Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors. Report)
Yèarended 31 March 2024
Reference and a(Imlnlstrative data118
DIRECTORS
Peter Osbome Chalr
Ken Calhcart
AUDITORS
GMCG Belfast
Chartered Accountants and Statutory
Auditor
Alfred House
19 Afred Street
Belfast BT2 8EQ
Gralnne C18rke (Retired t 7April 2024)
Davld Cooke {Re1￿6d 16August 2023)
Sorcha Ofver Tre8surer from 13 December 2023
Barbara McAtamney Deputy Chaff untH 16 Augusl 2023
Mlchael McKernan
Brandon Mcmasler Treasurer untll 13 December 2023
Ellen Mcvea
Jane Morrlce
Patrtcla Murtagh Deputy Chafr from 16 August 2023
Kathleen O'Hare OBE (Retired 9 July 2024)
Mary Roulston MBE Depuly Chalr until 16 August 2023
June Wllkinson Deputy Chair from 16August 2023
BANKERS
Bank of Ireland
28 Universlty Road
Belfast BT7 1NH
Danske Bank
Business Plus
PO Box 183
Donegall Squar8 West
Belfast 8T16JS
CHARITY ReGISTRATION NIC104886
Nl Central Investment Fund for Charities
Level S, Causeway Exchange
1-7 Bedford Street
Belfast BT2 7EG
COMPANIES HOUSE N1636289
HMRC Ref•r•nc• N100545
SENIOR MANAGEMENT STAFF
Tina Merron (Chief Execulive)
Jill Caskey (Parenlal Engagement Manager)
Sean Pettis {Acling Pwental Engagement Manager)
Paul Caskey OBE {Head of Campaign)
Paul Collins (Head of Public Affairs and Advoeacy)
Gavin McGratlan (Finance Manager)
Janlne Turner (Head of Operations)
prO￿eSsive Bulding Society
Progresslve H(MJse
33-37 Wellington Place
88lfasl BT16HH
Ulster Bank
8uslness Olrect
111 Floor. Donegall Square Easi
Bolfasl BT1 SUB
CONTACT DETAILS
Integrated Education Fund
Foreslview, Purdy's Lane. Belfast 8T8 7AR
T: +44 {0)28 9069 4099
E: info@ief.org.uk
W: ief.org.uk
SOLICITORS
Cleaver Fulton & Rankin
50 Bedford Street
Belfast BT2 7FW
IEF REGISTERED OFFICE
Integrated Educallon Fund
Forestview. Purdy's Lane
Belfast BT8 7AR

Integrated Education Fund
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Truste8s' Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Directors, Report) {conllnu•d)
Year endod 31 March 2024
This report addresses the fdlowing matters:
1. Operallng context for the year
2. Structure, governance and management
2.1 Mandate
2.2 Govwning document
2.3 Board of Direclors
2.4 Direclor Induclk)n and tralning
2.5 Organisation and commlttees
2.6 Pay policy for senior staff
2.7 Risk Management
3. Obpclfves and acljvitigs
3.1 Purposes of the charity
3.2 Strategic vlsion
4. Achievements and performance
4.1 Empowering Parents - Parental Engagement
4.2 Empowering Schools - Effectlve Fundlng Programmes
4.3 Effecting Pollcy Change- Engagng at a political, educatiortal and indivSdual level
4.4 Malor Glft Fundralslng- Supporting ihe growth a developrnent of Integraled Education
S. Financial revlew
5.1 Prlnclpal funding sources
5.2 Investment powers and policy
5.3 Re88rves policy
5.4 Grant making powers and policy
5.5 New financial software system
5.6 Other slgnrficant events that have affected finanG181 performarr
6. Plans for firture periods
7. Trustees. rnsponslbllltles statement

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectors, Report) fMntlnued)
Year ènded 31 March 2024
OPERATING CONTEXT FOR THE YEAR
The year 2023124 saw some very significanl developments for Integrated Education in Northem Ireland,
From April 2023 until the end of January 2024, Northern Ireland functioned withoul a devolved
administr8tion or silting Assembly followin9 the collapse cf the Executive in February 2022. This would
mean there would be no Minister of Education in place for the majority of the period of Ihis report, The
absence of a Minister would present several challenges during the year with responslbllltle8 paSS￿g lo
the Permanent Secretsry for the Departrn8nt of Educatlon, Dr Mark Browne. This would include
responslbllity for the implementation of the new Integrated Education Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 vthlch
placed a further stalulory duty on the Department of Education (DE) to 'support' as well as 'encourage
and facllitale" Integrated Educatlon. The new legislation should have presented a tremendous
opportunity to see Increased government support for the growth and development of Integrated
Education.. Instead, the Int8grated Education Fund (IEF) grew increasingly concerned that the DE would
stall on full Implèmentation of the requirements of the Act. This is because the DE'S proposed strategy
and action plan resulting from the Act seemed to indicate a reluctance not only to set meaningful targets
and benchmarks for the growlh of Integrated Educallon bul also to present a clear way forward as to
how demand for Integrated Educatlon would be measured. Mcrfeover, the suggesllon Ihal DE would set
an Implementation budget a5 low as £50,000, caused the IEF some concern about the Ilkellhood of the
Department being able to meet ils legal oblwalions under the Act in full.
The absence of a functioning devolved government also delaypd the planned publlcatlon of the final
report from the Independenl Review of Education chalred by Keir Bloomer. This report was finally
publlshed in Decernber 2023. There were several recommendatlons In the report which the IEF found
en￿urag1ng, not least ils support for the expansion of the number of Integrated schools. The
Independent Review also proposed a reconfiguration of the network of schools to potentially create 177
new or reconfigured Jolnlly rnanaged communlly schools and slxth forms with expanded numbers of
learners from different communities attending the same school and learnlng together. Whilst it was not
clear whether such schools would resemble the current Integrated model, the IEF viewed such an
approach worthy ol further exploratlon. The IEF also agreed with the Review's recommendation that a
new approach lo the area planning process was necèssary and that an intlep6ndent Area Planning
Commission should carry out a revlew of the exlstlng ne￿ork of schools In Northern Ireland. The IEF
concurred with the recomrnendalion that proposed changes lo Ihe nehvork of schools should be made
on a 'sector-bllnd' basls, priorltlsing the needs of learngrs and efficiency of delivery. Unfortunately. the
DE has yet lo make an official response lo Ihe findings of the Review (lespile their publication several
months previously.
In addition to the Independent Review of Educalton, the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee at
Westminster launched an Inquiry into Integrated Education in December 2023. This Inquiry was ihe
result of work by the Inlegrated AlumNI Sn requestlng ihal such an Inquiry take place. The IEF presented
both oral and wrltten evldence lo Ihe Comrniltee, alongside our colleagues in ihe Northern Ireland
Councll for Integrated Education (NICIE) and the AiumNI, as well as several bodi8s representing various
education stakeholders. However. due to Ihe announcement of a UK Gener81 Election in July 2024, the
Inquiry did not produce a dekiled flnal report. ralher it Sssued its findings in the form of two lellers in
May 2024, one to the Secretsry of State for Northern Ireland and one to the Education Minisl8r. In those
letlers the Chairof the Committee sirnply summarised some of the key issues raised through the Inquiry.
In February. ten Integrated schools and one shared educatlon campus, received the devasting news
that their planned capital rebuilds. to be funded under the Fresh Start Agreement. would no longer be
progressing as planned. Instead, the impacted schools were informed that they would now have lo
compele with some 50 other schools in the lengthy DE Capital List which is already underfunded. This
development was a result of the reallocation of £150 million of previously ring-fenced Fresh Start fltnding
being given to the Northern Ireland Executlve as part of a deal put forward by the UK Government to
restore devolution. This news was a huge setback lo all the schools involved, some of which had been
planning for their new school for up io eight years. That sald. the IEF does appreciate that many

