upp•r Ospringfield FINANCE REPORT Upper Springfield Development Trust Ltd TRUSTEES, REPORT 2023-2024
UPPER SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENTTRUST COMPANY Directors Noel Rooney Brenda Turnbull Seamus O'Prey. John McGeown Cathy Fitzsimons Thérèse McKernan Harry Connollv John Mccavana Chair Vice Chair Chair.. Finance, Audit and Risk Chair.. Human Resources and Governance Member Member Member Member: Appointed l May 2023 Auditors Jones Peters Registered Auditors Chartered Accountants 6 Church Street 8anbridge BT32 4AA Bankers First Trust Bank 36 University Road, Belfast BT7 INH Solicitors Edwards and Co 28 Hill Street Belfast BTI 2LA Registered Office 687 Sprln8field Road Belfast BT12 7FP Company Registration No.. NIC 100425 Charity Re8lStration No.. Nl 031294
In pursuit of good governance and service excellence, Upper Springfield Development Trust Ltd deliver services through one connected company-Top of the Rock-of which Upper Springfield Development Trust IS the sole trader. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY USDT promote the benefit of inhabitants of the Upper Springfield area of Belfast and its environs Ithe 'area of benefit") without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or political, religious or other opinions. STATEMENT OF PUBLIC BENEFIT USDT promote the benefit of inhabitants of the Upper Springf ield area of Belfast and its environs (the 'area of benefit'l without distinction of sex, sexual orientation. race or political, religious or other opinion5. The promotion for the public benefit of urban regeneration in the area of benefit by all or any of the following means: the relief of poverty, In such ways as may be thought fit. the relief of unemployment in such ways as may be thought f it, including assistance to find employment. the advancement of education, training or retraining, particularly amon8 the unemployed and providing the unemployed with work experience. the provision of financial assistance, technical assistance or buslness advice or consultancy to provide training and employment opportunities for the unemployed in cases of financial or other charitable need through help.. In setting UP their own businesses,. or to existing buslnesses. the provlsion or assistance in the provislon of recreational facilities for those who by reasons of thelr youth, a8e, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances, have need of such facilities, To promote and create opportunlties for participation in the arts In the community. The development of the capacity and skills ofthe members of the Upper Sprin8fleld community In such a way that they are better able to identlfy, and help meet, thelr needs and to participate more fully In society. And wlthout prejudice to the generality of the foregoing other charitable purpose, for the benefit of the publlc as the director may from time to time decide. Upper Springfield Development Trust Ltd as an or8anisation are charitable as they fall under the approved purpose, as listed in the Charities Act IN120081, speciflcally: l. The relief of poverty, in such ways as may be thought fit. 2. The relief of unemployment In such ways as may be thou8ht fit, including assistance to find employment, 3. The advancement of educatlon, trainin8 or retralning, particularly among the unemployed and providing the unemployed with work experience. 4. This is evidenced through internal /external auditing and evaluation to funders and the area's integrated partnership. 5. The provision of financial assistance, technical assistance or business advice or consultancry in order to provide training and employment opportunities for the unemployed in cases of financial or other charitable need through help.
- The provision or as51St3nce in the provision of recreational facilities for those who by reasons of their youth. age, infirmity or disablement, poverty or social and economic circumstances, have need of such facilities.
