YOUNG FARMERS, CLUBS OF ULSTER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The Executive Committee present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August
2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance v￿th the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the
financial statements and comply the Assouation's Artides of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and
°Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing
their accounts in accordance wrth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland
(FRS 1021. las amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2016)
Objectlves and activities
The work of the Association's is guided by the mission statement".
to en(￿rage individual development,
creativity, initiative and contribution for the benefft of members, the associ*ion. and the community." And this is
applied under the StrategIC￿m$ and Operational Objectives set out in Association's Strategic Plan.
As the largest rural youth organisation in Northeffl Ireland. we inspire our active membership to flourish through
the development of lrfe skills and educatson, while serling the wider rural communty as part of a vibrant,
inclusive organisation, underpinned by strong govefflan￿.
As a volunteer led organisation we nurture and develop young pewe by encouraging participation in a sèlection
of innovative and often unique opportunities in education, training, petsonal development and fun.
Our Values
ErrfJaging positively our members and communicating the good
Encouraging growth, development and participakn'on through all opportuntiies
Having a posibve impact on our people. our communty and our environment
People & Partnershlps
To have highly valued, enthusiastic and committed members arKI staff, who work together to make YFCU &
each other the best they can be, by mmmunicating and engaging with local partners, Sectoral groups and
having a positive impact on our local rural communities.
Encourage & Equlp
To deliver a portfolio of programmes, ac*'vities and resour￿ that encourage members to engage and grow,
whilst equipping them with the tools and skills needed to develop.
Relevant & Reslllent
To be relevant in our mission as Northem Ireland's leading rural youth organisation, using our position to
encourage strong communities and build resilient famiers for the fijture.
Our Commltment
Our People
To grow our membership as a yOLJth shaF*d organisation where everyone is valued, encouraged and equipped
to grow to their full potential
To provide a rewarding portfolio of ath'wties. events and opportunibes. where people are encourJ¥d, rewarded
and recognised.

YOUNG FARMERS. CLUBS OF ULSTER
EXECUTIVE COMMirrEE REPORT {INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Our Community
As a member-led organisation. we seek to make a ￿ndaMents1 differen￿ to young people living in Nl,
specifically rural and isolated areas, and tPEir as%)ciated communiknes.
To provide our services and programmes through our dubs vthich are geographTrcally spread through rural Nl and
in collaboralion with local community groups and partners.
Our Envlronment
As famiers of the future. YFCU seeks to educate th￿r members to be able to make sustainable, efficient and
profitable environmentally friendly choi￿.
To encourage environmental sustainability and good farming pradio wthin YFCU dubs. members and their
families.
Achievements and perft>miance
The Association has key performance indicators. membership and participation. Membership increased
by 600kn back to pre•Covid levels. Participalion rates in the Assouation's programme of training and
¢ompetitions once again increased, reaffimiing the relevan￿ and value of these to the membership.
Proficiency Award Scheme- Rewarding Members
en a member competes in the ¢entral competiiions they a￿ awarded a profiG￿ncY. Profiaencies are awarded
as follows..
An award of Merit (40%} is worth 1 point
An award of Distinction (75%) is worth 2 points
The competilion year njns from 1 st September- 31 stAugust. All members were issued with a certtficate. Level
10 plus are presente(I with badges at the AGM & Conference.
During 202212023 a total of 2.091 ￿rknficateS were issued to recognise memberfs parb¢ipation in YFCU
activities.
We also have the Presidenfs Award Scheme during the year to reward members partiapating OLrtside
competition.
Child Protection Training
Child protection training continues to be a priority for the Association. During 202212023 a total of 59
members took part in the Keeping Members Safe training.
As part of our child protection strategy, the YFCU conlinues to ensure that staff, key elected officials and
volunteersl trainers are checked through A¢￿$$ Nl. All members, parents and office bearers are provided
th a¢￿sS to the Association's child protection policies and procedures.
External Scheme
YFCU continues to be a centre for the Duke of Edinburgh Av￿rdS Scheme, thus giving our members the
opportunity to take part in this challenging and highly rewarding youth development programme. This year, we
had 16 members achieve their bronze awards. 12 members athieved their silver award and 6 gold award
reupients.
Investment Perft)nnance
The YFCU continues lo attempt to source the best rate for unrestricted and restricted funds in the fixed tem
'Corporate Acci)unt' although in this low investment rate environment. the rates achieved are poor.
Investment in UK listed investments delivered interest income of £14,491 (2022.. £12.665} while Endowmènt
nd showed a l¢)ss of £9.933 (2022: loss £7.086) from a balan￿ of £329.470 at 1st September 2022.

