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annual report 2005 - Youthnet
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Contents
Chairpersons Review
Executive Committee Report
Directors Report and Review of Business
Organisational Development
Representation and Advocacy
Representational map
YouthNet Representatives
Shaping and Influencing Policy
Youth Work Strategy – key priorities
Support and Development
Key Partnerships
LGBT Consortium
Grant Administration and Support
Statement of Financial Activities
Balance Sheet
YouthNet Membership 2004 -2005
Acknowledgements
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3
5
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Chairperson’s Review
As I come to the end of my term of office it is important to reflect on the changing landscape in which the delivery of services to children and young people is taking place and the increasing emphasis on effective governance and quality standards.
Resourcing of course remains a key issue for the voluntary youth sector and the Task Force on resourcing the voluntary and community sector recognises the contribution of the voluntary sector and the need for robust infrastructure to support the delivery of quality services.
I was happy to report last year on the formal recognition of YouthNet by the Department of Education as a strategic partner and this has been strengthened through the voluntary/statutory partnership of the Youth Service Liaison Forum. The contribution of the sector is reflected in the Review of Public Administration and it is hoped that the review outcomes maintain and enhance the role of the sector.
The development of the youth work strategy for Northern Ireland brings for the first time a shared voluntary/statutory approach to the delivery of services to children and young people, concentrating as it does on the key priorities of inclusive youth work and quality services with youth participation at its core. The strategy also recognises the issues around resources and funding and there are challenges a head to secure the role of the sector in an increasingly competitive resource environment. The position of young people in Northern Ireland has also been significantly enhanced through the appointment of the first Commissioner for Children and Young People and the development of a Children’s and Young Persons Strategy.
YouthNet have been involved in a pilot Service Level Agreement with the Youth Council for Northern Ireland. We recognise the potential impact of this approach on future funding and are keen that the learning from the process is used to inform future strategies for funding voluntary organisations.
We await the outcomes of the Russell Commission Report - A national framework for Youth Action & Engagement’ recognising the potential benefits for increased volunteering opportunities for young people in Northern Ireland.
One of my great joys has been to see at first hand the diverse work of our member organisations. Through such visits one sees the differences they make to the lives of young people and the enormous contribution made by volunteers.
During my time there have been significant developments within YouthNet with the appointment of staff dedicated to membership development, the launch of the work of the LGBT consortium through the ShOut project, the securing of the role of YESIP as a funding mechanism for the Peace II extension and the restructuring of the organisation.
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I would of course like to acknowledge the support and commitment from the Executive Committee and in particular would like to thank the Honorary Officers Derek, June and Marguerite.
I would like to thank the Director and the staff team for their hard work and dedication to the work of the organisation. I would also like to acknowledge individual achievements by staff through the pursuit of staff development opportunities and I am delighted to report that this has been recognised independently through the achievement recently of the Investors in People Award.
I would extend a warm welcome to the new Chairperson and wish the organisation continued success in the years ahead.
Insert signature
David Mc Clarin
Chairperson
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The Directors
The Directors who served the charity during the period 1 April 2004 and 31 March 2005, were:
Mr David McClarin (Chairperson)
June Trimble* YouthAction(Vice Chairperson)
Marguerite Hunter Blair PlayBoard(Vice Chairperson)
Mr Derek Capper The Scout Association NI(Honorary Treasurer)
*June Trimble – retired from the Executive Committee at AGM, 20 October 2004
Paul Curran Clubs for Young PeopleSuzanne Thompson Voluntary service Bureau
(retired 20 October 2004)
Fergus McMorrow YouthLink NISabine Ponater Public AchievementSteven Carr Belfast Door Project
(retired May 2004)
Peter Hamill Church of Ireland Youth DepartmentColette Slevin MencapDoreen Tennis The Girls’ Brigade
(retired 20 October 2004)
Mark Hammond National Council of YMCAs IrelandBronagh Cappa Co-operation IrelandRainer Pagel PHAB NI Inclusion MattersDuane Farrell The Rainbow Project
(retired February 2005)
Johnny Parks Northern Ireland Youth Forum (Co-opted)
Company Secretary Denis Palmer
Professional advisors
SolicitorsMcKinty Wright
Eagle Star House5-7 Upper Queen’s StreetBelfast BT1 6FS
AuditorsFitch Audit Limited
27-29 Gordon StreetBelfastBT1 2LG
Bankers
Ulster Bank
161-163 Upper Lisburn RoadFinaghy, BelfastBT10 OLJ
The YouthNet Executive Committee (who are the named Directors, for the purposes of the Companies Act) have pleasure presenting their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2005.
