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2023-12-31-annual-report

One Equine Trust

Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts For the Year Ended 31 December 2023

Charity Number: 108890

Company Number: NI673368

Contents

Independent Examiner’s Report ............................................................................................ 3 Annual Report .............................................................................................................. 5 Achievements .................................................................................................................... 5 Financial Review ............................................................................................................. 14 Accounts for the year ended December 31st 2023 .............................................................. 15 Statement of Financial Activities ...................................................................................... 15 Balance Sheet as of December 31[st] 2023 ........................................................................ 16 Notes to the Accounts ..................................................................................................... 17 General Information .................................................................................................... 21 The Organisation ............................................................................................................. 21 Aims and Values .......................................................................................................... 21 Our Activities ................................................................................................................ 21 Summary of Main Activities (2023) ............................................................................... 22 Objectives for the Year (2024) ..................................................................................... 23 Public Benefit Statement .............................................................................................. 24 Structure, Governance and Management ........................................................................ 24 Governing Document ................................................................................................... 24 Management and Structure .......................................................................................... 24 Related Organisations .................................................................................................. 25 Reference and Administrative Information ....................................................................... 26 Charity Name ............................................................................................................... 26 Charity Registration Number ........................................................................................ 26 Company Registration Number .................................................................................... 26 Registered Address ..................................................................................................... 26 Charity Trustees and Employees as of December 31[st] 2023 ........................................ 26 Advisors ....................................................................................................................... 27 Declarations ........................................................................................................................ 27

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Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of One Equine

Trust

I report on the accounts of the charity for the financial year ended 31[st] December 2023, which are presented on pages 14 – 20.

Respective responsibilities of Charity Trustees and Examiner

As the charity’s trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006. Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law, and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

I have examined the charity accounts as required under section 65 of the Charities Act and my examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland under section 65(9)(b) of the Charities Act.

My examination included a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as charity trustees concerning any such matters.

My role is to state whether any material matters have come to my attention giving me cause to believe:

  1. That accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006

  2. That the accounts do not accord with those accounting records

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  1. That the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland

  2. That there is further information needed for a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Independent Examiner’s Report

I have completed my examination and have no concerns in respect of the matters (1) to (4) listed above and, in connection with following the Directions of the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, I have found no matters that require drawing to your attention.

Neil O’Prey

FCA

22 Strathearn Lane,

Belfast, BT4 2BT

Date: 30/09/2024

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Annual Report

The trustees of the One Equine Trust (OET) present the report and accounts for the period of January 1[st] 2023 to December 31[st] 2023.

Achievements

Funding

In 2023, OET secured private sector funding from several organisations to support our mission. These fundings were provided for the purpose of both general costs and specific projects during the year.

Re-Gen

In October 2023, OET received a charitable donation from Re-Gen Waste Ltd. The funds from this donation were not restricted, nor were they donated for a specific project or purpose. These funds contributed to the everyday running costs of the OET organisation.

The Denis Lynn Foundation

OET received a commitment of £20,000 from the Denis Lynn Foundation to financially contribute to a two-year Equine Assisted Learning project in Downpatrick, Co. Down (see project details below). The donation is restricted to the costs of this project alone, and is to be split across the two years, contributing £10,000 per year. This is a commitment of funding, no funds have yet been received.

The Anne Duchess of Westminster's Fund

After a successful application in July 2023, OET were awarded a £10,000 grant from The Anne Duchess of Westminster's Fund (ADWF). This is a restricted grant which covers the project costs of an Equine Facilitated Workshop programme (see project details below).

Department of Health & Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Upon completion of the OET 2023 Practitioner Survey report, we were awarded £4,000 by the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Environment

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and Rural Affairs to contribute to the costs of this project and the production of this report.

Private Donation

Lastly, in September OET were given a donation of £500 from a private source. This donation was not restricted and also contributed to the everyday running costs of the OET organisation.

OET achievements from 2023 have been categorised in line with the charitable mission to increase (1) awareness and knowledge of EAS, (2) EAS capacity, (3) connections and opportunities.

