LIGONIEL LMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Directors Report for the )"e2r ended 31 arCh ?023 The Directors present their report with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March ?023. The accounts have been preped in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the accounts and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities PTepating their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Irel8nd publi%hed in October 2019" Reference and Administrative Inforniation Chatity Name.. Ligoniel Improvernent Association Charity Registration number.. NIC100342 Company Registration number: N1020559 Registered Office: 148 Ligoniel Road. Belfast, B T14 8DT Business Address.. 148 Ligoniel Road. Belfast, BT14 8DT Directors M Mackessy Chair J Gray (resigned 4th August 2023) J Carmichael L Lawlor E Rock (appointed 9th August 2023) M Doherty (appointed 9th August 2023) F Mccann (appointed 9th August 2023 and resigned 14th November 2023) G Simpson (appointed 9th August 2023) E Huynh (appointed 2nd August 2023) J Crockard {appointed 3rd August 2023) Secretary M Morgan (resigned 10th August 2023) M Doherty (appointed l Oth August ?023) Auditors Mccreery Turkington Stockn]an LTD, l LaThyon Quay, Belfast. B TI 3LG Bankers Danske Bank Ltd, Donegall Square Wesl. Belfast, BTI 6JS Page I
LIGONIEL tMPROVEMENT ASSOCI.4TION Directors Report for the Jear ended 31 Trlarch 2023 Structhre, Governance and Management Governing Document Ligoniel ImprOvennt Association is a charitable company limited by guarantee. incorporated on 12th June 1987 and is registered as a charity. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribut an amount not exceeding £1. Following a review, amendments were made to LIA'S Articles of Association to clarify aspects of the company's activities within the area. These amendments were ratified by the SGM of members on Thursday 13th December 2012. Recruitment and Appointment of Directors The directors of the company also ChltY trustees for the purposes of charity law. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the directors retire by rotation and if eligible can offer themselves for re-election. Individuals are invited to serve ag direccors on the basis of their abiliiies and background ThTLth a view to achieving a balance between those from the business, voluntary and charity sectors. All new directOTS undertake a full induction programme. Direetors Induction and Training The dtrectors have conducted a review of the major riSKS to which the charlty is exposed. Where apprOlate. systems and procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for auihorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are Én place to ensur¢ compliance witlLhealth arAd safety requirements for staff, volunteers. clients and visitors to the premises. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity and its legal obligations. Organisational Structure At present Ligoniel Improvement Association has a Board of 8 directors who meei regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction of policy of the ch8Jity. A scheme of delegation is in place and dav io dav responsibility for the managernent of the orgallisation rests with the Chief Executllre. Page 2
LIGONIEL IMPROVEIMENT ASSOCIATION Directors Report for the year ended 31 March ?093 PrincipIes The BO.d of LIA llY understand thai they are responsible individually in law for board acri()nq and decisions. They are collectively responsible and accountable for enguring that the organisatioTh is performing well, is solvent and complies with all its obligations. The Board actively seeks to ensure that the organisarion understands and complies with its governing document. relevant laws. contractual obligations and the requirements of any Tegulatory bodies. The Board members <ils() understand that for the organisation to effectively meet the needs of not just the Ligoniel community but the other eaS in which it delivers a service, that a collaborativelpartnership approach is essential. LIA have therefore established links with a number of organisations at both a local and r¢gional level, with iepresentatives %itting on organisatioDs sllcb as the North Belfast Partnership Board, Belfast interface partnership, Belfast Hills Partnership, Advice NI, Healthy Living Centre regional Alliance and the Belfast Outcomes Group. Objectives The principal objectives of the cornpany remain the stimulation and promotion of economic and social developmenl in the Ligoniel area of Belfast. As noted above the articles of the association changed in 2014. The objectives of LIA, therefore now include. l. Pmmoting the efficiency and effectiveness of voluntary and comtnunity organisations and projects in the are<i by providino advice, infomation, education and trainino adtninisirative support and practical assistance. Promoting communily capacity building prograu]mes and piojects for people who have need of such assisiance. 3. Delivering projects and services that will relieve poverty. 4. Advancing. promoting and preserving the conservation maintenance and protection of features of the landscape. waterways, streams and wateT courses with geographical, historic. physical or amenity value. 5. Promoting cooperation and networking between voluntary and community organisations in the area. 6. Supporting conimunity development and wellbeing activities. MForking with partners to support community cohesion. Page 3