This report is prepared in accordance with the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of
Executive Committee Report
Executive Committee Report
6
Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
Constitution and Principal Activities
The company is incorporated under the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986, being a company limited by guarantee not having a share capital.
The company is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association since its incorporation on 13 October 1983.
YouthNet is a strategic network of Voluntary Youth Organisations. It exists to work with and advocate on behalf of its membership, to represent, support and develop their interests and aspirations and to promote the independent voice of the voluntary youth sector.
YouthNet has been formally admitted by the Inland Revenue, as such, for income tax purposes.
Management structure
YouthNet is an umbrella body for voluntary youth organisations. It is managed by an Executive Committee. In addition three Honorary Office Bearers are elected to serve on the Committee: these being a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Honorary Treasurer. All the Executive Committee members have been registered as Company Directors.
Appointment of Board Members
Executive Committee members and YouthNet Honorary Officers are nominated by respective member organisations and duly elected by YouthNet at its Annual General Meeting. Committee members are appointed for a period of three
years. Executive Committee members elected to an Honorary Officers post may extend their tenure to a maximum of six years.
Review of Activities
YouthNet membership covers a wide range of organisations working with children and young people, from long established organisations through to newly emerged organisations. Member organisations work with a diverse range of young people and vary in size, structure and capacity.
Throughout the final year of our strategic planning cycle 2002 – 2005, YouthNet took some time out to evaluate its achievements and develop a future strategy. YouthNet’s Strategic Plan 2005 – 2008 was presented to the membership at our Conference in April of this year, following extensive consultation with all YouthNet stakeholders.
Financial Results
The results for the year are set out in YouthNets financial statements. Published in this Annual Report is a copy of YouthNet’s Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet for the year ending 31 March 2005. A full set of accounts may be obtained from YouthNet offices on request.
Reserves Policy
The Directors have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets (‘the free reserves’) held by the charity should be 3 months of the unrestricted resources expended, which equated to approximately £28,000 in general funds. At this level, the Directors feel that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity, in the event of a significant
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drop in funding. It would obviously be necessary to consider how the funding would be replaced or activities changed. At present free reserves are £27,329, which would sufficiently mitigate immediate or short-term risks in relation to unrestricted funds. The Directors will continue to monitor reserves.
Risk Review
The Directors have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the company, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to the major risks.
Fixed Assets
The changes in fixed assets are explained in note 11 to the financial statements.
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities
The directors are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with UK accounting standards. It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The directors are required to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the company and of the excess of its income over its expenditure for that period. In preparing those accounts, the directors are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts
Prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the company will continue in operation
Small Company ExemptionsAdvantage has been taken in the preparation of the directors’ report of the special exemptions applicable to small companies conferred by Part VIII of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986.
Approved by the board on 13 September 2005and signed on its behalf by:
Director
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YouthNet’s achievements during the year along with current and future developments are presented under the following headings:
Organisational Development Representation and Advocacy Support and Development Grant Administration and
Support
The new staffing structure implemented in 2004, has significantly impacted on the ability of staff to deliver on both YouthNet’s Strategic and Operational plans. This is reflected not only in the increased services provided to member organisations but the quality of external relationships.
Executive Committee and staff have continued to deal with an inordinate volume of work throughout the year, at times dealing with very complex issues. I would like to acknowledge the professional contribution of staff and the time and expertise given by Executive Committee members to the continued development of YouthNet.
On behalf of staff, I would also like to acknowledge the particular contribution of David McClarin. Throughout this period David brought clarity and wise counsel. His humour often served to defuse manyPotentially awkward situations. Thank you David.