1. Increasing Awareness and Knowledge

Equine Assisted Services in Northern Ireland: An Exploratory Survey of Practitioners Following an initial report in 2020, which explored the experiences of participants engaged in EAS, OET commissioned a second report, investigating the experiences of EAS practitioners. The aim of this report was to better understand the landscape of EAS practices in Northern Ireland, while exploring the experiences of the individual practitioners, their backgrounds, qualifications, challenges, and aims for the future. Written by Dr Clare O’Kane, this report followed the experiences of 25 practitioners in NI. The findings from this report proved extremely valuable and informative, and have allowed OET to adapt their efforts to better support NI practitioners.

Response collection for this survey commenced in January 2023 and concluded in May. This was to allow for the report write-up over the summer months. The final report was completed by August 2023. In addition to publishing the report on the OET website, hardcopies of the report were printed in order to reach a wider audience and further spread awareness on the experiences of EAS practitioners in NI.

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EAS in ROI Site-Visit

After collaborating with both Inspire and Mencap on plans for potential future projects, it was decided that it would be beneficial for the staff members to gain a better understanding of EAS, and it’s uses and impacts. Therefore, in August 2023, OET organised for a daytrip to ROI to attend two centres which offer EAS. The first of which was the St Joseph’s Foundation Centre in Liskennett, Co. Limerick. Here, adults and children on the autism spectrum or with learning disabilities receive residential and/or day services, and Equine Therapy utilising the Horse Boy Method. In addition to the Liskennett centre, the trip also included a visit to the ChildVision centre in Drumcondra, Co. Dublin. This centre is dedicated to children and young people up to 23 years of age with visual impairment and/or complex disabilities. Included in their services is Equine Assisted Activities and Therapy. The visits allowed the staff of the NI organisations to visit successful, sustainable and wellsupported Irish practices, meet the EAS staff, and gain knowledge of the enormous potential of EAS.

2. Increasing EAS Capacity

In 2023 OET collaborated with a wide range of organisations, EAS practitioners, funders and academic institutions to develop a number of projects in Northern Ireland and offer EAS to wider NI communities.

Peace of Mind NI EAL Project

In 2023, the ‘ One Equine and Peace of Mind NI Equine Assisted Learning Pilot Project ’ concluded. This project, funded by Ulster Garden Villages and OET, commenced in January 2022 and ran to December 2023. This two-year project was a collaboration with Peace of Mind NI to provide weekly Equine Assisted Learning sessions to primary school children. The practitioner visited St Colmcille’s primary school in Downpatrick, Co.Down, with her ponies to provide sessions to children in mainstream classes and the special educational needs unit. An initial evaluation was completed for each student, and progress was measured twice a year and upon completion (5 times in total across the two years). The results for each student

showed significant improvements in the children’s behaviour, personal skills and assessment scores. A final report is currently being completed.

Equine Assisted Workshops for Women’s Aid

OET collaborated with Horses for People and an independent psychotherapist to develop and run a project which would provide Equine Assisted Workshops to 12 women engaged with Women’s Aid. These were individuals who experienced domestic abuse and/or human trafficking. Through the use of Equine Assisted Services, the project aimed to reflect the following key principles of Women's Aid and improve the wellbeing of the women involved.

The experts involved in this project provided two sets of two-day group workshops at Ballygraffan Stables, Co. Down (each participant received 4 days of workshops). By interacting and engaging with the horses, the participants developed their selfawareness, understanding of the perceptions of others, and personal skills and abilities, aiding in the healing of their trauma and their recovery. The project was fully funded by the Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund, and concluded in November 2023.

