Company Registratlon No. N131418 (Northern Ireland} Reglstered Charlty No. NIC100009 RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) (Company Limited by Guarantee) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) COMPANY INFORMATION Trustees Raymond Craig Palsy O'Hanlon Frances Spence (Hon Secretary) Arnold Hatch Nicholas Moore John Waddell (Chairperson) Noell8 Donnell (Vice Chairperson) Rosemary Forde Eimear Monlague Philip O'Kane Karin Eyben Hugh Haslings lan Pallerson Oenise Kelso Liam Campbell Alan Pools Corporato Management Toam Kale Clifford Ioireclofl Kevin Traynor (Finance & HR Manager) Cornpany numb8r N131418 Reglstered offlco 38a Oldlown Street Cookslown Co Tyrone BT80 8EF Audltor David Lyttle + Co Ltd Slalion House 46 Molesworth Street Cookslown Co Tyrone BT80 8PA Bankers Bank of Ireland 32 James Street Cookslown Co Tyrone BT80 8LU Sollcltors PA Duffy & Co 14 Molesworth Street Cookslown Co Tyrone BT80 8NX RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) CONTENTS Page Trustees, report Directors, responsibilities statement Independent examiners report 10 Slalement ol financial activities 11 Balance sheet 12 Notes lo the financial slalemenls 13-22 RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The trustees. 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 Statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 and Accountin9 and Reporting by Charities.. Slalemenl of Recommended Praclioe applicable lo charities preparing their a¢¢ounls in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicablè in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102 effective 1 January 2015), in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Trustees Tho Iru¥tees who held office durin9 the year and up lo the dale of signalufe of the flnanclal slalemenls were aa follows.. Raymond Craig Palsy O'Hanlon Frances Spenca {Hon Secrèlaryl Arnold Hatch Nicholas Moore John Waddell (Chairperson) Noellè Donnell (Vice Chairperson) Rosemary Forde Eimear Monlagua Philip O'Kane Karin Eyben Hugh Haslings Ruth Montgomery lan Pallerson Denise Kelso Liam Campbell Alan Pools (Resigned 28 February 2024} Structuro, Governance and Management Rural Community Nefv40rk INI) was sel up in 1991, 8$ a company limited by guarantee consliluted under the Companies Act 2006 and is a registered charity, number XR17297. Rural Community Ne￿ork INI) is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland as a Company Limited by Gu8ranlee, number NIC100009. 11 is governed by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. The principal office of the company is located al 38a Oldtown Street, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, BT80 8EF. The Iruslees of the company are ils director5 for thè purposes of charity law and are ¢olle¢lively referred to 89 Iruslees. The number of trusleeg musl not be less than 5 or more than 23. Rural Community Ne￿Ork {Nl} is managed by voluntary trustees elected every two years and there ar8 also a number of co-opted positions. The elected Iruslees include community represenlalives from each of the six counties in Northern Ireland, affiliate members Irom regional voluntary or9anisalions and one represenlaliva from the slatulory authorities. The co-oplions can be represenlalives from agriculture, disability and cross border sectors. Aftèr each election an induction is held for the Irusleès. Areas considered at the induction include an explanation of the major areas of activity (including the current pro9rammes of workl, guidance on the governance aspects of a trustee's role, an introduction lo the strategic aims over the I￿0-year period and an examination of the main threats and opportunities facing the charity. The day lo day management of Rural Community ￿e￿Ork INI) is delegated lo a management team headed by Kale Clifford {Direclorl which reports lo the Board of Tru51ees 6 10 7 limes per year. The Finance and Human Resources sub-commillee oversees major areas of work and reports from the sub-committee are presented al each Board meeting. Written policies and procedures detail the decision making powers which are delegated to the staff and those which are retained by the trustees. The current Finance and Human Resources sub-committee has committed lo working with the Board on an ongoin9 programme of review of policies which are used within the organisalion. RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Rlsk management The Iruslees have undertaken a detailed review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. A major risk is around cash flow and the ability of Rural Community Ne￿Ork {Nl) lo meet payments due lo delays in payments from funders. The trustees have ¢onsidered this risk and have made provision