YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 The trustees present their annual report and financi81 st81emeniS for the year ended 31 December 2022. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's goveming document, the Companies Act 2006 and "Accounting and ReFK)rting 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>. ObJe¢tlv•s and actlvltl YoulhAction Northern Ireland Limited ('YouthAction Nl'l is a highly respected youth charity. wilh nearly 80 years. experience in inspiring young people, tackling inequaliknes and invests-ng in communities and transforrning the lives of young people. YouthAction Nl is renowned for its wffjrk in improving the life chance8 of young people with different abilities, who live in deeply challenging circumstances. Throughout 2022, our charitable vision was to make young people happy, healthy and hopeful. The Strategic Plan (Inspiring young people: tackling inequalities., investing in communities) sets out five high level goals for 5 years (2018 - 2022). 1. Ralse 2 mllllon pounds each year lo achieve high quality youth work and value for money outcomes. 2. Invest In 300 local communltles per year to embed quality youth work to support young people's development. 3. Improve th8 mental haalth, wellbeiNJ. aspirations and opportunities of 1S,000 young pèoplè aged 10 - 25 per year. 4. Increase the skills. qualifications and employabilty of 1,000 young leaders each year. 5. Build local and strategic partner8hlps, vlth charities, buslness. academia. govemmenl and civic society across UK and Ireland to meet the needs of young people. The achievements of the charity against Ihe five hlgh level goals of the Strategic Plan (2018 - 2022) are impressive this year. especially during the continued challeng8s of COVID-19 on public health and increasing economic challenges. They are summarised as follows. 1. Ralsed £2,778,325 in 2022 to achieve high quality youth work and value for money outcomes. 2. Invested In 215 communltles to embed quality youth work to support young people's development. 3. Improved the mental health, wellbeing. aspirations and opportunities of 13,890 young people aged 10 25. 4. Increased the skills. qualificalions and employability of 1.364 young leaders in 2022. 5. We mainlained local and strategic partnershlps, with ehantiès, business. academia, government and civic society across UK and Ireland to meet the needs of young people. For example, we lead a new partnership with UK Government (Community Renewal Fund) and 4 local youth work partners in a £312,500 projecl "lo pilol imaginative new approaches and pmgramnFes Ihat unleash their potential, instil pride and prepare them to take full adv&nl&g& of tha UK Sharèd Prosperity Fund.. (UK Community Renewal Fund Prospectus 2022.) We also worked across our Cross Nation Partnership to develop a new 3 year strategy lo support youth mobility across the Insh and British isles.
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Feedback from our membership support survey In 2022 says: 99% of those we worked with were satisfied with the servic8s offered 850/0 were more favourable to people from different backgrounds 10¥0 of young people who engaged with us in 2022 gained a qualification. Our concerns for young people In 2022 Include: 1. COVIO The legacy l impact of COVID -19 continued into 2022, With the ending of all COVID 19 restrictions, young people became more able to move freely. However, the lasting impact of COVID is likely to be "long-lasting" and "severe" according to Nl's Mental Health Champion Professor Siobhan O'Neill {2022) "Young paople as whol& w8r& more he8vily impacted by the pandemic 8nd the restrictions Ihan any olher age gmup" It led to "an increas8 in the sympioms of mental ill health, behavioural, emolion818nd altenlion difficulties." Research by Princes Trust12022} lound thai "the impact of the past few yèars has had 8 scamng effect on young P80pI8 young people are now presentlng wllh greater complexlties such as trauma, addiction, mental illness, health risks, homel&ssn8ss and poverty." The pandemic exacerbated already existing inequalities, "nol all children and young people had been affecled equally . as children wilh SEN and from low-income households had not "shown th8 sam8 18V81 of recovery." The implications for youth work is increasing the need for one to one work, feeding an individualised agenda rather than a focus on collective and group working. "I believe that SPEER has been an essentl811o improving my m8nt81 health as well 8s ging me sOurceS on how lo belter my strpss m8n8gemenl. I have also gained new frndS and l able lo leel less stressed about slarting a conv8rs8tion,' During the COVID-19 pandemic, many young people experienced ov&nNhelming anxleties and challenges to vRII- being, We also know the xtive role of young people in helping others, in preparing and delivering food package to other's who were struggling, isolated or worried has been losi to some extent during tha pandemlc. There is evidence lo suggest that when you help olhers, it can promote physiological changes in the brain linked to happiness. {Posl 2014). 2. Cost of Llvlng Crlsl$ In 2022, 1 in 4 children and young people were said to be living in poverty according to The Josè#) Rownlree Foundation (March 20221 "pre pandemic l / 14 households were said to face food insecurity and wth the recen spike in energy prices and widerinnalion this figur& is set to ggl wors8.' The Trussell Trusl12022) bebNeen 1 April and 30 September 2022 distributed 32.000 emergency parcels to people in Northern Ireland. including 13.400 for children. This represents a 25 % increase from 2021 and a 1940k increase compared lo the same period five years ago. Young people are aware and affected by poverty and food insecurily. Quotes from Young People on Level 4 Certificate in Youlh Studies. °My house is 81w8ys cold and MO and morg wa are all having lo gel cold showers." 'We had no heating for over a week, Ihe oil run oul and we had lo wail until the end of tha month to gel il- I hated it I didn't feel clean or warm or anylhing. My nanny had fo dry Ihe unilonns, I was walking them down to her at nighl and picking them up again in the morning before school.. "My ma runs about Ihe house tuming everylhing off 8fter us - no more keeping the light on at Ihe &de cl the bed at night. 11 does annoy me but if makes me think about what l am using too. l am thinking aut il more." "I told the dole I had no money. they told me go to thè foodbank." "I didn l ask for much this Chnstmas - ljust knew my mum doesn't have il so I'm wearing tho same gutlies lo school and outside."
