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 Ne￿Ork 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 Ne￿Ork 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.. Ne￿orkIng 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.
Ne￿orking. 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 Ne￿Ork (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 othe￿iS8 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-