Extern Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Financial Statement Year End 31 March 2023 Company Registration Number N1016083 Charity Registered with HMRC XN 48714 NIC105869 Extern Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Table of Contents Year Ended 31 March 2023 Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity Trustees, Annual Report Independent Auditor's Report to the Members 17 Statement of Financial Activities 21 Statement of Financial Position 22 Cash Flow Statement 23 Notes to Financial Statements 24-34 Extem Northern Ireland Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity Year Ended 31 March 2023 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Chair Aideen D'Arcy other Trustees lan McAvoy Allen Mccartney Stephen Leach Shane McLaughlin Noreen Wright (appointed 13 October 2022) Brendan Johnston (retired 15 December 2022) Andrew Mccloskey (retired 15 D￿rnber 2022) Company Secretsry lan McAvoy Management Team Danny McQuillan, CEO (resigned 14 July 2022) Colin Haybum, CEO (appointed 16 January 2023) Dr Gavin Adams, Director of Business Development (resigned 3 October 2022) Sharon Hearty, Director of Policy and Development (appointed 30 January 2023) Jonathan Carroll, Director of People and Organisational Development Pauline Flynn. Director of Finance and Corporate Services Leslie Ann Scott, Director of Services Deirdre O'Driscoll, Interim Director of Services Rol (appointed 12 September 2022) Neil McKittrick, Director of Services Nl (appointed 6 February 2023) Principal Bankers Bank of Ireland 4-8 High Street Belfast BT12BA Principal Solicitors Worthingtons Solicitors 24-38 Gordon Street Belfast BT12LG Auditors Moore Nl Donegall House 7 Donegall Square North Belfast BT15GB Registered Office Hydepark House 3 McKinney Road Newtownabbey BT36 4PE Company Reg. No. N1016083 HMRC Charity No. XN48714 Charity Commission No. NIC105869 Extern Northern I￿land Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 THE TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT The Trustees present their report to accompany the Financial Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2023. The Trustees confirm that the Annual Report and Financial Statements of the company's governing document, the Companies Act 2006. have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement Of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their account in accordance with FRS102. Organisation Overview and Activities Extern Northern Ireland is a Community & Voluntary organisation and our primary aclivity is lo provide services commissioned by statutory organisations on behalf of the government. Extern walks shoulder to shoulder with some of the most marginalised people in society, delivering services to support their daily lives. Since inception over 45 years ago, the Core belief that another chance can change a lrfe continues to underpin Extern's ethos to service delivery. Our Vision We aim to change lives and to support a sociallyjust and inclusive society. Our Mission We will create opportunities and provide supports to enable people to meaningfully participate in society. Extern Northern Ireland delivers services to support, house and engage adults, young people, families and children who are.. Street homeless Displaced from their country of origin Living with an offending past Dealing with alcohol and drug issues Living with the impact of suicide Dealing with mental health issues Members of the Traveller Community Engaging in alternative education and employabilty supports Looked After Children Emerging from the Covid pandemic and assessing its impact on families and children, young people and adults, Extern identified the additional trauma of Covid on the lives of the most marginalised and commilted to strengthening Trauma Informed Practice by setting a goal to become a Trauma Informed Organisation in the incoming years. Extern has also extended its refugee services with the successful appointment to support the Homes for Ukraine Scheme. During 2022. the organisation operated with an interim strategy. In January 2023, the Trustees appointed a new CEO and commenced a slrategic review. The organisalion intends to launch a 5-year strategy, Vision 2030, in 2024. Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 ACTIVITY REVIEW 2022-23 Communities Extern provides a range of serwcès to adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness., who are retuming to the communty following a custodial sentence. who are deemed at risk of offending or causing hann and require intensive monitoring and support,. and who require low threshold support with alcohol andlor drug addictions. These seNices are provided at various locations throughout Northem Ireland. An overview of each of these projects is set out below. Alcohol Housin ort is funded through the Public Health Agency (PHA). This offers an outreach team working with adults who are at risk of homelessness as a resu￿ of their chroniclsevere alcohol use. The aim is to prevent tenancy breakdownlprevent homelessness and reduce alcohol use to improve health and wellbeing. Dru Accommodation Su ort Pro ramme DASP is funded through the PHA. This is a multiagency initiative with a 'Hami Support and Reduction, ethos to support Intravenous (IV) drug users to slabilise by accessing temporary supported accommodation, wf(h a specialist worker liaising closely with hostel stsff and statutory agencies to ensure a structured access to treatment and support. It is overseen by a wide-ranging steering group, including Nl Housing Exe¢uttve, PSNI, Public Prosecution Service, Supporting People, Homeless Connect and voluntary hostel providers. Innis Centre is funded through Supporting People. It is a purpose built 20-bed unit providing Nl Housing Executive accommodation, supervision and monttoring to a range of offenders until they can be positively re- integrated into the communty and appropriate permanent accommodation has been identified and agreed. Dismas House is funded through Supporting People. It is a 14*ed unit providing accommodation, supervision and monitoring to a range of offenders unlil they can be positively re-integrated into the community and appropriate pemanent accommodation has been identified and agreed. Street In ectors Su ort Service siss is funded through the PHA and BeWast Policing and Communty Partnership. It uses experienced staff to assertively engage with street injectors in Belfast city. The project also involves the collection and disposal of inappropriately discarded injecting equipment. This project works closely with those using IV drugs and undertakesjoint work with Communty Policing and Belfast City Council. The service has already saved multipSe people's lives on the streets of Belfast with the administration of Naloxone and CPR. Ste 2 Northern Trust is funded through the PHA and tsrgets those across the Northern Trust area who have developed drug and aScohol issues. The service is a counselling led model undertaking brief interventions and extended brief interventions for service users looking at restoring control. moving to abstinence or reducing harm by drug and alcohol misuse. The service also offers family intervention therapy for those families struggling to copelimpacted by a loved one's alcohovdrug use. Ste 2 Southern Trust is funded through the PHA. Extem are part of a three organisation partnership (Ascert, Dunlewey) delivering this service across the Southem Trust. The serwce has been extended until March 2024 with similar goals as the Northern Trust based seNice and the project is aimed at reducing ham for those using substances at a mild to moderate level. Dru and Alcohol Consultanc Service is a training service which trains staff and seNice users from various organisations across Nl in the administration of Naloxone and other specialist training. This service has been enhanced during 2022-23 to deliver a range of IV drug related training to the addiction and housing sector. The seTvice also trained Be￿ast PSNI officers in nasal Naloxone administration for their new pilot initiative. Famil InteDiention and Suicide Prevention Service continues to offer service users intervention to address suicidal ideation by utilising Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training {ASIST) practice techniques and developing a safe plan to ensure the person in distress recerves ongoing support. Linking extensively with BHSCT CMT and unscheduled care teams. the service offers a responsive service at the time of need. The service also offers communty in-rèach to families bereaved through suicide and provides training to local networks around mental health and suicide awareness. Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Reach Out is a team funded by the Department for Communities (Dfc) and works across North Belfast to target areas of deprivation by improving mental wellbeing and access to services. Targeted training, complimentary therapy and awareness initiatives are delivered to local Communities and schools to address issues such as suicidal ideation, self-harm and alcohovdrug misuse. The service also helps individuals access counselling across a range of services. Ormeau Centre Hostel is funded by Supporting People and has been operating since 1978. The Centre provides 29 direct access emergency accommodation for men and women experiencing homelessness. The centre provides an open, non-judgemenlal referral policy and is aimed at removing the barriers to accessing support, tackling street homelessness and combating social exclusion. The majority of those who come to the Ormeau Centre have been homeless for some time or have been living on the street. Many are experiencing difficulty with their mental health. substance abuse andlor physical wellbeing. All have experienced a crisis at some point in their lives that has led to them losing the family, friends or local community networks that we all rely on in times of trouble. Multi-Dis¢i lina Homeless Su ort Team MDHST is funded by Supporting People. This seNice offers support to people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness and have additional complex needs relating to diagnosed and undiagnosed mental health issues, substance misuse, physical health issues, offending backgrounds. learning disabilities and family issues. MDHST works in partnership with Nl Housing Executive, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust and other voSuntary sector organisations to support individuals and families to access and sustsin appropriate temporary accommodation and to access mainstream health and social care services. It works collaboratively with statutory and voluntary agencies and regularly convenes case strategy meetings. The team advocates on behalf of service users and facilitates pathways and channels of communication between statulDry and voluntary agencies to improve access to healthcare. This multi-agency approach enables a coordinated and holistic approach to supporting individuals and families with multiple needs. Floatln ort Services Criminal Justlce deliver a flexible and responsive selvice for medium to high-risk offenders living in the community. The service is funded by Supporting People and aims to support individuals make the transition from prison to community and to secure and maintain accommodation. This service supports individuals with substance use issues, mental health issues, integration. reduced soci81isation and most importantly helps to reduce the risk of rewoffending. Interventions are based on the Good Lives Model, building on the individual's strengths and needs. Frontllne Network Counsellin was established in January 2022. The project provides counselling services lo support individuals to make the transition from prison into the community, obtain suitable accommodation and maintain their tenancies. The service also supports individuals to maintain positive mental health, counter social isolation and avoid further offending. Interventions are based on the Good Lives Model, building on strengths and are tailored to the individual's needs. Low Threshold Services are currently deliVe￿d wthin the Northem and Southern Health & Social Care Trust areas. The overall aim is to assist individuals to reduce their risk of alcohol andlor drug use by providing support that best meets their individual needs within the home and community settings. The sejvice offers an open referral process to those wth dependent drug use and also provides needle exchange on an outreach basis. These services have been extended until March 2024. Communl Needle Exchan e is funded by the PHA. The service provides outreach needle exchange in Belfast. 11 is the first of its kind in Nl and employs five staff working across Belfast on a rola basis, providing clean equipment and safer injecting advice to those using injecting equipment. This project has been evaluated and as result of its impact continues to be funded as the service model and positive impact on the Belfasl area has been commended in the evaluation. The Homeless Traveller Pro ect has been operating since January 2017. This project provides intensive support to members of the Traveller communrty, both individuals and families, in relation to housing and homelessness, tenancy sustainment and link-up with statutory heatth and social care services around multi- complex needs {including, for example, offending, mental health, family and childcare issues, addiction and physical health etc.). This project operates on a multi-agency collaborative model and is part of the Traveller Support Network for Greater Belfast. Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Communi Crisis Interiention Service ccis was successfully retendered in 2021 and secured three-year funding from the health department via the CommLtnty Foundation. It continues to support those in crisis during evenings and weekends and has expanded tts remit to include Same day work for onward liaison and referral. Individuals in mental distress can a￿sS support and intervention from Thursday to Saturday out of hours when day setvices are closed. Communities In Transition - Shankill is funded by The Executive Office (fEO) and Co-operation Ireland and is aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing in targeted communities that have a history of paramilitary control and influence. The project develops localised inttiatives to improve awareness of mental health and addiction issues and is delivered in the local areas. The project also trains local Communty Champions to support their areas and is responsive to delivering interventions unique to the localty. In addttion, the project runs campaigns highlighting issues around mentsl ilkhealth and develops resources for areas to use. Communities In Transition - Larne and Carrick is a similar project to the Shankill initiative under the same funder. It delivers localised plans, interventions and supports to improve mental wellbeing. The project covers a large area with complex issues and works closety with communty programmes to ensu￿ effective in reach into the community. Extern Homes has been operating since March 2017. The Extem Homes project has been created to move people from homelessness into homes. We currentty have ten properties which are let to tenants. A third of tenants progress into employment andlor education and zero return to homelessness. Extem Homes provides o-year tenanciesnicence agreements for people who are homeless. and the supports required to sustain lrfe in the community. The project focuses Non making the transition from homelessness to becoming a tenant positive, affordable and comfortable experience. Extern Homes offets tenants.. Quality, affordable and supported accommodation A chance to move into the private rented sector A two-year tenancyllicence agreement followed by a rolling monthly agreement. Refu ee Floatln Su ort is funded by Nl Housing Executive and has been operating since 2013. It works intensively with refugees during the 28-day notice period given to move out of National Asylum Support Service (NASS) accommodation and provides medium to long-tenn specialist and practical support and advice to resettle in the community. This ongoing intensive, comprehensive, one to one support includes, but is not limited to, housing, benefitslfinancial and budgetary management, heafth. education. legal status, training and employment, family reunification and communty integration. The seNicÈ aims to prevent homelessness and to maintain tenancies by directly supporting individuals who have housing issues and practical problems settling into the local communty. The service works across Ihe communty and has existing ne￿orkS with a range of other refugee and asylum support organisations. The team is an actNe participant in the Migrdnt Forum. the Refugee and Asylum Forum and the Nl Asylum Stakeholders Forum. Com lex Floatin ort CFS is funded by Nl Housing Executive. The seNce aims to offer support to those with multiple complex needs to maintain their tenancy. The team operates across a continuum of support, to those who are homeles5. or at risk of homelessness and have complex needs. The role of prevention, assessment and access, crisis intervention and sustainment services are all essential to maximise the likelihood of successful settlement into tenancy and also to prevent the continual cycle of in and out of homelessness. Northern Ireland Refu ee Resettlement Service formerl the S rian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Service SVPRS is funded by the Dfc. This setvice has been operating since December 2015. Extern Northern Ireland is one of three main delivery partners in the provision of speciali5ed resettlement support to individuals and families arriving under the UK Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (VPRS>. The service provides key workers to support individuals and their families arriving under the Scheme. Staff work intensively with individuals and families from their point of arrival. as they transition to their new home and resettle in their local communities. Addrtional supports include a holistic assessment of needs, practical support and link-up wtth statutory services to help families resettle in Nl. Staff are based in DerylLondonderry. Greater Belfast and the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon council areas. Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Af han Resettlement Scheme ARAPIACAS is funded Dfc. This service provides Key Workers to support families in their transition to their new homes. Staff are there to offer a wrap-around service for families, children, young adults and adLAlts for each of the new groups of refugees and to continue to provide ongoing support to existing families where local services are not available. Stsff also advocate on behalf of families and individuals with statutory services as appropriate. Homes for Ukraine is funded by the Dfc. This is a scheme that prowdes an opportunity for people from Ukraine who may not have family ties, to be sponsored to come to the UK by individuals, businesses or community organisations. As a delivery partner. Extern are responsible for completing a number of screening checks in order to assess the suitability of a host application prior to Ihe guesl's arrival. This includes screening the accommodation for adequate space, privacy and health and safety. Extern will also process safeguarding checks in the form ofAccess Nl and HSC checks (vis HSC Trusts). Finally. Extern also completes a follow-up visit to confirm safe arrival and that people have settled into host accommodation. MUST Hostel Mid Ulster and South T rone is funded by Supporting People. It offers accommodation, support and help tailored to the specific needs of single people aged between 18-65 who are homeless. The hostel aims to deliver a modern supported housing service which is flexible and has a holistic approach to the individual in order lo meet Ihe needs of the people we support. The hostel has 20 beds and accepts both male and females. It is a Probation Approved Hostel and works wrth the Probation Board for Nl to supervise those who are subject to supervision under licenses or other restrictions. SAIL Pro ect orted Adults for Inde endent Livin is funded by Supporting People. The service was established by our MUST Hostel in Cookstown, with the aim of enabling people to live independently within the community and to help people sustain their tenancies. Dis ersed Outreach Teams Farset Newcastle and Mid-ulster includin Farset Newcastle Mid-ulster South East North Down and Ards provides intensive support lo individuals who has a range of complex needs and vulnerabilities from particular geographical areas. These teams are multi-skilled in both engaging with 'difficult to reach, individuals and in identifying reflective and holistic supports. The teams aim to achieve positive outcomes with clients, including tenancy sustainment, management and support systems and mental health and physical health and wellbeing supports. Connections is funded by the PHA. It is aligned with the Belfast Drug and Alcohol Coordination Team {BDACT> and delivers against the BDACT action plan, training and developing initiatives and interventions in line with strategic plans by BDACT to address drug and alcohol issues. The project also undertakes health-based initiatives such as Dry January, by arranging awareness events across the city highlighting the benefits of harm reduction and healthy alternatives to alcohol and drug use. Their community training role is in addition to information sharing and the development of materials which local voluntary agencies can use to address drug and alcohol related issues. Com lex Lives Intenslve Su ort Workers consists of staff members recruited in March 2023 to support the Belfast City Council led Complex Lives initiative. The staff are aligned with Criminal Justice Floating Support and SISS to intensively support those with complex needs who are currenlly homeless in Belfast city centre. The pilot involves significant multiagency support across several programmes aimed at providing access to services such as health, wellbeing, social and financial services with the aim of accessing and maintaining accommodation. Extern is also part of the Multiagency Steering Group arsd CEO Advisory Group. SISS Social Worker is a post funded by Moore Trust and works alongside the SISS team to engage and support young people aged 17-25 who are using drugs at a problematic level. The social worker aims to provide direct support, access external supports. and liaise with other agencies to stabilise the young person and reduce the impact of drug use. Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Young People and Families Extern's Young People and Families services are operational from bases across Belfast, Newtownards, Lisburn, Newtownabbey, DerrylLondonderry, Enniskillen, Omagh and Strabane. The table below provides a synopsis of the projects delivered during the year 2022-23. The nature of the seNices are further outlined below. Pathwa s is funded by the Education Authorty. This is an altemative education programme that works with young people aged 14-16 years who are at risk of being excluded from mainstream education and who may be at risk of offending or entering into care or custody. Pathways provides a full-time alternative education programme, five days a week, delivering 190 hours of support. Many young people attending Pathways are presenting with SEBD (social. emotional, behavioural difficulties) and more often undiagnosed addrtional learning needs, so staff have been inventive in both delivery and programme devebpment. Personal development programmes include mental health awareness, alcohol, drugs, sexual health, cuttural diversrty, homelessness and mindfulness. rovin Transitions Enablin Results ITER is an Erasmus+ project led by GEMS Nl, of which Extern is one of nine partners who include Eulab Consuiting, Italy- Universty of Huddersfield- Desincoop, Portugal., University Polf(ehi¢a of Bucharest, Romania; Time Associates UK., Bekes County Government Office, Hungary. and Antares, Italy. ITER is designed to improve methods to engage young people to identify their individual needs and barriers to mainstream vocational training and to empower them to Co-design and implement their personal action plan to address their needs and barriers across four'zones., Learning, Life, Leisure and Work. The projed closed in December 2022. Looked After Children LAC Mentorin ort SeNice is funded by the HSCB. The service operates across Northern Ireland and offers a bespoke and task-forced model of mentoring. The service is available to young people aged 10-20 residing in a care placement or who have prior experience of care placement. The seNice offers a range of supports, tailored to the needs to each young person, to enable effective outcomes. Mentoring supports are provided for a range of issues, including improving self-confidencelsetf*steem. social inclusion, education and employment and improving personal ￿latIOnships. Stren th 2 Stren th is funded by the HSCB and is a communty-based intervention provided to children aged 8- 13 and their families within the Western Trust area who are assessed as being 'in need. and where the children are at risk of offending and antisocial behaviour. Famll and Child Em owemient Services FACES is funded by the BHSCT and provides individual and family support to young people agèd 8-17 years across South and East Belfast. The team works with ten young people and provides intensive hours of tailored support, which includes individual and group work, parenting and educational support, family therapy and social outings throughout the year. This project closed in September 2022. Janus Youth Su ort is funded by the SEHSCT. The team works intensively on a one-to-one basis with young people aged 10-17 years who are living in the communty or within the care system, whose behaviour is challenging, posing a risk to either themselves or others. Individually tailored support programmes are developed in response to the needs of the young people to support them to remain at home or at the lowest level within the care system. The project is aimed at young people's social functioning, communty inclusion and family relationships. Linx Ards and Lisburn is funded by SEHSCT. This seryice is a communty-based programme which builds upon the strengths of young people aged 13-17 and their families to encourage healthy development, safety, stability and a positive future. The Linx team help young people and their parentslcarers improve their relationships and support parents to help their children develop confidence and resilience. Linx seeks to reduce the likelihood of family breakdown and help young people to remain in their home, school and local communities. Time Out offers resptte, safety and support to young people aged 8-17 years and their families at Extern respite facilities at Kinnahalla, Co Down and Roscor, Co Femanagh. The seNice is contracted by four of the five Health Trusts within the Nl and Tusla, the Family and Children's organisation in the Republic of Ireland. The programme works in partnership with social workers and responds to crisis, offering a sanctuary for young people who need time in a safe place where they can build on their strengths and develop confidence and self-esteem to address a range of issues for managing lrfe challenges. Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Youth Su ort is funded by WHSCT. This seNice provides community-based support in a group setting to young people aged 10-17 years. These young people are at medium to high risk of their current care placement breaking down and being received into residential or custi)dial care. or they can also be assessed as being a 'child in need,. Earl Year51Pass ort service is funded by WHSCT. This service is a community group-based programme for young people aged 8-12 years across the Western Trust area who are experiencing difficulties within the home, school and the community, or who are assessed as being a 'child in need,. Intensive Fosterln ort is an integrated approach between Social Services and Looked After Children Therapeutic Services. It supports a minimum of eight specialisl foster placements W5thin the Western Trust. The programme involves recruiting and training eight specialist foster families who will be trained in the Model of Attachment Practice and be supported by a team comprising social workers and therapeutic services. Inde endent Visitors is funded by the WHSCT. This service provides one-tO￿ne support for children and young people who are in care or have had experience with the Trust's care support seNices. The role of the Independent Visitor is to 'assist, advise and befriend. through building positive and supportive relationships with individuals, independent of the Trust. Summer Cam is funded by the WHSCT. The summer scheme model continues to develop to support the evolving and emerging needs of the young people who join the scheme. The programme has elements providing: 1. Family Respite Breaks at Roscor Youth Village to support identified families to get a break away from their day-to-day challenges. E8ch break enables families to spend quality time together and to experience new opportunities by participating in a range of different activities and spending quality time together. 2. Activity Days for childrenlyoung people aged 8-13 who are socially excluded or who live in an area of high deprivation, or who are deemed as a 'child in need,. Opportunities are provided to participate in a range of outdoor activities to assist them to develop confidence, self-esteem and the abilty to work as part of a team. Raisin irations North Down DARE Pro ramme is now entering its second year. It is funded through Cornmunities in Transition and Extern partners with A￿ernative Nl to work with young people in primary and secondary schools in the Bangor area to raise educational aspirations. Youth En ement Setvice is funded by the PHA. This seNice is based in Belfast and North Down18angor). Both projects offer a safe, social environment for young people aged 11-25 to explore, learn and develop their emotional well-being through the provision of an advice and signposting service on issues such as.. Drug and alcohol use Low self-esteem Poor mental health Training and education Bullying Work is based in schools, community settings and youth focused centres, bLrt both also operate on a drop-in basis during the week. io Extem Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 GOVERNANCE MANAGEMENT AND FINANCE The company is govemed by a Board of up to nine Trustees. The Board meets al least four times during the financial year with addttional meetings called if necessary. The Board is supported by the Extern Group Board Sub-committee structure which includes the Innovation and Development Committee, Audit and Risk Committee and Nominations and Remuneration Committee. Each committee makes recommendations to the Board for the latter's review and consideration for approval. Board Trustees do not receive any remuneration in respect of their services to the charity. Receipted expenses are reimbursed when incurred. The Trustees, who are non*xecutive, represent a diverse range of relevant experience including finance. legal, criminal justice, housing, health. children services, business, research and mental health. The Board delegates the day-to4ay management of the company to the Strategic Leadership Team. This team comprises of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and five executive directors - Director of Services Nl, Director of Services Rol, Director of Innovation and Development. Director of People and Organisational Development and Director of Finance and Corporate Services. Neither the CEO nor any of the executive directors are registered Directors of the Board. From time-to-time urgent decisions on matters reseNed for the Board many need to be taken be￿een scheduled Board Meetings. In such circumstances, the Chair of Extem Northern Ireland in consultation with the Chairs of Extern Group and Extern Ireland has the authority to deal with such matters. In all circumstances, decisions will be fomially recorded and reported to the Board. This is in accordance with the Boards, Scheme of Delegation. Constitution Extern Northem Ireland is a charty which is constituted under the Companies Act 2006, as a Company Limtted by Guarantee. The company's governing document is the Memorandum and Articles of Association. Trustees, Interests No Trustee, in the current year, had any interest in any contract undertaken by the organisation. Going Concem The Trustees believe that there are no material uncertainties that cast significant doubt about the companls ability to continue as a going concem and the financial statements have been prepared on this basis. Appointment of (Trustee) Directors As set out in the Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation, the Chair of Extem Northem Ireland is appointed annually by Trustees. The appointment to the Chair cannot nomally be for more than six consecutive years. The appointment of new Trustees is confimied by election at the following AGM. Trustees may serve a maximum of nine years. There is a policy of retirement by rotation to ensure that the Board is continually rejuvenated. The Board also considers SUc￿Ssion planning to ensure continued expertise when its most experienced members step down. Director Induction and Training New Board members undergo an orientation period wrth the Group Chair and CEO to brief them on their legal obligations under company law, to go through the Memorandum and Articles ofAssociation, the Board make-up, decision making processes, the business plan, the recent financial perfomiance of the charity, Current programmes and projects, the most recent annual reports and infoThation on stsff and volunteers. All Trustees are encouraged to be familiar wrth Extem's range of programmes and may take a special interest in some. depending on their expertise and location. Trustees are encouraged to attend external and internal training events which will facilltate the undertaking of their role. li Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Conflict of Interest New Trustees are requested to sign up to the Board's Code of Conduct and are also required to complete and sign a Conflict-of-lnterest document, declaring any conflicts that either currently exist or may materialise during their term on the Board. All Trustees are requested to submit an annual Declaration of Interèst form and to resubmit should their circumstances change during the year, in line with the Boards, Conflict of Interest Policy. Conflicts of interest and declarations of loyalty are included as a standing agenda item for all committeelboard meetings. Trustees who declare a conflict of interest al the start of the meeting are obliged to leave the meeting before the relevant agenda item is discussed. Organlsation Objectives The main objective of the company is: To promote, support or carry on, either alone or in cooperation with any other body, authority or person, community based and other services, projects or schemes which aim to minimise the risks andlor prevent the occurrence of.. Family breakdown Exclusion from communities Placement in statutory care, private residential or fostering services Exclusion from mainstream education services Admission to young offender centres Imprisonment Homelessness Offending and re-offending Long-term dependency on statutory care and support services Substance abuse Harm to the public Organisation Management Extern has established 3 fit for purpose organisation model to enable it to achieve its Vision and Mission through the delivery of its services. The major risks associated with the provision of seNices is the safeguarding of service users and social care workers. Extern manages these risks through: A safeguarding statement for every service project Social Care practice and management skills of its employees Capacity to provide full compliant commissioned services A Head of Safeguarding A Head of Quality and Audit Future Plans and Developments The exponential rise in demand for services following the Covid pandemic, as well as the impact of the current cost of living crisis, demands a dynamic strategy in the years ahead. Extern's newly appointed CEO will lead the development of a new strategy and engage wrth key stakeholders from commissioners, funders, staff and service users in the development of the strategic plan. Qur objectives in the coming years include raising the awareness of Extem's service portfolio with policy makers, legislators and other key stakeholders and to advocate for the voiceless in our society. We will continue to support our current service users whilst striving to expand our services to meet the growing numbers in need of our support. 12 Extem Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Central Support Services The delivery of services is supported by central support services from Extem Group to Extern Northem Ireland. These are wide ranging and include the following= Sup￿rtfunctm)n Services inclusive of: Financial Services Transaction processing., payroll Servi￿5. pensions administration; budget build,. seNice costings and tender bids,. management and financial accounting and reporting" grant applications,. funding claims, ¢ontra¢ts management", statutory reporting. business assuran￿ checks controls and balances. IT support., IT hardware,. systems software., telecoms and communication ne￿OrkS. Cyber security and other protective measures Estates and lease management., fleet management,. health & safety management and assurance,. ￿ntral supplier tendering and supplier contract management.. insurance placement, management and claims administration Recruitment, vetting, registration and staff induction processes., staff development programmes,. advice, guidance and assistance on all aspects of personnel and human resources mana ement", Mandatory & specialist training of all ersonnel,. practice support and rofessional development for social re workers and social workers for ntemal staff,. practice support & rofessional development services to voluntary sector social care providers. Internal audits of systems, controls & policy ompliance,. stakeholder audr( CO-ordination-, afeguarding procedures, policies, training, mmunications and incident management. risk anagement, Co-ordination and monitoring; DPR and dats protection services IT & Telecommunications Estates, Fleet and Central Procurement Human Resources & Staff Development Training & Practice Development Qualty Assurance, Govemance & Audit Executive & Business Supports enior management services,. public & takeholder relationship management. Internal & xternal communications management including anagement of communication systems and ett•nrks; funding and fundraising support to dvance Extem's mission. 