C.H.A.R.T.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 The trustees. who are also directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law. have pleasure in presenting their Trustees. Report and the audited Financial Siatements for the year ended 31 March 2023. The trustees have adopted Èhe provksions of Accounting and Reporting by Chartties.. Statement of Recornmended Praclice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), effective l January 2019 (Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102)), in preparing the trustees, report and financial statements of the Charitable mpany which are also prepar¢d to meet the r¢quirements for a directors, report and accounts for company and charity law purposes. The Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) shows the gross income from all sources. Chairperson's report A¢¢ording to The Secretary of State and th¢ 2023124 budget for Northern Ireland, our government departments will receive £14.2bn for resources and £2.2bn capital. This compares to £14.3bn for resources and £2. Ibn capital in 2022123. As a result of this, the total amount allocated to Departmental budgets will reduce by 0 40/0. It is reported that the reduction in the resource budget will put huge pressure on iftdividuals, organisations and our communities. However, this does not fully refiect the extent of the pressures facing individual departments due to inflation. rising costs. increasing demands and pay pressures. In order to live within the funding available difficult decisions will have to be taken by the Northern Ireland Assembly and of course the communities we work with, who are already sttuggling with the cost-of-livin8 Crisis. With that said, I would like to take the opportunity to acknowledge the Staff and Management for their determination, dedication and commitment to our organization. As a voluntary board we are aware of the current difficulties around the community voluntary sector with regards to long tenn sustainability of projects as It is year on year. With that said, I would like to thank our funders who con9tantly support our staff and the development of our organisation by providing us with the financial support for community programmes, and in turn allow us to support our community groups and local residents. The Board, Management Team, staff and I would also like to thank the volunteers within our whole organisation who keep their communities in hi8h spirit durin8 difficult times. in particular the Diamond Project volunteers who continue to develop their capital build project. the community gyrn in Kingswood Street. which now has a numbet health prOarnme$ running daily from it. We are delighted that the Gyrn 18 now self-sufficient and is a great success. This is only due to the commitment by the volunteer5 who continue to deliver support, and the funding organisations which see this project as a viable social enterprise and keep supporting it year on year with running costs. Charter Nl statT are in the forefront of deliverin support in Inner East Belfast and Outer East BelfasL ensuring that those living in high areas of deprivation are the forefront of our programmes and activities. This year has seen issues arise within communities regarding the cost-of-living crisis and our Staff worked closely with Belf&5t City Council and East Belfast Community Development Agency in a collective approach to issue Gas and Electric top-ups to those families who Came forward for support. I would like to commend the staff who took part in this initiative, for the many hours that they put in to ensure that the communities they work in daily were fully supported. The Board Continues to recognise there is a need to develop greater community leadershtp and a need for Caplty-bu11dins to happen at a 8rass roots level. We are delighted that our staff have now taken up extra training and education programmes to enhance their own knowledge Lnd skills. This has resulted in two staff joinin8 the C.omrnurttty Development degree course in Ulster University. staff development is very important for our organisation moving fonvard in the future and is something that, as Chainnan of Charter Nt. I totally support. I take this opportunity to thank everyone that makes a difference at Charter Nt each day, and look fon¥ard to next year, when it is hoped that new opportunities will arise from the SEUPB Peace Plus programrnes. Until then we will continue to support the Manasement Committee, staff and th¢ volunteers that support th¢ir communities daily. Albert Hewiti C.H.A.It. I.LR Jor Norihern Ireland Chairperson
C.H.A.R.T.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Objectives and Activities Purposes and Objectives C.H.A.RT.E.K for Northern Ireland (hereinydfter Charter ND Mimion Statement is: To enable. equip and empower communities lo benefiifrom social 4d economic regeneration. Our Mission Statement recognises that when local community representatives and groups want to d¢velop their communities they need to be enabled to do so by building their own capacity. Our choice of words reflects a comrnitrnent to helping people through providing support that allows them to articulate their own needs and shape their future at loGat, regional and international level. The support which Charter NI has provided and continues to provide is supported by local people with a thirst to improve themselves and their communities in which they live. It is this with this support that we have the confidence in the strategic direction of Charter NI and which sets us apart from other initiatives. Our support mechanisms consist of notjust financial supporL but support that is driven by a community development ethos of supporting local people to build their capacity to regenerate their own areas, through education & training initiatives. The people in our communities are people of ability and aspiration, who need a blend of support to enable them lo lift themselves from low-level Noble categories into thrivin& economically active, healthy and developing communities which work at a local level with statutory a8en¢ies. Charter Nl's vision as laid out in our Strategllc Plan 2023-2026 is to play a leading part in the comrnunity regeneration of East Belfast & North Down, to see it develop into a safe, settled, prosperous place, that is stable and resilien¢ at ease with itself and its neighbours. culturally confidenL tolerant and welromin8 to others. The vision will be d¢liv¢r¢d in th¢ followin8 SIX strategic areas.. Community and Cultural Confidence,. Regeneration and Relation5hips,' Training. Education, Employment and Engagement. and Resources and Restructuring. The programmes that Charter NI'S operational staff deliver, and will tender for in the future, all flt into one or more of these six strategic aims.
