Charlty Number: NIC100280 Ulster Historical Foundation Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2023
Ulster Historical Foundation CONTENTS Pago Trustees, and Other Information Trustee5' Report 4-11 Statement of Trustees, Responsibilities 12 Independent Auditor's Report 13- 15 statement of Financial Activities 16 Balance Sheet 17 Notes to the Financial Statements 18-29
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES, AND OTHER INFORMATION Trustees Prof. Sir George Bain (resigned 28 July 20221 Mr Douglas Bartlett (appointed 27 April 2023) Mr John Gordon Ms Mary Harte Dr Myrtle Hill Mr John Hunter Dr Paula O'Hare Dr Éamon Phoenix (resigned 13 November 20221 Mr Cliff Radcliffe Mr Alan Skellon Mr Alan Watson Chalrperson Sir Denis Desmond CBE Pr88Sdent His Grace the Duke of Abercorn KG Charlty Numbèr In Northern Ireland NIC100280 Prln¢lpal Addre88 Bradley Thallon House 44D Belfast Road Kiltonga Industrial Estat8 Ballyconnell Newtownards Co. Down BT23 44D Audltor8 Muldoon & Co Chartered Accountants & Statutory Auditors 16 Mount Charles Belfast BT7 1NZ Northern Ireland Prlnclpal Banker8 AIB NI 11 15 Donegall Sq North Belfast BT15GB Northern Ireland Sollcltor8 Napier and Sons 1-9 Castle Arcade High Street Belfast BT1 5DF
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES, REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 The trustees present their Trustees, Report and the audited financial slalemenls for the financial year ended 31 March 2023. The trustees have adopted the provision of the Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practi applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IIFRS 1021 effective 1 January 2015 (Charities SORP IFRS 10211, in preparing the annual report and finar)cial statements of the charity. The statement of Financial Activi118s (SOFA} shows tha gross income from all sources. The charity is a registered charity and although not obliged lo comply with the Statement of Recomm6nded Practice applicable in tho UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102, the organisation has implemented ils recommendations where relevant in these financial statements. M1881on, Objectlves and Strategy Ml8slon Statomènt The Foundation is established for exclusively charitable purposes and is a registered charity with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, NIC100280. The Foundation is presently governed by a trust deed dated 7 October 1998, and a schem6 of incorporation dated 10 May 1999, which establishes the Trustees as a body corporate. The trust d88d stalés th6 objectives of the Foundation as follows,, to promote and encourage the public study of family hi510ry. g8n8alogy, heraldry and local and Irish history with particular ref8r6nce to Ulster,, to promote the preservation and publication of th8 resultant data., and to undertake guch other activities as shall be charitable at law. The principal activities of the Foundation includè publications, lecture tours, family history conferen¢85, 6v8nts and courses Iherilage acliviliesl, a genealogical research and consullan¢y service, maintenance of a membership society known ag the Ulster Genealogical and Historical Guild and pay-lo-view and subscriber-only onlinè databases. The Foundation also delivers regular educational programm8s in the local community and spoaking engagements to the heritage seelor In UK and Ireland. The ¢harlty'$ alm8 Includlng thè changes or dlfforence8 It 88ek8 to mako through Its actSvltS08 Ulster Historical Foundation was created to encourage an Interest in the history of thè province of Ulster.. promote positive image of Northern Ireland ov8r56aS.' Strengthen the links belween Ireland and those of Ulster descent,, broaden access lo historical documènts and records for Irish gnd S¢ots-Irish génealogy., and to inspire pride In Irish and Ulster heritage and culture. Thé Foundation is a highly reputable research and publishing agency. 11 offets extensive knowledge on the sources available for tracing Irish and Scols-lrish ancestors. servIs include online databases of over 2 million historical records, genealogy and history books, and personal ancestral research. Supporters subscribe lo its Ulster Genealogical and Historical Guild (the Guild) where users can share research inleresls, enjoy access lo membBr-only databases, receive annual publications, invitations lo educational and social events, and product discounts. For many years the output of the Foundation was achieved through research, publications and outreach programmes, but with the advent of the internet the Foundation began lo make digilised sources available to a wide audience, in particular through its main web portal.. www.ancestryireland.com,' and various microsites dedicated to specific subjects, e.g. www.ancestryireland.comlscolsinulsler. It also maintain5 a bookstore ww.booksireland.org.uk. In the pa51 12 years Foundation has worked to make its expertise more easily available to the local community. In addition, for the past 17 years the charity has worked with partners to develop family history workshop5 for adult learners and Courses with third lavel institutions {Universily of Ulster. Stranmillis University College and local regional colleges) and a broad range of community, heritage and historical organisations, as well as working with a series of partners to facilitate programmes with disadvantaged and socially marginalised groups. Through its charitable activities the Foundation seeks to Sustain interest in local and family history, to celebrate the diversity of the cultural heritage in Ulster and to equip the interested, amateur researchers with practical resources and hands-on archival research experience that will enable them to pursue their own research interests. These courses and other outreach activities with the local community help to demonstrate the Foundation's public benefit and value by giving local people access to information and expertise on historical research and also on how to get published.
