COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER.. N1071572 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NIC103369 Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements 31 March 2023 Youth Link: Nl Farset Enterprise Park 638 Springfield Road Belfast BT12 7DY
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Financlal Statements Year ended 31 March 2023 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the director's report) Independent auditorfs report to the members 16 Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) 21 Statement of financial position 22 Statement of cash flows 23 Notes to the financial statements 24
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrectorfs Report) Year ended 31 March 2023 The tnjstees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the financi21 slalemenls of the charily for the year ended 31 March 2023. Refèrence and admSnSstratlve detalls Reglstered charlty name Youth Link Nl Charlty registration number NIC10336g Company reglstratlon number N1071572 Principal office and registerod Farset Enterprise Park Offjce 638 Springfield Road Belfast BT12 7DY Northern Ireland The trustees RJ Mccullagh D Mcwall (Treasurer) P Brown D Kelly {Chairperson) F McNally l Taylor G Thompson G Gilmore S Henry (Vice Chairperson) J McLoughlin B Dineen W Fyffe C Hinchliff ERea Key Management Personnel Director Interim Director Finance Manager Academic Studies Manager Executive Officer Gordon Woolsey Joseph McKeown Jenny Bell Sharon Raine Maria McKenna {Resigned 28 February 2023) {Appointed 1 February 2023)
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Director's Report) (conttnuedj Year ended 31 March 2023 Company secretary G Woolsey M McKenna (Resigned 30 January 2023) (Appointed 30 January 20231 Audito Finegan Gibson Lltj Chartered accountants & slalutory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfasl BT2 8DN Bankers First Trust 35 University Road Belfast BT7 1ND Sanlander UK PLC Bridle Road Boolle Merseyside L30 4GB Sollcltors Cleaver Fulton Rankin 50 Bedford Stre8t Belfast BT2 7FW Edwards and Co Solicilors 28 Hill Stre8t Belfast BT12LA
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporatlng the Dlrectorfs Report) (continued) Year ended 31 March 2023 Structure, governance, and management Governing Document Youth Link-. Nl is a company fimited by guarantee govemed by ils Memorandum and Articles of Assoaalion dated July 2015. Youth Link= Nl is a registered charity wlh the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland. Appointment of Truslees Members of the Executive Council and Youlh Link Honorary Officers are appointed by the relevant decision-making bodies of ils member Churches and l or the Denominational Represenlalives. Council members are appointed for a period of the years. A retiring Tnjstee is elvJible for re- appointment. Appointments lo the Trustees by members of their respective relevant De¢ision-M8king Bodies shall be made as follows.. Up to six Truslees to be appointed by the Roman Catholic Church. Up to three Trustees to be appointed by The Presbyierian Church. Up lo three Trustees to be appointed by The Methodist Church. Up to three Twstees to be appointed by Church of Ireland ITogelher known as the Denomirbation21 RepresentatNesl. Two Trustees to be appointed by the Denominational Representatives. Membeys will be infomied of the reliremenl of those Trustees who wish to retire or who are retiring by rolalion and will elect Trustees lo fill vacancies arising al the General Meeting. Trustee induction and training Induction and training sessions for Trustees are organised as required. As part of Ihe inductDn process new Trustees are made aware of a Truslees, legal obligations under charity and company law, the content of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the committee and decision-making processes, the operational and strategic plan and recent financial performance of the charity. Arrangements for settlng pay and remuneratlon of key management personnel. The directors comprise Ihe Board of Directors. who are the charity's TTuslees. and the management leam comprise the key management personnel of the chaiily in ¢h8rge of directing and controlling. running. and operating the charity on a d2y-tO*day basis. All direclors give of their lime freely and no director received remuneration during the year. Details of directors, expenses and relatèd party transactions are disdosed in Note 14 to the accounts. The pay of the management team is reviewed annual and nomally ineased in accordance with inflation. During 2015116 the Trustees reviewed management team salaries and benchmarf(ed against pay levels in other similar size charities run on a voluntary basis and scale points were set accordlngly. Progression is dependent upon the outcome of individual annual appLal$.
Youth Llnk Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢onllnu8dJ Year ended 31 March 2023 Organisation structure and how charity makes decisions. The Executive Council. which can have up lo 17 members. administers Ihe chartty. The Coun(il meets four limes per annum. nom)ally September, December. March, and June. A Sub-comrnittee of the Executive Council, Finance & Personnel Sub-committee normally meets a month prior to ExeGLilive Council meetings and vIewS all mallers relating to the management of finan. funding. staffing. and assets. A Director is appointed by the Trustees to manage the day-to-day operations of the charity. To facilitate effective operations. the Director has delegated authority, within terms of delegatron approved by the Trustees, for operational matters including finance, employment, and direcl charitable activities. Relatlonships with related partles The Trustees do not receive any remuneration unless il is authorised by Anide 7 of the Artlcles of Association. Executive Council niembers and staff members are asked lo dectare their interests in, and any gifts or hospitality received in connection with thr role in Youth Link Nl. A declaration of interests fom is completed by all Council membets and staff for this purpose, lisling the lypes of interest that should be declared. Interests are recorded on Youth Link's Register of Interests which is maintained by the Company Secretary. Risk management The Trustees have a Risk Management Strategy which compris8S: An annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties thal the charity laces. The establishment of policies, systems. and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual reMew- and The implementab'on of procedures designed lo minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks malerialise. A Risk Register is in place and is reviewed annually. The most recant review of the Register was carried out in June 2023. Areas of risk for the organisation were reviewed and assessed. These included risks relating to Govemance & Management. Operational, Financial. People and External factors affecting the organisalion. Objectives and Activitles Charity Objects: To contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming souety by working toJether as a partnership of member Churches by= worknng in partnership towards the building of voluntary. social and reconciliation capacty within civil society and k)cal comTnunilies.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporatlng the Directorfs Report) (¢ontlnued) Year ended 31 March 2023 creating positive opportunities for cross-communlty experiences at local. national, and international levels. promoting the inclusive involvement of young people at all levels. To enable, suppx)rt and encourage churches lo offer a m(e effects've ministry to young people to promole their spiritual, so(aal, and personal development by= helping Youth Link.. Nl and member Churches lo maximize existing and new resources in the serwce of young people. facililaling the development of youth work practilioriers through collaborative education and Iraining. sharing experiences, resources, and ideas amongst the churches lo enhance the overall provision for young people. Vision Churd7es worf(ing tojether lo build excellence in youth work and ministry towards a just, peaceful, and flourishing society based on the common good. Mission Statement Youth Link's mission is to: support y(wJng people lo achieve their full potential. enable young people and youth pracbtioners to be agents of transfomiation and hope. promote and provide excellence in youth work and leadership training. encourage and equip young people to participate in Church and community and in the building of a peaceful and inclusive society. partner with Church bodies. youth organisations and relevant Secto with responsibS1ity for young people and youth practitioners. facilitate the development of youth work and ministry within and on behalf of the Churches. integrate equity. diversity, and interdependence into all aspects of pollcy and practice In youth worf( and ministry. Value Base Central lo Youth Link is the Christian faith which commits us to.. building positive relationships. the personal, social, and spiritual development of young people. improving young peoples, lives through txisitive outcomes in youth work and ministry. encourage and support youth practttioners in their personal and professional development. developing effeclive and strategic partnerships. building relationships that enable tranSfOrmatn in the lives of indtviduals and communitles. promote respect, trust, and indusivily wthin a culturally dNerse society- faimess in provision of service. integrity and accountability in all aspects of our work.