FIRST STEPS WOMEN'S CENTRE (A Company limited bi. guarantee) Report and li inancial Statement Year ending 31 Trlareh 202> Company number: N1066869 Charit), Commission Number: NIC 101202 Charitv number: XR27582
FIRS'I. STEPS WOMEN'S CENTRE Contents Mission Statement Report from Chairperson RLPOrt trom Chief Exccutivc Trustees, report Auditors, rcport to the trustees 14- 17 Statement of financial Aclivities 18 StatLment of. Financial Position 19 Notes to the financial statements
FIIIST STF.PS WOIIILN'S CF.NTRF. MISSIOLI SiTATEMENT Supporting women's wellbeing, personal and professional development
FIR,ST STEP6> WOMEN'S CENTR REPORT FROM CHAIRPERSON It is with dccp pride and IFratitude that I present this year's Chairper%on's Report for First Steps Woinen's Centre (F£WC.)- Over the p2£t tivelve m(Inthq: [s'C has continued t(} deliK'er tranqf0rn12tional %en'iceq that eTiipoiver, eduLaie and equip woinen from all walks of life io lead more confident: ColeCted. aiid purposeful lives. As Chair, I have had the privilege to ii'itness fiTSt-hand the impact of this work-not only throug7h SL4tistics and reports but in the voiLes, stories, and prooress of the woinen Ihemseli'es. A Year of Growth, Inclusion, and Impacl This }iear has inarked a period of continiied growth across all areas of our provision. Wlietlier through our childcare services, whicli welcomed children from 13 nationalities. or throu¥h our extensive Wellbeinb, Employability, Cultiiral AwarLncss and LilL Skills pr()graniine%, FSWC has remained steadfa%t in its mission: t() provide a %afe, inclusive <2nd empowering space t.or women. Tlie REAP employabiliry progiramme continues 10 break dojh'n sysiemic barrier%, 1th 147 'Omen joinino in ITS second wear and over ?0 % progyressing into en)ploTrment. The breadth of course provision-ranging troiii First Aid to Leader%hip & Manag)cincnt-lias been niiilLhed b!, a per%onalised approach: including l- I support and lit"¢ coaching. "I'h¢s¢ Oiltcomes arc morc than numbcrs- Ihey ar¢ lives ¢hai)g¢d, and futur¢s r¢claim¢d. In Wellb¢iiig, the Centre delivered an impressive 33 courses to ?45 woinen, 163 ot.whom were new to the Centre. Thes¢ initiatives have proven to be life-aftirming for many: with the average Warn'ick Scale improvemeiit reinainiiig ai 6 poinls-demonslrating Ineaningtul PObitiv¢ chang¢ In participants, menlal wellbeing. Ewents such as the I'alent and Wcllbcingi l'air not only shc)%v"Lased wc)men's entrepreneurial aspirations bul also strcngthciicd our scnse of community and connection. Our LAt"e Skills programmes-particularlv the ESOL and Lilerdc!, classes which was in partnership with SW C'ollege, coiilinue to thrive in diversity and reach. With oNer 185 applicanis and 161 qualificalions awarded. thes¢ COUTSL'S h<ive been in%trum¢ntal in cquippivi(J women with essentidl Loinmuiiication sk. ill%, fost¢ring) intciTrration, and bo()%ting) contidLncc. Prc-ESOL and muliilinoual supw)rt have I¢17 critical in hclping ncivly arrivcd pariicipiints take their flrst steps in education aiid coinmunity engagement. Our Childcare proiiision remains at the heart of whal we do. Wilh an averacye atiendance rate of 7?O/o and robust bilingual siipport, our crèche enic bled Inore motliers to access education and dei'elopment opponunities. The ad()ption of the Regg)io Emilia approach and responsive learning topics nurtured Lhildren s Luriosity and Lreativity. We are proud ut" tlie S<ife. stiniulatiiig and inLlusive enN'ironment provided: aiid ive salule our dedicated cliildcare team. Celebrating Culture and Diversity Onc of this year's most vibraiit and cng¥iiging developinents lias bccn thc success of our cultural ilLtivilie% lind progJrdinme%, geiicrously funded b). -rh¢ Exccutivc Officc ihrough ils Minorit) Lthiiic Development Fund, and supported by Choice Housing. Thes¢ initiatives have been instrumental in fosteringv cross-cultural understandiiigi and bui Iding bridges within our incr¢¢isiiigly' diverse cominunity. Throu&Jh LLIItUTal ali'"areness sessions and our flaosliip six-week progFramme. "Cultiires Unveiled" participants explored identity, herilaoe, and belongijiig in a safe and creative en.]rOnMent. The project culininated in a stunning photograph exhibition, hobted both at FSIAIC and at C'onnecl, part of the
FIRST STF.PS WOMF.N'S CF.NTRF. Dungyannon Entcrprise Centre. The cxhibition not onlv celebrated the rich cultural backgrounds of our woincn but also highlighted the shared hiiman experiences thal unile us all. J"hese cvent5 served as pom'erful ren]inders of the iinportance of inclusion. represcnliltion. and slorylelling. 'I'hey reinforced FSWC'S commiiment to ensuring every woman feels seen: heard, and valued-regardless of background, language, or culture. Strategic Vision and Future Direction As we look aliead, FSWC stands at a pivotal moment of opportunity. Witli stability re-egtablished after funding ChtIlLgeS in 2023. our strateg7lC tocus now turns loi¥ard sustainablc growih, L"nhanccd impaLI, and innovation in scrviLC dclivL'ry. "I"lie Bodrd. in Clo collaboration i4'ith thc Scnior Managcmcnt Tcam, is committcd to: rostering deeper partnerships wilh educational institutions. funders and community networks. Securing long-tenn tundinby stabilit), to future-proof ilal services. EvulvinuF our strategic plan to align with regional economic and social development priorities. ii)cluding increased support for ¥vomen entreprencurs and tliose ivith comple.K needs. As Cliair, l am also kLcn to L'.xpl()re how FSWC can bulld t-urthcr pathways into fuAhL'r LduLation. Iriiining lind employmLnt, espeLiiilly throu(yh partncrship with regional colleges. local empl())'¢nts. aild gavernment programmcs. We must coiitinue to lead as a model of best practice for ivoIneii's einpoiwernient in Northern Ireland. Acknowledgements The ach iei'cmcnts ot-lhc past N'ear are a direct rcsult of thc dcdicatiun aT]d passii)n of our staff, volunteers, tutors, and thc BoÉird. I want to ¢.xlend MN, heartlelt thanks to our Chief Executii'e and Icadership team, whose unwavering Loiiiiiiitnient ensurcs tliat rswc remailis a place of hope, heallng and groNTrAh. To our tutors, funders and supporters-thank you for believing in our inission. Your continued invcstment is chÉingying l ives. And to the women of FSII'C: vour courage. r¢sili¢nce and Spirit are the reason ive do iyliat we do. You inspire us dailj,. Thank you for trustin¥ us lo b¢ p(lrt of your journey. Closing Reflection F%WC is more than a centre-it is a community.. a catalj'st, and a sanctuary. As ive move forward, we do so not only with aiiibition but with de¢p purpose. Together: li'e will continue to ensure thai every woinan who walks throu(yh our doors leaves stronger. more con fidcnt, and better equipped to shiipe her 0.[7 t"uture. Thank you. Nicola Quinn
FIRST STF.PS WOMEN'S CENTRE Chief Executive's Report April 2024- March 2025 Reflecting on the Year: A Message from Ihe CEO It is with immcnsc pridc and gratitudc ihat I prcscnl this vcar s CEO Kcport for First Steps Women's C.entre (I,'SWC). 'I'he past twelie months have been a testamenl lo Ihe slrenuth. resilience. and purposL thal dcfinc who we are d% a c()mmunity. In a J'ear tliat continucd to dcmand agility and innovation, FSWC not onl), survived but flourishcd, rcaLhing morc 'Omen than ei'er before and building slrong new parincrships. The Financial ljandscape and Strate%ic Resilience F8WC securcd funding Irom a wRde ran¥e of sources: includinu "rhe Executie ()lLe. Ihe DepartmL'ni for Communitics, thc National l.ottcry Communily Fujid. Garfield W'eston. ChoiLe Housing7, and others. 