CROSSFIRE TRUST Page 2 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and the audited financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. The financial statements have been prepared in accoTdance with the accounting policies set out in notes to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing documenL the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015, Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended PTactice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in 2¢¢0rdance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. CHARITY ADmSTRATIVE AND REFERENCE DETAILS Charity Dame Crossfire Trust Charity registration number NIC101499 Trustees who served the charity during the year Christa Weir Matthew Rawding Kathryn Thompson Peter Galloway Chief Executive Officer Ian Bothwell Secretary Pauline Bothwell Registered office Darkley Road, Keady, County Annagh, B T60 3A Y Independent eraminer GMCG Portadown, Chartered Accountants 17 Mandeville Street, Portadown, Craigavon County Annagh, B T62 3PB Bankers Ulster Bank Limited, 7 Upper English StreeL Arniagh, County Annagh, B T617BL Solicitors Thompson Mitchell, 12-14 Mandeville StreeL Portadown, Co Arn]agh, BT62 3NZ PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT The trustees of Crossfire Trust confirn] that they have had due regard for the guidance on Public Benefit by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and are pleased to report that durino the year the charity has continued to provide Public Benefits through programmes and services we offer. In particular, the trustees consider how planned activities will contribute to the aims and objectives they have set out.
CROSSFIRE TRUST Page 3 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT{ continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 PUBLIC BEINEFITS Our public benefjts are: l. Individuals have a positive life change creating openness and respcct of relationships. 2. People are supported to live a wholesome full and excitin(T life. 3. People take confidence and pride in their lives through access to services which help address povety. 4. Promote Christianity through value and respect and hope for the future. 5. A caIming influence for a peaceful society. 6. Increased understanding of citizenship and community. 7. Individuals feel secure and valued. 8. Supporting a joined up approach from all agencies for the development of South Arn]agh. We demonstrate these benefits through strono monitoring and evaluation systems. We undertake an annual perforniance review of CrOssfe Trust by consultin£T With the community and key stakeholders, this process includes evaluations, focus groups and end project evaluations. We also record levels of participation. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing document The organisation is a charitable trust constituted under a trust deed dated 28 November 1984, which is recognised as a charity with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. Recruitment, appointment, induction and training The present trustees have been involved in the charity for a number of years and so are familiar with its work. The trustees regularly review the requirements of the charity and the possibility of a need for additional trustees. Any new trustees would be appointed by the settlor as required. Appropriate training and induction is available to all trustees. Organisational Structure Crossfire Trust has a management committee of 6 (2022 6) members who meet regularly and are responsible for the strategic direction and policy of the charity. A Chief Executive Officer is appointed by the trust¢es to manage the day to day operations of the organisation. A Secretary is appointed by the trustees to assist the Chief Executive Officer. Risk management The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Trust, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate an exposure to major risks. Where appropriate, systems or procedures have been established to mitigate the risks the charity faces. Internal control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for authorisation of all transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors. These procedures are periodically reviewed at least annually to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the charity.
Page 4 CROSSFIRE TRUST TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ( continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 ORJECTIVES AIND AcTIVEs Crossfjre Trust is community led and focused charity located on the edge of Darkley village in South Annagh and we feel this gives us a distinct understanding of what is happenino within our Community and in being responsive to needs as they arise. Over the years we have made an organisation hugely successful in engagin(T With our community and changtng lives for the better. Crossfire is overseen by a board of Trustees who uovern the organisation and provide expert strategic direction to guide the development and delivery of services provided. They are trained in areas such as equal opportunities, data protection/GDPR, risk management and are from a wide variety of back¢srounds bringin(T their own unique skills and experience to the direction of the organisation. Our vision is to: "support a reconciled community who respectfully live and work together, who are animated to improve the community's quality of life and to inspire economic rejuvenation with South Arniagh. Our reduced vcrsion is 'Living life tOlFether'. What a year of specifIc planning, commitment and drive. The fundraising initiatives and communication with the Bank of Ireland came together in the purchase of the ex bank in Crossmaglen Square. Thanks so much to every volunteer, every donor, every friend who prayed, gave and encouraged. without whom none of this would be possibl¢. It was an amazing experience to have the finance to buy the building without loans or borrowinos. We now operate on two locations Darkley and Crossmaglen. Each base is unique in expression, cultur¢ and opportunity. The ex bank was turned quickly into a community hub and home to Something More For You which is a projectlsocial economy business established by Crossfire Trust to oive something Tnore to the people and their issues. As a charity we are passionate about making our services work for the community because they are benefiting and improving areas in which they live. Crossfire Trust is a lynchpin and is viewed by a growing numb¢r of multi agencies as a trustworthy, honest place that operates with integrity and a 'can do, attitude. The Green Fla(F Award confirn)ing that the gardens and environment are open and used by the public. Our ethos seeks to build and help repair the lives of individuals blighted by panic, fear, homelessness, addiction and families affected by Covid 19 and the consequences of it. As memories of the pandemic faded away we found ourselv¢s facino some new challenges of mental health and the cost of living crisis. The Food bank now well established in both Darkley House and Crossmaglen helps to avoid landfIll but most of all helps to feed the hun and support the family and is a venture ready for expansion. Volunteers and service continues to be the heartbeat of what we do at Crossfire Trust and it has been a great delight to welcome people into an active role at an increasing rate. We have continued to speak up throughout our networks on the issues that matter most and we are so grateful for their part in this. There have also been amazing opportunities for connecting with a(rencies and it has been a great privilefje for the team to welcome, care and support from other professionals.