- To promote and create opportunities for participation in the art5 in the communlty. ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE l am immensely grateful to our dedlcated staff, volunteers, and partners who have worked tlrelesslv throughout the year. Their unwavering commitment and passion have been instrumental in driving our mission forward. Each staff member has played a crucial role in achieving our 8oals, and their collective efforts have made a significant impact on the community. On behalf of the board l extend heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their hard work, dedication, and the positive energy they bring to our organisation. Local communlty development organlsatlons such as USDT are the lifeblood of our communitSes, servin8 as indispensable catalysts for positive chan8e. Deeply rooted in the heart of our neighbourhoods, USDT staff team members possess an Intimate understanding of local needs, aspirations, and challen8es. This unlque perspective allows them to deslgn and deliver place-based programmes that are precisely tailored to the specific circumstances of our communlty. Our approach to community development is rooted in a methodolobry that emphasises collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. Thls year, we have continued to implement programmes that are tailored to the speciflc community needs. By engagin8 Wlth local residents, stakeholders, and partners, we have ensured that our initiatives are relevant and effective. Our methodology focuses on buildlng strong relationshlps, fostering community participation, and creating lastlng change, Through this approach, we have been able to address various social, economlc, and envlronmental challenges, contributing to the overall well-being of our community. USDT Ss more than just service providers,. we are architects of transformatlon. By forglng strong partnershlps with resldents, we help Individuals build our local communitrf5 capaclty. Through a diverse range of inlt13tives, (Sure Start, Belfast Works, Action Ability Belfast, Nelghbourhood Renewal, drugs, team, youth team, Health Livin8 Centre, Advice Servlcesl USDT tackle complex social Issues head-on and create opportunities for everyone. USDT 's impact Is often immeasurable. Our work fosters social cohesion, reduces inequality, and enhances overall quality of life. By providing access to education, employment, and healthcare, early years, community development we help dismantle barriers and create pathways to a brighter f uture. USDT in collaboration with our local partnerships, continue to transform neighbourhoods, revitalise local economles, and empower marginalised communities. We have created safe havens for young people, provided support for the elderly, and offered lifelines to families facin8 hardship. Our achievements are a testament to the dedication and expertise of our management and staff, as well as the strength and resilience of the communities they serve. Sustainability has been a key focus in our efforts to provide life opportunities for all. We have adopted a holistic approach that encompasses social, economic, and environmental dimensions. By prioritising the well-being of our community members, fostering economic growth, and being mindful of our environmental footprint. we have created pro8rams that offer sustainable life opportunities. These initiatives include skills training, job placement services, and support for small businesses, all aimed at empowering individuals to achieve financial stability and improve their quality of life.
Investing in local community development organisations is an investment in the future. By supporting such work, we build stronger, more equitable, and sustainable communities for everyone. Let us recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of USDT helps to make locally. I take this opportunity to thank USDT board membefs and our staff for their on8oin8 professional commitment in delivering service excellence. Noel Rooney Chalr ADVICE SERVICES Since the Upper Springfield Advice Service IUSACI became an integral part of USDT in July 2017 it ha5 continued to deliver a high quality, conf identlal, free, independent, accessible and impartial information service. It is a service that meets the Upper Springf ield community's need by addressing issues around welfare reform, benef it entitlement, tax credits, housin8, health, employment, consumer, education, financial capability and crisis interventlon. During this past year the service mana8ed to clawback £3.5m for local people I NEIGHBOURHOOD RENEWAL Neighbourhood Renewal is a high-level government strate8y IC)epartment for Communitlesl that seeks to develop community renewal,. economlc renewal. social renewal and physical renewal - to help create attractive, safe, sustainable environments in the most deprived neighbourhoods. USDT acts as the lead body for the Dfc contract. Over the year it delivered.. Management of the area's integrated partnership. New health and wellbeing centre's development,. Area consultation's implementation. Community safety forum, Health development themes, Promotion of thematic community days.. health, Christmas, Halloween, and summer festivals Policy responses ACTION ABILITY BELFAST This project promotes social inclusion by engaging with people with disabilities and their families. The pro8ramme and services worked with children, young people and adults with a ran8e of disabilities - from severe complex needs to soclal & emotional issues,. to support P051tive life changes environmentally, physically and socially. Action Ability Belfast's aim is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities into the community and to support the development of their natural abilities. YOUTH TEAM The youth team have continued to deliver programmes and projects to enhance our area's young people's social inclusion. We achieve this by using informal group work, experiential learning, and detached work and accredited training. This integration and coordination of local youth work across the Upper Springfield community ensures the team caters for local children/young people's specific needs; adds value to all the projects and spaces where we operate. 5 | Page