'I'his diverse funding ba.se has providcd a Icvcl ol financial stability thal allows US to ¥roiv dnd ddapl StrdlegTiL<illy. l."irst Steps WomL'n's C entre has also developed a stratcgy to cncouragc local privatc scctor funding. an arca largcly untappcd by Building Our Voice: A Story of Visibility On¢ of the most powerful deiielopments this year was th¢ opportunity to elel'ate FSWC'S voice and visibility. With support from Dungannon Enterprise Centre, we Ivere introduced to Lisa McElroy.. a PR expert ivho lielped us shape and tell our story. Miis collaboration culminated in a BBC N'orthern Irelaiid feature aired over the Christmas period, higlilighting the joiirneys of m igrant women attending English classes al our Lentre. The segment resonated d¢¢ply, shoivcasii)g iiot only their lTrnguistic progrcssion but also the cultural exchanoe and solidarity being nurtured wiihiii our iv(Ill%. Tliis iiational recoginition affimied what we already knew that FSWC is a beacon of hope, learning, and cominuiiity, integration. Our efforts to promote cultural understanding and connection w'ere further demonstrated tlirough our Cultural Identity and Con]inunity Relaiions Protrramine. funded by The Executive OffiLe and Choice Housing. The 6-M'e¢k "Cultures Unveiled" projecl, V¥hich ended in a moving photography exhibition both at our centre and at "Connect,: (DunTrannon Eiilerprise Centre), exemplified how creativity, shared stories, and mutual respeLt can bridge divides. Programme Highlights 'riiis y¢ar, our childcare programme supported 81 Lhildren from IJ different nationalities, a testament to the trust placed in us by a diverse Lommunitv. Our Lit"e Skills and ESOL courses elCOMed over l io N4omen. with more than 160 qualificatioiis achieved. The REAP Emplo)'-abil1t Programme contiiiues to grow iii strength and iinpact - helping women overcome barriers to employineni and see their true worth. ()ur WcllbLin& prugrdtnme, now in its sccond yLiJr ofihe LolteTh-funded VF.RA's Project, dclivcrcd 33 coursLs (Ind supported over 240 women. The evidence of transfonnation - both statistical and anecdotal - affinns our belief in the deep healing and empowering effect of our work. Oiir counsclling sen'ic¢ continues to proN ide critical on¢-tO-one iUPPOrt, aiid despite the depamJr¢ of our dedicated counsellor, we are aclivelv seeking fundiiig to ensure this essenlial sern'ice coiitinu¢s without disruption.
FIRST STEPS WOMTr:N'S CENTRE This year also brought a number of significant i.isits Ih1Ch olTered us the opportunity to showcase the heart of our vork lind the depth of our impact. In May ?094. Ihe Department for Communities Comjnittee, cliaired by Colm Gilderiieiv NILA, held a meeting at our Centre a moment of gNreai pride and visibility for us. We also welcomed Pat Cullen MP, who engaged w'arnily w'ith our staft" and service users. Minister for the Departmeni for Communities, Gordon Lyons, MLA, visited bSWC in February 2025 alongside local MLAS Deborah Frskin¢ and K¢ith Buchanan. The Minister was handed a piece of written courseivork by a Syrian moiher 'hO was studying Eiiglish at FSWC. The Minister asked to keep the piece ofwork. He thcn met the SvriaIi 'oman and greeted her ivannly and spoke lo her in Arabic. This 'aS a poignant moment. These visits SLrved not oiily to higliliohi tlie breadtli of our COUPie offeringb but also to amplity awareness of tli¢ additional support serviLes that are the cornersloiie of our i¥'rap-around proi,"ision including free childcare, transport, Coullsclling, hygiene bank and emerocnc), aid. They aIrmed the poN%'cr of our cross-commuTiity' dnd cross- ethniL approaLh and validated ihe importance ofLontinued invL%tment in the trdnst"orn)ative work of I,"SWC. Governance Tliis year also marked a positii.'e step foTh¥'ard in stren_gthening our goemance. FSWC recruited sei'eral new. direeTors, bringing fresh perspectives, skills: and lived experience to our Board. Amonu thein is Svitlana Sukar, a Ukrainian cardiac paramedic Nvho briiigs deep insiohl into th¢ needs of migrant communities and healthcare si'stems. We also welcoIned MarTrarei Martin. a retired school principal ii.'hose leadership in educatioi) and deep commilment to lifelong learning inake her a valuable addition to our strategic direction. These appointments reflect our continued effort to ensure our governance structure is as inclusive, knowledgeable, and representative as the commuiiity Th"e serl'e. Looking Ahead Our path t"onvard 1% one (If strate(yic (yrowlh and continued responsiNeness. The divepiity of Oiir prograinine%, our uniquc ii'rap-around scrviccs inLludingF LhildL(Ire, traniport. LounsLlling, and bilingual support - and thc slrcngth of our partnerships position us to do morc, rcach furthcr. and dcepcn our impact. We are currently exploring opportunitie> under PEACEPLUS and the Heritage LA)tt¢ry Fund, with the hope of broadening our cultural aiid comniutiity- oulreach even further. Our prioritv in the year ahead M'ill be to invest in our people, enhance our visibilit)., strengthen our volunteer base, and Lontinue delivering high-quality.. life-Lhanging pr()LJrammes to the women we .%erve. Final Thanks To oiir board, our f"unders and our incredible staff. volunteers and tutors and iii the power of women to transforni their liN"'es and their COEnmunities. thank you for believing in the mission And to the women ot First Stcps Women's Cenlre your courage• your drcams, and your determination CODtiDue to IDspire all that we do. With lieartfelt thanks, Michael McGoldrick Chief Executive olcer
FIRST STLPS WOMF.N'S CF.NTRF. Report of the trustees for the )'ear ending 31 March 2025 The trustees are pleased to present their aiinlial directorg report togYeEher with tl)e finaiicial statements of the charity for the j'ear ending 31 MarLh ?025 which are alio prepared to Ineet tlie requiremenls for a directors, report aiid accounts t.or Compan ies Act purposes. The tinanLial stateEnentS LC)mply with ihe Charities Aci ?008. the Coinpanies Act ?006, the Memor<indum and Articles ot"AssoLiation, and Accounting and Reporting by Charitics: Statcmcnt of Recoinmended PraLliLe appliLable to charitics prLparing thcir accouiits in accordancc with the Financial Reportin¥ Standard applicablc in thc UK and Rcpublic of Ircland (FRS 102) (cffcctive l January ?019). Our purposes and activities Charity's Vision: Confidenl, Resilielil. Enipowered Wonwn. Charity's Mission: Supporling women's wellbeing, persviial iindprofessional develvppnenl. Charity's Values: We N'alue inteority. honesty. and recognise our uiiique contribution. We '¢[coMe all equally. We value accountability. and promotc quality through continued reflection and improveineiit. WL" usL 41 pL-rson-ccntred approaLh. realisinb7 indiN'idu£il potL'iitial. Our own constitution states tbat our objects include the: (a) reliet-ot-unemplo)'ment among woinen in such i4'avs as ma), be thought fit, including assistaiice to find employment. advanceinent ol education. training or retraining and providiiig uiiemployed women i.1th work experieiice. pr()vision of rccrealional facilities for ivomeii or those i¥,ho bj. reason of their youth, ag*e. infimiity or disablement. pov¢rty or soiial and economic circuinstances, haN'e need of such facilities. preservation and protection of health of ivomen and the proN'ision of childcare. developni¢nl of the capacitv and skills of women in the area to benefit in such a wa), tliat tliey arc better able to identify, and help meet. their needs and to participate inore fully in SOLi¢tv. pr()motion ot" social inclusion: equall, of opportunits, aiid oood relalioiis across all diversity strands, including race, eihniLit)'. 2gJe, sexual orienlalion, religion and disability. and to encourage dii'ersitv. establishmcnt or sccuring ihe eslablislimenl i)fa Lentre, and to maintain and iiianage the same (whctlier alone or in co-opcration iviih anj Io¢itil authority or other person OT budy) in furth¢ranLe of these objeLts, and- promotion of all or an), objeLt% f()r ihe beiiefit of wi)meii who live in Mid UlsÈcr (thc "arca of bcnLtit") whiLh now, or hereaticr may bc dcLmLd by law bL charil(IblL'. (b) (c) (d) (e) (D (g) (h) As an integral Pl< rt of the Mid Ulster communitv and wolunt¢lry sector tlie Charity coiitinues to fociis on th¢ persoiial development of women for ihe benefit of the wider cotnmunity. The charity also has thc general aiin of contributing to th¢ quality of life of the women in our comtnunity by expandiiio their horizons through the provision of exciting, challen(ying and accessible educational courses.
