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2024-12-31-accounts

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland)

Annual Report and Accounts 2024

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Contents

Trustees’ report ............................................................................................................................................................ 3 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3 Objectives and activities for the public benefit ............................................................................................... 3 Review of 2024 objectives ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Staff and volunteers ................................................................................................................................................ 7 Plans for future periods .......................................................................................................................................... 8 Financial review ........................................................................................................................................................ 8 Reserves policy ........................................................................................................................................................ 9 Our organisation ...................................................................................................................................................... 9 Statement of trustees’ responsibilities………………...………………………………………..…………..……..….. 13 Independent auditor’s report………………………….…………………….……………..…………………….. 14 Statement of financial activities……………………...…………………………………..…………………..….. 18 Balance sheet.………………………………………………………………………………………………......….. 19 Notes to the financial statements………………….….……………………………………………..………….. 20

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Trustees’ report

(Incorporating a strategic and annual report)

The trustees are pleased to present their annual report and audited financial statements of Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) for the year ended 31 December 2024.

Overview

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) was initially known as Concern Worldwide (UK) until January 1, 2004, when it changed its name. On this date, Concern Worldwide (UK) became the sole member of Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) and assumed control of its assets, activities, and liabilities.

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) remained dormant from 2004 until February 2019. In March 2019, a new agreement was made between Concern (UK) and Concern (NI), where Concern (NI) took over the retail activities in Northern Ireland, specifically managing charity shops, while Concern (UK) provided oversight and administrative support to these activities. No assets or liabilities were transferred from Concern (UK) to Concern (NI).

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland), (‘Concern (NI)’), company number NI019332, is a limited company by guarantee, of which the sole member is Concern Worldwide (UK) (‘Concern (UK)’).

Concern (NI) is registered as a charity with Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (charity number NIC108592).

Concern (UK) is a limited company by guarantee, (company number 4323646) and a registered charity in England and Wales (Registered Number 1092236) and in Scotland (registered Number SCO38107) and its sole member is Concern Worldwide.

Objectives and activities for the public benefit

The Charity’s objectives are:

Working towards the elimination of poverty in the world’s poorest countries and regions, the relief of people in need of humanitarian assistance, and to support the work of Concern (UK) in furtherance of its charitable purposes.

The beneficiaries of our work are people in the poorest communities and in need of humanitarian assistance who receive support and aid through the relief and development programmes of Concern Worldwide.

Concern (NI) carries out these objectives by:

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the aims and objectives of Concern (NI) and in planning future activities.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

The funds raised by Concern (NI) are in support of the shared mission of Concern (NI) and Concern (UK) and funds transferred to Concern (UK) are in support of: -

The direct benefits which flow from this include giving people living in extreme poverty the tools to ensure they are able to earn a sustainable living, helping them to learn new skills, improve the productivity and nutritional value of their crops and set up small businesses to generate more income.

The direct benefits of Concern Worldwide’s work include the provision of emergency aid, such as life-saving nutrition, access to clean water, and essential hygiene and health services for acutely malnourished children.

These benefits are carefully tracked through the monitoring and evaluation of programmes, which involve both internal and external reviews. As part of its commitment to quality, Concern ensures that independent evaluations are conducted at the end of every overseas programme to assess the impact and effectiveness of the work.

Concern Worldwide recognises that there are risks of harm to staff and programme partners, especially in conflict zones, during humanitarian emergencies, or in areas prone to natural disasters. Concern (NI) Trustees are confident that Concern (UK) and the broader Concern Worldwide group have established appropriate policies and procedures to minimise and mitigate these risks. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of the programmes, which primarily support people living in extreme poverty or those needing emergency relief, outweigh any potential risks.

Furthermore, Concern (NI) assures that there is no private benefit derived from its charitable purposes, as all efforts are focused on supporting those in need.

Concern (NI)’s retail outlets also provide the following direct benefits to customers, stock donors and our volunteers:

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Strategic report: our work in 2024

Despite facing some challenges in 2024, such as the delayed opening of the Lisburn Road shop and staffing issues in the first half of the year, Concern (NI) achieved a 3% growth in gross income.