LIGONIEL IMPROVEIlqENT ASSOCIATION Directors Report for the >'ear ended 31 March 2023 Annual Ceneral Meeting Keport for Ligoniel Improvement Association tntroduction: As we reflect on the past year, the journey of the Ligoniel Improvement Association ILIA) has been one ked by resilience and dedication. Emer(ring from the shadows of the pandemic, our community has shown remarkable strength in the face of adversity. Supporting Families.. In our mission to provide unwavering support to families in need, the Ligoniel Healthy Living Centre became a beacon of hope. We have welcomed 171 families through our doors, offering not just assistaDc¢ but a sense of belonging. Collaborating with the North Belfast CommunÉty Food BanL we extended a Rifeline to 73 families through food bank referrals and distributed Christmas gffts to 136 children with new toys. Empowering Youth and Schools: Our cofftn)itment to the next generation remained n'ave[ltig. From after-school footbalE programs to educational initiatives promoting health and wellness, we engaged with primary and secondary school students, nurturing their potenual and fostering a sense of community spirit. Community Health and Well-being: RecognisiThg the importance of holistic well-being, our community health promotion programs flourished. From invigoraung fitness classes to therapeutic activities Rike fishing, yoga, and gardening, we empowered participants to embrace healthier lifestyles and fostered a sense of con]munity pride. Exploring History and Society: Deliling into the annals of hi510ry. our prOaMS on women's and men's history provided invaluable insights into the evolving roles and contributions of genders throughout the ages. Through study visits and facilitated sessions, participants gained a deeper understanding of our collective heritage and societal dynamics. Celebrating Community Spirit: Tlroughout the ye, our calendar was filled with vibrant community events, each one a testament to the resilience and spirit of Ligoniel. From the spook-tacular festllTlties of Halloween to the joyous celebrations of Cknistmas and the wamith of sunTh]er gatherings, we came toGether as one community, united in spirit and purpose. Providing Guidance and Support: In our role as advisors advocates. we fielded over 5.800 enquiries, guiding individuals througb the labyrinth of bureaucracy and maximising benefits to the tune of £14,244,000. Our Presence at tribunals secured over £14 million in Tefunds, ensuring justice and financial relief for those in need. Page 4
LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Djrectors Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Ligoniel Environment and Heritage site: OUT commitrnent to environmental conservation and heritage preservation remains unwavering. We will continue to explore new initiatives, engage with the community, and strengthen our p8rtTherships to ensure that the Ligoniel Environment and Heritage Site remains a beacon of beauty, hisiL)ry, ]d inspllation for generations to come. As we reflect on our achievements and Iwk forw to the opportunities that lie ahead, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have supported and contributed to our endeavours. Together, we will continue to nurture and protect the nattal and cultural treasures that make Ligoniel truly special. IA)oking Forward: As we set our sights on the ture, our focus is fllinly on the years ahead. Engaged in a thorough ieview of all of our services, we aim to strengthen our foundations and secure sustainable funding for the long tenn. Our commttment to th¢ community remaiThs steadfast, our detern]ination unshakeable. LIA believe that in partnership with the conllnunity we will navigate the challenges ahead and emerge even stronger and more resilient. In Sumnwy: The journey of the Ligoniel Improvement Association is one of overcoming challenges, fostering community spirit, and demonstrating unwavering dedication and we eagerly anticipafr the next year's challeng¢s for the organisation. Page 5
LIGONIEL tMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION Directors Rert for the year ended 31 March 2023 IDancial Review Th¢ audited accounts show th¢ perforn]ance of the chlty for the ye. Principal Funding Sources The principle source of fijnding was grants from various funders. Investment policy Any sutplus funds would be placed in deposit accounts. R£8erYes Policy The directors retain fvnds in the Chlty in ord¢r to providc sufficieni working Capital to facilitate the ongoillg activities. The target for unrestticted fund reserves is six months support costs in cash at bank Page 6
LIGONIEL [MPROvEENT ASSOCIATION Direetors Report for the year ended 31 Mare.h 2(12.3 Statement of Directors, Responsibilities The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors Report and the financial statements in accordance with dpplicdble l<lW dnd United KAiigdoAiI A¥couiiting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law Tequires the directors to prepare flnancial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the stat¢ of affair8 of the company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure. of the Chilable company for the year. In preparing those fmancial statements the directors are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the ChaTtties SORP. make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent" state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation. The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the fanCIal position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the CompaThies Act ?006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Auditors In accordance with the company's articles, a resolution proposing that Mccreery Turkington Stockman Ltd be reappointed as auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting. - Each of the trustees has confirn]ed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is is unaware. They have further confmned that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant infonnation and to establish that the auditor is aware of such inforniation. This report was a roved by the Board on I lth March 2024 M Mackessy. Director Page 7