BELFAST WORKS CONNECT Belfast Works Connect l BWCI 15 an innovative employability project supportin8 individu3ls who face challenges to employment, who are not currently in full-time employment or full-time education. BWC is a con50rtium of five community employment service providers, who have been working together since 2015 in the collective delivery of city-wide employment support programmes across Belfast and the surrounding areas, initially funded by the European Soclal Fund IESFI and now funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund IUKSPFI. UKSPF funding's primary 8031 is to build pride in place and increase life chances 3cross the U K, with three investment priorities.. communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. Belfast Work Connects was awarded £9,846.136 by UKSPF under the people and skills priority to support economically inactive individuals between 1st April 2023 and 31st March 2025. Belfast Works Connect Five charitable communlty organlsatlons dellvef Belfast Works Connect across all areas of Belfast; Upper Springfield Development Trust Ilead partnerl Ashton Community Trust East 8elfast Mission IE BMI GEMS NI Impact Tralnlng Our partners are hlghly skilled and experlenced in deslgnlng and deliverln8 programmes that enhance employability skills, development,. tar8etlng unemployed, economically Inactive, under employed, NEETS, ethnlc minorities, lone parents, those experlenclng homelessness, and people with disabilitles from the most disadvantaged communities. The partnership has been workin8 together since 2015 in the collective delivery of a Belfast city-wide employment support pro8ramme. HEALTH LIVING CENTRE The Healthy Living Centre is a nei8hbourhood based,. community led approach to health improvement. With a strong belief in the concept of a healthy mind and healthy body leading to a healthy life, the project provided a wide range of high-quality services and support to assist the community in their efforts to achieve good health and wellbeing. As in prevlous years, the Healthy Living Centre continues to develop. Within a difficult envlronment of severe health inequalities, deprivation and austerity, the local Whiterock/Upper Springfield community faces enormous challenges which impacts on their health and wellbeing. Our task remains for us to help address local people's health needs, whether that be physical, mental or emotional, and asslst and support them in their endeavours to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Self-Harm Intervention Programme Talking Therapy Programme Local health and well-being public events Physical activity programmes for residents delivered in area outreach centres. Complementary therapy sessions Stress management programmes Weight management programmes Bespoke 'Cook-iY programmes Smoking cessation programmes Mindfulness sessions
SAOL UR SURE START Sure Start is a government led initiative aimed at giving every child the best possible start in life and which offers a broad range of services focusing on family health, early years care and education and improved well-being programmes to children aged four and under. Over the past year the project work with a wide ranBe of families and chlldren. OUTSOURCE Outsource is a social enterprise Isetting up or the ref inin8 of payroll, bookkeeping, auditing, PAYE and budgeting systems. It also works with groups to promote and embed best practice in all their financial functions.
IMPAcr: OUTPUTS AND OUTCOMES USDT provides a wide range of services that enables community development to flourish through our own work and with our community partners. The focus for the pastyear has been.. youth development, disability support and advocacy. neighbourhood regeneration; welfare advice,. training and employability, early years and social enterprise Ifinancel. Each of those projects excelled in their impact and positive outcomes for all users. People with disabilities supported Youn8 people supported Children and young people summer scheme Parentin8 pro8rammes Volunteers supported Volunteers, hours supported Families supported Home visits undertaken Childcare places provided People attending parent and child pro8rammes OCNS obtained Job related training Supportin8 Economically Inactive Clients Gained employment Involved with community arts People access training Friday and Saturday evenlng youth session Adults with disabilities attended summer scheme Counselling sessions delivered People supported through health and well.belng actlvitles 0-4-year.olds supported Carers supported Families re8lStered People receivin8 advice services/cases Total advice sessions Advice claw back 748 1,300 1,326 84 580 7,310 1,073 2,287 72 826 1,563 1,342 1,gSO 174 232 1,597 92 124 605 3,738 1006 1,153 ioii 1,238 3,533 £3,3m STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document Upper Springfield Development Trust Limited is 3 company re8lStered in N. Ireland, which was incorporated under the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 on 11 September 1996. The company is 8overned by a Memorandum and Articles of Association. The company's objectives are charitable in nature, and it has established charitable status. The company's business is managed by the board of directors who are the members of the company. 8 | P38e
