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2024-03-31-accounts

Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital)

Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Malone Accounting Ltd Chartered Accountants 12 Causeway Road County Down BT33 0DL Northern Ireland

Charity Number: 101826

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital)

Family Routes

CONTENTS

Page
Reference and Administrative Information 3
Trustees' Annual Report 4 – 8
Independent Auditor's Report 9- 11
Statement of Financial Activities 12
Statement of Financial Position 13
Statement of Cash Flows 14
Notes to the Financial Statements 15 - 24

2

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees

Charity Number in Northern Ireland

Registered Office and Principal Address

Auditors

Principal Bankers

Solicitors

Joseph Copeland Marian Hall Gail Clarke Rachel Johnston Elizabeth Shaw – resigned 14/11/2023 Gillian Williamson 101826 Unit 2 18 Heron Road Belfast County Antrim BT3 9LE Northern Ireland Malone Accounting Ltd Chartered Accountants 12 Causeway Road County Down BT33 0DL Northern Ireland AIB University Road Belfast County Antrim BT7 1ND Northern Ireland Edwards & Co 28 Hill Street Belfast County Antrim BT1 2LA Northern Ireland

3

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

The trustees present their Trustees' Annual Report, combining the Directors' Report and Trustees' Report, and the audited financial statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2024.

The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

The Trustees' Report contains the information required to be provided in the Trustees' Annual Report under the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) guidelines. The trustees of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company's constitution are known as members of the board of trustees.

In this report the trustees of Family Routes Ltd present a summary of its purpose, governance, activities, achievements and finances for the financial year 31 March 2024.

The charity is a registered charity and hence the report and results are presented in a form which complies with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, although not obliged to comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102, the organisation has implemented its recommendations where relevant in these financial statements.

Mission, Objectives and Strategy

Mission Statement

Principal Activities

The principal activity of the charity is providing social work and counselling services to persons affected by adoption and infertility.

Objectives Objectives & Activities

Family Routes incorporates four distinct services: Adoption Routes – Adoption assessment and post-adoption support for families and adults Fertility Counselling Service NI (FCS) – Leading provider of specialist fertility counselling Next Step – Support and counselling service for birth families

TESSA – Therapeutic and education support for adopted children and their adoptive parents.

Family Routes provides training and awareness raising on adoption and fertility related issues, and plays a key role within the sector, working in partnership with a wide range of voluntary and statutory organisations.

The objects for which the Charity is established shall be to provide support and professional services to children, young people and adults affected by adoption, fertility and other related family support issues through, but not limited to, the following means:

Working in partnership with organisations who share a similar vision and purpose in order to deliver better outcomes for children, young people and adults;

Providing training to professional organisations and other interested groups;

Contributing to societal understanding and the reduction of stigma relating to a range of sensitive issues which affect children, young people and adults.

Achievements and Performance

Fertility Counselling Service received 550 new referrals in total in comparison to the previous year’s figures of 475 referrals, this reflects the re-establishment of hospital services post pandemic. The Regional Fertility Centre also began to refer transgender fertility preservation patients with the commencement of their new specialist service.

Next Step received 47 new referrals. This Service has experienced continuous short-term extensions of contract over a period of three years which has inhibited its productivity and development. TESSA received 73 new referrals compared to 22 the previous year. In 2023/24, 943 sessions of intervention were delivered and the total numbers of unique beneficiaries receiving an intervention was 122. We received 5 new adoption enquiries as well as 14 postadoption enquiries which was not a significant variation on the previous year. Family Routes dissolved its working partnership with the English Based Adoption Agency, Adoption Matters in order to predominantly refocus our placements on domestic market. A new Northern Ireland Adoption Panel was established in May 2023 and sat twice in the 2023/24 year. The organisation successfully acquired Dormant Accounts Funding from the National Lottery to assist in the relaunch and development of the Adoption Service.

