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2024-03-31-accounts

Registration number NI053189

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Company limited by guarantee

Annual report and financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Contents

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 10
Independent Examiner's 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 2024

The Trustees 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: Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Charity Registration number: NIC100859 Company Registration number: NI053189 Registered Office: 9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, BT17 0XS Business Address: 9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, BT17 0XS

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 Mr A McAuley Mr D Flinn Mr A McFarland (Appointed 12th May 2023)

Independent examiner

McCreery Turkington Stockman LTD,1 Lanyon Quay, Belfast, BT1 3LG

Bankers

First Trust Bank Ltd, 35 University Road , Belfast, BT7 1ND

Solicitors

Cleaver Fulton Rankin, 50 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7FW

Page 1

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2024

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 character and amenities of the Belfast Hills their landscape countryside and environment

To encourage and assist farmers 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 policies and practices whereby the conditions and quality of life of those living and farming 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 manage and to assist in and promote the protection conservation maintenance and management of sites of biological and scientific importance

To protect conserve and maintain 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 Belfast Hills consonant always with the legitimate interests of farmers and other landowners living in the Belfast Hills and earning their livelihood therein and therefrom

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 2024

Aims of charity

The aims arising from the objects of the Belfast Hills Partnership Trust include:

How achievement of aims further objectives

Each of the above aims addresses our charitable objects directly and will achieve progress towards our long term objects.

Strategies for achieving aims and objectives

We achieve our aims and objectives by raising funds and employing staff to facilitate our work as directed by our Belfast Hills Partnership Integrated Management Plan 2023-2028 (as set out with the DEARA Environment Fund application) which sets out our strategic approach to carrying out our work across and range of areas.

Page 3

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Trustees Report

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Criteria or measures used to assess success

It is the detail of funding offers that often specify our specific outcomes and criteria. These are in turn 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 Charity should undertake.

Significant activities undertaken

Our main activities in the year 2023-24 have been within the following projects:-

Use of volunteers

We make use of volunteers recruited and managed by our Volunteer and Outreach Officer across our projects. These carry out valuable regular weekly (every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) field work. This includes practical wildlife improvements, surveys, monitoring and reporting plus assistance with office work. 517 days of volunteering time were gained, an equivalent of £25,825 value was gained. This included 52 new recruits along with a team of about 30 regular volunteers. 316 volunteers and members of the public were also trained in topics such as tree, wildflower, seed, fungi, moths and bee ID, badger, bat and reptile surveying, hedge-laying and seed collection training. These volunteers are managed within a comprehensive suite of volunteer policies drawn up in conjunction with partner organisations such as Volunteer Now and regularly reviewed and amended.

Page 4

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2024

Strategic Report

The description under the Headings "Achievements and performance" 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 2023-24 are listed below under our Charity Objects:-

Object 1. To protect conserve and maintain and to assist in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of the character and amenities of the Belfast Hills their landscape countryside and environment

Object 2. To encourage and assist farmers 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 promote the adoption and furthering of sustainable agricultural policies and practices whereby the conditions and quality of life of those living and farming there may be improved and the quality of the natural and built heritage maintained and enhanced for the benefit of all

Object 3. To protect conserve maintain and manage and to assist in and promote the protection conservation maintenance and management of sites of biological and scientific importance

Object 4. To protect conserve and maintain 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

Page 5

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Trustees Report

for the year ended 31 March 2024

Object 5. To promote improved access to the Belfast Hills consonant always with the legitimate interests of farmers and other landowners living in the Belfast Hills and earning their livelihood therein and therefrom

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.

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. Therefore, restricted reserves continue to decrease each year as the legacy fund is used. Our overall net movement of funds of -£35,985 represents a decrease in restricted reserves of £48,780 and an increase in unrestricted reserves of £12,795. Restricted reserves total £379,622, while our unrestricted reserves which stands at £138,998. Total funds are now £518,620.

Page 6

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2024

Reserves policy (incl amount of reserves and why 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 running 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 £91,782. Unrestricted reserves held at 31 March 2024 were £138,998, equivalent to over 9 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 - Northern Ireland 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.

Our Woodland work is supported by the Woodland Trust and Belfast City Council's Million Trees Project. Of ongoing benefit is the 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 training, the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) farm 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

Costs continue to rise, with an 8% increase in office rental costs being just one example of this. Additional funding from the local Councils is being sought to try and counter this.