13 Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Management of Risk The organisation has a statement of commttrnent and the duty to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of its service users, employees, volunteers, students and Board members. The organisation has a corporate risk strategy which includes an assurance framework and a corporate risk policy that highlights the importance of risk management throughout the organisation, from project workerslfrontline staff through to the Board. Volunteers and bank workers, students and subcontradors are included in how the organisation assess and manages risk. Extern understands that it is necessary for management and staff to work together p051tively to achieve a safe and healthy working environment that is compatible with the work that we do. Board members and senior managers are expected to lead by example and provide support and assistant throughout the organisatlDn. There are numerous committees to ensure the effective management of all risk including theAudrt and Risk Committee. Nominations and Remuneration Committee, Innovation and Development Committee, Safeguarding Committee, Information Govemance Committee and Health and Safety Committee. On a monthly basis, the Strategic Leadership Team. Programme Managers and Heads of Departments complete a risk register which incorporates all identrfied risks. Programme Managers identify operational risks, controls andlor added actions to minimise risk, which is then escalated to the relevant head of department. The Heads of Departments include Operational Assistant Directors and Heads of Support Services including Finance, IT, Quality and Audit, Safeguarding, Data Protection, Practice Development, HR, Support Services and Fundraising. Extern, through ils policies, procedures and training, strives to create an environment which is safe as is reasonably practicable by ensuring that risks are continuously identified, assessed and appropriately managed. We aim to.. Foster an organisational culture of openness and willingness to report risks, incidents and near misses that can be used for organisation-wide learning. Provide appropriate training to staff lo ensure effective management of risks and to maintain compliance with standards, regulatory requirements and legislation. The Strategic Leadership Team maintains a strategic risk register which incorporates Business Plan targets that are linked to the overall stralegy of the organisation. At a projecl level, there are several risk management controls which include the Risk Management Policy. Risk Assessment procedures for individuals. groups and activities, Lone Working and Safeguarding Policies along with mandatory training which all staff need to complete as part of their induction and ongoing professional development. To ensure good governance, Extern contracts with independent professional firms of both internal and external auditors. In addrtion, the Quality & Audit Department conducts internal audits on projects to identify opportunities for improvement. These can be planned specific audrts or unannounced audits to ensure that staff are complying as required. Extern's Safeguarding Committee was established to support the organisation lo deliver high quality, best practice services and is led by the Head of Safeguarding. The committee meet quarterly and membership includes Executive Directors and Assistant Directors of Services, middle management and Heads of Departments. The Health & Safety Committee meets up to three times per year to review health and safety requirements and to ensure that health and safety wtthin the organisation (transporting service users, lone working and incidentslaccidents) including every buildinglpremise, is managed under the health and safety legislation requirements including environmental risk assessments. fire safety inspections, COSH, NEBOSH etc. Within each team meeting (from frontline projects up to Strategic Leadership Team). risk management, health and safety and safeguarding are all standing items on agendas. Risk management is embedded within the organisation's operational and strategic delivery and is managed at all levels across the organisation. The Board has its own risk management policy statement, the purpose of which is to ensure that staff and other stakeholders are aware of Extern's responsibilities and their own individual responsibilities as Board members. 14 Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Reserves Policy Unrestricted ReseNes Unrestricted reserves are those reserves which Extern can expend at the discretion of the Trustees to promotè the objects of the charity. The organisation maintains a level of unrestricted reserves to ensure effective financial governance through ensuring that the charity can continue to operate as a going concern and remain viable in the face of any changing circumstances including inte￿UptIOnS to funding orfluctuations in income and expenditure. The Trustees current free ReseTves Policy is a minimum of three months of gross average annual expenditure. At March 2023 this would equate to £2,771 k. Currently the amount of free unrestricted reserves is £2,773k. The Reserves Policy is currently under review. Unrestricted Designated ReseNes Unrestricted designated reserves comprise unrestricted funds designated for a particular purpose by the Trustees. These are, typically, reserves relating to individual projects which remain designated to the individual programme of activity and fixed assets reserves tied up in the delivery of services. Restricted ReseNes Restricted reserves are those reserves which have specific conditions attached to them as to how they are to be spent. Cash to the value of the reserves are held in a separate fund within the balance sheet where it has been included within cash at bank in hand. Remuneration Policy The organisation has a Reward and Remuneration Policy which is reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure that staff length of service is recognised and that the organisation's salaries remain competttive in the sector in which it operates. The organisation uses a variety of tools to support the perfomiance management of staff including probationary reviews, performance appraisals and, where fomial perfomiance management interventions are required, the utilisation of formal perfomiance measures to ensure that staff continue to be efficient, effecttve and productive. The CEO'S remuneration is r8viewed snnually by the Nominations and Remuneration Committee and Extern Group Board. Financial Review The Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 March 2023 are set out on pages 21 and 22 and the financial rewew is based on these results. Overview Charitable activities are largely supported by statutory income from a number of departments. Heatth Tnjsts and other statLrtory organisations. These commissioners are highlighted in the seNice descriptions included on pages 5-10. As an organisation we have continued to focus on sustsinabilty post the Cowd pandemic through pursuing tender opportunities and applications to Trusts and Foundations. When the conditions permitted, we reintroduced community-based fundraising for Extem's mental heatth and hOme￿S$ projects. Charitable incomeldonations have decreased by 1 O0k to £11.2m (2022: £12.4m) due to a decrease in contracts undertaken by Extem during the period. Extern's emphasis going forward continues to be on securing income Ihat will result in sustsinable finances and cash flow. 15 Extern Northern Ireland Report of the Trustees Year Ended 31 March 2023 Thè net income in the accounting