Basic financial assets, whlch include debtors and cash and bank balances, are Inltlally measured al transaction price including Iransa¢lion costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constilul8s a financing Iransaclion, where the transaction is measured al Ihe present value of the fuluie recelpls discounted at a market r le of inleiesl, Financial assels classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Classlflcatlon of flnanclal Ilabllltles Flnancial liabilities and equity instruments are Classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity inslrumenl is any contract Ihat evidences a residual inleresl in Ihe assels of the company after deducting all of Its liabilitiès. 14-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Accountlng pollcles (Continued} Baslc flnanclal liabllltles Basic financial liabilities, includlng creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares Ihal are classifièd as debt, are Initially recognlsed al Iransaclion price unless the arrangement conslilules a financing Iransaclion, where Ihe debt instrument is measured al the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rale of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amorlised. Debt inslrumenls are subsequently carried at amortlS8d cost, uslng Ihe effective Interest rata method. Trade credltors are oblig?Ilons lo pay for goods or service5 that have been acqulred In the ordinary course of business from supplièrs. Amounts payabla are classified as current liabilities if payment is due wilhln one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities, Trade creditors are recognised inilially al Iransa¢llon price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using Ihe effective Interest method. Changes in Ihe falr value of derivatives Ihat are designated and qualify as falr value hedge5 are recognised in profil or loss Immediately, together with any changes In the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are allribulable to Ihe hedged risk. Voluntary Income Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcted funds 2023 Total 2022 Total DAERAI DFC Membershlp fees 171,812 171,812 1,500 158,064 5,170 1,500 1,500 171,812 173,312 163,234 Investment Income Unre8trlctèd funds Restrlcted funds 2023 Total 2022 Total Interest receivable and s milar income 45 45 19 45 45 19 15-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Charltablo projects Income Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcted funds 2023 Total 2022 Total Total charltable trusts and other bodles Community Relations Council ABC Council Halifax Community Grants Programme National Lottery Heritage Fund National Lottery Heritage Fund - Shared Hlslory CFNI New Needs Fund Social Value Englne Dfc Diploma 59,686 59,666 58.433 980 500 65,383 500 6S,383 132,880 35,000 9,730 10,000 29,505 60,000 10,000 29,505 60,000 Total charltable trusts and other bodles 225,054 225,054 237,023 Fee Incorna 19,600 19,600 289,257 19,600 225,054 244,654 526,280 Fee Income Unrestrlcted funds Restrl¢ted fund8 2023 Total 2022 Total Fee income 19,600 19,600 289,257 Other Incomlng resour¢es Unrestrlcted funds Restrlcted funds 2023 Total 2022 Total Miscellaneous income Meeting income NIHE 8,205 591 223 35,000 223 35,000 35,223 35,223 8,796 Charitable projects Unrestri¢ted funds Restricted funds 2023 Total 2022 Total Cost of general projects 63,701 339,141, 402,842 542,936 16-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Govemance costs Unrestrlcted funds Restrf¢ted funds 2023 Total 2022 Total Professional fees and board expenses 3,078 3,078 2,468 Net movement In funds 2023 2022 Nel movement in funds I slated after charglng.. Staff costs (Note 11) Depreclallon 266,870 7,379 277,112 7,380 10 Trustees. remunoratlo The Trustees neither recelved nor walved any emoluments during the year (2022.. £nil). 17-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 11 Analysls of staff costs, trustee remuneratlon and expenses, and the cost of key management personnel Employees Average monthly number of persons employed during the year, excludlng Irusl8¢s. by actlvity.. 2023 Number 2022 Number Charitable aclivitles Management and admlnlstrallon of the company Thelr aggregate remuneratlon comprised.. 2023 2022 Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs 228,670 24,291 13,709 243,764 21,546 11.802 266.670 277,112 Employe8s falling In Ihe emoluments band over £60,000 Is Nll (2022 .' £nlll. Key management compens8tlon Key management included the trustees and members of senior management. payable to key management for employee servlces is shown below.. he compensallon paid or 2023 2022 Key managemenl compensation 101,198 100,022 Trustees 2023 Number 2022 Number The number of trustees at the year end was 17 18 17 18 18-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 12 Taxation The company is a regisisred charity, and as such Is enlilled to certain tax exemptions on income and profits from investments and surpluses on any trading activities carried on in furtherance of the charity's primary objectives if these profits and surpluses are applled for charilable purposes. The charity Is not registered for VAT and accordingly, all ils expenditure is recorded inclusive of any VAT Incurred. 13 TangSble flxed assèts Land and Plant and bulldlngs machlnery etc Total Cost Al 1 April 2022 and 31 March 2023 450,531 39,871 490,402 Deproclatlon and Impal At 1 April 2022 Depreciation charged in ment 141,066 6.158 38,897 1,221 179,963 7,379 he year Al 31 March 2023 147,224 40,119 187,343 Carrylng amount At 31 March 2023 303,307 {2471 303,060 At 31 March 2022 309,465 975 310,440 14 Debtors 2023 2022 Amounts falllng due wlthln one year: Service charges due Prepayments and accruqd income 5,445 41,935 1,240 813 47,380 2,053 15 Members, Ilability The Company is limited by guarantee, not having a share capital and consequenlly the liability of members is limited, subject lo an undertaking by each momber to contribute to the net assets or liabilities of the company on winding up such amounts as may be required not exceeding £1. 