Registration number N1068528 North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Charity no: NIC 103324 Directors, report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024
North Belfast Interface Network Company IAmited by guarantee Contents Page Report of the Directors Independent Examiner's Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance sheet Notes to the financial statements 9-13
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Directors, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 The directors present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note I to the accounts and comply with the charity's Metnorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2(K)6 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019. Structure9 governance and management The Company is a company limited by guarantee. Directors The directors who served during the year were as follows C Heron (Secretary) A Kerr M Maguire J McAlea L Morgan K Murphy L Wiggins Introduction NBIN aim to achieve these through consultation, local representation, work with community representatives across sectarian divides and interagency work. As a result of this engagement process NBIN plan activities that enable l¢xal people to address issues that have that have a negative impact on community relations. NBIN develop initiatives that seek to transforni the nature of confiict and act as a catalyst for the development of community collaborations that have the potential to bring about positive social and physical change in the area. The primary vehicle for the delivery of this Work has been through the pr()gramming of the Twaddell Ardoyne Shankill Communities in Transition (TAscfF) progran)Jne, of which NBDJ is the lead partner. The creation of North Belfast tnterface Network has been a SpOnSe to intra communal violence and the threat to the physical and social structures of community life posed by ongoing conflict and communal segregation. North Belfast Interface Network was fonned in 2002. Its primary focus is now on developing relations and trust between the two communities and to help create the conditions for the regeneration of interface COmTnunities. Objectives and activities Objectives & Activities for the Public Benefit The Vision of The North Belfast Interface Network Is of. A safe, confident and prosperous community at peace with itself and its neighbours" The NBllV Mission statement is, "Working to create understanding, respect and positive relations within and between North Belfast Communities Page I
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Directors, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 NBIN have three have thiee key strategic aims which are: To minimise the potential for violent conflict and support positive intervention in North Belfast To build and nIntain positive working relationships within and between communities To play an active role in creating positive physical transforniation of interface communities in North Belfast 2023-2024 This year 2023 rnkS the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and it also mark an important phase in the development of the North Belfast Interface Networks (NBIN) future strategic objectives. As NBIN enters its 21 st year of serving the community it has undertaken a review of its role in delivering positive change throughout Upper North Belfast. Although NBINS primary strategic objectives remain the same. To minimise the potential for violent conflict and support positive intervention in North Belfast To build and maintain positive working relationships within and between communities To play an active role in creating positive physical transforniation of interface communities in North Belfast the amount of effort that is required in the pursuance of each objectivehas changed considerably. Over the past year we have witnessed a steady decline in the number of interface incidents that NBtN and its Twaddel Ardoyne Shankill Communities in Transition (TASCIT) partners have had to respond to. Throughout the summer months there were no reported incidents of any significance in relation to cross interface conflict and even though NBtN NBIN and its partners continue to maintain an intervention capacity: primarily in relation to arranged fights and problems associated with transient youth, this is much reduced in relation to historical levels of conflict previously witnessed in the Ardoyne,Woodvale and Twaddell areas. Whereas levels of conflict has decreased NBtNs work with TASCIT, its community partners, in increasing engagement between local residents in its catchtnent area continues to grow. . During the 2023- 2024 period the Promoting Positive Change programme has engaged over 1000 residents in Level l activity by delivering its second Meet the Neighbours event and a Cross Community Christmas Fun day with over 5(K) residents participating in each event. 120 residents have also taken part in t£vel 2 engagement workshops and craft classes, and a further 60 residents completed tranche 12,13 and 14 of the t£vel 3,Challenging Conversations, 9 week course. This brings the number of residents who have participated in Challenging Conversations to 280 and for tranche 13 and 14 all participants were recrnited through word of mouth from other residents who have completed the course. This year the First and Deputy First Junior Ministers alongside the Belfast LA>rd Mayor presented the Certificate of Completion Certificates to those participants who completed the course this year. Twenty residents IOPUL and IOCNR also participated in a 4 week programme What Lies Ahead that sought to engage residents on the subject of constitutional change and included site visits to Newtownhamilton and Dail Eireann. In September cotning we will also celebrate the 10 anniversary of NBDIS role as the lead partner in the Twaddell Ardoyne Shankill Communities in Transition (TAscrr) partnership. The TAscrf partnership set out to create the conditions that would enable residents to begin the process of residential de-segregation by transforniing interface structures. removing segregation walls and opening gates that have closed for over 30 yrs. Since 2013 TASCIT have supported residents on the Crumlin Rd with the removal of the first Northern Ireland Housing Execulive wall to come down in 40 yrs. This year we have witnessed the removal of two barriers in Flax Street that hav¢ kept the road closed for over 30 years and later in the year the Colombia Street pedestrian gate which has also been closed for over 30 years will open. Page 2
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Directors, report for the year ended 31 March 2024 In relation to the TASCIT Peace Barriers Programme, of which NBtN is the lead partner, the NBIN coordinator continues to be responsible for overseeing and implementation of all activities related to its strategic plan. This year a further 3 of the barriers identified in that strategic plan. Colombia St Ardoyne Rd and Velsheda Way have been brought to completion. This leaves only one barrier for which no community consent for change has yet been achieved. Finally applications have been submitted by the NBIN coordinator to the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council and the International Fund for Ireland for continued support for both NBIN and TASCIT for 202412026. Achievements and performance As outlined above, the company believes it achieved its goals of promoting good community relations throughout the North Belfast interface area. Reserve Policy In order to carry out our work it is necessary to hold financial resources in reserve. The trustees have agreed a policy that requires financial i.e. unrestricted reserves to be maintained at a level sufficient to sustain 3 months, core activity during a period of unforeseen difficulty. To operate as a successful community organisation, we requi financial reserves for the following purposes: Strategic- acquiring and replacing assets to benefit the community Accountability - complying with legal and statutory obligations e.g. redundancy payments Operational - to cover running costs not included in grant income. sustaining staff in gap funding periods etc. Financial review The results are set out in full in the fmancial statements. The directors have obtained funding for the near future. This report was approved by the Board on 29 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by M Maguire Director Manus Maguire IDec I , 2024 11..40 GMT) Page 3
Independent examiner's Report to the Members of North Belfast Interface Network I report on the accounts of the for the for the year ended 31 March 2024. which are set out on the pages that follow. Respective responsibilities of and examiner As the charity trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent exatnination, il is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. and state whether particular matters have come to my attsntion. Basis of independent examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was Caled out in accordance wÉth the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act. The examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consider¢ltion of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe: That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of RecomTnended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland 4. That there is further inforn]ation needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters ( l) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention. MTS {Dec 2, 2024 12:59 GMT) Richard Mcclay FCA For and on behalf of Mccreery Turkington Stockman LTD l Lanyon Quay Belfast 29 November 2024 Page 4
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Statement of Financial Activities (Including Summary Income and Expenditure Account) for the year ended 31 March 2024 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds Total Total 2024 2024 2024 2023 Incoming Resources Activities tofvrther the charttys objectives.. Grant received and events Notes 1,384 273.774 275,158 290,350 Total incoming resources 1,384 273,774 275,158 290,350 Charitable expenditure Management and administration (413) (287.685)(288,098) (281,808) Total resources expended (413) (287,685)(288.098) 8.542 Net income before transfers 971 (13,911) (12.940) 8,542 Transfer between funds Net incoming resources 971 (13,911) (12,940) 8,542 Fund balances brought forward 48,835 23,240 72.075 63,533 Fund balances carried forward 49,806 9.329 59,135 72.075 All of the above results are derived from from continuing activites.All gains and losses recognised in the year are included above. The notes on pages 9 to 13 forni an integral part of these fmanciaI statement& Page 5
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Balance sheet as at 31 March 2024 2024 2023 Notes Current &ssets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand 55,263 3,872 15,176 61,800 59,135 76,976 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (4,901) Net current assets 59,135 72,075 Net &ssets 59,135 72.075 Capital and reserves Restricted funds Unrestricted funds 10 10 9,329 49,806 23,240 48,835 General funds 59,135 72.075 The notes on pages 9 to 13 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 6