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Financial Review

We stated last year, in our report, that our simple financial goal for 2023/24 was to operate at a surplus and make progress towards reserves for the sake of resilience in the organization. Progress towards this goal was to be achieved through a right-sizing of our budget and adding additional income streams, or increasing revenue from sources over which we could practically influence, to make progress towards surplus and reserves.

In this financial year we are pleased that we have achieved the goal of reducing our expenses and gaining control over our budgets and achieved a surplus of £37,457 in 2023/24. This puts us in a strong position to take the next steps in our financial strategy of increasing income, from non-statutory sources, so we can build reserves and pay down debt. The target, or benefit, remains to build resilience in the organization that protects it, and all its stakeholders, from external forces that can so easily distract and disrupt the good work being done in the third sector.

Going concern

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which assumes that Family Routes will continue in operation for the 12 months from the date of signing. Family Routes had a surplus of £37,457 in the year to 31 March 2024, and at that date, the Charitable company’s assets exceeded its liabilities by £151,513. The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The trustees have considered the charity’s predicted cashflow and are confident that there are sufficient resources to enable Family Routes to continue in operation for the next 12 months and, as a result deem it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements for the following 12 months.

It is the Trustees’ view that financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis.

Reserves policy

Historically, the charity has not had a robust reserves policy. This is being addressed through our financial strategy with the immediate aim being to achieve a surplus and then to maintain reserves for the benefit of the charity.

Risk Management

As with any organization we have various risks that can derail us from achieving the aims and objectives for which we have been created. We have sought to reduce some of those risks this year, while building a risk management framework, and have a plan in place for the next financial year to continue making progress towards risk management and mitigation.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governance

Following our appointment of three Board members last year, we have conducted a further skills gap assessment and are seeking to recruit new board members to supply those skills and to further strengthen the Board. The Board continues to work through a programme of activity to identify the best, and most sustainable, ways to build and maintain, for our long-term success, our:

Vision

Strategy

Management and oversight including the introduction of key performance indicators, for general health assessment of the organization, and an effective reporting framework.

Oversight and Operations

We are using the substantial experience and skillset of our Interim CEO to conduct a full assessment and appraisal of our organisational position, and effectiveness, at this critical juncture. Our goal is to benefit from a “fresh set of eyes” and ensure that we are building effective systems and processes, while continuing to build a culture, that will allow us to meet our stated objectives in the short, medium and long term and continue to deliver high quality, specialist services on time and within budget.

We have implemented a financial strategy which results in a reduced reliance on statutory and grant income, diversifies income streams, and builds reserves.

As a result we have increased engagement with a range of current and potential stakeholders, including service users, informing service development and improvement.

5

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Investment policy

The charity does not have any significant investments.

The building the charity owns was purchased in 2008 and is used as the main office for the charity, it is not considered by the trustees to be an investment property.

Plans for future periods

2023 marked the commencement of a new three-year strategic plan. The aims outlined included the achievement of six Northern Ireland specific adoption placements, additional development of the transgender fertility preservation counselling programme, securing the Next Step contract and sustaining the TESSA and Origins work.

Appointment of Trustees

The Directors of the Charity are Members of the Board’s General Purpose and Finance Committee (GPFC).

Membership of the Board is laid out in the Memorandum and Articles of Association.

Board membership is also available through co-option. The method allows for the potential recruitment on to the Board, persons with appropriate skills and knowledge.

The Board recognises the need for a broad skill mix for members of the GPFC in areas such as social work, health, financial control and business.

Trustee induction and training

Induction for new members of the board is a responsibility of the Board’s Chief Executive in conjunction with committee members. Written and verbal information on the Board, its structures and service provision is provided.

Structure, Governance and Management

The staff team within Family Routes is led by the CEO (currently Interim) and comprises a core team of 6 staff including social work, counselling, support and admin roles, and a regional resource of 50+ specialist therapists, counsellors and social workers.

