Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantse Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 January 2024 The trustees, who are also the directors for the purposes of company law, present their report and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 January 2024. Reference and administrative details Registered charity name: Council of the Northem Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) Charity registration nurnber: 103635 Company registratlon number: N1002888 Principal and registsred office: 21 Talbot Street Belfast BT12LD Directorsrrrustees: Colonel (Retd) D Bigger- Chairperson Dr B E Barton Mr K Beattie (Resigned 7th December 2023) Mrs C Champion DL- VI Chairperson Mr J L Costain (Appointed P December 2023) Flight Lieutenant A J Crowther (Resigned 5th April 2024) Mrs C Dixon (Retired 18th July 2023) Mr R Doherty FIRSO Major K M J Guthrie MBE Mr R B Hannam Lieutenant Colonel C T Hogg MBE KStJ UD JP DL Mr M G Logan JP Ms J R Williams (Appointed 7th Dember 2023) Company secretary: Flight Lieutenant A J Crowther (Resigned 51h April 2024) Auditor: Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountsnt and statutory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfast BT2 8DN Bankers: Danske Bank Donegall Square West Belfast BT16JS Sollcltors: Crawford Lockhart Black Solicitors 7-11 Linenhall Street Belfast BT2 8AA
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 January 2024 Councll members.. Colonel JM Steele CB OBE TD DL (Patron) (Retired 22nd March 2024) Mr C Bailey (Resigned 23rd April 2023) Lieutenant Colonel M Barnes OBE TD Mr K Beattie (Resigned 71h December 2023) Colonel {Retd) D Bigger Lieutenant Colonel C Bennett UD Mrs C Champion DL Commander T I Chrishop Flight Lieutenant Dr J S A Collins DL Mrs L Corken Mrs B M Corry Mr J L Costain (Appointed 7th December 2023) Mr P Cregg MBE Flight Lieutenant A J Crowther Mr J Davies MBE Mrs C Dixon (Retired 18th July 2023) Colonel A M Donaldson MBE OStJ VR DL Dr B Duff Bsc MA Dip CS PhD FRGS FRUSI Colonel S M Elder MBE TD JP DL Major K M J Guthrie MBE Mr R B Hannam Colonel l G Henderson OBE TD MSc(Econ) Ms E Hill (Appointed 21st September 2023) Lieutenant Colonel C T Hogg MBE KStJ UD JP DL MrNJIHogg Mr S Johnston Captain J D Mccahon (Resigned 3151 March 2024) Mr C McGuicken Commander R Milligan Mr l Montgomery (Resigned 6th June 2023) Mr C Moore (Appointsd 215t September 2023) Mr T Parkhill Mr L Quigg BEM Colonel A H Reid OBE TD DL Mr T Ringland (Appointed 2181 September 2023) Lieutenant Commander E M Shanks RD Chief Officer P Shaw RD DL Mr N Spence Lieutenant Colonel K Thomas MBE RE (Appointed 21st March 2024) Lieutenant Colonel DW F Twigg MBE CStJ JP Mrs C Walker Mr G Warner Mr l A Wilson Commander H B White VRD Ms J R Williams (Appointed 7th December 2023)
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 January 2024 Structure, governance and management Governing document The Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Council appoints the Board of Trustees who are responsible to the Council for the day-to-day management of the charity. All decisions are made by the Board of Twstees. Appolntment of Trustees The Trustees are appointed by the Council Members at the Annual General Meeting. Each year one third of the Trustees resign by rotation, though they may stand for reelection. Trustee induction and training The Chairman ensures that appropriate induction and training is given to all Trustees. Each new Trustee is provided with a pack of infomiation about the history of the Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) and their responsibilities, a tour of the gallery and an opportunity to meet all staff. Organisation The Trustees have overall responsibility for the charity. The Council, which meets at least once a year, appoints the Trustees to administer the charity and manage its day to day operations. Risk management and internal control The Board of Trustees is responsible for ensuring that an effective system of internal control is maintained and operated by the Council. The system of internal financial control is based on a framework of regular management information; administrative prOdUres. and a system of delegation and accountability. The Board of Trustees has assessed the major risks to which the Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the Council, and is satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate any exposure to major risks. Public beneflt Acknowledgement of the Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) public benefit role was confirmed with the award of registration with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland in September 2015. The Trustees believe that the charitable company provides a public benefit in the commemoration of the men and women from Northern Ireland who died during the World Wars. This is achieved through providing a capital educational resource in the form of a museum gallery open to all members of the public, maintenance of war memorials within the museum gallery, organisation of fitting Commemorations and the preservation and development of a museum collection relating to the world wars. The charitable company offers grant funding to primary schools towards the travel Costs of classes visiting the gallery. The building and its offices within, maintained by the charity. are significant in supporting the amenities and ServIS for the advancement, relief and benefit of present and former members of the armed forces. The Trustees believe they are operating entirely within the guidelines issued by the Charity Commission for Northem Ireland and look fotward with confidence to the development of the Council's work in the province.