16 Creditors: amounts faiilng due withln one year 2023 2022 Accruals and deferred income 3,162 45,963 19-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 17 Contingent liabllities There is a contingent liability to repay all granl monies should Ihey not be distributed under the terms of the various inilialives. The Iruslees do not anticipate any repayment falling due under the terms on which the grants were received. -20-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 18 Statement of funds Unrestricted funds At 31 March 2023 2022 Income Expendlture Transfers General reserve 246,087 56,388 (59,400) 10,000 253,055 246,087 56,368 (59,4001 10,000 253,055 De51gnated fund8 Capital fund Cash flow fund Staffing fund Development fund 303,661 30,838 55,000 805 (7,379) 296,282 30,838 45,000 805 10,000 390,304 (7,379) 10,000 372,925 Total unrestrlcted fundi 636,391 56,388 (66,779) 625,980 Goneral re8eThie The general reserve represents the funds of the charlly which are not deslgnaled for partlcular purposes. Capltal fund The capital fund conslsls of funds received for the purpose of fixed assets which are Iransferred lo unreslricled funds when expended and then released from designated funds over the related assets, useful life. £7,379 repre8enls the depreclalion charge In the current financial year. Cash flow fund The cash flow fund has been deslgnaled by the Iruslees to ensure that sufficient reserves are available lo bridge any potential shortfall in fundralsing targets and lo allow sufficient lime for addillonal funds to be secured. This fund also allows for a temporary transfer of funds whlle funding claims are being processed. Stafflng fund The staffing fund has been set up to cover the ¢osl of employing locum staff as well as covering Ihe cost of conlraclual obligations lo slaff including provision for redundancy costs, tralning for the re-deployment of staff and good employment practice. Development fund The developmènt fLtnd was established lo allow Rural Communily Network (Nl} to invest in the developmenl of new programmes where a need is identified and to reslructure existing functions where required. 21
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 18 Statement of funds {Continued) Restricted funds At 1 Apr51 2022 At 31 March 2023 Income Expendlture Transfers Communily Relatlons Council ABC Council Halifax Community Grants Programme DAERAJDFC CFNI Heritag8 Lollery Herltage Fund Social Value Engine Dfc Diploma 255 41 10,000 59,666 (59,921) (41) (3,210) (171,812) (1451 (65,383} 500 171,812 10,000 65,383 29,505 60,000 7,290 9,855 29,505 21,371 (38,829) 10,296 396,866 (339,1411 68.021 Reglonal Infrasturctura Support Programmè The Regional Inlraslructure Supporl Programme funded by DAERA and DIC to a consortuim of groups provides generic infraslruclure support lop enable the voluntary and community sector lo operate effectively and efficiently accr05s Northern Ireland In both urban and rural areas. ABC Borough Councll This lee income wa5 received from ABC Borough Councll for community relations projects wilhln ils Council area delivered by RCN. Communlty Relatlon8 Coun¢ll This programme funds a Communlly Relalions programme of activity by providing funding for Community Relations Officer and a part lime adminislralor and seeks lo improve and promote community relations and a 'shared fulure, regionally accross rural Northern Ir81and. The Halifax Foundatlon for Northern Ireland Halifax Foundatlon have funded RCN under their speclal Initiatives programme to undertake Ihe 're-ignile' programma which is a diagnostic strategic planning process undertaken with 4 groups accross Nl in phase one. In phase two we will network and cluslef groups of similar ambition to learn from each other, Department of Forelgn Affalr8 & Trade- Reconclllatlon Fund The DFA funds were received for OCN Level 2 in understanding different types of commemorations and devèloping good practice in relation lo elhlcal remembering. CFNI New Needs Fund Communily Foundation for Northern Ireland 'New Needs Fund,. The fund comprises money from Comic Relief and the National Emergency Trust, and was available to the sector to help organisalions and communities to address new needs appearing as a result of the Coronavirus and to find new ways of meeting existing needs. RCN supported faith based groups lo address Iheir new needs. National Lottery Heritage Fund Ours to share project.. The NLHFS Startegic Funding Framework 2019-2024 se15 Out to address under-represenlalion in funding of areas that= Have received least funding in the past and experience deprivation. the Nalional Lottery Heritage Fund identified 13 local authority areas that displayed botlh criteria. Since April 2019 NLHF teams have worked slrategi¢ally wilh stakeholders in those area5 10 identify the best way to meet local needs. The Strategio -22-
RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 18 Slatement of funds {Continued) Funding Framework also explained that, where appropriate. NLHF would 501icil applications for priorily heritage projects in those areas, In Northern Ireland two project proposals were identified lo target communities in particular need, one of which is RCN. Natlonal Lottery Herltage Fund - Shared Hlstory A project working across rural Northern Ireland called 100 Years of Change - Rural Shared Hlslory Programme which helped groups lo mark the Centenary of Nl in a thoughlful, In¢lusiv8 and engaging way. 19 Dlrectors, transactlons The Iruslees nellher recelved nor walved any emoluments durlng the year (2022'.£nll). 20 Prolesslonal Indemnlty Insurance Professlonal indemnity insurance of £395 (2022 £324) has been paid to indemnify trustees and staff providing lechnlcal advice to community groups. -23-