Charity number: NIC 106091
BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
UNAUDITED
TRUSTEES. REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
CONTENTS
Page
Reference and Administrative Details of the Charity, its Trustees and Advisers
Trustees, Report
Independent Examiner's Report
statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
Notes to the Financial Statements
9-19

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS OF THE CHARITY, ITS TRUSTEES AND ADVISERS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Trustees
Professor D.B. Archer
Mrs H.D. Ferres
Mrs R.A. Clarke
Mrs S. Cunningham
Mr A.H. MacLaughlin
Mr R.R. Mcclure
Mr R.D. Perceval-Price
Mr A.L. Sweeney
Mr S. Rankin
Professor A. Stitt
Ms E. Gowdy (appointed 17 May 2022)
Charity registered
number
NIC 106091
Principal office
12 Sharman House
Old Windmill Road
Crawfordsburn
BT19 1XN
Independent Examiner
Miscampbell & Co
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
6 Annadale Avenue
Belfast
BT7 3JH
Bankers
Danske Bank
Donegal Square West
Belfast
8T16JS
Solicitors
King & Gowdy
298 Upper Newtownards Road
Belfast
BT4 3EJ
Page 1

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
TRUSTEES, REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
The Trustees present their Annual Report together with the financial statements for the year ended 31 December
2022.
History
The Belfast Association for the Employment of the Industrious Blind was established in 1871 to provide
employment for blind people. The Workshops for the Blind (the trading name of the Association) traded for over
100 years, before selling its business and premises in Lawnbrook Avenue, Belfast to Ulster Sheltered
Employment Limited, a government sponsored concern in 1980.
The Trustees of the association invested the proceeds from the sale of the Lawnbrook premises and the
charity's title was then changed to The Belfast Association for the Blind. Its constitution was amended under a
Cy Pres scheme which was approved by the Court on 21 June 1982.
The association was registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland in 2018, its registered number
being NIC 106091.
Objectives and activities
a. Policies and objectives
The principal activity of the Association during the year continued to be that of giving financial assistance to
registered blind people within Northern Ireland, to former employees of the Workshops for the Blind and to
voluntary organisations closely associated with the blind.
other bodies receiving assistance are those in the field of education and medical research and equipment in
relation to the blind and visually impaired.
b. Main activities undertaken to further the Charity's purposes for the public benefit
The charity has several activities running. The results of the main ones are listed in the Review of activities
below.
Achievements and performance
Review of activlties
The investment policy of the Trustees, guided by the Association's Investment Advisors, Evelyn Partners,
previously knwn as Smith & Williamson, has ensured long-term growth in capital and revenue funding. The value
of the association's investments at the year end has fallen by approximately 4 % since the previous year, but the
trustees are confident that the investment policy agreed with its advisors is sound.
In 2022 the Association made and committed donations, grants and gratuities amounting to £35,361 (2021..
£34,498) to visually handicapped people resident in Northern Ireland, ex-employees of the Workshops for the
Blind, and charities for the blind. In addition, grants amounting to £62,000 (2021: £25,000) were made to
research institutions within Northern Ireland.
The following organisations benefitted during 2022-.
Queen's University Belfast
Acorn Arts
Atlanta Swimming Club
Edgecumbe Club
Angel Eyes
Page 2

