Depaul Northern Ireland IA company Ilmlted by guarantee, not havlng a Share eapltsll TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 The Trustees (who are the directors of the company} are pleased to presenl their Annual Report and audited Financial Statements ofDepaul Northern Ireland forthe year ended 31 December2023. Depaul Northem Ireland has prepared its Financial Statements in line wilh the Companies Acts and Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice ('Charities SORP.) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Ihe Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland ("FRS 102°). The Trustees have not prepared the strategic report required of medium and large companies under The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic Report and Directorfs Report) Regulations 2013 as the company qualifies as small under section 383. OUR HISTORY Depaul Northern Ireland is part of a group of charities (the "Depaul Group") that works across the worfd with a mission to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by It. The ultimate parent company is Depaul Internalional. The Depaul Group of charities came about as a joint response by three organisalions to the rise of youth hornelessness in the late 1980's in London. These were the Daughters of Charity of St Vincent de Paul, the Soclety of St Vincent de Paul and the Passage Day Centre. All three owe their vision, mission and values to the life and work of St Vincent de Paul, a great social and spiritual reformer in 17th century France. They are part of a global nehvork of charitable and religious organisations known collectively as the Vincentian Family. St Vincent de Paul believed in action rather than words, in taking risks to help the poor. and in flnding new ways to deal with old problems. Although Depaul International is independent of these founding organisation5, It continues to work closely with them and other members of the Vincentian Family globally. The Depaul Group is re¢ognised as being part of the Vincentian Family in its own right. working inclusively wlth homeless and disadvanlaged people of all faiths and none. which is reflected in the makeup of its employees, volunteers and Trustees. Depaul International now operates in Ireland, United Kingdom. USA, Ukraine, Slovakia, Croatia and France. Depaul came to the Republic of Ireland in 2002 on the invitation of both the Irish Govemment and the Vincentian Family in Ireland. There was an unmet need at the time. in particular for those with very complex needs who found it difficull lo access and maintain accommodation service due to their lifestyle. Depaul Ireland developed pragmati¢ responses lo work with these groups and opened many services that were the first of their kind In Ireland. Depaul Northern Ireland wa5 established in 2005 as a subsidiary undertaking of Depaul Ireland. In 2016 Depaul Ireland eslablished a second subsidiary company, Depaul Housing Association ("Depaul Housing.) which is an Approved Housing Body. Together Ihese three charities fomi the Depaul Irish Group In 2015 the Depaul Group became known slmply as °Depaul°. At this tlme 'Homelessness has no place. was adopted as the internalional expression of the Depaul mission. Depaul International works under a Board and Assembly goverrsance structure, which provides oversight while re¢ognislng and respecting the individuality of each subsidiary charfty Wlthln the Depaul Group. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Our Vislon, Mlsslon and Value5 Depaul works to support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Qur Vision Is of a society In which everyone, across the world, has a place to call home and a stake in their community. Our Mission is to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it. Our Values are.. We celebrate the potential in people. We put words into action. We take a wider role in civil society. We believe in rights and responsibilities.