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢ontinu8dJ Year ended 31 March 2023 nurluring global awareness and interdependence wilhin the human and environmental community. applying theological and eth1 understanding to youth work practice arid to pUtlC and community life. promote justice, pea, healing. and reconciliation in society. Strategic Aims 1. As a partnership of thurches working together, Youth Link wll contribute lo a more inclusive and peaceful society by enabling young people and youth practitioners lo build posilive, heallhy. and sustainable relatlonships within and between communities thr(wgh education, tralning, and empowerment programmes. 2. Responsive lo a changing environment Youth Link will ensure the provision of a sustainable quallty semce through effective and professional leadershlp & management. 3. Youth Link will raise the proftle of the organisation as a unique model of faith based collaboratlve youth work in the churches. community, and voluntary sector. Slrategic Aim I As a partnership of churches working together. Youth Link will contribute to a more Inclusivo and peaceful society by enabllng young people and youth practitioners lo build positive, heallhy, and sustainable relationships wilhin and between cL)mmunities through education. training. and emFK)wermenl programmes. Outcomes 1.1 Young people and youth practitionets will have tx)silNe healthy and sustainable relationships within and between communities. 1.2 Services that reswnd to the thanging needs of young people. 1.3 Increased capacity among young people and yOh practttioners in youth work and ministry. 1.4 Increased knoedge and skills among youth practitioners to promote bullding a peacelul and indusive society. 1.5 Enhand knowledge and skllls among youth practitioners to engage young people in CRED related work. 1.6 Increased mutual understanding, tolerance. hospitality, and respect among yovng people from differenl socio-economic, educational. cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. 1.7 Increased Capacity and social capital among young [ople from areas of disadvantage and social exdusion.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrector's Report) (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2023 Strategic Aim 2 Responslve to a changing environment Youth Link will ensure the promsion of a sustainable quality service through effective and professional leadership and management. Outcomes 2.1 Provision of a susialnable quality seryice that responds to changes wilhin the social, p(Aitical, and economtc environment. 2.2 Effective and professional leadership, marbagemenl. and govemaDCe. 2.3 Effective managemenl of finanal resources. 2.4 Integrity and accountability in govemance and management of Youth Link. Strategic Aim 3 Youth Link wlll raise the profile of Ihe organisation 8s a unique model of faith based collaboratlve youth work in the churches. communily, arKI voluntary sector. Outcomes 3.1 Recognition of Youth Link as a unlque model of faith based collaborative youth worf( in the churches. community, and voluntary sector. 3.2 Recognition of Youth Link as a prophetic voice wtthin the Churches and the wider community in relation to current issues in youlh work and ministry, peace building and reconciliation Public Beneflt Statement: In shaping objectives for the year and planning activities. the Trustees have considered the Charity Commission's guidance on public benef. The direct ber)efits which flow from Youth Link's purposes indude the following: members of Protestant and Catholic Churches in Northem Ireland and its border counties working together lo promote understanding of one another's backgrounds and lo improve and develop relationships. young people drawn from Prolestanl and Catholic communities based in Northern Ireland and ils border counties meet those from different backgrounds and work with them towards developing an informed understanding of their own and each otherfs backgrounds and religTrons. relationships between those drawn from different communities and backgrounds in Northern Ireland and its border counties are developed and enhanced in a positive way. church leaders and youth workers are given support in their ministry lo young people through provision of accredited and non-acuediled youth work and community relalions training opportunities Specifical tailored lo meet the needs of young people in Northern Ireland. youth work praGlitioners are supported, and their professional development enhanced through th8 provision of collaborative education and training opportunits'es by Youth Link.