A number of short term and smaller projects have been very successful at achieving our Objects but some funders have 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 were successful in our bids to the Natural Environment Fund awarded by the NIEA for the funding period 2023 to 2028. This will provide the organisation with financial stability along with 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 2024

Risk factors

The BHP Risk Register was reviewed by the Board in Feb 2024, with increased costs, loss of personal and interest group conflict being key threats to mitigate against. Careful recruitment of a new Partnership Manager upon Jim Bradleys retirement will be an important aspect in the mitigation of these risks.

Identification of a number of key risks prior to this has led to the formation of a Corporate Partner Policy and an Antifraud Policy within this financial year.

Factors affecting the financial position in future periods

Despite the financial stability due to our Environment Fund bid to NIEA some successful projects funding will come to an end over the next couple of years (e.g. Landscape Partnership Legacy Funding and Wild Youth), therefore securing alternative funding is a priority for us.

Inflation and salary increases will also decide to what extent we can afford and hold onto key staff and work areas.

Finally, in an increasingly unpredictable world opportunities for new work areas, policy changes and initiatives are likely to appear at relatively short notice so we need to be ready and able to take those opportunities as they arise.

Plans for future periods (including aims and objectives to achieve)

There is a need to tackle issues such as wildlife crime, illegal scrambling, fly-tipping which negatively impact upon the wider Belfast Hills; as well as work with our partners who own publicly accessible land to positively engage with the general public (a significant section of the hills has been purchased by the NT and is due to open to the public in Autumn 2025).

There are major changes mapped out for agriculture which we must prepare for in order to protect farming 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 'hills for health' work.

Structure, governance and management Nature of governing document and how charity is constituted

Belfast Hills Partnership is a limited company and a charity registered with the Charity Commission NI. Our governing document is the Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Memorandum and Articles of Association. We are governed by a Board whose membership is strictly fixed in terms of representation by our Articles of Association.

Page 8

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Trustees Report

for the year ended 31 March 2024

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

Trustees Liability is provided to a limit 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 formed 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 parties

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 form new positive relationships with additional organisations as opportunities arise.

Page 9

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Trustees Report for the year ended 31 March 2024

Statement of Trustees Responsibilities

The 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 trustees 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 trustees are required to:

The trustees 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.

Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the examination, but of which the independent examiner is is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of such information.

This report was approved by the Board on 19th September 2024

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 2024.

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 examination, it is my responsibility to:

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 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.

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:

  1. 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 the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the 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

  4. 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.

Richard McClay FCA For and on behalf of McCreery Turkington Stockman LTD

1 Lanyon Quay Belfast BT1 3LG

19 September 2024

Page 11

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Statement of Financial Activities (Including Summary Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted Restricted Restricted
Funds Funds Total Total
2024 2024 2024 2023
Income from: Notes £ £ £ £
Charitable activities 3 193,149 265,396 458,545 466,133
Total incoming resources 193,149 265,396 458,545 466,133
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 4 (183,563 ) (310,967 ) (494,530 ) (453,406 )
Total resources expended (183,563 ) (310,967 ) (494,530 ) (453,406 )
Transfer between reserves 3,209 (3,209 ) - -
Net movement on funds 12,795 (48,780 ) (35,985 ) 12,727
Fund balances brought forward 126,203 428,402 554,605 541,878
Fund balances carried forward 138,998 379,622 518,620 554,605

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.

All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the 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 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
7
Current assets
Debtors
9
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling
due within one year
10
Net current assets
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Restricted funds
11
Unrestricted funds
12
Total funds		 2024
£
24,833
512,940
537,773
)
(31,282		 £
12,129
506,491
518,620
379,622
138,998
518,620		 2023
£
103,550
472,098
575,648
)
(27,654		 £
6,611
547,994
554,605
428,402
126,203
554,605

The notes on pages 15 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 13

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Balance sheet (continued)

for the year ended 31 March 2024

For the year ended 31 March 2024 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 question 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 were approved by the Trustees on 19 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by

Trustee

Trustee

Registration number NI053189

The notes on pages 15 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements.

Page 14

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

1. Accounting policies

Company information

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust is a Company limited by guarantee, registered in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is 9 Social Economy Village, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, BT17 0XS.

1.1. 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 statements are rounded to the nearest £.

1.2. Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3. Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.4. Incoming resources

Income 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 probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the 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 current 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 known, 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 performance 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 financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

1.5. Resources 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 salaries between administration costs and production costs.

