Company registered number: N1041273 Charity Registered number: NIC108453 WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Prlvate company limited by guarantee wlthout share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Tony Clarke 53 Andersonstown Road Belfast BTII 9AG
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD CONTENTS PAGE Reference and administrative details of the charityi Its trustees and advisers Annual Report of the Trustees 2-17 Independent Examiner Report 18-19 Statement of Financial Activities 20 Balance Sheet 21 Notes to the Financial Statements 22-28
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD Iprivate company lirnited by guarantee without sharp. capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Trustees, Annual Report (Incorporating the Director's Report} STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT The charity is controlled by its governing document, a Memorandu m and Article5 of Assoclation, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The company was incorporated on 03 August 2001 and registered with Charity Commission for Northern Irela nd on 19 April 2022. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number N1041273 Registered Charity number NIC108453 Registered off ice 6 Mount Charles Belfast BT7 INZ CHAIRPERSON Lou ise Coyle DIRECTORS Louise Coyle Emma Osborne Anne Mcvicker Jeanette Thornton Karen Devlin Alexandra Brennan Naomi English Ai51inn Fanning Siobhan Harding Alexa Moore Maxine Murphy-Higgins Beverly Simpson Chair Vico. Chair Company Secretary Trcasu rer European Women's Lobby represenlatlve Member Member (elected 18 October 20231 Member (elected 18 October 2023) Member Member Member lelected 18 October 20231 Member lelected 18 October 20231 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Tony Clarke 53 Andorsontown Road Belf ast BTII 9AG
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRU5TEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Nl ar 84 The Trustees, who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities., Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance wrth the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015). OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Objectives and Alms Women's Platform is a membership organisation working to promote the implementation of international human rights standards in Northern Ireland, and in particular Ihe Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in line with commitments the UK has made to international human rights treaties. Established in 1988 as the Northern I reland link to the European Women's Lobby, Women's Platform also represents women and girls in Northern Ireland al the European and international level, including at the UN, Women's Platform is in special consuiiaiive status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN, which enables the organisation to engage in UN human rights processes and coordinate a Northern Ireland civil Society response to these processes. The work of Women's Platform locally focuses on building the capacity of members and the wider women's sector to utilise international human rights standards and mechanisms for women's rights in their own practice and work to promote gender equality in Northern Ireland. Women's Platform also shares evidence and good practice from international networks IoGally, and works with members to amplify the voice of women and girls in Northern Ireland internationally. In addition, Women's Platform conlfibules evidence to consultation processes and engages with policy and decision makers to highlight human rights Commitments and evidence of good practice on realising gender equality. This includes work on the women, peace and security agenda in alignment with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Women's Platform exists to advance the equality and human rlghts and equality of women and girls Northern Ireland, through a number of mechanisms including education of the public, promotion of human rights and public support for human rights, commenting on proposed legislation and policy, international advocacy, promoting domestic enforcement of human rights and research into human rights issues. Women's Platform also exists to promote equality, diversity and community development through means including providing a forum for women's organisations, providing strategic and operational support to women's organisations, development and delivery of action plans conceriied with improving the lives of women in Northern Ireland and influencing policy and practice in the fields of gender equality, diversity and Community development.
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by gua rantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT5 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES Key activities of the Organlsation The following were the key activities of the organisation in 2023-24.. The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) is a central international human rights treaty, which the UK ratified in 1986. Women's Platform coordinates the civil society response to CEDAW in Northern Ireland, through preparing shadow reports in collaboration with members and partners, and promoting and monitoring implementation of the Committee's recommendations to the UK. In 2023-24, Women's Platform Contributed an evidence submission to a follow up process on the Inquiry into abortion legislation in Northern Ireland under the Optional Protocol to CEDAW, on invitation by the CEDAW Committee as one of the original instigators of the Inquiry. Women's Platform also focused on developing capacity building materials on CEDAW and highlighting the role of Northern Ireland institution8 and public bodies in implementing recommendations by the CEDAW Committe&, through ongoing engagement and contributions to policy making processes focused on international human rights provisions. Work on the next reporting cycle was initiated, in preparation for the reporting process originally expected in 2023-24, but delayed by the UN to 2025-26 due lo UN level backlogs., this included exploring collaboration at four nations level and identifying evidence gathering mechanisms. Wornen's Platform also coordinated the Northern Ireland civi5 society response to the Council of Europe baseline assessment of the UK under the Istanbul Convention against violence against women and girls. This involved evidence gathering in collaboration with members and stakeholders, collaling an extensive evidence submission, and coordinating a roundtable meeting with the GREVIO team ofexperts undertaking the assessment in January 2024, In addition, Women's Platform contribuled an evidence submission to the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence against Women and Girls, who undertook a country visit to the UK in February 2024. ommission on t e Status o ift The Commission on the Status of Women ICSW> is the UN intergovernmental body responslble for promoting the empowerment of women. Operating through annual conf8rences, its key role is to assist the United Nations and member states in setting policy direction on gender equalily; CSW also plays a key role in monitoring progress on the implementation of gender equality through the global Suslainable Development Goals and integration of gender throughout the Goals. Wornen's Platform, as an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the UN, is eligible to participate in CSW and submit evidence.
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by Euarantee without share capital) TRUSTEE5' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 CSW68 took place 11-22 March 2024 as a primarily in person conference, on the themes of women's poverty and social protection. The conference is increasingly returning to in person delivery, and a significant focus during the year was securing funding for a delegation to participate in CSW68, with a number of business cases made and extensive engagement undertaken with a range of Northern Ireland institutions and organisations with a view to securing funding. While this proved difficult in light of the very tight Northern Ireland budget 2023-24, engagement built understanding of CSW and its relevance to Northern Ireland, and contributed to strengthened interest and capacily at policy and decision maker level, enabling strengthened advocacy of inclusion of international models of good practice and international human rights standards in decision making. A small delegation was ultimately supported through using Women's Platform reseNes, as the trustees deemed attendance in person in New York for meeting organisational aims and strengthening the organisation's international profile. Securing and organising the delegation, including capacity building and engagement with the sector through meetings and a webinar organised on Inteinalional Women's Day, was a core part of work in the last quarter of 2023-24. A report will be prepared to support efforts to secure external resourcing for participation in CSW in 2025. The delegation took part in CSW68 during the first week of the conference, and focused on gathering evidence, examples of good practice and learning from governments, international networks and global civil society, in line with needs and priorities identified in collaboration with members and stakeholders in the women's sector in Northern Ireland. Virtual participation of local organisations in CSW68 was supported through sharing updates and information on events and programming live streamed through UN WebTV and online conferencing platforms, and a full report prepared to enable the wider sector to utilise learning. Women's Platform also organised a virtual side event on Feminist economics: A solution to women's poverty, which focused on highlighting research on the impact of the cost of living crisis on women in Northern Ireland and exploring gender budgeting as a systematic tool to address this, with examples of pilots and existing practice from counlries including Malaysia, Iceland and the UK shared. This event received positive feedback and idenlified a number of concrete inlernational learning Cind collaboration opportunities, which will be developed as core work in 2024-25. Women's Platform also engaged with both the UK and Irish governments at CSW68 and emphasised gender budgeting as a tool for ending women's poverty, while also advocating for foreign and dornestic policy coherence to encourage and enable addressing global inequalities. This process contributed to developing links with policy makers, as a basis for longer term advocacy and engagement. Women's Platform also made submissions to the UN High Level Political Forum, which monilors progress on delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN Summit for the Future, which seeks to develop a new commitment to mullilateral action on key global priorities. The SDGS and building international networks are increasingly a priority ofwomen's Platform work, and further development of this area of work will be a priority in 2024-25. At the UK level, Women's Platform participated in the UK NGO CSW Alliance, a coalition of women's organisations engaged with CSW. The role of Women's Platform is to ensure a strong voice for women and girls in Northern Ireland, and the focus of collaboration in 2023-24 was on advocating for a clear voice for devolved administrations and a strengthened understanding of devolution and its implications at the UK level. Similar collaboration with the European Women's Lobby is developing, with a view to ensuring that EU level organisations and actors have an understanding of events and priorities in the U K.
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantoe without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 The European Women's Lobby is the umbrella network for women's networks in Europe. Women's Platform is a core member of the UK Joint Committee on Vvomen, which acts as the coordirbation of the UK membership of the European Women's Lobby, across the devolved administrations. WDmen's Platfom also participates in the European Women's Lobby, including relevant sub networks, and acted as the UK Board member until June 2023, when Board membership passed on in accordance with an agree four nations rotatiori, Support to the new Board member and alternate was provided and Women's Platform continued lo engage with the Lobby to ensure a clear transition and continued engagement of ttr UK with the Lobby, which in January 2024 approved new statutes confirming the UK as a key member of the network, in post Brexit arrangements. with a mandate 2021-23, and a focLJS on ensuring effective information sharing between women's networks in Europe and the UK. Women's Platform participated in the steering group for a research project studying the impact of Brexit on women in Northern Ireland, and contributed to developing links between stakeholders in Northern Ireland and the Lobby, as well as the UK Mission to the EU. Women's Platform also led work to explore a renewal of the UK Joint Committee on Women, following a period of significant change in constituent organisations. This included exploring perspectives and priorities across the four partner organisations in relation to four nations and European level collaboration, and identified core elements for a review to be undertaken in early 2024-25. urit Women's Platform provides the secrelariat for the Northern Ireland Assembly All Party Group (APG) on UNSCR 1325, Women, Peace and Security. During the year, the APG continued its active role in dialogue on gender equality in Northern Ireland and acted as a link between decision making structures and the sector, despite the lack of functioning institutions for most of 2023-24. A cross party leadership team was elected at the AGM in Jun6 2023, confirming a broad base of support for the APG. The cost of living crisis and violence against women and girls were core priorities for the APG, which engaged with the Northern Ireland Civil Service to highlight Ihese issues as priorities for decision Making. The APG also initiated arrangements and hosted an event marking the Good Friday Agreement from a women's perspective in June 2023. which attracted almost 100 women and identified a Strong need for further opportunities for engagement between grassroots women and decision makers. The APG initiated engagement between the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency and the sector, and championed engagement wilh local government as an important driver of action relevant to gender equality and meeting women's needs at local level. Women's Platform built further links with GAPS, the UK network on women, peace and security, and through this contributed to development of action under the UK National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security 2023-27. This action plan for the first time includes Northern Ireland, following strong advocacy at the policy developrnent stage, and this identified new opportunities for engagement with the Northern Ireland Office as a key link between the UK government and devolved institutions. In addition, Women's Platform contributed to the GAPS annual shadow report on the UK National Aclion Plan on women, peace and security.
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Following long term work to develop relationships with the Irish Government, which includes Northern Ireland in its National Action Plan on women, peace and security, Women's Platform in collaboration with Women'5 Resource and Development Agency (VVRDA), Women's Support Network (WSN) and Northern Ireland Rural Women's Network (NIRWN) successfully secured a three year Strategic Partnership project within the Reconciliation Fund in 2022-23, which was developed further in 2023-24. The project is a three year capacity building and advocacy programme, which during the year focused on capacity building. developing links with grassroots women and initiating a toolkit, which will be the key deliverable from the project. Women's Platform takes a project coordination and financial management role within the project, which is delivered by two part time project Coordinators employed through project partners WRDA and NIRWN. During the year, Women's Platform led strategic development and monitoring of the project, and also contributed concrete operational support to project coordinators, in particular in relation to managing budgets and timelines. During the year, there was an emphasi8 on developing clear needs and priorities to set a framework for the toolkit, along with outre8ch to new grassroots groups and enabling women new to the issues to build confidence in sharing their views, voices and stories. Women's Platform coordinated strategic and operational planning, and assisted project coordinators in developing operational action plarns. The organisation also took lead in engaging with an longitudinal evaluator and implementing action to address recommendations from the first interim report, as well as engaging with the funder and reporting on progress. The project enabled development of further strong links with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, and has identified a significanl demand for skill building on women, peace and security in Northern Ireland. Plans for Year 3 were developed on the basis of an interim in year evaluation and focus on delivering a toolkit, including securing resources for a digital version of the toolkit, identified as a core need by project participants. and advoca Women's Platform remains an active member of the Nl Women's Policy Group and worked closely with the Women's Sector Lobbyist to develop advocacy for gender equality in policy and decision makingi including development of the APG on UNSCR 1325, Women, Peace and Security. In 2023-24, this focused on strengthening the international human rights element in sectoral policy submissions, and Women's Platform became established as the go-to organisation on international human rights standards, as well a8 the key source of Information and expertlse on good practice from internation81 networks, wilh the lortnightly newsletter playing 8 key role in buildlng sector capauty on key Internalional issues and events relevant to gender equality, as well as good practice. This contributed to stronger, more effective and streamlined policy submissions, which focused on the impact of budget cuts on women, violence against women and girls, as well as submissions to the UK House of Commons and House of Lords on consultations primarily exploring post Brexit arrangements. This also included representing a gender equality perspective in direct engagement wilh political decision makers, including the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland as well as the five main parties in Northern Ireland. Evidence shared by Women's Platform was highlighted within the draft Ending Violence against Women and Girls strategy that was published for consultation in July 2023, which also incorporated inlernational human rights standards within ils core framework. Women's Platform is also an active member of Nl Women's Budget group and participates in Reclaim the Agenda. Through securing funding for strengthening communications with members and partners, Women's Platform is currently focusing on strengthening information sharing and capacity building to the wider sector in Northern Ireland. In 2023-24, there was a focus on strengthening the organisation's social media presence, which positively contributed to visibility and engagement with new stakeholders.
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD {Private company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Comm ni Through a grant from Dormant Accounts Fund Nl, Women's Platform secured resourcing in 2022 to invest in developing communications of the organisation, which has been identified as a priority to strengthen engagement with and support to members and partners, and also support recruitment of members. This work in 2023-24 focused on exploring core priorities, including identifying key audiences, key messages and clarifying communications needs. It also identified a need to strengthen social media presence as a meGhanism for increasing membership, and this was a focus particular in quarter 3. Intensified and refined soGial media presence, including a new Instagram account, contributed to increasing recognition of the organisation and identified key areas of development needed lo engage new members and stakeholders, in particular young women as an underrepresented group in the organisation's activities. Ex Working practice5 in 2023-24 were increasingly in line with pre pandemic practice, with in person rneetings the norm in particular for engagement with grassrools women. However, Women's Platform has embedded a culture of hybrid working, with a view to maximising efficiency and capacity of the organisation. It is anticipated that hybrid working is retained as the normalised practice, with remote working the norm during quieter periods, but in person delivery and engagement priorilised within projects. Women's Platform moved to remote working in March 2020 and was able to continue delivery of the strategic and operational plan with relatively limited restrictions. Arrangements were put in place to meet organisational policies and procedures, in particular regarding information and data security. Learning from this process highlighted the value of flexible working and the increased access to international networks through online platforms, and this has fundamentally shaped the organisation's work for the long terrn. As the core link between the sector in Northern Ireland and the intemation81 level, Women's Platform values Ihe flexibility and accessibility provided by virtual platforms, with the majority of events retained online to secure access for the widest number of people, and enable engagement with experts and stakeholders internationally as well as IoGally, This received posilive feedback in particular from rural stakeholders, for whom access remained difficult in particular due lo the cost of living crisis, which increased travel and transport costs significantly. International networking has now been embedded in organisational practice, and is strengthening the organisation's capacity to suppori the sector significantly. Publlc beneflt The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to guidance produced by the Charity Commission regarding Public Benefit. DErectors The following constituted the directors of Women's Platform as of 31 March 2024.. Louise Coyle Emma Osborne Anne Mcvicker Jeanette Thornton Karen Devlin Alexandra Brennan Naomi English Chair Vice Chair Company Secretary Treasurer European Women's Lobby representative Member Member (elected 18 October 2023)
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Aislinn Fanning Siobhan Harding Alexa Moore Maxine Murphy-Higgins Beverly Simpson Member (elected 18 October 2023) Member Member Member (elected 18 October 2023) Member (elected 18 October 2023) ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE FINANCIAL REVIEW Financlal Posltion The detailed financial results for the year ended 31 March 2024 are shown on the financial statemenls, which accompany this report. During the year, Women's Platform successfully delivered on all of its three existing grants, including the core grant from Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, which secured the organisalion for 2022-25. In March 2024, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust also confirmed a cost of living increase in light of increased costs in 2024, which contributes to securing the organisation throughout the core grant period. Work was initiated on a new core grant to ensure organisational sustainability. Wornen's Platform also secured a second installment of a three year grant from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, as one of the Strategic Partnerships under its Reconciliation Fund. This project is a consortium with Northern Ireland Rural Women's Network, Women's Resource and Development Agency and Women's Support Network, and enables supporting two part time staff embedded within WRDA and NIRWN. with overall project management and financial oversight provided by Women's Platform, subject to minimal core costs for this function, which contribute lo securing the organisation and add to overall sustainability of the organisation. The project follow8 impactfLII delivery by Vvomen's Platform on initiatives promoting the women, peace and security agenda over the long term, and highlights the value funders place in the organisation as a coordination for cross sectoral action. The project is progressing well and the funder has indicated strong interest in its outcomes, which indicates a positive Starting point for the future. I n addition, the project is strengthening the organisation's skills and capacity in consortium working, which are likely to be important In future fundraising in light of the tightening financial environment. In May 2022, Women's Platform secured a two year grant from the Dormant Accounts Fund Northern Ireland to develop communications and enable the organisation to act as an effective support to members and the wider women's sector on international human rights frameworks and internalional good practice. The grant provides funding for an external communications consultant to lead on communications development, along with funding for communications deliverables. There was an underspend on this project in 2023-24 due to limitalions in the capacity of the contraclor, which were outside the control of Women's Platform; permission from the funder to reprofile this was sought and granted, with the project extended lo June 2025. This delay also enabled more detailed consideration of needs and priorities, and as 8 result, the reprofiled budget will support a more precise and detailed operational plan, which is focused on meeting specific information needs in the wider sector and thus slrengthen the organisation's role within the sector. This, in turn, will allow for more effective outreach to existing and potential members and will, in extension, strengthen the organisation's capacity to sustain and strenglhen operations beyond 2025. Reserves Policy Women's Platform maintains a prudent level of reserves to enable the organisalion to deliver the strategic plan. The objective is that the organisation would be able to carry on its work, even if faced with a Combination of difficult circumstances, and have the lime to adjust ils strategy to
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD Iprivate company limited by gua rantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 meet these changing circumstances. The Committee will continue lo monitor compliance with this policy on an annual basis and is actively working to identify funding opportunities that will secure a level of reserves identified as appropriate, while strengthening the organisation's financial resilience as well as its ability to capitalise on opportunities that may arise beyond the core strategic plan. In 2023-24, a decision was rnade to utilise a proportion of available reserves to support a delegation of two representatives to the UN Commission on the Slalus of Women conference in New York. The trustees undertook a feasibility assessment against a detailed business case setting out a strictly managed budget for this, and determined that authorising this expenditure was prudent and relevant in relation to delivering the strategic plan, specifically in relation to strengthening the organisation's international profile and its capacily to act as a plafform for women in Northern Ireland at the international level. A fundraising strategy will be developed in 2024-25 with a focus on increasing unrestricted income and enable conservative development of reserves to account for this investment. The trustees in their risk assessment ensured that reserves remain at an acceptable level to meet any unexpected circumstances, FINANCIAL REVIEW Princlpal Rlsks & Uncertainties Rlsk Pollcy and Intgrnal Control Framework Women's Platform has put in place a risk management process, which seek8 to ensure that the organisation is able to operate effectively in all circumstances. The Committee has primary responsibility for risk management and is undertaking annual risk review with a view to strengthening organisational resilience and ability to effectively monitor, prepare for and react to the main strategic, business and operational risks facing the organisation, Women's Platform has reviewed and updated a risk review, informed by learning from the Covid- 19 Cflsls, and put in place measures to safeguard the organisation. With 8 core grant in place for 2022-25 and sustained core project funding in place through the Reconciliation Fund granl, the organisation is financially stable and focusing on revenue funding in line wilh the strategic plan. Financial Stablllty The Trustees deem the organisation to be financially stable and a going concern in Ihe current circumstance, with the three year core cost grant from Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust in place until 2022-25 and sustainable funding for core projects in place until June 2025. The additional Reconciliation Fund Strategic Partnership granl, while shared with consortium members who will carry out the majority of concrete work, confirms the role of the organisation within the women's sector and wider civil society in Northern Ireland, and provides a good basis for further developing relationships with the Irish government as a major current funder of activities relevant to the women's sector, as well as identifying additional revenue funding Opportunities. The Committee has for several years involved a finance sub group to oversee long term financial planning, scrutinise financial management of the organisation and review budgets on an ongoing basis, which also scrutinises governance arrangements and legal compliance. The finance and governan sub group meels at least quarterly, running in tandem with Committee meetings to scrutinise finances and governance issues and provide recommendations regarding financial plannin9 and governance to the Committee. A strategy for ongoing monitorin9 of funding opportunities is in place, monitored by both the sub group and the Committee at each meeting, and a fundraising strategy will be developed in early 2024-25 to further slrengthen organisational resilien and stability.
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Governance and Management Women's Platform has governance structures and procedures in place to ensure appropriate decision making and implementation. The Committee is the governing body of the organisation and develops strategic plans on a three yearly basis, with annual review alongside ongoing monitoring of operational plans. The foous of review is to ensure the organisation is able to operate effectively in all circumstances, identify challenges at an early stage and develop a proactive as well as responsive approach to governance. Governance systems and procedures are reviewed on annual basis to ensure effective scrutiny as well as management of the organisation and compliance with legislation and regulations. In 2023-24, organisational policies were reviewed to ensure compliance with current legislation and good practice, and a number of policies were modernised, including financial procedures and the subsistence policy. Operatlonal and staff policies The personal security of staff and volunteers, as well as the safety of beneficiaries is of the highest priority for Women's Platform. The organisation has comprehensive policies on areas including Data Protection, Privacy and Health and Safety to ensure that this risk is appropriately managed and procedures are in place to monitor and ensure compliance. Clear line management arrangements and robust HR policies are also in place to safeguard staff and volunteers, as well as the organisation as a whole. A staff handbook, which Gomplements contractual obligations for staff and also covers key policies guiding volunteer conducl within the organisation, is in place and reviewed for compliance with legislation and relevance to good practice on an annual basis. Trustees have lead responsibility for monitoring operational delivery and reports on progress, a8 well as governance issues, are provided al each meeting. Informatlon Security and Continuity Women's Platform lakes data protection, privacy and data security seriously and has put in place policies and procedures designed to ensure a secure environment in relation to dala collation, processing and storage. It is dependent or) IT and communication systems for processing and storing data in order to operate effectively. To prevent disruption to operations due to damage to systems or unauthorised access to data Women's Platform has developed robust information and data security measures, which have been reviewed within the financial year in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Data security and effective data management was reviewed in 2023-24 and capacily building on privacy and security measures accessed to build organisational skills in this area. Women's Platform has also reviewed measures in place for remote working and is satisfied that arrangements are of a sufficienl standard and information is secure for permanent flexible and hybrid working. FINANCIAL REVIEW Compliance and Regulation Women's Platform lakes compliance with legislation and regulation very seriously and appreciates the significant damage to the organisation's reputation that could be caused due to non-compliance with legislation, regulations or codes of best practice. Women's Platform implements well-established policies and procedures and adheres to Ihe sector's recommended 10
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company li mited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 odes of practice (such as Statement of Recommended Practice - SORP) to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and legal standards. Environmental and External Risks Women's Platform monitors the external environment on an ongoing basis in order to anticipate political, social or economic risks, and undertakes regular review of plans in light of the changing context to ensure that plans can lake account of the external environment in a way that minimises any negative impact on organisational activities or the reputation of the Organisation. Strategic review was undertaken during the year in light of the cost of living crisis and tightening financial environment as well as the changing political context, including political uncertainty and ongoing development of post Brexit arrangements,. focus throughout the year was on adapting the operational plan to meet needs identified in order to ensure the relevance of the organisation within the women's sector, among members, and as a stakeholder in policy and decision making processes. This contributed to positioning the organisation within the seclor, and also enabled development of new working relationships with local stakeholders as well as officials in the UK and Irish governments. Engagement with members and partners has underlined that Women's Platform and its expertise, international experience and services are required over the longer term, and core activities during the year have demonstrated increased demand for seiCe8, underlining the relevance of the organisation in the current environment. The vital role of the organisation in sharing international level evidence and information wilh the wider women's seclor has continued to be highlighted, in particular through a developing role for the organisation as a conduit for the women's sector to strengthen advocacy on human rights, access international good practice and engage with UK, Ireland and EU level policy and decision makers. Financial and strateglc planning will remain focused on ensuring the long term sustainability of the organisation and will involve active identification of ways to ensLire sustainability in a changing environment. The consortium approach to the Reconciliation Fund grant is an example of this, and will assisl the organisation in positioning itself appropriately for the future and a likely tightening funding environment. FUTURE PLANS Planning for 2024-25 formed a key activity in late 2023-24 and plans include the following.. CEDAW Update marketing of training portfolio on CEDAW Build capacity on CEDAW and reporting process among members and stakeholders as part of outreach designed to build membership Undertake evidence gathering for CEDAW shadow reporting Prepare initial CEDAW shadow report Develop four nations report with UK sister organisations Continue strengthening relalionships with policy and decision makers and understanding of international obligations within CEDAW Engage with policy and decision makers to strengthen inclusion and implementation of CEDAW and wider international human rights standards as core principles of decision making
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRU5TEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 MARCH 2024 Coordinate women's civil society response to other international hLrman right8 processes relevant to human rights, eg. through organising eventls lo publicise findings of GREVIO assessmenl of the UK under the Istanbul Convention csw Secura resources for women's sector delegation to Stlend CSW69 in person Deliver CSW training programme to strengthen capacity on CSW in the sector Support women's sector participation in CSW69 Submil a statement to CSW69 Identify opportunities for strengthened engagement with CSW by both civil society and officials in Northern Ireland Engage with policy and decision makers at local and national level to highlight learning from CSW and advocating for use of international evidence and good practice in decision making Explore mechanisms to participate in wider UN mechanisms for women's rights Participation in CSW69 Contribution to the UK Women's Civil Society Alliance Women, Peace and Security Continue to act as secretariat to the Northern Ireland Assembly All Party Group on UN Security Council Resolution 1325, Women, Peace and Security Strengthen the All Party Group as a platform for grassroots women to engage with policy and decision making Build the role of the APG as a mechanism for bringing women's priorities into policy making debate Lead management and coordinate as well as monitor delivery of Women's Spaces project as Reconciliation Fund Strategic Partnership lead partner Develop organisational work and capacity on engaging young women on peacebuilding Develop capacity building resources on UNSCR 1325 for members, stakeholders and policy makers Explore mechanisms to strengthen international networking on women, peace and security PartiGipate in relevant national level networks, including the UK wide Gender Action for Peace and Security network IGAPSI Local, national and international collaboration Continue to strengthen role wlthin Women's Policy Group as lead on international hum8n rights mechanisms Prioritise outreach to group8 underrepresented in current projecls and membership Strengthen support to sector through improved communication and information sharing Review UKJCW and develop effective four nations collaboration mechanisms Engage in UKJCW to ensure effective four nations collaboration Contribute to development of shared working across the UK Strengthen collaboration at European level with a view to developing new relationships in a post Brexit setting Develop project relevant collaboration with women's organisations in Ireland 12
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private com pany limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 Continue participation in local working groups and networks relevant to gender equality and human rights, including Nl Women's Budget Group, Reclaim the Agenda and Nl Human Rights Consortium Strengthen engagement in international networks relevant to gender equalily Communications Develop clear communications development plan with Communications contractor Develop website as information resource Continue delivery of fortnightly newsletter Develop information resources on human rights mechanisms and core women's rights mechanisms Continue strengthening social media identity and presence Organlsational development Prioritise outreach and extensive engagemenl with members and potential members to increase membership and relevant offer to members Strengthen diversity and intersectional practice in organisational structur8S Undertake Committee skills and needs audit Undertake member survey to support strategic review and preparation of new core grant application Dev81op initiatives with young women and minoritised women in line with identified needs Develop Committee as effective and diverse governing body Continuing Trustee development as part of ongoing governance development Develop new core grant application and strategic plan for 2025-28 Monitor and identify additional funding opportunities in line with funding strategy Monitor finances and ensure high quality financial management arrangements 13
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by Euarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Governing Document The charity is controlled by Articles of Association, and constitutes a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006. The Articles ofAssocialion were updated in 2021 and are reviewed annually to ensure ongoing relevance and compliance of activities with the Articles. Governance of the Organlsatlon The Committee of Women's Platform is the governing body of the organisation and meets bimonlhly. It is responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation and oversees the management of the organisation. Delivery of the strategic plan and day to day management of operational activities is carried out by the Director, under supeNision of and accountable lo the Committee. The Director prepares reports in advance of each Cornmitlee meeling and performance is managed through bimonthly supervision meetings, Committee members are appointed according to the specific skills required by the Organisation to fulfil its responsibilities as outlined in its Strategic Plan and are ratified at the AGM. Committee members are nominated by organisations who are full members of Women's Platform and are elected at the Annual General Meeting for a two year period. Office bearers are elected by the Committee from within its number for a two year period, with clear limits lo mandates set in the Articles of Association, In addition, the Committee is entitled to co-opt a limited number of Committee members, Four new members from diverse backgrounds were elected in 2023, and will serve over the years 2024 and 2025, while elections for up to 10 additional members will take place as part of the AGM 2024 process. Committee development and training needs are being monitored on an ongoing basig and strategiG development sessions are being integrated into the Committee meeting calendar from the beginning of 2024-25. Support needs of Committee members will be reviewed and relevant measures Put in place to safeguard and strengthen the effectiveness, integrity and expertise of the Committee. Full membership of Women's Platform is open Lo organisations who work primarily or exclusively with women, and full members are entitled to nominate Committee members and vote at Women's Platform general meeting5. In addition, Women's Platform offers associate membership to orgaiiisations who work with women a8 one client group, and to any interested woman as an individual member. Associate and individual members ar& entitled to attend and speak at general rneetings but are not entitled to vote. Membership of Women's Platform is restricted to women aged 16 and over in line with the objects of Women's Platform, which are focused on advancing equality and human rights for women and girls, and promoting equality. diversity and community development. 14
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Company number N1041273 (Northern Ireland) Registered with Charlty Commisslon for Northern Ireland NIC108453 Recognlsed by HMRC as a charity for tax purposes N101117 Reglstered Off Ice 6 Mount Charles Belfast Co. Anlrim BT71NZ Trustees as at 31 March 2024 Louise Coyle Emma Osborne Chair Vice Chair Anne Mcvicker Jeanetle Thornton Karen Devlin Secretary Treasurer European Women's Lobby representative Alexandra Brennan Naomi En91ish Ai51inn Fanning Siobhan Harding Alexa Moore Maxine Murphy-Higgins Beverly Simpson Member Member (elected 18 October 2023} Member (elected 18 October 2023) Member Member Member (elected 18 October 2023) Member {elecled 18 October 20231 Company Secretary Anne Mcvicker 15
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD I Private company limited by guarantee without Share capital} TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES The Trustees (who are also the directors of Women's Platform Limited for the purposes of company law) are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial slatements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required lo select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP., make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent., prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charitable company will continue in business. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy al any time the financial position of the charitable company and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Aci 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. In so far as the Trustees ar8 aware.. there is no relevant audil information of which the independent examiner undertaking the charitable company's examination is unaware., and the Trustees have taken all steps that they ought lo have taken to make themselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the independent examiner undertaking the charitable company's examination is aware of that information, 16
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantee without share capital> TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 SCRUTINY OF ACCOUNTS As the organisation's current turnover is under £250,000, current charity legislation allows for independent examination to scrutinise accounts. The decision to undertake independent examination of aGcounts in 2019-20 was ratified al the AGM 2018 and further confirmed at the AGM 2019. This report has been prepared in accordance wilh the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. 30 Anne McViGker Company Secretary Date 17
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by 8uar3ntce without share capitall TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD I report on the financial statement5 Qf the company for the year ended 31 March 2024 wliich are set out on page5 20 and 21. This report is made solely to the company's Trustees, 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 50 that I might state to the company's Trustee5 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 assu me respon5ibllity to anyone other than the company and the company's Trustees as a body, for my work of this report. Respertlve responslbllltles of trustees and examlner As the company's Trustees land a150 the directors of the company for the purp05e of company lawl you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirments of the Compa nie5 Act 2006. Havirig Satisfied myself that the company is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligable for Independant examination. It is my responslbility to: exarnine the accounts under section 65 of the Charitles Act follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Commisslon 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 my examination was carried out In accordance with the general directions glven by the Charlty Commission for Northern Ireldnd under soction 65{9llbl of the Charities Act. My examination included a review of tlie accounting record5 kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It was also included consideration of any unusual item5 or disc105ures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matter5. Independent examiner's statement My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to belleve: That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 63 of the Charities Act That the dccounts do not accord with those accountin8 records That the accou nts do not comply with the accou nting requirement5 of the Charities Act That there is f u rther information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 18
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD IPrivate company limited by guarantee without share capitall TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters111 to141 Ilsted above and, in connection with following the directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that requi re drawing to your atlention. Tony Clarke 53 Andersonstown Road Belf ast BTII 9AG Date: 19
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD Iprlvate company limited by guarantec without Share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OR THEYEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Yearto Year to Unrestricted Restricted 31-Mar-24 31-Mar-23 Funds Funds TOTAL TOTAL Note Income from: Donations and Le8acies'. Charita ble Activitie5: Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust DFA Reconciliation Fund Dcrmant Accounts Nl Engender 114 of UK EWL Membership General Interost 51,667 82,583 18,832 51,667 82,583 18,832 53,761 80,960 9,416 660 438 195 .945 233 8,945 233 Total Income 9,178 153,082 162,260 145,430 Expendlture on; Charitable Activities 3,793 127,247 131,040 120,588 Total Expendlture: 3,793 127,247 131,040 120,588 Net Income/lexpenditurel 5,385 25,835 31,220 24,843 Transfers between funds Net movement In funds 5,385 25,835 Total funds brought forward li 10,537 36,541 47,077 22,234 Total funds carried forward li 15,922 62,376 78,297 47,077 The statement of f inancial activities includ es all gains and losse5 recognised in the year. All i ncoming resources and resource5 expended derive f rom continuing activititts. The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and experiditure account under the Companies Act 2006. The notes on page 22 to 28 form an integral part of these accounts 20
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 BALANCE SHEET As at 31 March 2024 Note Fixed Asset5 Tangible Assets Current Assets Debtors Cash at bank 78,537 78,537 55,317 55,317 Liabilitles Creditors., amounts lallln8diie wlthln one y?ar 240 Net Current Assets Net assets 78,297 47,077 Funds Restricted Unrestricted 62,376 15,922 36,541 10,537 TOTAL FUNDS li 47,077 The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the year ended 3 1 March 2024. Thc trustees acknowledge Ihoir respon5ibilitics for ensuring that the charity keeps accounting records whlch comply with section 386 of the Act and for preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the Ènd of the financlal year and of its incoming resource5 and application of resources, Including its income and expenditure, for the financial year In accordance with the requirements of sections 394 and 395 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far a5 applicable to the company. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year In question in accordance with section 476. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the provi5i0ns appllcable to com panies subject to the small companies regime. The financlal statements were approved by the board directors on on thelr b half bv.. ) ..Q.(+0ty£s Zill I nd were signed Anne Mcvicker Company Secretary The notes on page 22 to 28 form an integral part of these accounts 21
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Prlvate company limited by guarantee without share capit311 TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ÉNDED 31 MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS l Accountin8 policies Charlty Information Womens Platform Ltd is a private company li mited by gua rantee incorporated in Northern Ireland. The registered office is: 6 Mount Cha rle5, Belfast, BT71 NZ 1.1 Accountlng conventlon The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Companie5 Act 2006 and "Accounting and Reportinll by Charitie5'. Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities prepa ring their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland IFRS 1021 las amended for accounting periods commencing from l January 2019}. The charity is a Publi¢ Benef it Entity as defined by FRS 102. The charity has taken advantage of the provlslons in the SORP fL)r charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin I not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows. The f inancial Statements are prepared in sterling, which is the f unctional currency of the charitv. Monetary amounts i n those f inancial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The financial statemer)ts Iiave been prepared under the hlstorical c05t convention, modified to Include the revaluation of f reehold properties and to include investment properties aTid certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below. 1.2 Golng concern At the time of approving the f i nancial statements, the trustees have a rea50na ble expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basls of accounting in preparing the f inancial stdtement5. 1.3 Charitable funds Unrestricted fund5 are avai lable for use at the discretion of the trustee5 in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the f unds have been designated for other purposes. Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. 1.4 Incoming resources Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured rel iably, and it is probable that income will be received. 22
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD IPrivate company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED... 1.4 Incoming resour¢es {continued) Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once tho charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax rocoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of tho donation. Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and reprcsents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes. 1.5 Resources expended Liabilities are recognised as expenditure a5 soon as there is a legal or constructlve obligation committing the charity to that expenditu re, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits wlll be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measure rellablv. Exponditure is accounted for on an accrua15 basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. The charlty 55 b?.low the charity audit thre.shold and thorefore is exempt f rom reportlng expenditure on an activity basis. The charity has opted to report by the nature of expenditure rather than on an activity basis. 1.6 Tanglble fixed assets Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment1055es. Depreciation is recognised so as to wrlte off the cost or valuation of asset5 le55 their residual Vdlues over their useful Ilves on the followlng bases: Fixtures and Fittings 15% on cost Computers 20% on cost 1.7 Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalent5 include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowing5 in current liabilities. 1.8 Financial Instruments The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Sectiori 11 'Basic Financial Instruments, and Section 12'0ther Financial lnstrumo.nts Issues, of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instrument5 aro recognised in the charity's balance Sheet when the charity become5 party to contractual provisions of the instru ment. Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there 15 an intention to settle on a net basis or to reali5e the asset and settle the liability simultaneously 23
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD IPr5vate company limited by guarantee withc>ut share capilall TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNT5 CONTINUED... 1.9 Basic financial assets Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price includi ng transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost Using the effective intero5t method unless the arrangement constitutes a f inancing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not a mortised. 1.10 Basic financlal Ilabllltles Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arra ngement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the f uture payments discou nted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabil itios classified as payable within one year are not amortisod. Debt Instruments are subsequontly carried at amortised c05t, using the effective interest rate method. Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or Services that have becn acqu5red in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable aro classif led as current Ilabilities If payment is due witl)in one year or loss. If not, they are presented as non.¢urrent liabilities. Trade creditors are reco8nised inltially at transaction price and subsequcntly measured at arnortised cost using the effective interest method. 1.11 Derecognltion of f inancial liabilities Financial liabilities are dereco8nised when the charity'5 contractual ubl igations expire or are discharged or cancelled. 1.12 Employee benefits The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which tho employee's services are received. Termination benefits are recogni5ed immediately as an expense when tho charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefit5. 1.13 Critical accounting estlrnates and Judgements In the appllcation of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are requ ired to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carryinB amou nt of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assu mptions are based on historical experience a nd other factors that are considerod to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates. The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongolng basis. Revision5 to accounting estimates are recogni5ed in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects on ly that peri od, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current arsd future periods. 24
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD IPrivate company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED... 2024 2023 Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds TOTAL TOTAL Donations Totals 2024 Totals 2023 2024 2023 Unrestrlcted Funds Restrlcted Funds TOTAL TOTAL Joseph Rowrstree Charitable Trust DFA Reconciliation Fund Dorrriant AcLounts Nl Engender 114 of UK EWL Membership General I nterest Totals 2024 51,667 82,583 18,832 51,667 82,583 18,832 53,761 80,960 9,416 660 438 195 145 430 8,945 233 8,945 233 153,082 162,260 Totals 2023 633 144 797 145,430 Cos Number 2024 2023 Gross Wage5 and Salaries 41,006 41,006 42,636 No employee received emoluments of more than £60,00012023: Nil) The average monthly number of employees d uri ng the yoar, calculated on the basis of full time equivalents, was as follows: 2024 Number 2023 Number 25
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD IPrivate company limited by guarantee without share capital) TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED... ndltur 2024 2023 Charitable Activities Unrestricted Funds Restrlcted Funds TOTAL TOTAL Salary Costs Staff travel Telecoms 42,636 216 1,400 3,025 1,041 70 1,333 42,636 216 41,006 787 1,256 3,300 981 61 1,474 120 736 1,440 2,772 5,093 60,557 234 1,400 3,025 1,041 70 1,333 Rent Insurance Bank Fees Accountancy Stationerv Hospitality New Identity Project Costs UNSCR 1325 Project Women's Space5 DFA Rec Fund IT & Comms Equipment CSW Expenses Dormant Accounts Nl Totals 2024 44 792 792 72,658 72,658 3,793 3,793 4,031 127,247 131040 770 120 588 3,793 Totals 2023 120,588 120 588 6 Related art trans ctlo There were payments to orF.ani53tions whlch two of the Commlttee members In 2023-24 were relatod to. Committee members are elected in an i ndividual capacity, but Louise Coyle is related to Northern Ireldnd Rural Women's Network and Anne Mcvicker is related to Women'5 Resource and Development Agency through their paid employment. The conflict of interest is recorded at the beginn ing of each Committee meeting, and the relevant Committee members do not participate in strategic, Committee level decision making on the relevant project. Additional scrutiny by the Comm ittee is in place for this. The payments related to Women's Spaces, a consortium project Women's Platform is leading with NIRWN, WRDA and Women's Support Network as partners. This project is reported on within the Trustee's report, and payments relate to salaries to two part time project staff, one of whom is located within NIRWN and another with WRDA, as wel5 a5 project running cost5 to these two project partners. Women's Support Network a Iso receives running costs as a supporting partner. The consortiu m arrangement has been in place f rom project inception and application to the Irish government Reconciliation Fu nd, who f unds thi5 project, and full project reporting is available from 2022-23. 26
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private Company limited by guarantee without share capitall TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 NOTE5 TO THE ACCOUNTS CONTINUED... ted art ns ctio ntin The role of Women's Platform in th 15 project is to act as f inancial manager, and the prolect funds are budgeted overarchingly for Salaries and project Costs, In agreement with the f under. The net benefit to Women's Platform is running costs of £5,000 and a core costs payment of £3,000. Women's Platform also rents office space from Women's Resource and Development Agency, at a cost of £3,300 per annum. This is regulated through a tenancy agreement. esr nses During the year, no Trustees received any remuneration12023 £NILI. During the year, no TrustL¥es received any benef its in kind12023 - £NI LI. During the year, no Trustees received a ny relmbursement of expen5e512023 - ENILI. 2024 2023 Trade Debtors Prepayments 9 Inde end nt exa Iner's r eratlon The independent Examiner's remuncration amounts to an Independent Examination fee of £240 12023 £2401 10 Creditors.. amounts falllng due within one year 2024 2023 Accruals & Deferred Income Other Creditors 210 240 8,240 8.240 27
WOMEN'S PLATFORM LTD (Private company limitvd by guar2nlÈè without share capltall TRUSTEES, REPORT AND FINANCSAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024 li un Balance at l April 2023 Balance at 31 March 2024 Income Expend iture Transfer in/out Restrl ted Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust DFA Reconciliation Fund DFA Reconcilliatiation Engender 114 of UK EWL Membershi Dormant Accounts Nl The National Lottery Fund Total restricted f unds 8,871 15871 20,403 660 8,646 {1,393 36,601 51,667 150,5581 179 587 10,160 82,583 172,6581 30,328 {6601 18,832 14,03 11 23,447 1,393 1.499 153,082 (127,247) 63,935 Unres Unrestricted funds Total Unrestrlcted funds 10,476 10,476 9,178 9,178 3,793 13,793) {1,4991 14,362 14,362 Total of funds- current year 47,077 162,260 131,040 78,297 12 toff Balance at l April 2022 9,903 12,391 22,294 rransfer in/out Balance at 31 March 2023 10,476 36,601 47,077 Income Expenditure Total unrestricted f unds Total restricted f unds Total of funds- prlor year 633 144,797 145,430 1601 120,5881 120,6481 28