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES, REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 "I fett depressed and low because I could not provide thlngs for mysélf and my house." "Didn't want to leave the house - no money for baslcs like the bus." 'I'm only guaranteed one meal a day at home now- we always get dinner, but there's not whal we used to hav8- like stuff forsnacks, Dr breakfast or lunch." °Isolated didn I know where my mon8y was comlng from - embarrassed to 8sk lamlly for support." Our pro9rammes in 2022. provided subsistence and fr)od for young p8ople. This quote from 8 young person on Youthstart highlighted the impact and support for young people. "It W8s Ihe lighi at Ihe end ol the tunnd for m8. and 'lhis has been a lifesaver b8cause the ffjad I was walking down was quite dark.. 3. No Governm•nt Political instability in the global and local contexi continues to impact young people's lives Brexit and the implications of the Nl Protocol looms large as Northern Ireland ha5 been without a functioning ExecLAive. This means that important decisions affecting young people's lives are left unresolved. The community and voluntary sector has been significantly impacted by ihis, with uncertainty as the year 2022 drew to a close, The laGk of funding certainty and Ihe increased costs associated with running an organisation have been very challenging. The charily sector is "under extreme slrain" without a functioning Executive. Valerie Mcconville, Ihe new Chief Executive of C03 {representing charity and voluntary sector leaders) said the sustainability of the sector Is threatened by the recent collapse of the Executive Concerns over the match funding of the European Social Fund is also putting several groups and the seNice5 they provide across Northern Ireland at significant risk. "After two years of firefighling due to lh8 pandemic. (xir Ihird s8Ctor groups ar& strelchad lo the limil. with resources and reseThes severely depleled.- she said. While th8 Northérn Ireland Ex&culiv8, In particular the Dep8rtmenl lor Communities, have provided importanl lunding during COVID Ihrough schemes like Ihe CO VILk19 Chanlies Fund which h8ve h61ped the seclor stay afloat, it is simply not enough. Conlinued uncertainty over the future of Slormont Is also deeply concerning Many young people and youth work organisalions, such as YouthAction Nl. are greatly impacted by lack of governmental decision making Young people who have already cited frustration with political processes have been further dissatisfied and distant from any trust in polilical decision making Reductions in government budgets and associated funding will be greatly fell by young people mosl in need. with reduced project costs to support childcare for young mothers rural transport cosls ané language costs. Tre briefing paper YouthAction Northem Ireland navigating the ¢urrent crisis 1916120) outlined the charity's immediate response to COVID-19 and subsequent actions. This clear strategy continu8d to guide us In 2022, as restrictions were removed in stages. Continue to provide essential services to young people (educational and emotional) and assist other youth work charities to adapt. Demonstrale lo funders and key stakeholders that our work continues to be essential, communicate regularly to protect funding, Manage finances, mitigale against loss of income and strive to keep staff employed, to provide essential services. Concerns for young people. slaffing, financial planning. IT security and saf&guarding underpinned the strategy from the outsel.