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Llmited by Guarant••
Trustses. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectorn, Report) {contlnu•d)
Year ended 31 March 2024
Integrated schools have ben8filed significantly from the funding whlch had been made avallable under
the Fresh Start Ageemenl. wilh a number of new school builds at construclion stage or already
completed arKI Ihose schools who had reached 'contract' stage by February 2024 will still progre5S.
Desplte these many challenges and the ongolng political impasse for much of 2023124. the IEF
conlinued to implement its three•year stral8gy (Strategic Vlslon 2022-2025.. Towards 100 Integroted
Schools). Central to thls strategy Is developing Ihe work to empower parents. local communllies and
schtyJ$ wanl Integrated Educalion and to infomi them as to how they can become Involved In
making such positive change a reallty. The IEF also continue(I to challenge Ihe segregated natwe of
our education system through evldence-based research. as well as support schools to deliver integratlon
Irb bolh policy and practice.
Momenturn has conlinued to build. In September 2023, one prlmary school was apwoved by the DE to
transform to Integrated status. However, three schools, proposals were not approv￿ which was so
disappointing to all the families and schools concerned. In the lasl ￿1ve months, eighl schools have
cornpleted ballots of Ihelr parent body. asking them whether they want thelr school to submit a proposal
to becoffle an Inlegrated school. A few of these schools are in small rural communltles. looklng to see ff
Integrated statu8 could brlng a more susialnable fulure - for some It might be loo late but many of thé
schools Ihat have chosen lo move forward wilh Transformation ar• Strong su8lalnable xhods and, In
some cases. schools thal we already oversubsuibed. The IEF, Ihrough its grant programmes. continues
to support all the Schools on Iheir Transformation loumeys as well as provide support for growth
opportunlties in existing Integraled schools too. Support has not stopped there - a number of addltlonal
grant progranmes, funded by donors, are as8lStlng Integrated schools in Iheir development.
ongside growth of Inlegraled Education because of school Transformations, thls year hay seen Ihe
approval of Iwo new school projects: a new Po81-Prlmary Grant Maintained Inlegrated School in the Mld
Down area and a new Post-Primary Controlled Integraled School in the Causeway area. Each of the
Pfojects incorporates an existing Integrated school18lackwater IC and North Coast IC respectlvely) and
are Intended to create Iwo new suslalnable Integrated Colleges. Thre8 sch(M)18 8lso recelved approval
lo establish Nursery school places, whlch is an imporlant aspect of Primary school sustalnabllity.
However, il was r￿t just the Increased adivty and 8UPPOrt at a sch¢)ol and I￿al communlty level that
gave tho IEF opilmlsm Ihroughoul Ihe year bul also the developments al a national government level
too. 2023 marked ihe 25th Anniversary of the slgnlng ol the Good Frlday {Belfast> Agreemenl and Ihe
IEF was Involved In a number of slgnificanl evenls surrounding the Annlversary. On 06 April, we were
honoured to be hosted by the Secretary of Slate for Northem Ireland Chrls HeatOnwHarris and Tanaisle
Mlcheal Martin at W5 Belfast to celebrate the contribution of Integrated Education to the r8c¢)nciliation
process. The IEF also continued lo be supported by Ihe Northem Ireland Office wlth fundlng to support
its work wlh Transformation. the Future Schools Project and research while, together with NICIE, the
Fund continues lo benefit from the support of the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs. Reconciliation
Fund as a Strategic Partner.
The IEF and NICIE contlnued to work with more 8Ghools. parents and local communlties Ihan ever
before.
The IEF appreciates that none of Ihls success could have been achleved withcwt the help of all our
supporters and donors.
Thank you.

Integrated Education Fund
Company Limlted by Guarant8e
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors, Report) (¢ontlnued)
Year endad 31 March 2024
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCEAND MANAGEMENT
MANDATE
The mandate of the l EF Is derlved from the expressed demand of parents and individual schools who
seek Integrated Educalion for thelr children and pupils.
GOVERNING DOCUMENT
The IEF was èstabli8hed In 1992 88 a charitable trust to provlde a financial fourKlalion for Ihe
developmenl and growth of Inlegrated Educallon In Northern Iraland. Unlil April 2016 It was governed
by Its Deed of Trust, dated 17 February 1992. In early 2016 the IEF completed the process of
Incorporation in order lo give the Fund a stronger. more secure legal Sdenlily, and has bean operating
as a charitable company limlled by guaranlee sln¢e 01 Aprll 2016. The IEF is reglstered with Companies
House (N16362891 and the Charlty Commlsslon for Northern Ireland (NIC104886) and Is recognised as
charity for lax purposes under HMRC reference N100545.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Fund is Managed by a Board of Directors (who are also the Trust8es for the purposes of charity
law)- the maximum number of Dlrectors is 15. In 2023124 one member relired from the Board (David
Cooke). no naw members Joined and, at 31 March 2024. there were 13 Directors. One Director stepped
down In Aprll 2024 and another In July 2024 reducing the number to 11. Each Director may serve for
Ihree years aft8r whlch period they may pul Ihemselves forward for r&appointment for a second I
further term. however no member may seNe longer than six years or, if so resolved by all the then
Directors In accordance wllh the Memorandum and Articles of Association, nine years continuously.
The Board meets on an annual basls to agree the broa(1 strategy and aréas of work for the Fund. and
meets regularfy (at least 4 times per year) for the conslderation of the Fund's acllvitles Including 9ranl
maklng: advocacy work., fundraising., parental engagement: investmenl,. reserves,. risk management and
other policles and pr￿edures., and performance,
The Board keeps the skills requirement for Directors under revlew and, in the event of a vacancy arislng
on the Board. the Board has an agreed policy and procedures for recrulting new members such as
advertising (for example via the IEF websile or by direct mailing to all Integrated schools), or personal
referral. The ullimale decision on appointments is a matter for the Board.
The IEF works closely with the Northern Ireland Councll for Integrated Educatlon (NICIEI at all levels:
th8 two Boards meet together every year.. the Chairs meet Iwice per year, and the Chief Executs've
Officers meel every month for updating and dlscussion of current issues.
DIRECTOR INDUCTION AND TRAINING
The Induction process for any newly-appointed Direclor comprises an inltial meeling with Ihe Chair
and the Chlef Execulive, followed by a series of briefing meetings with key members of staff. The
strategic vision, the Board and decision making proc85ses, policies and procedures, and the financlal
struciure and perforrnance of the Fund are discussed in detail. Any training needs are also discussed.

Integrated Education Fund
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report {Incorporatlng the Dlrectors, Report) (conthitr
Year ended 31 March 2024
ORGANISATION AND COMMirrEES
The Board of Directors administers the charity,. the day-ltrday operaiions of the IEF are managed by
the Chlef Executlve (appointed by the Board) and the Chief Executive's staff. To facditate effeGtive
operatlons the Board has delegaled ￿thorilY to the Chief Executlve for operational matters induding
finance and human resources. In Octobef 2023. Tlna Merron, Chief Executlve of the IEF slnce August
1998, advlsgd the Board of her plans to retire In Ihe summer of 2024. The Board dec￿8￿ to Seek a
company lo wovide professional assistance wlth Ihe recruttment of a new Chlef Execullve wlth a vlew
to having a succ8ssful candldale in post lo work alongside the current CEO during her final month al
the IEF. The invitalion lo tender was sent out lo a number of recruilmeni agencies In January 2024 and
the agency appolnted then worked with a small group of five IEF Dlrectors on the recruilmenl and
seleclion of Ihe new Chief Executive. The post was widely advertlsed and the successful candidate,
Paul Caskey, the IEF'S Head of Campalgn, wlll lake up hi5 new role in July 2024.
As well as working with the Board and IEF slaff. the Chlef Executive works dosely wlth a small number
of Oireclor-led commillees lo which the Boafd has al80 delegated speclflc power8:
The Grants Committee has been delegated powers lo consider in delall applications to the IEF
for fundin9, and to make decisions about applications which meet specific criteria, or make
recommendations to the full IEF Board. The Commiliee also develops new grant programme3.
as funding becomes avadable, to ensure that the mosl crllbcal needs of SchC￿lS and groups are
addressed. and Ihat the programme8 have maximum Impact and deliver maxlmum value for
money.
The Publlc Affair8 and Advocacy Group has been set up by the Board lo drive forw¥d the IEF'S
work to brlng about structural and policy c￿ge in education. The gr*￿p oversees public affalrs
and advocacy.
The StaffirvJ Cornmittee has been d8legat8d responsibility for ensurlng compllanee wllh the
requirements of employment law and IEF policies and procedures with regard to 81afflng. and
to mak8 recommendations to the Board as approprSate. The d8y-ttrday managemeni of Human
Resourc8s18 delegated to the H•ad of Operatlons.
The Rlsk Management Cornmittee. on behalf of the Board. identifies and assesses risks to Ihe
IEF, and regularly revlews the controls wh￿h are In place, lo ensure they continue to meet the
IEF'8 needs.
The Parent81 Eryagement Worklng Group has been tasked by the Board wlth oveL8eeing the
IEF'S work 10 8mpower parents to grow more Integrated Education through the process of
Transfomiatlon and work alongside NICIE to support any sch￿7 in Northern Ireland embath'ng
on the journey to Integrated Education,
The Strategic Funding Overslght Group Is a consultative forum providing strateglc direction ta
ensure Ihat Key Performance Indicators (KPIS) are being met effectivdy in relation to exlernal
funding received by the Integrated Educalion Fund from the Northem Ifeland Office (NIO), Irish
Department of Foreign Affairs {IDoFA) and the International Fund for Ireland (IFI). The group
meets Iwlc8 per year and all issues, proposals and recommendations are referred to the full IEF
Board of Dlrectors for discussion and decisions.
Each of these slx committees has th8ir own Terms of Reference (TOR) delalling their remit. schedule of
meellngs and membership. TORS are reviewed every three years by the Board.

