Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporatlng the Chief Executive Officer's Report) Year ended 31 March 2024 The trustees. who are also the directors for Ihe purposes of company law, present Iheir report and the financial stslements of the charity for the year erKled 31 March 2024. Rcf¢ren¢¢ and admini¥trative details Registered charity name Youth Link Nl Charlty registration number NIC103369 Company reglstrallon number N1071572 Principal office and registered Farset Enterprise Park Office 638 Springfield Road Belfast BT12 7DY Northem Ireland The trustees RJ MCClagn D Mcwall (Treasurer) P Brown D Kelly F McNally l Taylor G Thompson G Gilmore (Vice Chairperson) S Henry {Chairperson) J McLoughlin W Fyffe C Hinchliff ERea P Patterson (Resigned 31 December 2023) (Assigned 20 June 20231 Key Management Personnel Chief Executive Officer Finan Manager Academic Studies Manager Executive Officer Joseph McKeown Jenny Bell Sharon Raine Maria McKenna (Resigned 31 May 2023)
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officerfs Report) {eontlnuedJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Company secretary M McKenna Auditor Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street Soulh Belfast BT2 BDN Bankers First Trust 35 University Road Belfast BT7 1ND Soll¢ltors Cleaver Fulton Rankin 50 Bedford Street Belfast BT2 7FW Edwards and Co Solicitors 28 Hill Street Belfast BT12LA
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Chief Executive Officer's Report) Year ended 31 March 2024 Structure. governance, and management Governing Document Youth Link.. Nl is a company limited by guarantee govemed by its Memorandum and Artides of Association dated July 2015. Youth Link: Nl is a regislered charity with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. Appointment of Trustees Members of the ExeJte Council and Youth Link Honorary Officers are appointed by the relevant decision-rnaking bodies of its member Churches and l or the Denominational Representatives. Council members are appointed for a period of three years. A rets'ring Trustee is eligible for re- appointmenl. Appointments to the Trustees by members of their respective retevant Decision-making Brwjies shall be made as follows-. Up to six Trustees to be appointed by the Roman Cathdic Church. Up to three Trustees to te appointed by The Presbyterian Church. Up to three Trustees to be appointed by The Methodist Church. Up to three Trustees to be appointed by Church of Ireland (Together known as the Denominational Representatives). Two Trustees to be appoinled by the Denominational Represenlatives. Members will be informed of the retirement of those Trustees who wish to retire or who are retiring by rotation and will elect Truslees to fill vacancies arising at the General Meeting. Trustee induction and training Induction and training sessions for Trustees are organised as required. As part of the inductron procèss now Trustaas arg made awarg of a Trust8as' 18gal obligalion£ under charity and company law, the content of the Mernorandum and Artides of Association, the cornmittee and decision-making processes. the operational and strategic pian and recent financial performance of the charity. Arrangements for setting pay and remuneration of key management personnel The director5 comprise the Board of Directors, are the charivs Trustees, and Ihe management team comprise the key management personnd of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running. and operating the charity on a day-trday basis. All directors give of their time freely and no director receiv8d remuneration during th8 year. Details of directors, expenses and related party transactions are disGlosed in Note 14 to the accounts. The pay of the rnanagemenl team is reviewed annually and nomidly increased in accordance wtlh inflation. During 2015116 the Trustees reviewed management team salaries and benchmarked against pay levels in other similar size charrties run on a voluntary basis and scale points were set accordingly. Progression is dependent upon the outcome of inuwidual annual appraisals.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Chief Executive Officer's Report) Year ended 31 March 2024 Organisation structure and how charity makes decisions The Executive Council, vthich can have up to 17 rnembers. administers the charity. The Counul meets four times per annum, nomally September, December. March. and June. A Sub-committee of the Executive Council. Finance & Personnel Sutrkcommittee normally meets a month prior to Executive Council meetings and reviews all matters relating to the management of finance. 