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Achlevements and performance 1. Youth Employablllty: IM)i18 figures for 2022 indicate a welcome upward turn in employment rates this does not necessarily Iranslate into Frf)Sitive outcomes for young people. From July - September 2022. 17,000 young people aged 16-24 in North8rn Ireland wer8 not in 8ducation, training or employment. 11,000 of these young people were deemed °eaJmenically inactive. according to the Labour Force Sun4ey. Influencing factors such as the 2008 economic crash, Brexit and Ihe uncertainty around it and Ihe Covid - 19 pandemic, mean that there are several demographics Ihat are particularly vulnerable. Young people as a whole are identified by Department of Communits'es Northern Ireland as being vulnerable to unemployment and economic activity. and this is exacerbated for those with low I no qualifications and thos8 with poor mental health, those experiencing addiction and homelessness. According to the N3$t Youth Index 2022. "Young people who lace dis8dvanÈag8 and unemployment consistently Trport h8ving worse wellbeing, wilh /& reporting Ihey always feel anxious." This year the charity contlnued to tackle youth unemployment through the delivery of ils ESF Priorily 1, Call 2 contract, valued at over £1.9 million {2018 - 2022) GET SET is a collaborative youth and business sector partnership working together with local communities to support 900 (300 per year) young people get ready for work, further training and education. On completion of the project GET SET exceeded all perf0mian targets across all areas. Overall project èxpendilure was £1,784,340 with a budgel underspend of .39/0 representing an investment of £1,889.34 per person. well below the set unil cosl of £2,131 .91 . GET SET shows the value and impact of a youth work approach in delivering posith've outcornes for young people furthest from the labour market - building their life, leaming and works skills. 'Th8 p8rtlClP8nts 8r8 8ncour8ged lo be proactive in addressing thelr needs and rgalising theK goals with encOUgement, Challenge and affirmation Irom th& menlors. ' {ETI report June 2022.1 GET SET had a retenlion rate of 98Yo and 93% of young people achieved a posilive oulcoma well above our largel o1650A. Our Youth Empowered Digital Hub - an online plafform to meet the lifè. learning and work needs of young people continued to be used by young people in 2022. The target was to exceed our leach by 300 new users in 2022 - we exceeded this target and reached 897 new users. From April 2022 March 2023 the GETSET Project continued with funding from European Social Fund Call 3 valued at £1,541.59 (2022- 2023) The project aimed to work with 225 young people to build life, learning and work skills. Qn compleiion of the project 275 young people had benefitted from the programrne, with 63 progressing into employment, and 83 progressing inlo further education or training. In March 2022 YouthAction lead on the Youthstart Pilot Programme, funded by Ihe UK Government via the UK Community Renewal Fund at a cost of £312.500. Youthstart is a partnership between 5 leading youth work charilies in Northern Ireland. lo rrUIt train and SUPFX)rt 125 economically inactive young people aged 16 25 furthest from the labour market to progress into education, training or employment. On completion of Ihe project., 148 young people had benefitted from Youthstart. All 148 gained life I health skills. employability skills, confidence, resilience, and had a plan for their future. 120 young people achieved a total of 202 qualifications. 140 young people gained job search skills and 118 progressed into training, further education or employment
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 An ind8pendent review by Hewitt (20231 "rhe youlh wort approach adopls flexible and innovalive meihods, developing trusting relationships b8tW88n Ihe youth work8r and young peopl8. 11 slarts with 8 sIr8th$ based appruach, building on exisling skills and 181ents and utilises group wort( processes 10 facilitate leaming and contributes to personal, social and linancial development." The YoLrthStart programme delivered excellent value for money. From an investment of £312,500. 148 young people benefitted from the project. This represents a unit cost of £2,111 which is well within the proje¢l unit cosl of £2.500. This was th& best thing that ever happened 10 me again.. (Becky Youthstart participant.> Poace-bulldlng il has sparked something in me io 98t back oui there In 2022, we continued to work with SEUPB and project partners lo dose down our Peace IV funded programmes, wilh the exception of"Our Generation. which finishes in September 2023. We submitted concept note papers to lh8 3.2 Peace Plus Youth Programme (as project lead with 6 additional delivery partners); to the 3.1 Sh*ed Learning through Youth Work las project lead with 8 additional delivery partners); to the 1.3 Building Positive Ralations al the regional level (as lead partner with 8 d81iv8ry partners.) In 2021 we were supported by the Department of Forèign Affairs as a strategic partner through Tre Reconciliation Fund. This fund has enabled us to grow a strong and collaborative youth work sector across the Irith and British Isles,, lo train and support èmerging peacabuilders, to further develop grass rools peacebuilding and reconciliation programmes, to pilot action research, and to share learning. We partnered with The Hume Foundation to plan and facilitate a range of youth Peace Summits with 350 young people across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Youth Arts The charity's prestigious Rainbow Factory School of Performing Arts, with 872 young members aged 10 - 25 years, and runs over 40 weekly dance and drama classes, as well as delivering a huge portfolio of aclivities including outreach programmes; minority ethnic classes,, festivals,. gig nights: high quality productions,. and issue based theatre. In 2022 a mlx of Ilve classes and Virtual Rainbow Faclory, continued for young members. "Rainbow Factory has changed my datsghtefs life, she dldn t even leave the house and now she has bnllianl confidence, so many friends and has leaml so much. Thank you." (Rainbow Factory paienl May 2022. The Virtual Rainbow Factory is an extensive platform