Family Routes is a charity and is governed by a Board of Directors. As set out in the Articles, Directors may be appointed by the current Board of Directors and shall serve for a period of three years, which period can be extended by a further three years by mutual agreement between the Board and the Directors. On appointment as Director that person shall become a member of the charity. Directors, including the Chair, may not serve more than six years consecutively. The Directors shall at all times have in place policies to ensure that the selection of candidates is open and transparent and nominations criteria which shall reflect the findings of regular skills and performance audits of the Board. The Board are fully committed to a future for Family Routes which is sustainable, relevant and responsive.

Governing Document

The charity is a Company Limited by Guarantee and Incorporated on 19th February 1990 and accepted by The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland as a Registered Charity on 8th May 2015.

Financial Review

The results for the financial year are set out from page 12 and additional notes are provided showing income and expenditure in greater detail.

Financial Results

At the end of the financial year the charity has assets of £339,493 (2023 - £337,642) and liabilities of £187,980 (2023 - £223,586). The net assets of the charity have increased by £37,457.

6

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Trustees

The trustees who served throughout the financial year, except as noted, were as follows:

Joseph Copeland Marian Hall Gail Clarke Rachel Johnston Elizabeth Shaw – resigned 14/11/2023 Gillian Williamson

In accordance with the Constitution, the trustees retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.

Compliance with Sector-Wide Legislation and Standards

Trustee’s Responsibilities in relation to the financial statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the trustees as directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under charitable company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the net income or expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2006, and all Regulations to be construed as one with that Act. They 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.

Statement as to Disclosure to our auditors

Each of the persons who is a Trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that:

So far as each Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charity’s auditor is unaware; and each Trustee has taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a Trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity’s auditor is aware of that information.

7

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

The Auditors

The auditors, Malone Accounting Ltd, (Chartered Accountants) have indicated their willingness to continue in office in accordance with the provisions of Section 485 of the Companies Act 2006.

The Trustee’s annual report was approved by the Board of Trustees on 3rd September 2024 and signed on[its ] behalf by:

Joseph Copeland Trustee

Marian Hall Trustee

8

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT to the Members of Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital)

Report on the audit of the financial statements

Opinion

We have audited the charity’s financial statements of Family Routes Ltd ('the charity') for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities (incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account), the Statement of Financial Position and notes to the financial statements, including the summary of significant accounting policies set out in note 2. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS 102.

In our opinion, when reporting in accordance with a fair presentation framework the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC's Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other Information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our Auditor's Report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

9

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT to the Members of Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital)

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees' Annual Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees for the financial statements

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities set out on page 7, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an Auditor's Report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

In identifying and assessing risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and noncompliance with laws and regulations, we considered the following:

As a result of these procedures, we considered the opportunities and incentives that may exist within the organisation for fraud and identified the greatest potential for fraud. In common with all audits under ISAs (UK), we are also required to perform specific procedures to respond to the risk of management override.

We also obtained and understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks in operation, focusing on provisions of those laws and regulations that had a direct effect on the determination of material amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. The key laws and regulations we considered in this context included ongoing compliance with the UK Companies Act and tax legislation.

In addition, we considered provisions of other laws and regulations that do not have a direct effect on the financial statements but compliance with which may be fundamental for their ability to operate or to avoid a material penalty.

10

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT to the Members of Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital)

Further information regarding the scope of our responsibilities as auditor

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs (UK), we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities

This report is made solely to the charity's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Brendan Malone (FCA) (Senior Statutory Auditor) for and on behalf of MALONE ACCOUNTING LTD Chartered Accountants 12 Causeway Road County Down BT33 0DL Northern Ireland

3rd September 2024

11

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

(Incorporating an Income and Expenditure Account)