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES, REPORT for tho financial year ended 31 March 2023 Objectives The charity's maln obJectlvo$ and strategles for achieving its objectlve5 for tho year The charity's key objective in 2022-23 was to restore its range of setwices as the remaining Covid restrictions on PRONI'S service were removed and lo try to continue to ensure the organisation is self-financing. Group visits lo PRONI became possible from late spring 2022, and access for individual researchers had returned to practically 'normal' some months before that. The broader global and economic factors including the war in Ukraine (Feb. 2022} and ils implications, including the cost of living crisis impacted on the operation of the charity's activities, relarding discretionary spending by potential customers and clients, reducing donations and causing the ¢o$ls of production, for example book publishing. which was a major part of the organisalion's work in this year. lo increase quite dramatically. The Foundation seek5 to pursue a business-orientated business plan wilhoul undgrmining ils charitable objectiv63 or by diluting the quality of the work for which il enjoys an international repulalion, il pays clos8 hged to the needs of the core market which it serves. In recent years the charity also sought lo improve income generated through donations in support of its charitable activities. Some fundraising did lake place, including a second 'Giving Tuesday. campaign which is held on the first Tuosday after Thanksgiving each year. In this year the Foundation could restor8 Ils public outreach activities, with a large number of engagements delivered during the year. These and the general advice that th8 charity gives lo individuals and groups help lo demonslrale thé g8n6ral aims and objectives of the charity in respect of its public benefit role. Strategy Tho ¢harlty'$ 8tratogles for achSevlng Its 8tated obJoctlve8 In line with ils stral6gy th8 organisation has continued lo publish 8P8cialisl works of an historical nature on aspècts of Ulster history,, offers a genealogical research and historical consultancy service to individual and or9anisational clients., and has developed the range of resources available to ils Guild members Ilhe Ulster Genealogical and Historical Guild), including the further development of ils research library. The oharily provided remoté access to digilised resources,. and offers guidance and advice on how to begin research. The outreach programmes locally le.g. university and college extra-mural classes, local events and programmes in the members, library) and further afield {e.g. North American lecture tours) end p9rticipalion al family history fairs within the UK and Ireland returned lo a level of activity similar lo pre-pandemic levels. The Foundation's ch8ritable status is in rècognllion of the educational valve of its publications, historical research and outreach provision. In that sense its trading activities are also part of it5 charitable activities, whi¢h Contribute to ils overall slated objectives. The strategy in recent years had been to increasè and diversify the publication product rang8 lo derive greater financial return from the sale of th8se products. An emphasis on income generation across the Foundation's core activities has also been a f8atur8 of the strategy. The charity was able lo host three family history conferences and courses during the year, the first since 2019, and online virtual courses are now part of the regular offering- mostly provided during winter months. Moreover, the availability of online historic births, deaths and marriages {acrosS the island of Ir8landl, performed reasonably well during 2022-23, with income comparable lo the previous year. External competitors continue to take a significant slice of business in an already crowded market. These organisalions have significantly greater resources and operate on a global scale, they therefore continue lo make the trading environment difficult. Some historical consultancy projects with local groups and authorities in Northern Ireland wer8 completed, though at a reduced level compared to the period before the pandemic. With PRONI reopening fully in late spring of 2022. as mentioned, the Foundation's in-person programmes could return, with three events held during the year. In addition, another overseas lecture lo North America tour took place in March 2023, though as an indication that society has not returned fully to 'normal', the 'Brilish Institute, program planned lor October 2022 went ahead as a virtual event, not in-person, because of practical difficulties in holding the evenl in the Family History Library in Sall Lake City due to ongoing restrictions there. Detall8 of the 8lgnlflcant actlvltles that contrlbute to the achlevement of statod obJe¢tlves The core activities undertaken by the Foundation. which also generate a significant PTOPOrtion of the Foundation's revenue, contribute to the stated objectives of the charity. The Foundation published seven new titles in 2022-23 (compared lo five in 2022-231 on a range of topics relating to the history of Ulster, as well as producing a number of reprints of old tieS and some volumes of the Ordnance Sutvey Memoirs, mostly via digital print on demand. The Foundation received 45 registrations for full ancestral reports plus 8 follow-on commissions for additional research, and prepared a further 36 specific research genealogical assessments for which clients paid an initial fee. In addition, it registered some 15 'Z' files - specific and limited peCeS of research for clients a category of research introduced to reflect the changing needs of research clients. In addition. 37 one-to-one consultations (many, though not all, provided virtually via Zoom) were undertaken for clients. Client research oould be offered again without the encumbrances or the restrictions that were in place in the previous two financial years given that PRONI had removed all reslriclions in late spring 2022. The charity tried to fulfil its public benefit role during the year by making its expertise acSsible virtually