C.H.A.ILT.E.R. FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Achievements and Performance l. Tullycarnet Community Regeneration Projeet Start date: 1st April 2016 date: 3 1st March 2025 Funded by: Department for Cornmunities Partnership: Charter NI- Lead Aimy: To work with 13-25-year-olds in Tullycarnet area. Provide access to programrnes on suicide awareness, drug l alcohol awareness and health. Signpost to Charter Nl Training programmes and provide acces5 to volunteering. Support community groups in the are& Establish information sharin8 in the community via a quarterly newsletter and social media. Maintain relationships with local schools and other service providers. Objectives and Target$: Building a confident community and encouraging local groups and individuals to participate in capacity building activities. Encouraging and facilitating young people to participate in community relations projects. During this period over 40 youn8 people participatsd in community relations projects. Over 1000 people participated in community bonding projects. During this period an average of 43 young people a week en8a8ed in youth focused activities. Improving Connections between Tullycarnet, wider East Belfast and beyond. Providing opportunities for Tully¢arnet to develop links and partnerships with other communities Many people volunteered for community development activities. Building a Gonfident communxty. Supporting and encouraging young people and local groups to participate in community development activlties and capacity building programmes. Sharing information about opportunities and events through the community website and social media. Contributillg towards a wide range of community services and initiatives for and with children, adults and senior citizens. Improving educational outcomes t.or children and young people in the Neighbourhood Renewal Area. During the year we provided strategic directio financial management and governance support to 9 communityl voluntary sector giroups. In partnership with Dundonald High School we set up a GCSE support group with external trainers providing tailored support programmes for 40 young people from the Greater Tullycarnet Are& Supporting access to educational and development opportunities for all sections of the local comrnunity. 87 young people benefitted directly from the proje¢ through parti¢ipation within the Charter Youth GrouplTP youth project and other initiatives.
C.H.T.E.R. FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 l. Tullycarnet Community Regeneration Project - continued Many young people have benefitted through participation in programmes by the Tullycarnet Football Team, Tullycarnct Boxing Club and The Tullycarnet Dancers. Charter NI continues to collaborate with the Education Authority Youth Service and other youth providers on the provision of ouLreach youth serviGes and other programm¢s. We are particularly looking fonvard to 2024 as new youth workers have cornmenced work in the area. We have already started planning for new support programmes. 2. Individual Carer Advice Network (ICAN) Programme Start date: I st Novernber 2021 End date: 3 1st March 2023 Contracted with: Active Communities Network (ACN) Partnership: Active Communities Network in partnership with Charter Nt delivering Funded by.. Levelling Up Fund UK ACN and Charter Nl will provide employability training. personal development, basic skills. mentoring. volunteering and initiatives in idenlified areas of high deprivation and unemployment. Target is 60 Participants who are classed as at Risk and 20 16-24 year olds who are classed as needing support in Employment opportunities and mentorin8. The objectives are: To reduce economic inactivity arnong marginalised young people. To reduce barriers to opportunities in employment due to lack of trainin8. To sUPPOrt young people in a range of activities, such as skill developmenL training and networking to access employment. The aims are to wmbat inactivity, address barriers to young peopl4 irnprov¢ ¢mployability skills and tackle multiple disadvantages within specific personal barriers and social problems such as.. caring responsibilitie5, offendedlat risk of offendin& being involved or at risk of being involved in anti-soci behaviour. leavinyJhavin8 left car4 homelessness, with a disability or involvement with druflalcohol abuse. The project will provide an Employer Placement Scheme whereby ACN and Charter Nt will link in with employers of various sizes to ensure the training initiatives fit with current job trends. An element of youth services programmes has been delivered to 60 young people age 14-24 years old in East Belfast. to develop their confidence and self esteem. This was over a 3 month period, 4 times per week. Young people were engaged in fun activities that increased their learnlng in community and promoted volunteering opportunities.