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEIVIBER 2022
Financial review
a. Going concern
After making appropriate enquiries, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate
resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. For this reason, they continue to adopt
the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details regarding the adoption of the going
concern basis can be found in the accounting policies.
b. Reserves policy
The Association actively manages its investment portfolio so as to maximise returns to the Association within
acceptable risks and to provide adequate reserves to meet the needs of the Charity into the foreseeable future.
The running costs of the Charity are negligible in the context of the reserves held.
c. Financial performance
The Statement of Financial Activities, which incorporates the Income and Expenditure Account for the year can
be found on page 7 of this report. The net movement of funds for the financial year is an decrease of £107,009,
{2021'. net increase of £193,001). The main reason for this movement is a decrease in the value of the
Association's share portfolio. At the year end the association holds total funds of £2,431,367 {2021.' £2,538,376).
The association incurred a net deficit of £12.592 (2021 net surplus of £53,273) before realised and unrealised
losses on investments of £94,417 {2021 gains of £139,728).
The value of investments held at 31 December 2022 amounted to £2,331,026 (2021 £2,435,786). which
represents a decrease in value during the year of approximately 40/0. There has been a modest increase in this
value since the year end.
During the year the association received total income of £95,941 {2021.. £122,732). The Association spent a
total of £108,533 (2021-. £69,459) providing resources to various projects and blind individuals in the local
community.
Structure, governance and management
a. Constitution
Belfast Association for the Blind is a registered charity, number NIC 106091, and is constituted under a Trust
deed.
b. Methods of appointment or election of Trustees
The Association is managed by a Board of Trustees which meets on a regular basis, chaired by Professor D B
Archer. The appointment of new Trustees is made by the existing Trustees. The policy of the Trustees is to
ensure a broad representation of experience and professional expertise. No remuneration is paid to the
Trustees.
Page 3

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
TRUSTEES, REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Plans for future periods
Future policy will be to ensure a proper balance be￿een capital growth and sufficient revenue to provide for the
needs of the Association as budgeted by it and approved by the Trustees.
Funds held as custodian
No funds are held as custodian on behalf of others.
Statement of Trustees, responsibilitles
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report and the financial statements in accordance with
applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally A￿pted Accounting
Practice).
The law applicable to charities in Northern Ireland requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each
financial year which give a true and fair view of the stste of affairs of the Charity and of its incoming resources
and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for that period. In preparing these financial
statements, the Trustees are required to..
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently-,
observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP (FRS 102).,
make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent.,
state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards (FRS 102) 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 that the
Charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain
the Charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity
and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008,
the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2015 and the provisions of the Trust deed.
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for
the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by order of the members of the board of Trustees and signed on their behalf by..
Professor Desmond Brian Archer
(Trustee)
Date.. 9 May 2023
Page 4

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Belfast Association for the Blind
I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2022 which are set out on
pages 7 to 19.
Respective Responsibilities of charity Trustees and Examiner
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities
Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
It is my responsibility to..
examine the accounts under section 65 of the Charities Act;
follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commission under section 65(9)(b)
of the Charities Act., and
state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of Independent Examiner's Statement
I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination
was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
under section 65(9){b) of the Charities Act.
My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the
accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the
accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.
My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:
that accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act.,
that the accounts do not accord with those accounting records-
that the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act.,
that there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Independent Examinerfs Statement
I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to {4) listed above and, in
connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters
that require drawing to your attention.
This report is made solely to the charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordan￿ with section 65(3)(a) of the
Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and regulations made under section 66 of that Act. My work has been
undertaken so that I might state to the charity's Trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an
Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept
or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's Trustees as a body, for my work or for
this report.
Page 5

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT (CONTINUED)
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Signed-
Dated: 9 May 2023
Miscam
ell&Co
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
6 Annadale Avenue
Belfast
BT7 3JH
Page 6

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Unrestricted
funds
2022
Total
funds
2022
Total
funds
2021
Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
Investments
Other income
1,000
121,482
250
95,666
275
95,666
275
Total income
95,941
95,941
122, 732
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
Charitable activities
6,644
101,889
6,644
101,889
6,380
63,079
Total expenditure
108,533
108,533
69,459
Net (losses)Igains on investments
(94,417)
{94,417)
139, 728
Net movement in funds
(107,009)
(107,009)
193,001
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought fomard
Net movement in funds
2,538,376
(107,009)
2,538,376
(107,009)
2,345,375
193,001
Total funds carried forward
2,431,367
2,431,367
2,538,376
The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year.
The notes on pages 9 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Page 7