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES. REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 or via its website, and its local public engagement came back strongly in this year with a significant number of talks and presentations delivered for local societies, groups and heritage events, most of these were in-person, though some w8re virtuallhybrid events, reflecting a return lo something closer to 'normal' compared to the past years. The Foundation maintains a database of interests of the Ulster diaspora through subscribers lo the Guild, with a regisl8r of 1,333 subscribers al the end of the financial year. Another lecture tours in North America was held with 12 events being delivered on a Ihree-week itinerary in March 2023. In addition, two virtual events for North American hosts were delivered in February 2023 and a third after year end in May 2023. As said, in-person conforgnces and courses could return in this year and three were held. Another recorded online course was offered in winter 2022123 and again there was good take up by individuals of that facility. These activities each in their turn, conlfibute directly lo the achievement of the staled objectives of the Foundation. Volunteer8 The Foundation has offered placements for more than entY years to volunteers placed by various organisalions such as New Horizons, Mencap, the Cedar Foundation, and the NOW Group. The Foundation offers volunteers placements by providing in-person work experience at the offices and also offers individuals the possibility of working remotely from home. A successful funding application was made lo Awards for All for a new sorver and laptops to better facililale remote working for interest8d parties. The volunteers have contributed in a meaningful way to the activities of the Foundation over the years and the ¢harity seeks to offer placements again as it had done before the pandemic. Structure, Govèrnanca and Managomont Structure The Foundation can appoint up lo 14 truste8s who m88t quarterly. The Bo8rd appoint a chairman and vice-chaimian gnnually at the Annual General Meeting. There are 81s0 honorary position5 of President (The Duke of Abercorn KG), and Vice-President (The Lord O'Neilll, The Executive Director is appointed by the Trustees lo manage the operations of the Foundation including the production of business and strategic plans and the preparation of the annual financial slatemenls. Trusl6es are recruited by selection via advertlS8ments placed on th6 Foundation's website and with bodies such as the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action INICVA} as well as networking. Applicants are invited lo submit an expression of interest outlining their skills and experience. Applications are considered by the Trustees and appointments made following the deliberations of the Trustees based on pre-determined criteria. Governance New trustees have an initial méèting with the Chairman and are provided with briéfing material which normally includ8s'. a copy of the Ulster Historical Foundation ('UHF'I constitution, scheme ol incorporation and charity registration documentation., copi8s of minutes from previous meetings of the Trustees., copies of Ulster Historical Foundation's 50th anniversary booklet (published May 200718nd A Vision Realised {produced in the mid-90sl, both of which give a very useful synopsis of the early history of the Foundation, and., opies of the previous annual report, the business plan and subsequent updates. In accordance with the Constitution, the trustees retire by rolalion and being eligible, off8r th6mselves for re-election. The Trustees appoint sub-commillee5 dealing with finance, resources and governance issues. and publications. These sub committees oversee the direction of the Foundation as well as collaboration with external bodies. The Foundation is a member of, or signed up to, NICVA, the Irish Family History Foundation, the Fundraising Regulator, the Federation of Small Businesses IFSBI and some othor trade affiliated bodies, however these neiworks have no impact on the operating policies of the charity. In the year ended 2007 the Foundation created a dormant company, Ulster Historical Enterprises Limited IUHELI. Its intended use was to undertake certain commercial activities to enable the charity to pursue more effectively its charitable objectives. UHEL is a limited company with shares. the sole shareholder being the Ulsler Historical Foundation. The company is currently dormant having not yet traded. The dormant subsidiary has not been consolidated as there were no transactions during the year or in the preceding year.