CROSSFIRE TRUST Page 5 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES (continued) As part of our demonstration of community care we want to develop the whole site at 95 Darkley Road and continue to investigate the best use of the 2 /2 acre site. We are encouraged by the donation and even free delivery of two static caravans which are now in place and will be used for an alternative or stepping stone into Darkley House. The valuable training and input from Clanrye in Newry left us with the fresh imprint of location location location. Our elevated site with laurel hedges, fenced into paddocks and enjoyed by therapeutic livestock will one day be a housing development. Meanwhile, we enjoy our partnership with the Housing Executive, Health Board, Probation Service, PSNI and other agencies who require our assistance to see the wider society helped and healed. The new videos have been helpful, clarifying who stays at Darkley House and removing fear and suspicion by underyinning our values and ethos. We keep our eye on our mission statement as referrals come from different nationalities, cultures and issues to ensure that we stay on track focused and able to deliver. Volunteers Volunteers contain the passion which drives the charity fonvard and we celebrate their personal achievements and diverse skill base. Their involvement weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually allows us to draw from their expertise and enrich the ran<Te of projects we offer. It is estimated that over 7,020 (2022 7,210) volunteer hours have been provided during the year. If this was conservatively valued at the average minimum wage for workers aged 21 years and older for the period of £9.18 (2022 - £8.36) an hour the volunteer effort amounts to over £64,444 (2022 - £60,276). FANC REvw Total Income for the year was £366,546 (2022 - £258,010). Income from donations and legacies amounted to £198,710 (2022 £84,507), income from charitable activities amounted to £166,740 (2022 - £173,503) and other income amounted to £1,096 (2022 - £Nil) Total expenditure for the year amounted to £262,094 (2022 - £202,195). The cost of charitable activities amounted to £262,094 (2022 - £202,195). As at 31 March 2023, the charity has unrestricted funds carried fonvard of £396,098 (2022 - £211,657), restricted revenue funds carried forward of £12,494 (2022 - £74,657) and restricted capital funds carried fonvard of £132,926 (2022 - £150,752). The managin(r trustees consider that the Trust is in a satisfactory position to cary on its charitable activities. Reserves policy It is the policy of the charity to maintain free reserves which matches the needs of the trus( both at the current ttme and in the foreseeable future. This provides sufficient funds to cover running costs which include management, administration and support costs. Free reserves are those unrestricted reserves not designated nor invested in fixed assets which are available for general use. PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS l. To transform the ground floor of the ex bank into a community hub. 2. To develop the Community Hub by obtainintt Planning Pemiission and finance suitable for a three storey buildiniy offering therapeutic response to the emotion21 well being of local people.
Page 6 CROSSFIRE TRUST TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 PLANS FOR FUTURE PEIUODS (continued) 3. To put the Mega Mobile back on the road as a mobile camper with resources and equipment helping us to convey and demonstrate what we do at Darkley House. 4. To develop the site at 95 Darkley Road for maximum use and potential. 5. To monitor the transition of both charitable locations, identifyin(y roles and responsibilities and ensure excellent communication creating . orowth and community well bein( 6. To shape up an annual Fund Raisin(y Strategy which will target different a(Te groups, businesses and events RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TRUSTEES The charity's trustees are responsible for preparin(T the Trustees Annual Report and the fInancial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give 2 tru¢ and fair view of th¢ stat¢ of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. observe the methods and principles in the Charities SOIIP 2019 (FRS102); make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent" state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keepino proper accountin(y records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Chariti¢s Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, the Chariti¢s (Accounts and Reports) Re. (yulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 and the provisions of the trust deed. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charity and financial infomiation included on th¢ charity's website. Legislation in the United Kintrdom governing the preparation and dissemination of the fInancial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. In so far as the trust¢es are aware: there is no relevant infonnation of which the charity's independent examiner is unaware- and the trustees have taken all steps that they oufjht to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant infonnation and to establish that the independent examiner is aware of that inforniation.
CROSSFIRE TRUST Page 7 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT(¢ontinued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 tNDEPENDENT EXAMINER GMCG Portadown Chartered Accountants has been re-appointed independent examiner for the ensuing year. Signed on behalf of the trustees Christa Weir Trustee Date: