Registration number N1053189 Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Company limited by guarantee Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Contents Page Trustees, report 1-10 Independent Examinels Report 11 Statement of Financial Activities 12 Balance sheet 13-14 Notes to the financial statements 15-28
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 The Trnstees present their report with the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the accounts and comply with the charity's Memorandum and Artkcles 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 Cbarity Name: Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Charity Registration number: NIC100859 Company Registration number: N1053189 Registered Office: 9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, BT17 OXS Business Address: 9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, B Tl 7 OXS Trustees Mr C Hamill Mr N Fraser Mr A Crean Mr R Drew Ms M Morgan Mr N Enright Mr C Chisholm Mr E Cunningham Mr M Donnelly Ms J Ferguson (Appointed I st August 2022) Mr A McAuley Mr D Flinn Mr J Watts (Resigned I st August 2022) Independent examiner Mccreery Turkington Stocknian LTD, l Lanyon Quay, Belfast, BTI 3LG Bankers First Trust Bank Ltd, 35 University Road , Belfast, BT7 IND Solicitors Cleaver Fulton Rankin, 50 Bedford Street, BelfasL BT2 7FW Page I
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Objectives and activities Charitable objectives The Company's charitable objects are:_ For the public benefit and in collaboration with those who live, work and own lands in the area: To protect conserve and maintain and to assist in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of the ¢hara¢ter and amenities of the Belfast Hills their landscape countryside and environment To encourage and assist famiers landowners and members of the public in their understanding of and practical action in support of the natural and built heritage of the Belfast Hills and to promotethe adoption and furthering of sustainable agricultural polÈcies and practices whereby the conditions and quality of life of those living and fanning there may be improved and the quality of the natural and built heritage maintained and enhanced for the benefit of all To protect conserve maintain and tnanage and to &ssist in and promote the protection conservation maintenance and management of sites of biological and scientific importance To protect conserve and niaintain and to assist in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of ancient sites monuments buildings and artefacts of historical architectural or Constructional interest or merit in the Belfast Hills To promote improved access to the B¢lfast Hills consonant always with the leiFitimate interests of fartners and other landowners living in thc Belfast Hills and eaming their livelihood therein and th¢r¢from To promote provide and manage visitor and other facilities in the Belfast Hills for general recreation or other leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare and to encourage and enable members of the public to use and enjoy the same and so to advance their education with the object of improving their conditions of life. Page 2
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Aims of charity The aims arising from the objects of the Belfast Hills Partnership Trust include: - The monitoring and control of invasive species. - Wildfire managenient by mapping risk, managing vegetation and liaison with the Fire Service. - Monitoring and recording wildlife and enhancing the environment to support wildlife, such as insects, birds and mammals. - Reducing fly tipping in the area by monitoring occurrences, "designing out fly tipping access and assisting with enforcement. Improving disused quarry sites through hedge and wildflower planting. These biodiversity and landscape improvements bring benefits to the public in temis of ensuring a more attractive environment with plenty of wildlife to visit and enjoy. This in turn brings positive physical and mental health benefits as shown by many studies to date. - Improved public access through building, mapping and publicising paths, while at the same time respecting the rights and wishes of land owners. - Increased awareness and enjoyment of the bills, biodiversity througb events such as wildlife walks, talks and training courses. - Raised awareness alld understanding of the living heritage of the Belfast Hills from MesolÉthic times through discoverillg, mapping and interpreting the hills. - Understanding and accommodation is facilitated through working in partnership with competing stakeholders. - Encouraging a broader, more infonned and strategic approach among stakeholders to complex issues such as waste proposals or wind turbines. The aim of this is to ensure improved planning decisions which benefit the public by recognising potential negative impacts on residents and visitors and avoid or mitigate for these. How achievement of aims further objectives Each of the above aims addresses our charitable objects directly and will achieve progress towards our long t¢rn] objccts. Strategies for achieving aims and objectives W¢ achieve our aims and objectives by raising ftmds and employing staff to facilitate our work as directed by our Belfast Hills Partnership Integrated Management Plan 2018-2023 which sets out our strategic approach to canying out our work across and range of sectors. Page 3
