Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland)
Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
The trustees, who are directors for the purposes of company law, present the annual report together
with the consolidated financial statements and auditors. report of the charitsble company for the year
ended 31 March 2023.
Structure, governance and management
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee. The company was established under
a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company
and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up
members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Recruitment and appointment of management committee
The directors of the company are also charity trustees. The directors are elected to serve for an initial
three year period. The directors give their time voluntarily and receive only out of pocket expenses
from the company with the exception of Caro-Lynne Ferris whose post as Company Secretary of
Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland) is paid.
Risk management
The directors have conducted a review of the major risks to which the charity is exposed. Internal
control risks are minimised by the implementation of procedures for the authorisation of all
transactions and projects. Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of
staff volunteers, clients and visitors to the ￿ntre. These prO￿dureS are reviewed to ensure that they
continue to meet the needs of the charity-
Organisational structure
A scheme of delegation is in place and the day to day responsibility for the provision of services rests
with the company secretary and the administrative team.
Outdoor Recreation Nl commissioned a consultant to carry out an exercise with one overarching
objective, to ensure its structures, and people pro￿sseS are not only fit for purpose today, but more
importantly are ready and prepared for the organisations ongoing success and growth. This project,
named 'Fit for the Future, comprised a set of activities to examine and explore three key
organisational strands, namely..
strand A.. Structure
A review regarding the effectiveness of the current organisation structure, to ensure it is positioned to
deliver on both current and emerging business priorities.
Strand B.. Remuneration
A review on the adequacy of ORNI'S stsff remuneration package. to ensure it is in line with current
responsibilities and comparable sector rate.
Strand C. Culture
A review on the ORNI workplace culture, to develop further the ORNI employer brand and ensure it
continues to be a great place to work.
Focusing specifically on Strand A, a new organisation structure was put in place in September 2022
to..
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Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland)
Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Enable the organisation to retain its position as market leader, by giving time and resour￿ to
stakeholder engagement, strategic development and research;
Be fully aligned and resourced against its strategic priorities.,
Provide a structure that enables the right balance and definition between Project Management and
Line Management.,
Have a senior management structure that is fully supported to deliver team management,
programme management, project mentorship, organisational leadership, and business
development responsibilities.,
Have a project delivery team structure that allows projects to be allocated based on a set of
defined criteria to include current skills and specialisms. but also personal and career development
opportunities,. and
Ensure a fully resourced 'business support, presen￿, covering all matters that enable optimum
functioning of the internal organisation to include Finance, HR, IT, Facilities, Procurement.
Tangibly, this established four new teams, Strategic Projects, Place Shaping, Communications and
Training and Business Support.
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and Sin￿ the year end were as follows..
Trustees..
Ms F Kane (appointed 9 December 2022)
Mr D Stelfox
Ms E Trainor (appointed 9 December 2022)
Dr C Ferns
Mr D Hughes (appointed 9 December 2022)
Mr R Magowan
Mr J Hewrtt (appointed 9 December 2022)
Mr B Murphy (resigned 9 December 2022)
Mr J Porter
Mr R Millar
Chairman..
Mr D Stelfox
Secretary..
Dr C Ferris
Treasurer..
Mr R Millar
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Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland)
Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Objectives and activities
1. CHAMPIONING THE OUTDOORS
Strategic aim:
There is increased awareness of the benefits that outdoor recreation brings to individuals,
communities and Northern Ireland as a whole and increased focus on the importance of outdoor
recreation within policy and practice at both national and local levels.
Achievements
Key achievements for the year are summarised as foll0v￿.
Engaged in regular meetings with EMFG, NIEA, eNGO Sector;
Attended All Paty Working Group on Cycling, DOH Obesity Group, Women in Sport, Belfast
Healthy Cities-
Two formal partnership agreements imminent - SLA with the Outdoor Partnership relating to the
provision of financial administration services for the Opening Doors to the Outdoors UK
Programme and UK Trails Project led by Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland.,
Acted in an advisory role, provided support and offered advi￿ to numerous organisations on a
wide ride range of subjects e.g a¢￿SS, trail signage, trail infrastructure, MTB signage etc-
Deep dive analysis done of POMNI- (People in the Outdoors Monitor for Nl) research - including
impact of deprivation on outdoor recreation participation, rurallurban disparity in greenspace
access and people with a disability and outdoor recreation participation. Individual Council
factsheets prepared.,
Greenspace Mapping project complete
delivering an authoritative online map of all publicly
accessible greenspace and off-road trails in Northern Ireland- and
Acted as Secretariat to the National Outd¢)or Recreation Forum (NORF). Met once during the year.
