Charity registration No. 100791
LORD O’NEILL’S CHARITABLE TRUST
REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
LORD O’NEILL’S CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The trustees present their report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust registered with the Charity’s Commission for Northern Ireland on 1 December 2015. The charity number is 100791. Its principle office and registered office is C/o Cleaver Fulton Rankin Solicitors, 48-50 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7FW.
The trustees which have held office since 1 January 2021 are as follows:
Lord O’Neill Shane O’Neill Cleaver Fulton Rankin Trustees Limited
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
The charity’s purpose and public benefits are as follows:
- The Advancement of Religion
Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust has given donations to a number of churches in Northern Ireland. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include the advancement of the Christian faith and the belief in its principles in Northern Ireland by enabling the church to carry on its work of raising awareness and understanding. The direct benefits are demonstrated through feedback obtained from the beneficiaries and also regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the donations as carried out by the trustees. This purpose does not lead to harm. The beneficiaries of this purpose are the congregation and membership of those churches which have received donations from the Trust and in turn wider society. There is no private benefit.
2. The Advancement of Health or the Saving of Lives and the Relief of Those in Need
The Trust has given donations to a number of charitable organisations which aim to improve healthcare and also carry out research into a number of diseases which affect the public generally. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include improved health outcomes and better patient care for those who are ill in Northern Ireland. The direct benefits are demonstrated through feedback obtained from the beneficiaries and also regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the donations as carried out by the trustees. The purpose does not lead to harm. The beneficiaries of this purpose are charities which aim to improve healthcare and research into a number of diseases and in turn those people who have been diagnosed with these diseases. This also provides a wider benefit to society. There is no private benefit.
3. The Advancement of Environmental Protection or Improvement
The Trust has given donations to a number of charitable bodies throughout Northern Ireland which aim to protect and conserve the environment and promote awareness of the need to do so. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include the ability of these organisations to protect and conserve the environment and promote sustainable development and the education of the public regarding environmental issues. The direct benefits are demonstrated through feedback obtained from the beneficiaries and also regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the donations as carried out by the trustees. This purpose does not lead to harm. The beneficiaries of this purpose are those organisations which have received donations from the Trust. This also provides a wider benefit to society. There is no private benefit.
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LORD O’NEILL’S CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
4. The Advancement of Citizenship or Community Development
The Trust has given donations to a number of charitable bodies throughout Northern Ireland which aim to promote citizenship and volunteering among young people. The Trust has also given donations to charitable bodies which aim to promote social inclusion. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include the ability of these organisations to extend their activities to further benefit the public and the personal development of the people with whom they work. The direct benefits are demonstrated through feedback obtained from the beneficiaries and also regular evaluation of the effectiveness of the donations as carried out by the trustees. This purpose does not lead to harm. The beneficiaries of this purpose are those organisations which have received donations from the Trust and their members. This also provides a wider benefit to society. There is no private benefit.
5. Other Charitable Purposes
As stated above this is merely a cross-section of the public benefit of the charitable purposes of Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust. These may change and develop over time as the trustees determine need and relevance.
The trustees have considered the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s statutory guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities entered into during the year have furthered the Trust’s objectives, for the public benefit.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The main achievements in the year were charitable donations made totaling £19,500 (2023: £4,100). Donations made supported 14 different organisations in line with the purposes of the charity as noted above.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The results for the year are set out on page 6 and show a surplus of £7,082 (2023: £9,618). Closing cash funds at 31 December 2024 were £24,133 (2023: £17,051) with all other funds being held as investments with the aim of generating sufficient income to support the objectives of the charity whilst adding value to future investments.
RESERVES POLICY
At the year-end unrestricted reserves totaled £742,469 (2023: £693,089).
The charity’s policy is to retain a level of unrestricted funds that are needed to provide funds which can be applied to specific projects to be undertaken at short notice and to cover the running costs of the charity for a limited period, should there be a significant shortfall in project income.
The Board’s strategy is to continue to build reserves to ensure the charity’s obligations are met and also to build surpluses which can be reinvested in developing further services. The charity will continue to monitor compliance with this policy on a regular basis and the Board will review appropriateness of the policy annually.
GOING CONCERN
We are satisfied that there are adequate funds in place to ensure that the Trust can continue its activities and that the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 can be prepared on a going concerning basis.