Depaul Northern Ireland IA Company Ilmlted by guarantè*, nol havlng a share eApltall TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 Revlew of Activltles During the yearlhe Depaul Irish Group provided support for 10,93612022- 7,4551 people including single people. couples and families across all our seNi¢es throughout the Depaul Irish Group. The total number of people supported in the Republic of Ireland was 10.153 (2022.. 6,454) and in Northern Ireland was 783 {2022: 1,0011. In addition, Depaul Housing provided 40 (2022.. 32) tenancies during the year. Key Achievements in the Year Depaul Northern Ireland achievements in 2023 included: Appointed a Sustainability Manager who began reviewing our service offerlng across Northem Ireland to identify areas for greater efficiency and improved service delivery. Participated in a new partnership initiative, the Complex Lives Project, in Belfast encompassing a number of service providers and ststutory agencies to mobilise a whole system approach to supporting people caught in a vicious cycle of homelessness, addiction and mental issues in Belfast. Following a competitive process, was awarded a Community Foundation grant to establish a pilot Homeless Health Peer Advocate programme in the western part of Northem Ireland. Charitable Actlvltles The Depaul Irish Group strategic plan, 'A Path Home" builds upon the foundations of our traditional Low Threshold approach to serwce provision by engaging in Speciallsed Services ¢entred on meeting unique needs and building permanenl solutions in our Housing-ledapproach to services. The plan sets out a strategic direction which builds on Depaul's significant success achieved to date. Our strategy is centred around five main themes each ofwhiGh represents an area within Ihe organisation which will drive change during the lifetime of thls strategic plan. This plan 15 accompanied by key performance indicators that will outline actions we will take and how we will monitor our progress. Theme 1: our servi8 and housing Theme 2.. our people Theme 3: our organisation Theme 4.. our service users Theme 5." our voice Depaul's mission is to end homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it. We belleve that the exp&rience of homelessne55 affects people in a myriad of ways and therefore requires different approaches. People who are homeless are not a homogenous group and the manner by which Depaul organise ServIS reflects this complexty. Our response to service provision is organised into five service pillars.. Prevention, High Support Accommodation, Families and Young People, Health and Rehabilitation. and Housing. This approach allows services to be tailored and modelled specifically for the needs of the households served. Prevention Depaul's prevention seNices work in communities across Northem Ireland, ensurfng families and individuals are able lo maintain their tenancies and live independently within their own communities. These services are designed to Intervene at a community level to help PT8vent people entering homelessness and assisting people who have a history of homelessness gain roots in their communities. Depaul's prevention service encompasses a Hami Reduction Floating Support service and Depaul's Foyle Haven Day Centre in UDery. The Floating Support service in UDery supported 63 (2022: 52} individuals wlth a history of drug and alcohol misuse to remain in their own homes. The Foyle Haven Day Centre has been in ever increaslng demand over the last number of years and plays a vital role in the LIDerry area supportlng people with a range of challenges. In 2023 the Day Centre supported 246 people (2022: 403 people). 2023 represents a return to normal levels of support while 2022 saw increased temporary service user needs when the Day Centre re-opened for in-person support post Covid in earfy 2022.
Depaul Northern Ireland {A Company Ilmrted by guarantee, not having a shar• capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 ort Accomm dation Depaul's origins lie in its ability to provide low threshold accommodation for men and women with significant drug and alcohol difficulties. Our High Support Accommodation services are structured to offer supported accommodation to those who have the greatest difficulties and complexities. They are designed to offer emergency and case management supports to tackle such issues and support people to move to longer term more independent living arrangements. stella Maris, an alcohol managed service in the docks area of Belfast. supports men and women who are homeless with alcohol difficulties. During the year Stella Maris worked with 48 people (2022: 38 people). The Casllehill Sewice in Dungannon provides self-contained accommodation and during the year provided supported accommodation for 61 people12022: 62 people). Families and Youn Peo le Depaul Northern Ireland provides vital accommodation and community supports for vulnerable families and young people who are experiencing or are at risk of homelessness. Our Belfast based Family Floating Support service provides support to families movlng on from temporary accommodation into the community and supports families at risk of homelessness. The Family Floating Support service worked with 93 adults and 87 children through the year (2022.. 