FIRST STEPS WOMEN'S CENTRE
In shaping our objectiv¢s for th¢ year and planning our activitics, the trustees hav¢ considcrcd thc Charity
Coiiiniissions guidance on "Public Benefit.. Running a Charity (PB?). The Cenlre relies on orant iiicome to cov¢r its
operating Costs.
We endeavour to eiicourage all within our communit5 lo take part in our courses and Prograinines. The strategies
cmploycd io acl)icvc thc charity-.s aims and objcctives are to=
present a range of courses for thc cnjo)'nicnt and advanLement of education to woinen iii our ¢omvnunity:
otfer opportunities for women in our commuiiity to get involved in exploring their creative powers-
provide t"acilities for women and chi Idren to develop-
cclcbrate tliL divcrsity. of culiurcs in our society by programmilig COUTSeS by, and with, lulors of diffcrcnt
cu Itural baLkgyrounds.
Financial revlew
I"hc iiicomc and L'xpcndilurL. for ihe year 15 detdiled in ihL (iccounts.
A major finaiicial concern for tlie Centre as with any charitw will be ihe ongoing fiiiaiicial sUStainability from funding
iii the years to Lome. The trustees ar¢ aware of ihe need to maintain free resernies, especial ly in the current economic
climate. Continual fund raising will be necessary to relain sufticient levels of reserves.
We ii'ould like tc) ackn0.1edge ihe Lontinued %upport of our funders as referred io in note 4 in the accounts. Il is
importanl to reL()¥ni%e thal their tunding r¢allJ' does niake an impact. It contributes to improv¢ ¢onlid¢iic¢ and
prepares ivoincn to become empoivered.
The income for the year ivas £591K of which £i80K ivas received as grant t"unding. The expenditure of £483K is
expended on charitable activitieb.
The balance i)f fuiids at 31 March 2095 ivas £811 K of which £449K was restricted, £361K wias unrestricted income
,hicli includ¢d £150K beingi designated funds.
Reserves policy and Plans for the future
Reserves arc needed to bridge the gap beni'eeI) the spending and reLeiving of incoine as ivell as to cover unplaiined
einergyeii¢)' repairs aiid other expendilure. The trustees consider that the ideal leN'el of Teserv¢s at 31. March 2025
'c)uld be £150k. "I"liese are uiirL.8lriLted ivlLC)me fiinds fr¢¢lJi available lor use as the Lharit! so detenninL's and
exLludes any fiiiids conimittcd to rcvLnuL Lxpendilure OT lo be lilested in t(Ingible fixed assets.
Thc trustccs h'L. a rLason
FIRST STEI'.G> W()MEN'S CENTRE Triistees as uIirestri¢ted income funds freelN' available for use as the charity so detern]ines and thereby excludes any funds comiiiilted, invested in iangyible fix¢d assets lield b) the charity and restricted or desÈgiiaied funds. li is the policy ol-the charity that unreqtricted fundf whieh h2ve not bcen dL"SigTnaled for 2 specifie use should be ni(iintained at a level equivdleiit t() a In iniiiiiim ti) three Tnonih's L'.xpcnditurc. Thc Trustccs consider tliat re%erves at this ICN'LI is'il l eiisurc that: in Ihe event of a Siljnificani drop iii funding, they will be able to continuc ihe cliarity's curreiit acti ities iwhile consideration is given to iva)trs in which additional funds may be raised. Based on tlie year ended 31 March 2025 projecled e.¥penditure {cxcluding depreciation and non-recurringv costs) of £483K, tlie target level of designated reserves is £150K. Free resen'es of the Lharitj as ai 3 1st Marcli 2025 are £361 K ot" wliich £150K has already been designaied io reserves. The Trustees are pleased to confim] that the charity is c()Inplianl iyiih its reserves poliLJ'. I'he "l-ru%tees continue to SlriN'e to tnaintaÈn a gcncral Icvcl of rcscrvcs in aLci)rdaiice with their policj. so that thcy will bc ablc to continuc thc current activitie% of the charilv. Reference and administratiTr'e details Registered Otyice.. ? la Williain Street, Dungyannon, Co Tyrone, BT70 1 DX. Our adi'isers Auditc)r; L A Grimley & Co l.imited,16 Clnnoe Villa(ye Flusincsg Park, 98 W&shingbay Rnad, Clonoe Dunganiion, Co Tvroiie, BT714PL Danske Bank Limiled, Market Square. Dunoannon, Co Tyrone P Haughej. William Street, Dungannon, Co .1 yrone B'l"70 1 DX Bankers; Scilicitors. Key managenient personnel First Steps Women's Centre: Trustees, and Directors Directors and trustees The direLtors of the charitable company (tlie charitTr') are its trustees for ihe purpose of charity laiv. The trustees and ofyicers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows: Nicola Quinii Treasurer Paula sMh Marli llISOn Edel CLiniiinghain Maria CampbLII Christine Davidson Sviilana Sukar -MargTiiret Martin Weiidy Wigton Maria McGilly resigned appointcd appointed appointed app()iiited resi2ned resigned 2J April 2014 23 April 2024 23 April ?0?4 23 April 2024 19 November 2024 16 OLlobcr 20?4 17 June 2025 io
FIRAiT STEI'S WOMEN'S CENTRF. Key management personnel: Senior manag7crs of First Steps Woincn s Centre= Chicl EkeLUtive Officer: Michael MLGoldTiLk Slructure, Governance and Management Governing Document First Steps Womeii's C¢ntre is- a Company Limited by Guarantee govenied by its Memorandiim and Arlicles of Associdlion updated on 6 Octobcr 20?1. rcg)istLrcd charity wilh the Chiiritv Cominission Northern Ireland. Regislralion number is NIC 101 ?02. rcu)islLrLd as a charily uiider the C'i)Tporation T<iies Act 1988. Regi%tralii)n niiinber XR 27582. r¢gi%ter¢d with th¢ Financial ConduLI Authority: rcgistratioii nwnbcr l-"KN:618755. iv) Appointment of Irustees As set out iii th¢ Articles of Association the m&ximum Board memb¢rs shall b¢ l O and lh¢ miniiiium nuinber 5. One tliird ot.the members shall be Lo-opted by aV of public advertisement. All members are ctrciilated with invitations to nojninate trustees prior to thc AGM adviyiiib thcm of tlie rctirin8 triistccs and rcqucsttng nominatioiis for th¢ AGM. When consideringF Co-opting truste¢s, the Board has regard io the requireinent for any specialist skills n¢cd¢d. Trustee induction and training New trustees Liiidergo ali orientation session lo briet-them on: their legal Obligll10nS under charity and Company law, the Charity Commission guidance on public benefil. and infonn thein of the content ot.the Mcmoranduiii and Articlcs ol- AssoLiation. the L()mm ittee and dccision-Tn(Iking prc)Lesses, Ihe busiiiess plan and recciit financial perfoTmance ot the charity. Any person wishing to become a board member must appli, in writing for approval by tlie Trustees. It is a requireiiient thai the board meniberb attend an induction process covering good governance. DuringT the iiiduciion tliey meet k-ey ciiiployees diid i)thcr trustccs. -I'rustees are encouragcd to atiend appropri¢lte external training) cvcnts ivhcre Ihe%e will l(ILililate the iindertaking uf their role. Organisation 'rhe board of-Irustee%. Ivhich cali have up to l O mcmbcrs. adminisicrs ihe Lharity. 'fh¢ charitv is nianagcd by the Trustcc Board, wliich mLLts at leiisi 6 times pcr )'car. Th¢ charity CEO liais¢s between meeling¥s with ihe Chair and Treasurer to ensure the smooth running of the organisation. li