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Criteria or measures used to assess success While our Belfast Hills Partnership Integrated Management Plan 2018-2023 outlined our general directions which guide our project planning and funding applications, it is the detail of funding offers that often specify our specific outcomes and criteria. These are in tLLm incorporated in our Annual Work Plans. Success is therefore measured against these criteria and targets specified in both our plans and funder agreements. The Charity pays due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Chartty should undertake. Significant activities undertaken Our main activities in the yeaT 2022-23 have been within the following projects:_ The overall Belfast Hills Partnership project nded by the Natural Environment Fund awarded by Northern Ireland Environment Agency, local councils and other funding. Belfast Hills Landscape Partnership Scheme Legacy works funded primarily by the NatÈonal Lottery Heritage Fund and BCC Million Trees Fund Wild Youth Project in partncrship with UKster Wildlife and fided by Big Lottery Fund and the Breedon Group Woodland Project fimded by the Woodland Trust Delivery of One Million Trees Engagement Project on behalf of Belfast City Council Heritage Marketing Officer fided by the Lottery Heritage Fund's 'Covid Rewvery Etnployment and Skills Initiative for Heritage, PrOall]Me Exploring the Belfast Hills project funded by Belfast Health and Social Services Trust Belfast Hills Nature Recovery Network project mapping out our main habitats to identify where best to ¢OTmect up our wildlife areas OS Map Extension - mapping out public access in the newly acquired sites such as Glas-na-Bradan and Slievenacloy. Use of volunteers We make use of volunteers recruited and tnanaged by our Volunteer and Outreach Otricer across our proj¢cts. These carry out valuable regulat weekly (every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) field work. This includes prdctical wildlife improvetnents, surveys, monitoring and reporting plus assistance with office work. 515.5 days of volunteering time were gained, an equivalent of £25,525 value w&5 gained. This included 44 new recruits along with a team of about 30 regular volunteers. Roughly 60 volunteers and members of the public were also trained ilk topics such as tree, wildflower, moths and bee ]D, badger, bat and reptile surveying. These volunteers are managed within a comprehensive suite of volunteer policies drawn up in conjunction with partner organisations such as Volunteer Now and regularly r¢viewed and amended. Page 4
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Strategic Report The description under the Headings "Achievements and perforn]ance" and "Financial Review" meet the company law requirements for the trustees to present a strategic report. Achievements and performance Summary of main achievements Our main achievements in 2022-23 are listed below under our Charity Objects.'_ Object l. To protect conserve and Enaintain and to assist in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of the charncter and amenities of the Belfast Hills their landscape countyside and environment Woodlands - almost 40,000 trees planted via Woodland Officer (includes 2000 trees in 7 school grounds, 2894m of hedgerows and trees outside of woods), on 47 different sites. Further 7,612 trees planted via BHP vols on public sites within the Belfast Hills. 194 trees were given to members of the public via two different public events. Four community events enabled a further 350 trees to be planted. Tree nursery work, including the sowing of acom, hazel, crab apple, rowan and hawthorn seeds and production of our first 1,000 saplings for planting across the Belfast Hills. This work is supported by the Woodland Trust and BCCS Million Trees scheme. Invasive sp¢¢i¢s management at 7 sites plus ongoing mapping and monitoring Wildflower propagation and wildflower plug planting at Glencairn Wildfire mapping and survey work, along with hosting the UK Wildf¢ Conference Nov22 Approx 3 km of new and gap hedgerows planted Fly-tipping surveys and reports resumed plus new CCTV cameras installed at 3 different locations. Evidence gathered was passed on to partner Councils for cnforcement. Quarry and waste site restoration - snowberry removal, fLher tree planting at Mullaghglass and planning for future woodland and meadow planting on a number of sites Object 2. To encourage and assist fartners landowners and metnbers of the public in their understanding of and practical action in support of the llara1 and built heritage of the Belfast Hills and to promote the adoption and furthering of sustainable agricultural policies and practices whereby the conditions and quality of life of those living and farn]ing there may be improved and the quality of the natural and built heritage maintained and enbanced for the benefit of all Lobbying and assistance for fam]ers in responding to key issues and consultations Woodland Fann Plans for 4 farniersllandowners Surveying agricUlra1 sections of sites post acquisitions Assisting with ongoing motorbike scrambler and fence cutting issues in partnership with Ulster Farn]ers Union and Police Servicc of Northern Ireland. Object 3. To protect Conserve maintain and manage and to asslst in and promote the protection conservation maintenance and management of sites of biological and scientifLC importance Broad range of survey work - surveys included badgers, bats, newts, river fly, pine marten, buttertlies, moths and lizards. Visitor and volunteer warden wildlife sightings and records Held a range of training events for volunteer surveyors such as Wildflower, bee and moth tD training, badger survey methodology and practice Drolle training plus drone surveying of footpaths 4 seasonal Fixed Point Photography surveys at 6 locations Page 5
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Object 4. To protect conserve and tnaintain and to assist in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of ancient sites monuments buildings and artefacts of historical architectural or constructional interest or merit in the Belfast Hills Heritage Inforntion - prolnoted via BHP website Heritage outreach - 2 heritage talks online including Old names of the Belfast Hills and Tree Folklore, 4 in person and I heritage walk for groups at Ligoniel Cave HÉll and Divis Object 5. To promote improved access to the Belfast Hills consonant always with the legitimate interests of fanners and other landowners living in the Belfast Hills and earning their livelihood therein and therefrom Liaise and work with all partners including BCC looking at access across the Belfast Hills Path Maintenance, volunteers cleared vegetation of paths on Cave Hill, Upper Colin Glen, Ballysillan Allotments and Ligoniel Provide infomiation on access and routes to the public and all interested parties, including leaflets and Ordnance Survey maps Distribute new draft Belfast Hills Recreation Plan and related BHP Land Acquisition Policy Object 6. To promote provide and manage visitor and other facilities in the Belfast Hills for general recreation or other leisure time occupation in the interests of social welfare and to encourage and enable members of the public to use and enjoy the same and so to advance their education with the object of improving their conditions of life. Events programme including online tall(s and sit¢ walks Distribution of maps, leaflets and guides Website and social niedia promotion including visitor behaviour messages Young People directly involved via Our Wild Youth Scheme were 656 (11-25yr olds), 46 % of these young people have participated in two or more scssions. 