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢ontinued) Year ended 31 March 2023 opportunilies are provided for church leaders and youlh workers drawn from Youth Link's member Churches to meet to share experiences, resources. and ideas lo enhance their ministry lo young people. These banefits are capable of being demonstrated through.. nlfmber of young people achieving accreditation in Youth WO and l or Community Relations Programmes al Level 1 and l or Level 2 through OCN NI. number of youth workers l youth pr8clitioners achieving accredilation in Youth Worf( and l or Community Relations Programmes al Level 2 and l or Level 3 through OCN NI. number of young people and youth workers l youth practitioners parlicrpating in knOedge, skills and competency-based peace building and reconciliation programmes. number of young people and youth workers l youth practitioners partiapating in Peace Building and Reconciliation Conferences. number of youth workers l youth practitioners compleling Youth Link's Apprenluship Peace Programme. number of youth workers l youth practitsonefs graduating with BA Honours Degree in Youth & Community Work & Practical Theology (JNC). number of yOLfng people having no or lillle prevTrous education. employment. or training completing accrediled programmes at Levels 1 and 2. number of young people progressing from accredited programmes at Levels 1, 2 and 3 10 the apprenticeship and degree level pmgrammes. number of young people, voluntary youth leaders. full and part-time youth workers, theological students and clergy across Northem Ireland 2nd the Border Counties participating in non- accrgdiled programmes in Youth Work, Youth Ministry and Community Relations Skills and Issues. number of church and community groups participating in bespoke and aredited training programmes. feedback from Youth Link's stakeholders, including young people, youlh workers. enurse partiGipanls and church leaders. production and circulation of regular publicity documents induding annual reports, annual accounts. é-newsletter. press releases etc. independent external evaluations of Y¢yJth Link's service. improved relationships bettveen communrties in Northem Ireland and ils border counlies videnced by local govemmenl suNeys. The intended beneficiaries of these purposes are= m&mbeTs of Protestant and Calhdic Churches in Northem Irdand and its border counties. young people drawn from Protestant and Catholic communities based in Northam Ireland and its border c(Ktnties. full and part-time youth workers l youth work prdctitioners and voluntary youth leaders. theological stodenls, dergy. and church leaders. members of ethnic minority backgrounds and Section 75 groups. There is no hann or w)tential for harm as a result of the purposes being carried out.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrector's Report) (conllnuedj Year ended 31 March 2023 Achlevements and Perfomance Strateglc Alm 1 As a partnership of chur¢hes working together, Youth knnk will contribute lo a more inclusive and peaceful society by enabling young people and youth praclilioners lo build positive, healthy, and sustainable relatlonships wthin and between communities through education. training, and empowerment proJrammes. Youth Link continues to be one of the largest prowders of accredited youth WOTk training in Northern Ireland and provides 8 coherent training roule that offers young people and adult volunteers progressive pathway into youth work and ministry. More than 300 young people and aduli volunteers received accredilalion during 2022123 and staff continued lo work constructively to further develop training at youth and adult level in urban. rural and border regions. There were also over 500 young people 8nd adults engaged in non-accredited programmes. Youlh Link continued to support Stralegic Planning and Rewew of youth work and ministry within the Northern Catholic Dioceses affiliated to Youth Link and meetings wlh key stakeholders and Bishops has taken place. ree Pro ramme: The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions has allowed classes to take place face-tO-fa in 2022123 and this has been well received by students and slaff involved on the degree prL¥Jramm8. Aspects to colebrale= The commitment. resilience and competence ol the wider staff team and sessional wod(ers to mainlain the progression of students and deliver the programme to original timeframes despite unprecedented challenges due to the impa¢t of COVID-19 pandemic. The degree pmgramme in partnership wtih the Inslilule of Children, Youth and Missionlslaffordshire University came lo a successful closure in August 2022 and the achievement of students and staff over the tast 14 years of this degree programme are to be a¢knoedged and celebrated. The final gr2dualion ceremony for Inslilule of Children Youth and Mission was able lo take place fa-to-faCe in Bim)ingham on the 18th November 2022. One student received first class Honours degrees. six received 2..1 classifications and four received 2..2 dassifications. Posl-gradualion employment rates continue to be strong for students 2nd several are also pursuing post-graduate studies. As of May 2023. 100°A of students are in employment or Further Education. The Irish American Partnership has enabled studenls from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds to access Higher Education and this year several students have benefited direclly. The current partnership with Moorlands College wll conclude in June 2024. This is due to the significant impacl of the COVID-19 pandemic on student recruitment. Youth Link wll ensure the current cohort of students successfvlly complete their studies and lo celebrate the lasl 15 years of Ihe undergraduate Degree pathway for Christian Youth Work sludents. Youth Work Tralnln Pro ramme$: Youth Link Nl's lull suite of acuediled training programmes are still in high demand. Delivery is taking place at Youth Link's Training and Resour cenlre. in the community and online. The OCN Nl Level 1, 2 & 3 Awardlcertificale in Youth Work Practice courses have proved successful. providing wde geographical spread, pathway opportunities lo further training. degree programme and career opportunities. Youlh Link has maintained OCNNI centre status and has had several extemal verificalion visits as part of the quality assurance process. Our leam of over 30 sessional workers play
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Director's Report) (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2023 a key role in the d8lniery of these accredit8d training courses and ar8 central to the work of Youth Link. Belfast Ci CouncillPEACE IV- Forth Meadow Communi Grèènwa Pro ect: The project has engaged with almost 400 young people aged 11-24 over the last year, supporting them lo fulfil their polenlial. develop skills and C4)nfldefj, gain OCN qualificaltons and Golllribule positively as active dtizens in their ciynmunities. The young people lived in communiti6s along the Belfast City Counryl Forth Meadow community Gieenway and they participated in youth work progr8mmes that explored the cnre themes of Personal Development, Good Relations and ActNe Citizenship. showing great resilience, especially throughout the unexpected challenges which arose as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. impacting their mental health and wellbeing. Staff were innovative and creative in their delivery methods while responding lo the increasing needs and supported young people through Ihese challenging times. The Forth Meadow Community Greenway project celebrated its achievements at a special event on 101h February 2023 al Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast. Communlt Relatlons and Peace and Reconclllatlon Pro ects Progress continued lo be made in the development and delivery of Community Relations Equality & Diversity {CREDI initiatives through fijnding secured in 2022123 through the Educats'on Authority, The Executive Office, Communrty Relations Council Nl, Department ol Foreign Affairs & Trade and Speaal European Union Programmes Body. The Common Good Resources has been successfully developed and Curriculum resour materials are being disseminated and integration inlo Youth Link programmes is ongoing. The resource continues lo be made available to the wider wst-primary school and youth sector corislituencies. There were 8 range of Good Relations resources developed as part of the Education Authority project with train the trainer sessions delivered. and USB resources disseminated. Youth Link provided several seminars during Good Relations Week and was involved in the celebrations of the Irish Council of Churches Inter-church meets.ng and celebrats.ons marking the centenary of the organisalion. Intemalionally. Youlh Link gave a presentation al the 'Living Peace. congress in Rome. It has also been involved more locally in several regional Together Building United Communitles discussron5. The Research and Curriculum Development Officer is researching current trends and working on a project around the Practice of Integrated Reconciliation. Work is ongoing on an ASPIRE resource which is an educational resource for youth workers and young people aimed at enriching knowtedge, attitudes. and skills for addressing sectarianism. dealing with the past and building a re¢oncile¢J society. Youth Work and Peace and Reconciliation wot1( is at the cKJre of the work of Youih Link, and il was significant that the staff and organisation were invited to many celebration events mart(ing the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement. There is a sense thal after the success around the 25th Anniversary of the G(x)d Friday Agreement Ihere is still a long way to go in relation to peacebuilding and the issues impacting young people's lives. Youth Link aims to continually strive at improving young peoples. lives Ihrough positive outcomes and building relationships that enable Iransfomialion in the lives of individuals and communities. 10
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrector's Report) (coniinuedj Year ended 31 March 2023 Strategic Aim 2 Responsive lo a changing environment Youth Link will ensure the provi%ion of a sustainable quality service through effective and professional lèadèrship & management. Youth Link's skilled and experienced staff team is a valuable asset and as SUGh human resource matters are reviewed by Trustees regularly. During the year and despite the pandemic slaff continued lo meet with their lin& managers formally for support and supervision and annual appraisals were completed. Staff and management meetings continued lo be held on a regular basis with additional avenues of support pul in place for slaff working from home. A Register of Sessional Workers 15 maintalned, ad suitably qualified and experienced people support delivery of programmes of work across the organisation. Professional development opportunities offeretj lo staff during the year included.. payment of off-line supeNision and other profession81 semces, CMI Level 7 Award in Strategic Leadership & Managemenl. First Aid Training. TQUK Level 3 Award in Education and Training, Advan Diploma in Accounting, BA (Hons} Applied Theology (Youth & Community Work) and Fellowship of the Higher Education Authority- Financial resources and management of same are discussed and reviewed by Trustees regularly. Management accounting information presented regulaty tncludes income and expenditure reports reviewed against budgets, summary of cash held. cash ftow report. review of current debtors and Creditors, credit card expenditure etc. Reports are regularfy broughl to Trustees summarising fundraising efforts, management of seojred reslricted funds and reporting requirements mel. The Annual Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2022 were agreed and signed by Trustees at the General Meeting on 13 September 2022 - these complied with Charities Act {NII 2008, Companies Act 2006. sktement of ReGommended Practice IFRS 1021 which came into eflecl on 1 January 2015. Fundable projects I programmes and possible sources of funding are identified regulady. funding secured during the year included monies from the Education Auihorily -Regional funded projects and T.'BUC programmes- the European Union Programme for Peace & Reconciliation, 2014-2021.. Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade- Reconciliation Fund., Department for the Economy,. 8elfast City Council. Ihe Community Relattons CouneAI. The Executive Office, The Irish American Partnership and The Irish Youth FndatIOn. Youth Link's Training & Resource C8ntre continues to be maintained to a high standard and facilities are reviewed al regular inteTvals with adjustments being made to meet the needs of students and other stakeholders. A'Buildings Manual. and 'Maintenance Schedules. are in place. providing information about repairs, prowders, and mainlenance contracts. Health & Safety remains a priority and full risk assessment has be8n carried out. This year there has been a lifting of the COVID-19 restriclions. However. these changes will be monitored in accordance with changing Government advice. All staff took part in defibrillator training in Seplember 2022 after cardiac arrest of a staff member. Maintenance of ICT systems are provided by an extemal consultant and improvements to syslems were made whlch allowed all staff to access the network from home. Insurance policies were reviewed during the year as required and were renewed in March 2023. The procurement policy is adhered to when purchasing goods or services and the Asset Register was formally rewewed and updated during the year. Membership of Board of Directors and atlendance by Membe is monitored In a¢cofdan¢e with sts'pulalions provided for in Memorandum & Articles of Association. Truslee meetings were held remotely, via Zoom, since June 2020 to demonslrale and ensure good govemance of the charity. as permitted by the Charity Commission, and in keeping with Governmenl advice on the managemenl of the coronavirus pandemic. The Annual Confimialion Statement was submitted to Companies House on 30 January 2023 for the period lo 30 January 2024. Trustee records held by Companies House
Youth Link Nl Cornpany Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {conrinuedJ Year ended 31 March 2023 and The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland are updated regularly Ihrouohoul the year. Annual accounts for the year ending 31 March 2022 were submitled to Cornpanies House and Charity Commission Nl. The Charity Commission Nl Annual Monitoring Relum for Ihe financial period ending 31 March 2022 was submitted on 2 November 2022. A review of the Risk Register was carried out on 6 May 2022 and the Regisler subsequenuy updated and agreed al Council on 7 June 2022. Identification of risks relating to loss of funding and inability to sustain current staffing levels led lo implemenlalion of a strategic review process by Trustees during 2021r22. The recommendations highlighted in the subsequent structural review process has now been carried oul. This resulted in new s18ffing structure as of 1 January 2022. A review of the 5 Year Strategic Plan commenced in May 2022 with an external consullanl and the process is ongoing. The current strategic plan has been extended to March 2024 to allow this process lo be completed successfully. In accordance wtth General Data Prolection Regulations relevant materials were disposed of during th6 year. The 'Regisler of Inleresls, in respect of Trustees and staff was updated