under the Reserves Policy. Systems and procedures have been established lo mitlgale risk identified and strategies are being developed to minimise the impact on the community. should any of the risks malerialise. Background Rural Community Ne￿Ork Is a voluntary mernbership-based organisation supporting rural communities across the region. RCN works with rur81 communities lo address issues relating to poverty, inequality, community, and good relations. RCN adopts a community development approach lo ils work. Areas of work include community development Ifalning, action research. policy analysis, peacebuilding, slraleglc planning, consullalion, mediation and f8cili181ion. OUR VISION is of vibrant, articulaté, inclusive and sustainable rural communities whose contribution is valued across Northern Ireland. OUR MISSION is lo provide an effective volce for, and support to, rural communities, particularly those who are most disadvantaged and excluded. OUR VALUES are sel wilhln the context of community davelopmant whlch Is a long- term value-based process which aims lo address imbalances in power and bring about ¢hanga founded on social justice, equality and inclusion. The values we bring lo our work ar8.. Community Empowerment Social Justice Collective Action WorkinglLearning Together Equality and Anli-di8¢riminalion RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Achlevement3 and Performance The external independent examination of Rural Community Nelmork accounts presented in this report comprise ils results for the year ended 31 March 2024, detailed on page 11. Key achievements under each Strategic Aim are listed below. RCN Continues lo be in a consortium with NICVA. CENI and C03 in the extenslon period of the Generic strand of the Regional Inlraslruclurè Support Programme (RISPI funded throu9h DAERA and Dfc lo deliver key services lo Community and voluntary sector groups throughout Northern Sreland with a strong rural presence. RCN currently uses the RISP funding lo part support a Director's post, a Policy and Public Affairs post. Community Learning and Skills post and a Finance and HR post. In addition. currently there ara three staff employed part funded through a Community Relations Council Core funded programme. We have secured funding through Dormant Accounts (Asselsl lo support the internal operation of the organisalion following to support the modernisalion of the organisation. We have also secured National Lollery Heritage Funding for a project worker to support the slrengthgning of community groups who are embarking on Heritage related projects. We have secured significant contract and lender opportunities lo undertake work in relation lo poverty research, facililalion, housing, digi181 inclusion, education, and pea¢ebuilding. Th8 following report gives 8 snapshot of the achievements ol Rural Community Ne￿ork during the reporting period under our 4 strategic aims lo illuslrale how w6 are meeting our largels across th8 aims and obleclivès of our strategic plan. The Strategic Plan's other aim is GonGerned with internal systems and resourcing and is not r8POrted on in this document. Koy flgures from thls yoar for RCN Actlvltlos: Representation on 29 Nl wlde commillees including.. Developing Governance working group Draft framework for Rural Development post Brexit Human Rights Consortium Brexit working group Ad Hoc Group for North South. East Wesl co-operation LGBTQ+ Strategy group convened by Ofc Anli-povety Strategy convened by DIC Emergency Cost of living Crisis Leadership 9roup convened by DFC Sir George Quigley Trust Business in tho Community Dig1181 Snclusion group Common Good Iwilh Irish School of Ecumenicsl 200+ Zoom sessions hosted - in person training has bègun agaSn. 158 Programmes l Traininglworkshop session organised 101 Training session$ for groups 1943 No ol people allendinglreached by our progiammes 115 Meetings facililaled 65 groups attended Impact support training sessions 12 Consullalion responses including ongoing policy representation on rur81 i55ues 5000+ Facebook likes 3000+ Twiiier followerslre￿eÈls 4 Blogs written on issues impacting rural life 10 Rural Brief newsletter editions 4 Policy link publications 6 Beyond Belfast peace and Good Relations, Praclilioners support sassions RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Aim1 Em owerin the Volce of Rural Communities Health Sector transformatlon; C and V sector group dealing with the issues facing the sector and Ihe health setviGe in relation lo health service reform in Nl. Understanding the link beMeen community development, pr8venlion and intervention work at community level 8nd the effects of the social délerminanls of health on the demand for services across th8 