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Umlted by Guarantee
Trustses. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors. Report) {￿￿11￿￿
Yoar ended 31 March 2024
ORGANISATION AND COMMirrEES (￿ntInUed￿
Working groups meet as requlred. for example in relation to research work.
In addition to the Board of Directors and its commlttees and working groups, the IEF also has
Campaign Council, chalred by Oavld Mont￿rnery. lo provlde advlce and guidance ft>r its major gift
fundralsing campaign. The Campaign Council Is serviced executively by the FurKI'5 Chief Executive and
Head of Campalgn. The campaign is further supported by volunteers in London and Belfast.
PAY POLICY FOR STAFF
IEF Board conslders Dlrectors and the Senior Managemènt Team to be the key management
porsonnel of the charily in charg8 of directing and Controlllng, runnlng and operating tho IEF on a day-
io-day basis.
All Dlrector8 give of Ihelr Ilme fre8ty and no Dlreclor recelved rernuneration in the year. Details of
Direclor expenses are disclosed in Nola 19 to the accounts.
In vlew of the nature of the charity and Its economy of operations, the Directors benchmark staff salarles
both against National Jotnt Councll (NJC) pay scales and other charities of a similar size and activily, to
ensure that the remuneration set Is fair and not out of line with that generally pald for slmilar roles. NJC
pay scales are local goveinment pay Scales extensively used in the voluntary arKI communlty sector.
They result from negotiations between trade unlons and Local Government Employers and any agreed
Incre8So In the rale8 of pay are reflected In IEF salaries. Staff also receive annual increments, sublect
to a satlsfaclory annual appralsal, until they reach the lop of their partlcular pay band. Three new staff
members joined the IEF during the year, and three exlsling staff members left, and the total number of
staff at 31 March 2024 V#7S 16 (15 full time equtvalent).
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Board of Directors is responsible for the management of risks faced by the Integraled Education
Fund. Detalled consid6ralion of risk is delegated to Ihe Rlsk Management Commitlea.
Rlsks are Identlfi8d and assessed. and conlrols are 8Stablished throughout the year. A formal review of
the charity'5 risk management processes. including the rlsk register. is undortaken annually.
The key Controls used by the IEF In¢lud&:
establlshed organisational and goveman¢e Siruclure and Ilnes of reportlng
detailed terms of reference for all committees
comprehensive financial planning, budgeting and management accountlng
formal wrillen policies and hierarchical auihorisation and apwov81 leve15
regular review of current risks lo the Fund
Through the risk managemenl processes established by Ihe Fund. Directors are satisfied that the major
risks identified are being adequalely Tnanaged. It 1$ recognised thal systems can provide reasonable
but not absolute assurance that major risks have been adequately managed.
As part of ongoing risk management. and as important aspects of best practlce. Ihe IEF monitors and
evaluales Intemal policles, procedures and Gontrols, as well as key areas of the Fund's work.
In 2023, after a seledive tendering process, Jackson Andrews Chartered Accountants were appolnled
lo Carry out the IEF audit for the financial year 2023124 and for the following Iwo years with the option

Integrated Education Fund
Company Limlted by Guarantee
Trustses. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Directors, Report) (confkn￿
Year ended 31 March 2024
RISK MANAGEMENT {contlnu•d)
to exlend for a further Iwo years. The annual audit Includes reportlng to the IEF Board on. for example.
any issues relating lo the Audit, Financial Reporting and Intemal Controls in order to meet the mandatc
requlrements of Intemational Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). Later In 2023 Jackson Andrews
Chartered Accountants was acquired by GMCG Chartered Accountant8 arKI GMCG Belfast are now the
IEF'S auditors,
OBJecTives AND ACTIVITIES
PURPOSES OF THE CHARITY
Thé purpos88 of the IEF are the furtherance of Integrated Educalion in Northem Ireland whether dlrectty
or indlrectly and by any lawfLtrI and charltable means.
The Directorj confim that they have referred to the guldance on publrc benefit Fxovlded by thé Charity
Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) when implementlng the Fund's stratogic plan. fevlewing Its
ot4ectlves and plannlng future aclivlti•$.
STRATEGIC VISION
The Inte￿aled Educalion Fund (IEF) shares the vlslon held by an overwhelmln9 majorlty of people In
Northem Irel￿d Ihat (nore Integratlon and mSxlng belween communities IB essenllal lo building a betler
and more reconciled society.
Thè IEF wants a soclety where, InGrea51ngly. chlldren from different tradilions learn and play tog8th8r at
same sct¥Jols. helping lo build a more uniled community M+ther8 there is respect and celebration. not
fear, of religious and cultural dlverslty.
Accordlng to th8 latest Northern Iraland wlde attitudinal poll In March 2023, 68% of people be15eve
Integraled Educalion - where chlldren from Protestant, call￿11¢, other faith backgrounds and none, are
educaled together and where the symbols, ethos and tradltlons of the enttre communty are valued and
respected - shoukl be the main model for our education system.
The IEF wanls an education system which fully prepares rts young people to contribute posit•vely lo a
modern democracy and be successful cllizens In an Increasingly complex 9lobal soclety. An essential
iryedient for this future is the devdopfflenl of more Integraled Educatlon In a reformed education
system - 8 System which énsures Ihat all children and young people feel included and welcome in the
school envlronmenl.
In order to achieve its aims, the IEF has a three year strategic vision (Strategic Vision 2022-2025..
Towards 100 Inlegraled Schools) which Contains four key focus afeas: EmF)owering Cornmunltles to
Access Integrated Education. Supporting ihe Growth of Inlegrated Education, Challenging
Segregated Educatlon System and Supporting Integration in Action.

Integrated Education Fund
Company Llmlted by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Raport (Incorporating tha Dir•ctors' Report) (¢ofttlnuod)
Yearended 31 March 2024
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
EMPOWERING PARENT8- PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT
The Parental Engagement Campalgn continues to grow support for the legal process of Transformal￿n,
in whiGh a non-integrated school becomes Inlegraled. In particular, the Integrate My School {IMS)
website continues to enable parents across Northem Ireland lo support Transformation specifically for
their school. The success of the campalgn Is borne out In survey data. In 2011 around 15% (IPSOS
Mori) of parents were aware of the process of Transfomallon. compared ID 66¥0 In 2023 (LucidTalk
Survey 2023).
Since the start of the campaign in 2017, 26 schools have been supported to hold successful pafental
ballots regarding Transformation to Integrated status. The average 'Yes' vote has been around 90%
with an average turnout of 71 %. Al the lime of writing, we are aware of 8 further trNo schools that wlll
move to ballot in the 2024125 financial yéar.
Followlng a pa￿ntaI ballot In favour of Transformation. a school submits 8 Development Proposal (DP)
to the Educallon Authorlty and the Department of Education for consideration.
In September 2023 Sion Mills Primary School WBS approved for Transforrnatlon by the Department of
Educatlon and opened as an Integrated scFM)ol In January 2024. Proposals from three other primary
schools - St Anne'3 (Donaghadee). Straid and Glllygooley - were all not approved by the Department of
Education, with the issue of sustainability b&'ng the main reason given- thls was also the case in April
2024 for St Eugene's Primary School (Tlrcur). However. we were pleased that Lurgan Model Primary
School was approved by the Minister in mid-Awil 2024 and will open as an Integrate(I school in
September 2024.
The following schools have submllled a Development Proposal {DP) for Tr8nsformation, and the
Mlnister of Educatlon wlll make a declsion In f61ation to these:
Submltt•d in 2022123
St Eugene's Prlmary School, Vlctorfa Bridge
Magherafelt Nursery School
Calmshlll Prlmary School, Belfast
Submltted In 2023124
Bangor Academy and 61h Form College
Rathmore Primary School, Bangor
Downshire Nursery School, 8anbridge
There are also a number of olher schools that h8ld successful parental ballots in 2023124 that will also
move towards submitllng a DP..
Ballyhenry Primary School, Newtownabbey
Culmore Primary School. Derry
Downshir8 Primary School, Hillsborough
Duneane Primary School, Toomebridge
Killowen Primary School, Coleraine
These schools have availed of a range of support services from the IEF'S Parental Engagement Team
Including parent informalion and community engagement sessions. with sorne also attending markelirvJ
and communications training.