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
BALANCE SHEET
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2022
2022
2021
Note
Fixed assets
Investments
11
2.331,026
2,435, 786
2,331,026
2,435, 786
Current assets
Investments
Cash at bank and in hand
12
33,745
72,916
22, 856
83, 054
106,661
105,910
Creditors- amounts falling due within one
year
13
(6,320)
(3,320)
Net current assets
100,341
102,590
Total assets less current liabilities
2,431,367
2,538,376
Net assets excluding pension asset
2,431,367
2,538,376
Total net assets
2,431,367
2,538.376
Charity funds
Unrestricted funds
14
2,431,367
2, 538,376
Total funds
2,431,367
2, 538, 376
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on 09 May 2023 and signed on
their behalf by..
Professor Desmond Brian Archer
(Trustee)
Mr Robert Rollo Mcclure
(Trustee)
The notes on pages 9 to 19 form part of these financial statements.
Page 8

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
General information
The Association is a charity operating in Northern Ireland. The association is registered with Charity
Commission Northern Ireland and has the registered number NIC106091. The registered office address
is 12 Sharman House, Old Windmill Road, Crawrordsburn, BT19 1XN. The principal activity of the
company continued to support the blind with education. training, skills, and financial assistance.
Accounting policies
2.1 Basss of preparatlon of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102)
Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities
preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK
and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
Belfast Association for the Blind meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets
and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in
the relevant accounting policy.
The financial statements are presented in Sterling (£). The level of rounding is £1.
2.2 Going concern
The trustees have seen unprecedented disruption to economies worldwide due to the Covid-19
pandemic. The value of the Association's investments have fallen due to these conditions. However,
the trustees will continue to work with their professional advisers to manage and maximise both the
long-term capital value of the investments and the future income. The Association remains in a
strong financial position to manage the impact of the pandemic on the investment portfolio.
2.3 Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the
income will be received and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
The recognition of income from legacies is dependent on establishing entitlement, the probability of
receipt and the ability to estimate with sufficient accuracy the amount receivable. Evidence of
entitlement to a legacy exists when the Charity has sufficient evidence that a gift has been left to
them (through knowledge of the existence of a valid will and the death of the benefactor) and the
executor is satisfied that the propety in question will not be required to satisfy claims in the estate.
Receipt of a legacy must be recognised when it is probable that it will be received and the fair value
of the amount receivable, which will generally be the expected cash amount to be distributed to the
Charity, can be reliably measured.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is ￿COgniSed at the time the investment
income is receivable.
Other income is recognised in the period in which it is receivable and to the extent the goods have
been provided or on completion of the seNice.
Page 9

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Accounting policies (continued)
2.4 Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit
to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and
the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs
of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs
involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly
to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are
not attributable to a single activity are apportioned belween those activities on a basis consistent with
the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation
charges allocated on the portion of the asset's use.
Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure incurred by the Charity to raise funds for its
charitable purposes and includes costs of all fundraising activities events and non-charitable trading.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the
Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs.
All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
2.5 Investments
Fixed asset investments are a form of financial instrument and are initially recognised at their
transaction cost and subsequently measured at fair value at the Balance Sheet date, unless the value
cannot be measured reliably in which case it is measured at cost less impairment. Investment gains
and losses, whether realised or uniealised, are combined and presented as 'Gainsl(Losses) on
investments, in the Statement of Financial Activities.
2.6 Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity
of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
2.7 Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the Balance Sheet date as a result of a past
event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount
of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the
amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where
the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those
amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability- The
unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities as a finance cost.
Page 10

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Accounting policies lcontinued)
2.8 Financial instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial
instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently
measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently
measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
2.9 Fund accounting
General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in
furtherance of the general objectives of the Charity and which have not been designated for other
purposes.
Investment income, gains and losses are allocated to the appropriate fund.
Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other
factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances.
Critical accounting estimates and assumptions..
The Charity makes estimates and assumptions concerning the future. The resulting accounting estimates
and assumptions will, by definition, seldom equal the related actual results. The estimates and
assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of
assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
Income from donations and legacies
Unrestricted
funds
2022
Total
funds
2022
Total
funds
2021
Donations
1,000
Total 2021
1,000
1.000
Page11

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Investment income
Unrestricted
funds
2022
Total
funds
2022
Total
funds
2021
Income from listed investments
95,666
95,666
121,482
Total 2021
121,482
121,482
Other incoming resources
Unrestricted
funds
2022
Total
funds
2022
Total
funds
2021
Other income
275
275
250
Total 2021
250
250
Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted
funds
2022
Total
funds
2022
Total
funds
2021
Investment management
6,644
6,644
6,380
Total 2021
6,380
6,380
Page 12