The Denis Lynn Foundation – Knockevin EAL Project

As mentioned earlier in this report, OET received a commitment of funding from the Denis Lynn Foundation for an Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) project for students in Downpatrick. This project was designed to follow a similar model to the Peace of Mind NI EAL Project , where the practitioner would provide EAL sessions to groups of students on the school grounds. After consideration of the various schools in

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Downpatrick, Knockevin Special School was selected to participate in this project. Sessions will be provided to students in the nursery, primary and secondary school sites. Various outcome measurements will be utilised to explore the benefits of the sessions on the students and to investigate the social impact of this intervention. The details of the project were yet to be finalised, therefore, it was arranged to commence in 2024.

Future Projects

Increasing capacity was one of the primary focuses for OET in 2023. Therefore, in addition to the above projects, OET also collaborated, developed proposals, and/or submitted applications for the following projects:

1. OET umbrella proposal – We developed a proposal which was submitted to The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) Peace Plus Funding Grant. This was a large proposal which incorporated 11 one-year Equine Assisted Services (EAS) projects around Northern Ireland. These projects will be completed by eight different practitioners and include five modalities of EAS. In addition to providing EAS to over 410 individuals from a wide range of cohorts, many with difficulties ranging from physical to social, emotional and behavioural, to mental wellbeing and/or trauma etc., and helping those who could greatly benefit, this proposal aimed to examine the various modalities of EAS, and create a social evaluation of the impacts. Included in this proposal, is the Downpatrick (Knockevin Special School) project which is due to commence in 2024.

Acquiring funding and commencing with the remaining 10 projects will be a high priority for the coming year.

2. Festina Lente Project – A cross-border collaboration project between OET and Festina Lente in Bray, Co. Wicklow, was developed to provide Equine Assisted Learning sessions to cohorts of young people from both NI and ROI. The project consisted of 2 days of sessions in Bray and 2 in Coleraine for all

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participants. The aim is to explore the challenges young people face in communicating and being heard in a society with transgenerational trauma related to the Troubles. Although initially submitted for the Shared Island Civic Society Fund, this project is now also one of the 11 projects included in the umbrella proposal.

3. Mallusk Housing Development and Equine Assisted Therapy – In collaboration with Inspire Wellbeing, this project is designed to provide services to adults who have recently been resettled from Muckamore Abbey Hospital to the Inspire housing development near Mallusk. Due to the complex needs of this cohort, the project would include a multi-disciplinary team of Allied Health Professionals and equine professionals to provide Equine Assisted Therapy sessions and increase the wellbeing of the participants.

4. Rathore School Project – This project will follow the same model as the Peace of Mind NI EAL Project and the Knockevin EAL Project . Practitioners will visit the school to provide EAL to cohorts of students with severe learning difficulties enrolled in Rathore school in Newry.

Discussions of the projects at 3 and 4 have begun with the relevant parties, however, details are yet to be finalised and funding is yet to be acquired. They will remain as future goals for OET.

Please note that the above projects (under ‘ Future Projects’ ) have not yet begun. However, they have been developed and, should the funding be acquired, they could commence. Acquiring funding for all projects is a priority for OET in order to increase capacity and help NI communities.

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3. Increasing Connections and Opportunities

UU Workshop

OET began 2023 with a collaborative workshop with Ulster University. This workshop, Collaboration and Impact of Equine Facilitated Therapy (EFT) in Northern Ireland, was held on Monday 23[rd] of January at the new Ulster University Belfast campus. The event consisted of five information sessions which were presented by individuals from various backgrounds who are involved in delivering EFT services or in education provision. The presentations covered a range of topics including practitioner training in Northern Ireland, existing pilot programmes and practitioners, and information sessions from practicing Allied Health Professionals (AHPs). Attendance was free of charge and we welcomed 58 attendees. The event offered an excellent opportunity to network, learn about the various modalities and programmes taking place at the time, and hear from like-minded professionals.

Castle Leslie Event

The OET board was invited to attend a demonstration at the Castle Leslie Estate in Monaghan in February 2023. The purpose of the event was to meet and observe a training demonstration by the founder of the Horse Boy Method (HBM), Rupert Isaacson. This is very effective modality of Equine Assisted Services which is now used for cognitive, behavioural and academic development in over 30 countries worldwide. It was of great benefit to the Board, and communications between the two groups have continued, leading to the workshop below.

CAFRE Workshop

After the success and positive feedback from the initial workshop in January, OET organised a second workshop. This workshop and CPD event, The Movement of the Horse - Understanding Equine Health, Performance and Training in Equine Assisted Services , was a collaboration with the College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE). This event was held on Wednesday 29[th] of November 2023, at the CAFRE Enniskillen Campus. The event consisted of three workshop sessions each presented by a professional involved in equine health, education, or EAS practice,

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followed by a meal and panel discussion with the speakers. This workshop was focused on the biomechanics and movement of the horse, and the resulting processes and impact this can have within the delivery of EAS. Attendance was £27.80 per person and booked through Eventbrite’s online system. Both CAFRE and OET were delighted with the event which welcomed almost 90 individuals.

NI Practitioners

One way in which OET supports EAS practices and informs potential clients, is by providing a list of EAS practitioners in NI. Before 2023 there was a total of 15 organisations and independent practitioners on our database. Unfortunately, 4 ceased practicing in 2023. However, throughout the year, we met with and learned of additional practitioners and organisations, and by the end of 2023, there were 20 on the database.

DOH & DAERA Equine Assisted Therapy/Learning Stakeholders Group

A group of individuals formed this stakeholder’s group in 2019 to develop strategy around the use and implementation of EAS within NI government. Participation in the group includes representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Department of Education, Department of Justice, Public Health Agency and each of the Trusts (Southern, Western, Northern, South Eastern and Belfast HSC Trusts); and professionals from organisations related to EAS (OET, Riding for the Disabled Association), human health and wellbeing service (Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership), and education (Ulster University). Attendance is not limited to this list, and meetings often invite EAS practitioners to present case studies or information on their practices. OET has been involved since its formation and continues to work with those involved to illustrate the impacts of EAS and develop possibilities within the Departments.

Collaborations and Networking

Through various activities in 2023 (e.g., projects, events, research,) OET has collaborated and communicated with a wide range of individuals, stakeholders, organisations and other charities.

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These include:

Registration

In 2023, OET registered with two new organisations, Charities Aid Foundation and the Fundraising Regulator. Both provide information and guidance to help OET develop their management of fundraising, financial affairs, and charitable responsibilities.

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Financial Review

Overview

The finances of the year ending in December 2023, were consistent with the trustees’ expectations and objectives for the year.

Income

The principal funding sources for the organisation consist of charitable donations and/or grants. Since January 1st 2023, OET received a total of £41,652. This figure consisted of two unrestricted donations totalling £26,335 , a restricted donation of £4,000 for sole use on the Practitioner Survey, and a grant of £10,000 which was awarded for sole use on the Women’s Aid project.

Additionally, in 2023 OET ran their first workshops. The costs for the first workshop in January, were covered solely by OET and no income was received. However, tickets for the November workshop were £25 per person and 52 tickets were sold for the event.

Expenditure

In 2023, the expenditure total was £48,626. The main costs for the year were project fees (£14,950), the 2023 Practitioner Survey report (£10,090), staff costs (£14,206), and event costs (£5,135). Other costs include memberships, solicitor consultations, annual insurance, bank fees, and general costs (including costs to Companies House and meeting room bookings) (see Notes 6 & 7).

The Trustees’ Annual report was approved on behalf of the trustees on September 23[rd] 2024 by:

Richard Moore Chairman

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Accounts for the year ended December 31st 2023

Statement of Financial Activities

For the Year ended December 31[st] 2023

Income
Note
Donations and Legacies
4
Charitable Activities
5
Total Income
Expenditure
Charitable Activities
6
Governance Costs
7
Total Expenditure
Net Income/(expenditure)
Net Movement in Funds
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
10		 Unrestricted
Funds
£
Restricted
Funds
£
Total
2023		 *** Total
2022**
26,335
1,317
4,000
10,000
30,335
11,317		 27,818
10,000
27,652
14,000
41,652		 37,818
11,711
18,950
30,661		 4,350
17,965
-
17,965		 7,123
29,676
18,950
48,626		 11,473
(2,024)
(4,950)
(6,974)		 26,345
(2,024)
(4,950)
(6,974)		 26,345
12,783
15,650
28,433		 2088
10,759
10,700
21,459		 28,433