Our experience aligns with trends observed across the charity retail sector in the UK, where many organisations have faced similar challenges. Overall income results have been mixed, with many organisations reporting similar challenges. Key trends in 2024 included a rise in consumers holding onto higher-value items longer and an increase in selling goods directly on online platforms like eBay, Vinted, and Depop. However, Concern (NI) was fortunate to maintain strong donation volumes and quality, which helped mitigate potential negative impacts on income.

The sector also faced challenges such as lower rag prices, difficulties with staff and volunteer retention, and rising operational costs. Nevertheless, volunteer support has been exceptional, particularly at the four volunteer-led shops, which operate entirely on a volunteer basis yearround.

The Concern NI Board remained stable throughout the year, with one trustee stepping down in December (Ann O’Dwyer). Concern (NI) remains grateful for the ongoing dedication of all volunteers.

Looking ahead, Concern (NI) is committed to strengthening its retail operations, addressing the changing donation landscape, and ensuring volunteers continue to be at the heart of our work. In 2024 Concern (NI) operated eight retail shops, which are listed in Appendix 1.

Review of 2024 objectives

Our 2024 objectives and activities were:

To successfully operate our charity shops for the sale of donated and new stock to raise funds to support the work of Concern (UK), including to:

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Progress throughout 2024 :

• Open Lisburn Road shop

Staffing constraints and contractor timeline issues resulted in significant delays to the opening of Concern (NI)’s 8th charity shop, located on Belfast’s Lisburn Road. Initially scheduled and budgeted to open in March, the new boutique concept charity shop was ultimately opened in October 2024.

• Maximising Retail Gift Aid

The Retail Gift Aid scheme continued to operate and develop across all staff-managed shops, including those on Ormeau Road, Antrim Road, Andersonstown Road, and Lisburn Road in Belfast. Maximising Gift Aid income proved to be challenging in 2024, primarily due to staffing constraints and capacity issues during the first half of the year. As a result, the full potential for Gift Aid income was not realised, leading to a 16% decrease in total Gift Aid income compared to 2023. However, some gains were made in the second half of the year.

• Identify partnership opportunities for testing in 2025

As a result of the mid-term review of our strategy and recognizing resource constraints within the retail team, it was agreed that only a limited test of partnerships would be feasible before the end of the strategic plan period in 2025. In 2024, Concern (NI) secured a new retail partnership with Man1984, an independent retailer based in Northern Ireland. This partnership has been incredibly beneficial, contributing both high-quality donations and raising £10,000 in shop income through the new Lisburn Road Boutique Charity shop.

• Explore opportunities for testing online sales in 2025

In 2024, Concern (NI) did not test any new digital sales channels or platforms. However, there are plans to identify and test at least one new digital sales channel before the end of the strategic plan period in 2025.

• Growth in volunteer numbers

Concern (NI) has seen positive growth in volunteer numbers throughout 2024. With the addition of the new Lisburn Road shop, the total number of volunteers now stands at 135, marking a 13% increase compared to 2023.

• Staff and volunteer training

We have continued to support and train both staff and volunteer teams to ensure compliance with policies and procedures, while also empowering them to deliver excellent experience for donors and customers.

• Secure a new site for shop 9 with the aim of opening in Q4 2024 / early 2025

Plans to identify and secure a new site have been delayed due to the late opening of the 8th shop. Work on identifying a new site will now begin in Q2 of 2025.

Concern (UK) fundraising support

During 2024, the shops supported Concern (UK)’s fundraising campaigns and appeals.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

In 2024 our Concern shops have been active in facilitating fundraising support for the DEC Middle East Humanitarian Appeal. Concern is working with our international NGO partner, CESVI to deliver life-saving aid in Gaza. CESVI have reached almost 180,000 people through water trucking and have rehabilitated waste facilities reaching over 36,000 people. They are also working to supply therapeutic food for malnourished children.

Staff and volunteers

The retail operations are managed by the Retail Development Manager, under the direction of the Northern Ireland Director, who is employed by Concern (UK).

Volunteers play a crucial role in a variety of areas, including sorting donated stock, pricing goods, merchandising, creating window displays, providing customer service, serving on shop committees, and contributing to the Concern (NI) Board. We deeply appreciate the ongoing support and dedication of all our shop and Board volunteers.

Shop volunteers have the opportunity specialise in specific tasks, enabling them to develop or refine skills in areas like merchandising, stock control, and finance. The commitment and hard work of our volunteers are essential to the operation of our shops, and without them, these shops would not be able to function.