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES. REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 Governance and Risk Management The Finance and Resources Committee {' FRC ') considers issues relating to corporate governance to ensure that th8 Foundation follows best practice. The FRC has reviewed the major risks and in addition to the obvious risks of financing and damage or destruction to the office and its contents, a further major risk is the potential abuse and breach of copyright of di9ilal material published online, and cyber-attacks on businesses generally which have increased significantly in renI years. The Trustees are mindful of this possibility, and online system5 have been developed with security of the data as the primary cor)cern. The levels of risk from commercial competitors in potential breaches of copyright are considered regularly at committee and Board level, and the Trustees have from to lime to lime asserted their right to protect information belonging to the organisation and will continue lo do so when the need arises. Rovlèw of Actlvltlos, Achlevemonts and Performance Publlcatlons During the year the Foundation published seven new titles, including.. Scotch-lrish Migration to Charleston during the Colonial Period by E.R.R. Gre8n, (Apr. 22).. Northern Ireland 1921-2021.. Centenary Historic31 Perspectives edited by Nic Dhaibheid, Coleman and Bew (June 221,. Lough Neagh,, An Atlas of the Natural, Built and Cultural Heritage, edited by Burke, Campbell and Roulslon (July 221,. Through the Salerooms.. Art Auotions in Belfast. 1807-1888 by Eileen Black (Nov. 221., Desmonds.. Fashioning the Future of Garment Manufacturing by Jonathan Hamill (Dec. 221,. The Maxwells of Finnebrogue and the gentry of Co. Down, c. 16104. 1960.. a r@sid6nl and responsible élile by A.P.W. Malcomson (Mar. 23, bul launched in Downpalrick in May 23}., and Alexander Robb and the Making of British Columbia,, the life and letters home of an Ulster Scots pioneer by B. R.D. While (Mar. 23, bul launched in PRONI in June 231. In addition, the Foundation reprinted via short run digital printing a small number of out of print titles, including sever81 volumes of th8 Ordnance Survey Memoirs. Income from publications for the year decreased from ££98,706 to £71,485 for 2022-23, a reduction of £27,221. Thls significant drop can be related lo the huge increase in the cost of living, the impact on consumer confidence, buying power and discretionary spending. 11 was also exac8rbaled further by the steep rise in costs for ma16rials and freighupostage. Simply pul in some cases the postage lo send a certain book title to a customer in the USA ¢o$t more Ihgn the purchase price of the book. Consequently, business-to-cuslomer sales declined and it was g further reflection that as society returned to 'normal' and peop16 resumed their preferr8d pastimes el¢, they b8came 8V8n more 18SS inclined lo buy and read books than they had done in 2020-21. Expenditure on publications stood at £91,279 compared to £59,891 for 2021-22 an increase of £31,388. This is an example of several 'bird5 coming home to roost, al the same lime. Of the seven new titles produced in thè y6ar fiv8 were hardback full colour productions, and four of those five were very large and complex productions (The Maxwells of Finnebrogue running 10 672 pagesl. which were timely and expensive lo produce. In most cases the income had been received in g prior year 2020-21 and 2021-22, but most of the expgndilufe especially the ¢ostly design and printing were incurred in this financial yèar. The timelinè of a large publication can be difficult lo predict accurately. so il is perhaps unfortunate that all were produced during the year. However, that loo was in some ways unavoidable as production had been held up for various reasons due lo the pandemic and lockdowns in the calendar years 2020 and 2021. Grants, sponsorshlp and donatlons Grants, sponsorship and donations received during the year lotalled £45,760 compared to £142.480 in 2021-22, of which £35,071 was received into reslricled funds designated for specific projec15. This year marked a return to grants and donations on a level more comparable to pre-pandemic norms. With no financial support from government received during the year, a significant proportion of the donorlgranl income was given in respect of publication projects, including.. £7,990 towards The Maxwells of Finnebrogue,. £5,000 towards a reprint and new edition of Irish Catholic Experience., £5,856 towards Through the Salerooms,, and £3.269 towards four other lilles. That said, £9,960 was received from the Lottery fund's Awards for All to purchase a new network server and related hardware and laptop computèrs,. and £1,231 from a number of private donors lo help create a volunteer and library suite. Genoalogl¢al and research servlces Revenue from all genealogical and research services stood at £237,513 compared to £186,708 in 2021-22, an incr8as6 of £50,805. AS mentioned in the annual report for the previous financial year the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland, aside from a small window where il opened under a very restricted system in autumn of 2020, was closed from March 2020 until June 2021, when il reopened lo the public but with an appointment system and still quite reslricled compared to before the pandemic. It remained closed for group visits for the rest of thg calendar year 2021. As a resull of the reopening, income from search fees showed a slight recover, increasing from £19,522 last year to £22,733 in 2022-23, a rise of£3,211. Income from Research Consultancy decreased from £21,637 in 2021-22 to £12,199, a decline of £9,438. Given that historical consultancy projects nearly always rely on third party funding, and in some cases the Foundation has to tender for projects in open competition, income from this nominal is prone to fluctuate from yoar to year.