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {continue Year ended 31 January 2024 Objectives and activities of the Council The objectives of the Council are 'to provide and maintain, as an enduring War Memorial for Northern Ireland, a building or buildings which will worthily commemorate the men and women of Northern Ireland who died in the two World Wars 1914-1918 and 1939-1945. to provide and maintain therein accommodation, amenities and services for the Royal British Legion and other charitable bodies which are established and organised for the advancement, relief and benefit of present and former members of the armed forces", to provide and maintain in at least one building therein accommodation to be known as The Hall of Friendship to commemorate the association of the Armed FOrS of the United States of America with Northern Ireland in the 1939-1945 War,. Legal opinion has been sought on the actions which the Trustees can take in the furtherance of these objectives. The principal activities of the Council continue to be those of holding properties and other investments. Achievements and performance The Trustees are satisfied with the perf0rnan of the Charity in meeting its objectives for the year ended 31 January 2024. 2023 completed the first year of the current strategic plan (2023-2027). This five year plan was agreed by the Board in December 2022 to focus future output. The plan was formulated through the input of various stakeholders including Trustees, Council Members, staff, community groups. university students, teachers and visitors. As part of this process, the wording of the Vision, Mission Statement and Values of the Charity was revisited and streamlined to more appropriately align with the museums aims and objectives moving forward. Vision An engaging and welcoming museum that provides a window on Northern Ireland's key role in the Second World War and the impact of the war on its people. Mission Statement The Northern Ireland War Memorial was established to provide an enduring memorial for the men and women of Northem Ireland who died in the fwo World Wars, and to commemorate the American presence in Northem Ireland during the Second World War. Now an Accredited Museum, our mission is to tell the story of Northern Ireland's role in the Second Wortd War comprehensively and authentically through engaging exhibitions, publications, research, outreach and accessible learning programmes. In addition, we maintain war memorials to the fallen in the First and Second World War and the Belfast Blitz. We'organise respectful commemorations, provide Offi and meeting accommodation to ex-service charities, and award small grants to projects which are in line with our charitable objectives. Values AuthentiGity- Our collection is at the heart of everything we do to inspire research and create unique learning experiences, resources and publications. Striving for excellence- We are responsible for the professional care and interpretation of the collection. We will share our knowledge by presenting the collection and our research to their full potential.
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 January 2024 Working together- By promoting teamwork and exploring collaborative ideas we reflect the whole of Northern Ireland, ensuring our activities are wide-reaching and relevant to our varied audiences, both current and new. Showing respect- We host fitting commemorations which are inclusive of all. We support diversity and a work culture which values and empowers our team and recognises their achievements. We rnernber our roots and help towards building a more dynamic future for the organisation. Innovative- We are ambitious and imaginative about finding better ways to do things, embracing technology and partnerships, to Sha our stories The following 6 strategic aims and their associated objectives, outcomes and key performance indicators provide the framework for the development of the Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial and how the senior management team report to the Trustees. Strategic aim 1 Redevelop strategic priorities strategic initiative for 2023 Board to agree on project concept, budget and timeframe for capital works in the museum. Key actions for 2023 Key performance indicators We will transft)rm the museum with a phased programme of capital works on the ground floor, ensuring that the Hall of Friendship and existing memorials are integrated in a fitting way. Agree on key themes and priorities. Agreed themes, priorities, objects. Select key objects and stories from NIVVM collection and identify potential loans and acquisitions. Research and storyline initiated. Site audit and master plan completed to create various project concepts. Begin storyline development, identifying research requirements. Engage interpretive planner to complete site audit, master planning, visitor experience and audi¢>visuallAR concept planning and provide art direction. Timeframe and budget for fit-out agreed. We will embrace digital technology and ensure we exhibit objects and stories that reflect the whole of Northem Ireland's experience in the Second World War. to full potential. Suppliers identified Medialpublic interest in project. Identify suitable providers of environmental control equipment, heating and lighting for museum spa. Grants explored. We will seek grant assistance and value for money and consult our audiences throughout the process. Continued communication with tenants. Ensure public engagement with project through marketing strategy. Explore available grant opportunities. In the long-term the Board is committed to expand the museum space within the building and is considering a number of options on how best to achieve this. Liaise with tenants on future requirements.