FIRST,STEPS WOIWIEN'S CENTRE To faLilitate effective operations, Ihe CEO has delegated authority, wiihin lenns of delegation approved b), the truslee8, for operational marters including finance, employment. Related parties and co-operation with other organisations None of our trustees receive remuneration or oiher benefit from their i*ork Nl'ith the charity,. Any connectioii between a Iruslee dnd s¥nic)r mclll<iger ol the Lhiiril), Ivith 41 fiinder musi bc discloscd to thc tul I board ot- truste¢% iii tlie same 'ay a% aiiy other LontractLial relation.%hip i¥ith a related party. In ihe Lurrent JeaT 110 SULh rclatcd part), transactions were reported. Pay poliL'y for senior staff The rates of pay are in line with the NJC scale. Risk management The trustees have a risk" management strategy which comprises: ali annLial reille of tlie principal risks and uncertainiies ihal tF)e Lharity inaj. face tlIL establishmenl of policies, systems and procedures to tnitigyate those risks ideiitified in the annual review; and the implcmcntation ot'procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impacl on the charity shc)uld tliase riqks matcrial isc. I'his w()rk ha% identitied that finaiicial sustainabilii!, is ihc major financial risk for ihc charity. A kcy clcmcnt in the manageIiient of fiiianLial risk is a rci)ular rcw IC of aN'ailablL liquid funds lo scttlc dcbts as thLJ fall duc, rcb)ular liaison Th'ith tFic CLO to Lnsure Su1cent working capital b) the centre. Attention has also been tocussed on non-financial risks arising from fire, health and safety Statf. volunteers and cli¢nts. Tli¢s¢ risks ar¢ inanaTr¢d by ensuring accredilation is up to date. having robust policies and procedures in pla¢¢ and regular a.arenesS trainino for staff ivorking in these operational areas. Trustees, responsibilAties in relation to the financial slalements The charity trustees (who are also the directors ofihe First Sieps WoInen's Cenlre for Ihe purposes of conipany law) are rcspoiisiblL lor prLparingF the Irustees. annual report and financtal statcinlnts in accordancc wilh applicablL l(IlV and United Kingdom Accountino Standards (Uniled Kingdom Generally ALcepted Accounting PrtiLtice). Company. law requires the charity trustees to prepare finanLial statements for each year ii,hich give a true and t.air view of thL Stale of affairs of the charitable coinpany and of the incoiningy resources and applicilti()ii ()f r¢soiirccs. including Ihe inL()me and exnditUre, of thc charitablc company for ihai pcriod. In preparing the tinancial statements: th¢ Iruslees are required io: select suitable accounting policies aIid then apply ihem consistently- observe tlie meihods and principles in ihe Charilies SORP- Inake j udgeinents and cstinlatcs that dre reitlSonable aiid prudcnt- 12
FIRST STEPS WOMEli'S CENTRE state ivhether applicable UK accounting slandards have been folloed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in thc financial staiemenls- and prcpare the financial siatcmcnts on ihe going concern basis unless it is inappropridle to presumc that the harity will COTktinue in operation. The trustees are respoiisible for keeping proper accounling records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the linancial positioIi of th¢ charitable company and to enable them to ensure ihai the tinancial statements comply Ivitli tli¢ Companies Act 2006. '1"hey are also responsible foi safeguiwding the assels ot.the charity and hence tsking reasonable steps foT the prevention and deteclion of fraud and oiher irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information inLluded on the charitable company's website. Statement as to disclosure to our audilors In so far as the trustees are aware at the time of approving our trustees, annual report: there is no relevant int"onnation of which the charitable compan) s auditor is unaware, and thc trustccs, having made enquiries of fellow direclors have eaLh iakcn all step% that hclshe is obligF¢d to takc as a director in ord¢r to tnake themselves aivare of anj relevant audit inforn]ation and io establish ihal the auditor is aware of ihat infonnation. Auditors E A Grimley & Co are deemed io be reappoinicd in accordance with section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006. This report was approved by tlic board of trustees and signed on its behalf bv tlie chairperson -Nicola Quinn (Chairperson) Dated: S November 2025 13
FIRST STEPS WOMEN'S CENTRE Independent Auditor's report to the members of First Step$ Women's Centre Opinion on financial statemenls l e have audtted the findncial stalements of First Steps Woinen's Centre (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 Marcli 2025 ,hICh comprise the statemeiit of Financial Activities, st21ement oft"finaiicial position, and relaled notes including a summar), of %i¥nificant accounting policies. The financial rcporting framewurk ihai has bccn applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accountiiig Standards, inLludino Financial R¢portiiig Standard 102 ThL FincFnL'ial Rep()rling.Siandarcltipplic'ablé' in ihe IJK (Ind Repuhlic u[JrL,land(United KingdoTn Generally Accepted Accounting Practice)- In n)y opin ion tlie finanLial stalements: ive a true and fair viev4' ()I"tlie state ()f ihe charilv s atfairs as at ) l MarLlI ?025 and of its incom iiig) r¢sciurL¢s and application of resources ftor the year ihen ended- ha.¢ been properl), pr¢pared in aLcordaiice wilh United Kingdom Cwenerally Accepted Accounting Practic¢- and ha'e been prepared in accordanLe '1th the requircinenis ol Ihe Coiiipanies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We Londucted our audit iri accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) {ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under tllose standards are t-urther described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the aLLounls sL'Ltioii of uur rL'port. Wc arL" indL"PL"ndLnt ol- IhL charity." in accordaiice ivith eihiLiil requii-LmL'nts th(It (Ire rclcvant to our audit of thc accounts in thc UK, includinn the FRC s F.tIiiLal %tandard, iii the circumstaiiLcs sct out in note ?2 to the financial stat¢ni¢nts. and w'¢ have fulfilled our ethical responsibilities in accordance with these rcquirements. We believe iliat the audit evideiice we lia*e obtaiIicd 1> Sutlicieiit aiid appropTiate to provide a basis for our opinioii. ConLlusions relating to going concern lil aiiditiiig the tinancial statements, we have concluded that the Truslees, use of the going concern basis of aLcountingy in the preparation of the financial statemenls is appropriate. Based on the work is'e have perfomicd: Iv¢ have nol identified any Jnaterial uncertainties relating io eveiits or conditions that individually or collectively, may cast sioiiiticant doubt oil the charity's ability to continue as a golng concern for a period of di leasl twelve monihs from ii,hen Ihe financial slalemenls are auihorised for issue. Oiir re%pcin%ibiliti¢s and the respoiisibilities of the Trusiees wilh respect to goinn concern are seLtions ot-tliis rcport. Other Information I"lie ()ther information comprises ihe inforn]dtion included in the annual report, otheT than the accounts and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible t.or the other inforniation contained within the aniiual report. Our opinioii on the financial statement5 does not cover the other infortnation and. except lo tlie exteiit otherwise explicitl). stated in our report, w'¢ do not express any t.omi ot" assurance conclusion thereon. Our respoiisibility, is to read the other information and, in doingi so: consider whether the other infornialion is inaterially inconsistent with tlie aLLouiit8 or our knoi¥ledbie obtained in the audit or otlierwise appears to be materially misstated. If ive identify suLh Inaterial inconsisteiicies or apparent material rnisstateinents_ we are required io delerniine 'hether Ihere is a material misstAtement in the accounts or a material misstatement olthe othcr intonnation. If, based on the ivork we have 14