93 adults and 157 children). Mater Del In North Belfast and Cloverhlll in Twinbrook are our temporary accommodation seNices designed to provide families wlth the best possible support to deal with the experience ofbeing in temporary accommodation and assist them lo move into permanent housing as soon as possible. Both Services offer 24-hour support and were assisted by a Ghildcare support service funded by Children in Need until mid-2023. In the past these vital services have benefiled from corporate donations to upgrade the furniture and fittings and improve the quality of the services we offer. Mater Dei accommodated 28 adults and 34 children {2022.- 34 adults and 32 children) while Cloverhlll accommodated 44 adults and 55 children (2022: 47 adults and 56 children)- Housin Depaul considers that housing is ultimately the solution to homelessness. Depaul Northem Ireland operates a number of services within the community, providing housing solutions for very vulnerable people. Foremost amongst these are the Housing First services in UDery and Belfast. Housing First is an approach based on the philosophy that all individuals, despite their background, can live independently once the proper supports are provided. Depaul have been pioneers of this approach in Northern Ireland. During the year this Service worked with 60 people {2022.' 56) people across the two cities. Health and Rehabilitation Depaul continues to provide vitsl onsite healthcare support in all our services while working closely with other agencies to ensure those experiencing homelessness have access to the healthcare they require. During the year we reconfigured our Foyle Haven Day Centre space to facilltate a clinical room where extemal health professionals run on-site clinics inGluding screening services, health and wallbeing checks, podiatry, vaccines and counselling. This vital interventlon played a key part in supporting the health of some ofthe most vulnerable individuals in UDery. Bringing the services to these individuals helps overcome the barriers that oftan prevenl them from accessing health related supports when they need it. As a result, 297 mental health interventions and 307 tailored physlcal health interventions were provided in 2023. Depaul Northern Ireland, supported by the Public Health Agency, introduced a Needle and Syrlnge exchange service for those who attend Ihe Day Centre. Use of the service has grown month on month and is a key harm reduction int8rvenlion for our service users.
Depaul Northern Ireland IA company Ilmlt8d by guarantee. not havlng • share capital) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 Volunteers Depaul ha5 a strong culture of supporting volunteerlng. We believe that people should have a way to tangibly demonstrate their care and compassion, and that the experience should be as beneficial to the volunteers as it is to those we serve. Volunteers are glven a comprehensive induction programme and supported through ongoing review and training. We remain grateful for the unstinting efforts of our volunteers who provide such valuable benefit through a wide range of activities designed to engage, support and befriend our service users. Durtng 2023 16 volunteers contributed 702 hours of volunteering (2022.. 35 volunteers and 366 hours) across our services in Northem Ireland. FUTURE PLANS During 2024 Depaul Northem Ireland will revlew Its strategic plan in conjunction with Depaul Ireland and Depaul Inlernalional. Depaul is committed lo continuously improve and develop its S8rvices. Depaul Northern Ireland is actively seeking support for a new initiative that would support women leaving prison while the appointment of a Sustainability Manager will identify other opportunities and initiatives to be progressed over the next number of years that will strengthen our service offering across Northern Ireland. The Department for Communities along with the NIHE are undertaking a review of the Housing First approach wilh the intention of upscaling and rolling out the Housing First model across Northern Ireland. Depaul Northern Ireland pioneered Housing First 10 year5 ago and continues to deliver the Housing First service in Belfast and UDerry. Depaul is a key participant in the advisory and steering group undertaking this review and remains committed to Ihe importance ofthe Housing First mod81. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Depaul Northem Ireland is incorporated as a company limiled by guarantee and reglstered with the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland. Depaul Northern Ireland files its annual accounts and annual monitoring report with the Commission. The Trustees The strategic direction and govemance of the company is the responsibility of the Trustees. The Nominations Committee seeks people with suitable ski115 to serve on the Board of Trustees and manages the process for the recruitment, appointment and rotation ofTrustees. Depaul International. the ultimate parent company, approves the appointment of any new Trustees. Newly appointed Trustees receive a letter of appointment and an induction programme covering responsibilities and involvement outside of formal Trustee meetings. The following were Truste@s of the company, and unless indlcated otherwise, served for the entire year: John Murphy, Chairperson David Lane Jennifer Lee Mary Leonard Fr. Joseph Loftus Tim McKeown (appointed 7 February 2024) Yvonne Mcwhirther (reslgned 22 September 2023> John Megahey Sr. Margaret O'Donovan Paul O'malley Paul Stanley Paul White