re9ion. Charity Sector Support.. Supporting groups with issues th81 impact on them across the region such as.. access lo banking facilities, governance, regulation, and digital inclusion. Also, significant work lo allow post-covid operating support with changes lo conslilulions with groups including online access for members and meetings, and funding deadline and delivery changes because of the pandemic and recovery. Representatlon and volca.. Meetings with Secretary of Slate, EU Commission, Irish Government and UK Government and Departments MLAS on issues such 8S the Piolocol, rural social housing, rural development replacement funding and funding strategies, Rural Needs Impact Assessment issues, Brexit, and budget issues. Ad Hoc group- RCN is part of the group supporting North South and East Wesl relations lo talk about the impact of Brexit, protocol, funding for 811 island projects and support for groups and individuals in border re9ions. Maintaining and sustaining support lor ne￿orkIng connecting on an East West basis loo. Rural Rasldent8' Forum supporting the Forum lo raise ils voice on issues which impact rural tenants through Pfesenlalions lo raise awareness of Rural New Build Social Housing largel8, Homelessness In rural areas, community wealth building, Rural Neods Act. ConsultatSon8 hosted end responded lo are detailed on our website. Alm 2: Promotln ortln and celebratln communlt develo ment ractlca In rural ¢ommunltle 21 Individuals have completed the NUI Galway Diploma in Community Development Pra¢li¢e and are due 10 graduate in November 2023 Tiaining for groups and individuals in.. Leadership, media, Understanding the Rural Needs Act, CD practice and Principles, lobbying, meeting management and group work skills, $u¢¢e5sion planning, financial management. board management. Series ol Zoom webinars for members on.. Succession planning. Building Back Better? Assembly Explained,. Rural Suslainabilily Issues.. Rural Dig11al Exclusion, The Bill of Rights., Community Developmenl principles and values.. A wide range of other meetings lo promote rural living in Northern Ireland with NIO. Party le8d8rs, broadband companies. media. environmental groups, and rural support ne￿OrkS. Community Leadership into the West- funded by National Lollery Community Fund with Fermanagh Trust and Holywell Tfust to revive training and support in Community development and leadership in the rural West. Social Value Engine RCN continued lo support Imp8¢1 pr8¢1ice within tha sector in an 8¢¢essible end affordable way. We have invested in a toolkit which helps to measure the social relurnl Impact of the work of our member groups in the communlties they serve. RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES. REPORT {CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Alm 3: Activel workin towards an e uitable and eaceful socie Beyond Belfast praclilioners support group - RCN ran 5 support meetings for praclilioners who are largely working in isolation in their communities during the COVID pandemic, including 8 SUPPOrt residential for reflective practice. Good Frlday Agrooment,. RCN contributed to a number of key strategic events across Nl to commemorate 25year of the Good Friday agreement including events run by Corrymeela, UK Govarnmenl, Irish Government. and the Hume Foundation. Tralnlng and Edueatlon: Organised a series of programmes including Shared History, Upstanding Byslanding, Understanding the Good Friday Agreemènt, Understandin9 the Windsor flamework Strateglc peacebulldlng Continue lo engage with Dfc, PSNI DOJ, TEO and CRC on issues ol rural peacebuilding and issues ol racism and sectarianism. Soclal strategle¥ by DFC.. Contribulion lo the ¢04lesign groups set up for the on LG8TQ+ rights and the Anti- poverty strategy. Provided input to the responses on Oisability and children's poverty issues from 8 rural perspective. Doveloplng womon In the ¢ommunlty -part of the advisory panel on how that Investment can be best made in Nl. Alm 4: Su ortln rural communltlos to reall¥0 thelr otènllal and ambltlons NetworkSng opportunltles for practitioners and group lo support wellbeing end support for their ¢ommunitias in post covid recovery. Supported the communlty and falth sector through a series of webinars and online Iralning Including social media, Twitter, Inslagram & Canva,. Fundraising, Grants and Foundations, Funding Applications.. Lobbying & Campaigning., Succession Planning,. Return lo Work Premises., Facilitating Eff8cIIv8 Meètings., and Fundraising for Schools & PTAS. So¢lal Valu0 Englno -Training 58ssions delivered on Outcomes Measurement and Theory of Change. RCN Memborghlp Survoy on their issue5 and needs at this lime and found that very many of our groups are acting