COMPANY REGISTRATION NUMBER: N1020562 CHARITY REGISTRATION NUMBER: NIC103651 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements 31 March 2024 Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountants & statutory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfast BT2 8DN Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024 Page Trustees, annual report (incorporating the directorfs report) Independent auditor's report to the members Statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account) Statement of financial position Statement of cash flows 10 14 15 16 Notes to the financial statements 17 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) Year ended 31 March 2024 The trustees. who are a150 the direciors for the purposes of company law, present their ￿port and the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. Reference and administrative details Registered charity name W1￿1M Support Northem Ireland Charity iegistra¢ion numbe NIC103651 Company registration nurnber N1020562 Principal office and re9iStered Albany House office 73-75 Great Victoria Street Belfast BT2 7AF The trustees Niamh Kelpie Rachel Toner Laurence Cheshire {Chair) Barry Connolly Sinead Lynch Eamonn McNally Kevin Smith Katrina Hinfey Tracy Lavery Roscha McDonald David Docherty Jan Winton Shirley-Anne McFerran Therese Rogan (Resigned 27 April 2024) (Resigned 30 July 2024) (Appointed 3 August 20231 (Appointed 3 August 2023) (Appointed 7 November 20241 {Appointed 7 November 20241 Company secretary Jan[￿ Bunting Auditor Finegan Gibson Ltd Chartered accountsnts & statulory auditor Causeway Tower 9 James Street South Belfast BT2 8DN Bankers Ulster Bank 91-93 Universiiy Road Belfast BT7 7FW Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) fcontlnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Structure, governance and management The Trustees. who are also Directors for Company law purposes, present their annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting poliLMes set out in note 110 the accounts and comply with the Charity's Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5= Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charities preparing tt)eir accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Ireland IFRS 1021 (effective 1 January 2015)". The trustees have had regard trj the Charily Commission for Northern Ireland's public requirement statutory guidance. Nature of governing document and how charityis constituted. Victim Support Nl is a company limited by guarantee with no Sha￿ capilal. and a registered charify. It is govemed by Articles of Association. Our Trustees The organisation has a voluntary Board of Trustees of no more than 12 members. The trustees are also directors of the company. Our Trustees are recruited via open advertisement and each member can servo a m2ximiJm of hvo rffjnsecutive fr)ur-year tems. All trustee5 undergo an induction and training process lo introduce them to the organisation and their legal responsibilities as a trustee. The organisation's Insuran￿ policy include5 trustee indemnity cover. During the financial year. the followng Trustees joined the Board: David Dochety- August 2022 Jan Winlon - August 2023 Organisational structure and how Charity makes de￿$lon$ The Board is ￿SpOnsIble for the rewew of all activities. approval of budgets and fulure strategy. The Board meets quarterty. as do ils committees.. Finance. Audit. Risk and Remuneration Committee: General Purwse5 Committee. Additional meetings are held throughout the year on an ad hoc basis to develop the strategic plan for the year ahead. The Chief Executive Officer, Janice Bunting. is responsible for all operational and tlay to day matters and works in conjunction with senior managemenL with regular reporting to the Board and supervision by the Chair. Arrangements ftir sethn9 pay and remuneration of key management The org8nisation's trustees are responsible for setting the pay and remuneration of senior staff. The policy is to offer adequate pay to attract and keep appropriaiely qualified staff to lead. manage. suppor( and deliver the charity's aiffls. The chariws vision and values are considered alongside the competÈncies required for the mle and the overall costs incurred. Staff retention continues to prove increasingly challenging year on year as staff. partt¢ularly at ASO level. are moving trj better remunerated roles particularly in the public and private sectors. Olher Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Tru5tees' Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (¢ontinued) Year ended 31 March 2024 factors impacting on retention include Ihe cost-of-living crisis- budgetary pressureslculs and short-lerm funding all of which impact on the retention of staff and their wellbeing. The Board will contsnue lo review how these challenges can be addresse(l. Relationships with related parties and other charitieslorganisations with which Victim Support Nl c￿ordinateS in the pursuit of ils charitable objectives Victim Support Nl acts as a gateway to other support servI￿S in our effotts to ensure that victim and witnoss ngeds are fully addrc-- -cd. Wc have pul in place aervice level agreements and protOGols willi numerous voluntary an(J statutory organisations lo assist in this process. As part of our hale crime work, we co-ordinate the hale crime advocacy service in Nl. in partnership with The Rainbow Project Nl. Leonard Cheshire Nl and the Migranl Centre. We also partner with Women's Aid, Men'5 Advisory Project, and Nexus Nl to deliver the Iris projecL Public Benefit Vlcum Support Nl exists lo.- reduce the distress. povety and disadvanlageous effects on individuals affected by crime. The benefit that flows from this purpose is that victim- feel supported and helped to cope with the impact of crime and that victims and witnesses can rn0￿ effectively engage in the Criminal Justice System. advan￿ public education and awareness of issues relaling to victims and wilneggpq. Thp. hp.npfit that flows from this purpose is that organisalions working with victims and wilne5se5 have increased understanding of the impact on crime on individuals and are better equipped to respond to their needs. We evidence these benefits through on-going evaluation of feedback from service users and quarterly provision of progress against targets agreed with our funders. The beneficiaries of the charity are victims and prosecution witnesses of crime across Northem Ireland. The purpose of our charity can be categorised as 'the advancement of education, and 'the advanGement of health or the saving of live5. under the Charities Act. Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (rontsnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and activities Chan"table objectives Victim Support Nl exists to reduce harm and influence positive change for victims and witnesses in Northem Ireland. We do this through a combination of services providing support in the community, at court and outreach centres across Nl. Funding to support and help deliver or objectives is received from: Department of Justice Children in Need National Lottery Community Foundation Community Foundation Nl a3 well as charitable donations from the publiG. Outgoing resources for the year lotalled £100.837 which is attributable to its principal activities. This, combined with the tirne and expertise given by our wonderful volunteers. enablp_d iJ.£ In dg.livei ovr services to victims and witnesses throughout Northem Ireland. AIMS OF THE CHARITY Victims and witnesses deseNe a society that is equipped to 5UPPOrt and help thern if they experience or witness a crime. We pledge to work for as long as is necessary to achieve our vision OP. 'a society that ensures appropriate support and information is available to people affected by crime,. How Achievement of Aims Furthers Our Objectives. We help and support victtms and wttnesses of crime in several ways. Our community service starts with practical and emotional support for the vtcbm shoruy after the crime has occurred. Our support has a base in the Psychological First model and [5 supplemented and reinforced by the CoTnmunity Resilien￿ Model. We can assist with criminal injury compensation claims and appeals. We help prepare people for the experience of going to court. and 5UPPOrt witnesses while they a￿ in court. We can also help victims lo prepare Viclim Personal Statements after a conviction. We offer a range of specialist servi￿$ to victims including= Hate Crime Advocacy Serv¢ce (HCAS) - supporting victims of hate crime. Sexual Offen￿S Legal Advisors (SOLAS) - provides free legal support to victims of serious sexual crime from report to court in respect of their rights. Phoenix Youth Service - support5 children and young people aged 8-20 year5 who have suffered physical. emotional or sexual abuse in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust area_ After Court Support- provides one-to-one Iherapeulic support to viclim5 who are still experiencing trauma following the conclusion of their court case. CHISVA - Our child independent sexual violence advocate supports children and young people who have experienced sexual violence to have their voice and needs acknowtedged and represented in the crwninal justice process. Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) fconrfnued) Year ended 31 March 2024 We aim to represent the experiences and views of victims and witne5se5 a5 they go Ihrough the criminal justice process and lobby govemment and the criminal justice system for effective change the benefits of 811 victims and witnesses. The outcome of our work is that victims and witnesses of crime in Northem Ireland will feel better informed aboul their rights. and more aware of the Choices available to them, have more confidence in the Criminal Justice System, and feel that their voice is being heard and their experien￿ is believed. The services offered by Victim Support Nl staff and volunteers will support people to feel less anxious and Safer in court. An impottant aspect of the organisation's work is communicatton with decision makers to ensure they hear victims. voices. are better infomed and take account of the needs of victims and witnesses when effecting policy change. We also partner successfully with other agencies to ensure that we have the best available advocacy, specialist advice. and support services for our clients. In 2023-24 our partnership conlinued wtth the IRIS project which included Women's ￿d, Nexus and the Men'3 Advi30ry Project. This project, funded by the Department of Health, aims to improve the identification, referral and support available to victims of domestic andlor sexual abuse attending General Practice surgeries in the pilot areas. Our Strategy We continue to work towards the aims of our organisational strategy. titled 'Red￿$s. Restore, Recover- Beyond Crime A Victim's J0ume￿- This strategy is grounded in our belief that harm is caused to victims when they experience crime. and this harm must be recognised and addressed to enable victims to move on. We must ensu￿ a MO￿ connected justice and community safety system by strengthening victim support. ifflproving Victims. sense of safely. and secuiiiig Irie(Iriiiiyful iywvgry outcomes for those harmed by crime. We must ensu￿ that the needs of vulnerable victims are recognised. and that victims who fall outside of traditional definitions are not left unsupported. Technological approaches to SLEPFM)rt victims and witnesses of crime must be und8rpinned by policy and legislation where appropriate. to ensure consistency in pra¢lice. Victim Support Nl also believes that we must COmp￿henslVeIY evaluate the implementation of the Wictim Charter and ensure that all victims have aC￿sS to advocacy support lo help them navigate the system and ensure that their needs and rights are met and understood. The key objectives of our organisation are to reduce harm and influence wsitive Change. These alms are translaled into action through the following strategic goals and objectives. We use a balanced scorecard melhodology to measure success against our corporate scorecard and report quarterly to the Board and funders on performance against conditions of granL Volunteerlng Volunteers remain al the o)re of our 5eNice delivery model. In 2023-24. our volunteers delivered 10290 direct seNice delivery hours supporting victim and wilnes5es acr055 Northem Ireland. Recruittng and retaining sufficient leve15 of competent volunteers is an on-going efft)rt lor all charities and this challenge has been even more difficult in recent years. We have introduGed online recmitment and training to ensure we continue to attraci new volunteer5 to a55iSt us in our mi55ton. Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Llmited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) (conlinuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and activities {￿ntInued) SUMMARY OF MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE LAST 12 Mo￿Hs Over the last 12 month5 (2023124). we have continued to make significant progress in achieving our charitable purposes with- 41.495 victims referred to Victim Support Nl. 10.290 volunteer hours delivered. over £4.3m compensatory awards made to victims injured as a result of violent crime. 99.80A of victrrns who attgndad court givan support by Vrctim Support Nl. In September 2023 the new Remote Evidence cent￿ was officially launched by the Rt Honourable Dame Siobhan Keegan, Lady Chief Justi￿. Viclim Support CEO Janice Bunbng spoke at the launch about the benefits of the centre for victims. Client feedback collated from Remote Evidence Centre5 opened cleatly indicates that the option of using a Remote Evidence Centre coupled with the support provided by Victim Support Nl has allowed witnesse5 to feel safer, give better eviden￿ and be more Gonfi(Jent and engagetj wiinin Ihe ¢rlminal Justice syslem. In October 2023. we partnered with Nexus on a workshop event aimed at gathering infomation of sexual violence research conducted using Northern Irish data with the aim of identifying gaps and forging produclive relationships wth academics working in this field. This event was well attended giving a fascinating insight into the wodd of academia and highlighting potential future research areas. In January 2024. we welcomed the Department of Justi￿ Pemianent Secretary. Richard Pengelly. to our Belfast Hub. Mr Pengelly mel staff from our diverse range of services. He received a strong insight into the diverse and complex needs of victims of crime as well as hearing how our tailored support helps vicfims on their joumey of recovery from trauma. To mark European Victims of Crime Day on February 22nd. 2024. we hosted our annual conference entitled 'Mfftat Price Justice? A Costs Conundrumr and were pleased lo have Minister Lon9 open the event. This innovative conference was attended by over 200 delegates. In addition to hearing from victims of crime, participants also heard from a range of inlemationally renowned speakers on topics including Safe Justice. Participatory Rights of Victims in Japanese Prosecutions, The Cost of Closure, Research into Special Measures and the Global need for victirns, rights. ￿￿tiM Champions from across the statutory criminal justices agencie5 participaled in the event as well. In terms of volunteering we continued tD Strengthen and buiki on our volunteering resources establishing, for the first time. a strong new relationship with The School of Law at Ulster UnNersity- This resulted in new volunteers joining our core services teams to support victims of crime. In March 2024, we finished the year by achieving. for the third time. the presligious quality standard "Investing in Volunteers, Award.. Marknng this occasion, volunteets and stsff attended an event in the Long Gallery hosted by Mrs Joanne Bunting MLA. Chair of the Justice Committee. We continued our campaigning and lobbying efforts. responding to consultations on issues including the Draft Domestic & Sexual Abuse Strategy (2023-2030). The Executive Office Strategic Framework to end Violence Against Women and Girls and Foundational Action Plan to name but a few. In March 2024. with support from NSPCC. and funding from the DOJ Victrm of Crime Fund, our Communications Officer designed. developed and aulhored a Young People & Crime booklet. In age appropriate tanguage. 25.000 copies were di8tributed to every secondary level school in Nl. Feedback on this booklet was ext￿melY positive. During the year, we joined and contributed to the newly created All Ireland Network of Sexual Violen Research (AINSVR). which is an active community of academics, policy makers and practilioners from across the island of Ireland, all working in the r￿Id of sexual violence. Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) fcontlnuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Objectives and activities fconlinuedj Our specialist projects continue lo grow and evolve. The Hate Crime Advocacy Service re￿iVed over 1000 hate ctime referra15 Wlth 76% moving through the criminal justice system and a user satisfaction rate of 85%. We continued to develop new partnerships wtth community and slalulory agencies which has only enhanced the support we are able tn tiffÈr victims of hate Crime. The Sexual Offences Legal Advisers (SOLAS) continue to experience increases in referrals. Sinc8 its launch in 2021, the service has received 2185 referrals wlh 873 received in 2023124. Of those referred 800/0 ￿mained engaged with and benefitled from this very unique service. Client feedback during the year reported that 94% reported that the experience with a SOLA allowed them lo have a voice in the criminal justice process and 83°A reported improved confidence in the criminal justice System beG¢gUi¢ vl uf Illib sUPPOrt. Child Independent Sexual Violence Advocate {CHISVA) Service which supports children and young people impacted by sexual violence received 758 direct referrals for support and providgd 31 cases with personalised complex advocacy support. This year saw us launch a Chisva animation based on the inspirational concept designed by a CHISVA clienL "Some Thin9s Just Need to be Said. was launched in November 2023 and a copy sent io every secondary schi)ol in Nl. Feed back was exlremely positive. Phoenix Youth provides creative Iherdpeutic support for children and young people in the Northem Ireland Health and Social Trust who have been directty impacted by one or more of the accepted definition of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES). In the past year. therapists from Phoenix SUPPOrted 86 children and young people and their parents through over 570+ individual therapeutic session5. In addition, six dedicated workshop sessions were held for parents and guardian5 of children and young people impacted by trauma to help equip them with the knowledge and understanding of supporting challenging trauma related behaviours. After Court Support Service - This service focused on enabling the recovery of primarrly victims of serious sexual and physical violence after court. Using an evidence based design to address trauma and build resilience. an external evaluation carried