year was £98k compared to net expenditure of £904k in 2022. The net expendilure in 2022 included exit costs in respect of project5 that closed and a funder repayment of £602k. The company assets remain strong, with net assets of £6.2m at 31 March 2023 (2022.. £6.1 m). The Trustees believe there are no material uncertainties that cast significant doubt on the company's ability to continue as a going concern and thus the financial slatements have been prepared on this basis. The Trustees believe that they have complied with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with regards to book5 of accounl by employing accounting personnel with appropriate expertise and by providing adequate resources to the financial function. Disclosure of Inforniation to the Auditors The Trustees who held office at the date of approval of this Report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware. Each Trustee has laken all the steps that they ought to have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are also aware of that infomation. Auditors In accordance with the Companies Act 2006, a resolution for the r*appointment of Ihe company auditors will be proposed at theAnnual General Meeting. Statement of Directors, Responslbilities in respect of the Trustees Report and Financial Statements The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable UK law and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice, Accounting Standards and applicable law. Under company law the Trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for Ihat period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to.. Select suitable account policies and then apply them consistently Make judgements and accounting estimales 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 Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume the company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's Iransactions and disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure Ihat the financial ststements comply with the CompaniesAct 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 irregulaiities. By order of the Board 23 November 2023 Aideen D'Arcy, Chairperson Date Approved 16 Extem Northern Ireland Company Limited byGuarantee Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members of Extern Northern Ireland For Year ended 31 March 2023 Opinion We have audited the financial statements of E¥tem Northem Ireland for the year ended 31 March 2023 which comprises the Statement of Financial Actrvities. the Balance Sheet, the cash flow statement and the notes to the financial statements. including a summary of significantaccounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102. The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice}. In our opinion the financial statements= give a true and fair view of the stste of the charitable companls affairs as at year ended 31 March 2023 and of its incoming resources and application of resour￿$, including its income and expenditure, forthe year then ended., - have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice., and - have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance wth Intemational Standards on Auditing {UK) (ISAS (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those Standards are further described in the Auditols responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent ofthe charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Stsndard, and we have fU￿illed our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Conclusions relating to golng concem In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the twstees, use of the going concem basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate. Based on the work we have perfomed, we have not identrfied any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charity's abilty to continue as a going concern for a period of at least iknelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue. Our responsibilsties and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report. Other infomiation The other infomiation comprises the information included in the annual report, other than the firbancial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other infomiation. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 17 Extern Northern Ireland Company Limited by Guarantee Independent Auditorfs Report to the Member5 of ExteTn Northern Ireland For Year ended 31 March 2023 Other Infonnation (Cont) In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other infomation and, in doing so, consider whether the other infomation is materially Inconsistent with the accounts or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the accounts or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have perfomied, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 In our opinion. based on the work undertaken in the course of our audit.. -the infomation given in the Trustees Report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is consislent with the accounts., and - the Trustees Report has been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements. Matters on which we are required to report by exception In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the Trustees and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees Report. We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report to you If, in our opinion.. adequate accounting records have not been kept, or returns adequate for our audit have not been received; or - the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns; or certain disclosures of trustees, remuneration specified by law are not made., or - we have not received all the infornation and explanations we require for our audlt. Responsibilities of Trustees As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees Responsibilities, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. disclosing. as applicable, matters related lo going concern and using the going Concern basis accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the company or to cease operations, or have no realistic atternative but to do so Auditor's responsibilities forthe audit of the financial statements Our objective5 are to oblain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. and to issue an auditols report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to inflLSence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial slatements. 18 Extem Northern Ireland Company Limited byGuarantee Independent Auditorfs Report to the Members of Extern Northern Ireland For Year ended 31 March 2023 Irregulartties, including fpud, are InStan￿S of non