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 delegation approved by the Trustees. for operational matters including finance, employment, and direct charitable activities. Relationshlps wtth related parties The Trustees do not receive any rernuneration unless it is authoris&l by Artide 7 of the Articles of Association. Exocutivo Council m8mber8 and staff mombor8 are askod to declare their intereste in. and any grfts or hospitality received in (xnnection with their role in Youth Link Nl. A declaration of interests form is completed by all Counul members and staff for this purpose, listing the types of interest that should be declared. Interest5 are recorded on Youth Link's Register of Interests which is maintained by Ihe Compary Secretary. Risk management The Trustees have a Risk Management Strategy which comprises: An annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity facEs. The establishment of policies. systems. and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review: and The implemeniation of procedures designed to minirnise or manage any potential impact on Ihe charity should those risks materialise. A Risk Register is in ace and is reviewed annually. The most recent rewew of the Register was carried out in June 2023. Areas of rtsk for the organisatn were reviewed and assessed. These included risks relating to Govemance & Management, Operational. Financial. People and Extemal factors affecting the organisation. Objectives and Actlvltles Charity Objects: To contribute to a more inclusive and welcoming society by working together as a partnership of member Churches by:
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officer's Report) (conttnuèd) Year ended 31 March 2024 WorkiT)g in partnership towards the building of voluntary, sockryl and reconciliation capacty thin CNI society and local communities. Creating positive opportunities for cross-communty experiences at local. natical. and irrtemalional levels. Promoting the inclusive invofvement of young peOe at all levels. To enable. support and encourage churches to offer a more effective ministry to young people in order to prornote their spiritual, socid. and personal devdopment by: Helping Youth Link: Nl and member Churches to maximize existing and new resources in the service of young people. Faalitating the development of youth work praclitK¢ners through f)Jllabor3tive educatic and training. Sharing experiences. resources. and ideas amorost the churches to enhance the overall provision for yourw peoF4e. Vision Churches working logelher to build excellence In yOLrth work and ministy towariis a lust, peaceful, and flourishing society based on the common good. Mission Statement Youth Link's mission ts to.. Support young people to achieve their full potential. Enable young people and youth practitioners to be agents c>f transformation and hop8. Promote and provide excellence in youth work and leadership training. Encourage and equip young people to partiC4pate in Church and ccfflmunity and in the building of a Peaful and indusive society. Partner th Church bodies. youth organisations and relevant sectors responsibility for young people and youth practitioners. Facilitate the developrnent of youth work and ministry within and on behalf of the Churches. Integrate equity, diversily, and interdependence into all aspects of policy and practice in youth work and ministy. Value Base Central to Youth Link is the Christian faith which commits us to: Building Positive relationships. Tho personal, social. and spiritual d&valoprnent of young people. Improving young peoples. lives through positive outcomes in youth work and ministry. Encourage and support youth practitioners in their personal and professional development. Developing effective and strategic partnerships. Building relationships that enable transformation in the Iwes of individuals and communities. Promole respect. Irusl, and Incluslvlty wlthln a culturdlly dlverse soclety. Fairness 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 Chief Executive Officerfs Report) (conUnu8d) Year ended 31 March 2024 Nurturing global awareness and inter(lependence viithin the human and environmental community. Applying theological and ethical understsnding to youth work practice and to public and community life. Promoie justi. pea, healing, and reconciliatson in society. strateglc Aims 1. As a partnership of churches worknng together, Youih Link will contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful society by enabling young people and youth practitioners to build positive, healthy. and sustainable relationships within and beeen communities through education. tralnlng. and empowernent prcJrammes. 2. Responsive to a changing environment Youth Link will ensure the provision of a sustsinable quality service through effective and professional lgadgtshlp & managgm8nt. 3. Youth Link will raise the profile of the organisation as a unv]ue model of faith based collaborative youth work in the chur(es. communty, and voluntary sector. Strategic Aim 1 As a partnership of churches working togelher. Youth Link will contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful society by enabling young people and youlh practitioners lo build positive, healthy, and sustainable relationships wtthin and beeen communities through educalion, training, and empowerment programmes. Outcomes 1.1 Young people and youth practitioners wll have posth8 healthy and sustainable relationships within and belween communities. 1.2 Services Ihat respond lo the changing needs of young people. 1.3 Increased capacity among young peoFAe and youth practitioners in Yth Work and ministry. 1.4 Increased knowledge and skills among youth practitioner5 to FrnOte building a peac£ful and inclusive society. 1.5 Enhanced knowledge and skills among youth praGtitsoners to engage young people in CRED related work. 1.6 Increased mutual understanding. tolerance. h05Pitaltty, and respect among young people from different Socio-economic. educational. cultural. ethnic, and religious backgrounds. 