FIR.ST STEPS WOML]Y'S CTr:NTRF. IndepL'ndent Auditor's Report (Continued) perfonned, ¢ conclude that there is a material misstatemeni of this other infonnation, we are required to report that fact. We hal'e nothing lo report in this regard. Opinioll on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 lil our opinion, based on the ivork undertaken in the course of our audit: the infomiation oiven in the Trustees, report for the financial period for which the accounts are prepared is consistent with the accounts- and the TrLLStees" Report has been prepared in acLordance ii'ith applicable legal requirements. Matters on whiLh we are required tu report b). i'xception In thc ligliE Ot"thc L"nowlcdgc and undcrsTanding of the -l-rustees and its environTnent obtaincd in thc cours¢ of the audiL 'c hae not idcntificd matcrial misstalcmcnts in ihc Truslccs" Rcport. W¢ hav¢ nothingF to report in respect of the followino matters in relalion to ,hILh the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to J'ou if", in our opinion- adequate accounting records have noi been k"ept: or returns adequate for my audit have not been received from branches not visited by us. or the financial stat¢nients are not in aTrreemenl with the accounting records <ind the returns; or certain disclosures of directOTri remune.ration specified by law are not made. or we have not received all the infornlation and explanations I require for our audit. the Trustees were not entitled io prepare (he financial statements in accordance with the small companies, regime and take advantage of the small companies, exempiions in preparing ihe Trustees, report and troin the requir¢nient to prepare a stralegic repon. RL'sponsibilities of Trustees As explained mcire fullv in thc Statement of Trustces Responsibilities, the Trustees, Ivho are also directors of the charity for thL purposes of Lon]panJ law. ar¢ responsible for the preparalion of the financial stilten]L'nts aiid for beiiig satisfied thai ihej. gyive a true and fair vieiv, and for such internal conlrol as Ihe directors detennine necessary t() enable the preparation of acLounts that are Iree trom material misstal¢m¢nt, Ivheth¢r du¢ to fraud or error. In preparing tlie tinancial stat¢ments, the Trustees are responsible for assessinTr the Charli'S ability to continue as a goii)gy Concern, disclosing as applicable, matters relaled io going concern and using the going Loncern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the Lharitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so. Auditor's responsibilities for Ihe audit of the financial statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assuranc¢ about whether ihe financial siatemenls as a whole are free from Inaterial misstat¢meiit: Ivheiher due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonablc assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guaranlcc that an audit conduLled in acci)rddn¢¢ with 15
FIRST STEPS WOMTr:tN'S CEINTRE Independent Auditor's Report (Conlinued) ISAS (UK) will always detect a material missialeinei)t ii.lien it exists. Misstatements can arise fron] fraud or error aiid are consid¢r¢d material ifi", individually or in the aggregai¢, they could reasoiiabl), be expect¢d to influence the econoiii ic decisions of users taken on ihc basis of these fiJ)ancial slaieiiieiits. 'rhe extent to whiLh our procediires are capable of detecting irregularities. including fraud. is detailed below. Extcnt to iTrhich the audil wa5 considered capable of detecting irrcgularities, including fraud Thc objLctiN'Ls ol-oiir audit in respect of fraud. arc: lo identifv" aiid assL"iS thL'risks of material inisslatcmcnt ot.the finÉin¢ial statements due to t"raud- to obtain surricient appropriate audit evidence regarding the as8¢ss¢d risks of material niisstatement due lo fr<iud, through designino and iinplementing appropriate responses lo those assessed risks- and to respond appropriatel), to instances of fraud or suspected fraud identified during the audit. However, the pi'iniary responsibil Èh, for the prevention and d¢tcction ot- fraud rests with both n]anagement and those Lliargycd '1th gyoveniance of the charitable company. Based on our und¢rsL411ding ofthe charithble Lompanw and ils operatingy environment, we detem]ined tliat the most SlgFnificant framelvorks ,}ll¢h liave a direct inipact on the preparalion of the financial statemeiits are those related to the reporting frameivork, (FRS 10? the Charities Act (Northeni Ireland) 2008: The Charitics (Accouiits and Reports) Regyulations (Nortlieni Ireliind) 201 i, the Chariry SORP and the Coinpanies ALt ?006). Addilionally, we concluded tlial there are signif icant laws aiid regiilations in relalioii lo ihe compaiij's cliaritable status and activiti¥s ot. which non-cc)mpl iaiice Inay have d mtilerial el"feLt on the I InanLial slatcincnts. WL asSLssLd thc SUSCCPLibil ily ol- Ihc charilablL company'.s financial sialcmL'nts to In(Ilcrial misslatcment, iiicluding how Iraud mi&)lit occur, Encludiiig ciialualino manaocincnt's inceiitiwes and ()pp()riuniliL'S to manc2gc caminos or ii)flucncc thc rLportLd rLsults. l.rom thc rLsults of our asscssment, we determined that the principal risks of fraud relale to posting inappropriatc journal entries and use of charity funds for purposes outside ot"restriclions iinpo8¢d by the donor. In common with all audits under ISAS {UK).. Ive are required to perfonn specific procedures to respond to the risk of management oi'erride. Audit response to risks identified As part ot.an aiidit iii aceordance ivith ISAS (UK) we exercise prot"essional judgement and Tnaintain profcssional scepticism tliroucvhout the audit. Audit procedures perfonned by the engagiemenl team included: We obtained an understanding ot" the cliarilable. company's intenial conlrol systems in order to design audit procedureb thal are appropriate in the circumstances: but not for the purposes of expre55inv an c)pinion on the etTeLtiveness ot" the chariiable Loinpan)I's intern<il control. We obtained an underslanding ofhow ihe charitable cotnpany complies iiiiih rclcwant laws aiid regulations, inLluding those as a re%ult of its registrati()n witli Ihe Chdrity Con]mi55ion fur NorthLrn Ircland and cliaritablc status wilh IIM Kcvcnuc & Customs . by Inaking? enquirie% of managJLmcnt and thosL' charged M'ith governanLe. Enquiry of management: those charged wilh governance and the eiitity's solicitors around actual aTid potential liti(yation and claims. Enquiry of entity staff to identify. an)1 instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. Pertorming analytical procedures to idenlify an) unusual or unexpected relatioiiships that may iiidicate risks olmaterial misstatemeni due lo fraud Reviewing minutes ot" me¢tinus of those charged with governance 16