Depaul Northern Ireland (A company Ilmlted by guarant¢¢, not havlng a sharè ¢apitall TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 The Company Secretary was Laurence J Tuomey. Throughout the year, the Trustees did not receive any loans or remuneration from Ihe company. The company cloes not have a share capital. In order to ensure that Depaul Northem Ireland is managed efficlentiy and effectively, the Trustees have delegated a range of day-trFday decision making powers to executive management. The Trustees have established appropriate controls and mechanisms to ensure that management operate within the powers delegated to them. The Executive Leadership Team is responsible for the overall management of the Depaul Irish Group, incorporating Depaul Ireland, Depaul Northern Ireland and Depaul Housing. This team is supported by a number of senior manag8rs and each service has a local management team. Trustee Commlttees The Trustees have established five sub-committees to support the work of the Board of Trustees: Services. Quality and Development committee Flnance, People and Organisation, and Risk committee Fundraising and Communication committee Remuneration committee Nominatlons commrttee Each committee is governed by a Trustee approved terms of referenc8 and may have co-opted other members when appropriate. Most of the Trustees are a member of at least one of the sub-committees of the Board. The Nominations committee also supports the appointment of committee members. Other than the Remuneration committee. which meets as needed, committees meet a minimum of four times per year. FINANCIAL REVIEW Review of results Tolal incorne for the year amounted to £3.5m (2022.. £4.4ml wlth the decrease reflecting the retum of prior year unspent reslricted funding to the statutory agency. Depaul Northern Ireland depends on a high level of statutory income, with over 800/0 of our income Goming through variou5 government departments for a rang8 of services. We continue to invest in our fundraising activities in order to raise the profile of the organisation and to increase our ability to maintain services with this much-needed additional Income. The net outcome for th8 yearwas an unrestricted surplus of £0.2m and a restricted deficit of £0.7m. resulting in an overall net deficit of £0.4m for 2023 (2022.. £0.6m surplus). The current year restricted deficit reverses the restrtcted reserves brought forward from prior years. Our fundraising income for the year amounted to £0.58m12022= £0.75m), reflecting the continued generous response from individuals across the community during a period when donors were impacted by inflationary pressures. Our supporters undersland that Christmas and the winler month5 are a particular vulnerable time for homeless people and contributions from the public are concentrated in the last months of the year. The impact of the additional non-statutory unrestricted income has meant Depaul Northem Ireland ended the financial year with an unrestricted reserve of £1.5m (2022: £1.2m). These funds will ensure that Depaul Northem Ireland remains able to withstand adverse events that might occur but also seek to enhance its service offering in area5 where statutory agencies are not present.
Depaul Northern Ireland IA company Ilmlted by guarantee. not havlng a share caprtall TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 Reserves Depaul Northem Ireland's reserves fall into types.. Restricted funds.. these are generated when the donor stipulates how thelr donation must be spent or as a result of an appeal that has been run for a specific project or activity. Unrestricted funds.. These are generated when the donor does not stipulate how their donation must be spent. Unrestrlcted fLFnds include designated and otherfunds where the Trustees have set asSde money for a specific purpose or to cover possible risks. The Trustees adopt a reserve policy which they consider appropriate to ensure the continued abillty of the company to meet its objectives. Consideration is given to assessing the risk, probability and likely impact on our ability to meet financial obligations or reduce 8xpenditure in the short term due to a decline in income. The Trustees reviewed their reseNes policy during 2022 and set an unrestricled general reseNe minimum target of 6 weeks annual operating costs to cater for short tem working capital needs and an additional unrestricted reserve target of between 6 weeks and 20 weeks annual operating costs to Gater for longer periods of disruption that might arise due to unexpecled future adverse events. At 31 December 2023 the company had sufficient reseNes for the general reserve target of 6 weeks annual operating costs and held an additional 13.7 weeks (2022.. 