1.7 Increased capacity and social capital among young people from ar8as of disajvantsge and social exdusion.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officerfs Report) (c¢)ntlnuodJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic Aim 2 Responsive to a changing environment yLth Link will ensure the provrsion of a sustsinable quality service through effective and professional leadership and managemenL Outcomes 2.1 Provision of a sustsinable quality seprfice thal responds to changes within the social, political, and economic environment. 2.2 Effective and professional leadership, managemen( and govemance. 2.3 Effective management of financial resources. 2.4 Integrity and accounlability in governance and manag8ment of Youth Link. Strategic Aim 3 Youth Link will raise the profile of the organisation as a unique model of faith based collaboratlve youth work in the churches, community. and voluntary sedor. Outcomes 3.1 Recognition of Youth Link as a unique model of faith based collaborative youth work in the churches. community, and voluntsry sector. 3.2 Recognition of Youth Link as a prophetic voice within the Churches and the wider community in relation to current issues In youth work and ministy. pea bulkling and reconclllatlon Public Benefit Statement: In shaping objecttves for the year and planning activities. the Trustees have considered the ChaTity Commission's guidance on public benef The direct benefits which flow from Youth Link's purposes include the following: Members of Protestant and Catholic Churches in Northem Ireland and its border counties working together to promote understanding of one anotherfs backgrounds and to improve and develop relationships. Young people drawn from Protestant and Cathdic communities based in Northem Ireland and its border counties meet those from different backgrounds and work with them towards developing an informed underslanding of their own and each other's backgrounds and religions. Relationships between those drawn from different communities and backgrounds in Northern Ireland and its border counties are developed and enhanGed in a positive way.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officer's Report) (condnu Year ended 31 March 2024 Church leaders and youth workers are gNen support in their ministry lo young peoFde through provision of accredited and non-accredited youth work and communty relations training opportunities specifically tailored to meet the needs of young people in Northern Ireland. Youth work praclilioiiers (lie buppvrted, an¢J their profes51onal development enhanced through Ihe provision of collaborative education and training opporbjnities by Youth Link. Opportunrties are provided for church leaders and youth workers drawn from Youth Link's mernber Churches to meet togelher lo share experiences, resources. and ideas to enhance Iheir ministry to young people. These beneftts are capable of being demonstrated through". Number of young people achieving aCCreditatn in Youth Work and l or Community Relations Programmes at Level 1 and l or Level 2 through OCN NI. Number of youth WOTkers l youth practitioners achieving accreditation in Youth Work and l or Comrnunty Relations Programmes at Level 2 and l or Level 3 through OCN NI. Number of young people and youth workors l youth practitioners participating in knovAedge, skills and competency-based peace building and reconcilialion programmes. Number of young people and youth workers l youth practthoners participating in Peace Building and Reconciliation Conferenc8S. Number of youth WOTkers l youth practition8TS completing Youth Ltnk's ApprenteShiP Peace Programme. Number of youth workers graduating with BA Honours Degree in Youth Work (NSETS)- Number of young peOe havlng no or lilue previous educatN)n. employment, or training completing accredited programmes at Levels 1 and 2. Number of young people progressing from accredited prcxJrammes 8t Levels 1, 2 and 3 to the apprenticeship and dege level programmes. Number of young people, voluntary youth leaders, full and part-bme youth workers, theological students and clergy across Northem Ireland and the Border Counties participating in non- accredited programmes in Youth Work. Youth Minislry and Community Relations Skills and Issues. Number of church and community groups parkncipating in bespoke and accredited training programmes. Feedback from Youth Link's stakehdders. including young p39.. yoiith workers. cnurse participants and church leaders. Production and circulation of regular pUtIcitY documents induding annual reports, annual accounts. e-newetter. press releases etc. Independent external evaluations of Youth Link's service. Improved relationships between communities in Northem Ireland and its border counties evidenced by local govemment surveys. The intended beneflaries of these Purposes are: Members of the churches and faith-based youth organisations in Northem Ireland and its border counties. Young people drawn from drfferent reiigious and cultural backgrounds based in Northern Ireland and its border counties Full and part-time youth workers l youth work practitioners an(J voluntary youth leaders. Theological students, dergy, and churGh leaders. Members of ethnic minority backgrounds and Section 75 groups.
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officerfs Report) (conunuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 There is no harm or potential for harm as a result of the purposes being Caled out. Achievements and Performance Strategic Airn l As a partnership of churche5 working together, Youth Link will contribute to a rnore Inclusive and peaceful society by enabling young people and youlh practitioners to build positive. healthy, and suslainable relationships within and between comrnunities through education, training, arKI empowerment prograrnmes. Youth Link ccrtinues to be one of the largest providers of accredited youth work trainiro in Northem Ireland and provides a coherent training route that offers ycxjng people and adult volunteers a progressive pathway into youth work and ministry. More than 300 young people and adult volunteers received accreditation during 2023124 and stsff continued to work constnjctively to fLfrther develop training at yolrth and adult level in urban, rural and border regions. There were also over 500 yuung people and adults engaged in non-accrediiad programmes. Youth knnk continued to support Strategic Planning and Rewew of youth work and ministry within the Northern Catholic Dioceses affiliated io Youth Link and meetings with key slakeholders and Bishops has taken place. ree Pro ramme: The current partnership with Moodands College wll conclude in June 2024 due to lower demand for places. During 2023134 the Senior Tutor left the organisation after making a significant contribution to the Degree programme lor over 10 years and this transition was handled successfully as a new appoinlment was made. Youlh Link will ensure the current cohort of students successfully complete their studies and to Gelebrate the lasl 16 years of the prowsion of NSETS professionally endorsed undergraduate Degree pathway for Christian Youth Work students on the Island of Ireland. Aspects to celebrate= The commitment. resilience and competence of the wider staff tearn and sessional workers to mainiain the progression of students and deliver the programme. The first Youth Link students at Moorlands College graduated in November 2023 at Christchurch Campus in Dorset. Students and their families celebrated this significant moment in the studies and fatth journey. Post-graduation employment rates continue to be Strong for students. As of May 2024. all of the graduates are in full lime employment. The final cohort of students marked their last day of their sludies with a celebration event and thanksgiving Service at Youth Link in May 2024. Family. Friends and Placement supervisors joined them on this special day. The Irish American Partnership has enabled students from socio-economically disadvantaged baCkgrndS to access Higher Education and this year several stijdents have benefiled directly. Youlh Work Trainin rammes: Youth Link Nl's full suite of accredited training programmes are still in high dernand. Delivery is taknng place at Youth Link's Training and Resour ntre. in the comrnunty and online. The OCN Nl Level 1, 2 & 3 Awardlcertificate in Youth Work Practice courses have proved successful, providing widè geographical spread, pathway opportunities to further training. degree prJramme and career
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantse Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chtef Executive Officer's Report) (¢ontlnuedJ Year ended 31 March 2024 opportunities. Youth Link has maintained OCNNI centre status and has had several external verification wsits as part of the quality assurance process. Our team of over 30 sessional workers play a key role in e delivery of these accredited training courses and are cenlral lo Ihe work of Youth Link. Youth Link appointed a Training & Development Officer as there had been a gap in the organisation since the departure of key staff. This appointment will enable the organisation to maintain OCN NI cenlre status and provide support to the OCN Nl Centre Administrator and sessional workers in the organisation. Representation on the Youth Work Sector Skills Advlsory Group IYWSSAG) and the review of current accredited programmes is ongoing. Communi Relations and Peace and Reconciliation Pro ects 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 a Four Walls resource which is an educational resource for youth workers and young people aimed at enriching knowledge. attitudes, and skills for addressing sectarianism. dealing with the past and building a reconciled society. Research and Curriculum Deveiopmenl Officer managed the Department of Foreign Affairs - Reconciliation Fund, The Executive Office