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Analysis of expenditure by activities
Unrestrcited
funds
2022
Total
funds
2022
Total
funds
2021
Support costs
Governance costs
Grant funding costs
Other costs
208
208
261
1.320
45,098
16,400
1,320
80,761
19,600
1,320
80,761
19,600
101,889
101.889
63,079
Total 2021
63.079
63,079
Page13

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
Analysis of expenditure by activities (continued)
Analysis of Charitable Activities
Grant
funding
costs Other costs
2022
2022
Support Governance
costs
costs
2022
2022
Total
funds
2022
Total
funds
2021
Trustee costs
and honorarium
Grants for
research
2,000
2,000
2, 000
62,000
62,000
25,000
Gratuities to ex-
employees of
WFB
Bank fees
17,600
17,600
46
14,400
50
46
Office and
general expenses
Independent
examination fees
Grants to
organisations for
the blind
162
162
211
1,320
1,320
1,320
9,400
9,400
7,375
Grants to blind
persons in the
community
9,361
9,361
12,723
208
1,320
80,761
19,600
101,889
63,079
Total 2021
261
1,320
45,098
16,400
63,079
Independent examiner's remuneration
2022
2021
Fees payable to the Charity's independent examiner for the independent
examination of the Charity's annual accounts
1,320
1,320
Page 14

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
10. Trustees. remuneration and expenses
During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration or other benefits (2021- £NIL).
During the year ended 31 December 2022, no Trustee expenses have been incurred (2021- £NIL).
11. Fixed asset investments
Listed
investments
Cost or valuatlon
At 1 January 2022
Additions
2,435.786
68,771
(79,114
(78,986)
(15,431)
Disposals
Unrealised gainl (loss) on revaluation of investments
Realised gainsl (losses) on sale of investments
At 31 December 2022
2,331,026
Net book value
At 31 December 2022
2,331,026
At 31 December 2021
2,435, 786
12. Current asset investments
2022
2021
Investments- short term deposits
33.745
22, 856
Page 15

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
13. Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
2022
2021
other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
4,000
2.320
2, 000
1,320
6,320
3, 320
Page 16

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
14. Statement of funds
statement of funds - current year
Balance at
31
Gainsl December
(Losses)
2022
Balance at 1
January
2022
Income Expenditure
Unrestricted funds
General Funds
2,538,376
95.941
(108,533)
(94,4171 2,431,367
Statement of funds - prior year
Balan￿ al
31
December
2021
Balance al
1 January
2021
Gains/
(Losses)
Income Expenditure
Unrestricted funds
General Funds - all funds
2,345,375
122, 732
(69,459)
139, 728
2,538,376
Page 17

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
15. Summary of funds
Surnrnary of funds - current year
Balance at
31
Gainsl December
(Losses
2022
Balance at 1
January
2022
Income Expenditure
General funds
2,538,376
95,941
(108.533)
{94,417) 2,431,367
Summary of funds - prior year
Balance al
31
December
2021
Balan￿ at
l January
2021
Gainsi
(Losses)
Income Expenditure
General funds
2,345,375
122. 732
(69,459J
139, 728
2, 538,376
16. Analysis of net assets between funds
Analysis of net assets between funds - current year
Unrestricted
funds
2022
Total
funds
2022
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
2,331,026
106,661
(6,320)
2,331,026
106,661
(6,320)
Total
2,431,367
2,431,367
Page 18

BELFAST ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022
16. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued
Analysis of net assets between funds - prior year
Unrestricted
funds
2021
Total
funds
2021
Fixed asset investments
Current assets
Creditors due within one year
2,435,786
105,910
(3,320)
2,435, 786
105,910
(3,320)
Total
2,538,376
2,538,376
17. Related party transactions
It was agreed by the trustees in October 2018 that R Gillespie would receive an ex-gratia payment of
£2,000 per annum in view of his extraordinary service to the Association over many years. The amount
outstanding at the year end is £4,000 (2021.. £2,000).
Page 19