in November 2022. Induction and training sessions were held for three new Trustees during the year. A review of the 'Safeguarding Policy, was carried out and agreed by Council in March 2023. A review of the 'Adults at Risk of Hami & in Need of Protection Policy. was Caled oul and agreed by Tmslees in March 2023. Wrilten reports outllnlng progress against objectives were presented by staff al Council meetings held in June and December 2022. Qualitative and quantitative reports were submitted lo funders as required. Operational Plan for 2023124 will be brought to Twslees for discusgKJn at Council in June 2023 and will be disseminaled to key stakeholders. Strategic Aim 3 Youth Link will raise the profilè of the organisation as a uniqve model of faith based collaborative youth Work in the churches, community, and voluntary sector. End of project celebralion of leaming events were delivered via online platfomis arKi in person following the lifting of COVID-19 restiiclions for all those who completed the BA Honours Degree Prograrnme in Youth and Communily Work and Applied Theology and the Peace IV Forth Meadow Community Greenway Project wtlh Belfast City Coun(al. During the year collaborative vK)rking partnerships continued to develop with local church and community-based youth gioups through the provision of placements for young people and young adults engaged in accrediled Iraining at Levels 1. 2 & 3 and in the Degree Programme. Youth Link has also engaged Nationally through the Irish Council of Churches during their 100* Year Anniversary and has presented al the Inlemalional 'Ltving Peace, Conference in Rome wth the Focolare movement. Youth Link's marketing plan and strategy continues lo be reviewed and refined with the ongoing developments within the organisation 2nd sector. There wll be a review of the Soual Media channels and Website engagement and a strategy developed in 2023. The Rank Found8tion worker will help Youth Link to raise ils profile in the wider community. Through the Regional Voluntary Youth Organisations Forum {Nehvork Youth). North South Educational Training Standards INSETS) and other youth sector fora, staff continued at a time of significant change lo ensure that the voice and needs of the Churches. youth sector have an influence on the development of new youth sector structures and methanisms for the future implementation of Priorities for Youth led by the Education Authority. The Departmènt of Education also aims to review this policy in 2023. A significant time commitment is involved nol just for the actual meetings bul also prelposl consullalions and discussions with other colleagues across the sector. It is of benefit to Youth Link to 12
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (conllnued) Year ended 31 March 2023 have such involvement, noi least for the wsittve profile the organisalion derives and influence it can bring. Youth Link continued to present and measure the effeclweness of its yearty programme of work drawing on an Outcome Based Accounlability {OBAI Framework and will eA)nduct a social value analysis. Flnancial review Dumg the financial year ending 31 March 2023. Youth Link's incoming resources decreased by £497,464, 450h, represented by a decrease in unreslricled income of 16% and a decrease in restricted income of 574/0. Expenditure during the year decreased by £368,569, 330h, represented by an increase in expendlture from unreslricled funds of £95.755, 33.10, and a decrease in expenditure from restricted fLFnds of £464.324. 561J/.. During ihe year the following changes in income were noted: Member church contributions Inased by 20 Degree programme income decreased by 36% due to the decision lo not recruil students for Year 1 in 2022123 onlo the BA (Hons) Applied Theology (Youth & Community Work) with JNC Ihrough Moorlands College. A further decision has been made by the board to diStInue the degree programme due to increasing tuition fees and recruitment struggles. The final year group of students will conclude their studies in June 2024. Course fees increased by 88 /0 due to increased delivery of programmes to external organisalions following the Covid-19 pandemic. Several tenders were successful for woik with The Housing Executive during the year. Donation Income increased by 231% due to a one-off donation of £1000 made by a previous employee. The Rental of Facilities charged to the degree programme decreased by 19°k due to the fact years group were on the degree in 22123 rather than >year groups as in previous years. Bank Inlerest rates rose in the year causing an inuease in bank interest received of 3560/0. Fixed term deposit accounts which matured during the year were reinvested at weeY rates rather than annu81 rates as in previous years. Other Income increased by 288%. This tnduded donations made by staff towards staff leavings gifts, fees paid by staff leaving lo purchase their c£*mpany laptops and a refund from 8rilish Telecom for incorre¢l charges on our accounl