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Trusteès. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectors, Report) (cl￿￿1U•￿I
Year ended 31 March 2024
4.1.1 Comniunlty Outr•ach
Reaching out to communities to provide Information continues to be a prlorfty. uslng outreach stalls.
events and conferences suth as a conference on 'Diversity in Our Schools. (held as part of Good
Relations Week 2023). events at the Féile an Phobail and the serles of 'Tenx9' story telllng events In
Dery. Belfast and Omagh.
The IEF conllnues to WO￿ in partnershlp ￿1h Ulstef Unlversity to deliver the Future Schools Project.
The alm of this project Is to Indude more school and communlty input in the Area Plannlng Process.
The Primary School Toolkit that was created as part of this project has been disseminated to schools
and communities to help them consider the sustainablllty of thelf school and to ensure that any poten(ial
pathways for worklng together with other schools are considered, including ex￿orIng an Integraled
option, Ulster University 18 now WQfking on a toolkil for Post-Primary Schools whlch wfjll be launched in
September 2024.
In 2023124 we provrded presentations to local councils, partiCLAarly In wral areas where small schools
e vulnerable to closure. We have re￿he￿ out to schools, community groups and elected
representatives, Informlng them aboul the Fulure Schools approach. Ulster Unlverslty wlll be leadlng
series of 'Community Conversations. in the next financlal year which wlll further te8t Ihe melhodology,
engage comrnunlties and provide rich data on Ihe typ8 of ￿hOOlIng communitles wanl In thelr arna.
Our collaboration wlth Ulster University and Educate Together. to g8lher the views of bwder
communities on education, came to a corKlusion In October 2023, with the launch of a fknal feport,
Pwle, Schools and Borders. TNS project was funded Ihrough the IFI'S Communilies in Partnership
Programme.
1.2 Wld•r Promotlon
The IEF has contlnued to hold oulreach stands at a variety of events and festivals to prornole the IMS
campaign. There have been a number of artlcle8 featured in local and nationai nev￿paperS M'ghlighting
the tèam's work and the positlve parenlal ballots and transformation8.
4.1.3 Empow•rlng School• - Intogratlon Work8
The IEF, working alongside NICIE, continues to support schools that are explorlng Transformalion
through our annual Integrallon Works events for school principals and staff. and for school governors.
as V￿11 as Transformation Support Programme (TSP) evenls. The Integration Works proJeGt ha5 been
8UPPOrted by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Reconciliation Fund through their
Strategic Partnershlp Grant (which is due lo run until Aprll 2025), and by the NIO. This collaboratlve
project be￿een the IEF and NICIE supp¢)rts early engagemeni wlth schools in relation to
Transformation, as well as development and leadershlp programm88 for recently Iransformed sCh(￿S -
the two organi5atrons contlnue to meet monthly to develop their joint strategy for engaging with schools.
4.1.4 Tho Year In Numbern
Through Communlty and Parental Oulr8ach, we engaged with 1.878 people acfOSS 62
events.
Through School L•adershlp outreach and events, we engaged with 55 schools. providing
informalion on Integrated Education.
We supported 8 schools lo move lo sue¢essful Parental Ballot.
We irueased registrations on the IntegrateMySchool.com platform by 33% on the previous
school year.
Training arKI support sessions offered to schools received a rating of 100% of participants
either satlsfled or very satlsfled.
10

Integrated Education Fund
Company Llmlted by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectors, Report) {GonllnÉMd)
Year ended 31 March 2024
4.2 EMPOWERING SCHOOLS- EFFECTIVE FUNDING PROGRAMMES
Granl maklng is aligned to the IEF'S strategic vision for 2022-2025 arKJ aims to empower schools to
support the growth of Integrated Education towards 100 schools by 2025,. at 31 March 2024 there were
71 Integrated schools. The IEF promotes and manages a number of grant streams. each wilh
programmes which have their own criteria againsl which applications are assessed and grants made.
There are four main grant streams..
Integration Works.. Transfomiing Schools Support Prcoramm• (Exploring Tran$fomiation'
Building the Case ft)r Tran8formation; and Newly TTansfomied Schools, post DE approval)
Golro for Growlh.. Existing Integrated Schools Supporl Programme (Impact of Growth Grants)
Slrenglhening Inlegrated Education {Trust Programmes, the Carson Award5, Lincoln Awards.
Iniegration Through Sport, Uniform Grants. Local Herllage Grants. Early InlerventionlAdditional
Needs Support and the Integrated AlumNI)
Restn'cted and Other Grants (Workin9 With donors to admlnlster restricted donatlon8)
4.2.1 Intogratlon Work•: Tran8formlng School8 Support Programm•
The IEF has been working with a number of schools which are explorlng ihe Transformation process.
Each school will lake whatever length of time Is appropriate for their partlcular clrcumslances to con51der
what integration would mean for them. Once wents or governors of a school formally iniliate
Transforniation. C6vica Elecllon Services conducts a confidentlal ballot of parents. If a simple majority
of those who vole in the ballot is in favour of Transformation, and at least 50% of those ellglble to vote
have done 80. the Board of Governors must submil a Development Proposal {DP) supported by a Case
for Change to the Educatlon Authority {EA). The school must provlde pertinent background and robust
and verifiable Information re181ing to the DP lo support Iheir Case lor Chang6 and io enable those
affecled by the proposal lo understand the educational and other merits of the proposed change.
In 2023124, three grants were awarded to schcx)Is to enable the teachers, governors, parenls and the
wlder school community to exploffj whal Transformatlon could mean for Ihelr school. to prepare for, and
carry oul ballots of parents lo delermlne if the work toward Transformatlon should conlinue. Nine grants
were awarded lo support schools that had previously successfully balloted their pa￿nIS and who were
continuing their Transformation journey. Two grants were awarded lo schools that have recently
transformed and are developing their Inte￿ated ethos as well as publiclsing thelr new 6tatus. Cuffenily,
Ihefe are 6 0Ps for Transformation awaiting a OE declsion.
4.2.2 Golng for Growth: exl•llng Intégratad School• Support Programme
The number of puplls at Integrated standalone nursery schools is 113 (two Nursery schools), wllh 12,195
prirn¥y arKI 15,367 post primary pupils from September 2023, totalling 27.675 across 71 schools.
These figures have I￿reaSed from 27,183 pupils aixoss 70 5¢hools In 2022 I.e. an additional 492 pupils.
There were five published Development Proposals for growth relatlng to exlsting Integrated schools
which were awaiting a decision by DE as of 31 March 2023 and these included Spires, Omagh, Bridge
armj Cliftonville Integrated Primary Schools for new or additional nursery unlts. and an Increase to
admissions and enrolment numbers for Millennium Integrated Primary School {IPS). It should be noted
that Mi118nnlum IPS'S Development Proposal has since been approved {in April 2024), lowering the
number of Integrated schools awaiting a DP for growth ijecislon lo four.
The Development Proposal for a new Integrated College in th8 Mid Down area, which would incorporate
Blackwater Integrated College. was approved in October 2023 and an IEF grant contlnues lo support
the project.
11

Integrated Education Fund
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrectors. Report) (conurnmdj
Year ended 31 March 2024
Th8 Development Proposal for a schools, arnalgamalion invdving North Coasl Integrated College.
Dunluce School and Coleraine College was approved in September 2023. An IEF grant is ￿nIlnUing to
allow the thr88 schools lo work together and to help with and awareness ralslng.
Whilsl growlh in Sntegrated schools and school places Is what the IEF and Its donors and supporters
contlnually work t¢)wards, achievlng thls growth also brlngs with it challewes. This year the IEF was
pleased to be able to help a number of Integrated schools lo deal wllh such challenges, includlr¥J
Mallusk, Omagh and Oakgrove Integrated Primary Schools and Nalscoil na Seolta. Naiscoil na Seolta
Is an Irish language playgroup in East Belfast that is currently working lowards a DP to become an
Inlegraled Nursery and Primary School t￿ght through the Irish Médlum. The IEF will contribute to the
costs of the P1 teacher and classroom asslstanl salaries. The Impacl of Groth Programme is
generously funded by a number of funders includin9 Hagan Homes and the NIO.
4.2.3 Str•ngth•nlng Int•gratad Educatlon
An Intwated elhos does not happen by slmply having a mlx of pupils. Schoo18 need to continually
consider ways to dellver integration In pracilce. They need to not only rellect on but also develop their
praclice to en5we all puptls, siaff ar￿ governors feel welcome and their identity is celebrate(J,
trrespectlve of Ihelr cultural or religlous background. The IEF offers a number of funding streams to help
Strengthen ethos by supporting work In Intwated schools Ihat celebrate8 diverslty.
Th• Trust Programm•
The Twst Prwamme supports Integraled schools wlshlng to further develop and embed Ihe ethos and
practice of Integration wllhin their own school. In some cases, Integrated schools located close to each
other have worked together, wilh thèlr parents and governois. lo renew their Integrallorb. Round 8 of the
programme, for projects wSlhln the 2023124 acadeffllc year, has been generously supported by the Pears
Foundatlon {£40,000) and Hagan Homes {£25.0￿)￿. This has enabled the IEF to award grants lotalllng
£78,727 to 20 projects. These projects, Involving 24 schools. are due lo be Completed by June 2024.
An addiilonal five projects totalling £12,821 were 81so supwrted Ihrough Inlegratlon in Action funding.
Th• Carson Awards
Founded by legerK1ary Northern Ireland Comedian the late Frank Carson, and his son Tony, the Carson
Awards refiecl thelr long-StarKling support for Integrated Education in Northern Ireland as well ae their
commitmenl to celebratin9 the creatlve talen15 of young people. Now in thelr sixieenth year. the Awards
offer pupils at Integrated schools the opportunity lo develop and display their creatlve skllls through
bursari88 arKI a prize competitlon by demonstrating What IntwJated Education means to m8,. The IEF
was delighted lo be able lo award 17 Carson Bursaries in December 2023 totalling £13,282.
Llncoln Award•
The Llncoln Award5 were founded by Gefaldine Hughes and Conor Allen. who also provide generous
sponsorship f(Y the programme. The Awards are deslgned to support Integraled College students who
have been accepted for a Universlly or Higher Education place but who are experiencirKJ financial
hardship. Each award Is for £1,000. Thls year the programme received addltlond contribjlions from the
Irish American Partnership as well as several donations in memory of Baroness May Blood. In 2023124,
awards lotalling £9,000 were allocated to former Integrated College students.
Integratlon Through Sport
The core purpose of the programme is lo help Introduce new sports to a school In order to provide
opportunities for pupils to experterw sports normally associated with just one cultural tradition in
Ncrfthern Ireland. The sports considered eligible indude Hockey. Hurling. Camogie, Crlcket. GAA
Football Rugby. Consideration is also given to supportin9 schools which have recently started on
the 'lnlegrated sports. journey and would benefil from further investment. Thls 15 Ihe second year in
12

