Registration number N1053189 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 Independent Examiner's Report 11 Statement of Financial Activities 12 Balance sheet 13-14 Not¢s 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 fmancial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. 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 Articles of Association, the Compantes Act 2006 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing tlieir 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 Partnershtp Trust Charity Registration number: NIC100859 Company Registration number.. N1053189 Rcgistered Office.. 9 Social Economy Village. Hannahstown Hill, Belfast. BT17 OXS Business Address: 9 Social Economy Villag¢, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, B T17 OXS Trustees Mr C Hamill MF 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 Fcrguson Mr A McAuley Mr D Flinn Mr A McFarland (Appointed 12th May 2023) Independent examiner Mccreery Turkington Stockman LTD, l Lanyon Quay, Belfast, B TI 3LG Bankers First Trust Bank Ltd, 35 Univcr5ity Road , Belfast, BT7 IND Solicitors Cleaver Fulton Rankin, 50 Bedford Street, Belfast, B T2 7FW Page I
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 niaintain and to assist in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of the character and amenitics of the Belfast Hills their landscape counttyside and enviionment To encourage and assist famiers landowners and membeTs of the publÈ¢ in their understanding of and practical action in support of the natural and built heritage of Ihe Belfast Hills and to promotethe adoption and furthering of sustainabl¢ agricultural policies and practices whcrcby 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 bcnefit of all To protect conserve maintain and manage and to assist in and promote the protection conservation maint¢nanc¢ and management of sitcs of biological and scientific importance To protcct conserve and maintain and to asstst in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of ancient sites monuments buildings and artcfacts of historical architectural or constructional interest or merit in the Belfast Hills To promote improved access to the Bclfast Hills consonant always with the legitimate intercsts of famiers and other landowners living tn th¢ Belfast Hills and eaming their livelihood therein and th¢iefrom To promote provide and manage visitor and other facilitics in thc Bclfast Hills for gencral recreation or othcr leisure tlme occupation in the intercsts of social welfare and to encourage and enabE¢ 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: The monitoi'ing and control of invasive species. - Wildfire management 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 mainmals. Reducing "fly tipping" in the area by monitoring occurrences, "designing out" fly tipping access and assisting with enforcement. - Improving disused qUry sites through hedge and wildflower planting. These btodiversity and landscape itnprovements bring benefits to the public in terms of ensuring a more attractive environment with plenty of wildlife to visit and cnjoy. This Én brings positive physical and mental health benefits as shown by Enany studies to date. - Improv¢d public access through building, mapping and publicising paths, while at the same time respecting the rkghts and wishes of land owners. - Increased awareness and enjoyment of the hills, biodivcrsity through events such as wiRdlif¢ walks, talks and training courses. - Raised awareness and understanding of the lÈving heritage of the Belfast Hills from Mesolithic times through discovering, mapping and interpreting the hills. - Understanding and accommodation is facilitated through working in partnership with competing stakeholders. Encouraging a broadcr, more infom]ed and strategic approach among stakeholders to complex issues such as waste proposals or wind turbines. The aim of this is to ensure improved planThing d¢cisKons which benefit the public by r¢cognising potential negatkve impacts on r¢sidents and visitors and avoid or mitigate for these. How achievement of aims further objectives Each of thc above aims addresses our charitable objects directly and will achieve progress towards our long terni objects. Strategies for achieving aims and objectives We achi¢v¢ 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 incoOrated in our Annual Work Plans. Success is therefore measured against these criteria and targets specifled in both our plans and nder 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 foElowing projects:_ The overall Belfast Hills Partnership project funded by the Natural Environment Fund awarded by Northern Ireland Environment Agency, local councils and other funding. Belfast Hills Landscape Partnership Scheme Legacy work5 funded primarily by the National Lottery Hcritage Fund and BCC Million Trees Fund Wild Youth Projcct in partnership with Ulster Wildlife and funded by Big Lottery Fund and the Breedon Group Woodland Project funded by the Woodland Trust Delivery of One Million Trees Engagement Project on behalf of Bclfast City Council Heritage Marketing OffEcer funded by the Lottery Heritage Fund's 'Covid Recovery Employment and Skills Initiativ¢ for HerKtag¢' programme Exploring the Belfast Hills project funded by Belfast Health and Social Scrvices Trust Belfast Hills Habitat Connectivity project mapping out our main habitats to identify where best to connect up our wÈldlife areas Use of volunteers We make use of voluntecrs recruited and managed by oui Volunteer and Outreach Officer across our projects. These ¢aTry Out valuable regular weekly (every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday) field work. This inckudes practical wildlife improvemcnts, surveys, monktoring and reporting plus assistance with office work. 517 days of voluntccring time wcre 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 tr¢e, wildflower, seed. ng1, moths