The volunteer numbers increased by 13% in 2024.

Shop No. of volunteers
2024		 No. of volunteers
2023
Ballycastle 27 26
Derry 23 22
Holywood 32 27
Newcastle 20 17
Ormeau Road 15 14
Antrim Road 7 7
Andersonstown Road 6 6
Lisburn Road 5 -
Total 135 119

In 2024, no new trustees were recruited to the Concern (NI) Board, which oversees retail operations. However, one trustee resigned at the end of the year. We are extremely grateful for the knowledge, skills, and expertise that our trustees contribute in fulfilling their governance and oversight responsibilities.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Plans for future periods

Our plans for 2025 include:

Work on identifying a new site for our 9[th] charity shop will commence in Q2 of 2025.

We will continue to provide ongoing training and support to all retail shop staff and volunteers involved in Gift Aid, with the goal of improving Gift Aid income in 2025.

We will continue to identify additional retail partnerships in 2025, aiming to increase income through quality stock donations and enhanced volunteer support.

We aim to increase volunteer numbers further in 2025 through focused recruitment campaigns and partnership activities. Additionally, the organisation plans to develop and deliver a new annual event to reward, recognize, and retain volunteers.

Financial review

The financial outcome for 2024 is set out in the Statement of Financial Activities on page 18.

In 2024, Concern (NI) raised a total income of £738,684 (2023: £715,112), which included Gift in Kind income of £104,832 (2023: £99,696). Trading income amounted to £609,064 (2023: £548,700), generated through the sale of donated goods (£598,653 in 2024 compared to £539,793 in 2023) and rag sales (£10,411 in 2024 compared to £8,907 in 2023). The charity also received cash donations from its supporters totalling £24,788 (2023: £66,716).

Total expenditure in 2024 was £737,384 (2023: £714,409). The cost of raising funds amounted to £530,384 (2023: £417,909), which includes £104,832 (2023: £99,696) from Gift in Kind and £415,351 (2023: £318,213) in costs incurred by the charity’s shops. The increase in costs compared to 2023 is primarily due to the operations of new shops opened in 2024 and 2023.

In 2024, Concern (NI) made a grant of £207,000 (2023: £296,500) to Concern (UK) in support of its charitable objectives.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Reserves policy

Concern (NI) and Concern (UK) have agreed to transfer any available profit each year as a grant to Concern (UK) in support of the overseas and development programmes of Concern Worldwide, which forms part of the overall Group reserves. In return, Concern (UK) has committed to supporting Concern (NI) in its retail activities, including providing sufficient working capital in the form of a loan, if necessary, to enable Concern (NI) to continue its retail operations. As a result, the reserves at 31 December 2024 have been kept at a minimal level to make the funds available to the Group, totalling £10,087 (as detailed in note 11 to the financial statements).

The Board is confident that the charity has sufficient resources to continue operating for the foreseeable future. As a result, the Board has adopted the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.

Our organisation

Legal structure

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland), (‘Concern (NI)’), company number NI019332 , is a limited company by guarantee, of which the sole member is Concern Worldwide (UK) (‘Concern (UK)’), and it operates retail shops as a charity (charity number NIC108592) to raise funds in furtherance of the shared mission of Concern (UK) and Concern (NI).

Concern (UK) is a limited company by guarantee, (company number 4323646) and a registered charity in England and Wales (Registered Number 1092236) and in Scotland (registered Number SCO38107) and its sole member is Concern Worldwide.

Governance

Trustees are recruited and appointed after consultation with the Board of Trustees of Concern (UK).

There are five Trustees of Concern (NI) (see page 12) and they attended four meetings during the year .

Risk management

Concern (NI) adheres to the policies and procedures of Concern (UK) (as agreed in the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organisations), and they are reviewed and updated as required by Concern (UK). These include policies addressing compliance with bribery, fraud, money-laundering and counter-terrorism laws and safeguarding as well as any other relevant legislation and regulations. Concern (UK) informs the Board of Concern (NI) of any issues involving funds provided by Concern (NI) to Concern (UK).

The Trustees of Concern (NI) receive reports allowing them to review and agree mitigating actions for major risks affecting the retail operations. Principal risks are reviewed by the Board, at least bi-annually and are identified below:

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Risk area and risk identified How risk is managed
Lack of trustee oversight of

CNI Retail Fundraising
Trustees do not have sufficient
oversight over the retail plans
or are unaware of all activities
undertaken, plans and targets
are unclear, performance is
inadequately monitored,
resulting in income shortfalls or
overspends and reputational
risk		 •The Trustees meet regularly (at least 3 times a year) to review and
discuss Concern (NI) strategy, plans, financial performance and risk
register.
Retail staff and volunteers
are not adequately

supervised
Trustees lack systems to
sufficiently monitor delegated
activities/ reporting procedures
are inadequate or unclear		 • Staff: The Trustees receive reports at each meeting, including
updates on staff issues (including proposals for any staff changes),
staff training and compliance.
• Volunteers: Trustees receive updates on our volunteer policy and
procedures, volunteer recruitment, volunteer numbers, training and
compliance.
Charity’s reputation, money

and other assets are not
properly protected
Insufficient consideration given
to potential reputational,
financial and asset risks
associated with Concern (NI)
retail activities or examples of
poor practice are undetected		 • The Trustees review retail activities on a rolling basis, including plans,
budgets, compliance and reputational risks.
• The Trustees approve all new shop proposals and review shop
performance at all lease break clauses, as required. Legal advice is
obtained on all new shop leases and new lease agreements are
reviewed and signed by a Concern (NI) Board Representative and
Concern (UK) Executive Director.
• Retail complaints log reviewed annually and complaints noted in the
Directors report for each full Board meeting.
Charity is a victim of error or
fraud causing financial and
reputational damage		 • Shop financial procedures are followed by staff and shop weekly
returns are monitored by our Supporter Care team.
• Annual External Audit includes Concern (NI) Retail operations and
our Concern Worldwide Internal Audit team audit retail every 3 years
(minimum), and recommendations are implemented.
Law and recognised

standards are not followed
Lack of adequate systems to
ensure that Retail staff are
aware of and comply with
regulatory and legal
obligations.		 • The Trustees are kept updated on changes in Charity Retail
legislation and Charity Retail Association (CRA) guidance through the
Board reports.
• The Risk Register is reviewed by the Trustees bi-annually updating
the Board on risk including, Health and Safety, Fire Risk,
Safeguarding,DataProtection.
Good governance standards
are not monitored or
implemented resulting in poor
governance and board
structure, policies and
procedures		 • A Governance health check is conducted every two years (using The
Code of Good Governance, Governance Health Check by the
Developing Governance Group). Following the Governance review,
an action plan is developed, approved and monitored by the Board to
ensure all recommendations are implemented.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024

Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Risk area and risk identified How risk is managed
Lack of openness and

accountability
Complaints procedure is not
followed efficiently		 • Complaints procedures are available to all staff, volunteers and
customers.
• The Supporter Care Manager oversees co-ordination and reporting of
all complaints received.
• Retail complaints log reviewed annually, and complaints noted in the
Directorsreportforeach full Boardmeeting.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Legal and administrative information

Trustees of the charity

The following were members of the Board of Trustees (and also Directors of Concern (NI) for company law purposes) at the date on which the Concern (NI) financial statements were approved:

Paul Artherton Tony McCusker (Chair) Marcella Monaghan Wesley Moody Ruairi Murray

Company secretary

Alison Bartholomew

Registered Office

47 Frederick Street, Belfast, BT1 2LW

Auditor

KPMG, Chartered Accountants, 1 Stokes Place, St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2

Legal Advisor

CMG Cunningham Dickey 18 May Street, Belfast, BT1 4NL

Banker

Bank of Ireland, Belfast City Branch, Belfast, BT1 2BA

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2024 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities in respect of the trustees’ report and the financial statements

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law they have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland as applied in accordance with the provisions of Companies Act 2006.

Under Company law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable Company and of its income and expenditure for that year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the Charitable Company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charitable Company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for such internal controls as they determine are necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and have general responsibility for taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Charitable Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

On behalf of the board

Tony McCusker 29 April 2025 Trustee

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Independent auditor's report to the members of Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland)

Report on the audit of the financial statements

We have audited the financial statements of Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) (“the charitable company”) for the year ended 31 December 2024, which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet and related notes, including the summary of significant accounting policies in note 1. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is UK Law and FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

In our opinion:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charitable company in accordance with ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of financial statements in the UK, including the Financial Reporting Council (FRC)’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

The trustees have prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis as they do not intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease its operations, and as they have concluded the charitable company’s financial position means that this is realistic. They have also concluded that there are no material uncertainties that could have cast significant doubt over its ability to continue as a going concern for at least a year from the date of approval of the financial statements (“the going concern period”).

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from the date when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

However, as we cannot predict all future events or conditions and as subsequent events may result in outcomes that are inconsistent with judgements that were reasonable at the time they were made, the above conclusions are not a guarantee that the charitable company will continue in operation.

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Report on the audit of the financial statements (continued)

Conclusions relating to going concern (continued)

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Detecting irregularities including fraud

We identified the areas of laws and regulations that could reasonably be expected to have a material effect on the financial statements and risks of material misstatement due to fraud, using our understanding of the entity's industry, regulatory environment and other external factors and inquiry with management.

In addition, our risk assessment procedures included: inquiring with management as to the charitable company’s policies and procedures regarding compliance with laws and regulations and prevention and detection of fraud; inquiring whether management has knowledge of any actual or suspected noncompliance with laws or regulations or alleged fraud; inspecting the charitable company’s regulatory and legal correspondence; and reading Board and Board committee minutes.

We discussed identified laws and regulations, fraud risk factors and the need to remain alert among the audit team.

The charitable company is subject to laws and regulations that directly affect the financial statements including companies and financial reporting legislation. We assessed the extent of compliance with these laws and regulations as part of our procedures on the related financial statement items, including assessing the financial statement disclosures and agreeing them to supporting documentation when necessary.

The charitable company is not subject to other laws and regulations where the consequences of noncompliance could have a material effect on amounts or disclosures in the financial statements.

We assessed events or conditions that could indicate an incentive or pressure to commit fraud or provide an opportunity to commit fraud. As required by auditing standards, we performed procedures to address the risk of management override of controls. On this audit we do not believe there is a fraud risk related to revenue recognition. We did not identify any additional fraud risks.

In response to risk of fraud, we also performed procedures including: identifying journal entries to test based on risk criteria and comparing the identified entries to supporting documentation; evaluating the business purpose of significant unusual transactions; assessing significant accounting estimates for bias; and assessing the disclosures in the financial statements.

Owing to the inherent limitations of an audit, there is an unavoidable risk that we may not have detected some material misstatements in the financial statements, even though we have properly planned and performed our audit in accordance with auditing standards. For example, the further removed noncompliance with laws and regulations (irregularities) is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely the inherently limited procedures required by auditing standards would identify it.

In addition, as with any audit, there remains a higher risk of non-detection of irregularities, as these may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal controls. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be expected to detect non-compliance with all laws and regulations.

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Report on the audit of the financial statements (continued)

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information presented in the annual report together with the financial statements. The other information comprises the information included in the trustees’ report, which constitutes the strategic report and the directors’ report. The financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon do not comprise part of the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, except as explicitly stated below, any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether, based on our financial statements audit work, the information therein is materially misstated or inconsistent with the financial statements or our audit knowledge. Based solely on that work we have not identified material misstatements in the other information.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

Based solely on our work on the other information undertaken during the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion:

We have nothing to report in these respects.

Respective responsibilities and restrictions on use

Responsibilities of trustees for the financial statements

As explained more fully in their statement set out on page 13, the trustees (who are also the directors of the charitable company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for: the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view; such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error; assessing the charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern; and using the going concern basis of accounting unless they either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud, other irregularities or error, and to issue an opinion in an auditor’s report. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but does not guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

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Respective responsibilities and restrictions on use (continued)

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements (continued)

Misstatements can arise from fraud, other irregularities or error and are considered material if, individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

A fuller description of our responsibilities is provided on the FRC’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities.

The purpose of our audit work and to whom we owe our responsibilities

This report is made solely to the charitable company's members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charitable company's members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charitable company and the charitable company’s members, as a body, for our audit work, for this report or for the opinions we have formed.