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES, REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 Income from sales of online birth. marriage and death records declined slightly to £69,811 from £72.282 in 2021-22, a reduction of £2,471. Costs of research setvices increased from £34,697 in 2021-22 10 £50,402, a rise of £15,705. This is partly explained by the lecture tour costs of £10,619 (compared lo £5,480 for the previous y&arl, reflecting a more complex itinerary for March 23, two speakers being in Notth America in person and the increased costs ol shipping materials for the tour. There was also £4,766 of direct Cost incurred in relation lo historical consultancy projects. Gulld Income from Guild services decreased from £50,471 in 2021-22 to £43,554, a decline of £6,g17. Related expendituré on Guild activities stood al £16,667 compared lo £18,405 last year, a small drop of £1,738. This is due lo the reduction in the total number of members, and thus a reduced mailing of ar)nual membership packs. and also the second year since introducing a digital vgrsion of the Directory of Irish Family History Research, where members could opt for a digital-only subscription and thus forgo a top-up fee to receive a hard copy by post. The number of paid up subscrlbers al thè end of the current financial year was 1,333 compared to 1,485 in 2021-2218 decrease of 1521, of which 789 paid an annugl subscription {new or renewing) in the year. The number of members for calendar year January lo Detember 2022 stood at 1,359. The total number of five-year members in the financial y8ar was 27812021.. 2981 There were 266 life members lincluding honorary), with 20 new life membersjoining in the financial year12021.' +fourl. The decline in Guild subscriptions - annual and five-year members - is indicative of the pressures charities and businesses faced as the cost of living crisis bit hard in the autumn 012022 and pgople have continued to tighten their financial bells. Secondly, 8 number of long-standing members have either passed away or have lak8n the decision to allow their membership to lapsè due to age. Conferences, Courses and Classes After 2.5 years of a hiatus the Foundation was able lo host in-person family history ¢onferenc6s and courses as PRONI allowed group visits lo take place again. Three events were held.. a Jun6 conference, an October research program and 8lso in Juné the charity devised a tour for a group visiting from New York City. As a result, income rose to £66,454 against £14,043 for last year (which was income generated for a recorded virtual course held during the winter months}, an increase of £52.411. A significant numb8r of the regislrgnts for Jun6 and October wero individuals who had been deferring sinc6 2020 or 2021 and thus they had already paid Ih6ir deposit or conference fee in full prior to this year, meaning total income wa5 reduc8d on what il might otherwise have been. Howevèr, it did mean that the potential liability of refunding registrants was much reduced at year end as a result. The income for the year would also include regislralions rec8ived before March 2023 for programmes taking place in September and October 2023. Direct costs related to these events stood al £14,241 for the year, where, understandably, there was no direct exp8nditure incurred in 2021-22 as no in-person evénts were held. Prior lo Ihe June conference, US genealogist and tour guide, Donna Moughly, brought a group lo use thè Foundation's research library on 17 May 2022, the first group to visit the offices al Killonga since the charity moved in back in March 2020- thè result of course of tha disruption caused by thè pandemic. Al year end the Foundation was still potentially liable to refund a further approx. £6,821 in deposits paid for th8 Cancelled programmes in 2020, 2021. Most registrants ar6 willing to be patient and have in some cases deferred again themselves to a future year. Outward pmmotlon A lecture lour took place in March 2023 with Fintan Mullan and Gillian Hunt delivering programmes in the following locations.. Post Falls ID,. Boston MA., Fairfield CT, New York City, Michigan City IN,. Independence MO., Madison Wl., Louisville KY., Pitlsburgh PA,. Leesburg VA.. Jackson Purchase KY., Ottawa ON. In addition, two virtual one-day events were held in February 2023 for Philadelphia PA and Vancouver BC. A third was delivered after the main lecture tour for W.l.S.E. in Denver CO in May 23. Income from the lour was approx. £25,697 for speaker fees, book sales consultations and Guild subscriptions and other items (speakers, fees. contribution lo costs and advertising generated £12,485 of the totall. Direct expenditure was £13,443, giving a gross surplus of £12,254. This of course does not include staff time involved in delivering the programmes. Long experience has shown that the tours generate further business in terms of research commissions, membership subscriptions, conference and course bookings, book sales and Gan lead lo further invitations to speak overseas. While difficult lo quantify, given that it might bg several years before someone who allended a program commissions research or registers for a conference, the addition21 income gonerated as a result of these activities is an important factor in undertaking them. They also h8lp to project a positive image of the OTganisation overseas and hèlps the charity to publicise and promote its activities and public benefit role. Local community engagement This year saw a return to activities more typical to the pre-pandemic norms. During the year the Research Director, Dr William Rou15ton, undertook the following local engagements.. delivery of a 5-week course tilled 'The Story of Ulster.
