Electrlcal Training IN.1.) Limited Company limited by guarantee Reference and admlnlstratlve details Trustees Mr Lewis Darragh Mr Michael Hilland Mr Peter Williamson Mr Michael Dowds Mr Rodney White Mr Colin Che Mr William Connolly (Appointed 31 August 2023) {Resigne(130 September 2022) Company number N1032292 CCNI number 101034 Registered office Units 57-59 Ballymena Business Centre 62 Fenaghy Road Ballymena Co. Antrim BT42 1 FL Independent examlner Potter Finnegan Limited Unit 25 The Coutyard 8usiness Park 190 Galgorm Road Ballymena Co. Anlrim BT42 1HL Bankers Ulster Bank Limited 91- 93 University Road Belfast BT71NG Solicilors McKeNill NeilEy 1 Broadway Avenue Ballymena BT43 7AA Page 3
Electrlcal Tralnlng (N.1.) Llmlted Company Ilmited by guaranteè Trustees Report Year ended 31 August 2023 The trustees present their report and the unaudited financial sialements of the company for the.year ended 31 Augusl 2023. Electrical Training (N.1.) Limited is a charitsble company limited by guarantee, incorporated in Northern Ireland, and was set up on 22nd April 1997. The company registration number is N1032292 and its charity number is NIC101034. Charitable regislration was granted by the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland on 24th November 2014. The registered office is 62 Fenaghy Road, Galgorrn. Ballymena. Co Antrim, BT42 1FL. The charitable company is govemed by its memorandum and articles of association supported by a set of standing orders. In the event of the charitable company being wound up members are reqUId to conlribute an amount not exceeding a £1. Objectiveg and Actlvities Charitable objectlves The charity's principal object as set out in its Memorandum and Articles of Associatbon includes the following goals: (a) To promote and advance for the public benefit the education and training of persons employed or intending to be employed in the Northern Ireland electrical inslallation induslry. (b) To promote useful search into any matters relating to the training for employment in the Northem Ireland electrical installation industry and other related industries and to publish and disseminate any usefvl results of such research for the public benefit. The organisation's core business activity includes the provision of customised and accredited training, AM2 Skills assessment, and the management of the Sparksafe Electrical Licence to Practise system. The charity seeks to improve the productivity, safety. and performance of the electrical contracting industry, and to increase the employability of existing and new enlrants within the sector. The charity dedicates it time and resources to supporting individuals, employers and professionals working within the industry to improve their knowledge, enhance their skills and prove their competence. Publlc Beneflt The trustees confirm thal they have had due regard for the guidance produced on public benefit by the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland. The organisation ensures income received from its charitable activities is used effectively to support the development and qualty improvement activities for the industry. Public benefit activities include but are not limited to- Distribution of technical updates. as well as the development of new standards and qualifications vla ezines, blogs and written Correspondence to the industry and its client5. Participation in forums and engagement with industry stakeholders to develop resources and partnerships that are of benefrt to electrical installation employer5 and the wider BSE sector. Campaigning for the improvement of quality and standards within the industry. emphasislng the role of the qualified electrician. Promoting ihe LtP system to dients and contraclors with the alm of reducing the safety. quality, and value for money risks associaled with the use of unqualified. underqualified. and semi-skilled electrical workers on construction and maintenance projects. Encouraging contractors and workers to remain up to date with nats'onal occupational standards to improve productivity. safety, and quality outcomes. Promoting the apprenticeship and training needs of the electrical contacting industry to the school leavers and others within Northem Ireland. Engaging with electrical installatn employers regarding their current employment. training, and recruitment needs. incentivising the recruitment of apprentices. Supporting initiatives which positively promote caer$ within the industry. as well as b8St practice, and the importance of compeiency and electrical safety within the industry. Organising industry awareness events. providing access to new and innovative resources. as well as providing discounts and incentives to improve industry productivity and employability Outcomes. Page 4