of attistic and well-being activities sponsored by Phoenix Natural Gas aTh# supported by Comic Relief COVID emergency response. The platform hosts a Calendar of daily events, a Main stsge for dance, drama and musical Iheatre live classes,. Back Stage to provide technical training-, a Green Room, to connect lriendships: Daily News, prepared by young m8mbers,' a Front of House section lo assist building hospitality skills- Fringe for outreach live classes. specifically for young people wilh disabilities and those from minority ethnic backgrounds., and Spotlight on your Mind, with daily positive mental health activities. This continued to be well received throughout 2022 with 8,785 views for the year 2022. A new Technical Theatre Assistant (under 251 was appointed in June 2022. This resulted in 20 young people having access to intensive technical theatre training. The majority of this group is made up of young women. who have traditionally been excluded from the field of lechnical theatre. This is challenging gender stereotypes and opening up new employment opportunities. Mixed Ability Outreach went from strength to strength in 2022. Partnerships with Foyle Down Syndrome Trust, Cedar Foundation. RNIB meant a further 88 young people livin9 With challenges such as autism, down syndrome, visual impairments had access to the arts, and created a performance, attracting an audience of 185 supporters In March 2022. 'The R8inbow Factory Ballymen8 classes cater directly for an underrepres8nted group of young people who may not olhernise come into contact wifh the arts and ifs assoGialed social benefits. The workshops connect th& young pèople of this often overfooked community and cr8a18 a space in which these young people can gn)w. leam and have fun . . it is an honour lo be a tulor here." (Rainbow Factory Tutor).
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 For the first time in Rainbow Factory history, two summer shows were held; a Junior Show for yourYJ people aged 10 - 14 'A Tale As Old as Tim8. and a Senior Show "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" ere young people sang on stage for a total of 70 minutes. The shows attracted an audience of over 1.000 people. .1 love Rainl)ow becaus8 It s a safe pla where I feel happy and li s a comlort zone where I can myself and no one willjudge me for it." (Young person). M¢mb8fshlp Servlc In 2022, support to our member group was made an organisational priority, wrth Sheila Morris appolnted as a new Senior Leader with responsibility for maintaining and growing our membership base and seNices. The link beeen membership and finance for Ihe organisalion became more pronounced with the organisation being awarded money rrom EA for those organisations that nominated YouthAction Nl as their designated RVYO. In 2022, 16 organisalions had nominated YouthAction equating to an award of £48,000 per year. A programme of work began in 2022 to increase this number of member groups who nominate YouthAction and its currently standing al 53 groups. General membership rose from 138 to 165 by the end of 2022, with an increasing number of services offered lo local member groups experiencing financial hardship. A contract to daliver 30 Inspire Grants of £800 to local organisats'ons was secured through UK Youth. roll out started in 2022 and will continue into 2023. A naw membershlp support package was developed wilh a range of Iraining and support offered from govemance training to creative youlh work approach8s. "The govamance Iraining was excellent. It was 8 greal opportunily loi thg committ88 and Ihe le8der in charge to explore our mission. viSn and whal values we wanl to pr018 in the youth club. It gave us a safe place lo be aware of all Ihe posilives and what wa havé schved as 8 slaff, commitlee and community in the face ol adversity. We also had the chance lo hhlIgh1 areas that w8 need lo WO on in ordei for Ihe cub lo Trach its lull potenlial. A very worthwhile evening with Sheila being and &xc8118nl, competenl facilitator." At the end of 2022 87.50/0 of members completed a satlsfactlon survey with 1 Oooh reporting that they are satisfied with the services we offer. "Kingdt)m Youth Club relS on and is appffjciative of 8ssislanc8, advice and support we receive 8$ a membar. youlhACln Nl are conscious of the localised diMul¢le$ Ihat 9XlSt in a rural selling and tailor Iheir support lo me81 the needs of staff, volunteers and young people." College Square North The charitable company plans to maximise Ihe resources at College Square North to more effectively m86t tha changing needs of young Péople and contribute to the development of Ihe youth work and arts seclors in Northern Ireland, following the impact of COVID-19. In 2022, a new Youth Café "Beans and Dreams" was created and designed with young people staff and Big Box Inleriors. The café is run by and for young people and is a multipurpose space, firstly a social space for young people to avail of a free hol drink and bite to eat, and secondly as a dèdicated training facility for youn9 people who wish lo train as Baristas or work in th8 hospitality industry. "I love coffee, everything aboul it making il, drinking it, I'm here lo g8t an OCN in Barisla Skills so after a few weeks I was basK8lly a professional.. Ils going to help ffte especially wilh getling ajob." (8arista Thomas). The building is slowly returning io a well-used, creative hub, communication centre and civic engagement point for young people in 2022. A building review group made up of young people. staff and senior leaders has been meeting to maximise the polenli81 of the building and lo plan for a sustainability policy Ihroughoul the organisation. In October 2022, our tenant on the 5th Floor moved out, which will mean a loss of £30.000 per annum. It is a priority lo get a new tenant for the 5th floor. In the interim il is a bookable Spa to generate some income through room bookings. Capital expenditure to 31 December 2022 on the building totalled £3.235.992 (2021.. £3,219,420). Since the building is an assel of Ihe charitable company. the expenditur8 against this appears on the balance sheet. 11 should be noted that the income used to fund Ihis expenditure is no longer available to the charrtable company, as it has been spent on College Square North.