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES. REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 1600-1800= A Social. Economic and Religious History of the Province over Two Centuries. in the village of Cullybackey, Co. Anlrim {April-May 22},' East Donegal Family History Festival, including conducting a lour of the historic graveyard at Taughboyne- and d81ivering a talk on early emigration from North-west Ulster to America at an evening devoted lo the theme of migration {Aug. 22}., virtual presentation with Dave Miller to the Appleton Irish Fest. Appleton Wl117 Sep. 221 delivery of a 4-week course called 'A Riv8r Valley in Co Tyrone.. an exploration of the natural, built and cultural heritage of the River Slrule landscape, for the Mellon Centre for Migration {O¢t.-Nov. 221,. online lecture on the '1718 Migration, for Libraries Nl (5 Ocl. 22},' lecture on 'Researching farming families, to Randalslown Historical Society16 Ocl. 221,. lecture on churchyards and cemeteries in and around the historic town of Carrickfergus in Carrickfergus Town Hall (g Nov. 22},' online lecture on 'of Scottish burial and commemoration practices in sevenleenlh-cenlury Ireland, to the Church Monuments Society112 Nov. 22}., presentation on A.G. Lecky's book Roots of Presbyterianism in Donegal in Raphoe (24 Nov. 221., talk al the unveiling of an Ulster History Circle blue plaque lo William Slarrat at strabane Library 125 Nov. 22) talk on 'Researchin9 farming families. lo the Ballymena Family Hislory Society {26 Jan. 23).. online talk on Scollish migration to Ulsler to Scottish Interest Group of the Ontario Genealogical Society18 Feb. 231., online talk on 'Researching farming ancestors, to the Irish Community Archive Nelwork19 Feb. 231., lecture on 'Records and Roots.. people and the land in north-west Ulster, at the Twenly-Firsl Annual Irish Migration Studies Lecture hosted by the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies {11 Feb. 231 and a talk on Ulster and Scotland lo Ballymena Probus Club {27 Mar. 23). Following the success of the online genealogy course delivered by Gillian Hunt in 2021, thè Lurgan Townscapes Project and the Friends of the Shankill Graveyard in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, asked the Foundation lo devise and deliver another course on tracing Irish ancestors in the countries lo which they emigrated. Gillian and Fintan Mullan were the hosts for this innovative five-week long virtual course bringing in the expertise of the Foundation's contacts outside of the island of Ireland, including.. Great Britain {Chris Palon)., USA (Dave Miller},' Canad8 (Melanie McLennanl and Australia (Dr Perry Mclnlyrel. Once again, and because il was virtual and the subject matter related to thrèe continents, an international audience participated in the course. Gillian and Finlan also jointly delivered their second 'Brilish Inslilule, hosted by International Society for British Genealogy and Family History IISBGFHI. from 10-14 Ocl. 22. 88fore the pandemic this annual event was a week-long, In-person course held in Salt Lake City UT. Having had to cancel in 2020, and then go virtual in 2021, the organisers hoped that they might be able to return lo an in-person event for October 2022, il was not to be.lt became obvious in April of the year Ihal there were too many practical issues lo overcome and so il was delivered virtually. Gillian delivered a genealogy course for Ulster Rugby which ran from February to April 2023. Separately Finlan Mullan gave a virtual prosenlalion to tho Genealogy Collective of five Long Island public libraries in New York slato11 Apr. 231; spok& in a virtual session about the history and work of Ulster Historical Foundation lo the Twènly-Third Ulsler-American Heritage Symposium held in Johnson City, TN {21 June 221., presented a virtual lectur8 to W.l.S.E. based in Denver CO as promotion and publicity for the full day virtual event scheduled lo with this society for May 2023., and launched the annual Lecale Review journal for the Lecale & Downe Historical Society in the St Patrick's Cenlre, Downpatrick {27 Oct. 221. A number of book collections were donated during the year to the Foundation's Research Library. These were appraised by Mr Fonsie Mealy of Fonsie Mealy Auctioneers, Casllecomer, Co. Kilkenny and resulted in a gain on the revaluation of heritage assets of £15,600. This gain is shown on the Statement of Financial Activities {SOFA} on page 16. There were two change to the Board of Trustees during the financial year 2022-23. Prof. Sir George Bain retired from the board on 28 July 2022, and the staff and trustees wer8 shocked and saddened to learn of the untimely death of Dr Éamon Phoenix on 13 Nov8mber 2023. Tho organisalion would also like lo pay tribute lo Baroness May Blood who had retired from the board in January 2021, and who passed away on 21 October 2023 just a few weeks before Éamon. Douglas Bartlell became a trustee after the financial year-end, on 27 April 2023. Flnanclal Rovlew The year to 31 March 2023, resulted in a deficit of £58,452 compared lo a surplus of £35,912 in the year ended 31 March 2022. This was the first full financial year