Integrated Education Fund
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors, Report) fcontlnuod)
Yearended 31 March 2024
4.2.3 Strengthanlng Intogratad Educatlon (contlnu
which this programme has been funded by Hagan Homes. The programme supports coaching, apparel
and equipment costs. Twenly schools benefited from grants awarded, totalling £34,787.
School Unifomis
Thls programme was deslgned to help support the needs of familles who struggle financially lo provide
regulallon uniform and PE kils for their chddren. Twenty-two schools received School Uniform grants
totalling £12,400 wlth fundlng beino provided by Hagan Homes.
Early Int•rv•ntlonlAdditional Neads Support
Thls programme is generously supported by Hagan Home$ and the prlmary airn was lo make a posltlva
difference for children within nurserylplaygroups, Foundation stage andlor Key Stage 1. Thls
programme was heavily oversubscrlbed. The IEF was able to support Seventeen schools with grants
tolalling £97,184 with addillonal funding from other IEF don￿5 to support this programme.
Int•gratlon Through Local H•rftago
This programme, established and funded by forrner IEF Director, Roderick Downer. alms to encourage
grealer understandSng and respect for diverslly in chlldren and young p80ple, through exploring and
experiencing thelr local herltage. Now in its second year. the FKogramme Is benefitilng a further nSne
schools wlth grants totalling £13,100.
4.2.4 Other Grants
IntegTated AlurnNI
The Integrated Schools Alumnl Associatlon. known as the Integrated AlumNI, Is now a charty In its owri
right. wlth a network of past puplls from Integrated and other schools, and active individuals In Northam
Ireland as well as London, Edinburgh and Llverpool. The Integrated AIutnNI is slill in receipt ol an IEF
grant to support Iheir developmenl.
4.2.$ Re8trlct•d Grants
As well as provlding flnancial support to schools and projects through its varlous grant making
programmes, the IEF also admlnistèrs re51ricted donations re¢8ived for speciflc purposes.
The IEF Is In receipl of funding from th& Northern IreIar￿ Office towards Transformation grants lo
schools for Exploration. Pre- and Posl-Ballol acllvllies, and Posl Development Proposal grants, as well
as the Future Schools Project and lh8 Impaot of Growlh Programme.
4.3 EFFECTING POLICY CHANGE:
EMGAGING AT A POLITICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
4.3.1 Political AdV￿a¢Y and Engagement. Stormont
Integrated Edueation Act (Northern Ir•land) 2022
Following on from the passing of Ihe Inlegrated Education Act, the IEF has engaged wlth the
Department of Education IDE) and other education stakeholders to implement the Acl. The IEF is
represented on both the Integrated Education Implemenlalion Group and the Working Group along
with NICIE. the Association of Principal Teachers of Integrated Schools (APTIS) and the Integrated
AlumNI. In addition, the IEF contributed to the OE Integrated Education AGtAcfion Plan Consultation
(31 August to 30 November 2023).
13

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Llmited by Guaranteè
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng tho Dlrectors, Report) {contlnued)
Yearended 31 March 2024
4.3.1 PolltlGal Advocacy and Engagement. Stormont l¢ontlnu•a7)
As parl of th8 implementation of Ihe A¢t, DE published A Strategy for Integrated Education in
Northern Ire18nd ak)ng with an accompanylng Actlon Plan on 26 April 2024. The IEF expressed
conGerns Ihat the new Strategy fell short of thè 8xpectations of the Act In thal It dld nol Include
clear melhod of measuring demand for Integrated EducatloD. clearly deflned targets, nor sulTicient
funding to support the Strategy.
The IEF, in partnership wllh Public Inleresl Lltigation Support IPILS), are pursuing legal actlon whlch
may lead lo a Judicial Review against the OE to challenge whether or not they have delivered on the
requiremènts of the Integrated Education Act.
Falr Employmént (School T•ach•r•) Act 2022
Meetlngs were held wlth both the Executive Office and Equal Opportunlties Commisslon In
preparalion for the Act becoming law on 12 May 2024.
The Indopendent Revlow of Educallon {IRE)
On 13 DeGember 2023 the IRE panel publlshed their flnal report Invesllng In a 8etter Future. The
report gained slgnificanl medla coverage as it called for the end of the Slrul8 Shar8d Education
Campus which led lo criticism from lo¢al pollllcians and the OE. The IEF broadly welcomed Ihe report
as il supported Integrated Educatlon and called for Ihe independent review of Area Planning.
However, there was a lack of clarily in relation to the crealion of 177 jointly managed communlty
schools which the IEF ralsed durlng their meetlng with Keir Bloomer {Chair, IRE) on 15 January
2024.
Furth•r •ngag•rnont wlth •l¢cted r•pru•ntatlv•s
Councll El•¢tlon8118 May 2023>: A successful husting8 evenl was run with Inte￿ated AlumNI on
11 May at Malone Hotel. Belfast. In addlllon, the IEF ran a successful social medla campaign on len
ask8 from our elected represeniatlves over ten days l•adlng up to thé Elections.
Ul$t•r Unlv•rslty Coftfer•nco124 Octobor 2023).. The theme of Ihe conference was the Soclal Gost
of divislon in Northem Ireland, highlightlng the Ulster Unlverslty research published in April 2023
which included an estimate Ihat the cost to the public purse of maintaining a dlvlded education
gysleffl is £600,000 per day {Transforming Educatlon Briefing Paper 18). The event. which was held
al the Ulster University Belfast Campus, was attended by Steve 88ker MP (Mlnister of State for
Northern Ireland) as well as MLAS, leading academics, and business and community
representatlves.
Educatlon Unplugged (02 Novomber 2023): This event with the Integrated AlumNI In Crumlin Road
Gaol involved presentations by Pat Sheehan MLA (SF) and lan Paisley MP (DUP) followed by a
Ilvely dlscussion to a packed audience.
Fresh Start Fundlng: On 21 February 2023. ten Integrated Schools and one Shared Education
campus were informed that they would not receive capital funding whreh had been allocated to thern
under the UK government's Fresh Slart Agreement. This issue has generated considerable media
attention and resulted in a Nl Assembly Alliance motion I debate on 12 March. The IEF wrote to both
the Education Mlnister and Secretary of Slate seeking clarification.
A delegation of MLAS and MPS visited Forge Inlegrated Primary School, Belfast on 26 March and
they were quizzed about the decision. The IEF successfully applied lo PILS to get a Legal Opinion
on the decision. If the Legal Opinion advises that there is a case to be heard, the IEF will issue a
Pre-A¢tion Protocol Letter to the relevant party.
14