C.H.A.R.T.E.R. FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 3. Diamond Project Start date: 1st April 2016 End date: 31si March 2024 Funded by: Belfast City Council Partnership; Charter Nl Lead Output5: Resident forum (18 residentg) A large number of residents from the local area informed about projects, events and also trainin8, employment and volunteering opporiunities. Thi5 will boost community confidence and build self-esleem of local resident5 to engage in community development opportunities in their immediate area. Also, the forum will be attending various meetings and traintng opportunities across east Belfast and city wide. l OO+ meetings in total. Community news and inforniation A community news sheet will provide infornlation to the community on a quarterly basis. Infonnation provided will be Televant phone numbers, community event5 and training opportunities. Five inforniation leaflets to be given out to every household in the Diamond area (soo+homes). Inter-agency restdent led meetings (4 meeting5 per annum) Four interagency meetings with relevant stakeholders on a quarterly basts. These meetings wtll involve housing providers, police, youth and community workers. local churches and information groups. The meeting5 will be based on infonnation sharing and better joined up approaches to ta¢kling spe¢ifAc issues in the local area. Four well attend inter agency meeting5 addressing specific issues in the local area. Cross-community women's and younger people's group (20 women / weekly sessions) The residents meet with Short Strand wornen, s group every Tuesday night. During these sessions they have completed a number of training workshops around women's rights, capacity buildin& community development processes and Good Relations projects, including arts & crafts. Summer community festival & bonfire beacon 200 people attending community family fun day. Halloween festiv Remembrance event 4-day long reflection and r¢membrance event for 150 people. Christmas children's paty Santa, s grotto event for 150 young people and their families. Pensioners. Christmas Lunch 45 pensioners receiving a Christmas lunch and a vigit from Santa. The Community Reseneration Officer (CRO) ha5 also been on the ground constantly and gained approxtmately £7.000 of cost- of-living support in partnership with EBCDA and BCC. This provided gas and electricity and door to door support for the vulnerable and those who were hi8hly deprived. The CRO is still part of the East Belfast Coronavirus Community Support Group.
C.H.A.ILT.E.R. FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 3. Diamond Project - continued Objectives: Engagc cv¢ry street in th¢ Diamond project area. Identify issues on a street by street basis. Recruit new volunteers. Create a safe space for local residents to discuss and address their issues and solve local problems. Provide pro8ramme5 and tiVitIeS for local people to hdp improv¢ their health and well-bein8. Encourage young people to get involved in the local communtty and attend programmes and activities in the community hub. Develop opportunities for local residents to engage with and be part of the local community. 4. Urban Vlllages - Diamond Health Hub StV4rt date: I st April 2019 End dxte: 31st March 2024 Funded by: TEO Urban Villages PArtnership: Charter Nl- Lead Aims: Improve rdationships between and within communities Increase sense of community belong. Increase use of shared spaces. Provide confident and enterprising community. Project Outcomes: Health & well-bein8 programmes delivered to improve well-being. Improved relationships with statutory partners through regular meetings. Improved sense of w¢ll-bein8 for r¢sid¢nts. Improved access to serviceg and advice tbroiigh locAI $urgerie$. Better support for ethic minorities and integration within the local community Increased opportunities through volunteerin8 Opportunities. To dcv¢lop a fully-functioning rommunity hub that can be used by local residents, partners and the wider community to improve health and well-being and addre85 issues at a local level. Groups involved in weekly activity at Diamond Health Hub.. 353 sessions. 72 Participants involved in Health activities on a weekly basis. Develop participation and increase relationships Iwith other Urban Village Areas.