and the Rank Foundation staff who all had a community relalions component to their work. The Common Good Curriculum resource materials are being disseminated and integrated into Youth Link programmes an in particular the TEO funded Cornmunity Cohesion Project. The resource continues to be made available to the churches. youth sector and post-primary schools. Progress continued to be made In the development and dellvery of Communlty Relat*)ns Equ811ty & DiversSty ICRED) initiatives through funding secured in 2023124 through the Education Authority- TBUC Camps programme, The Executive Office (TEO), Community Relations Council Nl, Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Reconciliation Fund and the Rank Foundation. Youth Link provided several seminars during Good Relations Week and were involved in the celebrations of the Irish Council of Churches & Irish Inter-church meeting that marked their respective anniversaries. Youth Link gave a presentation at the Commonwealth Youth Work Conference and represented at Reconcdiation forum in Weimar. Germany with the Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre. Youth Link have also hosted several workshops for Internab'onal groups induding students from USA and Acadcmics from the TELOS organisation cxploring thc role of churchcs in peaGebuilding. It has also been involved rmre locally in several regional 'Together Building United Cornmunities. engagement forums. There have been several roundtable discussions organised including the 'Welcome to the Table. event with Evangelical Aliance and the Jethro Centre. The Good Relations and Church engagement project played a key role in developing an inter-church youth forum that empowered young people to share their perspectives on the concept of a shared island and to ensure the voice of yi)ung peoFde from faithased youth organis8tions are heard. One of the young peorAe involved spoke at the One Young Wrthd event held in Belfast in Oclober 2023. Youth Work and Peace and Reconciliation work is at the core of the work of Youth Link and it was 5igniFicant that the staff and organisation were invited to many celebration events rnarking the anniversary of the Good Friday AgreemenL TBUC engagement Forum and Reconciliation Forum are a key opportunity to network and listen to grassroots issues. Youth Link received an exceptional achievement award for conlribution to Community Relations in Northern Ireland in March 2024. io
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officerfs Report) feontlnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Strategic Aim 2 Reswnsive to a changing environment Youth Link will ensure the provision of a sustainable quality service through effective and professional leadership & management. Youth Link's skilled and experrenced staff team is a valuable asset and as such human resource matters are reviewed by Trustees regularly. During the year and despite the pandemic staff continued to meet with their line managers formally for support and supervision and annual apptaisals were completed. Staff and Leadership Team meetings continued to be held on a regular basis. A Register of Sessional Workers Ss maintained, and suitably qualified and experienced people support delivery of programmes of work across the organisation. Professional development opportunities offered to staff during the year included= panent of off-line supervision and other professional services. ILM Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Leadership & Managernent, First Training. TQUK Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Advanced Diploma in Accounting. CINI Designated Safeguarding Training BA (Honsl Applied Theology (Youth & Communty Work) and OCNNI Assessor & Internal Quality Assurance Training. Financial resources and management of same are discussed and reviewed by Trustees regularly. Management accounting information presented regularty indudes incorne and expenditure reports reviewed ageinst budgets, summary of cash held, cash flow report. review of GUnt debtors and creditors. credit card expenditure elc. Reports are regulady brought to TNstees summarising fundraising efforts, management of secured restricted funds and reporting requirements met. The Annual Accounts for the year ending 31 March 2023 were agreed and signed by Trustees at the General Meeting on 12 September 2023- these complied vitth Charities Act (Nl) 2008, Companies Acl 2006, Ststement of Recommended Practice (FRS 102) whlch came into effeGt on 1 January 2015. Successful funding applications from PEACEPLUS project will have an impact on Youth Link during 2024 -2027 with an increase in