and bee ID. badger, bat and reptile surveying, hedge-laying and seed collection training. Thcs¢ volunteers are managed within a comprehensive suite of volunteer policies drawn up in conjunction with partner organisations such as Volunt¢cr Now and iegularly reviewcd 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 2nd performance Summary of main achievements Our main achievements in 2023-24 are listed below under our Charity Obje¢ts:_ Object l. To protect conserve and n]aintain and to assist in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of the character and ainenities of the Belfast Hills theÉr landscape countryside and environment Woodlands - over 44,600 trees planted. Invasive species management at 5 sites plus ongoing mapping and monitoring Wildflower propagation and wildflower plug planting Wildfire mapping and survey work Fly-tipping suiveys and reports resumed plus CCTV ¢amerd monitoring Quarry and waste site restoration - assisting partners at a number of sites 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 th¢ adoptÈon and furthering of sustainable agricultural policics and pi'actices whereby the conditions and quality of Eife of those living and faTming there may be improved and the quality of the natural and built heritagc maintained and enhanced for the beuefit of alk Engaged with 13 Hills farn]ers/landowners through the l Million Trees project Surveying agricultUTal land for suitabklity for tree planting Assisting with ongoing motorbike scrambler and fence cutting issues in partnership with Ulster Farn]ers Union and Police Servlce of Northem Ireland. 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 Broad range of survey work - surveys included badgers, bats, newts, river fly, pin¢ marten, buttertlies, moths and Kizards. 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 Surveying of footpaths and path maintenance projects 4 seasonal Fixed Point Photography surveys at 6 locations Object 4. To protect conserve and maintain and to assist in and promote the protection conservation and maintenance of anck¢nt sites monuments buildings and art¢facts of historical architectural or constructional interest or merkt in the Belfast Hills Heritage infonnation - promoted via BHP website and social media Heritage outreach - undertook a series of heritage walks as part of Ligoniel Improvement Associations ¢ritage for health, programme 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 farniers 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 clcaied vegetation of paths on various sites Provide inforniation on access and routes to the public and all interested parties, including leaflets and Ordnance Survey maps Online campaigns regarding how to behave in the Belfast Hills 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 publlc to use and enjoy the same and so to advance their education with the object of improving their conditions of life. Events programme includlng online talks and site walks Distribution of maps, leaflets and guides Website and social inedia promotion including visRtor bchaviour messages Young People directly involved via Our Wild Youth Scheme were 408 (11-25yr olds), 50 /0 of these young people have participated on a regular basis. 63 /0 of these young people are from deprived areas. Staff involved in the Project Board for the National Trust's Divis and Black Mountain Project seeking to re-develop visitor Facilities on their site. Financial Review Review of fInancial position at the end of the reporting period Although our major Landscape Partnership Schemc finished at the end of 2017-18. rcstrictcd rescrves have been built up over the previous years to fund a Legacy Programme to continue key ¢lernents such as volunteering. Thercfore, restricted res¢rv¢s continue to decrease each year as the leg<iCy fund is used. Our overall net movement of funds of -£35,985 represents a decrease in restricted rescrves of £48,780 and an inciease in unr¢stricted reserves of £12,795. Restricted reserves total £379,622, while our unrestricted reserves which stands at £138,998. Total funds arc now £518,620. Page 6
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the year ended 31 Marcb 2024 Reserves policy (incl amount of reserves and why held, restricted funds, designated funds, free reserves against reserves policy) Unrestricted funds are lleeded 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 signif1¢2nt fall in projected income. It can also be a key asset to deal wlth increased inflation. The Directors consider it prudent that unrestricted reserves should be sufficient to avoid the necessity of realisillg fixed assets held for the Charity's use and to cover six months unrestricted payroll and estabkishment costs, being £91,782. Unrestricted reserves held at 3 E 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 numb¢r of main funders - Northern Ircland Environmcnt Agency (NTEA), Belfast City Council, Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council and Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council plus the Ndtiollal 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 Projcct. Of ongoing benefit is the funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund's 'Covid Recovery Employment and Skills Initiative for Heritage, programme to employ a H¢ritagc Marketing Officer untkl 2025. We havc continued to build on small ¢ontra¢t projects such as provision of training. the Environmcntal Farming Scheme (EFS) farm plans and the Exploring the BeEfast Hills activity programmes which all mark a positive broadening of income at an uncertain timc. Expcnditure meets objectives efficiently and ¢ff¢ctiv¢ly due to well def1ned targets and strict ordcring and expenditure authorisation procedures. Significant events that affected financial performance Costs continue to rise, with an 8Q/o increase Èn office rental costs being just one example of this. Additional funding from the local Councils is being soughl to try and counter this. A number of short tern] and smaller projects have been very succcssful 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 per¢¢ntage costs for these projects. We were su¢c¢ssful 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 dcliver in the coming 5 years. Page 7