and responding lo the eosl-ol-living ¢risis, bul many are worried about Ihelr future sustainability. Affordable, reliab18 digital conneclivily lor rural re9ions is an ongoing 155ue. Looklng Back to Go foThYard Report - A report looking at the effectiveness and impact ol leader funding in lh8 region as a tool for Rural Dovelopment. This report explored a series of recommendations lo inform DAERA and our membership of what needs lo be ellended lo In future workslre8ms. RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 As we move into the year ahead. we have planned lo pay attention lo the following elements of our work.. Future Work 202412026 Th6 context of the period 2024-2025 is one of huge change and uncertainty. At the time of writing the Slomiont Executive has been stood down. theré are on90ing challenges resulting from Brexit. war in Ukrain8 has resulted in huge uncertainly including an influx of people fleeing war who need to be housed and supported, global food and fuel prioe hikes. Among this, the community and voluntary sector continues to provide support. sanctuary, and services lo local and global communities. As an infraslruclure support organisalion, il is our role lo support those who ar8 responding in their communitl8s. We will do so under our existing slrale9ic aims. Our role in the coming year will bé lo re-develop our strategic plan lo ensure we ar& relevant and resourceful in responding lo the changing nééds in our communities. This will lake lime and resource and will require strong engagèment with our membership. Loss of key staff in the current and new financial year will see us have lo make changes lo our operating environmènt and will require significant investment lo pul new practices and procedures in place. We will continue to work under our existing plan and will deliver on our aims as follows,, RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Stratoglc Alm 1: Empowerlng the Volco of Rural Communltles As we move out of EU funding streams in Nl there is a need lo examine how Rural Development will be resourced and programmes designed and managed lo fit with DAERA new strategic framework. RCN will work with the department lo ensure good representation in this process. As we emerge through Brexit RCN will continue lo ensure support to sustain and grow relationships NS and EW. RCN will work lo support, challenge, and ensure the articulation of the voice of member group5. Supporting al least 100 member groups lo address and articulate their views on consullalion$, through political engagement, and through work which highlights both need and best practice in rural davelcpmenl activity. Strateglc Alm 2.. PromotSng, 8UPPOrtSng and colobratlng communlty devalopmènt practlce In rural communltl¢¥ RCN will lake up to 20 students thought the Diploma in Community development Practice in this period We will continue to provide high quality training and support lo groups in relation lo community development pr8clic8 and principlas. We will nehvork groups lo provide opportunities for reflection and learning and joint Icollaboralive working. Strateglc Alm 3: ActSvely worklng towards on equltable and poaceful soclety We will support up to 15 Rur81 peace praclilioners in the Beyond Belfast Practitionérs forum. We will continue lo engaga with and represent the views of the se¢lor al government tables especially in relation lo the cosl-of-living crisis. We will continue to seek investment and support for rural peacebuilding across the region and engage with our membership in relation lo sustaining peace in our communities. RCN will conlinu81o input Into the 4 Social Strategies as they are developed Ihiough Government departments. We will work with domestic, national, and international governments lo support peacebuilding in this region. Stratoglc Alm 4: Supportlng rural communlt188 to reallso thelr potentlal and ambStlon8 Worklng with groups and communities lo address challenges of service provlsion, 8cceJs lo resources and investment especially as austerity continues. Support lo group lo embark on Digital technology uptake and investment int IheSr communities. Supportin9 communities lo embark on research and be more Ou￿ard looking lo other regions to share learning and practice with them. Supporting the Rur81 Resident's Forum through monthly meetings lo continu810 input the voice of tenants lo NIHE and government departments. Strateglc Alm 5: Daveloplng Staff 8yStérn8 and resaurcea, ensurlng contlnuous Improvemènt and developmont of RCN 8ervl¢e8 Development of a new $lralegic plan and action plan Membership surveys and membership check in processes to ènsure we are doing what is needad in the most effective and timely manner. Internal upgradè of