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 publȢ 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 qU￿ry 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
inco￿Orated 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 ch￿lty 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 depa￿reS
disclosed and explained in the financiaK statements-
prepare the financÈal statements on the going conc¢rn basis l￿leSS 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 Ca￿led 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 pu￿Oses.
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 ru￿ent 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 m￿k¢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 cU￿ent 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

ccmo
fn-
In w In CQ
om
- C4
c¢ty
Ce f-
Zzz<4¥A￿ffj￿*Q)

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