out in late 2023 found that 96°A of parttcipants reported a ieduction in anxiety and increase in ￿$111en￿ with 80% indicating they were less likely to access NHS support as a result of the programme. Our knowledge sharing relationship with Vidirn Support Europe continues to grow and gvolve. Our training and development programme for staff and volunteers continues to progress. During the year we provided 3121 hours of trainirbg to staff. volunteers and exiemal stakeholders. This equipped our siaff and volunteers to maintain the highest quality standards for the victims and witnesses we serve. The Board of Trustees acknowledges that a potential private benefit to staff. volunteers and trustees may arise from these activities through the enhancement ol skills and experience which may be transferable to olher settings. These enhancements are considered incidental and necessary to ensure the benefits that are provided to our service users. Ifictim Support Nl has paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in declding what activtties the Charity should undertake. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continued to impact on the criminal justice process.- there continues to be a backlog in courts and viclmns must often wait longer for cases to conciud We have adopted learning from the pandemic and contrnue to use a hybrid working model and provide on-line service provision. We have exlended our reach to dients to tnclude on4ine chal and are looking at other Tnethods of engagement wilh our cfients. Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report) {continu8dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Financial review Review of financial position at the end of the reporting perlod Total income for 2023-24 was £2,469,492 and resulted in net outgoing resources for the year of £100.837 of which £112,572 was restricted funds. The trustees considered Ihis position salisfaclory. Noteworthy events that affected financial perfomiance and financial position during the period The funding environmenl continues to be a challenge to the organisation allied with a rising cost of living crisis. This. combined with a lack of long-temi govemment funding. has remained a key organisalional risk throughout the year. This uncertainty has impacted on long term planning. Whilst the pandemic had a significant impact on the organisation. we were able to continue the provision of our services lo clients throughout. Additional cost pressure5 that arose lo support the move to remote working were met by savings made in other areas, patticularly in travel costs. However. as costs continue to elevate this will becomo mora challenging. Principal sources of income and how expenditure meets objectives The organisation re￿iVeS almost 72 % of funding for its core work from the Department of Justice Victims and Witnesse5 Branch. Services are delivered through its communtty, court. and compensation services in line with the conditions of funding. auartedy performance reports are bubrnitied by the Board to the Departmen( which assesses performance against agreed outcomes and objectives. The Board and Senior Management Team meet biannually with the Department to fomally review perfomiance. Reserves policy Victim Support Nl's Finance. Aud¢ Risk and Remuneration Committee and the Board have considered Ihe reserves required by the organisation to meet Its liabilities and any unforeseen and extraordinary costs. The organisation aims to have a general reserves fund equivalent lo 3 months running cost (approx. £492.000) which should provide the time required to wind down the oTganisation in the case of closure. At this point, the actual level of ￿n￿tricted reserve is at £166,260. Fundraising for unreslricled reseNes continues to be a challenge for the organisation. This challeng9 has been increased due to the impacl of the global pandemic on charilable giving and income generation. We are in the process of reviewng other sources of income that may contribute to our reserve as well considering an online donations platform vra Charities Aid Foundation which will facilitate public donations. Risk Management The Board of Trustees has a legal duty to ensure that it manages the charitys resources responsibly through the implementation of appropriate financial controls and the management of risk. The organisation's senior management tearn reviews the risk ￿giSter monthly. These reports are reviewed by the FARR committee on a quarterly basis before approval by the full Board. This involves identifying the types of risk the or9anisation faces. prioritising them in terms of impact and likelihood of OCCUfrence and identrfying means of miligating the risks. The key risks identified as high throughout the year included the lack of funding security beyond one year. impact of the pandemic on volunteer capacity levels- stsff retention and skill shorlage due to cost-of-living crisis: staff and volunteer well-being. and the effectiveness of our ICT system to 5UPPOrt activities. Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directorfs Report) (Conlinued) Year ended 31 March 2024 The Board has reviewed the effectiveness of the organisation's internal financial controls and is responsible for establishing and operating control and reporting procedures designed to give reasonable. but not absolute, assurance against material misstatement and loss. Trustees. responsibilities staternent The trustees. who are also directors for the purposes of company law. are responsible for preparing the trustees. report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Klngdom Accounting Stant1ards (Uniled ￿"ngdoM Generally Accepted Accounting Practi￿1. Company law requires the charity tnjstees to prepare financial statements for eath year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the incoming resour¢es and application of resources. including the income and expendiiure. for that peri¢Jd. In preparing these financial statements. the trustee5 are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistenlly,. observe the rnethods and principles in the applicable Charities SORP: make juogrnénts and accounting e5timales that are reasonable and prudent.. 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 are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time Ihe financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial slalemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for Safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregulaTilie5. Auditor Each of the persons who is a trustee at the date of approval of thi8 ￿port confirms that: so far as they are aware. there is no relevant audtl information of which the chariW5 auditor is unaware; and they have taken all steps Ihat 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 15 aware of that information. Small company provi51011S This report has been prepared in accordan￿ with the provtsions applicable to companie5 entitled to the small companies exemptKIn. The trustees, annual report was approved on 29 January 2025 and signed on behalf of the txjard of trustees by: Laurence Cheshire {Chair) Trustee Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Victim Support Northern Ireland Year ended 31 March 2024 Opinion We have audited the financial statements of Victim Support Northem I￿land (the 'charitl) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities (including income and expenditure account). statement of financial position, statement of cash flows and the related notes, including a summary of significant accounting policie5. The financial reporting framework that has ljveii applied In thelr preparauon Is applicable law and Uniied Kingdom Accounts"ng btandards. including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). In our opinion the financial statements= give a true and fair view of the State of Ihe charily's affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources. including its income and expenditure. for the year then ended- have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Praclice-, have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companie5 Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance wlh International Standards on Auditing (UK) IISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the audilorfs responsibilities for the audit of the financial ststements section of our report. We are independent of Ihe charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK. including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have oblAined is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to going concern In auditing the financial stalemenls, we have conduded that the tn￿tees. use of Ihe going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have performed. we have not identffied any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitWs ability lo continue as a going concern for a period of at least twefve months from when Ihe financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concem are described in the relevant section5 of this reporL other information The olher infomiation comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditovs report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other infortnation and, excepl to the exlenl otherwise explicitly stated in our ￿pOrt. we do not express any fomi of assurance conclusion thereon. 10 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Victim Support Northern Ireland {continuedJ Year ended 31 March 2024 In connection with our audit of the financial statements. our responsibility is to read the oiher information and. in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears lo be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misslatemenls, we are required to detemiine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statement5 or a material misstatement of the other information. If. based on the work we have perfomied, we conclude that there is a matèrial misstatement of this other information, wa aro raquired to rgport that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard. Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the course of the auditr. the infomiation given in the trustees, report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consistent with the financial statemenls.- and the trustees. report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirement5. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowle(Jge an¢J undersianding of the cnarity and its environment oblained in the course of the audtt. we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees. report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you if. in our opinion= adequate accounting records have not been kept. or retums adequate for our audit have not been received from branches not visited by us: or the financral statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and retums: or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not rnade,. or we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit- or the trustees were not entitled to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the small companies regime and tske advanlage of the small Companies, exernptions in preparing the directors, report and from the requirement to prepare a stralegic repoFt Responsibilities of trustees As explained more fully in Ihe tnJsiees' responsibilities slatemenL the trustees {who are also the directors for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being Satisfied that they gNe a true and fair view, and for such iniemal control as the Irustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statement5 that are free from material misslalement, whether due to fraud or error. Our responsibility is lo audit and express an opinion on the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Internalional Standards on Auditing (UK)- Those standards require us to comply with the Financial Reporting Council's (FRC'S) Ethical Standard for Auditors.. in the (ircumstance5 set out in note 25 to the financial statements. In p￿paring the financial statements. the trustees are respDnsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue 8$ a going concern. disclosing. as applicable, matter5 related to going concem and using the going concem basis of accounting unless the trustee5 either intend to liquidale the charity or to cease operations. or have no realislic altemative but to do so. 11 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditor's Report to the Members of Victim Support Northern Ireland {￿￿1¥nUedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Audil0rf5 responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements Our objectives a￿ to obtain reasonable assuran￿ about whether the financtal statements as a whole are free from