LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Directors Report for the year ended 31 March 2024
The Directors present their report with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 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 preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019".
Reference and Administrative Information
Charity Name: Ligoniel Improvement Association Charity Registration number: NIC100342 Company Registration number: NI 020559 Registered Office: 148 Ligoniel Road, Belfast, BT14 8DT Business Address: 148 Ligoniel Road, Belfast, BT14 8DT
Directors
E Rock (appointed 9th August 2023) Chair M Mackessy (resigned 1st July 2024) J Gray (resigned 4th August 2023) J Carmichael L Lawlor 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 and resigned 1st September 2024)
Secretary
M Morgan (resigned 10th August 2023) M Doherty (appointed 10th August 2023)
Auditors
McCreery Turkington Stockman LTD, 1 Lanyon Quay, Belfast, BT1 3LG
Bankers
Danske Bank Ltd, Donegall Square West, Belfast, BT1 6JS
LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Directors Report for the year ended 31 March 2024
Structure, Governance and Management
Governing Document
Ligoniel Improvement 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 contribute 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 are also charity 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 as directors on the basis of their abilities and background with a view to achieving a balance between those from the business, voluntary and charity sectors.
All new directors undertake a full induction programme.
Directors Induction and Training
The directors have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Where appropriate, systems and procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and 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 6 directors who meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction of policy of the charity.
A scheme of delegation is in place and day to day responsibility for the management of the organisation rests with the Chief Executive.
LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Directors Report for the year ended 31 March 2024
Principles
The Board of LIA fully understand that they are responsible individually in law for board actions and decisions. They are collectively responsible and accountable for ensuring that the organisation is performing well, is solvent and complies with all its obligations. The Board actively seeks to ensure that the organisation understands and complies with its governing document, relevant laws, contractual obligations and the requirements of any regulatory bodies.
The Board members also understand that for the organisation to effectively meet the needs of not just the Ligoniel community but the other areas in which it delivers a service, that a collaborative/partnership approach is essential. LIA have therefore established links with a number of organisations at both a local and regional level, with representatives sitting on organisations such 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 company remain the stimulation and promotion of economic and social development in the Ligoniel area of Belfast.
As noted above the articles of the association changed in 2014. The objectives of LIA, therefore now include; 1. Promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of voluntary and community organisations and projects in the area by providing advice, information, education and training, administrative support and practical assistance. 2. Promoting community capacity building programmes and projects for people who have need of such assistance.
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Delivering projects and services that will relieve poverty.
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Advancing, promoting and preserving the conservation maintenance and protection of features of the landscape, waterways, streams and water courses with geographical, historic, physical or amenity value.
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Promoting cooperation and networking between voluntary and community organisations in the area.
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Supporting community development and wellbeing activities, working with partners to support community cohesion.
LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Directors Report for the year ended 31 March 2024
Annual General Meeting Report for Ligoniel Improvement Association
Chairperson's Foreword
This year has been one of significant growth, resilience, and innovation, as we continued to address the evolving needs of our community.
This report highlights the key achievements of the past year and outlines our priorities for the year ahead. It reflects our commitment to improving lives, fostering inclusion, and delivering meaningful change.
Our Mission
LIA exists to promote the social, economic, and environmental regeneration of Ligoniel. We focus on:
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Reducing poverty and isolation.
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Improving employability and skills.
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Enhancing community health and well-being.
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Encouraging cultural understanding and environmental sustainability.
Achievements and Performance (2023-2024)
1. Advice, Capacity, and Tribunal Service
Our Advice Service continued to provide vital support, handling over 500 individual cases, including housing, Universal Credit, and benefit appeals. Through our Tribunal Representation, we supported 45 cases with an 85% success rate, securing life-changing outcomes for our clients.
- North Belfast Good Relations Grant Projects
This funding supported a range of community initiatives:
- Cultural Heritage Events: Events celebrating shared histories brought together over 150 participants.
" Youth Leadership Programme: Trained 20 young people in conflict resolution and cultural awareness.
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Capacity Building Workshops: Strengthened three local groups in governance and inclusion practices.
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Health and Well-being Initiatives
Our health-focused programs included:
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Workshops and Screenings: Partnering with health organisations, 100 individuals accessed specialised
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health services.
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Fitness Programmes: 15 wellness classes, such as yoga and walking groups, improved physical health for 30 participants.
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Mental Health Support: 12 sessions of group therapy and counselling helped 25 individuals develop coping strategies.
4. Education and Skills Development
We partnered with a range of organisations to deliver skills-based workshops and progressed with OCN accreditation to expand training opportunities.
5. Environmental and Social Economy Projects
Ligoniel Polytunnel project: Developed plans for raised bed allotments to promote food security and sustainability.
Cultural Workshops: Celebrated Ligoniel's Celtic and pagan heritage, fostering community pride. Financial Overview
Funding Sources: Key contributions from the Department for Communities, North Belfast Good Relations Grant, PHA, Belfast City Council and Newington Housing Association.
LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Directors Report
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Proposed Activities for 2024-2025
Strategic Focus Areas
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Expand Advice Services: Extend welfare and housing advice outreach.
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Enhance Community Engagement: Build on cross-community initiatives and develop new youth programmes.
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Launch Environmental Projects: Implement the Environmental improvement work on the ligoniel heritage site and related sustainability workshops.
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Deliver Accredited Training: Finalise and deliver OCN-certified courses tailored to community needs.
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Strengthen Financial Sustainability: Secure additional funding to address challenges and expand service delivery.
Public Benefit Statement
All activities undertaken by LIA align with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 public benefit requirements. Our programmes are accessible to all, with a focus on inclusivity and reducing barriers to participation.
Financial Review
The audited accounts show the performance of the charity for the year.
Principal Funding Sources
The principle source of funding was grants from various funders.
Investment policy
Any surplus funds would be placed in deposit accounts.
Reserves Policy
The directors retain funds in the charity in order to provide sufficient working capital to facilitate the ongoing activities. The target for unrestricted fund reserves is six months support costs in cash at bank.
Conclusion
The Ligoniel Improvement Association remains steadfast in its mission to create a thriving, inclusive, and resilient community. Together, we look forward to building on this year's successes to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
LIGONIEL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
Directors Report
for the year ended 31 March 2024
Statement of Directors' Responsibilities
The directors are responsible for preparing the Directors Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Company law requires the directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing those financial statements the directors are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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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 financial position of the company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. 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 confirmed 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 confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.
This report was approved by the Board on 24th November 2024
E Rock… ~~………………………~~ Emma rock (Dec 4, 2024 15:24 GMT) Director