1.6. Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows:

Fixtures, fittings - and equipment 20% reducing balance Motor vehicles - 33.33% reducing balance

At each reporting period end date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment 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-generating 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 rate that reflects current market assessments of the time 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 recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit and loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairment 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 financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

1.8. Financial Instruments

The Company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Company's balance sheet when the Company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, 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 financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Classification of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities and equity instruments 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 liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments 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 course of business from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current 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 financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

1.9. Equity instruments

Income recognition

Equity instruments 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 recognised when the Company has a legal or constructive present obligation as a result of a past event, it is probable that the Company will be 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 benefits

The costs of short-term employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of the cost of stock or fixed assets.

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates 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 current 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 2024

.................... continued

2. Employees

Number of employees 2024 2023
The average monthly numbers of employees during the year was
Administration 14 12
Employment costs 2024 2023
£ £
Wages, social security and pension costs 339,842 302,917

There were no employees earning over £60,000 in the two years ended 31 March 2024.

Page 19

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

3.
Belfast Hills Landscape
New to
Woodland
Partnership Partnership
Nature
Project
Project
Scheme
£
£
£
£
Charitable activities
Performance
related grants
162,047
15,011
17,359
55,212
Other income
31,102
6,863
-
-
193,149
21,874
17,359
55,212
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds
193,149
-
-
-
Restricted funds
-
21,874
17,359
55,212
193,149
21,874
17,359
55,212
For the year ended 31 March 2023
Unrestricted funds
178,932
-
-
-
Restricted funds
-
15,799
-
50,020
178,932
15,799
-
50,020		 Wild
Youth
£
134,156
-
134,156
-
134,156
134,156
-
137,220
137,220		 Cresi
Habitat
Million
Total
Fund
Project
Trees
2024
£
£
£
£
-
-
31,000
414,785
-
5,795
-
43,760
-
5,795
31,000
458,545
-
-
-
193,149
-
5,795
31,000
265,396
-
5,795
31,000
458,545
-
-
-
50,000
25,162
9,000
50,000
25,162
9,000		 Total
2023
£
430,087
36,046
466,133
178,932
287,201
466,133

Page 20

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

Performance related grants

Belfast Hills Landscape
New to
Woodland
Partnership Partnership
Nature
Project
Project
Scheme
£
£
£
£
NIEA
89,899
-
-
-
NL Heritage Fund
-
-
-
-
NL Community Fund
-
-
-
-
Antrim BC
11,865
2,778
-
-
Belfast CC
28,720
8,180
-
-
Lisburn CC
11,918
4,053
-
-
Groundwork
-
-
17,359
-
BHSCT
17,268
-
-
-
Whitemountain Quarries
-
-
-
-
Woodland Trust
-
-
-
50,710
Contract Income
2,377
-
-
4,502
162,047
15,011
17,359
55,212		 Wild
Youth
£
-
-
120,396
-
-
-
-
-
11,250
-
2,510
134,156		 Cresi
Habitat
Million
Total
Fund
Project
Trees
2024
£
£
£
£
-
-
-
89,899
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
120,396
-
-
-
14,643
-
-
31,000
67,900
-
-
-
15,971
-
-
-
17,359
-
-
-
17,268
-
-
-
11,250
-
-
-
50,710
-
-
-
9,389
-
-
31,000
414,785		 Total
2023
£
96,975
50,000
135,420
14,643
45,900
15,971
-
16,730
-
50,000
4,448
430,087

Page 21

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

4.
Belfast HillsLandscapeOur Bright Wildfire Woodland
Wild
Wildfire
Cresi
Habitat
Million
New To
PartnershipPartnership
Future
Conference
Project
Youth
Connection
Fund
Project
Trees
Nature
Project
Scheme
Project
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Charitable activities
Contract work
946
-
-
-
4,822
60,863
-
-
-
-
-
946
-
-
-
4,822
60,863
-
-
-
-
-
Share of
support costs
182,617
42,539
3,984
-
46,065
74,846
4,692
28,480
5,795
19,688
19,193
183,563
42,539
3,984
-
50,887
135,709
4,692
28,480
5,795
19,688
19,193
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted
funds
183,563
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Restricted funds
-
42,539
3,984
-
50,887
135,709
4,692
28,480
5,795
19,688
19,193
183,563
42,539
3,984
-
50,887
135,709
4,692
28,480
5,795
19,688
19,193		 Total
2024
£
66,631
66,631
427,899
494,530
183,563
310,967
494,530		 Total
2023
£
82,103
82,103
371,303
453,406