29 April 2025

Richard Hobson Senior Statutory Auditor for and on behalf of KPMG, Statutory Auditor, Chartered Accountants 1 Stokes Place, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2 Ireland

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland)

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2024

Notes
Income from:
Trading and other income
2
Total income
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
3
Charitable activities
3
Total expenditure
Net income for the year
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
11		 Restricted
Funds
Stg£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
Stg£
738,684
738,684
530,384
207,000
737,384
1,300
8,787
10,087		 Total
2024
Stg£
738,684
738,684
530,384
207,000
737,384
1,300
8,787
10,087		 Restricted
Funds
Stg£
21,926
21,926
-
21,926
21,926
-
-
-		 Unrestricted
Funds
Stg£
693,186
693,186
417,909
274,574
692,483
703
8,084
8,787		 Total
2023
Stg£
715,112
715,112
417,909
296,500
714,409
703
8,084
8,787

The company had no recognised gains and losses in the financial year or preceding year other than those dealt with in the Statement of Financial Activities.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
7
Total fixed assets
Current assets
Debtors and prepayments
8
Cash at bank and in hand
9
Total current assets
Creditors:amounts falling due
within one year
10
Net current liabilities
Total net assets
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds
11
Total charity funds		 2024
Stg£
99,819
99,819
54,404
512,223
566,627
(656,359)
(89,732)
10,087
10,087
10,087		 2023
Stg£
53,222
53,222
33,369
524,728
558,097
(602,532)
(44,435)
8,787
8,787
8,787

The accompanying notes on pages 20 to 28 form an integral part of these financial statements. These financial statements on pages 18 to 28 were approved by the Board of Trustees and were signed on its behalf by:

On behalf of the Board

Tony McCusker Trustee

29 April 2025

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements

1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in relation to the financial statements of Concern Worldwide Northern Ireland ("Concern (NI)").

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102), the UK Charities Act 2011 and the Companies Act 2006.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and on a going concern basis.

In the application of the accounting policies the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions and the most important area where judgment affects the financial statements and could impact the results of reported operations is listed in note 15.

Entity information

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) (“Concern (NI)”) is a company limited by guarantee registered in Northern Ireland (company number NI019332) and a registered charity (charity number NIC108592) with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. Concern Worldwide (UK) (“Concern (UK)”) is the sole member of Concern (NI), therefore, Concern (NI) is regarded as a subsidiary of Concern (UK). Concern (NI) meets the definition of a Public Benefit Entity under FRS 102. Concern (NI) is VAT registered, VAT Registration No. 318 9098 69.

Cash flow statement

Concern (NI), as a qualifying entity, has chosen to take the exemption allowed by FRS 102 from the requirements to produce a cash flow statement as part of its financial statements because the cash flows of Concern (NI) are included in the consolidated cash flow statement prepared by Concern (UK).

b) Income

Income in the statement of financial activities is recognised only when the charity is legally entitled to the income, the amounts involved can be measured with sufficient reliability and it is probable that the income will be received by Concern (NI).

Donations

This is income from the public and is recognised in the period in which the organisation is entitled to the resource, when receipt is probable and when the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. In the case of monetary donations from the public this income is recognised when the donations are received.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)

Retail income

Trading income includes retail income from the sale of donated goods through shops and online stores hosted by third parties. Income is recognised net of value added tax. Donated goods for resale are recognised within retail income when they are sold.

Other income

Other income includes bank interest and income arising from other sources, like government grants. It is recognised in the period in which it becomes receivable.

Gift in kind

Concern (NI) recognises volunteers support in running the shops and valued their contributions by estimating the cost that Concern (NI) would have incurred through employing additional staff if volunteers were not available to provide the service. The estimate is based on current market rate salaries of staff that would need to be employed to replace volunteer support which is informed by the staff costs incurred by the Company during the year.

Any other gifts in kind are measured at their actual costs that would have been incurred.

c) Expenditure

Resources expended are analysed between costs of charitable activities and costs of raising funds. Expenditure is recognised when a legal or constructive obligation exists as a result of a past event, a transfer of economic benefit is required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Support costs are the costs associated with running the charity but cannot be attributed directly to a shop.

The cost of charitable activities comprises of a non-performance related grant made annually to transfer residual funds to the parent undertaking and it is recognised when approved.

Costs of raising funds

These include the costs associated with running of the shops such as advertising and campaign, occupancy costs and staff costs. All costs of raising funds are recognised on an accruals basis.

d) Funds

Concern (NI) reserves are made of unrestricted funds and are expendable at the discretion of the Board of Trustees ('the Board') in furtherance of the overall objectives of Concern (NI).

Restricted donations received in the year are transferred to the parent company to be expedited on the particular purposes that the money was raised for or as specified by the relevant donor. Such purposes are within the overall aims of the organisation and the group.

e) Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Assets which cost less than £750 are not capitalised.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)

Depreciation is calculated to write off the original cost of the tangible fixed assets, less estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives, on a straight line basis at the following annual rates:

Furniture & equipment - 10%

A full year's depreciation is charged in the year of acquisition with none in the year of disposal. Provision is also made for any impairment of tangible fixed assets below their carrying amounts.

f) Stocks

Unsold donated items are not included in closing stock since their cost is nil and their value is uncertain until sold.

g) Financial instruments

Debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered.

Cash at bank and in hand is comprised of cash on deposit at banks requiring less than 3 month notice of withdrawal.

Creditors are recognised where the company has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be reliably measured or estimated. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due and at their present value where the time value of money is deemed significant.

h) Pensions

Concern (UK) makes payments into individual externally administered defined contribution pension schemes for qualifying members of staff and the costs are recharged to Concern (NI) and are shown in the statement of financial activities in the year to which they relate.

i) Taxation

Concern (NI) is exempt from taxation on its income and gains falling within Part II of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992. Irrecoverable value added tax is expensed as incurred.

j) Leases

Expenditure from operating lease rentals are charged on a straight-line basis over the lease terms. Rent incentives are recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term (length of the lease) or to the break clause if in place.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)

2
INCOME FROM:
Sale of the donated goods
Rag sales
Total trading income
Donations
Gift in kind
Total		 Restricted
2024
Stg£
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Unrestricted
2024
Stg£
598,653
10,411
609,064
24,788
104,832
**738,684 **		 Total
2024
Stg£
598,653
10,411
609,064
24,788
104,832
**738,684 **

Concern (NI) recognised Gift in Kind (GIK) to the value of £104,832 (2023: £99,696). It is an estimate of the volunteers’ support in running the shops. The estimate is based on the cost the charity would have incurred through employing additional staff if volunteers did not provide this support.

INCOME FROM:
Sale of the donated goods
Rag sales
Total trading income
Donations
Gift in kind
Total		 Restricted
2023
Stg£
-
-
21,926
-
21,926		 Unrestricted
2023
Stg£
539,793
8,907
548,700
44,790
99,696
693,186		 Total
2023
Stg£
539,793
8,907
548,700
66,716
99,696
715,112

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)

3
EXPENDITURE ON:
Retail:
Campaigns
Occupancy & other direct costs
Staff costs
Gift in kind
Total direct costs
Support costs
Total cost of raising funds
Charitable activities:
Grant to Concern (UK)
Total		 Restricted
2024
Stg£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-		 Unrestricted
2024
Stg£
10,849
182,912
221,590
104,832
520,183
10,201
530,384
207,000
737,384		 Total
2024
Stg£
10.849
182,912
221,590
104,832
520,183
10,201
530,384
207,000
737,384

During the year the residual profits were distributed in a form of non-performance related grant of £207,000 (2023: £296,500) to Concern (UK) in support of its charitable purposes. The restricted amounts in the previous year represent donations received by Concern (NI) for specific appeals.

EXPENDITURE ON:
Retail:
Campaigns
Occupancy & other direct costs
Staff costs
Gift in kind
Total direct costs
Support costs
Total costs of raising funds
Charitable activities:
Grant to Concern (UK)
Total		 Restricted
2023
Stg£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
21,926
21,926		 Unrestricted
2023
Stg£
8,538
143,397
158,901
99,696
410,532
7,377
417,909
274,574
692,483		 Total
2023
Stg£
8,538
143,397
158,901
99,696
410,532
7,377
417,909
296,500
714,409

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)

4 SUPPORT COSTS
Administration and Finance
Total
5 OTHER INFORMATION


The net income for the year is after charging the following items:
Audit
Depreciation of tangible fixed assets
Payments under operating leases for premises		 Total
2024
Stg£
10,201
10,201
2024
Stg£
5,298
13,133
**106,716 **		 Total
2023
Stg£
7,377
7,377