TRUSTEES, AppoiNTMENT AND TRAINING The trustees recruit and select new trustees as set out in the governing document.1 The Board recruits new trustees with regards to skills, gaps and the new members, potential to make a real contribution to the charity's overall governance. We predicate trustees, appointments on our organisational values and make new members aware of their legal responsibilities under charity and company law. Members, induction pack outlines our Articles of Association, Board structure, organisational structure, decision making processes, finances et ol. Our formal induction provides new board members with the information and training they need to take up their appointment as effectively as possible. FINANCE. PAY AND REUMNERATION USDT operates robust financial procedures which the Board we regularly review and independently assess. We have clear financi31 management systems to ensure effective and appropriate use of spend,. administering resources cost-effectively, transparently and accountably with clear audit trails. All Board members 8ive their time freely and no member received any remuneration during the year. Details of Board members, expenses are disclosed in the annua l accounts. USDT base the senior staff team's pay on the NJC Salary Scales as a guide to appropriate remuneration for all staff pay. Pay levels are currently subject to annual increments or cost of living expenses, ORGANISATIONAL STRucfuRE The Board administers the charity., meeting at le35t 11 tlmes per year. As part of its Structure the Board operates three sub committees., finance, audit and risk,. human resources, and remuneration. The Board appoint a chief executive to manage the charity's day to day operations. To ensure effective daily mana8ement the chief officer has delegated authority within terms of delegation through the Board's approval for operatlonal matter5 including f inance, employment and direct charitable activities, FINANCIAL REVIEW AND RESULTS FOR THE YEAR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE The company aims to.. To develop USDT'S capital asset base to provide a more comprehensive area wlde service. To champion the delivery of the new access to the hills programme City Councill To champion the design, development and build of the area's new health and wellbeing entre. Further continue the Upper Springf ield area's economic and social regeneration. Promote social inclusion. Place education at the heart of regeneration. Enhance and develop Upper Springfield's natural and built environment, Support the continued improvement in the health and well-being of the people in the Upper Springfield area. Enhance access to employment opportunities for local people. Ensure company accountability through effective processe5 and communication. Assist, augment and co-operate with the work of Statutory and voluntary services engaged with the area's economic, social and physical improvement. This is detailed in the board recruitment policy.
RISK MANAGEMENT Our approach to the management of risk is informed by the need to ensure that the risks inherent in the pursuit of our objectives are understood, will be manageable if realised, and that appropriate mitigation measures are planned or in place. Responsibility for the management of specific risks is carried by na med individuals and 8roups, but the highest-level risks, those that have a direct bearing on the USDT'S capacity to achieve its Strategic objectives, are Managed by the senior management team. The USDT'S finance and audit risk committee plays an actlve role in risk monitoring and considered progress reports durin8 the year on work that will enhance and further embed risk management procedures across the whole organlsation. RESERVES, POLICY As of 31 March 2023 free reserves amount to 3 surplus of £.. On an on8olng basis the dlrectors will establish sufficient reserves to meet the compan¢s normal working capital requirements STATEMENT OF DIRECTORS, RESPONSIBILITIES The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report, and the company financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations, Company law requires the directors to prepare Flnancial Statements for each financSal year. Under that law the directors have prepared the Financial Statements In accordance with proper Fin3nclal Reportin8 Standards. The Company Fln3nclal Statements are requlred by law to glve a true and fair vlew of the State of affalr5 of the Company and of the proflt or loss for that period, In preparin8 those Financlal Statements, the dlrectors are requlred to.. select suitable accountln8 policies and then apply them conslstently. make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, state that the Financial Statements comply with national standards re8ardin8 the Company Financlal Statements, that applicable United Kingdom Accountin8 Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures dlsclosed and explained In the Financlal Statements. prepare the Company Financial Statements on the going concern b3sls unless it is inapproprlate to presunie that the company will continue in business, in which case there should be supportin8 assumptions or qualiflcations as necessary. The directors confirm that they have complied with the above requirements in preparin8 the financial statements, The directors are responsible for keeping proper accountin8 records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the company's financial positlon and to enable them to ensure that the group financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the company's assets and for takin8 reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. AUDITORS Jones Peters are deemed to be reappointed in accordance with Section 487121 of the Companies Act 2006 This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, This report was approved by the 8oard on XXXX December 2021 and signed on its behalf by: 101 Page
NOEL ROONEY DIRECTOR 111 Page
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UPPER SPRINGFIELD DEVELOPMENT TRUST LIMITEO CORPORATE GOVERNANCE USDT as a charity and as a body in receipt of public funds places particular obliBations upon it but the Board is in any case committed to upholdin8 the highest standa rds of corporate 8overnance. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Independent auditors, report to the Upper Springfield Development Trust Ltd We have audited .... CONSOLIDATED INCOMf AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED??72022 BALANCE SHEETS AS AT CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS