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2024-12-31-accounts

Charity registered number: NIC108056

RETHINKING CONFLICT

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Tony Clarke

53 Andersonstown Road

Belfast BT11 9AG

RETHINKING CONFLICT

CONTENTS PAGE
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and
advisers 1
Trustees' Annual Report 5
Independent Examiner Report 6 - 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 - 16

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Trustees' Annual Report

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Rethinking Conflict

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 Rev. David Kerr Resigned February 2024 John Mcgrath

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER

Tony Clarke FCPA 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast BT11 9AG

1

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 2024.

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 (FRS 102).

The Trustees' Report contains the information required to be provided in the Trustees' Annal Report under the Statement of Reccommended Practice (SORP) 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 2024. 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 (Northern 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.

Appointment 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 of their 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 reelected at the AGM.

The Rev. David Kerr retired in February 2024 and we are deeply grateful for her wisdom and guidance since the organisation’s inception. He was replaced by John McGrath.

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 conflicted situations.

We currently work in three main geographic spaces – Northern Ireland, the Middle East (Israel 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 setting RTC’s objectives and planning our activities the trustees have given careful 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.

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RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Activities and Achievements continued…

2024 was a very strategic and busy year for our organisation, our global networks are increasing on a regular basis, there is immense interest globally in the NI peace process and we have hosted this year some very significant groups looking at lesson form the NI peace process. 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, these conversations have been exceptional in the last year, dealing with some of the protracted and outstanding issues of our peace process and we’re very positive and constructive.

The growth and ongoing development of our Compass Points dialogue group, which is now numbering up to 100 people from across the island of Ireland. We debated and wrestled with a number of issues in 2024, from the scourge of drugs post conflict, in May President Jimmy Carter’s Centre sent a sizeable delegation of both Republicans and Democrats, from a political and faith based leaders looking at lessons from the Irish peace process in contested times and they joined the dialogue group for a full day which was incredibly positive and constructive. We also as a group hosted the Abraham Initiatives which is a leading NGO based in Israel of both Arabs and Jews where we spent a full day at the Skainos Centre in Belfast looking at the institutions that were put in place as part of our peace process to ensure equality, justice, and human rights for all.

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 some examples are - “Impossible Peace” a presentation by the leading former BBC security correspondent Brian Rowan. The emerging young leaders have been meeting with different political parties and putting a younger perspective to them in relation to politics. We also had a session on the Good Friday Agreement, as well as an evening during the Carter Centre’s visit looking at politics and division from a younger perspective.

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, such as EcoPeace, Abraham Initiative 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 continuing our work in the Israeli-Palestinian region. We continue to support conflict transformation colleagues and peace building in colleagues on both sides of this very difficult conflict and have facilitated a number of encounters virtually.

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RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Activities and Achievements continued…

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 an affiliated expert and partner to the Negotiation Strategies Institute at Harvard university for Israelis and Palestinians and a visiting academic at the University of Central Florida in conflict transformation, political violence and negotiation. The executive director has continued to build a relationship with the Carter centre in Atlanta and is a 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 peace process in dealing with our colleagues in the United States.

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 2024 are set out on pages 8 and 9 of the financial statements.

The total income for the year ended 31 December 2024 amounted to £347,824 (2023: £341,897). The total expenditure was £281,646 (2023: £352,270)

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 end (2023: £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.

4

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Trustees' Annual Report (continued) Trustees' responsibilities statement

As the charity's trustees we are aware of our responsibilities for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. It is also our responsibility to:

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 CCNI guidelines. The Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence to take reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

This report was approved by the Trustees, on 25/06/2025 and signed on behalf by:

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RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF RETHINKING CONFLICT

I report on the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out on pages 8 and 9.

This report is made solely to the charitys members, as a body in accordance with section 65(3)(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 I 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:

Basis of Independent Examiner's report

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 was also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures 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:

6

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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 I am qualified to undertake the examination because I 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 matters (1) to (4) 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.

27/06/2025

Tony Clarke FCPA Date: 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast BT11 9AG

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RETHINKING CONFLICT

TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

Note
2
Charitable Activities
3
5
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Charitable Activities
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Total funds carried forward
Expenditure on:
Total expenditure:
Income from:
Total Income
Donations and Legacies		 Year to
Year to
Unrestricted
Restricted
31-Dec-24
31-Dec-23
Funds
Funds
TOTAL
TOTAL
£
£
£
£
85,468
-
85,468
128,204
-
262,355
262,355
213,692
85,468
262,355
347,824
341,896
88,827
192,819
281,646
352,270
88,827
192,819
281,646
352,270
(3,359)
69,537
66,177
(10,373)
7,574
(7,574)
-
-
4,215
61,963
66,177
(10,373)
63,267
148,304
211,571
221,945
67,482
210,267
277,748
211,572

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 page 10 to 16 form an integral part of these accounts

8

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

Note
281,746
281,746
Liabilities
7
(3,998)
Total Assets Less Current (Liabilities)
Funds
Restricted
Unrestricted
TOTAL FUNDS
10
As at 31 December 2024
Net Current Assets
Creditors:amounts falling due within one year
Cash at bank
Current Assets
Tangible Assets
Fixed Assets
Net assets
BALANCE SHEET		 Note
281,746
281,746
Liabilities
7
(3,998)
Total Assets Less Current (Liabilities)
Funds
Restricted
Unrestricted
TOTAL FUNDS
10
As at 31 December 2024
Net Current Assets
Creditors:amounts falling due within one year
Cash at bank
Current Assets
Tangible Assets
Fixed Assets
Net assets
BALANCE SHEET
281,746
(3,998)

The financial statements were approved by the board of Trustees on 25/06/2025 and were signed on their behalf by:

The notes on page 10 to 16 form and integral part of these accounts

9

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

1 Accounting policies

(a) 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 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102) the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Rethinking Conflict meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised as historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

(b) 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 (£). 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 preparing it financial statements.