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Workforce Development The charitable company's most important resource is its people: their knowledge and experience is crucial to meeting charilable objectives. Retention of key slaff is critical and the charitable company has invested incr8asingly in employmenl, training and development opportunities. A total of 8 collective staff training days ware run in 2022, vnth a further 181 individual training opportunities laken up by our staff. The organisalion has introduced appropriate incentive and career progression arrangements. Three new Senior Leaders were appointed in 2022. following a competitive recruilment process, opening up opportunities lo progress within the organisation. The organisation was recenlly awarded a silver standard Investors in People Award with the report stating "People display a high level of dedIcatn to fheir work, feel empOWed and want to do a good job. They have a clear understanding ol their own role and know how they conlribute io lh8 bigger piclure through defined (jeCtIVes. tasks and priorilies. Ham8ssing this passion and expertise is key lo making Ihe righl decisions and co-crealing plans foi Ihe future, 8iming io conlinually improva and innovate to meet young people's evofving n88ds.' ' Trust, empowennent and delegation are part of your cultur&. Thig is shaped by the clear und8rst8ndlng ih8t your people are valuéd 8nd SpaC1&d, involved in deci&ons aboul the future, and are consulted and listened to." "Taams share a collaborativa spinl. Evgryone has clarity 8bout how they need to work together and have the righl level of responsibility, fffjedom and aulonomy to work effeclwely. They aro pmud of wh81 they do aNI believe thal they really make a diffence to the lives of young p8ople." 'Conlinuous lèaming is 8mb&dded. People are encouraged ¢0 conlinuously develop skills 8nd knowledge and make besl use of opportunities available. Your proVisn rellects a bal8n¢ed use of intarnal experience and peer support, alongs@ access lo external expertise and r&sources. There Is 8 gre8t de81 of knowledge sharing. mentoring and coaching.. 'You encourage engag8m8nt. whh is open, honesi and supportivg. P80ple are given the space 8nd support they need lo speak up and share their vwS and opinions. You work hard lo ensure two-way. effective communication so Ihal péople not only receive the right information, al the righl tim8 in a way Ih81 is 8ccessiblg10 811, but are 8sked foi their views, encouraged to provide feedback and help sh8p8 plans and objectives." YouthAclion Nl contributes to the workforce development of the wider youth sector, by providing recognised youth work training from level 1 to level 4 (including Ulster University qualifications) and 234 youth work qualifications were achieved in 2022 through face- to-face delivery. The Critical Youth Work Neork, eslablished in Autumn 2020, and supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation offers non formal Workforce development opportunits'es across the youth work sector. The Netr4vork involves training, research, resources, conneclion5. insights and the sharing of the most up to dale innovative youth work. In 2022 we hosted 16 events. including explorations of the Incel Movement and R8flections on the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement. YouthAction Nl is committed to tackling youth unemployment by investing in young people. delivering b8spoke employability programmes, providing qualifications, work placements and structured volunteering oppcrtunities, with impressive results. Jobs for young people continues to be a priority of the Board of Directors. In 2022, the charrty provided paid work placemenv internships for 3 young people in growth industries (PR I communications, technical theatre and event management), supported by the government Job Start scheme and Ulster University. Staff feel valued, feedback from scorecards stated "This quarter a lot of my work focused on aulisn7, having the Gourage to lake opportunities to stand and pr8senl in fmnt of my peers." I have leamt about about co-wothing,"
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Envlronment The charitable company recognises its respons'bility to carry out its charitable operats'ons whilst minimising environmental impacts. The Trustees, continued aim is lo comply with all applicable 8nvironmental legislation, prevent pollulion and reduce waste wherever possible. Sustainable development actions are identified by the Building Review Group and in 2022 submitted an application to The Big Lottery Awards for All to carry out a sustainability survey of all our offices through0 the region. It is hoped this will inform a larger application to The Dormant Accounts Fund to make all our spaces more sustainable and follow a gr88n agenda, while also supporting and training our membership services about sustainable development goals. Health and Safety The