C.H.llT..I FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 5. Pathways Programme Start dAte: 1st April 2016 End d*te: 31 st March 2024 Contracted with: Public Health Agency Partnership: Charter Nl Lead. Partners.. Alternatives Restorative Justice & East Belfast Mission Aim: Charter NI was to provide and signpost services in a cornmunity setting where the client group feel at ease and wnfidentiality is Secured. Charter NI operates in an environment created and managed by ex- prisoners and family members, 50 increasing the empathy with the client group, which in turn reduces the stigmatisation and sense of isolation. Through this approach Charter NI aims to improve information for the client and service provider and begin to collectively address the needs of this client group. Charter NI aims to assist through partnership working with the other btyoups and organisations involved in this project to help ex-prisoners and their families be independent and to live a better qua]ity of life. improve health and emotional well- being for ex-prisoners and their families through couns¢llin8 and alternative therapies. Objeetives: Provide counselling service to ex-prisoners and their familie$. Provide a ran8e of atternative therapies to ex-prisoners and their families. Raise awareness and inforni potential clients about the service. TArget Groups: Youn8 People. Ex-prisoners. Senlor citizens; and Unemployed c.harter Nl are a key provider of Services to ex-prisoners and they have fornied a partnership along with the Belfast Health and Social Care TrusL East Belfast Alternatives and East Belfast Mission. The programme provided professionat confidential community-based counselling sessions with a wraparound complimentary service which comprises alternative therapies helping clients to enjoy better health and a more vital lif4 encouraging the client to feel Gomfoi'table and ilie nivLivativn Iv ulili¥¢ fyVUT)srlliTI¥ bCfVjC¢b. Th¢ project ilLted as a referral to the Belfasi Health and Social Services Trust. The service will be delivered in a comrnunity selltng therefore increasing accessibility to those ex-prisoners and their families who may feel stigmatised or have perceptions around accessing mainstream services or those provided by larger organ35ations. The programrne was closely monltored to get a better understanding of the key issues for the client group. the service providers and the extent of the problem.
C.H.A.R.T.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 5. Pathways Progranune continued Outputs: Number of people counselled 52. Number of counselling sessions 421. Number of people having alternative therapies 15. Number of therapies 20. 4 inforniation sessions given. Coun5elling services were provided via Zoom, we also delivered packs to those who were isolated during this time to help with theftr mental health including mindfuln¢si breathing techniques and signposting to other COVID support programm¢5 in the area. 6. Communlty Safety Programme, TullycArnet Start date.. I st August 2022 End date: 3 1st March 2023 Funded by: NIHE Community Safety awarenes5 programme for young people and NIHE residents from Tullycarnet Arw working on the following objectives.. Butlding Community Confidence. Ensuring local solutions. Tackling anti-sla1 behaviours. Tackling Crirne. Tackling fear of Crime. and Working together for a safer community. This programme is also supported by the Belfast City Council Anti-social Behaviour team and the Community psm officers.
C.H.A.R.T.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 6. Community Safety Programme, Tullycarnet- continued The following support was provided.. Safer Bonfires. Cost of living support for older people, provided by the younger people and therefore building community confidence through an intergenerational approach. Developed support for Mens Mental Health on a weekly basis. Dru8 and Alcohol trainin8 and support; Anti socia] behaviour around peoples properties.. Community Safety event in December 2022; Help with Department for Infrastructure support around Street Lighting in oober 2022; and Meeting each quarter with the statutory agencies in the area for potential redevelopment and other issues that may arise, 7. Summer Diversionary Programmelcultural Fe8t Start date: July 2022 End date: September 2022 Funded by.. Belfast City Council OUT programme of activity included festivals for Inner and Outer East Belfast areas which aimed to enhance and compliment the cultural celebrations in the lead up to the Twelfth of July by positively promoting heritage. educating on broader cultural contexts. and showcasing locals, artistry in the development of new creative work. These events aimed to link Outer East Belfast into Inner East Belfast using diversionary activiiies focusin8 on Bands, Bonfires, Historical TaIks, Safer Community partnerships and Community Celebrations that engaged with approximately 1,500 people. Other activities included workshops focusing on creativity, bands & policing, The programirAe that we delivered was aiming to guide and merjtor young people to choose a more positive way to express their culture, taktng on board their views on their culture attitudes, stereotyping and awareness of what positive culture and other cultures are. Events to compliment this also included site visits to those traditional bonfires across Belfast that are kept tidy and those that use beacons instead. 8. Training for Women Network (TWN) Pass Programme Stnrt dAtt: Jajiuary 2023 End date: March 2023 Contracted with: TWN Partnership: TWN, in partnership with Charter NI as delivery Funded by: European Social Fund TWN and Charter Nl Will provide employability trainin& personal development. basic digital skill4 mentorin& volunteerin8 and initiatives in identified areas of high deprivation and un- employment. Target Is 17 Participants who are classed as "NEET5". Not in Education, Employment or Trainin8.