material tnisslalement, whether due to fraud or error, and to 155ue an auditorfs report Ihal includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance. but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS IUKI will always detect a material misslalement when it existg_ Misstatements can arFse from fraud or grror and aro considarad matortal if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial slalements. Irregularities, induding fraud. are instances of non-compliance with laws and ￿gUlations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities. outlined above. lo detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities. including fraud. The extent to which our prO￿dureS are capable of detecting irF¥9ul 977 (188,912) 5,859 {1,751 } 881 {76,074} Changes in.. Trade and other debtors Trade and other ¢reditors (20,904) 99.518 33.139 (121,162) 17.057 Cash generated from operalions (212.148) Interest paid Interesl received 1977) 7.851 (881) 1.751 Nel cash (used inyfrom operating acttvityes {205.274) 17,927 Cash flows from investing adivilies Purchase of tangible assets Net cash used in investing activities (17,584) (17.584} Net Idecrease)lincrease in cash and cash equivaltnts Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (205.274) 367.084 343 366.741 161.810 367.084 The notss on pages 17 to 27 fomi part of these financial statements. 16 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements Year ended 31 March 2024 General information The charity is a public benefit entty and a private cornpany limited by guarantee. registered in Northem Ireland and a registered charity in Northern Ireland. The address of the registered office is Albany House, 7&75 Great Wictoria Street. BellasL BT2 7AF. statement of compliance These financial statements have been p￿pared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.. the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable lo charilies p￿parIng their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland {FRS 102) {Charilies SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Acl 2006. Accounting policies Basis of preparation The financial slalements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities and investment properbes measured at fair value through income or expenditure. The financial statements are prepared in Sterling. which is the functional currency of the entity. Going concern There are no material un￿rtaInlieS about the charilys abilily to continue. Judgements and key sources of eslimalion uncertainty Judgements and key source5 of estimation uncertainty The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements. estimates and assumptions that affecl the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors. including expectations of future events Ihat are believed to be ￿asonable under the circumstances. Fund accounting Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charitys purposes. Designated funds are unrestricied funds eamiarked by the trusiees for particular futu￿ project or commitmenl. Restricted fuTJds are subjected to reslrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal. and fall inio one of two sub-classes: restricted income funds or endovmient funds. 17 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {conllnuÈdJ Year ended 31 PAarch 2024 Accounting policies f¢on¢inuedJ Incoming re50urces All incoming resources are included in the slalement of financial actiwties when entillemenl has passed to the charity.. it is probable that the economic benefits associated with the transaction will flow to the charity and the amount can be reliably measured. The following specific policies are applied to particular categories of income- income from donations or grants is ￿cOgnised when there is evidence of enlillement to the gtft, feceipt is probable and its amount can be measured reliably. legacy income is recognised when receipt is probable and entitiement is established. income from donated goods is measured at the fair value of the goods unless this is impraclical to measure reliably. in which case Ihe value is derived frorn the cost lo the donor or the estimated resale value. Donated facilities and setvices are recognised in the accounts when re￿iVed rf the value can be reliably measured. No amounts are included for the contribution ol general volunteers. income from contracts for the supply of services i% recognised with the delivery of the conlracted serviGe. Th15 Is cla551lled as unrestrlcled funtjs unless there Is a conlraaual requirement for it to be spent on a particular purpose and retumed if vnspenl, in which case il may be regarded as restricted. Resources expended Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure includes any VAT which cannol be fu15y recovered, and is classified under headings of the statement of financial activities to which it relates- expendilure on raising funds include5 the costs of all fundrdising activities. event5. non-tharilable trading actlvibes. and the sale of donated goods. expenditure on charitable activities indudes all costs incurred by a charity in undertaking activities that further ils charitable aims for the benefit of beneficiaries. including those SUPFQrt costs and costs relating to the govemance of the charity apportioned to charitable activities. other expenditure includes all expenditure that is neither related to raising funds for the charity nor part of ils expenditure on charitable activities. Atl costs are allocated to expenditure categories refiecting the use of the resour￿. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are altocated direcfly to that activity. Shared costs are apportioned between the actNities they contribute to on a reasonable. justtfiable and consistent basi5. Operating leases Lease payments a￿ recognised as an expense over the lease temi on a straight-fine basis. The aggregate benefit of lease in￿ntiVeS is recognised as a reduclM)n to expense over Ihe lease term. on a straight-line basis. 