charitable company is committed to achieving the highest practicable standards in health and safety management and strivas lo makè all sites and offices safe environments for employees and visitors alike. The COVID Risk Assessmenl and Action Plan details all aspects of COVID health and safely requirements, in line with Nl Executive latest advice for youth work. govemance. buildings and communication and made available to staff as reslrictions thanged. The Health and Safety at Work policy and procedures document was reviewed in February 2022 (availa)le on the Public Foldér). All staff completed racognised health and safety training in February 2022. A Health and Safety staff sub-group operales under the auspices of the Assistant Director, to oversee events in College Square North and young people involved in running the theatre also benefit from health and safety training A risk assessrnent is prepared for every large-scale event. An entertainment's license is in place from Belfast City Council. To ensure the highest standards of safety across the sector YouthAction Nl has a team of Designated Safeguarding and Adult Safeguarding Trainers. who deliver Child and Adult Safeguarding Training to member organisation5. In 2002 24 Keeping Children and Adults Safeguarding Training weie delivered with 266 gaining a certificate of completion. We provided Enhanced Access Nl Checks to 442 volunteers l youth YrkerS across the sector.
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Flnanclal Revlew The financial statements are presented in the standard format required by the Stalement of Recommended Practice applicable to ¢harilies preparing their accounts in accordance th the Financial Reporting Standard and covers the activities of YouthAction Nl. The statement of financial activities (SOFA) shows the gross income from all sources. Results The charrtable company had net outgoing resources for the year. before transfers of £99,29212021'. net incoming resources of £119,228) of which £nil (2018.. £nil) relates to capital grants received in thè year. The charity had total funds of £3,978,519 (2021. £4,077,811). The charity continues to work tirelessly to secure income from private trusts, donations and public sources to finance its ongoing aclivilies with young people. A strategic fundraising plan is continually implemented and updated, alongside annual budgets of income and expenditure to address the challèngès in the current financial climate. The main sources of funding are grants received from vanous bodies as disclosed in note 6 in the financial statements. YoulhAclion Nl sincerely thanks all donors and ensures effective and efficient use of resources. Key PerfOrrnan Indicators The charity's key performance indicators are as follows.. 2022 2021 Total Incomlng Re$our¢e$ 2,778,326 3,062,405 Employ•& Numbars 41 The charities achievements against ils charitable objectives are set out within the "Achievements and perfomiance" section above, and is their key measurement of success. Flnanclal rfsk management The charity's operations expose it to a variety of financial risks that include the effects of changes in liquidity risk and inlerest rate cash flow risk. The charitable company has in place a risk management programme thal seeks to limit the adverse effects on the financial performance of the company by monitoring le¥els of cash and maintaining no debt. The policies set by the Board of Direciors are implemented by the charity's senior management team. A high level Trustee Risk Register is in place to mitigate against the risks to the charily {Finance,' Reputation: Governance and Management) and a report is presented at each board meeting. Reserves At 31 December 2022, the charity had total reserves of £3,978,519. Of these reserves, £415,326 were restricted by donors for specific purposes. The charity had general reseNes of £3,563.193 of which the Board have designated £2,542,164. The charitable company's policy is to retain a level of reserves which matches the needs of the charitable company bolh al the current time and in the foreseeable future. This also allows the charity to plan for future developments. This is estimated at a reserve level of £900.000. The reserves policy is reviewed annually. Free reserves are those unrestricted reserves not designated for, nor invesled in fixed assets and which are available for sEneral use and Gan be designated for future developments. The Trustees intend to designate a portion of reserves for College Square North future developments. The Trustees are striving to secure reserves (which include restricted and unrestricted funds) in the future sufficient lo meet committed expenditure and Ihe running costs for a period equivalent to 6 months annual expenditure. The Trustees believe that the peric*J of 6 months is necessary in order that there is continuity of service and will continue to work lowards the implementation of this policy.