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 2023
Notes
£		 £ £ £ £ £
Income
Grants from governments 5.2
170,068		 262,837 432,905 177,814 171,500 349,314
and other co-funders
Other trading activities 5.3
31,174		 25,065 56,239 48,282 - 48,282
Donations and legacies 5.1
2,949		 1,150 4,099 13,886 550 14,436
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total income 204,191 289,052 493,243 239,982 172,050 412,032
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Expenditure
Raising funds 6.1
69,255		 17,407 86,662 74,534 33,816 108,350
Charitable activities 6.2
153,231		 215,893 369,124 131,036 211,845 342,881
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total Expenditure 222,486 233,300 455,786 205,570 245,661 451,231
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Net income/(expenditure) (18,295) 55,752 37,457 34,412 (73,611) (39,199)
Transfers between funds (334) 334 - - - -
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Other recognised gains/(los
Surplus/(deficit) for the (18,629) 56,086 37,457 34,412 (73,611) (39,199)
financial year
Gains(losses) on revaluation - - - 100,000 - 100,000
of fixed assets
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Net movement in funds for (18,629) 56,086 37,457 134,412 (73,611) 60,801
the financial year
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds beginning of the 35,007 79,049 114,056 (99,405) 152,660 53,255
year
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total funds at the end of 16,378 135,135 151,513 35,007 79,049 114,056
the year
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the financial year. All income and expenditure relate to continuing activities.

The notes on pages 15 to 24 form part of the financial statements

12

Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) Company Number: NI024153 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

as at 31 March 2024

2024 2023
Notes £ £
Fixed Assets
Tangible assets 13 227,518 232,805
─────── ───────
Current Assets
Debtors 14 49,951 63,973
Cash at bank and in hand 62,024 40,864
─────── ───────
111,975 104,837
─────── ───────
Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 15 (76,163) (97,823)
─────── ───────
Net Current Assets 35,812 7,014
─────── ───────
Total Assets less Current Liabilities 263,330 239,819
Creditors
Amounts falling due after more than one year 16 (111,817) (125,763)
─────── ───────
Total Net Assets 151,513 114,056
═══════ ═══════
Funds
Restricted trust funds 135,135 79,049
General fund (unrestricted) 16,378 35,007
─────── ───────
Total funds 18 151,513 114,056
═══════ ═══════

Approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 3[rd ] September 2024 and signed on its behalf by:

Joseph Copeland Trustee

Marian Hall Trustee

The notes on pages 15 to 24 form part of the financial statements

13

Family Routes STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Family Routes
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
for the financial year ended 31 March 2024
2024 2023
Notes £ £
Cash flows from operating activities
Net movement in funds 37,457 60,801
Adjustments for:
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets - (100,000)
Depreciation 5,287 9,264
Interest payable and similar expenses 7,794 7,010
Amortisation of capital grants received (3,534) (3,534)
─────── ───────
47,004 (26,459)
Movements in working capital:
Movement in debtors 14,022 18,448
Movement in creditors (18,126) (11,390)
─────── ───────
Cash generated from operations 42,900 (19,401)
Interest paid (7,794) (7,010)
─────── ───────
Cash generated from operations 35,106 (26,411)
-70- ─────── ───────
Cash flows from financing activities
Repayment of loan (13,946) (14,729)
─────── ───────
Net Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 21,160 (41,140)
Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2023 40,864 82,004
─────── ───────
Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2024 23 62,024 40,864
═══════ ═══════

14

continued

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

Family Routes Ltd is a company limited by guarantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office of the company is Unit 2, 18 Heron Road, Belfast, County Antrim, BT3 9LE, Northern Ireland which is also the principal place of business of the company The financial statements have been presented in Pound (£) which is also the functional currency of the company.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered material in relation to the charity’s financial statements.

Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102".

As permitted by the Companies Act 2006, the charity has varied the standard formats in that act for the Statement of Financial Activities and the Statement of Financial Position. Departures from the standard formats are to comply with the requirements of the Charities SORP and are in compliance with section 4.7, 10.6 and 15.2 of that SORP.

