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 MCC￿lagn
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 Exe￿Jt￿e 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 organisat￿n 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. natic￿al. and
irrtemalional levels.
Promoting the inclusive invofvement of young peO￿e 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 Pea￿ful 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 be￿een communities through education.
tralnlng. and empowernent prc*Jrammes.
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 be￿een 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 Y￿th Work and ministry.
1.4 Increased knowledge and skills among youth practitioner5 to F￿rnOte 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 yL￿th 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 aCCreditat￿n 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 Apprent￿eShiP Peace
Programme.
Number of youth workers graduating with BA Honours Degree in Youth Work (NSETS)-
Number of young peO￿e 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 deg￿e 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 p￿3￿9.. yoiith workers. cnurse
participants and church leaders.
Production and circulation of regular pUt￿IcitY documents induding annual reports, annual
accounts. e-new￿etter. 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 benef￿laries 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 Ca￿led 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
baCkgr￿ndS 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 pr￿Jramme 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 faith￿ased 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= pa￿nent 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 GU￿nt 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 FO￿ign
Affairs & Trade- Reconcliation Fund" Belfast City Council Good Relations Programme. Community
Relations Council. The ExecutNe Office. The Irish AMeri￿n 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 monito￿d 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 thrOugho￿t 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 Consul￿nt 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 Ca￿led 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 P￿Sented by staff at Council meetings held
in June and December 2023. Qualitative and qUantI￿tive ￿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 be￿een 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 sIgn￿lCant 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 cu￿ent 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 Acc￿nting 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 con￿rn basis unless it is inappropriate to
p￿SuMe Ihat the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responSi￿e 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 reP￿t 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