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Balance Sheet as of December 31[st] 2023

Current Assets
Note
Debtors
8
Cash at bank/in hand
Total
Creditors: amounts falling due within
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one year
Net current assets
Funds
10
Unrestricted funds
Restricted funds
Total Funds		 2023
£		 2022*
£**
75
24,675		 -
30,027
24,750 30,027
3,291 1,594
21,459 28,433
10,759
10,700		 12,783
15,650
21,459 28,433

*The figures for 2022 were used for comparison for the current financial year (year ending 2023). However, as this is the first report, these figures were not reported to the Charity Commission NI.

The financial statements on pages 14 to 20 were approved by the charity trustees, and authorised and signed on their behalf on September 23[rd] 2024 by:

Richard Moore Chairman

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Notes to the Accounts

  1. Assets

OET has no assets which would contribute to their funds.

2. Trustee Expenses

No expenses were paid to the trustees, unless to reimburse them for purchases made on behalf of the Trust.

3. Taxation

As a registered charity, OET is exempt from taxation.

4. Income from Donations and Legacies

Unrestricted Funds

During 2023 OET received two donations of £25,835 and £500. Both donations were unrestricted without specific purpose nor any conditions. This was used for general organisational costs. However, the Peace of Mind pilot project was a £20,000 project with 50% (£10,000) being funded by OET. Therefore, 50% (£5,350) of the remaining project costs to be contributed by OET were considered restricted.

Restricted Funds

A £4,000 donation was received by OET from the Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, in relation to the Practitioner Survey that was completed in 2023. The donation was restricted to this project and contributed to the costs of funding and producing the report. The total cost for the report was £10,090 with £8,890 in researcher fees and £1,200 to print 300 copies of the report. The donation covered just under 40% of the total costs, with the remaining £6,090 being funded by OET.

5. Income from Charitable Activities

Unrestricted Funds

The joint workshop with CAFRE which took place in November 2023 was a ticketed event which was £27.80 per person (including fees). 50 tickets were

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sold for the event leading to a total of £1,250 (after fees). After a final fee of £7.99 was removed, OET received £1,242. This was unrestricted income, however, as the event total was £4,362, the funds received were used to contribute to the costs incurred which include catering, videographer and speaker fees.

Restricted Funds

Two restricted grants were made to OET in (or relating to) 2023.

A £10,000 grant from Ulster Garden Villages (awarded in 2022) was provided to cover 50% of the cost (£20,000) of the Peace of Mind NI project. As mentioned in the previous note the remaining 50% was to be paid by OET. By the end of 2022, £4,350 was paid to the practitioner and by December 2023, £9,300 had been paid to the practitioner, leaving £10,700 to be paid by the end of the project, 50% of which was being contributed by OET. The remaining cost was included to cover the project report and evaluation, to be completed in 2024.

Lastly, OET was awarded a £10,000 grant from the Anne Duchess of Westminster Fund (ADWF). This was restricted to a collaborative project between OET, Horses for People, Women’s Aid and an independent psychotherapist, to provide Equine Assisted Workshops to 12 women in need of support. The EAS practitioner costs (including facilities, assistants, refreshments etc.) was £8,400 for 4 full-day workshops for 12 women. The practitioner offered a £645 discount for a total of £7,755. The psychotherapist assisted with the sessions and wrote a review paper for the project for a cost of £2,245. All £10,000 in project costs was covered by the ADWF grand.