C.H.A.R.T.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 10 Con]munities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Training for Women Network (TWN) Pass Programme - conlinued Th¢ obj¢ctiv¢s ar¢. To reduce economic inactivity among marginatized young women. To reduce long-terni unemployment among disadvantaged young women. and To support young women in a range of activities, such as skill development. trainin8 and n¢tworking to a¢¢ess employment. The aims are to combat inactivity, address barriers to young women's participation, improve employability ski115 and tsckle multiple disadvantages within the specific personal barriers and social problems such as.. cartng responsibilities. offendedlat risk of offendins, being involved or at risk of being involved in anti-social behaviour. leaVinhaVing left carq homelessness. with a disability or involvement with drualCOhol abuse. The Project will add value in some of the most disadvantaged and isolated areas by offering the provision of a College Liaiwn Officer to work at a local level with young female NEET'S in community-based education centres to promote the step into Further Education across Nl. The project will provide an Employer Placement Scheme whereby TWN and Charter Nl will link in with employers of various sizes to ensure the training initiatives fit with current job trends.The project will also include the use of 3 incentives to aid participant retention and widen horizons. 9. Tampon Tax - Connecting Women in the Community Programme Start date: Jan 2023 End dite: March 2023 Delivery and support of Women in the Community to build capacity and partnership working for the future. Target was 15 women to be included. Outputs. Totsl numbers Recruited. 17 Total numbers completing online registratton forni.'17 Totsl numbers ¢ompletin8 online post-proje¢t survey: 17 The ladies on this programme took part in different sessions of delivery that helped with their self esteem and personal development before going on a one ni8ht residential to continu¢ on with their non a¢¢r¢dited pro8ramme.
C.H.A.R.T.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 11 Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 9. TAmpon Tax Connef ting Women in the Conmnunity Programme - continued Activities included.. Mindfulness Life Action Plan Goal Setting Thoughts - Feelings - Actions Facing Fears Calming Strategies Leadership Skills Capacity Building Volunteering in your local area Alongside this the ladies attended the local Boxing Club for 12 weeks and also were attendin8 the local gym to help with their confidence, body and fitness awareness and healthy eating programme. Our activitie5 increased positive self image of the ladies by supporting them with ¢onfiden¢e and body image also. Increased the overall well being by gJvin8 them strategies to work on at home to do with their mental health ie mindfulness, goal setting and facing their fears, Increased their Leadership skills by working on volunteering or developing their volunteering skills in the local ladies 8roup in the Tullycarnet Area, we focused on what is needed for a great leader and how different personalities can support a group to succeed. The wornen developed their personal skills as well as skills they can now take fon¥ard in their volunteering role5 in the community. They developed a new constitution for their 8roup, and also felt empowered enough to take feedback from others and make changes, which included changing their name. They engaged in softer skills that will help their community as well as their families at home too. They left the programme with a lot of strategtes in place to help them should tough times arise and if anxiety and stress raises its head in etther work, education or in their communities. Tbe Ladi¢5 also set goals for the next 6 months to help them strive towards achievement in all areas of life. 10. TNL Community Fund Awards for All- Futurtrproofing Charter Fai programme to develop a new 3 year Strategic plan and increase trainin8 OPPOrtLU]ities with the staff and board. This prograrnme was facilitated by an outside agency to ensure that all thoughts, perspectives and new aims were valued and included. 5 Community Groups were included in feedback by voluntary organisations that Charter NI work with on a weekly basis. 2 Board Meetings with outside agency l Full planning day with Board and staff in attendanr¢ to focus on future objectives. 2 Staff meetÉn8S With outside agcncy to ensure that staff felt confident to tslk about future plans for th¢ organisation. l Three year strategic plan in place for April 2023. This project has now been Gompleted
C.H.A.R.T.E.R. FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 12 Conllnunities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 11. Arts Couneil NIryNL Good Causeg - Platinum Jubilee The programme was awarded for Arts and Crafts projects to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee in East Bdfast. The children involved. and their familieg. made scrapbooks and participated in print making, etching and rnonoprints, ceramics, crown- making and photography. The art work was then displayed at an art gallery in Belfast, PS2. This tied in with the Queens, Jubilee celebrations and over 200 children and adults attended. The workshops were attended by 49 children and 10 volunteers. All aims and objectives were fully met. 12. Core Funding Support Start date: 1st April 2022 End dAte: 30th November 2022 Funded by: Halifax Foundation for Nl To develop future opportunities within the organisation and promote statT development in the finance and administration department. 13. Small Grants There are many small funders within Charter Nl project5 which compliment the bigger projects stated above. One of these successful srnaller project is: Lisbum Castlereagh City Council - Go(xq Relations and Cultural Identity - cultural pro8ramme& workshops. and community arts projects with Longstone Residents Association in the Ballybeen area.