Page 22

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

For the year ended 31 March 2023

Belfast HillsLandscapeWoodland
Wild
Wildfire
Cresi
Habitat
Million
Ash
PartnershipPartnership
Project
Youth
Connection
Fund
Project
Trees
Dieback
Project
Scheme
Project
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Unrestricted
funds
184,257
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Restricted funds
-
45,909
47,040
123,375
297
20,262
21,954
6,779
3,533
184,257
45,909
47,040
123,375
297
20,262
21,954
6,779
3,533		 Total
2023
£
184,257
269,149
453,406

Page 23

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

5. Support costs

Support costs
Staff costs
Depreciation
Rent
Insurance
Seminars & events
Postage & stationery
Programme materials
Telephone & internet
IT costs
Travel and subsistence
Van costs
Consultancy costs
Independent examination
Bank fees
Tools & clothing
Subscriptions
Recruitment and volunteer costs
Future development fund project costs
Prior year adjustment		 2024
£
339,842
3,112
29,291
3,462
9,317
1,247
19,048
2,078
4,395
3,536
2,305
-
2,053
500
2,788
1,119
1,878
1,928
-
427,899		 2023
£
302,917
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
371,303

6. Trustees

None of the trustees ( or any person connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

Page 24

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

Fixtures, Fixtures,
Tangible fixed assets fittings and Motor
equipment vehicles Total
£ £ £
Cost
At 1 April 2023 9,416 13,770 23,186
Additions 8,631 - 8,631
At 31 March 2024 18,047 13,770 31,817
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023 3,284 13,291 16,575
Charge for the year 2,953 160 3,113
At 31 March 2024 6,237 13,451 19,688
Net book values
At 31 March 2024 11,810 319 12,129
At 31 March 2023 6,132 479 6,611

7. Tangible fixed assets

8. Pension costs

The charity 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.

9.
Debtors
Accrued income
Prepayments		 2024
£
21,560
3,273
24,833		 2023
£
97,553
5,997
103,550

Page 25

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

10.
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Deferred Income
Trade creditors and accruals		 2024
£
-
31,282
31,282		 2023
£
5,000
22,654
27,654

Page 26

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

Balance
Transfer to		 Balance
Transfer to		 Balance
Transfer to		 Balance
11. Restricted funds at
Unrestricted Incoming		 Resources at
1 April
Reserve
resources		 expended 31 March
£ £
£		 £ £
LPS 340,092 -
21,874		 (42,539 ) 319,427
OBF 3,984 -
-		 (3,984 ) -
WCP 4,692 -
-		 (4,692 ) -
Woodland Project 13,225 -
55,212		 (50,887 ) 17,550
New to Nature - -
17,359		 (19,193 ) (1,834 )
Wild Youth 31,241 -
134,156		 (135,709 ) 29,688
CRESI Fund 29,738 -
-		 (28,480 ) 1,258
Habitat Connectivity Project 3,209 )
(3,209
5,795		 (5,795 ) -
Million Trees Project 2,221 -
31,000		 (19,688 ) 13,533
428,402 )
(3,209
265,396		 (310,967 ) 379,622

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes:

Our Bright Future project has now been completed whereby the balance of £3019 has been transferred to the Landscape Partnership Scheme to complete similar activities. The remaining balance of £965 was project expenditure included under additions to office equipment and as such transferred to Unrestricted Income.

In addition to project expenditure as detailed above a further sum of £2174 is included under additions to office equipment as per note 7 (fixed assets). This has been funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

In addition to project expenditure as detailed above a further sum of £440 is included under additions to office equipment as per note 7 (fixed assets). This has been funded by the Landscape Partnership Scheme.

Wildlife Connections Project has now been completed whereby the balance of £4692 has been transferred to the Habitat Connectivity Project to provide match funding for the completion of the project.

In addition to project expenditure as detailed above a further sum of £2381 is included under additions to office equipment as per note 7 (fixed assets). This was funded through the Challenge Fund and the balance of additions (£3209) moved to Unrestricted Income on completion of the project.

Page 27

Belfast Hills Partnership Trust

Notes to the financial statements

for the year ended 31 March 2024

.................... continued

In addition to project expenditure as detailed above a further sum of £1055 is included under office equipment as per note 7 (fixed assets). This has been funded through the Million Trees Project (Belfast City Council).

Balance Transfer from Transfer from Balance
12. Unrestricted funds at Restricted Incoming Resources at
**1 April 2023 ** Reserve resources expended 31 March 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Belfast Hills General Fund 112,082 3,209 187,324 (181,636 ) 120,979
Future Development 14,121 - 5,825 (1,927 ) 18,019
126,203 3,209 193,149 (183,563 ) 138,998

It was decided during the year ended 31st March 2020 to set up a designated fund 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 transactions during the year.

Page 28