following the pandemic wilhoul any government assistance and as Iho Foundation sought lo return to its full range of seNices and income generating aclivilies. By far the most significant factor in the year-end posilion was the very significant direct expenditure and related staff lime and organisalional resources absorbed by the publishing activities. As indicated above in Publications Ipage 71, of the seven tilles produced five were complex and large full-colour hardback publications. They were expensive lo produce and lime demanding to deliver. And as indicated in the trustees reports for prior years the income had been received in 2020-21 and 2021-22 bul the vasl bulk of the costs were incurred in this financial year. At year end the Foundation was potentially still liable for £6,821 in possible refunds for conference registrants who had signed up for programmes in 2020 and 2021 that had to be cancelled. At 31 March 2023 the charity owed £44.909 in respect of Ihe Bounce Back Loan, having repaid £5,091 plus interest by year end.
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES. REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 The charity, like m05t other organisalions, also faced steep increases in certain running costs. not least gas, electricity as the cost of living crisis bil evermore deep in autumn 2022. In addition, material costs for publishing increased, as did associated freight costs and postage costs for sending customer orders also rose significant. As the general public was cutting back on discretionary spending, a reduction in income across book sales, membership subscriptions, purchases of BMDS was experienced. These various factors fed into the difficult environment that led to Ihe year-end position. Given that many aspects of the macro environment impacting on trading and running costs have not dissipated it is likely the financial year ahead will present challenges for the organi5ation. Results and Divldands Al the end of the financial year the charity has assets of £612,17112022 - £649.621) and liabilities of £132,045 {2022 £111,048). The net assets of thè charity have decreased by £154,451). R980rve8 P081tlon and Poll¢y The Trustees have reviewed the level of free r8serves Ilhal is those funds not tied up in tangible fixed assets or restricted fundsl. The Trustees have decided that, in principle, the Foundation should aim to build up and retain sufficient monies 8$ a strategic resBfv6. to the equivalent of approximately 12 months of running costs for the organisation. For the yèar 2022-23, this would equate to a figure of approximately £356.178 in unreslricled funds. In so doing, this is balanced against the on-going demands placed on th8 organigation, as il exists in a self-sustgining business mod81. The actual free reserves al the 31 March 2023 were £413,242 which represents approximal6ly 14 months of aclivilies. It is important that the Foundation tries lo build on these fr88 reseNes lo maintain thè 12 month pèriod $6t by the Trustees. The policy will be reviewed annu811y. Plan8 for the future Thé Trusloes, main objective is lo secure thè longer-lerm financial viability of the organisation. In 2022 il was possible to restore the Foundation's in-person genealogy conferences and coursès, and three events were held during the year. The organisglion seeks to continue to allracl overseas visitors lo its programmes held in Belfast as well as partlClP81ion on the virtual online genealogy courses offered through the winter months. The development of the n8w webslle which made significant progress during 2022-23 should help to not only publicise and facilitate new elements to the in-pergon Courses, bul provide a more robust platform and improved visitor experienc8 for individuals taking part in online cours85. The aim is to launch the new website in 2023-24 In tandem with the rebuild of the website the organisation will continu8 lo focus on orealing digital resources for members and users which gathered pace in the second half of th8 financial year under review and which will continue into the new financial year. In autumn 2022 the Foundation sècured a project with the Diocese of Down and Connor lo digltise and transcribe the old registers of burials. ele, for Belfast Milltown Cemetery. That project commenced in the last quarter of the year and will continue through 2023-24. Work will also continue on Catholic church registers for the period 1900 up to 1930. A revièw of the Foundation's business activities and strategy is planned for th& first quarter of the n8w financial year, with a report lo be presented lo a futuré meeting of the Iruslees. Cornpllance wlth Sector-wldo Leglslatlon and Standards The charity engages pro-actively with legislation. standards and codes which ar8 developed for the sector. Ulster Historical Foundation subscribes lo and is compliant with the following.. The Charities SORP IFRS 102) Golng Concern The Trustees have reviewed their business plan, forecasts and the level of reserve5 held by the Foundation. After making enquiries. the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Foundation has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they