C.H.A.R.T.E.R. FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 13 Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Staff development The charitabl¢ company's most important r¢sour¢e is its pwple, their knowledge and experience are cruciaI in meeting our charitable objectives. Retention of key staff is critical and we have invested increasin8ly in employment training and development. Our Volunteers It is vitsl that volunteering is recognised as a fundamental part of any ¢ommunAty development framework and as a strategically importatii element of it. There is an inextiicable link between volunteering as a multifaceted activity and ¢ommunity deve5opment as a process. Volunteering happens in many different fornis and can be carried out on a continuum of inforniality to formality. Both are equally valuable and contribut¢ in a myTiad of ways to building communities where people can feel happy, safe and fulfilled. We in Charter M will continue to facilitate this process with the ssrOOtS communities that we work with. Environmental And health and safety The charitable company recognises its responsibility to carry out its charitable operations whilst minimising environmentsl impacts The trustees, continued airn is to comply with all applicable environmental legislation, prevent pollution and reduce waste wherever possible. The company is comrnitted to achieving the highest practicable standards in health and safety management and strives to make its office and all sites Safe environments for employees and visitors alike. Financial Revieiv The financial statements deal with all the income and expenditure of the charitable company, as well as its financia] position at the year end. The results for the year and the financial position were considered satisfactory by the trustees. The Company returned net incomAn8 resources for the year of £16,920 {2022'. net outgoing resources of £28.554) split restricted deficit £25,2391 unrestricted surplus £42,159, which reflected the completion of a number of project5 during the year. All monies received 8UPPOrted key objectives of the charitable company, funding charitable activity costs and support costs, as well as Capital ¢xpenditure. At 31 March 2023. totsl funds were £293,399 (2022.. £276,479). an increase of £16,920 from the previous year, with an increase of £42,159 in unrestricted funds. Unrestricted funds at 31 Mar¢h 2023 were £96,539 (2022.. £54.380). of which £42,055 were designated for specific uses (2022.. £16.415) and £6.105 {2022.' £5,925) would only be realisable through the disposal of fixed a55et5. The organisation continues to work tirelessly to secure income from various sources to finance its ongoing activities with its key stakeholders. The main source of funding are grants received from various bodies as disclosed in note 3 in the financial statements. Risk mAnAgement The charity's operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of Changes in liquidity risk and restricted funding cash flow risk. The charitable company has in place a risk management programme that seeks to reduce the adverse effects on the financial perforn]ance of the company by monitorin8 levels of cash and maintaining no debt. Given the size of the charity. the tnjstees have delegated the iesponsibility of monitoring financial risk management to the management group with details of all accounts verified at board meetings. The policies set by the board of directors are implemented by the charity's senior management team.