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6. Expenditure Relating to Charitable activities

Charitable Activities 2023
£		 2022*
£**
Outreach Work
Communication and PR
Reports and Research
Staff Travelling
Postage & Carriage
Meeting/Events Expenses
Total		 14,950 4,350
416 -
10,090 -
95 -
45 -
5,065 -
30,661 4,350

7. Expenditure Relating to Governance Costs

Charitable Activities 2023
£		 2023
£		 2022*
£**		 2022*
£**		 2022*
£**
Memberships
IT Support
Solicitors
Insurance
Bank Fees
Staff Costs
Employers NI
Employers Pensions
Consultancy Fees
General
Room Hire Expenses
Total		 197 304
2,418 2,755
- 454
568 562
33 59
13,000 2,765
417 -
789 -
300 -
173 224
70 -
17,965 7,123
8. Debtors
Prepayments
2023
£		 2022*
£**
75 -

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9. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Accruals 2023
£		 2022*
£**
NET Wages
PAYE
Pension
Membership
Meeting/Event Expenses
OET Reports
Outreach Work
Total		 1,200 765
83 -
108 -
- 63
100 16
1,200 -
600 750
3,291 1,594
10. Funds
Unrestricted
Restricted		 Balance at 1
January 2023		 Incoming
resources		 Resources
Expended		 Balance at 31
December 2023
12,783
15,650		 27,652
14,000		 29,676
18,950		 10,759
10,700
28,433 41,652 48,626 21,459
Unrestricted
Restricted		 Balance at 1*
January 2022**		 Incoming
resources		 Resources
Expended		 Balance at 31
December 2022
2,088
-		 17,818
20,000		 7,123
4,350		 12,783
15,650
2,088 37,818 11,473 28,433

*The figures for 2022 were used for comparison for the current financial year (year ending 2023). However, as this is the first report, these figures were not reported to the Charity Commission NI.

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General Information

The Organisation

Aims and Values

One Equine Trust is a non-profit charitable organisation based in Northern Ireland. We are dedicated to supporting and promoting the practice of Equine Assisted Services (EAS) in NI. Our mission is that everyone in NI who could benefit from interaction with horses has access to safe, affordable, regulated and accredited EAS. In addition to this, it is our vision that NI will become and be known as a region of excellence, recognized internationally, for the practice of EAS, the training of practitioners, and advancing research in this field of study.

We at One Equine:

The incorporation of the team’s core values in the discussions and the decisions made during the year, has led OET to ensure the best possible outcomes for human wellbeing in NI.

Our Activities

In line with the vision of the Trust to create a centre of excellent in NI and the mission to promote the use of EAS such that all who could benefit has access to services, the main activities of the Trust include (but are not restricted to):

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Summary of Main Activities (2023)

In line with the organisation’s mission and objectives for 2023, we supported the expansion of EAS in the past year by funding the continuation of the 2[nd] year of the Peace of Mind NI EAL project, and collaborated with external organisations who will complete an evaluation of the project. Additionally, as outlined earlier in the report, OET has collaborated with a wide range of practitioners, individuals and organisations to develop 14 additional EAS projects, supporting NI practitioners and helping those in need of services. Lastly, OET developed, acquired funding for, and completed the Women’s Aid project in 2023.

To support the advancement of NI as a region of excellence in research and of training in the area of EAS, OET was involved in discussions of future research projects and training courses, and created collaborations and connections between organisations and practitioners in NI and ROI. This has been developed through the various daytrips, events and workshops that took place in 2023, particularly through the workshops and Practitioner Survey, in line with the OET 2023 objectives.

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Objectives for the Year (2024)

It is likely that more objectives for 2024 will be included throughout the year. However, at the board meeting and annual AGM on October 11[th] 2023, the activities listed below were OET’s primary objectives for the coming year.

Umbrella Proposal

The main priority for 2024 was the progression of the large proposal that was created for the Peace Plus funding grant. Regardless of outcome from the grant, it was decided that OET would find the necessary funding to commence with the included 11 projects. Increasing EAS capacity is a main priority for OET, therefore, priority will be given to these activities in 2024.