since the move lo the mobile phone system in March 2021. Four sources of funding which were granted in the 21122 accounts, were not renewed for the 22123 year. One new fundlng source was secured in 2022123 from The Rank Found8tion. A Ihree-year contract lotalling lo £90.000 was secured. Income received from The Education Authority for three projects halved compared to 21122 as the projects only ran from April lo September 2022 when the projects conduded. Restricted funds held at year end equate lo £19,614. Last year, lolal reslricled funds held were £44,319, an overall reduction of 560/4. The restricted funds are held in respect of ongoing Community Relations and yOLrth work programme expenses. During the year supwrt costs, induding govemance costs. decreased by 8% 10 £141,791. Support Costs decreased by 7% due lo decreases in Telephone, Stationery. Printing and Developing Resources expenditure. There were slight increases in overheads such as heal. light & water as more staff presence has been seen in the office in 22123. Governance Costs decreased by 15% and this was mainly allribulable to a decrease in the Auditors fee as Youth Link's finance manager has taken 13
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conUnuÈd) Year ended 31 March 2023 over the preparation of the annual accounts therefore reducing the audit fee. Bank charges also decreased during the year as several bank arnIS were closed and fixed lemi deposit accounts were combined into one bank account. Investment powe and pollcy The Trustees. having regard lo the liquidity requirements of the charity. have kept available funds in an inlarest-bearing deposit account and seek to achieve a rate on deposit which matches or eXedS inflalton measured by the retail prices index. ReseNes pollcy and going concem. The Executive Counal has examined the chartvs requirements for reseNes consrdering the main risks to the organisation. It has established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not designated for a particular purpose or invested in tangible assets held by Ihe charity should be between 3 10 6 months of expenditure. The reseNes are needed lo meet the working capit21 rUIrementS of Ihe tharity and the Exewlive Council are confident that at this level they would be able lo ntInue the current activities of the charity in the evenl of a significant drop in funding. As of 31 March 2023. the chaTity held total funds of £905.607. £19,614 are restricted funds, £0 are designated funds and £490,629 are funds thal can only be re81ised by disposing of tangible fixed assets. The free unrestricted reseNes of £395.364 represent six months mnning costs which is in the target range. The Executive Council and management ¢onb"nue to work lo secure additional unrestricted reserves and accept that this is a difficult challenge in the eurrenl economic climate. Plans for future perfods. Youth Link plans lo continue wlh its activities as outlined above in the forthcoming years. subject to satisfaclory funding arrangements. Trustees. responslbllltles statement The trustees. who are also directors for the purposes of company law. are rasponsible for praparing the Iruslees, report and the financial statements in accordan wlh applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Praclicel- Company law requires the charity trustees lo pmpare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources. including the income and expendilure. for Ihal period. In preparing these finanaal slatemenls. the trustees a required to.. S818cI suitable acLounting policies and then apply them cy)nsistenlly. Observe the methods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP. Make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare the financial slalemenis on the going concem basis unless it is inapproprtale lo presume that the charity will continue in business. 14
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (¢ontlnved) Year ended 31 March 2023 The trustee5 are responsible for keeping adequate accounting re¢S that are SUfFleI lo show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose wilh reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity 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 charity and hence for taking reason8ble steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Auditor Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report L¥)nfims Ihal.. so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the charills audil(w is unaware- and they have laken all sleps that Ihey ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audil infom)alion and lo establish thal the charity's auditor is awaie of that information. Small company provision8 This report has been prepared in acdan wtth the provisk)ns applicable lo companies entitled to the sm811 companies exemption. The twslees, annual report was approved on 12 September 2023 and signed on behalf of the board of Iruslees by-. D Mcwall ffreasurer) Twstee D Kelly (Chairperson) Truslee 15