C.H.A.R.T.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 14 Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Going concern After making appropriate enquirieg, the trusteeg have a reasonable expectstion that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. FOT this reason. they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going con¢em basis can be found in the Accounting Policies. Reserves policy The charity's policy is to build retain a level of reserves which matches the needs of the organisation both at the Current time and in th¢ foTe5eeable future. The trustees are striving to secure reserves in the future sufficient to meet statutory obligations, committed expenditure. core salaries and running costs for a period equivalent to 6 months annual expenditure. The trustees believe that the period of 6 months is necessary tn order that there is continuity of servic4 and will work towards the implementation of this policy. The company has developed a plan to establish and maintain this abyreed level of reserves. The company will continue to monitor cornpliance with this policy on a regular basis and the Board will review the appropriateness of the policy annually. Free reserves are those unrestricted reserves not designated for, nor invested in fixed asset8. which are available for general use and which can be designated for future developments. At 31 March 2023 their level was £48,379 (2022.. £32,040). which would cover 541 months core salaries and running costs. whilst the redundancy pay reserve plus 6 months core salaries and running costs would approximately equate to £70,000. Public benefit The trustees believe that the organisation provides a public benefit in a number of ways and most obviously through its efforts to promote community development and the advancement of reconciliation as well as conflict resolution. This is achieved by undertaking a range of projects to support reconciliation and promote community cohesion. The trustees are fully aware of the guidelines from the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland to comply with the Charities Act, and believe they are operating entirely within those guidelines. Plans for the future Charter Nl's ort8ins and focus to date refiects the challenges fa¢ing the communities it represents. Many of these challenges are clearly evident and well documenied and reflect deep seated structural problems including high levels of multiple deprivation. low levels of educational achievemenL community divisions and safety issues, limited community confidence and en8a8ement, drug and al¢ohol abuse, with & poor physical infrastNcture and environment. Combined. these issue5 have led the communities and the areas to be described or ¢ate8orised as hard to reach and disconnected. Against this backdrop the political situation remains uncertain, with the only certainty being less money for public services and reduced budgets for those engaged in front line community 5¢rvices and greater comp¢tition foT funding. While not underestirnating the challenges, the local communities have much to offer in tems of community pride, a history of voluntary activity and self-help through church and voluntary groups. a rich cultural and industrial tradition and of local business development. Charter NI'S work has refiected the reality of the situation on the ground, while being aware of the potential within the local Communities and pro-actively seeking out new opportunities. These will include seekin8 funding for core staff and sustainable programmes that can build the capacity of local volunteers and 8roups. Charter Nl will continue to seek opportunities that will support the aims of our organization. It is vital that we continue to provide opportunities to enhance the capacity of the Communities we serve.
C.H.A.ILT.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 15 Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Reference and Administrative Details Registered and Principal Office First Floor 275a Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 IAF Company Registration number N1054626 (NOrthn Ir¢land) HMRC Charity Registration number N100816 Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Registration number NIC105834 Directorsllrustees and Senior Management The trustees who served the charity during the year and up to the date of approval were as follows.. Brendan Mackin Jim Birch Rev William Shaw Denis Rowan Craig Brown Albert Hewitt (Chairperson) Leanne Todd (resigned 23 March 2022) Peter Bunting Company secretary Craig Brown Senior Management Personnel Operations Manager- Caroline Birch General Manager/Head of Finance- Charlene Sheridan Bankers First Trust Bank 11- 15 Donegall Square North Belfast BTI 5GB Independent auditor CG Taggart Accountsn¢y Services 17 Cypregs Crescent Donaghadee Co Down BT21 OQG
C.H.A.R.T.E.IL FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 16 Con]munities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (including Directors, Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Structure, Governance and Management Governing document The charttable company is controlled by its governing document, its Articles of Association. and constitutes a limited company. limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. Governgdnce of the charity During the period under review the directors met at least 7 times, usually at bi-monthly intervals Trusteesldirectors are appointed by nominations. made in writing by any existing director. At the General Meeting nominated directors are appointed by election. The trustees have overall responsibility for the orwisation and for directing the activity. ¢nsurin8 It is well run and delivering the outcomes for which it has been set up. The day-to4lay management and operation of activities is carried out by staff led by the senior management woup Gomprising Operation5 Manager C,aroline Birch and General Man&gerlHead of Finance Charlene Sher1da supported by Company Secretary Crai¥ Brown, and reponing to the board at each meeting. Related parties None of the trustees receive