staffing and outputs. Fundable projects I programmes and possible sources of fijnding are identified regularly. funding secured during the year included monies from the Education Authority-Regional funded projects and T:BUC programmes.. Deparbment of FOign Affairs & Trade- Reconcliation Fund" Belfast City Council Good Relations Programme. Community Relations Council. The ExecutNe Office. The Irish AMerin Partnership and Halrfax. Youth Link's Training & Resource Centre continues lo be maintained to a high standard and facilities aro reviéwed at regular intervals with adjustments bein9 made to mcct the needs of students and other stakeholders. A'Buildings Manual. and 'Maintenance Schedules. are in place. providing information about repairs, providers. and maintenance conlracts. Health & Safety remains a priority and full risk assessment has been carried out. Maintenance of ICT systems are provided by an extemal consultant and improvements to systems have been made as we transition from SeNer- based lo Cloud-based infrastructure. Insurance policies were reviewed during the year as required and were renewed in March 2024. The procurement policy is adhered to when purchasing goods or services and the Asset Register was fornially rebllemed and updated during the year. Membership of Board of Directors and attendance by metnbers is monitod in accordance with stipulation5 prowded for in Memorandum & Arlides of Association. Tnjstee meetings were held in person and, option to join via Zoom. since June 2020 to demonstrate and ensure good governance of the charty. as pemiitted by the Charity Commission. The Annual Confirmation Statement was submitted to Companies House on 30 January 2023 for the period to 30 January 2024. Trustee records hdd by Companies House and The Charity Commission for Northem Ireland are updated regularfy thrOughot th9 year. Annual accounts for tha yaar anding 31 March 2023 waro submitièd to Companies House and Charity Commission Nl. The Charily Commkssion Nl Annual Monitoring
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Chief Executive Officer's Report) (contlnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Return for the financial period ending 31 March 2023 was submitted on 14 November 2023. A review of the Ri8k Register was carried out on 5th June 2023 and the Register subsequently updated and agreed at Council on 13th June 2023. Identffication of risks induded: managing change and loss of funding and inability to sustain current staffing levels led to agreed actions by the board. A rewew of the 5 Year Strategic Plan comrnenced in May 2023 with an external Consulnt and the process is ongoing. A decision was made at our June 2023 council meeting to extend our current Strategi¢ Plan until after the Strategic Rewew is complete. There was a Staff & Truslee- Strategic Review held in October 2023. reflecting on the past. present and future direction of the organis8tion. The new Strategic Plan for 2024-2028 wll be brought to Trustees for discussion al Council in June 2024 and will be disseminated to key stakeholders. In accordance wilh General Data Protection Regulations relevant materials were disposed of during the year. The 'Regisler of Interests, in respect of Trustee$ and staff was updated in November 2023. Induction and training sessions were held for ONO new Trustees during the year. A review of the 'Safeguarding Policy. was Caled out and agreed by Council in March 2024. A review of the 'Advlts at Risk of Harm & in Need of Protedion Policy, was carried out and agreed by Trustees in March 2024. Written roports outlining progress against objectives were PSented by staff at Council meetings held in June and December 2023. Qualitative and qUantItive pOrtS were submitted to funders as required. SlrategSc Aim 3 Youth Link will raise the profile of thè organi5ation as a unique model of faith based collaborative youth work in the Ghurches. community. and voluntary Sector. During the year collaborative working partnerships continued to develop with local church and community based youth groups through the provision of placements for young people and young adults engaged in accredited training at Levels 1. 