Electrlcal Tralnlng {N.l.) Limlted Company limited by guarantee Trustees Report Yoar ended 31 August 2023 Achlevement and Perforniance The Charity. with the support of the Board of Employers. is committed to improving quality and ralslng standards within the Nl electrical contracting industy. Part of ETh's mission is to share the latest thinking and best practice lo those within the industry. as well as promote continuous professional development. ETT'S Stay Connected Nl industry event held on 101h November 2022 presented a unique opportunity for over 100 individuals, businesses. and induslry representalives to get together in person with top Nl and UK induslry experts, business advisors and other specialisls to discuss the challenges affecting the industry. Feedback from attendees. speakers and exhibiiofs was 8xcell8nt, with plans underway for Stay Connected 2023. February 2023 saw the retum of in-house training and the launch of a range of accredited Level 3 renewables courses. The charity also successfully delivered a number of fully funded and part funded industry support services in the period. These include a part funded 18th Edilion Amendment 2 Workshop. a free Luceco EV Charging Regulations Workshop and a fe AICO Expert Instsller Workshop. Further support Inltiatives are planned for 2024 including employer network breakfast mornings. fully funded accredited First Aid Mental Health training. as well as a range of new courses and workshops including l & T. Surge Protection and Fire Alarms. Building effective relationships with contractors. workers and other industry stakeholders remains a priority. Throughout the period, the organisation has continued to engage with the industry through planned employer support visits. The purpose of each visit is to hear first-hand from ernpk)yers on apprenticeship recruitment plans. skills issues, and training needs. The feedback received from these visits has been used by ETT to help improve training programmes as well as develop industry initiatives and support services including the free apprentice aptitude testing seplice. This industry specific aptitude test was developed to help employers with their 2023 apprentice recruitment. The test aims to provide measurable. objeclive data that should give a better all-round view of a potential apprentice's suitability. while reducing the work for the employer. There continues to be demand for 18th edition Iraining and the EWA programme driven by the Sparksafe LtP contract conditions. This is a valuable step towards improving the perfonnance. productivity. and perception of the local electrical industry. Sparksafe seeks lo encourage those within the industry to remain up to date with industry developments and technical standards to help improve productivity. quality. safety. and value for money oulcomes. A key objective of the initiative is to improve quality and raise stsndards through the achievement of accredtted electrical qualifications. highlighting the role of the qualtfied electrician while promoting safety and competency. The charity continues to promote the system and its benefits to new and existing clients. Ensuring system users to have access to useful resources, advice. and guidance regarding the Sparksafe requirements is a priority. There has been good engagemenl with clients and main Contractors. online training and system demonstrations prove an effective way.of highlighting the importance and benefits of specifying LtP in contract conditions. Sparksafe delivered a number of online main contractOT training sessions in 2023 wtth the aim of helping main contractors become familiar wrth the online system. the reporting tools, and capabilÈties. while learning how to ensure compliance with LtP contract conditions. Similar training sessions were held throughoul the period for electrical conlractors. Sparksafe became a member of the Electrical Safety Roundtable (ESR) in Novernber 2022. The ESR is a leading industry forurn, bringing together experts in their field with the common goal of improving electrical safety in Ihe Home and Workplace. The charity was privileged to attend the House of Commons on 16th November for the 10th anniversary of the ESR. Stakeholders from across the industry spok8 about the progress and challenges faced in relation to enhancing eleclrical safety standards across the UK. Page 5
Electrlcal Training (N.1.) Limited Company limited by guarantee Trustees Report Year ended 31 August 2023 In July 2023. Sparksafe partnered with Super Rod in the 'Save our Sparks. Safe Isolation campaign. Electrical workers within the Nl electrical instsllation industry We asked to complete a short survey designed lo gain feedback about safe isolation practices and to get rnore electrical workers thinking about their health and safely at work. Sparksafe has made a commitment to raise awareness of the 'Save Our Sparks. campaign and commits lo engage in regular. effective communication to ensure safe Isolation remains front of mind with all system users including clients. main contractors, electrical contractors. and electrical worf(ers. The organisatM)n continues to be deemed low risk wrth awarding bodies. providing assuran that ETT & Sparksafe are operated in line with extemal accreditations and standards. Positive EQA & ISO feedback received following 4 extemal audits during the year. Financlal Rèview The income for this financial year has increased to £466.249 from £397.991 in 2022. Expenditure has also increased to £570,777 from £535.910 in the previous year. The Trustees are committed to securing the future of the organisation through effective financial management. This includes closely monitoring all expenditure and reducing expenses where possible