11.3 weeks) for Ihe unrestricted reserve target which is within the policy range of 6 to 20 weeks. The Trustees consider there are sufficient unrestricted reserves at year end to avoid an unacceptable level of disruption to the organisation in the event of a downturn in future income. RISK MANAGEMENT The Trustees have assessed the major risks to whlch the company is exposed, in particularthose related to the operations and finances of the company, and are satisfied that systems and procedures are in place to mltigate our exposure to these major risks. The Trustees maintain a risk register. which they review regulady. Cost Inllation risks.. the rate of cost inflation experienced In the last two years was signlflcant and adversely impacted the Depaul Irish Group. Statutory funders responded to these events as did a number of corporate donors. The medium term impact remains uncertaln and the Trustees continue to monitor the risk of further inflationary pressures. Reputational risks.. the Trustees are conscious of the importance of its reputstion as a well-run organisalion delivering public benefit and have undertaken sleps to ensure Depaul Northern Ireland's governance and management structures are robust and give confidence to all stakeholders and operate in line with our values. Financial risks.- the organisation exposes itself to a variety of financial risks Sncluding a reduction in statutory income or in community support to fundraislng appeals. Measures to mitigate this risk include strong budgetary management and cost control and proactive negotiations with key stakeholders on appropriate service budgets designed to cover direct and indirecl costs. The Finance, People and Organisation, and Risk commltte8 monitors financial risks on a quarterly basis. Hgalth and Safety risks.. the Trustees recognise the importance of health and safety In all of our services. Depaul Northern Ireland implements robust systems and structures to ensure all health and safety regulations are complied with. There is quarterly reporting on compliance to Ihe Services. Quality and Development Gommittee and annual reporting to the full Board. Legal and Regulatory risks.. th8 company is required to comply with a wider range of legal and regulatory obligations. Policies and procedures are in place to ensure compliance wilh these obligations, however, there inevitably remains a residual risk of an operational failure resulting in a breach of these obligations. Insurablg risks.. the or9anisation incurs exposure to employer. publlc and propety damage liability by virtue of the nature of its operations. While a strong emphasis is plac8d on health and safety and risk 10
Depaul Northern Ireland IA company Ilmlted by guaranteg, not havlng a share capltsl) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT for the financial year ended 31 December 2023 management practices to avoid liability arising, insurance cover is maintained to mitigat8 the financial impact from such events. Perfom7ance risks.. Ihere is a risk that the high quality of our services may not be maintained and we perform below our own expectations orthose ofour funders as set out in their service level agreements. The Trustees monitor performance on an ongoing basis and have implemented annual service audit programmes as well as employee and service user surveys to provide them with assurance in thls regard. GOING CONCERN After making appropriate enquiries, the Trust8es have a reasonable expectation thatthe company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of Ihe golng concem basis can be found in the accounting policies to the financial statements. EVENTS AFTER THE BALANCE SHEET DATE There were no significant events affecting the company after the end of the year. BOOKS OF ACCOUNT The measures taken by the Trustees to ensure compliance with the requlrements regarding proper books of account are the implementation of necessary policies and procedures for recording transactions, the employment of competent accounting personnel with appropriate expertise and the provision of adequata resources to Ihe financial funclion. The books of account of the company are maintained at 449 Antrim Road, Belfast. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS Each of the Trustees at the time when this Trustees. Annual Report was approved has confirmed that: so far as that Trustee is aware, there is no relevant audit Information of which the company's auditors are unaware; and the Trustee has taken all the steps thal ought to have been taken as a Trustee in order to be aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware ofthat information. This confirmation is given and should be interpreted in accordance with the provisions of seclion 418 of the Companies Act 2006. AUDITORS The Audilors, Crowe Ireland, have indicaled their willingness lo contlnue in office in accordance with the provisions of section 485A17) of the Companies Act 2006. Approved by the Board of Trustees on 24 May 2024 and signed on its behalf by: John Murphy, Chairperson Paul Stanley• Treasurer