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 th￿e 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 in￿eased 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 app￿L￿al$.

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 th￿r 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 tranSfOrmat￿n 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 eth￿1 understanding to youth work practice arid to pUt￿lC 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 yO￿h practttioners in youth work and ministry.
1.4 Increased kno￿edge and skills among youth practitioners to promote bullding a peacelul and
indusive society.
1.5 Enhan￿d 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 finan￿al 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 knO￿edge, 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 a￿redited 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¢kno￿edged 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, a￿d 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 F￿ndatIOn.
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 Ca￿led 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 In￿ased 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 diS￿￿tInue 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 wee￿Y 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 ar￿￿nIS 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 eX￿edS
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 r￿UIrementS 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 SUfF￿le￿I 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 ac￿￿dan￿ 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