cèntral monitoring systems. including a CRM system Review of finance systems and upgrade of reporting systems. Investment in staff training and development Investment in the office layout and facilitie5 to make the working environment more responsive to staff luser needs. RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) TRUSTEES. REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Flnanclal Revlew For the year. income is £558,726 12023.. £453.2341, an increase of £105,492 coming from funding received. Expenditure has increased on last year by £71,214. The Trustees of RCN have mel with our appointed Independent Examiner to discuss the surplus in last year's accounts and are aware of thé implications for the organisation. The Trustees ol RCN acknowledg8 and understand the current financial situation and are confident of the performanc8 of the organisation for the coming 12 month period bul will keep a watching brief on the accounts in these austere limes. Rural Community Ne￿ork INI) receives funding from a lange ol government and charitable organisalions and discharges these funds in pursuit ol ils charitab16 objectives and the particular programme fundin9 largels. ReseNe8 Pollcy Rural Community Netsvork INI) has a Reserves Policy which details why reseNes are held and the level of reserves appropriate for the charity. The Irusl88s review the level of free reserves requir8d (that Is those funds not lied up in fixed assets, designated and restri¢t8d funds) on an annual basis to ensur8 continuity of charitable operations. In the évént of Rural Community Ne￿ork INI) being wound up thera is a18gal requirement lo store documentation for sevèn years and thè associated costs would need to be met from ieseNe3. The actual frea ras8￿88 8131 March 2024 are £204,623. Oesignated feserves for other purposes are detailed in note 18. A cash flow fund is held to bridge gny potential Shortfall in fundraising largels 8nd lo underpin viable programmes that are experiencing cash Ilow problems. A staffing fund is held to enablè Rural Community Nehvork INI) to cover sickne55, maternity and meèt redundancy costs. A development fund is held lo facililale the development of new programm85 and to provide fof reslrucliifing of existing activities. A capital fund exists lo hold funds ieceived for the purchase of fixed assets. Funds held a8 ¢U8todlan tru8t9è8 on behalf ol other8 Th8 charity holds no funds as custodian tru51eas on behalf ol others. Statom¢nt of d18closure to Indèpendont Examlner So far as each person who was a director al the date of approving this feport Is aware. there is no relevant information of which the company's Independent Examiner is unaware. Additionally, the directors individually have taken all the necessary steps that they ought to have taken as directors in order to makè themselves aware of all relevant inlormalion and lo establish that the company's Independent Examiner is aware ol that information. This report has been prepared in accordance With (he provisions applicable to companie5 entitled to the small companies exemption. On behall of the board John Waddell (Chairperson) Dlrector 18 December 2024 RURAL COMMUNITY NETWORK (NI) DIRECTORS, RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The Iruslees Iwho are also direclois of Rural Community Ne￿ork INI) foi the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the annual report and the financial slalemenls in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the directors to prepare financial slalemenls for each financial year. Under th8118W the directors have elected lo prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable lawl. Under company law the directors musl not approve the financial slalemenls unless they are satisfied that Ih8y 9iv8 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 slalements. the directors are required lo.. select suitable 8¢¢ounling policies and then apply them consl$lenlly', observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgemanls and accounting eslimales that are reasonabl8 and prudent., slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have bèen followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the Financial Slalemenls.. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriate lo presume that the company will continue in busin8SS. Th8 Iruslees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's Iran5aclions and disclose with reasonablo accuracy al any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial slalemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the ¢harilab18 company and hence for taking reasonablè steps for th8 prevention and detection of fraud and other irr8gulariti88. On behalf of the board John Waddell