Workshop

After the successes of the Ulster University workshop in January and the CAFRE workshop in November 2023, it was decided that similar events would be developed for 2024. With the aim of increasing opportunities for practitioner CPD, networking and collaborating, and supporting NI practitioners, creating these events is crucial for the growth and sustainability of EAS in NI.

Peace of Mind NI EAL Project Report

After the conclusion of the One Equine and Peace of Mind NI Equine Assisted Learning Pilot Project in December 2023, a report is to be written on the project and results, along with an external evaluation. The results from an earlier partial report, showed excellent results for the children who received EAL. As a result of the positive outcomes illustrated in the project results, it was felt that this report will prove useful in acquiring project funding, particularly for similar projects, e.g., the Knockevin Special School and Rathore EAS projects. Therefore, the completion of this report is also a priority for 2024.

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Public Benefit Statement

The trustees of OET, confirm that they have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and that the public benefit requirement has informed the activities of the trust in the year January 1[st] 2023 – December 31[st] 2023.

In the interest of public benefit, the trustees note that access to the OET website and resources is open to all and does not require fees or membership. Additionally, contact details for further information and guidance is openly available. Through engagement with institutions for both practitioner training and for research purposes during the year, the trust has progressed their purpose of the advancement of awareness and education in this area. This has contributed to the improvement of public knowledge about the services and of accessibility of safe and regulated services. In securing funding for the EAL pilot project, the Trust has increased the provision of EAS, in accordance with their second purpose to advance and expand the provision of these services.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governing Document

One Equine Trust is an is a private company limited by guarantee. It was incorporated on the 13[th] of October 2020 and was registered as a charity 27[th] July 2022. The organisation was established under a Memorandum of Association and is governed by its objects and power as is outlined in the organisation’s Articles of Association.

Management and Structure

This organisation consists of the chairperson, four trustees and a part-time employee (all listed below). The team meet weekly for discussions relating to current or future projects and to update one another on progress that’s been made during the week. The chair and the employee also meet weekly to discuss the day-to-day

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management of projects and organisation, any outstanding tasks, and to create an agenda for the weekly meetings.

Depending on the projects at the time, we may meet more frequently or as needed, often to collaborate with external individuals/organisations. We also meet annually for a board meeting/AGM during which finances, policies, governance and the activities of the year are reviewed.

Related Organisations

Since 2021, One Equine Trust has held an associate membership with The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL (HETI). Additionally, OET has held a subscription to NICVA’s Grant Tracker fundraising software since 2021. Lastly, as of August 2023, OET also holds accounts with both Charities Aid Foundation and the Fundraising Regulator.

The OET chairperson has sat on the steering group for the Human Equine Interaction Register UK (HEIR) since 2022, and is a volunteer for the Riding of the Disabled Association (RDA NI). Additionally, one the of the OET trustees is both a coach and a trustee for RDA NI. The Trust’s employee is also volunteer for the RDA Antrim group, of which a third trustee is the volunteer coordinator.

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Reference and Administrative Information

Charity Name

One Equine Trust, also known as One Equine and OET

Charity Registration Number

108890

Company Registration Number

NI673368

Registered Address

8 Dufferin Villas Bangor BT20 5PH

Charity Trustees and Employees as of December 31[st] 2023

Trustees

Mr Richard Alexander Glenn Moore Chair Mrs Beulah Louise Skelly Director Mrs Hazel Elizabeth Winning OBE Director Mrs Juliet Clare Frazer Director Mrs Molly Elizabeth McCluskey Director

Employees

Ms Aisling Jane Dunnion Project Development Officer

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Advisors

Banking Danske Bank (Branch Business) Donegall Square West Belfast BT1 6JS Insurance Lockton Companies LLP The Clarence West Building, 2 Clarence Street West, Belfast BT2 7GP Solicitors Edwards & Co. Solicitors 28 Hill St, Belfast, BT1 2LA

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Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

Signature(s) Full name(s)[Richard Moore ] Position (e.g., Secretary, Chair, etc)[Chairman]

Date 23/09/2024

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