YouthNet Staff Team
Denis PalmerDirector
CORPORATE AFFAIRS UNIT
Claire O’HareDeputy Director (Corporate Affairs)
Linda GordonCommunications Officer Jacqueline KeatingFinance Officer
Emma NightingaleAdmin Assistant/ Receptionist
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT UNIT
Mary Field Deputy Director (Membership Development)
Elaine CampbellDevelopment Officer (Policy)
Gillian McClayDevelopment Officer (Capacity Building)
PEACE II UNIT
Joseph HawkinsProject Manager
Jimmy GillenFinancial Administrator
Janet PritchardFieldwork Officer
Pauline MurrayFinance Officer
Susan ConlonFinance Assistant
Shona EnnisAdministrator
LGBT CONSORTIUM
Amanda StephensLGBT Development Officer
Etain O’KaneLGBT Development Officer
Valuing and Promoting Volunteering
Fundamental to the work of YouthNet is the enormous contribution made by volunteers and we owe much to them. The organisation is enriched by the involvement of volunteers who so willingly continue to contribute their time, energy and expertise to a range of committees, sub-committees and to individual events.
Director’s Report and Review of Business
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YouthNet has sought to build upon earlier achievements in relation to organisational development. In particular, in this final year of the strategic planning cycle, we have worked to consolidate progress made over the last two years in relation to governance practice, resource management and staff development. Recognition as an Investor In People was identified as a method of maintaining such progress, whilst ensuring that YouthNet was developing within a quality standard framework.
As with any voluntary sector organisation, YouthNet’s strength lies in its staff and volunteers and it is important that individual and organisational growth are linked in a way that maximizes potential and ensures value for money. To this end, YouthNet has systematically invested in its staff and volunteers over the last three years and can now celebrate this achievement alongside those of its staff:
2002 - 03 Mary Field, Deputy Director (MembershipDevelopment) achieved a CIPD postgraduate diploma;
Pauline Murray, Finance Officer, Peace II, successfully completed an NVQ level III course in Administration;
2003 – 04Pauline went on to achieve a CIPFA Diploma in Management Practice (Audit Skills);
In 2003 Linda Gordon, Communications Officer, was awarded an MSc in Computers and Information systems;
Susan Conlon, Finance Assistant, Peace II successfully passed IATI Foundation level (IT, Business and Accounts);
2004 – 05Jacqueline Keating, Finance Officer, successfully completed a course on Women in Community Centred Management through the National Open College Network; and
A number of staff are also engaged in ongoing part-time study. Joseph Hawkins, Peace II Programme Manager is currently enrolled on a BSc Honours degree Course in Community Youth Work. Gillian McClay, Development Officer (Capacity Building) is also currently undertaking the BSc Honours in Community Youth Work.
Mary Field, is currently undertaking a Masters in Voluntary Sector Management, while Claire O’Hare, Deputy Director (Corporate Affairs) is currently completing a part-time Masters in Administration and Law.
Emma Nightingale successfully completed a First Aid at Work course through St John’s Ambulance
We are proud to report that YouthNet achieved formal recognition as an Investor In People, 24 August 2005. Our IIP assessment report notes “the efficacy of” YouthNet’s “processes” and acknowledges the “extent to which “ YouthNet “exceeds the Investors In People standards”.
Our volunteers have benefited from a range of support and development opportunities over the last three years:
2002 – 03 Equality/ harassment training;
2003 – 04 Risk assessment training;
2004 – 05 Introduction to SORP 2005;recruitment materials have been reviewed and further developed;Induction processes enhanced; and external representation structures developed with access to staff link person provided.