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Trustees Report for the ye2r 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 intei-est group conflict being key threats to mitigate against. Careful recruitment of a new Partnership Manager upon Jim Bradleys retireinent will be an important aspect in the mittgation of these risks. Identificatlon 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 Éncreasingly unprcdictable world opportunities for new work areas, policy changes and initiatives are likely to appear at relatively short notice so wc need to b¢ ready and able to take those opportunities as they arise. Plans for future periods (including aims and objectives to achieve) There ks a need to tackl¢ 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). Thcre are major changes mapped out for agriculture which we must prepare for in ordci to protect fanning in the Belfast Hills and maximise its positive impact on the Hills environment. We Éntend 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 chlty registered with the Charity Commission NI. Our governing document is the Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Memorandum and Articl¢s of Association. We are governed by a Board whose membership is strictly fixed in terms of PreSentatIon 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 hoiv 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 PartThership Manager to ensure the execution of these decisions and the reporting of works carried out back to the Board. Working Groups and Sub-committces are formed to consider specific areas of work but can only make recommendations to th¢ Board. Induction and training of trustees Trustees are brought through a sel induction process which includes an explanation of duties, roles and responsibilities based on guidanc¢ supplied by the Northem Ircland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) and the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland. Extemal 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 bascd on recommcndations from the Finance and Audit Sub-committee. Relationships Wlth related parties BHP places substantial emphasis on working with its int¢mal and external partn¢rs to further its chaTltable objects. Relationshtps with thcse partners are based on pi-inciples of openness, honesty and clarity as to roles and Tesponsibilities. BHP looks to forn] 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 applkcable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United KiThgdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Compally 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 expendkture, of the cliaritabEe company foi the year. preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policics and then apply them consistently- observe thc methods and principles in the Charities SORP. make judgments and estimates that arc reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards havc been followed, subject to any material depareS disclosed and explained in the financiaK statements- prepare the financÈal statements on the going conc¢rn basis lleSS it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation. The trustecs are responsible for keeping pioper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financkal position of the company and to enablc them to ensure that the financiaE statem¢nts comply with the Companics Act 2006. They dre also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking aSOnable steps for the prcvention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Each of the trustees has confirmed that there is no infonnation of which they arc aware which is relevant to the examknation, but of which the independent examiner 15 is unawarc. They have further confinned that they have taken appropriatc steps to identify such relevant infom]ation and to ¢stablish that the indep¢ndent examiner is aware of such infonnation. This report was approved by th¢ Board on 19th September 2024 Trustee louiol_ 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 tlie 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 prepai-ation 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: examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by tbe Charity Commission for Northern Ireland undcr section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. and state whether particular matters have conle to my attention. Basis of independent examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charitcs Act and my examination was Caled out in accordance with the gcneral Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Iieland under scction 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. My examÉnation included a rcvicw of the accounting records kept by th¢ 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 a5 charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role És to state whether any matcriaE matters have come to my attention giving m¢ cause to believe: That accounting records were not kept in accordallce with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 with the methods and principles of thc Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicabl¢ to charities preparing thcir 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 bc reached. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters ( l ) to (4) listed above and. in conne¢tion with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. Richard Mcclrdy FCA For and on behalf of Mccreery Turkington Stockman LTD l Lanyon Quay Belfast BTI 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 Funds Funds Total Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 Income from: Charktable activities Notes 193,149 265,396 458,545 466,133 Total incoming resources 193,149 265,396 458,545 466,133 Expenditure on: Charitabl¢ activities (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 Th¢ statement of financial activities includes all gains and loss¢s i¢cognised in thc 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 undei tl 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 2024 2023 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 12,129 6,611 Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 24,833 512,940 103,550 472,098 537,773 575,648 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 10 (31,282) (27,654) Net current assets 506,491 547.994 Net assets 518,620 554,605 Capital and reserves Restricted funds Unrcstrictcd funds 11 12 379,622 138,998 428,402 126,203 Total funds 518,620 554,605 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 3 l March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Trustees, responsibililies.. (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 acknowlcdgc their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of tlie 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 smaLI companies, regime. The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 19 September 2024 and signed on its behalf by Trustee Trustee Registration number N1053189 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 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 Villagc, Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, BT17 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 chaElties 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 fEnancial statements are pr¢pared in sterling, which is thc functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the n¢est £. 1.2. Going concern At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate rcsources to continuc in operational existence foi the foreseeable futur¢. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. 1.3. CharitabIe funds Unrestricted funds are availablc for use at the dkscretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitabl¢ objectives unless the funds have been designated for other puOses. 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 statemcnts. 1.4. Incoming resources Income is recognised when the charity is l¢gally entitled to it aftcr any pcrformancc conditions have been mct, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is piobable that Income will be received. Cash donations arc recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognksed 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 GÈft Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the tim¢ of the donation. Donated assets are included Èn the Balance Sheet at their ruent value at the date of th¢ 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. Incom¢ from government and other grants, whether capital or revenue grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any perforniance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured rcliably and is not deferred. Page 15
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continucd 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 dÉrectly 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 deprecAation Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows= Fixturcs, fittings and equipment Motor vehicles 20 /0 reducing balanc¢ 33.33 % reducing balance At each reporting period end date, the Company reviews the canying amounts of its tangible assets to dctcrn]ine whethcr thcre is any indication that those assets have suffered an impainncnt loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to det¢rmin¢ thc extent of the impdirn]ent loss (if any). Wh¢re Èt is not Possible to estimate the recoverabl¢ 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 cstimated future casb flows are discounted to thcir prcscnt valuc using a pre-tax discount ratc that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of futur¢ cash flows hav¢ not been adjusted. If the rccoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be Icss than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is r¢duced to its recoverable amount. An impairnient loss is recognised immediately in profit and loss, unless the relevant asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case the impairn]ent loss is tieated 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 Thc Company has elected to apply the provisions of S¢ction I I 'Basi¢ Financial Instruments and Section 12 '0ther Financial Instrnments Issues of FRS 102 to all of its financial Énstruments. Financial instnkments are recognised in the Company's balance sheet when the Company becomes paty to the contractual provÈsions of the instrnment. FinanciaE assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, whcn thcre 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 financlal 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 arrang¢ment constitutes a financÉng transaction, where the transaction Ès measured at the prcsent value of the futur¢ receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classificd as receivable within onc year are not amortis¢d. Classification of financial liabilities Financi<il liabilities and equity instruments ar¢ 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 classificd as d¢bt, are initially recognised at transaction price unlcss the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. where the debt instrument Is measured at the pres¢nt value of thc future payments discounted at a mk¢t rate of interest. Financial liabkliti¢s classified as payable within one year are not amortised. Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cos¢ using the effective interest rate method. TTade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of business from supplÉers. Amounts payabke are classified as cUent liabilities if payment 15 du¢ within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabikities. trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortis¢d 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 insti-uments issued by the Company are recorded at the procecds received, net of direct issue costs. Divid¢nds 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 recogniscd as a provision is the best estimate of the consideration required to settle the present obligation at th¢ r¢porting end date, taking into account the risks and uncertaintkes SULTounding the obligation. Where the effect of the timc value of money is material, the amount expected to b¢ required to settle th¢ 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. 1.1 l. Employee benefits The costs of short-t¢rn] employee benefits are recognised as a liability and an expense, unless those costs are required to be recognised as part of thc cost of stock or fixed assets. Th¢ cost of any unused holiday entitlcment is recognised in th¢ period in which the employee's services are received. Terniknation bencfits are rccogni5ed immediately as an cxpense when the company is dcmonstrably COEnmitted to tern]inate thc ¢mpEoyment of an employee or to provide terniination bencfits. 1.12 Critical accounting estimates and judgements In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trnstees are requircd 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 arc 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 tUre periods where the revision affects both current and future periods. There were no critical accounting estimates or judgemcnts made by the Trustees. Page 18
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued Employees Number of employees The average monthly numbers of employees during the year was 2024 2023 Administration 14 12 Employment costs 2024 2023 Wages, social security and pcnsion costs 339,842 302,917 Th¢re were no cmployecs earning over £60,000 in th¢ two years ended 31 March 2024. Page 19
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Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued Support costs 2024 2023 Staff costs Depreciation Rent Insurance Seminars & events Postage & stationery Programtne materials Telephone & internet IT costs Travel and subsistence Van costs Consultancy costs Independent examination Bank fees Tools & clothing Subscriptions Recruitment and voliinteer costs Future development Eund project Gosts Prior year adjustment 339,842 3,112 29,291 3,462 9,317 1,247 19,048 2,078 4,395 3,536 2,305 302,917 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) 2,053 500 2,788 1,119 1,878 1,928 427,899 371,303 Trustees None of the trustees ( or any person connected with them) received any Temuneration 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, rittings and Motor equipment vehicles Tangible fixed assets Total Cost At l April 2023 Additions 9,416 8,631 13,770 23,186 8,631 At 31 March 2024 18,047 13,770 31,817 Depreciation At l April 2023 Charge for the year 3,284 2,953 13,291 160 16,575 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 Pension costs The charity operates a dcfincd contribution pension scheme in respect of the employees. The scheme and its assets are held by indep¢nd¢nt managers. The pension charge represents contributions due from th¢ Company. Debtors 2024 2023 Accrned income Prepayments 21,560 3,273 97,553 5,997 24,833 103,550 Page 25
Belfast Hills Partnership Trust Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued 10. Creditors: amounts falling due Ivithin one year 2024 2023 Deferrcd Income Trade creditors and accruals 5,000 22,654 31,282 31,282 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 at Unrestricted Incoming Resources at l April Reserve resources expended 31 March Restricted funds LPS OBF wcp Woodland Project Ncw to Nature Wild Youth CRESI Fund Habitat Connectivity Project Million Trees Project 340,092 3,984 4,692 13,225 21,874 (42,539) (3,984) (4,692) (50.887) (19,193) (135.709) (28,480) (5,795) (19,688) 319,427 55,212 17,359 134,156 17,550 (1.834} 29,688 1,258 31,241 29,738 3,209 2.221 (3,209) 5,795 31,000 13,533 428,402 (3,209) 265,396 (310,967) 379,622 Thc incom¢ ffinds of th¢ charity includ¢ iestricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trust for specific purposes.. Our Bright Futurc projcct has now been compketed whereby the balance of £3019 has been transfetred to the Landscape Partnership Scheme to complete similar activAties. The rcmaining balance of £965 was project expcnditure included under additions to office equipment and a5 such transferred to Unrestrictcd Income. In additÈon to projcct expenditure as detailed above a further sum of £2174 is included under additions to office equipment as per notc 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 (flxcd 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 fLmding for the completion of the project. In addition to proj¢ct expenditure as detailed above a rther sum of £2381 is included under additions to office equipment as per note 7 (fixed assets). This was nded through the ChaElenge 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 financRal statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued In addition to project expenditure as detailed above a rther 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 at Restricted l April 2023 Reserve Balance Incoming Resources at resources expended 31 March 2024 12. Unrestricted funds Belfast Hills General Fitnd Futur¢ Development 112,082 14,121 3,209 187,324 5,825 (181,636) (1,927) 120,979 18,019 126,203 3.209 193,149 (183,563) 138,998 It was dccÈded duting the y¢ar ended 31 st March 2020 to set up a designated fund within the unr¢strictcd reserves called the Future Development Fund. The intention is to build this fund for specific future expenditure. 13. Related party transartions TheT¢ were no disclosable related party transactions during the year. Page 28