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 January 2024 Strategic aim 2 Income diversification Strategic priorities Strateglc initiative for 2023 Board to begin to consider alternative investment ortunities. Key actions for 2023 Key performance indlcators We will explore new ways to create an income for the charity- Reach out to propety management consultants to consider potential future opportunities during the strate ic eriod. No potential or suitable opportunities highlighted during the year. Strategic alm 3 Offering inspiring experiences and increasing our reach Strategic priorities strategic initiative for 2023 Increase engagement across Northern Ireland. Key actions for 2023 Key perfonnance indicators Visitor profiling and access audit completed. We will develop our existing learning and outreach programmes and increase capacity by engaging with people in the museum and across Northem Ireland through outreach. Undertake visitor researchlprofiling to understand who is not visiting the museum. Approval of access plan and achievement of objectives. Complete AcsS audit (required by Museum Accreditation) and develop AcsS Plan to ensure improvements are made. Achievement of engagement targets. We will work with a wide range of partners to maximise our impact. Implementation of Marketing Strategy. Increase capacity for primary school outreach thn)ugh revision of Learning Facilitator role and working hours. An extended geographical reach with outreach activities in all six counties of Northem Ireland. We will continue to provide small grants to projects which are in line with our charitable objectives. Increase awareness of primary school and community outreach programmes through Marketing Strategy. Second World War map of Nl started to be developed. Deliver an expanded range of outreach and partnership activities including but not limited to.. An Elephant Never Forgets primary school project in partnership with Belfast Zoo funded through The Wild Escape by Art Fund and Arts Council England (via Northern Ireland Museums Council). £3,750 awarded to projects in line with charitable objectives. Victory Voices community outreach project in partnership with Karen Diamond funded by Arts Council Nl Art and Older People Grant Programme. Jeannie's Adventure project with reschools, funded b the
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 January 2024 Northern Ireland Museums Council Playful Museums Project. Develop a map of Northem Ireland highlighting key Second World War sites. strategic aim 4 Supporting the erection of a fitting Blitz Memorial in Belfast Strateglc priorities Strategic initiative for 2023 To agree on design and budget for Blitz Memorial. Key actions for 2023 Key perfomiance indicators We will continue to work in partnership with Belfast City Council to erect a fitting Memorial to the people who lost their lives in the air raids on Belfast in 1941. Support the progress of this project through development of a Belfast Blitz Memorial Committee with NIWM and BCC representation. Continued partnership with Belfast City Council to ensure progression of project. Timetable agreed for stages of Memorial design and installation. Development of terrns of reference for Belfast Blitz Memorial Committee. We will explore memorials in other areas that suffered air raids (Londonderry, Bangor and Newtownards). Committee to undertake historical research and agree timetable for public consultation on names and redesign of memorial. Reach out to Bangor and Derry City Councils regarding memorial to Blitz victims in these areas.
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 January 2024 Strategic aim S Developing and valuing our Collection Strategic prioritles Strategic initiatlve for 2023 Develop collection and facilitate research so that the NIWM represents Northern Ireland in the Second World War more comprehensively. Key actions for 2023 Key perforniance Indicators New acquisitions and donations reported to Museum Committee throughout year. We have a growing collection which is at the heart of everything we do, and we will ensure it develops to represent the whole of Northern Ireland's experience in the Second World War. We will review our collection and proactively collect objects which address underrepresented aspects of the Second World War in Northern Ireland. Continue to collect objects proactively, in line with Collections Development Policy, addressing gap areas highlighted through a review of the collection. Museum Accreditation returns SUCSsfUl. Retain our status as an Accredited Museum (retum due June 2023). Published The American Red Cross in Northem Ireland and History of the Northern Ireland War Memorial. Publish and launch The AmeriGan Red Cross in Northern Ireland by Clive Moore. Publish and launch The History of the Northern Ireland War Memorial to mark 60th anniversary of the opening of the original War Memorial building on Waring Street in October 1963. We will facilitate and commission high quality research and publications. Strategic aim 6 Invest in our people and place Strategic priorities Strategic initiative for 2023 Evaluation of roles and responsibilities, additional headcount and review of salaries, pensions and other benefits to inspire and reward success. Key actions for 2023 Key performance indicators HR audit recommendations completed. People will remain at the heart of our organisatj'on. Vve will continue to build an organisational culture which embeds trust, respect, and inclusion. Complete HR audit recommendations which include introducing hybrid working and staff wellbeing policies. Staff training records and regular appraisals with all staff. Promote, maintain and develop professional skills and core competencies in our staff through focused training for all team members. Our Trustees and staff will be engaged and empowered to drive and enable the NIWM to continually change and evolve. Increased headcount and reviewed roles. As an organisation we will be environmentally conscious by minimising waste and reducing our effect on the environment. Increased benefits to staff. Support staff through bi-annual appraisals. A happy and valued operational team and Board of Trustees. Trustee succession planning and training as required. Term5 of reference created for sub Committees. Increase headcount and review all roles and salaries.