2. DELIVERING TRAINING AND SHARING BEST PRACTICE
Strategic aim:
The outdoor recreation sector is better equipped to plan, deliver, manage and promote outdoor
recreation initiatives to a high standard. There is an increasing focus on innovative, sustainable and
participant-led approaches to outdoor recreation.
Achievements
Key achievements for the year are summarised as foll0v￿.
Acted as the Secretariat to the UK and Ireland Outdoor Recreation Nehvork (ORN).,
Acted as the Secretariat to the UK and Ireland Visitor Safety Group (VSG);
Outdoor Recreation HUB Established http"/￿.0utdo0rreCreatIonnl.C0Mlhublb1ogsl. 20
newslblogs published. 6 e-zines distributed. Regular Linkedln and Twitter Updates.,
Delivered 2 webinars and 1 conference= Social Prescribing Evaluation Toolkit, Cave Hill Natural
MTB Case Study Walk and Talk, ORNI conferen￿ 2023 - 100+ in attendance.,
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Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland)
Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Outdoor Event Steering Group expanded and seminar organised for spring 2023., and
Review on-going of Principles and Standards for Trail Development.
3. PLANNING AND DEVELOPING QUALITY EXPERIENCES
Strategic aim:
A wide range of high quality, sustainable and participant focused outdoor recreation experiences
allowing people to connect and engage with nature are in place across Northern Ireland.
Achievements
Key achievements for the year are summarised as follows"
Completed
Castle Caldwell Development Plan - FODC;
Ring of Gullion Way Scoping Study- NMDDC..
Cave Hill MTB Trail Pilot- BCC-
Angling Development Report and Action Plan for the Erne System - FODC"
Trail prescriptions for 8 trails in Binevenagh, Ballycarton. Grange and Downhill area - Binevenagh
Maghera (Mullagh Road) Local Hub Masterplan - MUDC"
National Outdoor Recreation Strategy for Ireland - support seprfices - CnT',
Beara Breifne Way Technical Trail Audit- Fl.,
Roscommon Outdoor Recreation Strategy - Roscommon County Council.,
Ballina - Enniscrone Recreational Trail Feasibility Study - Mayo Coco..
Donegal Outdoor Recreation Strategy - Donegal County Council.,
Peatlands Eco Tourism phase 2 and phase 3- Fl;
Glenmona House Cushendun - NT"
Inclusive Beach Access Study - NMDDC"
Newcastle Harbour Open Water Swimming Review- NMDDC"
Mourne Strategic Framework- Moume Partnership.,
Blueways Vision and Action Plan - Blueways Partnership led by Sport Ireland;
Mourne Park Visitor Experience Plan - Woodland Trust.. and
Glas-na-braden Visitor Experience Plan - Woodland Trust.
On-going
Strangford Lough Blueway Feasibility Study - ANDBC:
Feasibility Study for the development of a multi-use trails in NMDDC - DAERA.,
Silent Valley Masterplan - Nl Water.,
Masterplans for Woodbum Forest, Portglenone Forest and Glenarm Forest.,
Camlough Mountain Masterplan -NMDDC',
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Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland)
Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Camlough Mountain Masterplan -NMDDC',
Ring of Gullion Visitor Management Plan - NMDDC;
Slieve Beagh Feasibility Study - FODC, Cavan CC Monaghan CC" and
Mote Park Development Project - Roscommon Coco.
Community Trails
Feasibility studies complete for 2 community trails - Bright GAC, Teconnaught GAC (NMDDC) with
work progressing on a further 2 - Inch Abbey and Tipperary Wood.,
Feasibility study complete for Saul to Lough Money (SportNI)', and
Feasibility studies complete for community trails in Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, Clogher Valley,
Larne, Ballyclare and Ballymena RFCS.
Water-Based Recreation
Arney River Canoe Trail - complete.
Other
Faughan Valley Sculpture Trail -trails and car park complete- final sculptures to be installed.