Organisational Development
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YOUTHNETRepresentation and Advocacy
JEDI Steering Group
Equality Coalition
Belfast City Council Youth
Panel
YCNI InternationalCommittee
SELB Youth Committee
King George VI Council
TSN/Geo Mapping
University Course Consultative Panel (UUJ)
ICT Consortium NIChild Protection
Regional Co-ordinationGroup
Human Rights Consortium
Youth Work Training Board
Youth Service Liaison Forum
Joint Government/ Voluntary and Community
Sector Forum
Governance Practice Group /
VSNTO – UK Trustee Standards
Steering Group
Children and Young People’s Sector Bill
of Rights Lobby Group
King George VI Youth Awards Panel
REPRESENTATION AND ADVOCACY
Youth Achievement Awards Panel
Joint Consultative Forum Education
Sector
NI Youth Information Panel Eurodesk Co-ordinators
Group
Young Women Making it Work Partnership
Youth Work Strategy Working GroupsNGO Forum
Curriculum Development Unit
Youth EducationSocial Inclusion
Partnership
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Youth Service Liaison ForumDavid McClarin YouthNet chairpersonDenis Palmer YouthNetJune Trimble YouthAction NIStephen Turner National Council of YMCA’sPaddy White YouthLinkDoreen Tennis Girls’ Brigade (retired Dec 04)
Youth Work Training Board
Brenda McGrann Youth Link Claire Conlon YouthActionMichele Taylor National Council of YMCAsColette Slevin MencapPeter Hamill Church of IrelandMarian Stewart Catholic Guides of Ireland
Curriculum Development UnitJoe Hawkins YouthNetPaddy White YouthLink
Equality CoalitionElaine Campbell YouthNet
Children and Young People’s Sector Bill of Rights Lobby GroupElaine Campbell YouthNet
Child Protection Regional Co-Ordination GroupMary Field YouthNet
Human Rights ConsortiumElaine Campbell YouthNet
Youth Education Social Inclusion PartnershipDerek Capper YouthNetDenis Palmer YouthNetJoe Hawkins YouthNet
Joint Government / Voluntary and Community Sector ForumDenis Palmer YouthNet June Trimble YouthAction (Alternate)
JEDI Steering GroupDenis Palmer YouthNetPaddy White YouthLinkDoreen Tennis Girls’ Briagde Rainer Pagel PHAB NI Inclusion Matters
YCNI International Committee Peter Hamill Church of Ireland Colin Henderson Duke of Edinburgh AwardsPaul Curran Clubs for Young PeopleGeraldine Linford Girlguiding UlsterJackie Balmer Centre for Global EducationGary Rogers The Boys’ Brigade
Governance Practice GroupClaire O’Hare YouthNet
VSNTO – UK Trustee Standards Steering GroupMary Field YouthNet
Joint Consultative Forum Education SectorMary Field / YouthNetElaine Campbell YouthNet
Young Women Making it Work PartnershipMary Field YouthNet
University Course Consultative Panel (UUJ)Denis Palmer YouthNet
Belfast City Council Youth PanelDenis Palmer YouthNet
NGO ForumDenis Palmer YouthNet
NI Youth Information Panel / Eurodesk Co-ordinators GroupLinda Gordon YouthNet
SELB Youth CommitteeLinda Gordon YouthNetMichele Taylor National Council of YMCAsColette Murray Voluntary Youth UnitElizabeth Forbes The Girls’ Brigade
TSN/ Geo MappingDenis Palmer YouthNet
Under 10s PanelDoreen Tennis The Girls’ Brigade (Chair)Marguerite Hunter Blair PlayboardDenis Palmer YouthNet
ICT Consortium NILinda Gordon YouthNet
King George VI CouncilEric Rainey Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardAlex Hunter The Boys’ BrigadeFrank Hood YouthNetDoreen Tennis The Girls’ Brigade
King George VI Youth Awards PanelLinda Leonard YouthNetLindsay Taylor VSBCiaran McGrath The Scout AssociationEvelyn Waring Duke of Edinburgh’s AwardWillie Wickens The Boys’ Brigade
Youth Achievement Awards PanelSuzanne Thompson Young Citizens in Action
We would particularly like to thank the representatives from the Membership and Executive Committee who give so generously of their time and expertise to represent YouthNet on the following bodies:
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Contribution to Child Protection
Accreditation pilot
Big Lottery Consultation on Outcomes and
Draft Disability Discrimination
Russell Commission on
Youth Action and
NI Commissioner for Children and Young
People – Draft Priorities New TSN
Phases I and II
Programme for Government
Draft Priorities and Budget
Department of Education
Draft Education
Single Equality Bill
Making it RWRLD 2 – Draft Strategy for
Children and Young People
Review of Public
Governance Standards
Development of On line
Implementation of Part V Police Act
Youth Work Strategy Development of
YWS implementation
Pathways For Change
Review of Charities Administration and
Legislation in Northern Ireland
YOUTHNETShaping and Influencing
Policy Development
YouthNet has consulted widely with its membership throughout the year to inform a variety of policy responses and developments:
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Delivering Effective Inclusive Youth Work
Research and Policy
Curriculum Development
Registration and Quality Assurance
Equity Diversity and Interdependence
Volunteering
International work
Participation
Youth information
Participation strategies
Youth participative structures
Youth volunteering
Consultation and policy development
Resources and Funding
Resourcing Youth WorkReview of Resourcing
- RVYOs - Voluntary units
Professional DevelopmentEmployment issuesImproving youth sector estateICT
A key development for the youth sector during the year was the first Youth Work Strategy for Northern Ireland and the following key priorities were identified.
