Trustees Annual Report 2024 - 25 

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## Reference and Administrative Details 

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Company Name: _—_ Ballybot Community Projects Company Number: NI632578 Charity Number: _—_ Registered as a Charity in Northern Ireland (NIC104911) Registered Office: Ballybot House, 28 Cornmarket, Newry BT35 8BG Directors: - Maureen Ruddy (Chairperson) Ewan Morgan Rosemary Rooney Co. Secretary and CEO: Raymond Jackson Auditors: Malone Accounting, 12 New Street, Newry BT35 6JD. Bankers : Bank of Ireland, 12 Trevor Hill, Newry 

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Structure, Governance and Management 

## Governing Document 

Ballybot Community Projects is a company limited by guarantee which was incorporated on 22 July 2015. The company was established under a Memorandum ofAssociation which established the objects and powers ofthe charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. 

In the event of the company being would up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding one pound. 

## Management 

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The company is managed by a voluntary Board ofDirectors which is elected from the membership or co-opted by the directors, The Board ofDirectors are directors ofthe company under company law and are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law. 

The Board ofDirectors is elected annually from the membership ofthe company and consists ofup to twelve individual members and not less than three. Up to one-third ofthe directors retire from office at each Annual General Meeting, those longest in office retiring first. Retiring directors are eligible Whenfor re-election new directors ifnominated are appointedhoweverno to the director Board they shall receive serve anmore inductionthantwelve which consecutive briefs the members years. on their roles and responsibilities as members ofthe board and company directors and outlines the company's strategic planning process; funding arrangements, project selection policy, staffing structure and policy work. All members ofthe Board ofDirectors give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits or remuneration from the company. Directors 

The Directors, who are trustees for the purpose of charity law, who served during the financial year running from August 2024 to July 2025 were as follows: Maureen Ruddy, Ewan Morgan, and Rosemary Rooney. 

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Directors' Responsibilities 

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The Directors are responsible for preparing the Directors' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Directors have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the Directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view ofthe state of affairs ofthe company and ofthe profit or loss ofthe company for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the Directors are required to: 

- e — select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; e makejudgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- e — state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards havebeen followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- e prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in business. 

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position ofthe company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

## Policies and Procedures 

The company has a number ofpolicies and procedures in place to which Directors and staff adhere. These are reviewed periodically to ensure they continue to meet the needs ofthe company and current legislation and include policies and procedures relating to declaring conflicts of interests; levels of company reserves, risk management; disclosure; fraud; quality assurance; equality, health and safety; the environment, financial procedures and staffing matters. 

## Risk Management 

The company regularly undertakes an assessment ofrisks to which it might become exposed. It has a Risk Management Plan in place which identifies and categorises each potential risk; the likelihood ofthe risk occurring, causes and implications thereof and the actions to mitigate the risks. The Directors reviewed and approved the company's Risk Management Plan in March 2024. 

## Related Parties 

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The company is a 100% wholly owned trading subsidiary of The Confederation of Community Groups. All three directors ofthe company are also directors ofThe Confederation ofCommunity Groups. The company donates its profits to the charity by way of a gift. 

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## Activities 

BCP regularly review all activities as part of a strategic planning cycle — we currently have in place a Strategic Plan (2024-2028) encompassing our stated aims: 

- e To support the development of connected and vibrant communities e Address issues that give rise to social isolation, deprivation, disadvantage, and poverty at a local level 

- e Helping to create inclusive communities which embrace diversity e Empower civic society through the development of appropriate physical and human infrastructure 

## Public Benefit 

In planning and directing the work ofthe company the Board ofDirectors has considered and understands both elements ofthe public benefit requirement— that is that there are direct benefits which are identifiable and are available to the public or a section ofthe public. 

The company has identified the benefits for people and community groups as: Awareness raising of existing and emerging needs within communities, the enabling of older people to overcome barriers to services and the identification of new services to meet gaps in provision. 

An improvement in the engagement processes with statutory organisations to help address concerns and to deliver accessible services, a reduction in the fear of crime, the reduction of deprivation and an increase in mental and physical health and well-being of older people. 

An increase in the number of volunteers and volunteering opportunities, the empowerment of individuals to make a positive contribution to local community life, an increase in social investment /activities, a more inclusive society and an enhanced quality of life. 

An increase in the effectiveness of local charities, community groups and associations and their effective use of charitable resources, an increase in community infrastructure and facilities, an increase in partnership work and increased engagement with statutory bodies 

The beneficiaries ofthe company's services are the Community & Voluntary sector and people living in Newry and its environs and the wider region in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Any private benefit is incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries. 

## Main Activities, Achievements and Performance 

During the year we provided Community Education, Training and development programmes and Inter-community work. We provided ongoing community development support to a range of local community groups. We recruited, trained and supported volunteers within our own projects and with partner agencies and we provided advice, information and sign-posting to individuals and groups. 

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## Financial Review Principal Funding Sources 

The company received £NIL funding in the period covered by this report. Expenditure on our Older People Community Programme was £60 resulting in a small deficit of £60 for the period. 

## Reserves Policy 

The Directors have assessed the main risks to the organisation and designated funds needed to meet these, They have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets held by the charity should be between three and six months ofthe expenditure. Expenditure for the year to 31 July 2025 was £60. Reserves currently stand at £570 which is below the required amount however these should be viewed in relation to CCG (parent compatiy) reserves, 

The reserves are needed to meet the working capital requirements ofthe charity, and the Directors are confident that at this level they would be able to continue the current activities ofthe charity for some time in the event of a significant drop in funding. 

## Plans for Future Periods 

Ballybot Community Projects will continue to provide its community work & education and capacity building and support services to disadvantaged people and communities. . 

## Declaration 

This report was approved by the Board at its meeting on 19 March 2026 and thereafter signed on its behalfby: 


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