2 & 3 and in the Degree Programme. Youth Link has also engaged with the Irish Council of Churches during their 100th Year Anniversary and representation at Irish Inter<hurch rneeting. Youth Link has strategically partnered with Summer Madness & the Four Corners Festival delivering wor1(shops. Youth Link were selected to deliver a Peace and Reconciliation workshop at the prestigious One Young World conference hosted in Belfast in October 2023 and this gave us a Global Platform to share the good news of Youth LinL Youth Link has been su¢¢essful in being awarded funding by P&4CEPLUS Youth Programme managed by the Special European Union Programrnes Body. The Empower to Transform Project has been a significant collaboration betsveen YMCA (Lead Partner), Youth Link, Youth Initiatives and Mencap Nl. Youth Link has also been successful in another PEACEPLUS consortium bid with Youth Action Nl in the Shared Learning- Infomial Education. fijnded priority area. These cc4laborations raise the profile of the organisation and demonstrate the high quality work in the church sector. Connections with local church projects at the grassroots are cEntral to the success of these projects. Youlh Link's marketing plan and strategy continues to be vieWed and refined with the ongoing developments within the organisation and sector. There will be a review of Ihe Social Media channels and Websiie engagement in line with Strategic and Operational plan5. The Rank Foundation funded engagement officer will help Youth Link to raise its profile in the wider community. There was launch of the 'Wee Peace, PcKJcasL a monthly series exploring grassroots youth work and peacebuilding. 12
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officer's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 Through the Department of Education Youth Policy Review Group. Education Authority Regional Advisory Group, Regional Voluntary Youth Organisalions Forum (Nelwork Youth), North South Educational Training Standards (NSETS), Community Faith Forum INICVA) and other youth sector foTa. bLdif Lviiliriu¥d til <1 liiii¥ uf sigiiificant Ghange to ensure that the yo1 and needs of the Churches, and faith-based youth sector are represented and advocated. A Significant time commitment is involved not just for the actual meelings but also prelpost consultations and discussions with other colleagues across the sector. It is of benefft to Youth Link to have such involvemen( not least for the positive profile the organisation derives and influence it can bring. End of project lebratiOn of learning events were held for all those involved in the TEO fvnded youth projects in March 2024 and celebrations of students completing the BA Honours Degree Applied Theology & Youth Work took pLa in May 2023 and November 2023 at the graduation. Youth Link continued to present and measure the effectiveness of its yearly programme of work drawing on an Outcome Based Accounlabilily IOBAI Framework and will conduct a social value analysis with Community Relations Council. Youth Link celebrdted the lrfe of fomier employee Leancha Smith who sadly passed away in August 2023. Her contribution to Youth Work and Peace and reconciliation raised the profile of the organisation during her time with the organisation and she will leave behind a legacy through the impact she had on young people with her faith and zest for lrfe. Financial review During the financial year ending 31 March 2024, Youth Link's incoming OUrceS decreased by £210,869. 350A, represented by a decrease in unrestricted income of 370fi and a decrease in restricted income of 34%. Expenditure durin9 the year decreased by £213,663. 28%, represented by a decrease in expenditure from unrestricted fvnds of £42.1 Tl. 11 /0, and a decrease in expenditure from restricted fvnd5 of £171.486. 46°A. During the year the following changes in income were noted: Member church contributions increased by 2°k and each diocese of the Catholic Church now pay their conttibutions separately whilst these used to be paid from Central Funds in one lump payment. Degree prograTntne deGreabetJ by 62% due to the decision to end the BA {Hons) Applied Theology (Youth & Community Work) with JNC degree through Mwrlands College. The final year group of students will conclude their studies in June 2024. Course fees decreased by 9°/.. One notable change is that rK) new tenders were applied for with Ihe Housing Executive during 202312024 due to staff capacity limitations. Donation Income decreased by 49°A. This was due to a one-off donation of £1.000 made by previous employee which was received in the previous financial year. The Rental of Facilities charged lo the degree programme decreased by 35Yo due to the fact one year group remains on the degree in 23124 rather than 2-year groups as in the previous year. Bank Inlerest rates rose in the year causing an increase in bank interest received of 72%. Fixed tem deposit accounts remain maturing at week]y rates io maximise interest received. Other Income d8creased by 97%. In the previous year. a large refund was received from British Telecom for overtharges. Funding for three projects wtth The Education Authuity granted in the 22123 accounts concluded and funding was not applied for in 23124. Four new funding source5 was secvred in 2023124 from The EduG8tion Authorty- T'.BUC Camps Programme, The Halrfax Foundation, The Department of Foreign Affairs Annual Reconciliation Fund and SEUPB for the 'Empower to Transfomi. project whith will run for four years. 13