(d) 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. 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 102).

10

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

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, 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 between those activities on the basis consistent with the use of resources.

Support costs are those costs incurred directly in support of expenditure on the objects of the charity.

(g) Tangible fixed assets and depreciation

A review for impairment 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, impairments losses are recognised in the Statement of financial 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 fixed assets, less their estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following bases:

11

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

(h) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon 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, discounted at the pre-tax discounted rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recoginsed within the interest payable and similar charges.

(l) Financial instruments

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 loans 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 charity for 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 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

2
**3 **		 Income from Donations and Legacies
General Income
Grants
Reimbursements
Totals 2024
Totals 2023
Income from Charitable Activities
Department of Foreign Affairs
Esmee Fairbairn
Porticus
Totals 2024
Totals 2023		 2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
TOTAL
£
£
£
48,950
-
48,950
-
-
-
36,518
-
36,518
85,468
-
85,468
26,219
-
26,219
2024
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
TOTAL
£
£
£
-
74,986
74,986
-
25,031
25,031
-
162,339
162,339
-
262,355
262,355
115,113
302,246
417,359		 2023
TOTAL
£
54,595
32,359
21,644
108,598
2023
TOTAL
£
56,400
50,000
-
106,400

13

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

**4 ** Staff Costs and Numbers
Gross Wages and Salaries
Social Security Costs
Pension
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 (2024: None)		 2024
£
111,150
12,553
9,076
132,779		 2023
£
105,849
12,553
9,076		 2023
127,478

The average monthly number of employees during the year, calculated on the basis of full time equivalents, was as follows:

**5 ** Expenditure
Charitable Activities
Accommodation
Administration, Conference & Evaluation
Emerging Young Leaders
Facilitation
General & Other Expenses
Hospitality/Catering
Insurance & Miscellaneous
Mentoring
Office & IT Expense
Payroll & Professional
Seminar
Telephone
Travel and Meetings
Accountancy
Bank Fees
Total 2024
Total 2023		 2024
Number
2
2024
TOTAL
£
18,715
2,231
1,700
4,975
25,025
14,207
1,906
7,706
2,127
132,779
28,331
1,081
34,578
6,285
-
281,646
352,270		 2023
Number
2
2023
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
£
£
4,998
13,718
638
1,594
1,000
700
350
4,625
25,025
-
9,497
4,710
1,906
-
-
7,706
2,127
-
-
132,779
12,524
15,807
1,081
-
23,758
10,820
5,925
360
-
-		 TOTAL
£
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
88,827
192,819		 352,270
159,911
192,359

14

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED)

6 Trustees remuneration & expenses

During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration (2023- £NIL). During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2023- £NIL).

During the year, no Trustees received any reimbursement of expenses (2023- £NIL).

7 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Accruals & Deferred Income
HMRC PAYE & Pension
Other Creditors
Total 2024		 2024
2023
£
£
-
-
3,998
8,430
-
-
3,998
8,430		 2023

8 Independent examiner's remuneration

The independent Examiner's remuneration amounts to an Independent Examination fee of £360 (2023- £360)

9 Related party transactions

There were no related party transactions during the year.

15

RETHINKING CONFLICT TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (continued)

10 Statement of funds - current year

**10 ** Statement of funds- current year ar
**11 ** Balance at
Janurary
2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
in/out
Balance at
December
2024
Restricted funds
£
£
£
£
£
Department of Foreign Affairs
37,675
74,986
(53,100)
(7,574)
51,987
Esmee Fairbairn
39,759
25,031
(55,690)
-
9,099
Porticus
70,870
162,339
(84,029)
-
149,181
Total restricted funds
148,304
262,355
(192,819)
(7,574)
210,267
Unrestricted funds
General
63,267
85,468
(88,827)
7,574
67,482
63,267
85,468
(88,827)
7,574
67,482
Total of funds - current year
211,571
347,824
(281,646) -
277,748
Statement of fund- prior year
Balance at
January
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
in/out
Balance at
December
2023
33,981
108,438
(88,312)
8,919
63,026
253,914
106,560
(192,636)
(8,919)
158,919
287,895
214,998
(280,948) -
221,945
Total Unrestricted funds
Total of funds - prior year
Total unrestricted funds
Total restricted funds		 Balance at
Janurary
2024
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
in/out
Balance at
December
2024
148,304
262,355
(192,819)
(7,574)
210,267
63,267
85,468
(88,827)
7,574
67,482
63,267
85,468
(88,827)
7,574
67,482
211,571
347,824
(281,646) -
277,748
Balance at
January
2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfer
in/out
Balance at
December
2023
33,981
108,438
(88,312)
8,919
63,026
253,914
106,560
(192,636)
(8,919)
158,919
287,895
214,998
(280,948) -
221,945

16