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LORD O’NEILL’S CHARITABLE TRUST TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 (CONTINUED)
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The charity was originally established under Deed of Trust dated 23 January 1969. The organisation registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland on 1 December 2015.
Lord O’Neil’s Charitable Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees which meets annually. Lord O’Neill is permitted by the Trust Deed to appoint new or additional trustees. Members are assessed on the basis of their area of interest and expertise and their willingness to support the objectives of the charity.
28/10/25
The trustees’ report was approved by the trustees on …………………….....
Lord O'Neill
…………………………….. The Lord O’Neill Trustee
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LORD O’NEILL’S CHARITABLE TRUST STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
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 state of affairs of Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust and of the incoming resources and application of resources of Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the General Council 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 judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping sufficient accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the constitution and rules. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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LORD O’NEILL’S CHARITABLE TRUST INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE CHARITY TRUSTEES OF LORD O’NEILL’S
I report on the accounts of Lord O’Neill’s Charitable Trust (‘the charity’) for the year ended 31 December 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 8.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHARITY TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 (‘the Charities Act’). It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act;
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follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act; and
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state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
BASIS OF INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.
The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
An independent examination does not involve gathering all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently does not cover all the matters that an auditor considers in giving their opinion on the accounts. The planning and conduct of an audit goes beyond the limited assurance that an independent examination can provide. Consequently, I express no opinion as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and my report is limited to those specific matters set out in the independent examiner’s statement.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me reasonable cause to believe:
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That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act
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That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records
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That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
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That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S STATEMENT
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.
RSM UK Tax and Accounting Limited
Chartered Accountants 4th Floor, The Ewart, 3 Bedford Street, Belfast BT2 7EP
Date: 29/10/25
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Lord O'Neill's Charitable Trust 100791
| Lord O'Neill's Charitable Trust |
Lord O'Neill's Charitable Trust |
Lord O'Neill's Charitable Trust |
100791 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts andpayments accounts | |||||
| For the period from |
01/01/2024 | To | 31/12/2024 | ||
| Section A Receipts and payments | |||||
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 15,885 15,000 |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ 15,885 15,000 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
| Dividend on investments | 16,152 - |
||||
| Donations received | |||||
| A1 Sub total(Gross income for the Annual Return) |
30,885 |
- | - | 30,885 | 16,152 |
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
30,885 | - | - | 19,500 30,885 |
|
| 16,152 | |||||
| Direct charitable activity | 19,500 | 4,100 | |||
| Governance costs | 4,260 | 4,260 | 2,400 | ||
| Other costs | 43 | 43 | 34 | ||
| - | - | - | |||
| A3 Sub total Total payments |
23,803 | - | - | 23,803 | 6,534 |
23,803 |
- | - | 23,803 | 6,534 | |
| Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||
| 7,082 | - | - | 7,082 | 9,618 | |
| - | - | ||||
| 17,051 | 17,051 | 7,433 | |||
| 24,133 | - | - | 24,133 | 17,051 |
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LoTd O'Nell% Ctrfjn.tJ Tt .100791 ErKI c¢ Fericd 311121J)24 Section B Statement of assets liabilities at the end of the riod UffeStrrt Restnded fijr Jr knneI£ toneaesl£ 24,133 leg$ tktsls T(lal fimds ld5 Last Ial to ne&esl£ lone851£ 24,133 ton8$1£ 17,051 B1 Cash I$ CuM18ccounl Toial ch funds 24,133 24,133 17,051 Curr•ntvabJ• Detals In'iethnl pCth4j a5$8t 1 Vff05trrlod B3 lThe5thnt a5ts 742169 693,089 742,469 683,(19 Fundlo thkh 18latss Unrestrtd IM*n duo Amount d Last B5 Lkgts'ltie5 Lepl ardpfdessn kns 1,980 1,980 sg by ore or0 Irusleeson Lefdf of a IkÉ tr$ Sonauie Pmt Name EBte ol aptKoval Lord O'Neill Lord O'Neill 28110125
lord O'NeM's Chari12bk Trust .1C0791 PerKd d date.. 31;12W24 Additi onal anal sis Anatysis of receipts and pwierts 14 Pnnts rdating diredly to thaitatle xtiiities unrnstr1fd fmds Ewd& TO last doMrMI ld$ t+nMrnst£ fmds to M•mt£ iijd to n•amt£ to nMTrst£ Clpntatk doth)r6 19.500 11500 4,100 19,500 11500 4,1LII