Charity registered number: NIC108056 RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Tony Clarke 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast BTII 9AG
RETHINKING CONFLICT CONTENTS PAGE Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisers Trustees, Annual Report Independent Examiner Report Statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 10-16
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Trustees, Annual Report REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Rethinki ng Conf lict Registered Charity number NIC108056 PUBLIC ADDRESS Rev. Dr. Gary Mason Po Box 2328 Beflast BT5 9GX CHAIRPERSON Debbie Watters TRUSTEES Debbie Watters Marisa Louise Mcmahon John McErath INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Tony Clarke FCPA 53 Anderson5town Road Belfast BTII 9AG
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Trustees, Annual Report ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES The trustees present their report and the unaudited the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Charities Act {Northern Ireland) 2008, FRS 102"The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 102}. The Trustees, Report contains the information required to be provided in the Trustees, Annal Report under the Statement of Reccommended Practice ISORPI guidelines, In this report the trustees od Rethinking Conflict present a summary of its purpose, governance, activities, achievements and finances for the financial year 31 December 2023. The charity is a regristered charity and hence the report and results are presented in a form which complies with the requirements of the Charities Act INorthern Ireland) 2008 and, although not obliged to comply with the statement of Reccomended Practice applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102, the organisation has implemented its recommendation where relevant in these financial statements. Appolntment of Trustees The Trustees of Rethinking Conflict meet four times a year, with an AGM held in May/June. The Trustees recruit and select new Trustees as needed. They are recruited on the relevance oftheir knowledge, skills and experience, and their potential to be able to make a helpful contribution to the governance of the organisation. Trustees serve one year and may be re- elected at the AGM. Anne Walsh retired in September 2023 and we are deeply grateful for her wisdom and guidance since the organisation's inception. She was replaced by Marissa Mcmahon. Charity Purpose Rethinking Conflict aims to work in current zones of conflict and post conflict using the principles of conflict transformation, peace building and reconciliation to develop new and lasting relationships. We also work with individuals and organisations in the area of dealing with conf l icted situations. We currently work in three main geographic spaces- Northern Ireland, the Middle East {1srael and Palestine) and the United States of America. The overall direct benefit from our work is increased dialogue and discussion between people from different religious, cultural and/or racial backgrounds, leading to greater understanding, tolerance and acceptance, which results in meaningful relationships and reconciliation. Activities and Achievements In setti ng RTC'S objectives and planning our activities the trustees have given caref ul consideration to the charity Commission for Northern Ireland's guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities help to achieve the charity's purposes and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries.
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Trustees. Annual Report (continued) Activities and Achievements continued... 2023 was a very worthwhile and successful year for our organisation, our global networks are increasing on a regular basis, and we have been able to develop some very strategic relationships globally. The highlights of the year included: Our Dialogue Weekends continue to go exceptionally well. These are quiet below the radar conversations with those in the Republic of Ireland focusing on some of the outstanding issues of the peace process with colleagues in Northern Ireland. The growth and ongoing development of our Compass Points dialogue group, which is now numbering up to 80 people from across the island of Ireland, wrestling with a number of issue5 from legacy, dealing with the past, sectarianism. We finished 2023 with a look at the Israeli Palestinian conflict and its impact on wider society. We were able to have several key people in the room as well as a virtually bringing in key actors from both the Palestinian and Israeli region. The Emerging Young Leaders group continues to be a real success story for us. One of the main goals of this group is developing and passing the skills of conflict transformation and peace building to another generation. We had several different sessions and evenings together and one of those looked at the Good Friday Agreement and what the next 25 years holds for that generation, as our peace process continues to be implemented. One of the goals of our organisation is sharing lessons from the northern Irish peace process with wider groups globally. We hosted several groups from the Israeli-Palestinian region as well as groups from the United States exploring political and religious polarisation. These groups include academics, students, churches, politicians, civic leaders and meetings with a wide range of key actors in our peace process. The organisation was able to make two visits to the Middle East continuing our work in the Israeli-Palestinian region. U nfortu nately, because of the outbreak of the conf lict in October, our Emerging Young Leaders group was not able to go to the region and we hope to complete this visit at some stage, in the autumn of 2024 depending on circumstances on the ground. We continue to support conflict transformation colleagues and peace building in colleagues on both sides of thi5 very difficult conflict and have facilitated a number of encounters virtually. Our main visit to the United States was conducted late summer early autumn. The Executive Director is an adjunct Professor at the Candler School of theology at Emory University in Atlanta. He is also a n affiliated expert and partner to the Negotiation Strategies I n5titute at Harvard university for Israelis and Palestinians and a visiting academic at the University of Central Florida in conflict transformation, pol itica I violence and negotiation. The executive director has continued to build a relationship with the Carter centre in Atlanta and is now 3 consultant to this leading global organisation in the area of religious and political polarisation. All of these positions provide us with access and connections to experience academics and experts which in turn supports our ongoing work in the Irish context, the Middle East as well as lessons from our oeace Droce55 in dealino with our colleaRues in the United States.
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Trustees, Annual Report {continued) Going Concern After making appropraite enquiries, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseable future. For this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements. Further details reqarding the adoption of the going concern basis can be found in the Accounting Policies. Financial Review The results for the year ended 31 December 2023 are set out on pages 8 and 9 of the financial statements. The total income for the year ended 31 December 2023 amounted to £341,897 (2022: £214,998). The total expenditure was £352,27012022: £280,948) The Trustees consider that the unrestricted funds of the charity is sufficient and adequate to fulfil their obligations. The charity held £63,267 in reserves at the year end12022: £63,026), Reserves Policy The income of the charity is considered adequate and the risks associated with any significant reduction in income is regarded as unlikely. The Trustees are satisfied with the current level of reserves at the present time. The Trustees are reviewing the Reserves Policy in the current year.
REfHINKING CONFLicr TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 Trustees, Annual Report (contlnued) Trustees, responslbllltles statement As the charlty's trustees we are aware ol our responsibllitles for the preparation of the accounts In accordance wlth the Charities Att (Northern Ireland) 2008. It Is also our re5ponslblllty to: select suitable accounting pollcles and then apply them conslstently observe the methods and prlnclples In the Charltles SORP; rnake ludgrnents and accountlng estlmates that are reasonable and prudent. prepare the financlal statements on the golng concern basls unless It Is Inappropriate to presume that the charlty wlll contlnue In operatlon. The Trustees ara responsible for keeping adequate accountlng records that are sufficlent to show and explaln the charity's transactlons and disclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the flnanclal position of the charlty and enable them to ensure that the flnanclal statements comply wlth CCNI guldelines. The Trustees are also responsible for safe8uardin8 the assets of the charity and hence to take reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other Irre8ularitles. Thls report was approved by the Trustees, on . and slgned on behalf bv: bble Watters Trustee
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF RETHINKING CONFLICT I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages 7 and 8. This report 15 made solely to the charitys members, as a body in accordance with section 65131(a} of the Charities Act Northern Ireland 2008 and regulations made under section 66 of the Act. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charities 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 charities Trustees as a body, for my work of this report. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner As the charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirments of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland} 2008. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and is eligable for Independant examination. 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 6519llbl of the Charities Act state whether particular matters have come to my attention, Basis of Independent Examiner's report I have examined your charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and mv examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 6519llb) 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 was also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosure5 in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters. Independent examiner's statement 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 386 of the Companies Act 2006 That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF RETHINKING CONFLICT {continued) Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a registered member of Certified Public Accountants Association which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters11) to141 listed on page 6 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. 04/12/2024 Tony Clarke FCPA 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast BTII 9AG Date:
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Year to Unrestricted Restricted 31-Dec-23 Funds Funds TOTAL Year to 31-Dec-22 TOTAL Note Income from: Donations and Legacies Cha rita ble Activities 127,442 762 213,692 128,204 213,692 108,598 106,400 Total Income 127,442 214,454 341,897 214,998 Expenditure on: Charita ble Activities 159,911 192,359 352,270 280,948 Total expenditure: 159,911 192,359 352,270 280,948 Net income/{expenditure) {32,469) 22,096 (10,373) {65,950) Transfers between funds 32,710 132,7101 Net movement in funds 241 110,6141 110,3731 165,9501 Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward 63,026 158,919 221,945 287,895 Total funds carried forward 63,267 148,304 211,571 221,945 The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities. The notes on paEe 10 to 16 form an integral part of these accounts
REfHINKING CONFLicr TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 BALANCE SHEEr As at 31 December 2023 2023 2022 Note xed Assets Tangible Assets Current Assets Cash at bank 220 001 220,001 225 949 225,949 Uabllltles Creditors: amounts falllD8 du• wlthln rjno T 8,4301 4,005 Net Current A$5ets 211,571 Total Assets Less Current (Llabllltles) 211 $71 Net assets 211,571 221,945 Funds Restricted Unrestricted 148,304 63,267 158,919 63,026 TOTAL FUNDS 10 211,571 221,945 The financlal statements were approved by the board of Trustees on slgned on thelr behalf by: and were bble Watter5 Trustee The notes on page 10 to 16 form and Integral part of these accounts
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS l Accounting policies (al Basis of preparation of financial statements The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 1021 (effective l January 2019)- (Charities SORP IFRS 102) the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021. Rethinking Conflict meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabil ities are initially recognised as historical cost or tra nsaction val ue unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy. (bl General information Rethinking Conflict is a charity in Northern Ireland. The registered office address and principal place of business is Po Box 2328, Belfast, Northern Ireland, BT5 9GX. The financial statements are presented in Sterling 1£). The level of rounding is £1. (c) Going concern After reviewing the charities forecasts and projections, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in prepari ng it f i nancial statements. (dl 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 reliablv. Donated services or facilities are recognised when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use of the charity of the item is probable and the economic benefit can be measured reliably In accordance with the Charities SORP {FRS 1021. 10
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) (e) Income continued On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would be willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of donation. Income tax recoverable in relation to investments income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable. (f) 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 cost of each activity are made up of the total direct costs and shared costs, i nclu di ng support costs i nvolved i n undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity a re al located directly to that activity, Shared costs wh ich contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on the basis consistent with the use of resources. Support cost5 are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charitv. (g) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation A review for irnpairment of a fixed asset is carried out if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Shortfalls between the caring value of the fixed assets and their recoverable amounts are recognised as impairments, irnpairments losses are recognised i n the Statement of f inancial activities incorporating income and expenditure account. Tangible fixed assets are carried at cost, net of depreciation and any provision for impairment. Depreciation if provided at rated calculated to write off the cost of the f ixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases: Equipment Land and Buildings IS% Reducing Balance 20 year lease term 11
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS {continued) (h) Interest receivable Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measu red reliably by the charity,. this is norma Ily u pon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. (i) Debtors Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due. (j) 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 of similar account. (k) 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 the 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 at 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 these amounts, d iscou nted at the pre-tax discou nted rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwindinR of the discount is recoRinsed within the interest oavable and similar charoes. (l) Financial instrument5 The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualifies 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 loan5 which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. {m) Fund accounting General funds are unrestricted funds which are available for the use at the discretion of the Trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with the specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charityfor particular purposes. The costs of raising and administering such funds are charged against the specific fund. The aim and use of each restricted fund is set out in the notes to the financial statements. 12
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued) 2 Income from Donations and Le acies 2023 2022 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL TOTAL General Income Grants Reimbursements Totals 2023 72,296 8,632 46,514 127,442 72,296 8,632 47,276 128,204 54,595 32,359 21,644 108,598 762 762 Totals 2022 26,219 26,219 3 Income from Charitable Activities 2023 2022 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL TOTAL Department of Foreign Affairs Emergence Foundation Esmee Fairbairn Porticus Totals 2023 37,675 21,017 60,000 95,000 213,692 37,675 21,017 60,000 95,000 213,692 56,400 50,000 106,400 Totals 2022 115,113 302,246 417,359 13
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED} 4 Staff Costs and Numbers 2023 2022 Gross Wages and Salaries Social Security Costs Pension 105,850 12,553 9,076 127,478 96,591 12,229 3708 112,528 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2023: None) The average monthly number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full time equivalents, was as follows.. 2023 Number 2022 Number 5 Ex enditure 2023 2022 Charitable Activities Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL TOTAL Accommodation Administration, Conference & Evaluation Emerging Young Leaders Facilitation General & Other Expenses Hospitality/Cateri ng Insurance & Miscellaneous Mentoring Office & IT Expense Payroll & Professional Seminar Telephone Travel and Meetings Accountancy Bank Fees Total 2023 18,842 2,091 1,065 500 84,573 9,398 1,133 18,961 3,925 8,742 2,500 827 2,426 37,803 6,016 9,807 3,000 85,400 11,824 1,133 15,650 4,263 127,478 15,464 1,981 28,060 4,355 35 352,270 23,338 7,606 15,318 60,739 13,141 1,115 3,018 15,650 778 113,478 13,186 3,485 14,001 2,278 1,981 19,414 1,115 35 159,911 112,528 17,502 1,206 21,285 4,140 13 280,948 8,646 3,240 192,359 Total 2022 192,636 88,312 280,948 14
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) 6 Trustees remuneration & expenses During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration12022- £NIL). During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind12022- £NILI. During the year, no Trustees received any reimbursement of expenses {2022- £NILI. 7 Creditors: amounts fallin due within one ear 2023 2022 Accruals & Deferred Income HMRC PAYE & Pension Other Creditors Total 2023 8,430 4,005 8,430 4,005 8 Inde endent examiner's remuneration The independent Examiner's remuneration amounts to an Independent Examination fee of £360 {2022- £3601 9 Related art transactions There were no related party transactions during the year. 15
RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2023 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS Icontinued) 10 Statement of funds - current ear Balance at l Janurary Income 2023 Transfer in/out Balance at 31 December 2023 Expenditure Restricted funds Department of Foreign Affair Emergence Foundation Esmee Fairbairn Porticus Total restricted funds 56,400 17,165) 33,134 76,550 158,919 37,675 21,017 60,000 95,762 214,454 147,7021 {8,6981 113,8521 {49,575} 13,800 {95,082) 16,3601 {192,359) 132,710) 37,675 39,759 70,870 148,304 Unrestricted funds General Total Unrestricted funds 63,026 63,026 127,442 127,442 1160,9821 32,710 (160,982) 32,710 62,196 62,196 Total of funds - current year 221,945 341,897 {353,341) 210,500 11 Statement of fund - rior ear Balance at l January 2022 Balance at 31 December 2022 Income Expenditure Transfer in/out Total u nrestricted f unds Total restricted f unds Total of funds - prlor year 33,981 253,914 287,895 108,438 106,560 214,998 188,3121 8,919 1192,6361 18,919) (280,948) 63,026 158,919 221,945 16