73 % of tbese young people are from deprived areas. I I I awards were given to young people participating in long-terni engagement. In addition the LPS legacy programme worked with 851 participants for over 91 hours looking at themes such as fly tippingllittering, wellbeing, biodiversity (nursery to yrl 3 young people from deprived backgrounds). Staff involved in the Project Board for the National Trust's Divis and Black Mountain Project seeking to re41evelop visitor Facilities on their site. Financial Review Review of financial position at the end of the reporting period Although our major Landscape Partnership Scheme finished at the end of 2017-18, restricted reserves have been built up over the previous years to fund a Legacy Programme to continue key elements such as volunteering. Our overall net movement of funds of £12,727 represents an increase in restricted reserve5 of £18.052 and a drop in unrestricted reserves of £5,325. Restricted reserves total £428,402, while our unrestricted reserves which stands at £126,203. Total funds are now £554,605. Page 6
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Reserves policy (incl amount of reserves and wby held, restricted funds, designated funds, free reserves against reserves policy) Unrestricted funds are needed to provide funds which can be applied to specific projects to be undertaken at short notice and to cover the rLll]ning costs of the Charity for a limited period, should there be a significant fall in projected income. It can also be a key asset to deal with increased inflation. The Directors consider it prudent that unrestricted reserves should be sufficient to avoid the necessity of realising fixed assets held for the Charity's use and to cover six months unrestricted payroll and establishment costs, being £92,129. Unrestricted reserves held at 31 March 2023 were £126,203, equivalent to over 8 months of the above costs. Principal sources of income and how expenditure meets objectives Our principal sources are spread across a number of main funders - Northem treland Environment Agency (NIEA). Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council plus the National Lottery Community Fund which funds the Wild Youth Project. Wild Youth also receives match funding from the Breedon Group. We have been successful in securing funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund's 'Covid Recovery Employment and Skills Initiative for Heritage, programme to employ a Heritage Marketing Officer until 2025. We have continued to build on small contract projects such as provision of trdining, the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) farn] plans and the Exploring the Belfast Hills activity programmes which all mark a positive broadening of income at an uncertain time. Expenditure meets objectives efficiently and effectively due to well defined targets and strict ordering and expenditure authorisation procedures. Significant events that affected financial performance This has been a year of significant cost increases across the board for everyone, BHP included. We have however manag¢d to keep Costs relatively stable and within budget. The secondment of our Scheme Manager has had an impact on our salary costs but in practice this increase has been l 00 % funded. A number of short tern] and snialler projects have been very successful at achieving our Objects but some fundcrs hav¢ not always been able or willing to cover all costs, therefore we do find BHP unrestricted funds are needed to meet often a small, usually single figure percentage costs for these projects. We made our bids to the Natural Environment Fund awarded by the NIEA in late 2022, seeking a substantial incre&s¢ in funding to match a substantial growth in projects and targets planned for the funding period 2023 to 2028. If success1 these awards will be a solid base for us to deliver in the coming 5 years. Page 7
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Risk factors We reverted to out Annual Review of the BHP Risk Register and compilation of a Risk Management Action Plan 2022, which concentrated on potential Loss of Funding and identified threats from Covid19 impacts. We have been relatively successful in replacing and securing new fimding. The Review and Action Plan also reflected our awareness of cyber security as a key threat which we addressed through upgrading our Server. Identification of a number of key risks prior to this has led to the forn]atÉon of the following Policies and Procedures:_ - Health and Safety Policy alld Procedures - Financial Procedures - Financial Reserves Policy - Standing Orders - Safeguarding Policy - Land Acquisition and Management Policy Factors affecting the financial position in future periods The key element deciding our financial stability in the coming years will be the outcome of our bids to NIEA. If successful we will have tbe resources to expand into other funding and partnerships. Inflation and salary increases will also decide to what extent we can afford and hold onto key staff and work areas. Some of our core work only has agreed fLmding into the medium future, therefore securing alternative funding is a priority for us. Finally. in an increasingly unpredictable world opportunities for new work areas. policy changes and initiatives are likely to appear at relatively short notic¢ so we need to be ready and able to take those opportunities as they arise. Plans for future periods (incl aims and objectives to achieve) The NIEA fimding period for which we had to apply was 2023-28, therefore for once we have a set programme of proposals for the next 5 years. These include a major area of work to identify and act on where in the Belfast Hills we should focus our habitat improvement works to maximise benefits such as linking beathland or upland grasslands. In tandem with this, there are major changes mapped out for agriculture which we must prepare for in order to protect farniing in the Belfast Hills and maximise its positive impact on the Hills environment. We intend to build on our good progress made in provision and training in volunteering plus our l11S for health, work. Structure? governance and rnanagement Nature of governing document and hoiv charity is constituted Belfast Hills Partnership is a limited company and a charity registered with the Charity Commission NI. Our governing docutnent is the Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Memorandum and Articles of AssociatAon. We arc governed by a Board whose membership is strictly fixed in tern]s of representation by our Articles of Association. Page 8