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Llmlted by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectors, Report) (contlnuad)
Year 8nded 31 March 2024
4.3.1 Political Advocacy and Engagemerrt, Stormont (contlnu•d)
Me•llngs and Conferen¢os: IEF information stands were taken at the Sinn F8in All Ireland Ard
Fheis. as w811 as DUP. Alliance, UUP and SDLP annual confèrences. In addition, there were private
briefings with Pal Sheehan MLA, John Loughrarb (Special Advisor lo Michelle O'Neill MLA). Conor
Diamond (Head of Education Pollcy) (all Sinn Fein}- Richard Bullick (Special Advisor lo Education
Minister) {DUPI, Naomi Long MLA, Nick Matheson MLA. Connie Egan MLA. Kellie Armstrong MLA
{all Alliance)., Matthew O'Toole MLA and Cara Hunter MLA (SDLP),, and Cllr Ryan Mccready and
Robbie 8utler MLA {UUP).
4.3.2 Polltlcal Advocacy and Engagemont, Westmlnst•r
The IEF contlnued10 engage wilh Weslminster and collaborated with the Inlegrated AlumNI In setting
up The Nl Affalrs Committee (NIAC} Integrated Education Inqulry. The IEF along with Integrated
AlumNI and NICIE gave oral evidence lo NIAC on 28 February 2023. In addilion. NIAC Committee
members vlsited Hazelwood Integrated College on 11 March. Further engagement included meetings
with Colm Eastwood MP (SDLP), Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP. Lord Dodds, Sarnmy Wilson MP. Carla
Lockhart MP, JIM Shannon MP, Gregory Carnpbell MP. lan Palsley MP. Gavin Robinson MP (all DUP),
and Stephen Farry MP (Alllance).
4.3.3 Rosearch Basod Advocacy
The 2023124 year saw an Increase In research activity which aims to belter understand public opinion
of Inlegrated Education, Ghallenge the existing education system and provld? practical support and
knowledge for Integrated and transfomling schools.
The Fund's contlnulng collaboration wlth Ulster Universlty through the Transformlng Educallon (TE)
research has been central to developlng the Fund's evldence base. During the year further Transfomlng
Education Brleflng Papers were published by the Unlversity..
Paper 19 Schools in Northern Ir&land.' Suslained wilhout Suslainabillly
pap￿ 20 Integrat8d Educ8tlon in Northern Ireland.. The Skny So Far
The papers are availablè on the IEF and Ulsler Unlvèrsity websites and were dlstributed lo elecled
representatives and policy makers. At the time of wrillng. Paper 21. which is an update of research
exploring Isolated palrs ol s¢hools.18 being developed.
Thanks to the NIO fundlng. two other research initialives were developed durlng the year and, followlng
a competitive tendering process, two contracts have been awarded to Queen's University, Belfast:
Prof Joanne Hughes and Dr Reb8cca Loader are produclng a r8POrt on the strengths and
weaknesses of the Integrated Education Transfomiation process. This is due lo be flnalised in
May 2024 and will provide an invaluable evidence baso for schools, support bodies and the
Departfflent of Education, as policy around Transformation is revised In Ilghl of the Integraled
Education Acl.
Dr James Nelson and a leern from Queen's Universily have been awarded 8 contract lo explore
the links be￿een particlpatlon Sn Inlegraled Education and sociallinlergroup allitudes and
associaled behaviours. This will be one of the largest studies lo date that measures aspects of
the impact of Integrated Education on chlldren and young people. The report is due to be
completed in December 2024.
15

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectors, Report) (contlnwd)
Yearended 31 March 2024
42.3 R•s•a￿h Ba8od Advocw (contlnwdj
Ty￿ small SGale research projects, funded by a number of other funders, have also been awarded that
will support Integrated schools to develop Iheir ethos and practice:
Exploring Religious Education 8nd Related Practlce in Integrated Prmnary Schools has been
awarded to Confluence Facilitation. Completing in August 2024, Ihis project will suppm good
practlce across Inlegraled Education in deliv8rlng Inclusive Religious Education that affirms all
beliefs, traditions, and none.
Religlous b818nce in Integrated Schools will focus on the ways In whlch schools work towards
achieving religious balance. Hamessing praCt￿e fr￿ other areas where community
background data Is collected, il wlll provide guidance for Schools around how to meaningfully
comfflunicate about, and ¢olle¢l religious background data. RF Associales will produce a final
report In September 2024.
The IEF continued to work wllh Lucirffalk to measure public attitudes to Integratéd Educatlon and the
oducation system more generally, as prevlously quoted. Alongskle the regional polls, a micro poll was
held in the Lame area, with furthgr polls in the next year scheduled for Holywood. East Belfast and West
Belfast. In August, Ihe IEF recelved ARK'S report on methods that can be used to measure demand for
Inlegraled Education. The IEF also developed a module of question5 for the Young Life and Times
survey, with responses expected In June 2024.
MAJOR GIFT FUNDRAISING:
SUPPORTING THE GRowfH ANO DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED EDUCATION
Fundraiglng continues to underpin all aspects of the IEF'S work as tha Fund Is solely ielianl on the
financial contributions and generoslty of its donor8.
2023124 represent8 one of the most successful year8 in terms ol Income generatlon, wSth approxlmately
£2 milllon being ralsed to support the growth and development ol Integrated Education.
The need for Ihe IEF remains because govornment stlll does not plan effectlvely to meet the demand
for Integrated Edue8tlon. Flnanclal support is needed lo enable Ihe IEF to work with parents, local
communities and schools wanting lo access Integrated Education, Parents n99d to know how they Can
Cfeate an Integaled choice for thelr child and be supported with information and guidance.
Communities need to krw how their opinions can be considered when plannlng Is taklng place for
education in Iheir local area. Schools need help to explore the benefits of Transformatlon and. for Ihose
schools who do begin the journey to Integrated slalus. additional support is needed for engaging the
school community as well as mtheting and communicating any changes within thelr local communlty,
The IEF also needs to advocate successfully to challenge ongolng s8rJegalion wllhin Ihe educAtion
system and for policy change so Ihat one day the need for the Fund will be diminished or even rernoved.
Al this work requires financial and waclical support from the IEF. through the generous support of ils
donors.
The IEF Campaign Council which comprises several of the Fund's key donors and supwrters. conllnues
to meet twice per year. Following Ihe passing of the late Baroness May Blood in 2022. Davld
Monlg)mery was nomlnaled by Campaign Councn members to seNe as its new Chaw from September
2023. The Council provides invaluable advice and guidance to our fundraising and advocacy campaign.
Regular updates are piovided to members by email, video calls, by phone and in person.
16

Integrated Education Fund
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Directors, Report) (contlnued)
Year endéd 31 March 2024
4.4.1 Planned 0vents
During the year the IEF was able to organise and benefit from several fundraising events. The most
signifKanl event of the ye* was the May Ball on 24 May 2023. The Ball was held to pay tribute to our
late champion. Baroness May Blood. who dvioled ov8r 20 years of her Ilfe to helping our furKlraising
and advocacy efforts as Campaign Chair. May was an inspiration to all who knew her. More than 300
guests celebrated her Ilfe at the Ball which was altended by her family and friends. Integrated schools
and supporters of the IEF. Later in the Autumn. the IEF held further fundraislng events, inGluding the
now an[￿al 'Stand Llp for Integrated Education Comedy Gala, on 19 October at the Ulsler Hall which
featured the tslents of Trm McGary, Colin Murphy. Nell Delamere and Conor Keys. as well as an
Afternoon Tea, with comedian Wendy Wason hosting, al the Ulster Reform Club on 08 November. The
Afternoon Tea featured writer Tara Flynn and broadcaster pan￿la Ballantlne as well as t￿ntrIbUtIOnS
from Maire Thompson. Principal ol Hazelwood Inlegraled College and Hilary Copeland from the
Integrated AlumNI.
2023 marked the 25h% Anniversary of the signlng of the Good Friday {8elfast) Agreement and thg IEF
was involved In a number of slgn6fkanl events surroundlng the Anniversary. On 06 April. we were
honoure(I to be hosted by the Secrelary ol Slate for Northern Ireland Chrls Heaton-Harrls and Tanalste
Micheai Martin. al W5 B81fast lo celebrate the contribution of Integrated Education to the reconcllialio
process. The IEF was also represented at the Queen's Universlty Ag￿ernent 25 Conference and Gala
Dinner courtesy of Sir Harvey and Lady Allison M¢Grath. On 19 Aprll. Ihe IEF organlsed ovm special
screening of Patrick Klelty's documentary My Da, th8 PeaGe Deal and Me al Hazelwood Integrated
College which was followed by a panel di8cussion chaired by broadca8ler JIM Fllzpatrlck,
Other event hlghlSghts Included the annual Carson AMFrds Showcase held on 26 October at Intewaled
College Glengormley whlch featured a selectlon of cre8live wo￿3 by sltsdents on the Iheme of What
Integrated Educatlon Means lo Me.. Our compare for the day was again Jim Fitzpalrick wlth speclal
guests Tony and Edna Cars￿, sponsors of the programme. The House of Lords Supporlers Dinner,
also generously sponsored by the Carson family, look place on 04 December with Barry Corr. Principal
ol Seaview Integrated Prlmary School as special guest SP6aker and Lord Dubs as our sponsoring Peer.
Throughoul the year the band Stiff Liltle Fingers continued Ihelr supporl fof the IEF through concert
collectlons and merchandise sales as well as a special quiz organlsed by thelr loyal fans befofe their
Cu3loffl House Square conceri in Belfast in Augusl.
4.4.2 N•w prosp•ct dev•lopm•nt
The IEF continues lo reach out lo new prospects through personal introductions and enli5tmenl events
as well as through desk research. We are Indebted to many of our supporters who contlnue to advocate
for our work and help raise awareness of the organlsallon and its need for support.
4.4.3 Exlsting Supporter dgvelopment
The IEF benefits from a high levd of support from its existing donor base. Throughout 2023124 the
Fundraising and Communlcations Team continued to Ixjlld relationships wllh existlng supporters, and
used regular ezines, update reports, phone calls, the Learning Together newsleller. email updates and
social media to keep supporters and dorK)rs Informed about key developments. Many dorM)rs continued
to be extremely generous in Iheir support of the Fund. The IEF appreciates any support it receives and
In all Ils forms. including from the many ￿dIvidUalS who contribute regularly tf*ough the Ten Club and
from Integrated Schools through the 'Odd5 On. fundraising initiative.
17