Statement of compliance

The financial statements of the charity for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 have been prepared on the going concern basis and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102".

Cash flow statement

The charity has availed of the exemption in FRS 102 from the requirement to produce a cash flow statement because it is classified as a small charity.

Fund accounting

The following are the categorises of funds maintained:

Restricted funds

Restricted funds represent income received which can only be used for particular purposes, as specified by the donors. Such purposes are within the overall objectives of the charity.

Unrestricted funds

Unrestricted funds consist of General and Designated funds.

■ General funds represent amounts which are expendable at the discretion of the board, in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.

■ Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that the board has, at its discretion, set aside for particular purposes. These designations have an administrative purpose only, and do not legally restrict the board's discretion to apply the fund.

Income

Incoming Resources

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the Charity is legally entitled to the income, it is possible that the income will be received, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.

Grants

Revenue grants are credited to incoming resources in the earlier date of when they are received or when they are receivable, unless they relate to a specified future period, in which case they are deferred.

15

continued

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Grants for the purpose of capital expenditure are credited to restricted incoming resources when receivable, transferred to designated funds on purchase of asset and then released to general funds over the related asset’s useful life.

Donations

Donations received are included in the Statement of Financial Activities upon receipt.

Restricted Funds

Restricted funds are to be used for specific purposes as laid down by the donor. Expenditure which meets these criteria is identified to the fund, together with a fair allocation of overheads and support costs.

Unrestricted funds - General

Unrestricted funds are donations and other incoming resources received or generated which are expendable at the discretion of the Charity in furtherance of its objectives.

Income

Income is the amount derived from ordinary activities, and is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.

Income is received from the following sources: DOH Core Grant Income GCRM Grant Income HSCB Grant Income RFC Grant Income Mental Health Income Halifax Grant Income Tessa Lottery Grant Income Donations from churches and individuals Conference & training income Private counselling income Management Recharge Income Adoption fees

Turnover is recognised when all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity (b) the amount of turnover can be measured reliably

Voluntary income or capital is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the company is legally entitled to it, its financial value can be quantified with reasonable certainty and there is reasonable certainty of its ultimate receipt. Income received in advance of due performance under a contract is accounted for as deferred income until earned. Grants for activities are recognised as income when the related conditions for legal entitlement have been met. All other income is accounted for on an accruals basis.

Expenditure

All resources expended are accounted for on an accruals basis. Charitable activities include costs of services and grants, support costs and depreciation on related assets. Costs of generating funds similarly include fundraising activities. Non-staff costs not attributed to one category of activity are allocated or apportioned prorata to the staffing of the relevant service. Finance, HR, IT and administrative staff costs are directly attributable to individual activities by objective. Governance costs are those associated with constitutional and statutory requirements.

Exceptional items

Exceptional items are transactions that fall within the ordinary activities of the charity but are presented separately due to their size or incidence.

Significant Accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty

In the application of the charity's accounting policies, trustees are required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting

16

continued

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods. There are no critical judgements made by Trustees that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost or at valuation, less accumulated depreciation. The charge to depreciation is calculated to write off the original cost or valuation of tangible fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives as follows:

Building Fixtures, fittings and equipment

The carrying values of tangible fixed assets are reviewed annually for impairment in periods if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. At each Statement of Financial Position date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its property, plant and equipment to determine whether there is any indication that any items of property, plant and equipment have suffered an impairment loss. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss, if any. Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of the asset, the charity estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. If the recoverable amount of an asset is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount. Impairment loss is recognised as an expense immediately. Where an impairment loss subsequently reverses, the carrying amount of the asset is increased to the revised estimate of its recoverable amount, to the extent that the increased carrying amount does not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined (net of depreciation) had no impairment loss been recognised for the asset in prior years. A reversal of the impairment loss is recognised as income immediately.

Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less is estimated residual value, on a straight line basis over the useful economic life of that asset as concerned.