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Methods to recruit and appoint new trustees Trustees are appointed by our partner organisations independently from Belfast Hills Partnership in keeping with our Articles of Association. Indemnity provision for trustees Tnjstees Liability is provided to a lin]it of £1 million. Organisational structure and how charity makes decisions Decisions are considered and made by the Belfast Hills Partnership Board either on an individual proposal basis or by inclusion in our detailed Business and Annual Work Plans as approved by our Board. It is the responsibility of the Partnership Manager to ensure the execution of these decisions and the reporting of works carried out back to the Board. Working Groups and Sub-committees are fonned to consider specific areas of work but can only make recommendations to the Board. Induction and training of trustees Trustees are brought through a set induction process which includes an explanation of duties, roles and responsibilities based on guidance supplied by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) and the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland. External training has been provided by NICVA when required. Remuneration policy Staff receive pay and travel remuneration as per work contracts. Annual cost of living increases are awarded to staff as decided by the Board based on recommendations from the Finance and Audit Sub-committee. Relationships with related partles BHP places substantial emphasis on working with its internal and external partners to further its charitable objects. Relationships with these partners are based on principles of openness, honesty and clarity as to roles and responsibilities. BHP looks to forni new positive relationships with additional organisations as oppOrtL1ÉleS arise. Page 9
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2023 Statement of Trustees Responsibilities Thc Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee 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 trllstees to prepare fulancial 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 iesources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for the year. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities 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 trustees 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 omply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and bence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other legUlarlties. Each of the trustees has confirnied that there is no inforn]ation of which they are aware whi¢h is relevant to the examination, but of which the independent examiner is is unaware. They have further confllmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant Énfonnation and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of such inforn]ation. This report was approved by the Board on 21 st September 2023 Trustee Page 10
Independent Examiners's report to the Trustees of Belfast Hills Partnership Trust I report on the accounts of the Trust for the for the year ended 31 March 2023. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As the charity trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examtnation, it is my responsibility to- examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008; 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 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 Charites Act and my examination was caTried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. My 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. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: l. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records 3. That the accounts do not comply with thc accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companics Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charitics preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland 4. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examiner's statement I ELave completed my examination and have no Concerns in respect of the matters (l) to (4) listed above aud, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Richard Mcclay FCA For and on behalf of Mccreery Turkington Stockman LTD l Lanyon Quay Belfast BTI 3LG 21 September 2023 Page 11
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Statement of Financial Activities (Including Summary Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Total 2023 2023 2023 2022 Income from: Charitable actLVlties Notes 178,932 287,201 466,133 410,227 Total incoming resources 178,932 287,201 466,133 410,227 Expenditure on: Charitable activities (184,257) (269,149)(453,406) (416,743) Total resources expended (184,257) {269,149)(453,406) (416,743) Transfer behyeen reserves Net movement on funds (5,325) 18,052 12.727 (6,516) Fund balances brought forward 131,528 410,350 541,878 548,394 Fund balances carried forward 126,203 428,402 554,605 541,878 The statement of fmancial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the y¢ar. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities. The statement of fmancial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expendituTe account under tbi Companies Act 2006. The notes on pages 15 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 12