Integrated Education Fund
Company Llmited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Dlrectors, Report) (eonllnu•d)
Year ended 31 March 2024
4.44 Other trusts and foundatlon•
Developing relationshlps with other trusts and foundations Is a very important part of Ihe Fund's work
and this year the IEF was de1￿hled to be able to SUPPDrt spe￿fiC projects through its work with
organisaiions such a5 the Magheramourne Foundation (for Acorn, Central and Millennium Integrated
Prlmary Schools}. Ihe Irish American Partnership (for core costs the Llncoln Awardsl. The
International Fund for Ireland {Communllles In Partnership Programme. Our Peace Our Future}, the
ARN Foundation (Oakwood. Carhill and Rowandale Integrated Prlmary Schods), The Enkalon
Foundation (Six Mile Integraled Primary School), the Elghly Elght Foundation (Integrated AlumNI}, and
the Ifeland Funds (for many indivldual wojects).
A number of other Irusts and foundations have also generously supported the work of the Parental
Engagemenl and Integrate My School Campalgn including the Elghty Elght FourKlatSon and the
Reconcillatlon Fund of the Irlsh Department of Forelgn Affairs and Trade.
Tha Fund also continue8 to work dosely wlth the Pears Foundatlon who provlded a further major
contribution to 8UPPOrt Ihe IEF'8 Trugt Progvamrne - this Fro￿aMMe Is 8180 generously 8UPPOrted by
Hagan Hornes.
The IEF 18 indebted to Sir Ha￿eY and Lady Allison (of the McGralh Trusl) arKI Hagan Homes whos•
contlnugd unrestrlcled financial support underpins much of our work. In addition, Hagan Homes have
ensured the IEF can run a series ol slgn6fiGant grant prO￿arnme3 to benefit the grO1￿h and development
ol Inlegrated Education.
The suppcrft of the Northern Ireland Office has continued in 2023124 supportlng Transformatlon. the
Future Schools Project and the Impact of Growth Pfogramme as well as specific research and attitudinal
polling.
4.4.5 Gfft8 In klnd
The IEF l¥ thankful to the many people and organisalions who provide support 'ln klnd, indudlng CME
Group, who generously donaled laptops and monitors, and Johnstone's Leyland for donats'ons of painl,
to Integrated schools. In additlon, there are m8ny examples of individuals who volunt88r. or give their
time freely to speak and perfixm at IEF events. There are too many people and organi5ations lo Ilst
here but rest assured we we extremely grateful for such support.
4.4.8 Communlcatlons
Thanks to the incredibly generous support of the Eighly Eight Foundatlon the IEF was able to undertake
major communications Campai￿ from October 2023 to February 2024 which featured TV, Radéo,
Outdoor, Onllne and Cinema advertising. The campaign was a great success with an estimated 85% of
the Northern Ireland popul81ion having viewed or Ilstened to the ad.
The Fund's social media pla￿OrmS conlirne to be important channels of communlcation. Over 7,000
individuals and organisalions follow the IEFS Facebook page and XThwllter feed, both of which are
updated regularly.
The IEF continues to work with many media organisations and is grateftjl for the extensiv6 covera
secured t1￿ughout the year.

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Llmlted by Guarantee
Trustses. Annual Report {Incorporating the Directors, Report) {contlnu•d)
Yearended 31 March 2024
FINANCIAL REVIEW
5.1 PRINCIPAL FUNDING SOURCES
The Integrated Education Fund continues to work from Its capltal base which is supported by its major
grft fundraising campaign, {receivlng donations from individuals. businesses and other trusts and
foundations), and Investment income. The Fund also benefits from Ihe fundraising team's income
generatin9 events.
In addition. the Fund acts as an intermedlsry body to administer grants and donations on behalf of other
(xjtside fundlng bodies and individuals.
Total income In 2023124 was £1.982.681 compared with £1.648,362 in the prevlous year. Total
expenditure was £1,864,912 compared with £1.245.123 ¢n the previous year.
Charitable activities arxounted for 89Yo of all expenditure. and the cost of generaling funds accounled
for 110A (in 2022123 the eomparailve figures were 870/0, and 13%). Thls year, after recognised gains and
losses were considered and tr8nsfers between funds hgd taken place, there was a net Income of
£144,510 Compared to a net Income of £373.417 In the previous year. The net income18 made up of
£203,679 in unrestrlcted funds arKI net expenditure of £59,169 In reslrlcled funds.
5.2 INVESTMENT POWERS AND POLICY
Under the Memorandum and Artlcles of Association, the charity has the power to Invest in whatever
ways the Director5 think approprlate. The Directors, having regard to the Ilquldily requirements of the
current grant making programmes, the financial requirements of potentlal independent schools and to
tha reserves policy. have detemiined that available funds ara k8Pt in interest bearing deposit accounts,
spreadlng the rlsk across a number of banks.
Durlng 2023124, IEF fuTrJs were deposited wllh Bank of Ireland. Danske Bank. Progressive Bulkllng
Society, and Ulster Bank. The level of funds held as current asset inveslfflenls and cash in these banks
18 £2.214 m41ion in lolal {£1.806 mllllon in the pi6vlous year), which will be reduced when oulstanding
commltments are paid out during 2024125, In addllion. sknce 2013114 the IEF has had funds Invested In
the Northem Ireland Central Invesiment Fund for Charities (NICIFC) wrlh the aim of securing a batter
return than that offered by fixed term deposit accounts. NICIFC is administered by the Department for
Cornmunitles and is dassified in the IEF accounts as an inv88tment.
The IEF'S day to day banking b conducled Ihrough the Ulster Bank.
S.3 RESERVES POLICY
&3.1 Unr¢strl¢ted reserve8
At the end of March 2024 the IEF had £1.588.573 In unrestrKted reserves (£1.384,894 in the prevlous
year) (see Note 28).
Key Principles
It is the aim of the IEF to match unrestricted expenditure with unrestricted income on an annual basis.
Unreslrlcle(l expenditure Includes budgeted core costs and unrestricted ￿antS expenditure.
If expendSture is higher than income Ihe IEF Board need to be advised and agree any deficit which would
come from unrestricled reseNes. If expenditure is lower than income the IEF Board need to be
19

Integrated Educatlon Fund
Company Llmlted by Guarantee
Trustses, Annual Report (Incorporatlng the Directors, Roport) (conthwed)
Year ended 31 March 2024
5.3.1 Unro•trlct•d reserves (condnuvd)
advised and agree what should be done wllh the surplus l.e. plan to spend It In the next year or slmply
add it lo urwestrlcted reserves. Dwing Ihè year any addilknnal exper¥Jilure nol included in budgets and
that needs lo be funded by unrestrtcled reseNes should be agreed by the Board.
The unrestrlcled reserves should be sufficient to cover at least one and a half years, of IEF runnkng
costs. want making and polenllal flucluations In unreslrlcted donations. Currently that Is approximatety
£1rn, unless a significant funding stream stops.
Proleclions regarding the utllisation of unrestricted reserrfes, based on estimates of ineome and
expendilure lor Ihe current financlal year and following two years, are brought to the Risk Management
Committee every slx months for discUss￿n, and then to the subsequent Board of Directors meeting as
part of forward financd planning.
6.3.2 Rè8trkt•d funds
At the end of March 2024, the balance of restrlcted reserves was £715,394 (£774.583 in the prevlous
year). This balance will fluctuate during the coming year as other reslricl8d donations are received
andlor as funds are used In accordance wlth the donors, wlshes and IEF grant making polky.
K•y Prln¢lpl•8
Restrlcled furKls should b8 used for the purpose the donors have specllled.
The reservas pollcy Is reviewed by the Rlsk Managemanl Committee on an annual basls (after Ihe
presentation of the accounts) and recommendatlons are made to the Board as necessary.
5.3.3 Total fund*
The tot81 fund8 held by the charlty at 31 March 2024 was £2,303,967 (2023: £2,159,457). Total
unreslricled funds exduding tanglble fixed asseis carrled forbv¥d al 31 March 2024 was £1 ,578.928
(2023., £1,375,535).
5.4 GRANT MAKING POWERS AND POUCY
The Board of Directors has delegated ptrwers to a Grants Commltiee to carry oui the IEF'S Grant Making
Policy whlch indudes:
To ensure that the grant maklng process Is falr and equltable al all tirnes and to establish and
agree crtteria for grant programmes.
To ensure that grants meet th8 ternis and obieclives of the original funders.
To uphold the ￿pUtatIOn of the Fund as a grant making organisation that is dearty focused, falr,
accountable and Consislent.
To be the link be￿een the schools (￿anteeS} and the Board {granlors).
To consider in detail applicatlons to Ihe IEF for funding and lo rnake recommendations to Ihe
full IEF Board. The Board ultimately has executive power over grant allocations. the Granis
Committe8 has execulive power at an operational level for anomalies arlsing wrthin exisling live
grants.
To ensure on-going financlal and operational monltorlng of programmes. measuring the
outcomes of projects again5151ated airn5 and objeclives
iv.
vi.