18 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (conthjuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies (contlnued) Tangible asset5 Tangible assets are initially recorded at C05t. and subsequently stated at cost less any accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Any tangible assets carried at revalued amounts a￿ recorded at the fair value at the (Jate of revaluation less any subsequenl accumulated depreoation and subsequent accumulated impaimienl losses. An increase in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of a revaluation. is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, unless it reverses a charge for impairment that has previously been recognised as expenditure within the statement of financi818ctivibes. A decrease in the carrying amount of an asset as a result of revaluation, is recognised in other recognised gains and losses, except to which it offsets any previous revaluation gain. in which case the loss is shown within other recognised gains and losse5 on the statement of financial actNities. Depreciation Depreciation Is calculated so as to wrtte off the cost or valuation of an asset. less its residual value. over the useful economic lrfe of that asset as follows= Lono Ip.Aqphnld propety Equipment Over the rèmaining life of thg lease 33% slraight line Impaimient of fixed assets A review for indicator5 of impairment is carried oul at each reporting date. with the recoverable amount being estimated where such indicators exist. whe￿ Ihe carrying value exceeds the reGoverable amoun( the asset is impai￿d aGGordin9ly. Prior impairfflents are also ieviewed for possible reve￿81 at each reporting date. For the purposes of impairment testing, when it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of an indiwdual asset. an estimate is made of the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unil to which the asset belongs. The cash-generating unit is the smallesl identifiable group of assets that includes the asset and generates cash inflows that largely independent of the cash inflows from olher assets or gooups of assets. For impairment testing of goodwill, the goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date. allocated to each of the cash-generating units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the combinatiori. Irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the charity are assigned to those units. Financial instruments A financial asset or a financial liabilty is recognised only when the charity becomes a paty to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Basic financial instruments a￿ initiJly recognised at the amount receivable or payable including any related transaction costs. 19 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (contlftu¢dJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Accounting policies (continuedj Financial instruments (conllnuedj Current assets and current liabilities are subsequently rneasu￿d at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid or re￿iVed and not discounted. Debt instruments are subsequently measured at amortised oosL Where investments in shares are publicly traded or their fair value can otherwise be measured reliably. the investment is subsequently measured al fair value with changes in fair value recognised in income and expenditure. All other such investmenis are subsequently measured at cost less impairment. Other financial instruments. including derivatives. are initially recognised at fair value, unless payment for an asset is deferred beyond normal business tems or financed al a rate of interest that is not a market rate, in which case the asset is measured al the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument. Other financial instruments a￿ subsequently measured at fair value. any Changes recognised in the statement of financial activities. with the exception of hedging instruments in a designated hedging relationship. Financial assets that are measured at cost or amortised cost are reviewed for objective eviden of impairment at the en(J of each reporting date. 11 the￿ is objectNe evidence of impairment. an impairment loss is recognised under the appropriate heading in the statement of financial activities in which the initial gain was recognised. For all equity instruments regardless of signifiGance. and other financial assets Ihat are individually signrficant. these a￿ assessed individually for impairmenl. Other financial assets are either assessed individually or grouped on the basis of similar credf( risk characterislics. Any reversals of irnpairment are recognised immediately. to the extent ￿at the reversal does not resull in a carying amount of the financial asset that exceeds what the carying amount would have been had the impairment not previously been recognised. Limited by guarantee Victim Support Northem Ireland is a company limited by guarantee and aG￿rdinglY does not have a share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute such amount as may be required not exceeding £1 to the assets of the charitable company in the event of ils being wound up while he or she is a member. or wthin one year after he or she ceases to be a member. 20 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (¢vntinuedJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Donations and legacies Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Total Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Donations Donations and Gifts Halifax 1.041 1.041 1.060 500 1.060 500 1.041 1.041 1,560 1.560 Charitable activtttes Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Fund5 Funds 2024 Victims of Crime Fund Hate Crime Advocacy Income 8,240 184,307 1.763.016 188.807 30.232 148.481 1,500 69.413 53.000 8,240 184.307 1.763,016 188.807 30,232 148.481 15,104 69.413 53,000 DOJ SOLA Income eHISVA Projecl Ineome Phoenix Youth Project Other Income CFNI Recovery CJS DOJ Capital Grant 13.604 13,604 2.446,996 2.460,600 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Fund5 Funds 2023 Victims of Crime Fund Hate Crime Advocacy Income 611 191,881 1.837.205 192.364 39.499 61.648 3,240 69.413 54,234 17,732 611 191.881 1.837.205 192.364 39,499 61.648 23,153 69.413 54.234 17.732 DOJ SOLA Income CHISVA Project Income Phoenix Youth Project Other Income CFNI Recovery CJS DOJ Capital Grant 19.913 19.913 2,467.827 2.487.740 Investment income Unrestricted Total Funds Unrestricted Tolal Funds Funds 2024 Funds 2023 Bank interest receiwdble 7.851 7.851 1.751 1.751 21 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {¢onlinuedJ Year ended 31 March 2024 Expenditure on ¢haritable activities by fund type Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Fund5 2024 Core Hate Crime Advocacy Phoenix Youth ChiSVA SOLA Recovery of Justice After Court Support Support cost5 10.761 