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Taxatlon status Th8 charitabl8 company is a registered charity, and as such is entided to certain tax exemptions on income and profits from investments, and surpluses on any trading aclivities carried on in furtherance of the charitable company's primary objectives, if th8se profits and surpluses are applied solely for charitable purpc6es. The charitable company is not registered for VAT and accordingly. all their expenditure is recorded inclusive of any VAT incurred. Rlsk management The Trustees have actively reviewed the major risks to which Ihe charitable company is 8XPOS8d and have implernented systems to mitigate those risks. Internal financial risks are minimised by procedufes OLllined in the Finanaal Policy and Procedures document {reviewed Jan 2021) which authorises all Iransactions. These controls are reviewed regularly to ensure Ihal they still meet the needs of the charilable company. A risk management strategy is in place vthich is aligned with the operational plans. This includes targels for working with young people. finance and governance. A review of the strategic plan takes place against an analysis of the external environment. potential sources of income and risks faced by the chan'table company. A Risk Register is in place and a summary reported to the Executive Committee at each meeting. YouthAction Nl has held the Investors in People quality standard award since 2004 and operales a comprehensive HR Policy and procedures (VIeWed annually}. A comprehensive review of the organisation's "Protecting children, young people and young adults (including Adults at Risk), policy and procedures including good praclice guidelines" has been carried, lully implemented and reviewed in April 2022 by the Board of Directors. The Board is advised of all child protection training, vetting and reporting at each meeting. through the Risk Register. As 8 regional voluntary youth organisation, YouthAction Nl also continues to provide Access Nl vetting and Child Protection training to local groups across Northern Ireland, to assist in keeping young people safe in youth, arts arKI community environments. We have 3 designated officers {including a Board member) and S Keeping Safe trainers. In 2022 we vetted 443 youth leaders, through Access Nl and trained 266 in Safeguarding, to prolect children and young people in our local member groups. Plans for future perlods The charity has completed the final year of Ihe 5 year Strategic Plan for 2018 - 2022 (Inspiring young people: tackling inequalities. investing in communities), in extr8mely challenging circumstances. PerformanrE and achievements are monitored and reported against the goals of the charity. Each year the Board of Directors hold a youth governance conference to share achiev&menls with young people and plan ahead. YouthAction Nl is recognised by the Department of Education as a regional voluntary youth organis8tion and a charity,. by the Arts Council foi Nl as a high quality youth arts charity., the Department for the Economy as a high performing, European Social Fund provider,. and the Department of Finance as a lead partner in significant Peace 4 initiatives. To meet these functions YouthAction Nl will continue to: Deliver direct front line services to improve the life chan5 of young people. Provide training and support to local groups to improve their services for young people. Contribute to the strategic development of youth work and youth arts thiough publications- curriculum malerials; partnership working and learning events. Maintain, support and grow our local membership services. In 2022. young people, member organisations, staff, senior leaders and the board infomied our new 5 year stralegic plan for 2023 - 2027 "Young people leading change for 8 fair and inGlusive world." The 4 Dutcomes to be achieved for young people. through a wide portfolio of progr8mmes. are.. 1. Build and improve their health well-being: 2. Increase their creative expression- 3. Improve their life and work skills: and 4. Demonstrate leadership, activism and peace-building. 10-
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Organisational I Strategic Goals for 2023- 2027 1. Strive for a sustainable and robust financial base for our work. falslng 2 mllllon pounds each year to achi8ve high quality youth work and value for money outcomes. 2. Invest in 250 communltles each year to embed quality youth work to support young people's development. 3. Improve the health, wellbeing and aspirations of 10,000 young people aged 10 - 25 each year. 4. Increase the skills, qualifications and employability of 1,000 young leadern each year. 5. Demonstrate the highest levels of governance and operational excellence within a clear constitutional and legal framework. 6. Inspire, build and nurture an effective supportive and heallhy leadership team at YouthAction Nl and through our membership nehvork. 7. Build local and strategic partnerships with charities. business sector. academia. governmenl arKI civic society across the UK, Ireland and Internalionally. 8. Work with Sector81 representatives as courageous change makers to transform how charities are recognised, valued and supported. g. Raise quality standards in youth Work through partnerships. research, tralning, resource development and impact demonstration. The prlorltles for 2023 are; 1. To secure new funding opportunities through Peace Plus consortiums to further include young people in building peace and reconciliation. 2. To secure, manage and implement a new Youlhstart employability consortium of 7 leadlng youth W¢yk Charities through the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. 3. To larget young people who experience mulliple barriers in Iheir lives such as Young travellers and young people from asylum seeker and refugee familie$ (including an inclusive peacebuilding project.) 