Integrated Education Fund
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees. Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrnctors, Report) I￿ntInued}
Yearended 31 March 2024
5.5 NEW FINANCIAL SOFfwARE SYSTEM
Following a perlod of testlng, Liberty Accounts was implemented in April 2023 and a period of parallel
running with the manual system took place until October 2023 when the IEF'S new auditors carried out
a qualty assurance audil on both the system setup and its data integrlly.
The audilors provided the IEF wlth a positive qualty assurance management report on Llberty stating
that they were pleased with the IEF'S progress to dale with the new accounling software and. subject to
some minor adjustments. they considered the system lo be worklng effectively. On the back of that
assurance Ihe Risk Managelnent Commlltee recommended that the IEF stop running the Excel and
Liberty systems In parallel and the dual runnin9 slopped at the end of November 2023.
The financial statements for Ihls year ending 31 March 2024 have been calculaled uslng the figure8
supplted by the new accounling software.
5.8 SIGNIFICANT EVENTS THAT HAVE AFFECTED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The IEF secured NIO funding of £1.485m In 2022123 over Iwo and a half financlal years, of whlch £540k
was recelved Into reslrlct8d fuTrJs In 2023124 to 8UPPOrt the IEF work on three key objectives: Ihe growth
of Twansforrnalion, Future Schools and Rpsearch, Fundlng from Hagan Homes has provlded slgnlllcant
support for a number of grant programmes and fundlng from the Irish Department of FoTelgn Affalrs and
Trade Reconclliatton Fund has helped the IEF'S Parental Engagement leam lo support the number of
schools seeking to transforni to Inlegraled stalus.
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
In June 2022, the IEF launched lis Strateglc Wslon 2022-2025.. Towards 100 Integrated Schools. The
IEF wlll now be moving inlo the fin81 year of implementation. In 2024125 year we wlll also be saying
farewell to our Chief Executlve, Tina Merron, who will be retiring after 26 years of dedlcaled service, and
welcoming Paul Caskgy into the role. Paul has worked a8 the IEF'S Head of Campalgn slnce 2000.
The strategy has four key focus areas:
F*st. lo empower communitles to access an Integrated Educatlon..
Thls Incorporales the IEF'3 Innovatlve Inlegrate My School campaign led by the IEF'S dedicated
Engaggmenl Team who will work wlth interested pa￿nIs, schools and Ihe widef communlty. There are
currently 71 approved Integrated schools in Northem Ireland but there are also a further 11 schools (8
in thls financlal year) who have held posltlve pafental ballots to transforrn to Integrated slatus - 6 havé
already submltled their Development Proposal to the Education Minister and are awaiting a decislon on
their fulure. One more parental ballot is planned before the end of the academic year 2023124, wlh
further ballots planned in the forthcoming financial year 2024125. There are also plans to establish the
firsl ever Integraled school operating in the Irish language.
The IEF wlll seek to build on its firsl ever maior advertising, marketing and promolional campaign aimed
al parents, prospectsve parents, schools, young people and local communities. The IEF will contlnue lo
organise information events for school leaders and govemors working in partrwship with NICIE. Thls
key focus area will also include the Fulure Schools Project to encourage local rnmmunlties to engage
with area planning of education to ensure more sustainable school solutions for the future.
The IEF will continue to work wlth other education stakeholders lo disseminate, promote and utilise the
new 'Future Schools Tool-kil., a pathway resource developed by U15ter Unlversity.
21

Integrated Education Fund
Company Limited by Guarantee
Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Dlrectors, Report) (condnu•
Year énded 31 March 2024
PLAN5 FOR FUTURE PERIODS (witlnu•dJ
Second, supporting the growth of Integrated Educatlon through grant making:
The IEF will continue to assist the growAh of Integrated Educalion by supporting existing Intewated
schools. the Translomiallon of schools to Integrated status. cross sector solUt￿)n$ for schools as well
as new parents, groups who want Integrated Education. The IEF wdl provlde Transformation Support
Gfants, Impact of Growth Grants, New Model Support Grants and grants to new Par8nts' Groups. The
alm is to support growth in existing Integrated 5chool8, SUPPQrt sCtb￿lS pro￿essIng through Ihe
Transformation process and assisl any prq)osed single school solutions on a cross-community basis.
Thlrd, challenging the segregated nature of our educatlon system..
The IEF Is Wofking towards the day when It Is no longer needed. That will only happen when Integrated
Education is adequately planned for by govemment and when parenlal damand for It Is belng met. To
lying this day closer we need to contlnually work with policy fflakers. influencers. polltlclans and
government. If necessary, we will conllnue lo use slraleglc Iltlgatlon to ensure leglslatlve commllments
to Integrated E(lucation are Implemented In full. The IEF wlll also contlnue to undertake major Northern
Ireland wlde attltudlnal surveys, micro polling and other market research whi161 aso wwking with
academic partners such as Ulster Unlversily and Queen's Unlversity Belfast to wovide an effective
evldence base on Issues relating lo Integrated Educallon. Thls key focus area also Indudes supportlng
the development of the Integated AlumNI arKI engagement with young people. The voic8s of young
people must be listened to given thal they have had the most recent experlence of our educatlon system.
Young people can be Important advocates for how sthools can deliver a more induslve educotion.
Fourth. 5UPPOrting schools to delNèr 'lntegration in Actlon,:
An Integrated ethos does not develop by slmply having a religk)us and cultural mlx of pupils in a school.
Schools need to regularly think about how they deliver Integralion Irb both pollcy and practice. They need
to ensure 811 pupls, staff and governor8 feel welcome, and that thelr Identity Is celebrated, irrespectlve
of their cultural or wellglous background. The IEF wlll assisl this through Its Trusl Programme whlch
supports activities thal encourage schools lo develop and enhance their Integrated ethos. It wlll also
continue to organlse the Carson Awards lo celebrate the creative tslents of young people. Th8
Integratlon T￿￿Ough Sport Programme win help Inlroduce new sports to a school in order to provide
opportunities for pupils to experience spcrts nOM￿llY assoclated with just one cultural tradition in
Northem Ireland.
Along with deliverlng the above straiegy, we wlll contlnue to pre55 for full Implementation of the
Integrated Educatlon Act. It is viial Ihal a falr and effecllve way of measurfng demand for Inte￿ated
Education is agreed upon and thal government actlon follows to meet such demand. This would
represent a major step foThvard in term8 of Ihe growih and development of Inlegrated Education.
Likewise, recommendations from the Independent Review of Educatlon Ihal alm lo address Ihe failures
of effectNa area plannlng for schools, the need for more cross sector solutions and the desire lo expand
Integrated Education can also not be ignored.
None of these plans can be achieved without Ihe generosiiy and SUPPOTt of so many individuals and
organisations.
The IEF1s forever wateful to am Ihose who help us in so many ways.
22

Integrated Education Fund
Company Limited by Guarant•e
Trustses, Annual Report (Incorporatong the Directors, Report) (contln4Md)
Yearended 31 March 2024
TRUSTEES. RESPONSBILITIES STATEMENT
The Iruste8s (who are also directors ol the Integrated Education Fund) ar8 responsible for preparing the
trustees, report and the financial sialements In accordance with applicable law and United Kingjom
Accounting Standards (Unlted Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Praclice).
Company law requires the charity trustees to prepare Ilnancial statements for each financial year, which
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the income and
expenditure of Ihe charrtable company for that period.
In preparing these financial statements. the truslees are requlied to:
select suitable accounting pollcles and Ihen apply them consistently.,
observ6 the methods and principles In the Charitiès SORP 2019 {FRS 102);
make judgments and accounting estimates that are r8asonable and prudent.
state whether applicable UK Accountlng Standards hav8 b8en followed, subject to any material
departures dlsdosed and explained in the financial statemenls., and
prepare the financial slatements on Ihe going concern basls unles8 it is Inapproprlate lo
presume Ihat the charllable company wlll continue in 0￿ratIon.
The Iruslees are responsible for keeplng adequate accounling records that disclose with reasonable
accuracy al any tome the ftnancial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure Ihat
the financial stalements comply with the Companie5 Act 21N)6. The trustees are also responslble for
safeguarding the assets of Ihe charitable company arttl hence for taking reasonable steps for the
preventlon and detectlon of fraud arKI other irregularitles.
Dlsclo8ure of Inforniatlon to audllors
We, the trustees of the charitable company who held office 81 the date of approval of these Flnancial
Stal8ment8 as set oul above each confirm, so far as we are aware, thal..
there is no relevant audlt Information of whlch the charitablo ￿MpanY'S auditors are
unaware.. and
we have tak8n all Steps that we ought lo have taken as direclor8 in order lo make
ourselves aware of any relevanl audit information and to eslabllsh that the charitable
company's auditors are aware of Ihat Information.
The trustees a￿ responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financlal information
included on the Charitable company's webslte. Legislation in the United Kingdorn governing the
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may dlffer from legI￿allOn In other juflsdlcltons.
Small ¢ompanles' exernptlon
This report has been prepared in accordance wlth thé spacial provisions relating lo small companies
withSn Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.
r of the Board
"PAth oQknLe
Peter Osborne
Chair, Integrated Education Fund
21 August 2024
23