continue lo adopt the going concern basis in pr&paring the annual report and financial statements. Publ1¢ Bonoflt Acknowledgement of the Foundation's public benefit role was confirmed with the award of charity registration in August 2014. Passing the public benefit lesl for each objective ol the charity was a crucial part of the exercise to gain registered charity status. Recognition of the Foundation's public benefit gives the Trustees confidènce that its work is valued by, and of value to, the wider community in Northern Ireland. Through ils various means of outreach (within Ihe British Isles and further afield} the Foundation demonstrates the benefit of ils service lo the general public. The public can visit ils offices, 9'.00am to 5.'OOpm Monday lo Friday, to make enquiries, ask for general advice and pick up free resources or useful materials. Appointments for in-person as well as 10
Ulster Historical Foundation TRUSTEES, REPORT for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 virtual consultations can be made via the office. The Foundation makes available many reSoUrS online free of charge. including how-to guides, free indexes to records, case studies of research techniques, and free e-Books. and they continued to be available during the year. The Foundation's staff deal with general and specific queries from the public by telephone. email, and in-person visits to the office. This year also saw a return to local speaking engagements to pre.pandemic levels of activities. During the year staff were busy. often at weekends and evenings {i.e. usually out ol office hours), and contributed lo the proceedings of local history societies and interest groups {see Local Community Engagement above for details). Staff undertook a USA leoture tour., delivered a virtual week-long course for the British Inslilule (usually held in -person in Salt Lake City). Vvhile some engagements were virtual or hybrid (not least those delivered for overseas organisalionsl, the vast majority of local activities were in-person events. The Foundation's offices have free onsite parking and direct access lo an Ulslerbus roule making it accessible to the general public. for locals and visitors alike. The research library is available for staff and members, though curious members of the public are always given free access lo the facility should they make contact, The library can be used to host a range of frga events, advisory session5 and book launches which are all open to the g8neral public. The Foundation gives advice and asslslance lo under- and post-graduate students Ilo whom it often also provides non- r8muneraled internships) and authors with advice on how to publish their project. whether or not il is with the Foundation. 11 does similarly with those undertaking locallcommunily-based research projects. In addition, the Foundation accommodates academic and non-academic resear¢hers, giving thém access to the databases, research library and èxpèrtise, in nearly all casès without charge. The Senior stsff gSv8 of their time on the boards of other organisalions, including.. the Irish Famlly History Foundallon, the Northern Ireland Publications Resource, PRONI'S Users, Forum, the Presbyterian Historical Society and the Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society. General advicé is regularly offered to local history groups and individuals seeking lo publish or deliver a herilag8-relaled project in their area, regardless of whelh8r thé FoUndaton is the publisher or d81ivery agent. Oigitgl resources on the Foundation's websites. free or otherwisè, are aooessiblè to the public. Approved by thè Board of Tru8tee8 on and 819ned on Its behalf by: Slr Denls Desmond CBE Chalrper8on 11
Ulster Historical Foundation STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES for the financial year ended 31 March 2023 The truste8s are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial Position of the charity as al the financial year end date and of the surplus or deliGII of the charity and olhenNise comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland} 2008. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required lo.. select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently., observo the methods and principles in the Charities SORP make judgements and accounting 051imales that are reasonable and prudent., slate whether the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting stsndards, identity those standards, and note the effect and the reasons for any material departure from those standards.. and prepare the fi'nancial statements on the going concern basis unless il is inappropriate lo presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees confirm that they have Complied with th8 above requirements in preparing the financial statements. Thé trustees are responsiblè for keeping adequate accounting records that are suffi'cient lo show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy al any lime the financial position of thé charity. They ar8 also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by the Board of Tru8tee8 on and 8lgnod on Its behalf by: Slr Den18 Do8mond CBE Chalrporson 12