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (contlnued) Year ended 31 January 2024 Review NIWM pension contribution and introduce other benefits for staff. Company off-sites organised. Reduced impact on the environment and environmental champion appointed. Conduct effective Board and Committee meetings. Organise company off-sites. Appoint an environmental champion within the operational team. Fundamental to the Trustees is safeguarding the organisation's ability to self-finance to meet its objectives. As most of the Charity's income is generated from investments, the Trustees engaged 0 independent investment managers to administer its portfolio in accordance with a policy of achieving a balance befween income and capital growth with medium risk. The investments generated income of £180,740 (2023: £153,487) in the year. The 1000/0 owned subsidiary NI Holdings Limited, which maintains the investment propety, continues to perform well and is fully let. Financial review The key financial objective is to ensure financial stability and continuing solvency year on year, so that the charity can achieve its objectives. The Charity relies on a solid performance from investments to meet their objectives. 2023 marked a much-needed comeback when it came to market performance after a dreadful 2022. Bolstered by the combination of a solid economy, better than expected corporate earnings, and an apparent end to interest rate hikes, stocks rallied in the second half of 2023. Net gains in revaluation of investment assets (realised and unrealised) amounted to £526,629 (2023: Ioss £515,663). Net gains in revaluation recorded for the year ending January 2024 translates as 6.16 % of portfolio value held at year-end, with £395k withdrawn from the portfolio during the year to fund charitable objectives. The Trustees consider the results to be satisfactory and do not envisage any material change in the nature of activities in the year to 31 January 2025. The Trustees view 2024 as a year of normalisation. The drivers of the equity bull market remain intact and disintlation continues across developed economies, boosting ntral banks, confidence to stsrt cutting interest rates. The number of rate cuts may be moderate, but it would signal an orderly soft landing, instead of a recessionary scenario. Trustees will continue to monitor the situation and engage with the independent investment managers as necessary. The Statements of Financial Activities are set out on Pages 16 and 17.
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporating the Director's Report) (eontlnued) Year ended 31 January 2024 Reserves policy The Council has established a policy whereby the uninvested funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets (the free reserves) held by the Council should be in excess of at least one year's resources expended. Reserves are essential to ensure that the Charity has enough resources to fund educational programmes, support ex-service Charities accommodation, cover day to day running costs. staff costs, building repairs, museum acquisitions and conseNation requirements. The actual free reserves at 31 January 2024 were £993,502 (2023: £1,072,751) (see note 26). At this level, the Trustees are of the view that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity for up to 3 years (based on current year expenditure) in the event of a significant drop in investment return. The reserves policy is reviewed annually by the Trustees and is deemed adequate considering current market unknowns driven by the Russian invasion on Ukraine and inflation. Investment powers and policy Under the Memorandum and Articles of Associats'on the Trustees have the power to invest in any way the Council wishes. The investment policy of the Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) is as follows.. The Council. having regard to the liquidity requirements of operating the charity and to the reserves policy, will operate a policy of delegating the management of its investments to professional investment managers with a mandate to manage the investments to achieve a balance between growth of income and capital. with medium risk. Donations The Council made charitable donations amounting to £200 (2023: £200) during the year, principally for the benefit of local communities in which the council operates. No donations for political purposes were made in the year {2023.- £nil). Plans for future periods The Board of Trustees will continue to plan for the delivery of consistent, high quality standards in relation to providing and maintaining an enduring War Memorial. Collectively they will ensure that those charged with governance or management of the Council will be made aware of their responsibilities. The charity will demonstrate that it is using its resources to deliver charitable activity and therefore public benefit in the best possible way in these uncertain economic times. Resources will be managed in a cost-effective manner. Expenditure will be strictly monitored and controlled without compromising quality of servi. Management structures will be kept under review and monitored to ensure that good governance prevails and exposure of the charity too is minimised. Trustees have approved an operational plan and budget for the year ending 31 January 2024 based on the agreed Strategic priorities set out in the plan (2023-2027). The plan comprises strategic initiatives, key actions and key performance indicators for the year ahead to safeguard effective governan. Funds held as custodian Trustee on behalf of others There are no funds held as custodian Trustee on behalf of others. Statement of Trustees, responsibilities The trustees. who are also directors for the purposes of company law, are responsible for preparing the trustees, port and the financial statements in accordan with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards io
Council of the Northern Ireland War Memorial (Incorporated) - The Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (continued) Year ended 31 January 2024 (United Kingdom Generally ACpted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare financial statements for each year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming reSoUrS and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, for that period. n 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 applicable Charities SORP., make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and pnjdent; prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that a sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Auditor Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of this report confirms that.. so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit infomiation of which the charity's auditor is unaware,. and they have taken all steps that they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity's auditor is aware of that information. Small company provisions This report has been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies entitled to the small companies exemption. The trustees, annual report was approved on 13th June 2024 and signed on behalf of the board of trustees by: By order of the Board Colonel (Retd) D Bigger Chairman Date.. 13bl June 2024 11