Research
Participation figures gathered on a quarterly basis for Castleward, Divis, Gosford and the
Community Trails in; Cloghey, Tobar Mhuire, Bunkers Hill, Saul GAC, Ballynahinch Rugby Club,
Drumkeeragh Forest, Tievenadarragh Forest, Corry Wood, Seaforde Plantations, Carnagh Forest,
Slan's Graveyard and Darkley Forest.,
Impact survey (Social Return on Investment) of one Community Trails (Arney) completed; and
Social Value Assessment- Divis and Black Mountain complete.
4. INCREASING AWARENESS
Strategic aim:
A consistently high level of accurate infomiation on outdoor recreation is widely available, leading to
an increase awareness of outdoor recreation opportunities by both the local population and visitors to
Northern Ireland.
Achievements
Key achievements for the year are summarised as follows:
Phase 2 of OutmoreNI.com on-going"
Phase 1 of 'Get Out More, marketing campaign complete - phase 2 on-going. Phase 1 secured
66k+ video views, established 6k+ social media followers, generated 39k+ website visits and over
20 media articles-
Work on-going to make keep WalkNI, CanoeNI, MountainbikeNI, OutdoorNI up to date and
consumer friendly.,
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Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland)
Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
12 Environmental messages posted on WalkNI through a combination of e-newsletter features,
news articles and social media posts;
E-news distributed to 375 underrepresented groups twice in the year"
Responsible Use of the Outdoors Marketing campaign - complete - evaluation showed 100k video
views, 425k reached on social media, 408k website visits, 71 newspaper articles, 2 radio interview
and 1 TV ple￿.,
New Ulster Way website - complete"
C.460,000 unique visitors to the websites WalkNI, MountainbikeNI, CanoeNI and OutmoreNI,.
C. 36,OOOk followers of WalkNI through social media channels of Fa￿boOk, Instagram and twitter.,
C.31,OOOk followers of MountainbikeNI through social media channels of Facebook, Instsgram and
I￿ltter.,
Right Side of Outside Campaign
Phase 2 delivered to reiterate key messages to encourage
responsible use of the outdoors. Campaign secured 25+ media articles, generated 39k+ website
visits and reached over 200k people on social media.,
Get Wet- 11 water sport clubs offered 15 events and participation programmes" and
Get Wet Stay Safe 612 people attended courses be￿een June and September. SUP most
popular activity.
5. WIDENING, INCREASING AND SUSTAINING PARTICIPATION
Strategic aim:
The number of people participating in outd¢)or recreation in Nl continues to rise.
Achievements
Key achievements for the year are summarised as follows:
Peace + funding programme opened in March - work on-going on preparing a concept note.
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Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland)
Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
Financial review
The Charity has generated a positive financial outcome for the year with a net increase in funds of
£99,553 {2022.' £389,596) as a result of total income for the year of £1,876,210 (2022.. £2,192,687)
and total expenditure for the year of £1,776,657 (2022.. £1,803,091).
ststement of trustees, responsibilities
The trustees {who are also the directors of Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland) for the purposes of
company law) are responsible for preparing the trustees. report and the financial statements in
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards {United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice), including FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" The report and accounts have been prepared in
accordance with the provisions in the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.
Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under
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 charitable company and of the incoming
resources and application of reSoUr￿s, including its income and expenditure, of the charitable
company for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to=
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently-
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP.,
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
state whether applicable accounting standards. comprising FRS 102 have been followed, subject
to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume
that the charitable company will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that can disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure that
the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the charitable company 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 corporate and financial
information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and
dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in otherjurisdictions.
Disclosure of inforniation to auditor
Each trustee has taken steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee in order to make themselves
aware of any relevant audit infomiation and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that
information. The trustees confimi that there is no relevant information that they know of and of which
they know the auditor is unaware.
Reappointment of auditor
The auditors RBCA Limited are deemed to be reappointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act
2006.
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Outdoor Recreation (N. Ireland)
Trustees Report for the Year Ended 31 March 2023
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on
behalf by=
26 Oct 2023
and signed on its
Ms F Kane
Trustee
Mr D Stelfox
Chairman and Trustee
Ivlb E I l illllul
Trustee
Dr C Ferris
Mr D Hughes
Company Secretary and Trustee Trustee
Mr R Magowan
Trust
Mr J Hewitt
Trustee
Mr J vorter
Trustee
Mr t% Miiiar
Treasurer and Trustee
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