YOUNG FARMERS. CLUBS OF ULSTER
EXECUTIVE COMMirrEE REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
Financlal review
As in previous years the Association's core funding is from grants. provided by Education Authorty (EA) and
Department of Agriculture. Environment and Rural Affairs {DAERA). In addition to grants, monies are raised from
donats'ons, sponsorship, membership and competition fees.
This year there was an increase in income of £121,557 (2022.. Increase of £992.562). Overall the A¢counts show
a surplus of £193,621 12022: surplus £168,386). A Headquarters deficit of £32.921 is recorded (Incl￿e5
endowment deficit). The principles of'best value, and 'added value, continue to be appSied to all expenditure and
adivities undertaken.
It is the policy of the Association that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use
should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three- and stx-month's expendf(ure. The Executive
Committee considers that reserves at this level will ensure that. in the event of a significant drop in funding,
they wll be able to continue the Association's cu￿ent activities while c¢￿51deratiOn is given to way5 in which
additional funds may be raised. This levd of reserves has been maintained throughout the year. The
Executive Committee has considered the level of reserrfes required and has agreed a policy where the
unresln'ded funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be btheen
9-12 months of unrestricted annual expenditure. The unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible
fixed assets at 31 August 2023 are £455,219 wth the unrestricted annual expenditure range being £194,942
(g months) to £259,922 (12 monlhs). The reserves hdd are currently in excess of the agreed reserves policy.
The Executive Committee has assessed the major risks to which the Assoaation is exposed. and are satisfied
that systems are in pla￿ to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
The Executive Committees. assessment of the major risks has identified that loss of govemment grants is the
major financial risk for the charity. A key element in the management of financial risk includes active discussion
wth the fvnders and regular review of funds and active management of trade debtors and creditors balances to
ensure sufficient working capstal.
Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks arising from fire. health and Safety. child protection,
liligation. etc. These risks are managed by ensunng robust policies and procedures are in place and regular
awareness training for members in these areas. A child Protection Officer is employed to ensure Access NI
compliance and stsff training is availa1￿e.
Structure. govornance and management
Th8 Young Farmerfs Clubs of Ulster (YFCU) is a charitsble ¢offlpany limited by guarantee. incorporated on
1 st November 1957 and registered as a charty on 6th February 1967 wilh the Inland Revenue. On the 23rd
February 2015 YFCU registered with the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland. The company was
established under a Memorandum of Association whith set up the objects and powers of Ihe charitable
company and is govemed under its Articles of AssocIat￿n which were revised at the AGM in 2017. In the
event of the company being wound up. members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.

YOUNG FARMERS, CLUBS OF ULSTER
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The directors of the company a￿ also tharity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's
Articles are known as members of the Executive Committee.
Under the requirements of the Articles ofAssocAation. members of the Executive Committee are elected to
serve for a period of one year after whith they must be nominated and dected at the nexl Annual General
Meeting.
The Executive Committee comprises of the..
1. President
2. Immediate Past President
3. Deputy President
4. Vice-Presidents {4}
5. Hor)orary Treasurer of the ASSO￿allOn
6. Two representatives nominated by each County Committee
7. Chairman and Vice Chaimian of each Su&Committee appointed by that Committee
8. One representative of the Ulster Famiers. Union
9. Two representatives of the persons ccpopted to the County Commrtiees
10. Chief Executive Offi￿r of the Assouation (withoLrt vote)
11. Two persons C¢>OPted by the Exeothive Committee
12. One ctropted as a YFCU representsts've on Rural Youth Europe Board
If appropriate. the Executive Committee may also include the stsnding Board member representing the
Association on the Board of Rural Youth Europe. And if de￿red. one Life Member of the Association (ex officio).
As a young person's organisation the focus of the Executive Committee is ￿ ensuring that the developmental
need of this group are appropriately reflected throughout its membership and activities. To embed this, members
nominated ftjr election to the Executive Commfftee by County Committees must directly represent the
membership of senior dubs.
The Chartty indemnifies every relevant Trustee against any liabilty incurred in sucGessfvlly defending legal
proceedings in that capacity. or in connection any application in which Telief is granted by the Court from
liabilrty for negligence. default or breach of duty or breach of trust in relation to the Charty.
The companvs Current policy concerning the payment of trade credttors is to follow the CBI'S Prompt Payers
Code (copies are available from the CBI, Centre Point. 103 New Oxford Street. London 1￿clA 1 DU}.
The ¢ompanWs current policy concerning the payment of trade credith 15 to:
settle the tems of payment wth suppliers when agreeing the lemis of each transaction",
ensure that sUppl￿r$ are made aware of the terms of payment by indusion of the relevant temis in contracts;
and
pay in accordan￿ wth the company's Contra￿Ual and ott￿r *al obligations.
Trade creditors of the company at the year end were equNalent to 14 davs purchases, based on the average
daily amount invoiced by suppliers during the year.