FIRST STEPS WOMEN'S CENTRE Rcvicwing financial statement disclosures and testin¥ io supporting documentation to assess compliance wilh applicable laws ]d reguRalAons. We test the cotnpleten¢ss of incotne to addT¢SS ihe risk of fraud in relation to revenue recognition Auditing the risk of manabvement oveIde of controls. includingv through testing journal entries and other adjusttiients for appropriateness, and evaluating the business rationale of significant transactions that are unusual or outside tlie nornial course ot" business. Auditing th¢ risk of use of charity tuiids outside ot" restrictions imposed by the donor by r¢vi¢w o*. funding Icticrs of oftcr 10 identify restrictions. and revie, of funding claitns prepared by mdnageinent Iu LheLk compliancc iviih restrictions. We coinmunicated r¢l¢vant laws and regulations and potential fraud risks to all engagement team mcmb¢rs, and remained alert to an), indications of fraud or noii-compliance with laws and regulalions throughout the audit. There are inherent lim itations in the audit procedures described above and Ihe further removed non-compliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions retlected in the financial statements, the less likely we would beLoni¢ aware of it. Also, the risk of not delectingy a maierial misstatcment due to fraud is higher than the risk L)f not d¢t¢cting one resulting from error. as fraud may involve deliberatc conccalment through collusion, forgery, intentional om issions, misrepresentations or the override of intemal control. A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the accountg is located on the FinanLial Reporting Council's wcbsitL at: hit //Nvww.frL.or ditorsres lknis d¢scription forms Part of our auditor's report. Use of our report This report is made solely to the charitable company's members. as a body. in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 (Section 495) of the Companies Act 2006 and regulations made under that Act. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we migbht state to the charitablc company's members those mattcrs we are required to state to them in an auditors, report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do nol accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable Lompany and its mcmbcrs as a body, t.or our audit work, for this rcport. or for the opiiiions we have fornied. Ethna Grim y (Senio tatutory Auditor) for and on behalf of E A Grimley & Co Limiled Dated 5 November ?025 Chartercd Accountdntg and Statutory Auditor 16 Clonoe Village Park 98 Washingbay Road, Clonoc. Dungamion. Co. Tyrone, BT714PU 17
FIRST STEPS WOMEN'S CF.YTRE Statement of Financial Activities (including income lind expenditure aecounl) lor )ear ending 31 March 2U2i 2025 2024 Unrestricted Rl'stricled Trunds Funds Total Ilotes unds Income: AcliviliL)3]or 8>L)neraliiig]iinds D()nati()n.% lind I,egdLies 9.469 9,469 11,550 Jncomefroni chariluhle uc'livitie.s.- Grant InLome 580,481 580,481 394,013 Invi'.slTrienl inc'oinL 942 942 982 Tolal illcome 10,411 580,481 590,892 406,544 F.xpenditure Lxpciidilure uii LhurilublL' uc-livitieJ.- Lxpenditur¢ 482,853 482,853 443,179 Total expenditure 482.853 482,853 443,179 -yet income/(expenditure) and net movemeDt in funds for the year 10,411 97,6?7 108,038 (36,6J5) Transfer between Funds 18,699 (18,699) Reconciliation of funds Total Funds brought foN'ard J32.828 J69,90? 448 830 702,730 810 768 739,364 702 729 Total funds carried fonvard 361938 The stateineiil of tinancial activities includes all glains and losses reco()nised in the year. All incomc aiid cxpciiditure dcrive Irom continuinbv aLlivities. The notes on pages 22 to 30 form an inlegral part of ihese financial statements 18
FIRST STEPS WOMEN'S) CLNTRE Statement of Fillancial Position (balance sheel) as at 31 March 2025 3110312025 3110312024 otes Fixed Assets 12 292,340 J19,673 Current Assets Grani InLonie Receivable PrcpaymLnts Bank Total Current.4ssets 13 84,378 2.910 437 507 524.796 75,055 2,910 312688 390,65? Current Liabilities 14 6,367 7.595 N'L't Current AssL'ts (CA CL) 5184?9 383 058 Net Assets 810 769 702731 Represented BY Restricted Funds Designated Funds Unr¢5tricted Funds 16 15 15 448.830 150.000 211.9J9 810769 369,902 150.000 1828?9 70?731 Tliese accounts are prepared in accordance with tl)e special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act relating to small coiiipaiiies and constitut¢ thc annual acLounts required bv the Cotnpanies Act 2006 and are t.or ¢irculatioii lo mcmbcrs of thc conipany. The finanLial statements were approved by the trusleefj on S November 2025 and signed on its bchalf: Nicola Quinn Chairperson KJIcolo Company Number: [066869 The Dotes ou pages 20 to 30 form an integral part of these financial statemeDts 19
FIRST STLP£i WOMLN'S CF.N"fRF. rsotes to the FinanciaI Statements For the Year Ended 31 MarLh 202> Accounting Policies Charitv Informalion First Steps Women's Centre is a private companv limited guaranlee inLorporaled in Nortliern Ire1]d. The regislered 01CC is 2 la Williaii) Street: Dunganiion, Co T)rone, BT70 1 DX. Thc priiicipal aLLounting poliLies adopted, judgFements and key sources ot cstimation unLLrtainty in thc prLparation ot thc financial statcmcnts arc as tolloivs: a) Basis ofpreparation The finanLial %tateiiielit have been prepared in accordance wiih Accounting (Ind Reporting bj. Charities: StatLmLnt of RecommendLd Practice applicable lo cliaritics preparino their accounts in accordance ivith th¢ Fiiiaiicial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK aiid RepubliL of Ireland (FRS 10?) (effective l January ?015)- (Charities SORP (FRS 10?)), the Financial Reporting Staiidard applicable in the UK aiid Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006. The chariiy meeis the definiiion of a public benefii cniity uiider FRS I O? Asscis and liablliiies are iniiiallj rccognised at E)istoriLdl cosl or IransaLlion value unless othernvise staled in the relevant accounliiig policy ncite(s). The charity has tak¢n advaiitagie of the proiiision of SORP for charities appl>'ino FRS 102 Update Bulleting I not to prepare a Statement of Cash flows. I"Iic accounts are prcparcd iii slcrling, which is ihe funclional currency of ihe charit),. Monetary amounts in thLse lindllLial btalements are rc)unded to ihe neare%l £. b) Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis. 'ri)e niimber of iiomeii attendincy th¢ charity" is inLr¢asinu year on year but the iinLertainty surrounding tLindiiig 1% a signifiLant area ot. tiiiaIicial uncertainty" thal will invariably" impact upon the serviLes that we can ot-tcr. Tlic triistccs havc mitiiwaled ihebe risks by Lontinudlly Lhallenging dLLisions madc at govcnuncnl ILvcl lo ¢nsure that the impact of provisions of seTr'ices is minimal. The trustees dre of the view that iiieasures have bee.n lakeii subsequeiit to the year-¢Iid to ensure coiitinuous tiinding for the immediate future ot. the Cejilre for ihe next l ? lo 18 inoi)ths aiid that on tliis basis the charity is a goiniTr conccni. c) Income Income is recogynised Nvhen th¢ charitv ha5 eJ)tiiletnenl lo ihe funds, any perfonnance conditions atiaclied to the item(s) of income have been met. it is probable that the income will be receii'ed, and the amount Can be measured r¢liabl}'. 20