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Balance sheet (continued) for the year ended 31 March 2024 For the year ended 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. Directors, responsibilities.. (a) The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts foi the year in question in accordance with section 476. (b) The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and the preparation of accounts. The financial stafrments were approved by the Board on 29 November 2024 and signed on its behalf by M Maguire Director Manus Maguire (Dec I , 2024 11.-4Q GMTI Registration number N1068528 The notes on pages 9 to 13 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 7
North Belf&st Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 . continued Accounting policies Company inforn)ation North Belfast Interface Network is a Company limited by guarantee, registered in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is 123 Cliftonville Road, Belfast. Co Antrim. B T14 6JR. 1.1. Accounting convention The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2(X)6 and"Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland published in October 2019". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in sterling. which is the functional currency of the company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the neatest £. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2. Fund Accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the directors for particular purposes. Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the ternis of an appeal 1.3. Resources Incoming resources All incoming resources are included in the SOFA when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy. Donations are included as income when they are received. No amounts are included in the financial statements for services donated by volunteers. Resources expended All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs relating to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with use of the resources. Page 8
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 Employees Number of employees The average monthly numbers of employees (including the directors) during the year were: 2024 2023 Employed Employment costs 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 118,281 109.854 There were no employees earning over £60,000 in the two years ended 31 March 2024. 3. Income from charitable activities Unrestricted 2024 Restricted Total 2024 2024 Total 2023 Grants and donations International Fund For Ireland The Executive Office General Income NI Community Relations Council Department of Foreign Affatrs and Trade Reconciliation Funds St Stephens Green Trust Belfast City Council 229.759 229,759 15,806 15.806 1,384 28,209 197,557 17.565 2,043 30,193 1,384 28,209 11,502 20,000 11,490 1,384 273,774 275.158 290,350 In 2023 of the charitable income £288.307 was attributable to restricted income funds with the balance £2,043 adding to unrestricted income. Page 9
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 . continued 2024 2023 4. Total resources expended Wages and pension costs Rent and room hire Insurance Project workers, activities and facilitation Light and heat Cleaning Underspend Printing, postage and stationery Telephone Independent examination Bank charges General expenses 118,281 15,080 1.733 141,165 3,213 1,900 717 1.607 2,892 1,050 460 109.854 13,780 2,250 143,413 3,432 1,700 1.664 2,474 1,008 424 1,809 288,098 281,808 In 2023 of the charitable expenditure £280.984 was attributable to restricted funds with the balance £824 relating to unrestricted funds. Taxation No liability to UK corporation tax arises on ordinary activities for the year. The company is a registered charity . Incorporation North Belfast Interface Network is a company limited by guarantee and does not have a share capAtal.The liability of the members is limited to an amount not exceeding £1 per member. Page 10
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2024 . continued Fixtures, rittings and equipment Tangible fixed assets Total Cost At l April 2023 6,342 6,342 At 31 March 2024 6,342 6,342 Depreciation At l April 2023 6,342 6,342 At 31 March 2024 6,342 6,342 Debtors 2024 2023 Grants due 55,263 15,176 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Accruals and deferred income 4,901 Page 11
North Belfast Interface Network Company limited by guarantee Notes to the financial ststements for the year ended 31 March 2024 continued 10. Statement of fun(L Restricted Unrestricted reserve reserve Total Total reserves at l April 2023 Total income for the year Total expenditure for the year 23,240 273,774 (287,685) 48.835 72,075 1,384 275,158 (413) (288,098) Total reserves at 31 March 2024 9,329 49,806 59.135 The restricted reserve represents monies that are subject to restriction on their expenditure imposed by the donor. These funds are not available for general charity expenses and must be spent on expenditure stipulated by the funder. The unrestricted reserve represents the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. 11. Analysis of net assets between funds Restricted Unrestricted rrve reserve Total Fund Balances at 31 March 2024 represented by: Current assets Current liabilities 9.329 49,806 59,135 Total net a&sets 9.329 49.806 59,135 The restricted reserve represents monies that are subject to restriction on their expenditure imposed by the donor. These funds not available for general charity expenses and must be spent on expenditure stipulated by the funder. The unrestricted reserve represents the free funds of the charity which are not designated for particular purposes. Page 12