YOUNG FARMERS. CLUBS OF ULSTER
EXECUTIVE COMMIThEE REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The governing body of the Association is the Council ￿lch meets annually at its AGM in April. The Council
appoints an Executive Committee of up to 29 members with the power lo manage and administer the
business of the Association. The Executsve Committee rneets a minirnum of six times per year.
At its firsl meetsng the Executive Committee annually elects a Special Pury)oses Cofflmittee that reports to
it on delegated issues such as finance. personnel and strategy.
In addition it appoints two Sub comrnittees which nomially meet >5 limes per year and report to the
Execulive Committee on aspects of the Association's aelivities. The ongoing role of these committee5 IS
review by the Executive from time lo time_
These sub committees are Programming & Development and Agri & Rural Affairs.
The Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the Executive Commrtlee to manage the day to day operations of
the Association and supeNision of the staff team.
While member5 elected to the Association's Execut"ve Committee are al￿adY familiar with the practical WOTk
of the Association, they atlend the Executive Board training weekend in April each year to familiarise
themselves with aims of the ASSo￿atiOn and their role. responsibilits"e5 and duties as director5. These events
are jointsy led by the Chair of the Executive Committee and the Chief Executive Officer.
Over the last few yèars these residential events have wvered areas such as govemance. CRED, directors,
duties, policies, o)mmunication, finance, departmentsl priorities. strategic planning and have involved inlemal
and external speakers. The content is reviewe(18ach year in line with strategic need and skill set shortages.
All Sa18ries and Temis and Conditions are considered by the Speoal PurFKJses Committee on an annual basis
and ratified by the Executive {8oardl.
The Ex8CUtive Committee receives support from the Education Alrt￿rity (EA) and the Department ofAgri¢ullure,
Environment and Rural Affairs IDAERA) who fund the work of the Association in providing training and social
education opportunities for young people in our rural communities. Members and staff sil on organising
commillees and wthing parties of a number of Groups induding the EA Regional Advisory Group, the Rural
Development Programme Monitoring Committee. The open Fami Weekend Working Party. The Fami Safety
Partnership. the Regional Voluntsry Youth Organisalions. Reference Group IRVYO Network) and Committees
overseeing the work of Grassroots Challenge and Peace IV programmes.
Auditor
In accordance with the company's articles. a resolution proposiThJ that Harbinson Mulhdland be reappointed a5
auditor of the company will be put at a General Meeting_
The Executive Comm"rttee report was approved by the Board of Executive Committ8e.
f LJ L(F,
Mr Richard Boattie
Chair, Executive Committee
Mr Robert Esler
Honora
Dated:

YOUNG FARMERS. CLUBS OF ULSTER
STATEMENT OF EXECUTIVE COMMIThEE RESPONSIBILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
The Executive Committee. who are also the directors of Young Fanners, Clubs of Ulster for the purpose of company
law, are responsible for preparing the Executive Committee Report and the financial ststements in a(￿rdance wth
applicable law and United ￿ngdoM Accounting Stsndards {United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounts'ng
Practice).
Company Law requires the Executive Committee to prepare financ4al statements for eath financial year whi¢h give
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and of the incoming resources and application of
resources, including the income arKI expenditure. of the charitable company for that year.
In preparing these financial statements, the Exeujtive Committee are required to:
- select suitable accounting poliaes and then apply them consistently;
- observe the methods and princi￿e$ in the Charities SORP,.
- make judgements and estimates that are reasona1￿8 and prudent,
stste whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures
disclosed and explained in the finanaal statements; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate to pr8sume that the
Association will continue in operatui.
The Executive Committee are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose reasonable
accuracy al any ts'me the financial position of the AssocIat￿n and enable them to ensure that the financial
statements comply with the Companies Act 20C6. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the
Association and hence for taknng reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.