Where the recoverable amount of a fixed asset is found to be below its net book value, the asset is written down to the recoverable figure and the loss on impairment is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

The trustees commissioned a review during the previous financial year of the property’s current market valuation by a professional estate agent, Simon Brien. Simon Brien valued the property at £250,000.

Debtors

Debtors are stated after all known bad debts have been written off and specific provision has been made against all debtors considered doubtful of collection. Income recognised by the company from government agencies and other co-funders, but not yet received at year end, is included in debtors.

Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly required investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of opening of the deposit or similar account.

Taxation

The Charity is recognised as a charity by HM Revenue and Customs and is entitled to tax exemption on income and profits from investments, and surplus on any trading activities carried on in furtherance of the Charity’s primary objectives, if these profits or surpluses are applied solely for charitable purposes.

Grants payable

Income from government grants comprises income from HSCB for Next Step and Department of Health core grant. This funding has been included in the financial statements under incoming resources from charitable activities.

17

continued

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

Financial Instruments

The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at the carrying value plus accrued interest less repayments. The financing charge to expenditure is at a constant rate calculated using the effective interest method.

3. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING JUDGEMENTS AND KEY SOURCES OF ESTIMATION UNCERTAINTY

There are no critical judgements made by Trustees that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.

4. GOING CONCERN

The Trustees have prepared a budget for a period of at least twelve months from the date of the approval of the financial statements which demonstrate that there is no material uncertainty regarding the charity’s ability to meet its liabilities as they fall due, and to continue as a going concern. On this basis the Trustees consider it appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. Accordingly, these financial statements do not include any adjustments to the carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities that may arise if the charity was unable to continue as a going concern.

5. INCOME

5. INCOME
5.1 DONATIONS AND LEGACIES Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
Income From Donations 2,949 1,150 4,099 14,436
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
5.2 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
Grants from governments and other co-funders:
HSCB Grant Income - 171,000 171,000 171,000
Tessa Lottery Grant Income - 90,130 90,130 -
Management Recharge Income 10,304 1,467 11,771 16,871
Private Counselling Income 585 240 825 -
DOH Core Grant Income 14,100 - 14,100 70,499
GCRM Grant Income 26,535 - 26,535 29,500
RFC Grant Income 71,124 - 71,124 60,944
Halifax Grant - - - 500
Adoption Fees 47,420 - 47,420 -
─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
170,068 262,837 432,905 349,314
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
5.3 OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Funds Funds
£ £ £ £
Incoming resources from generated funds 31,174 25,065 56,239 48,282
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
6. EXPENDITURE
6.1 RAISING FUNDS Direct
Other		 Support 2024 2023
Costs
Costs		 Costs
£ £ £ £ £
Raising funds 4,725 - 81,937 86,662 108,350
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

18

continued

Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

6.2 CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES Direct Other Support 2024 2023
Costs Costs Costs
£ £ £ £ £
Staff Costs 126,286 - - 126,286 132,581
Family Care 54,623 - - 54,623 54,612
Sessional contractor expenses 44,145 - - 44,145 34,577
Adopt NI 42,475 - - 42,475 42,475
Therapeutic services 36,600 - - 36,600 26,626
Other direct costs 32,475 32,475 36,925
Registration & Professional 22,749 - - 22,749 4,826
Governance Costs (Note 6.3) 6,907 - - 6,907 8,915
Training & Conference expenses 1,638 - - 1,638 1,235
Resources & Materials 1,226 - - 1,226 109
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
369,124 - - 369,124 342,881
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
6.3 GOVERNANCE COSTS Direct Other Support 2024 2023
Costs Costs Costs
£ £ £ £ £
Charitable activities - governance 6,907 - - 6,907 8,915
costs
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════
7. ANALYSIS OF SUPPORT COSTS
2024 2023
£ £
IT Software & Consumables 13,736 7,586
Management recharge 11,301 17,902
Room hire 9,008 17,457
Insurance 7,959 8,910
Interest Paid 7,794 7,010
Service charges 7,125 13,925
Telephone & internet 6,836 6,895
Depreciation 3,744 9,264
Operating lease payments 3,380 1,160
Printing, postage & stationery 2,901 2,728
Heat & Light 2,714 2,555
Repairs & maintenance 2,256 940
Motor 1,318 942
Supervision 830 1,130
Bank fees 615 500
General 420 2,714
Legal & Professional fees - 10,266
─────── ───────
81,937 111,884
═══════ ═══════
8. NET INCOME 2024 2023
£ £
Net Income is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation of tangible assets 5,287 9,264
Auditor's remuneration:
- audit services 2,892 2,892
Amortisation of grants receivable (3,534) (3,534)
═══════ ═══════