YOUTH WORK STRATEGY
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Organisational DevelopmentA survey of member organisations was carried out relating to their organisational development needs and the following key areas identified.
Governance Employment Legislation Child Protection Strategic/operational Planning Dealing with the Media ICT
A number of responses have been developed to meet the identified need and this work remains an ongoing priority.
Governance Standards• On-Line Good Practice Guide
YouthNet has been involved in a Governance Practice Group which was established with wide representation from the voluntary and community sector and DSD to provide greater co-ordination and promotion of existing services for management committees. The group is currently working towards the production of an easily accessible and updateable on-line good practice guide which will be launched later in 2005.
Trustee Standards Voluntary Sector National Training Organisation (VSNTO), based in NCVO, is working to develop UK wide standards for Trustees and Management Committee members. YouthNet is represented on the steering group and draft standards have been developed and consulted on across the UK. It is planned that the standards will be finalised and agreed by early 2006 and will provide a framework for good practice, recruitment and a guide for developing training materials.
Employment LegislationCompliance with legislation and best practice in relation to employment issues remains an area of key concern for member organisations.
In conjunction with the Labour Relations Agency two support seminars were delivered covering the areas of :-
Employment Law Recruitment and Selection
Individual member organisations have also been provided with guidance on the development of staff policies and guidelines for example staff contracts, Discipline and Grievance Procedures,
Data Protection, Freedom of Information, and Child Protection.Child ProtectionProviding support for voluntary youth organisations to maintain and develop quality standards in child protection policy and practice is a key area of work.
Trainers from ten member organisations have been supported to achieve Child Protection ‘Keeping Safe’ Accredited Training. Accredited Trainers deliver
certificated training throughout their own organisations and in addition have committed to delivering training to other YouthNet member organisations.
To date more than 320 staff and volunteers have received certificated training
Trainers are assessed annually by YouthNet to ensure accreditation remains current
Trainers receive updates on child protection developments as relevant
Four member organisations were supported to participate in a Child Protection Accreditation/Charter Mark pilot process led by the Volunteer Development Agency. An evaluation of the pilot project has been submitted to DHSSPS.
Support and Development
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Members ConferenceDuring the year a residential conference for members was held. Delegates heard from a range of key speakers and participated in workshops to discuss and debate a number of key issues impacting on the voluntary sector.
Topics included:
Emerging priorities from the Youth Work Strategy
Resourcing the voluntary youth sector
Role of the Joint Voluntary Statutory Forum
“Partners for Change” – Compact strategy development
“Positive Steps” Government response to the Task Force Report -Investing Together
Review of Public Administration Review of Charities
Administration and Legislation in Northern Ireland
Governance Developments – UK wide and regional
Changes SORPS 2005
Outcomes from the Conference informed YouthNet’s responses to policy
consultations and operational plan for the year and included:
Support from YouthNet to engage effectively in the implementation of the Youth Work Strategy
Resourcing– facilitate further discussion/ debate on proposals from Youth Council re needs assessment/ funding review.
