LOUGHGIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 The trustees. who are also directors for the purposes of company law, present their repjrt and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. All charity trustees have read and understand the ARR02. Charity reporting and accounting: the essentials guidance produced by the Chairty Commission Northem Ireland (NI). This report is prepared in line with the accounting and reporting framework in place for registered charities from l January 2019, and an overview of The Charities (Accounls and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered ¢harSty name Loughgiel Community A550ciation Ltd Charlty reglstration number NIC103422 Company registratlon number N1037243 Registered offlce Millennium Centre Lough Road Loughgiel Ballymena BT44 9JN The trustees The trustees who served the charity during the period 151 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 were as follows: Mrs B Mcllhatton Miss S McAuley Mr O M¢Fadd¢n Ms SR Pickering Ms N Richmond Mrs J McKeown Mrs J Mccarry Mr GR Baker Resigned 6 JUL 2022 Resigned 13 FEB 2023 Resigned 21 NOV 2022 Resigned 19 JAN 2023 Resigned l O MAR 2023 Audltor FPM Accountants Ltd Chartered A¢countants & Statutory Auditor Unil I, Building l O Central Park Mallusk Co Antrim BT36 4FS Centre Manager Mrs A O'Hagan Solicitor McGill Solicitors 42 Ann Street Ballycastle Co Antrim BT54 6AD
LOUGHGIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Bank Bank of Ireland 2 The Diamond Coleraine BT52 1 DE
LOUGHGIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT(contiftuedJ YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 The Directors (who are also the Trustees of the Charity) were unable to submit a detailed annual report due to all trustees who were acting in the period covered in the report having resigned at the date of 29 January 2024. On behalf of the trustees who served during this time and Loughgiel Community Association (LCA) the Cur nt active trustees submit the audited financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2023. Please note that the details of this report and an understanding of activities are from observations and limited records available to the current active board. Several concerns raised by our auditor are still to be resolved. The contents of this report follow the requirements of the trustees, annual report for charities that ppare accruals accounts which are set out in the Charities Ststement of Recommended Praclice (Charities SOiiP) (FRS102). Loughgiel Community Associatlon's Work Loughgiel Community Association is a company limited by guarantee whose objects are recognised as charitable by HM Revenue & Customs. Vlsion & Mission To relieve poverty, sickness and the aged and to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the Parishes of Loughgiel, Co Antrim and environs without distinction of age, sex. race, political, religious or other opinion, by association the statutory authorities, voluntary organisations and inhabitants in a common effort lo advance education, and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation of other leisure time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants. To mainlain our established community centre and manage/cooperate with any local statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such a centre for activities promoted by the Association. Our aclivilies Advice/advocacyllnformatlon Community development Community enterprise Educationltraining Environment/sustainable development/conservation General charltable purposes Rural development Volunteer development Youth development Governance & Management Structure On the date of approval of this report each of the persons who is a trustee were actively working on updating our governance and management structure. Two current board members have undertaken governance training, and this will continue for the foreseeable future with input from external providers in the voluntary, community and third sector. The following areas under governance and management structure 15 actively being addressed:
LOUGHGIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REpORT(ltinued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Le al Com liance". Comply with the legal framework governing charities in Northern Ireland, including the Charities Ad (Northern Ireland) 2008, and any other relevant legislation or regulations. A new law is effective which applies to Loughgiel Community Association. The new legislation. The Charities Aci (Northern Ireland) 2022, legally requires LCA to report to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland on an annual basis for accounting periods beginning on or after l April 2022. Governin Document; Our governing document is clear but not up to date. Our constitutionlmemorandum and articles of association, which sets out the organisation's charitable purposes, powers. and governance structure will be reviewed. Board of Trustees: Work is ongoing to establish trustee induction and training provisions. Trustee induction and training will provide appropriate induction and ongoing training for trustees, ensuring they are aware of their l¢gal obligations, the charity's purpose, and their roles and responsibilities. Financial Mana ement: The board are actively implementing robust financial management systems and controls to ensure transparency> accountability. and proper stewardship of the charity's resources. This includes the implementation of software lo assist in maintaining accurate financial records. preparing annual accounts, and to assist independent audils when required. Policies and Procedures: The l)oard of trustees have dedicated significant time and their resources to developing and implementing policies and procedures to guide the charity's activities and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. This includes r¢vi¢wing all policies on safeguarding, equality and diversity, fundraising, human resource management, health and safety, and volunteer management. ortin and Accountabilit The current board has been actively cooperating with inquiries conducted by the Chaity Commission for Northern Ireland and will work io resolve these as required. Risk Mana einent: The updating of policies and procedures assists with the updating of risk assessments. The board are actively identifying and managing risks to the charity, including financial, reputational, legal, and operational risks. The board are developing a risk management strategy, and it will be regularly reviewed and updated. Continiious Im rovement.. The board of LCA will. going forward, regularly review and evaluate the charity's govemance and management practices, seekTng feedback from stakeholders and making necessary improvements to enhance effectiveness and etTJciency. LCA will Continue to consult the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland for guidance. resources, and training, and seek professional advice if needed to ensure compliance with governance and management structure requirements.
LOUGHGIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT(continued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Public Benefit Loughgiel Community Association Ltd's chaity public benefit statement, "The benefits include irnproved health and well-being. improved access to services and facilities, reduction in social isolation, enhanced capacity of l(Kal community and enhanced employment opportunities. The Charity's beneficiaries are the inhabitants of the Parish of Loughgiel and surrounding are4 as well as organisations with an interest in the area. Any private benefit Is incidenlal in terms of enhanced health and well-being, access to services and facilities, capacity of community and enhanced employment opportunities. The benefits further include improved cooperation between voluntary, statutory and community organisations, irnproved access to services and facilities, enhanced knowledge and capacity of community to address needs, enhanced health and well-being, reduction of social isolation. These can be demonstrated through increase in provision of services and facilities that would otherwise not be available, including childcare, luncheon club, youth club, training courses and general Community activities, through general feedba¢k, evaluations and community surveys, and level of cooperation with other voluntary and statutory organisations to improve acce5S to services and facilities. There is no ham associated, The Charity's beneficiaries are the inhabitants of the Parish of Loughgiel and suOund1ng area, as well as organisations with an interest in the area. Any private benefit is incidental in tenns of enhanced health and well-bein& capacity of community and enhanced employment opportunities and improved acces5 to services and facilities. The Role of the Board of MAnagement The Board of Directors meets at least ten times during the year, monthly. The role of the Board is.. Strategic Direction: Setting and maintaining strategy with reference to the Corporate Plan: holding the Management team to account. Financial Control,. Approving the annual budget. monitoring expenditure with reference to the budget. adopting financial statements. Support: Making individual skills and experience available within the Board to the senior staff; Advocacy; Acting ambassadors for the organisation and supporting the Manager in securing project funding. Board members are recruited to meet specific needs and capabilities that ensure a balance of experience and understanding to ensure effective govemance of the charity. Members may be co-opt¢d on to the Board during the year with the agreement of more than 50 % of current Board members. Those co-opted will then stand for re-election to the Board at the next AGM. Day to day operational rnanagement was delegated to Angela O'Hagan, Manager of The Millenium cent Loughgiel.
LOUGHGIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (conbnued) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Achievements and Performance Due to the delay in the preparation olthese accounts the current boaTd had no active trustees serving during the time this report covers and therefore are unable to comment on achievements and perforniance. PLANS FOR THE FUTURE LCA board will embark on a strategic review of all operations undertaken by Loughgiel Community Association. This strategic review will be guided by The Chairty Commission for Northern Ireland and best practice guidelines and includes: Restructuring of staff and a review of employee roles with external support from funders, Human Resource (HR) experts, and with the implementation of HR software. Review of LCA'S systems, resources, policylprocedures, purpose and ambitions. Adopt policies and procedures that maintain transparency and accountability Improve cooperation between voluntary, statutory and community organisations, including groups within our own local community Improve access to services and facilities, enhanced knowledge and capacity of community to address needs, enhanced health and wellbeing. reduction of social isolation In addition to this Loughgiel Community Association are considering the following future plans to meet public benefit and address the specified areas: l. Health and Wellbeing Initiatives: Develop and implement health and wellbeing programs and activities for the local community. This can include organising exercise classes, mental health workshops, healthy lifestyle campaigns, and promoting access to healthcare services. 2. Improved Access lo Services and Facilities: Identify gaps in local service provision and work towards improving access to essential services. This may involv¢ collaborating with local service providers, advocating for improved infrastructure, or establishing partnerships to bring services closer to the community. 3. Social Integration and Reduction of Social Isolation: Create opportunities for social interaction and community engagement to reduce social isolalion. This can be achieved through organising community events, clubs, support groups, and activities that foster connection and inclusion. 4. Building Community Capacity: Offer training and skill-building programs to enhance the capacity of the local community. This will include workshops on leadership, financial management, digital literacy, or vocational training to empower individuals and groups to take an active role in community development. 5. Employment Support and Opportunities: Collaborafr with local businesses, organisations, and educational institutions to create employment opportunities for community memkrs. This can involve facilitating job fairs, providing career guidance and training, or supporting entrepreneurship inltiatives. 6. Collaborative Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships with other charitable organisations, local authorities, healthcare providers, and cotntnunity gTOUPS. By working together, a collective impact can be achieved to address complex social issues and m&¥imise resources. 7. Community Consultation: Regularly engage with th¢ community to understand their needs, aspirdtions, and priorities. Conduct surveys, focus groups, and cotnmunity onsultations to ensure that future plans align with the specific requirements and desires of the local population.
LOUGHGIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT(e0ntlftdj YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 8. Evaluation and Adaptation: Continuously evaluate the impact and effectiveness of initiatives and programs. This (an help identify areas for improvement, ensure resources are utilised effectively. and adapt Futu plans based on feedback and outcome5. 9. Sustainable Funding: Develop a sustainable funding strategy to support the implementation of futur¢ plans. This can involve diversifying income streams, applying for grants, and engaging in fundraising activities to ensure the long-terni viability of the charity's activities. Regularly reviewing and revising these plans in consultation with the community will help ensure that the charity's efforts remain responsive to evolving needs and priorities. RESERVES POLICY AND GOING CONCERN Although it was stated in March 2022 trstee report, "Loughgiel Community Associalion are now able to develop a reserves policy to help with futUTe projects., A policy is still to be created. This will be completed during the current financial year, Although significant challenges lie ahead in facilitating the transitioning off key employees, Loughgiel Community Association are hopeful of achieving financial stability and a bright future. Despite the challenges associated wilh key staff members leaving, Loughgiel Community Association remains optimistic and determined to overcome these obslacles. With the support of our community, partners, and volunteers, we believe that we can build a bright future and achieve financial steadiness for the benefit of all those we serve on this basis the assessment of the trustees is Ihat the charity is a going concern. DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION TO AUDITORS The Directors who held office at the date of approval of this report were unable to confinn that there is no relevant audit inforniation of which the Charitable Company's auditors are unaware. Several factors impact the ability to make this disclosure. Each director has taken all the steps they ought to have taken as a director to make themselves aware of any relevant audit infonnation and to establish that the Charitable Company's auditors are aware of that infonnation. TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT The trustees (who are also the direclors of Loughgiel Community Association Ltd for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Trustees Annual Report and the financial slatements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law required the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the situation of the charity and the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: -select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. . - Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORJ; , - Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent" and
LOUGHGIEL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION LTD TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT (eontlnu•d) YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with re&sonable 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 Teasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other iegUlar1ties. AUDITOR FPM Accountant5 Ltd are deemed to be re-appointed under section 487(2) of the Companies Act 2006. On the date of approval of this report each of the persons who is a trustee can confirni that: The trustees are aware that relevant audit infomiation sought by the auditors remains outstanding. and Each trustee has taken all reasonable steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit inforniation and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. Registered office.. Millennium Centre Lough Road Loughgiel Ballymena BT44 9JN Signed on behalf of the trustees Sheree Connolly Chairperson Date: 31 January 2024 10