19

continued

Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

9. INVESTMENT AND OTHER INCOME 2024 2023
£ £
Amortisation of capital grants received 3,534 3,534
═══════ ═══════
10. INTEREST PAYABLE AND SIMILAR CHARGES 2024 2023
£ £
On bank loans and overdrafts 6,111 7,010
═══════ ═══════
11. EMPLOYEES AND REMUNERATION
The staff costs comprise: 2024 2023
£ £
Wages and salaries 118,037 123,527
Pension costs 8,249 9,054
─────── ───────
126,286 132,581
═══════ ═══════

Particulars of employees:

The average number of employees during the year was 6 (2023: 6).

No employee received total employee benefits (excluding employer pension costs) of more than £60,000.

Trustees emoluments

The trustees received no emoluments or reimbursement of expenses during the year (2023: £Nil).

12. GRANTS 2024 2023
£ £
Movement on outstanding accrued grant commitments for the financial year:
Commitments brought forward - 3,534
═══════ ═══════
13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Building Fixtures, Total
fittings and
equipment
£ £ £
Cost
At 31 March 2024 250,000 66,819 316,819
─────── ─────── ───────
Depreciation
At 1 April 2023 18,738 65,276 84,014
Charge for the financial year 3,744 1,543 5,287
─────── ─────── ───────
At 31 March 2024 22,482 66,819 89,301
─────── ─────── ───────
Net book value
At 31 March 2024 227,518 - 227,518
═══════ ═══════ ═══════
At 31 March 2023 231,262 1,543 232,805
═══════ ═══════ ═══════

20

continued

Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital)

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

14. DEBTORS 2024 2023
£ £
Trade debtors 49,951 59,560
Prepayments and accrued income - 4,413
─────── ───────
49,951 63,973
═══════ ═══════
15. CREDITORS 2024 2023
Amounts falling due within one year £ £
Bank loan 21,740 21,740
Trade creditors 30,555 31,023
Taxation and social security costs 23,302 34,548
Pension accrual 566 -
Accruals - 10,512
─────── ───────
76,163 97,823
═══════ ═══════
16. CREDITORS 2024 2023
Amounts falling due after more than one year £ £
Bank loan 111,817 125,763
═══════ ═══════
Repayable in one year or less, or on demand (Note 15) 21,740 21,740
Repayable between one and two years 21,740 21,740
Repayable between two and five years 65,220 65,220
Repayable in five years or more 24,857 38,803
─────── ───────
133,557 147,503
═══════ ═══════

AIB Bank hold a legal mortgage/charge over Unit 2 Pilot’s View, Heron Road, Sydneham Business Park, Belfast registered in the name of Family Routes.