FIIIST STTr:PS WOMFN'S CF.NTRE Note5 to the Financial Statcmcnts For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Inci)me from government and oiher grants. ii,heiher 'capital' gTanls or "rewenue, grants. is recognised ii,hen the charity has entiil¢in¢nt to th¢ funds. any perforniance conditions is attached to thc grants have been met. it is probable thal the income will be received and the amount can b¢ tn¢a5ur¢d reliably and is not dcfcrrcd. d) Donated services and facililies Donat¢d prot¢S5ional s¢rv iLes and donaled facilities arc recognised as incom¢ when the charity has control over tlie item. any conditions associaled with the donated ilem have been met, the reccipt of cconomic benefit froin thc use by tlie cliarity of the iteiii is probable and that ecc)noinic benefit can bc measured reliably. In accordance w'ith the Charities SOIiP (FRS I O? the general volunteer tim¢ spent M'ithin the cli<lrity is not reLog7llised ai)d refcr to tlie truslees" aniiual report for more int"orI)ialioii about their contribution. On receipi, donated professional services and donated t"acilities are r¢cognised on the basis of tlie value ol" the gil"l io ihe Lharity .hILh is Ihe amoui)t the chaTity would have beLn Nvilling to paj. to obtain sen'ic¢s or t"acililies of'equivalent econoinic benefit on the open market. a corr¢sponding amount is thcii rccogniscd in cxpcnditurc in thc period ot"rec¢ipt. e) Interest receivable Interest on fiinds held on deposlt is included ivhen receivable and the amount can be measiired r¢liably by the charity'- tliis is nornially upoIi notiticatioji of the interest paid or pa)iable by the Bank. D Fund aecounling U nre%tricted tunds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charily. Dcsiiinatcd tunds are unrestrictL.d fund5 of the charity which Ihe trustees have decidcd at Iheir discr¢tic)n to set aside to iise for a specific purpose. Restricted t.unds are to be solely used for particular areas ofthe Charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by th¢ Charity. g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT Expeiiditure is recognised once ihere is a legal or consiTUCtive obligation lo make a p2yment to a third party. it is prc)bable that settlement i111 be required and the amount of thc oblig)ation LaIi be mea%iired reliably. F.xpcnditurc is classified undcr thc following activit). headings: •• E.xpcnditure oIi charitable aclivities includes the cosls of Educaiion. Childcare, Advice, Transport and representation undert4iKen to further the purposes of the charity and their asgociated support costs. 21
FIRST STEPS WOMEIN'S CENTRL Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) •• Oiher expenditure represents ihose items not falling into aiiy oiher heading. The charity is not registered for Vai. Irrecoverable VAT is chargjed as a cosl a¥aiiist ihe activity tor which the expeiiditure i¥as incued. h) Allucatioll of support costs Support cost% are those functions thal assi5l thc work of thc charity but do not direcily undL'rtakc charitablc activitics. Support costs include back-office costs. finance, pcrsonncl, Pityroll and governance costs which support the Centre's programm¢s and activities. The bases on which support costb have been allocated are set out in note 7. i) Operating leases The ch<irit)' ¢lassifi¢s the leas¢ of printing. as operating leases- the title to the equipment reInains with ihe lessor and lh¢ equipment is repl(Iced every 5 years wliilst the economic life ot" such equipment is normall J. 5 years. Rental Lharges are Lharged on a straight-line basis ovcr thc tcrm of tlic Icasc. j} DeprecAatio Tangible fixed assets Individual tixed assets costing £500 or more are capitalised at cosl and are d¢pr¢ciated over their estimated uset-ul economic lives as folloNNs: Asset Category Building Adaptations Fixtures and fittinos and Equipment Computers Allnual rate 5 % Straight Line 200/0 Reducing Balance 33 /0 Straight Line k) Debtors Funding due ai)d oiher debtors are recognised at the settlement amouni due. Prepa}Iments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any irade disLounts due. l) Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank and ¢ash in hand inLlud¢s cash and short t¢rni highly liquid invcstmcnts w'ith a short matLirity of three months or less frotn the date of acquisilion or opeiiing of'the deposit or siini lar account. m) Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisioIis are recoonised where tlie charity has a preseiit obligation resulting from a past event thc1t ivill probabl), resuli in Ihe tnIisfer ol funds to a ihird party and the aInouiit due to settle thc obligiation can bc incasurcd or cstimatcd rcliabl},. Creditors and provisions are noTmall! recognised at their seltletnent aInount after allowing for any Irade discounts due. 22
FIRST STF.PS WOMEN'S CENTRE INotes to the Financial Statements Tr or the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) n) Pensions Einployeeq of the charity are entitled to join the Workers Pension Trust Scheme which is ruiided by contributions for employee aiid ¢mplo!fer. Employees are automatically enrolled into the pension scheine unless they haNe e.¥ercised their rtght to opt out of sclieme membership. F.mplo!ers Pension contribution represented 3 /0 of pcnsionablc pay and einployee, s contributioii ot"5 /0 of pensionable pay. I"he IrusteL"s aw satisficd that any toreseeable change in employer'5 contributions can be budgeted for without detriment to the charity s ongoing activities. o) Financial instruments The trust oiilj. l)as financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify, as basic financial instruments. Basic financial in5trumenls are initiall}I recognised at transaction Value aiid SLibsequently measured at thcir sellleInent i,alue ivitli the exception of bank loans wliich are subsequL'nily Fnedsured dl iim()rtised Lobt Usill¥F ihc cffLcli¥'c iiitcrcst mcthod. I.egal status of the Trust The organisatioii is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. In the evenl ot.the charity beingl wound up, the liability in respect of the ouarantee is limited to £1 per m¢mber ol Éh¢ Lh41rily. Donations and Fundraising Activities for generating funds 3110312025 3110312024 Rental Activity Donations Online Donations Gift Aid 109 7,279 1,400 8,553 25 9.469 11,550 The Centre benefils greally from ¢he involvement and enthusiastic support of its volunteers and supporters. In accordance Mith FRS 102 and Ihe chariti SOIIP (Ills 102), thL' economic conlribution of general Voluntee is llot reLogllised in the accounts. 23
FIRST STEPS WOMEN'S CENTRE Notcs to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (CODtiDued) Incorne from cbaritable aetivities Grant Income 12 Months Ending Unrestri cted 31/0312 025 Restricted 12 Months Ending 31/03/2025 31/03/2025 31103/2024 Department for Communities- CIF Department for Communities- WCCF Mid Ulster District Council -strategic Community Development Grant The Pathway Fund TEO IMEDFI Charities Aid Foundation {CAF) Mid Ulster District Council _ Community Development Radius Housing Choice Housing Big Lottery- VERA'S Project Dungannon Credit Union WRAP - Accounts Receivables Big Lottery- Heritage Fund Esme Mitchell Grant Victoria Holmes Trust HSE UKPF - Levelling Up- REAP Project The Halifax Foundation The Openwork Foundation STEP - Accounts Receivable BREATHE DONATION CENTURION MINGT L SWC - Accounts Receivable DUNBIA UK Funding EAD Clawback1231241 DFS - Cost of Living Intervention 23/24 62,710 39,727 62,710 39,727 59.271 38,189 6.000 16.500 41.223 2,310 6,000 16,500 41,223 2,310 7.000 15,000 41,223 2,500 200 12,178 10,211 98,822 875 1.230 115.521 1,000 2,650 1,000 168.592 200 12,178 10,211 98,822 875 1,230 115.521 1,000 2,650 1,000 168,592 loo 8,339 93,035 106,899 5,000 15,000 240 93 424 200 269 269 1,500 580,481 580,481 394,013 Investment income All ot'the investment incomc of arises from mone), held in intere%t bearincj deposit accounts. 24