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Balance sheet as at 31 March 2023 2023 2022 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 6,611 1,726 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 103,550 472,098 48,203 512,279 575,648 560,482 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 (27,654) (20,330) Net current assets 547,994 540,152 Net assets 554,605 541,878 Capital and reserves Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 11 12 428,402 126,203 410,350 131,528 Totsl funds 554,605 541,878 The notes on pages 15 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 13
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Balance sbeet (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2023 For the year ended 31 March 2023 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Trustees, responsibilities- (a) The Trustees have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in questÈon in accordance with section 476. (b) The Trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies, regime. The financial statements wer¢ approved by the Trustees on 21 September 2023 and signed on its behalf by Trustee Trustee Registration number NIO53189 The notes on pages 15 to 28 forni an integral part of these financial statements. Page 14
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 Accounting policies Company information Belfast Hills Partnership Trnst is a Company limited by guarantee, registered in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is 9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, B Tl 7 OXS. Accounting convention The accounts have been prepared in accordance 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" The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial ststemcnts are rounded to the nearest £. 1.2. Going concern At the tim¢ of approving the fanCIaL ststements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the cbarity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the iThste¢s continue to adopt the going Concern basis of accounting in preparing the fanCIal statements. 1.3. Charitable funds Unrestricted funds arc availabl¢ for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the fLdS have been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes alld uses of the restricted fi(ts are set out in the notes to the financial statements. 1.4. Incoming resources IncoLne is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probabl¢ that income will be received. Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Otber donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation. unless perfonnance conditions requirc def¢rral of tbe amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation. Donated assets are included in the Balance Sheet at their cuffent value at the date of the gift and also included in the Statement of Financial Activities as an incoming resource. Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is know, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset. Income from government and other grants, whether capital or revenue grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any perfonnance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Page 15
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the fmancial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 . continued 1.5. Resourees expended All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs relating to either charitable activities or governance. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of resources. The allocation is based on the apportionment of wages and salaTies between administration Costs and production costs. 1.6. Tangible red assets and deprecA2tion Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful lif¢, as follows: Fixtures. fittings and equipment Motor vehicles 200/0 reducing balance 33.33 /0 reducing balance At each reporting period end date, the Company reviews the carying aTnounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairn]ent loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to det¢rn]ine the extent of the impairn]ent loss (if any). Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an individual asset, the Company estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-genernting unit to which the asset belongs. Recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount late that reflects current market assessments of the titne value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted. If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its Carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its r¢¢overabEe amount. An impaim]ent loss is recognised immediately in profit and loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairnient loss is treated as a revaluation decrease. 1.7. Cash at bank and in hand Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand and deposits held at call with banks. Page 16
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the finaDcial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 . continued 1.8. Financial Instruments The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section I I 'Basi¢ Financial Instruments and Section 12 '0ther Financial Insttuments Issues of FRS 102 to all of its fmancial instruments. Financial instrLllnents are recognised in the Company's balance sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrnment. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial ststements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Basic financial assets Basic financÉal assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction prÈce including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest tnethod unless the arrangement constitutes a fmancing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a rnarket rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised. Classification of financial liabilities Financial liabilities and equity instrLunents are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Company after deducting all of its liabilities. Basic financial liabilities Basic financial liabilities, including creditors, bank loans, loans from fellow group companies and preference shares that are classified as debt, are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabillties classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instrLllnents are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary cours¢ of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as CULT¢nt liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-CUErcnt liabilities. trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Page 17