1,526,507 169.984 93,761 29,448 1,537,268 169,984 93,761 29,448 ".iJ 163.449 54,840 73,603 447.976 2,559.568 163,449 54,840 73,603 447,976 10,761 2,570,329 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Core Hate Crime Advocacy Phoenix Youth ChiSVA SOLA 5.859 1,261.729 177.274 60,763 33,977 194,064 54,734 78.577 447,909 1.267.588 177,274 60.763 33,977 194,064 54,734 78,577 447,909 Recovery of Justice After Court Support Support costs 5.859 2.309.027 2,314,886 Expenditure on charitable activities by activity type Activities undertaken directiy Support costs Total funds 2024 Total fund 2023 Core Hate Crime Advocacy Phoenix Youth ChiSVA SOLA Recovery of Justi After CoLtrt Support Govemance costs 1.537.268 169.984 93.761 29,448 163.449 54,840 73,603 387,931 1.925,199 169.984 93,761 29,448 163,449 54.840 73.603 60.045 1,658,003 177,274 60,763 33,977 194.064 54,734 78.577 57.494 60.045 2.122.353 447.976 2.570,329 2.314.886 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (conllnuedj Year ended 31 Ivlarch 2024 10. Analysis of support costs Analysis of support costs Total 2024 Total 2023 Premises Communication5 and IT General office Human resources Govemance costs Advertising 102,872 123.501 120,009 11,912 60.045 29.637 102.872 123.501 120,009 11.912 60,045 29.637 92.607 130,882 100,476 26.599 56,994 39.851 447,976 447.976 447.409 11. Net lexpenditure)lincome Net (expendilureifincome is stated after chargingl(creditingl-. 2024 2023 Depreciation of tangible fixed assets Operating lease rentals 5,861 102.872 5,859 75.200 12. Auditors remuneration 2024 2023 Fees payable for the audit of the financial statements 10.736 8.000 13. Staff costs The total staff costs and employee benefits for the reporting period are analysed as follows: 2024 2023 Wages and salaries 1,724.275 1.629.418 The average head count of employees during the year was 63 (2023: 64). The average number of full-time equivalent employees during the year is analysed as folbws.. 2024 2023 Direct Charitable Managernent and administration of the charity 57 63 The number of employees whose remuneration for the year fell within the following bands. were: 2024 2023 £60,000 to £69,999 23 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {conlinue(lJ Year ended 31 March 2024 13. Staff costs (continuedj Key Management Personnel Key management personnel include all persons that have authority and responsibility for planning, directing and controlling the aclivitFes of the chartty. The total compensation paid lo key management personnel for seNices provided to the charity was £237.89012023.'£168.659). 14. Trustee remuneration and expenses None of the Trustees {or any persons connected with them) received any ￿muneratIon or benefits from the Charity during the year. Expenses reimbursed to them amounted to £190 (2023=£nil). 15. Tangible fixèd a_*qets Long leasehold property Equipment Total Cost At 1 April 2023 Disposals At 31 March 2024 254.640 651,237 15,328) 645.909 905,8TT 15.328) 900.549 254.640 Depreciation Al 1 April 2023 Charge for the year Disposals At 31 March 2024 254.640 639,512 5,861 {5.328) 640,045 894.152 5,861 {5.328) 894.685 254,640 Carrying amotjnt At 31 March 2024 5.864 5,864 At 31 March 2023 11.725 11,725 16. Debtors 2024 2023 Trade debtors Prepayments and accrued income Other debtors 8.610 389,119 356 2.760 130.209 398,065 132,969 24 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {¢onUnuedJ Year ended 31 March 2024 17. Creditors." amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Trade creditors Accruals and deferred income Social security and other taxes Other credilo 49.304 99,655 38.943 87.668 37.477 44,355 38.920 275.570 120,752 18. Deferred income 2024 2023 At 1 April 2023 Amount released to income 70.172 (70,172) At 31 March 2024 19. Analysis of charitable funds Unrestricted funds At 31 March 202 At l April 2023 Income Expenditure Transfers General fvnds 154.525 22,496 (10.761) 166,260 At 31 March 202 At 1 April 2022 Income Expenrfilu Transfers General funds 121.128 23.224 (5.859} 16,032 154.525 25 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements {continuedJ Year ended 31 March 2024 19. Analysis of charitable funds (conth7uedJ Restricted funds At 1 April 2023 At Transfers 31 March 2024 Income Expenditure Victims ofcrime Fund Hale Crime DOJ Legal Case Phoenix Youth Project ChlSVA Project Income After Court Support IRIS SOLA Recovery CJS DOJ Capital Grant 8.240 18,240) 184.307 1203.144) 1.763,016 (1,870.227) 14,607 139,382 37.414 1,313 16,157 22.073 1,620 (4.230) 44.047 37,414 32.847 3,390 8,541 11.876 148.481 30.232 69,413 1.500 188.807 53.000 {116.9471 (32.7431 110.2561 {82,945) (1.5001 (100,0071 155.0151 (1.620) 3.935 1.920 236,501 2,446.996 (2,559,568) 123,929 At 1 April 2022 At Transfers 31 March 2023 Income Expenditure Wictims of Crime Fund Hate Crime DOJ Legal Case Phoenix Youth Project ChlSVA Project Income After Court Support IRIS SOLA Recovery QIS DOJ Capital Grant 611 (611) 191,881 (177,274) 1,837.205 (1.707.618} 14.607 139.382 37,414 1,313 16,157 22.073 1.620 9.795 37,414 428 10.635 29.406 1,620 61,648 39.499 69.413 3,240 192.364 54,234 17.732 {60.7631 (33.977) (76,746) (3.240) (194.064) (54.734) 1,700 4,435 3.935 (17.732) 2.467.827 (2.309.027) 116.032) 93,733 236.501 A transfer has taken place during the year which relates to fixed asset purchases during the year, Victim Support Northem Ireland fully own the assets and there is no restriction placed on them once purchased. 26 Victim Support Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Notes to the Financial Statements (continuedj Year ended 31 March 2024 20. Analysis of net assets between funds Unrestricted Funds Restricted Total Fund5 Funds 2024 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 5.864 160.396 5,864 399,499 559,895 1275.570) (275,570) 123,929 290.189 166,260 Unrestricted Furbds Restricted Total Funds Funds 2023 Tangible fixed assets Current assets Creditors less than 1 year Net assets 11,725 142.800 11.725 357,253 500,053 {120.752) (120,7521 236.501 391,026 154.525 21. Taxation The Company is a registered charty. and as such is entitled to tax exemptions on income and profits in furtherance of the charity's primary objectives. 22. Analysi5 of changes in net debt At At 1 Apr 2023 Cash nows 31 Mar 2024 Cash at bank and in hand 367.084 (205,274) 161,810 23. Operating lease commitments The total future minimum lease payments under non