and raising income through a diverse range of accredited courses. skills prograrnmes and industry support initiatives. The trustees will continue to provide and build on the successful support initiatives described earlier in this report which will enable Electrical Training (Nl) Limited to access new sources of income. Detailed financial plans and projections have been put in place to help reduce the net expenditure in the short temi with the expectation of a retum to a net income in the medium to long term. Reserves pollcy The Board of Trustees have established a policy whereby Ihe funds held by the charity should not be less than six months of resources expended. The trustees ¢sIder Ihe amount in reserves as appropriate. Plans for Future Periods The organisation will continue to build a network of associations with other responsible UK and ROI industry stakeholders with the aim of promoting competency. via planned continuous professional development, Level 3 apprents'ceship recruitment and structured workforce development plans. Efforts to build on the Sparksafe LtP achievement by Progressively adding further projects features as a recurring objedive. Actions to explore opportunities in other parts of the UK and in the ROI continue wilh a view to extending use of the system. Objectives Promote accredited Level 3 EV, EESS and.Solar PV courses to individuals and employers helping the Nl sector meet the Govemments Net Zero oty"ectives and targets. Ensure effective communication with the industry regarding Climate Change Act targets and the important role of qualified electricians in the joumey to NET Zero Raise awareness of the 'Save Our Sparks, Safe Isolation campaign helping to improve saf8ty and protecl lives. Increase the range of technical and health & safety training services to electrical contracting business and the wider BSE sector ensuring local needs are met. Build effective relationships with the college network regarding employer recruitment, training and apprenticeships needs. Continue to develop and improve the organisations AM2 Assessment capabilblies induding AM2S & AM2E. Establish and develop further collaborative relationships with other UK and ROI Industry stskeholders aimed at advancing the uptake of Licence to Practise. Page 6
Electrical Training (N.1.) Limited Company limited by guarantee Trustee report Year ended 31 August 2023 Structure. Governance and Management The trustees act both as trustees and directors and have overall responsibility for matters relating to the company. The day-to-day operational activity of the organisation is overseen by the Chief Executive. who reports to the appointed 8oard Chaiman and Trustees. The Board detemiines remuneration for key management personnel from market rates of similar organisations. Trustees are apFM)inted by referral or a declared interest. Trustees are unpaid and provide their service voluntarily. Each trustee is required to be actively engaged in the strategic d8cision-making processes within Electrical Training (N.1.) Limited. Board members are informed of progress about the organisation's activities through scheduled meetings and by electronic updates and reports. Related parties Many employers ar wider industry stakeholders consider ETh a twsted advisor, seeking advice, guidan and support regarding technical skills training and apprentio recruitment needs. The charity has developed extensive. good quality links with ernployers and other external bodies. These links are used very effectively to help develop products and ser¥ices that a dosely aligned to industries and employers, needs. During the year. existing relationships with the Construction Industry Training Board. NET. NAPIT and the Northern Ireland Branch of the Electrical Contractors Association have been maintained. The organisation continues to develop new relationships with other existing and emerging Stakeholder organisation based in G8 and ROI based on collaboration around electrical Licence to Practise. as well as local. regional, and national induslry training and assessment objective5. Rlsk management The charity performs an annual risk review, and appropriate sy5terns have been established lo mitigate identified risks. Renewal of the new ISO 9001.2018 Quality Assurance Standard has been achieved in June 2023. The scope of the award covers the delivery of industry training courses, the Achievement Measurement 2 Test. and the Sparksafe Licence to Practise System. During the period. the organisation also renewed its charitable status with the Charity Commission. The trustees have assessed th8 significant risks to which the chartty is exposed and are satisfied that syslems are in place to mitigate exposure lo substantial risks. Financlal Instruments The charity's principal financial instruments comprise of investments. bank balances, trade debtors and trade creditors. The purpose of Ihese instruments is to finance the charity's operations. Small Company Provisions This report has been wovtded in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small company s exemption. This report was approved by the Board on 25 March 2024 and signed on behalf of the Board by: CE.-bo(. Ms Charlotte Bamber- Chief Execultve Mr Lewis Darragh - Truslee Page 7