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officer's Report) fcontlnu8dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Restricted funds held at year end equate to £43,830. Last year. total restricted funds held were £19,614, an overall iruease of 123%. The restricted funds are held in respect of ongoing Community Rdation3 and youth work programmc cxpcnses. During the year support costs, induding g0Veman costs, decreased by 8% to £130.406. Support Costs decreased by 7% and Govemance Costs decreased by 16%. Investment powers and policy The Trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of th8 charity, have kept available funds in an interest-bearing deposit account and seek to achieve a rale on deposit which matches or exceeds inflation measured by the retsil prices index. Reserves policy and going concern. The Executive Council has examined the charitys requirements for reseNes considering the main risks to the organisation. It has estsblished a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not designated for a particular purpose or invested in tangible assets held by the charity should be beeen 3 to 6 months of expenditure. The reseNes are needed to meet the working caprtal requirements of the charity and the Executive Council are confident that at this level they would be able lo continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a sIgnlCant drop in fvrKling. As of 31 March 2024, the charity héld total funds of £748,279. £43,830 are restricled funds, £0 are designated funds and £704.449 are funds that can only be realised by disposing of tangible fixed assets. The free unrestricled SerVeS of £288,672 represent six monlhs running costs which is in the tsrget range. Thè Executive Council and management continue to work to secure additional unrestricted reserves and accept that this is a dtificult challenge in the cuent economic climate. Plans for future periods Youth Link plans to continue with its activities as oullined above in the forthcoming years. subject to satisfactory funding arrangements. Trustees. responsibilitles statement The trustees. who are also directors for the purposes of cornpany law. are responsible for preparing the trustees, report and the financid statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accnting Practi). Company law requires the charity trusiees to prepare finanrial statements for eaGh year which give a true and fair view of the stsle of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resources and application of resources, including the incoffle and expenditure. for that period. In preparing these finanoal statements. the trustees are required to.. Select suitable accounting pdicies arKI then apply them consistenuy. Obaerve the methods and principle- in thc applicable Charit168 SORP. 14
Youth Link Nl Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Chief Executive Officer's Report) (contlnu8dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Make judgments and ac(x)unting estimates Ihat are reasonable and prudent. Prepare the financial statements on the going conrn basis unless it is inappropriate to pSuMe Ihat the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responSie for keeping adequate accounting records that a sufFicient lo show and explain the charitls transactions and disdose wilh reasonabEe accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure ihat the finandal statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsit4e for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregLlarities. Auditor Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this reFQrt confimis thatr. so far as they are aware. there is no relevant audit information of which the charilys auditor is unaware., and they have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any rclcvant audit inf¢)miation and to egtabligh that the ¢hartW? auditor 18 aware of that infomiation. Small ¢ompany provlsions This report has been prepared in accordance with th8 provisions applicable to companies entided to the small companies exemplion. The trustees. annud rePt was approved on 24 September 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: D Mcwall {Treasurer) Trustee S Henry (Chairperson) Trustee 15