Support to members for units/ groups engaged in front line delivery to respond to Review of Public Administration (RPA)
Further discussion/ consultation on RPA implications
Facilitate more discussion and information sessions on:
– Total Cost Recovery– Outcomes– Social Capital indicators
Set up mechanisms for issues to be raised with Youth Work Training Board Representatives.
Mechanisms have been set up and to date members have presented information on:
o Gender Equalityo Disability o Global Youth Work
Interest GroupsA number of Interest groups have been facilitated to meet throughout the year.
Interest groups determine their own frequency of meetings and are provided with the opportunity to discuss issues of common concern, to network, to exchange and disseminate information and to contribute to policy responses from a particular viewpoint or thematic base.
The Faith-Based Interest Group have been exploring the contribution of faith based youth work to social capital in northern Ireland and have identified a need for research in this area. YouthNet is currently supporting the group to secure resources to carry out this work.
The Disability Interest Group was supported to develop a response to the Youth Work Strategy and also to present research on examples of youth work practice involving young disabled people in Northern Ireland to the Youth Work Training Board.
The Uniformed Interest Group have been facilitated to meet to discuss issues of concern in relation to funding of RVYOs.
The Residential Centre Interest Group have met to discuss the funding of
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voluntary sector residential centres and to discuss their contribution to the review of residential centres through the implementation of the youth work strategy.
Under 10s Panel YouthNet facilitated the Youth
Service Liaison Forum – Under 10s panel to meet during the year. The panel has commissioned external consultants to conduct research into the scale, scope and location of current delivery for under 10’s within the youth sector.
To identify the different forms of provision for under 10’s existing within the youth sector.
ICT Users GroupThis group was established in 2004, in response to a need identified by member organisations. The group meets to network and share information and expertise on ICT issues.
EPIPEYouthNet’s weekly electronic information bulletin, Epipe, is sent out usually on a weekly basis. Member organisations use Epipe to showcase their work to the wider youth work sector as well as to the growing numbers of other agencies who subscribe to it. Epipe celebrated its 200th
edition in June 2005 and continues to be
available in both printed and electronic editions, as well as on the members-only section of the YouthNet website.
YOUTHNET WEBSITEA comprehensive review of the website took place early in 2005 and work was completed on making the site fully accessible and it is now W3C AA compliant. Anyone browsing the site using for example a Braille reader will find that there are no broken links or other errors which could mean that they cannot access all of the information. It also means that all of the site is fully accessible.
Development of the website is ongoing, and an analysis of the monthly usage statistics has seen an increase in the number of hits to over 11,000 in August 2005. The publications section is generally the most accessed; however, all sections are regularly used. The statistics are regularly used to review the site, to ensure that all sections are accessible and that it is fully tailored to meet the needs of its audience.
NI YOUTH INFORMATION PANELThe Panel launched their Northern Ireland wide website in April www.niyouthinfo.org and aims to provide information for young people on a wide range of topics including health, education, travel and relationships. Information from YouthNet member
organisations was supplied to the website design team and is regularly updated by the Communications Officer. As part of the Panel’s strategy for providing as wide a range of information as possible, the Panel has formalised links with Eurodesk, which provides information on the European Community. In the UK, Eurodesk is co-ordinated by YouthNet’s sister agency, YouthLink Scotland. All of the Panel members are now Eurodesk partners, meaning that the Youth Sector has access to the full range of information on European youth programmes and work.
EUROPEAN YOUTH PORTAL - http://www.europa.eu.int/youth/index_en.htmlThe Portal was launched in June 2004 and YouthNet provided information on its members as part of the initial development process. This information is regularly updated by the Communications Officer via the UK link – YouthLink Scotland.