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financiaI statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 . continued 1.9. Equity instruments Income recognition Equity inStmentS issued by the Company are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Dividends payable on equity instruments are recognised as liabilities once they are no longer at the discretion of the Company. 1.10. Provisions Provisions are reCols¢d when the Company has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will b¢ required to settle that obligation and a reliable estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. The amount recognised as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at the reporting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertainties surrounding the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material. the amount expected to be required to settle the obligation is recognised at present value. When a provision in measured at present value the unwinding of the discount is recognised as a finance cost in profit and loss in the period it arises. 1.11. Employee beneflts The costs of short-terni employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be re¢ognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets. The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is r¢¢ognised in the period in which the employee's serviccs are received. Temiination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terniinate the employment of an employee or to provide terniination benefits. 1.12 Critical accounting estimates and judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estiniates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period. or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both Guellt and future periods. There were no critical accounting estimates or judgements made by the Trustees. Page 18
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 continued Employees Number of employees The average monthly numbers of employees during the year was 2023 2022 AdmÈnistration 12 Employment costs 2023 2022 Wages, social security and pension costs 302,917 258,164 There were no employees earning over £60,000 in the two years ended 31 March 2023. Page 19
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Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 continued Support costs 2023 2022 Staff costs Depreciation Rent Insurance Seminars & events Postage & stationery Programme materials Telephone & internct IT costs Travel and subsistence Van costs Consultancy costs Independent examination Bank fees Tools & clothing Subscriptions Recruitment and volunteer costs Futu development fid project costs Prior year adjustment 302,919 1,772 27,040 2,701 3,738 1,267 13,443 1,395 4,131 3,486 1,678 880 1,944 510 2.234 1,108 2,394 2,140 (3,475) 257,577 611 27,087 2,490 3,197 2,517 13,530 1,363 5,558 3,683 1,562 2,800 2,053 467 3,242 946 1,169 5,739 371,305 335,591 Trustees None of the trustees ( or any person connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year. P2ge 24
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 . continued Fixtures, rittings and Motor equipment vehieles Tangible rued assets Total Cost At l April 2022 Additions 1,260 8,156 13,770 15,030 8,156 At 31 March 2023 9.416 13,770 23,186 Depreciation At l April 2022 Charge for the year 252 3,032 13,052 239 13,304 3,271 At 31 March 2023 3,284 13,291 16,575 Net book values At 31 March 2023 6,132 479 6,611 At 31 March 2022 1,008 718 1,726 Pension costs Thc chatity operates a defined contribution pension scheme in respect of the employees. The scheme and its assets are held by independent managers. The pension charge represents contributions due from the company. Debtors 2023 2022 Accrued income Prepayments 97,553 5,997 45,839 2,364 103,550 48,203 Page 25
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 continued 10. Creditors: amounts falling due Ivithin one year 2023 2022 Deferred Income Trade creditors and accruals 5,000 22,654 5,000 15,330 27,654 20,330 Page 26
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 continued Balance at l April B21an¢e at 11. Restricted funds Incoming Resources resources expellded 31 March LPS OBF wcp Woodland Project Ash Dieback Wild Youth CRESI Fund Habitat Connectivity Project Million Trees Project 370,202 3,984 4.989 10,245 3,533 17,397 15,799 (45,909) 340,092 3,984 4,692 13,225 (297) (47,040) (3,533) (123,375) (20,262) (21,954) (6,779) 50,020 137,220 50,000 25,162 9,000 31,242 29,738 3,208 2,221 410,350 287,201 269,149 428,402 The income funds of the Charity include restricted funds comprising the following un¢xp¢nded balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes: In addition to project expenditure as detailed above a further sum of £540 is included under additions to office equipment as per note 7 (f¢d assets). This has been funded by the Departmcnt for Communities Heritage Fund. In addition to project expenditure as detailed above a ftlltber sum of £828 is included under additions to office equipment as per note 7 (fed assets). This h&8 been fijnded through the Challenge Fund (NEA). In addition to the above project expenditure a sum of £644 was paid in advance for computer equiplnent delivered after the year end included in note 9 under prepayments. This has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. tn addition to this there was a prepayment in March 23 towards the IT equipmcnt of £2,380 as this equipment was not delivered until after the year-end. Therefore this amount has been included as a prepayment under note 9 under prepayments. This has been funded througb the Challenge Fund. Page 27
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023 continued Balance Balance Incoming Resources at l April 2022 resources expended 31 March 2023 12. Unrestricted funds Belfast Hills General Fund Future Development 115,267 16,261 178,932 (182,117) {2,140) 112,082 14,121 131,528 178,932 (184,257) 126,203 It w&s decided during the year ended 31 st March 2020 to set up a dcsignated fimd within the unrestricted reserves called the Future Development Fund. The intention is to build this fund for specific future expenditure. 13. Related party transactions There were no disclosable related party trnnsactions during the year. Page 28