4. To actively contribute to and shape wider youth work sector policy and strategy developmenls including repalring and rebuilding the voluntary youth work sector. Locatlons The charity maintained the r8gional offices in Amiagh, Enniskillen. Kilkeel. Newry and Derryl Londonderry. College Square North continues lo be developed as the leading youth venue, creating a shared space for a shared future in the hearl of Belf8St_ It connects communrties, young people and organisations to the city and has become a centre of excellence for youth work, youth democracy and youth arts. Publlc beneflt The Trustees believe that the charitable company provides a public benefit in a number of ways to complement the twelve descriptions of charitable purposes as laid down in the Charities Act (Nl) 2008(13). This includes the advancement of youlh; education., citizenship and community development., the arts, reconciliation. equality and diversity,. and relief of p)verty. This is achieved through helpin9 to provide support, guidance and educational opportunities to the youth of Northern Ireland and those who work with them The Trustees are fully aware of the requirements of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and are operating entirely within the legislation. YouthAction Nl registered with the Nl Charities Commission on 16 May 2017 (Charity Number NIC106365). Alongsidè the wider youth work sector. vie will undertake research that promotes the economic value of youth work, demonslrating the social return on investment. 11
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS, REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Structure, governance and management YoulhAction Nl is a charitable company limited by guarantee and does nol have a share capital. It is govemed by Memorandum and Articles of Association and the liability of each member is limited to an amount not exceeding £1. The chariiable company, which is governed by a Board of Dir8Ctors. is recognised as a charity by the HM Revenue and Customs. The Chief Executive drives the strategi¢ direction of the charitable company and carries out the day to day management with the assistance of the Senior Management Team. The trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the year and up to the date of signature of financlal statements were: Professor Ann Marie Gray - Chairperson Mr Jim Nicholson OBE - Vice Chairperson (Resigned March 2023) Replaced by Ms Susan Mccullough. Mr Cathal Maneely- Treasurer Mr Liam Hannaway - Honorary Secretsry Ms Pamela Ballantine MsAlex 8arnètt Mr John Hannaway Ms Susan Mccullough Ms Gillian Shields The Trustees who are also Dir8Ctor8 of the charitable company as at 31 December 2022 and have been members for the whole year then ended. unles5 Otherwise noted, are as outlined on page 1. The appointment of TrusteeslDirectors is laid out in the constitution of the charitable company, The Human Resources Policy (reviewed annually) contains a volunteering Policy and a conflict of Interest policy,. which apply to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors meet al least four limes per year. Upon election each Trustee is introduced to the legal and operational aspects of the charitable company to ensure they have an understanding of the nature of charity trusteeship, the responsibilities and duties that go with this position and to see the role of Truste6 in action. Collectively we commit to self-evaluation and continuous improv8ment throughout all areas of the organisalion. 12
YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited TRUSTEES. REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS. REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2022 Statement ot trustees. rnsponsibilities The Trustees (who are also Directors of YouthAction Northern Ireland Limited for the purposes of a>mpany law) are responsible for preparing the Annual report in accordance with applicable law and regulation. Company law requir8S the Trustees to prepare financial stalements for each financial year. Under that law the Trustees have prepared the financial slatemenls in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland., and applicable law (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounling Practice). Under company law the Truste8s must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of r8sources, incluth'ng the income and expendilure, of the charitable company for that p81iod. In preparing these financial statements. Trustees are requirèd to.. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; make judgements and estimates that are reasonabl8 and prudent., slate whether applicable UK Accounting Standards, comprising FRS 102. have beèn followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements,. and prepar8 the financial statements on the going concem basis unless it is inappropriate lo presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping 8dequale accounting records that arè sufficlent to show and explain the charitabl8 company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime the financial position of the charitable company and enable them to ensure Ihal the financial stalements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the charitable company's website. Legislation In the United Kingdom goveming the preparation and dissemination of financial stalemenls may differ from legislation in olher jurisdictions. In accordance with Section 418, Directors, reports shall include a statement, in the case of each Director in office at the date the Directors, report is approved, that.. So far as the Trustees, are aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the company's auditors are unaware,. and they have taken all the steps Ihat they ought to have taken as a Trusiee in order to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the company's auditors are aware of that informatlon. Audltor The auditors, Harbinson Mullholand. have indicated their willingness to continue in offi, and a resolution concerning their reappointment will be prcposed at the Annual General Meeting. The ees, report Was approved by Ihe Board of Trustees. Pro essor Ann Marie Gray - C Trustee erson Date, (91 13-