remuneration or other benefit from their work with the charitable company. All Directors and Senior staff complete a confiict of interest register annually in respect of potential transactions between Charter Nl and its connected parties. Pay policy for senior staff The pay of senior staff is reviewed annually. In view of the nature of the charitable company, the trustees benchmark against pay levels in other Community organisations working within the sector. Risk management The principles of good governance are embedded within all aspects of Charter NI'5 operations with management and staff being keenly aware of the Board's responsibility of ensuring that the organisation protects itself from financial exposure and reputational damage. A close working relationship is maintained between the Board and management to ensure that operationally staff are aware of the standards required OF them by the Board and that the Board are always in a position to provide guidance and support to manasement in the dis¢har8e of their duties. This two-way relationship is a key feature of Charter Nl's governance arran8¢ments and is a key stren8th of the charitable company. A conscientious approa¢h to ensuring that contractual project requirements are achieved has been maintained at all times both in the accounting period being reported on and since Charter Nl's establishment. A]1 financial commitments are maintained at time4 there are very tight financial controls on expenditure and project staty have been trained and have become experienced in budgetary controls. In both these areas ie project delivery and financtal controls managemenL RII staff have established close working relationships with funding or8anisations to ensure all mandatory Standards are consistently achieved. Board representatives a150 actively enga8e with funding bodies. The Board, management and staff are fully aware that the nature of the work in which Charter NI is involved can bring with it a high level of scrutiny to ensure that all activities are fully compliant with funding requirements and, therefore, beyond reproach. The Board of Charter NI is, therefore. greatly reassured of the charitable company's compliance with the highest of standards of governance on the basis that all monitoring and evaluation of project delivery demonstrates achievement of all funders. obj¢ctlV¢5 and ihat funders, audits and vouGhin8 of financial expenditure and the statutory audit confirni complxance with both probity and regulafity in the use of monies received. During the accounting period, and s2nce. Charter NI has maintained close working Telationships with funding bodies. Charter Nl has taken part in v¢rification visits from The Execulive Office, SEUPB, Internation Committee of the Red Cross and Urban Villages. Th¢s¢ checks have resulted in a posilive track record of the highest professional standards hleYed. Currently Charter Nl, and all other organisations in the community and voluntary sector, look forward to the new fjnancial year with considerable uncertainty around government budgets. Charter NI will continue to look to our successful project track record and proven financial pri)bity as the best means of continuing to achieve the positive impact and benefit to our communities which we have achieved in recent years. The trustees continue to assess the major risks to which the charitable company is exposed, those related to the reputation, operations and finances of the charitable company, and are satisfied that the systems are in place to mitigats any exposure to th¢ major risks.
C.H.A.R.T.E.R. FOR NORTHERN IRELAND 17 Communities Having a Response Towards Economic Regeneration (A company limited by guarantee) Trustees, report (Including Directors? Report) for the year ended 31 March 2023 Trustees, responsibilities statement Thc trust¢¢s (who are aso the direetorg of ChgrterNI for the purposes of company law) ate responsibl¢ for pr¢paring the Trust¢es' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Company law requires the trustees to prepar¢ financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Sthndards and applicable law). Under company law the tsustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfi¢d that they giv¢ a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and the income and expenditure of the charilable company for that period. In pr¢parin8 these financial statements, the trustees are required to: lect suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP (FRS102)' make judgements and acrounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent. state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. and prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it 1$ inappropriate to presume that the charitable ompany will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate ac¢ountin8 r¢cords that are sutyicient to show and explain the charitable company, s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charitable 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 charitsble company and hence for tsking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularitie5. The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial infonnation included on the company's website. ststement of disclosure of information to auditors The trustees at the time when the Trustees. report is approved have confinned that: so far as they are aware, there is no relevant audit inforniation of which the Charitable company's auditor is unaware.. they have taken all the step5 that ought to have been taken as a director in order to be aware of any infom]ation needed by the charitable company, s auditor in connection with preparing their report and to establish that the haritable company's auditor is aware of that information. Independent auditor The auditor. Grace Taggart of CG Taggart Accountancy Services has indicated her willingness to continue in office and a resolution that she be re-appointed will be proposed at the annual general meeting. Approved by the board and signed on its behalf.. Albert Hewitt - Chairperson Craig Brown - Trustee 28 Novwnber 2023