FIRST STEPS WOMTr",N'S C.,fRTr. Not¢5 to thL' Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Analysis of expenditure on cbaritable activities Expenditure on charita ble activities= 12 Months Ending Unrestricted Restricted 12 Months Ending 3110312025 3110312025 3110312025 3110312024 Wages and salaries Employers Pension staff Life Insurance Staff T&S /Expenses Staff training and recruitment Facilitation & Events Tutor Costs and Exam Fees Participant Travel Participant Training & Course Materials Volunteer Expenses Refunds Rent and Rates Light and heat Telephone Printing, postage and stationery IT support Motor expenses Repairs and maintenance Insurance Small Equipment Purchase Creche Equipment Profession31 Fees Subscriptions Health and Safety Donations to other Charities Emergency Assistance Misc Expenses Advertising Participant comfort expenses Counselling Evaluation Fee Depreciation of tangible assets Support Costs - Note 7 Total Expenses 242,855 2,984 1,845 2,272 2,408 1.362 67.832 1.465 736 1,742 242,855 2,984 1,845 2,272 2,408 1,362 67,832 1,465 736 1,742 202.868 2,129 1,782 1,582 3.299 60,020 1,419 372 1,307 319 16,047 10,297 3,545 3,895 7,379 306 7.973 5.925 5.898 1,986 870 85 24 550 1,230 1,077 2,162 1,322 1,854 16,278 5,256 3.016 3.102 4.364 1.140 7.765 3,934 1.796 1,820 16,278 5.256 3,016 3,102 4,364 1,140 7,765 3,934 1.796 1,820 120 120 562 562 7,920 2,003 3.010 1.971 27.333 64,856 482.853 7,920 2,003 3,010 1,971 27.333 64,856 482,853 29,782 65,877 443,179 Restricted Expenditur¢ on charitable activities for ?0? j £482.85) (?024 £488,i61)- 25
FIRST STEPS WOMEN'5 CENI"RI+= Notes to tbe Financial Stat¢'ments For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 {¢ontinued) Analysis of goi'ernance and support cost Current Year 3110312024 General support Governance Total Total Salaries - SC Audit tics Lcg)al Fe¢s Bank chargyes 60.585 60,585 i,334 754 183 64.856 57,688 3,300 4,690 199 65,877 3,334 7)4 183 61.522 3,334 Net incomel(expenditure) for the year 2025 2024 Thisi 15 Stated after charging: Depreciation ot"tangible assets Auditors, r¢mun¢ration 27,333 3.300 29,782 3,300 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management personnel 2025 2024 Salaries and 'aleS Social security Losts Employer Allowance Pension cost 285,687 22,7)2 5.000 2.984 i06 423 246,628 18,9?8 5,000 262 685 No employees had employee benefits in exLess of £60,000 (2024: nil). The Lharity trusteLS were nc)t paid or receied anv other benefits frojn eniplovment witli the 'l-rust in the year (2024.. £nil) neither were thev reimbursed expenses during the year {2024.. £iiil). No charity, trustee received payment ftor professional or other services supplied to the charity (2024: £nil). 10 &itaff Numbers The aN'erage moiithly head count and the average monihly number of full-tiine equivalent einployees (including Lasual and part-timc staffj durin( J ihe year were as follows= 2024 Number Education Govcrnance/Support 12 12 14 26
FIRST STEPS WOMEN'S CENTRE Notes to the Financial StatementS& For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) 11 Government Grants Income trnm Li()vernment LFrantS Lompriscs perforniance related g)ranls madL' by local auihorilies to tund the Educalional probiramnies. 12 Corporation Taxation The Lharity is e.xempt trom tax on income and (vains tallingy within seclion 505 ot.the Taxes Act 1988 or sectic)n 252 c)I' the Tall(}n i)I" Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent ilidt these are applied to its charilablc obj¢cls. 13 Tangible fixed assets Motor vehicles Freeholds Plant TOTAL Cost as at Cost as at 0110412024 3110312025 4i8.0()? 458.092 147.691 147,691 3?,782 32,782 638,565 638.565 Depreciation Charge for period DepreLiation 0110412024 164,951 1?8,931 25.010 1.943 26,953 318.892 3110312025 185.889 133.383 346,2?5 Nel Book Value 3110312025 ?7? ?0) 14,308 292,340 Net Book Value 31103120?4 ?93.141 18.760 7.77? 319,673 14 Debtors 3110312025 3110312024 Granl Debtor DFC C.Ib Fundin DcparlmLnt Ic)r Coiiimunities WC.CF Funding 524 6,216 ?5,795 46,651 524 7,025 24,776 39,720 2,770 240 TEO (MEDF) DIF - Levelling Up- REAP Project Choice Housing %WC' _ Accciunts Receivable Radiu8 I lousing 5.193 75,055 27
FIRST STEPS WOM:,s CTr:N"fRTr: Notes to the Financlal Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 202) (continued) IS Creditorq: amounts falling due ivithin one year 2025 2024 Crcdit L(Ird Other i¥'agies Costs Accruals 2?] 546 7,595 A floating Chargye dated 28/61201 O was created bj the organisalion for seLuring all monies due to or becoin iiig due to the organisation to Dankse Bank Ltd. 16 Analysis of charitable funds Balance Funds Incoming resources ResourLes expended 0110412024 Transfers 3110312025 General fund Designated Retained Rescrves Tolal 18?8?9 10.411 18,699 211.939 150.000 332,899 1511.OQO 361939 10.411 General fund The 'free reserves, after allowing for all dcsigiiated funds. Designaled Retained Reserves De5igFnaled fund io cover 4 months operational costs in the event of shortfall oji funding. 17 Analysis of movements in restricted fund Balance Asat 0110412024 Funds Incoming resources Resources expended Transfers As at 3110312025 EduLatioii Total 369,90? 369,902 580.481 580.481 48?.8 j3 48? 8)3 18,699) 118699) 448,830 448 830 28
FIRST STV.PS WOMF.N'S CF.NTRF. Notesi to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued) Description, nature and purposes of the fund Education To provide professional and personal development through educaiion and training. As$et8 Property 2.sset8 fund Thc valuc ot- ui)rcstrictcd fuiids represented bj. the tanoible fixed assets owned aiid used by tlie charity on an on- going basis for educational activities. 3110312025 3110312024 Income Gartield Weston Foundation The Ediiiard Gostling Foiindalion Big Lotterj. _ VERA'S Project Charilies Aid Poundalion (CAF) ChoiLL. I lousin 'RAP - Accounts Receivables 'I'hL Openwork. Foundation L3KLA I'HL D()NATI()N C:F.NTIJRION MINGT L SWC - ALcounts ReLeivable I)UNBIA UK Vicloria Holines Trust Big Lottery - HeritagNe Fund Esme Mitchell Grant 19,047 5,000 4,458 3,018 33,785 5,000 3,613 1.2iO 5,844 93 424 200 2,650 I lJ,577 1.000 Restricted Re&'enue Income 156,490 50.229 Capit>il Fixed Assets ?9?,340 ?9?.-140 319673 319,67J Total Rcslricted income 448,8iO 369.902 18 Analysis of net assets betw'een funds General "und Designated Tr"unds Restricted Funds Total "rav)b7ible fixed assets Cash at bank and in hand Other net current assets/(liabililies) Total 29?,340 i24.796 292,340 162.857 211.9)9 150,000 6.367 810769 211.9)9 150.000 448.830 29
FIRST s'rTr;ps WOMEN'S CEINTRE Notes to the Financial Statemcnts For the Year Ended 31 Marcb 2025 (continued) 19 Contingent Liabilities Tlierc is a contingent liabillty to r¢pa}' grants received under the terms of their associated letteri Ot" otTer if the charity t.ails to achieve and maintain specified conditions. In the opinion of the trustee.% the terms of these letters of ofter have been complied Nvith in full and no loss is expectcd. The Communit! Foundation For Northern Ireland has a charge over the prop¢rfy ? l A William Street, Dunoannon, Co Tyrone, Folio TY 106i37L. In Ihe opinion of the trustees no granl is due to be repaid. 20 Capital Commitments A ret"urbishment coinpleled in 2018. Tlie project an( funded by The Coinmunity Foundalioii for Northern Irelaiid. The orgFanisdtion has agreed a ?O-year terni lease. Rent will be paid on an annual basis. 21 Related Party transactions and ultimate controlling party The trustees are the d¢eiii¢d conlrolliIig part) due lo their position witliiii ihe Lompany. 22 Auditors, ¢thical Standards In Lommon '1th many OTganisali()ns ofils size and nalurc, thc charity uses its auditc)rs to assisl wilh the coinpilation of thc statLltori, financial statcmcnts. 30