17. RESERVES

RESERVES
Revaluation Funds Total
reserve
£ £ £
At the beginning of the year 100,000 14,056 114,056
Surplus/(Deficit) for the financial year - 37,457 37,457
─────── ─────── ───────
At the end of the year 100,000 51,513 151,513
═══════ ═══════ ═══════

21

continued

Family Routes (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

18. FUNDS
18.1 RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENT IN FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds Funds
£ £ £
At 1 April 2022 (99,405) 152,660 53,255
Movement during the financial year 134,412 (73,611) 60,801
─────── ─────── ───────
At 31 March 2023 35,007 79,049 114,056
Movement during the financial year (18,629) 56,086 37,457
─────── ─────── ───────
At 31 March 2024 16,378 135,135 151,513
═══════ ═══════ ═══════
18.2 ANALYSIS OF MOVEMENTS ON FUNDS
Balance Income Expenditure Transfers Balance
1 April between 31 March
2023 funds 2024
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted funds
Dormant Accounts - 23,563 8,563 - 15,000
Halifax 2,040 - 2,374 334 -
Mental Health 22,260 1,874 24,134 - -
Next Step 88,261 172,240 139,517 - 120,984
TESSA (33,512) 91,375 58,712 - (849)
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
79,049 289,052 233,300 334 135,135
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Unrestricted funds
Adoption Routes (110,150) 48,780 42,975 110,150 5,805
Family Routes 202,771 60,701 125,977 (168,098) (30,603)
Fertility Counselling Services (57,614) 98,244 57,068 57,614 41,176
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
35,007 207,725 (226,020) (334) 16,378
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Total funds 114,056 496,777 459,320 - 151,513
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

RESTRICTED & UNRESTICTED INCOME FUNDS

Restricted income from the following sources:

Next Step – Support and counselling service for birth families TESSA – Therapeutic and education support for adopted children and their adoptive parents. Mental Health Fund

Halifax Grant Income

Unrestricted income from the following sources:

Fertility Counselling Service NI (FCS) – Leading provider of specialist fertility counselling Family Routes Adoption Routes

22

continued

Family Routes

(A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

18.3 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BY FUND

Fixed Current Current Long-term Total
assets assets liabilities liabilities
- charity use
£ £ £ £ £
Restricted trust funds 231,308 64,785 (25,235) - 270,858
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
Unrestricted general funds (3,790) 47,190 (50,928) (111,817) (119,345)
─────── ─────── ─────── ─────── ───────
227,518 111,975 (76,163) (111,817) 151,513
═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════ ═══════

19. STATUS

The charity is limited by guarantee not having a share capital.

The liability of the members is limited.

Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its being wound up while they are members, or within one year thereafter, for the payment of the debts and liabilities of the company contracted before they ceased to be members, and the costs, charges and expenses of winding up, and for the adjustment of the rights of the contributors among themselves, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £1.

20. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

There are no contingent liabilities that require disclosure in the financial statements.

21. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There are no related party transactions that require disclosure in the financial statements.

22. POST-STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION EVENTS

There have been no significant events affecting the Charity since the financial year-end.

23

continued

Family Routes Ltd (A company limited by guarantee, not having a share capital) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

for the financial year ended 31 March 2024

23. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 2024 2023
£ £
Cash and bank balances 62,024 40,864
═══════ ═══════
24. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO MOVEMENT IN NET DEBT
Opening Cash Closing
balance flows balance
£ £ £
Long-term borrowings (125,763) 13,946 (111,817)
Short-term borrowings (21,740) (21,740)
─────── ─────── ───────
Total liabilities from financing activities (147,503) 13,946 (133,557)
═══════ ═══════ ═══════
Total Cash at bank and in hand (Note 23) 62,024
───────
Total net debt (71,533)
═══════

25. GOING CONCERN

The financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis, which assumes that Family Routes will continue in operation for the 12 months from the date of signing the financial statements. Family Routes had a surplus of £37,457 in the year to 31 March 2024, and at that date, the Charitable company’s assets exceeded its liabilities by £151,513.

The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.

The trustees have considered the charity’s predicted cashflow and are confident that there are sufficient resources to enable Family Routes to continue in operation for the next 12 months and, as a result deem it appropriate to continue to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of the financial statements for the following 12 months.

26.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

The charity has only financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

24