2023
Stg£
4,527
7,776
83,937
6 STAFF COSTS
Wages and salaries
Temporary agency staff costs
Social welfare costs
Other pension costs
Total		 Total
2024
Stg£
181,489
14,059
14,929
11,113
221,590		 Total
2023
Stg£
137,801
-
10,605
10,495
158,901

Other pension costs include employer contributions to individual staff member pension schemes of £8,929 (2023: £7,251) as well as the cost of insurance policies that provide benefits in the event of the death or ongoing incapacity of staff members totalling £2,184 in 2024 (2023: £3,244).

The Directors, who are also the Trustees of Concern (NI) have not received remuneration in the year (2023: nil) or claimed any expenses (2023: nil).

There were no employees whose remuneration amounted to over £60,000 in the year (2023: nil). The average number of employees during the year was 8 (2023: 7).

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)

7 TANGIBLE ASSETS

Cost
At beginning of year
Additions in year
At end of year
Accumulated depreciation
At beginning of year
Charge for year
At end of year
Net book value
At 31 December 2024
At 31 December 2023
8
DEBTORS AND PREPAYMENTS
VAT receivable
Accrued income
Other debtors and prepayments
 Furniture
& equipment
2024
Stg£
72,705
59,730
132,435
19,483
13,133
32,616
99,819
52,222
2024
Stg£
11,651
25, 034
17,719
**54,404 **		 2023
Stg£
4,554
12,501
16,314
33,369
9
CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
Funds held in banks		 2024
Stg£
512,223		 2023
Stg£
524,728

26

Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the Financial Statements (continued)

10 CREDITORS:

Amounts falling due within one year
Accruals
Sundry creditors
Trade creditors
Amount due to parent undertaking		 2024
Stg£
19,310
10.491
2,630
623,928
656,359		 2023
Stg£
23,858
8,218
2,294
567,162
601,532

Grant payment to the parent is made after the year end.

11 FUNDS

Reconciliation of funds

Total funds at beginning of year
Net income for the year
Total funds at end of year		 Unrestricted
Funds
Stg£
8,787
1,300
**10,087 **		 Total
2024
Stg£
8,787
1,300
**10,087 **		 Total
2023
Stg£
8,084
703
8,787

12 COMMITMENTS

The total future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases in respect of premises for use by the Company:

Total payments due within:
- one year
- two to five years
- more than five years		 2024
Stg£
57,302
32,749
-
90,051		 2023
Stg£
54,500
53,643
-
108,143

13 RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURE

The charity has availed of the exemption under FRS102.33.1A – Related Party Disclosures, not to give details of related party transactions with group companies, as it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Concern (UK), a company incorporated in the United Kingdom, which is preparing consolidated financial statements which include this charity, and such financial statements are publicly available.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Notes forming part of the to the Financial Statements (continued)

14 POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS

There have been no post balance sheet events that would require adjustment to or disclosure in these financial statements.

15 ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are required to make estimates, judgements and assumptions. The most important area where the judgements affect the financial statements is as follows:

In applying the income and expenditure principles of the Charities SORP, Concern (NI) recognised volunteers support in running the shops and valued their contributions by estimating the cost that Concern (NI) would have incurred through employing additional staff if volunteers were not available to provide the service. The Trustees estimate is based on current market rate salaries of staff that would need to be employed to replace volunteer support.

16 APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

These financial statements were approved by the Board on 29 April 2025.

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Concern Worldwide (Northern Ireland) Trustees’ report and financial statements 31 December 2023 Registered Company Number: NI019332 Registered Charity Number NIC108592

Appendix 1: List of Concern (NI)’s shops.

In 2024, Concern (NI) operated eight shops at the following locations:

The Ballycastle shop is a charity shop selling a wide range of donated stock and was first opened in 1983.

The Newcastle shop is a charity shop selling a wide range of donated stock and was first opened in 1992.

The Derry shop is a secondhand bookshop selling a wide range of donated books, videos and music and was opened in March 2016.

The Holywood shop is a secondhand bookshop selling a wide range of donated books, videos, music and board games and was opened in March 2017.

The Ormeau Road, Belfast shop is a charity shop selling a wide range of donated stock and was first opened in December 2017.

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