ICT CONSORTIUMThe Communications Officer is a member of this group facilitated by NICVA which first came together in 2004 with a view to finding out what the ICT issues were in the voluntary and community sector and finding a way of supporting the sector to be strategic in its use of ICT. As well as providing a forum for support and information for group
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members, the Consortium has developed a strategic plan and aims to organise a
series of seminars around topics of interest to the sector. The first, which will
focus on accessibility, will be held in autumn 2005. Partnerships – key areas of work
Youth Council for Northern Ireland
Chairs meeting YouthNet/YCNI Geo- Mapping JEDI Youth Work Training Board International Committee Youth Information Research “ Turning up the Sound”
Education and Library Boards
Curriculum Development Unit Provision of LGBT training Youth Service Best Value
Review Inter-board Conference YESIP (Youth Education Social
Inclusion Partnership)
Youth Service Liaison Forum
Youth Work Strategy Strategy Sub Group Under 10s Panel Voluntary Sector Pensions Child Protection Russell Commission
Northern Ireland Youth Forum
Strategic development and delivery of “Youth Impact” – Active citizenship project for young people
Strategic development and delivery of “Engage Youth” – Political awareness programme for young people
Community Foundation for Northern Ireland
Partner in delivery mechanism for Peace 11 Measure 2.6 Active Citizenship
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Main ActivitiesActive LGBT Youth Groups in
Northern
Resources & Research
LGBT Consortium Member Organisations
niyouthinfo.orgCurriculum Development Unit Transgender Issues
LGBT Consortium
Working to develop responses to meet the needs of young people in Northern Ireland who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender through the ShOut project Challenge for Youth, Gay and Lesbian Youth NI, Rainbow Project, Young Citizens in Action, YouthAction and YouthNet
Training & Information
LGBT Consortium Member Organisations
ELBsStatutory BodiesVoluntary/Community
OrganisationsConferences
Section 75 Compliance & Policy
LGBT Consortium ResponsesEquality Panels Child Protection Working Group
Partnerships
LGBT Consortium Member Organisations
LGBT Youth Scotland / Beyond Barriers Study Visit
Unison LGBT Campaign & LGBT Organisations
International Links
Support & Development
Supporting existing LGBT Youth Groups
Facilitating new Transgender Support Group
Supporting Youth Work Student Placement
63%
13%
24%
Education & Library Board Community / Voluntary Other Statutory 20
Grant Administration and Support
Peace II
The long anticipated extension to the Peace II Programme has dominated the past year. During the autumn of 2004 little clear information was available as to the likely shape or scale of the programme. This vacuum was filled with speculation and conjecture around which funding streams and sectors would be in, out or amalgamated. All of which raised fears and hopes among funding bodies and project promoters alike.
However, when the extension proposal paper that had been submitted to the EU by the two Governments was disseminated in December 2004, it was clear that a continued funding stream for work with young people had received considerable support during the consultation period. A further £5m was proposed. This was recognition of the effort made during the consultation period to represent the views and needs of the youth sector.
EU approval for the extension did not come until February 2005 and those bodies currently involved in the delivery of Peace II were required to tender in
open competition with all other interested parties, to retain their role.
Confirmation of YouthNet’s success, in May was followed by a period of delay with the Extension Programme not formally launched until early June, while centralised applications forms and guidance on project selection processes and scoring were not made available until late June. Not a good sign for the future of the extension, particularly as such highly centralised processes were at the heart of much of the frustration and antipathy to Peace II at its outset.
Promotion of the funds available through Measure 2.2 began during the summer of 2005, with 5 fund specific information seminars to support those interested in making an application. Further clarification was offered substantially by telephone and individual support was provided for those organisations and groups with limited experience or low capacity in the area of fund-raising.
In much the same way as YESIP had to make its own application under an open tendering process to remain a funding body in the extended period, existing project promoters have been required to submit applications for new projects under new ‘Programme and Measure Specific Criteria’. The Peace II Extension Programme is open to projects that have previously come to an end, as well as organisations not currently in receipt of Peace II funding and indeed those currently funded through another Implementing Body and Measure. With a high level of interest anticipated we face the predicament of having more quality projects than funds available.
The now annual effort to wring out as much spend from projects as possible in order to meet Measure and Programme level N+2 targets was the other significant focus of the past year. (N+2 is the EU device for tracking spend in all its Structural Fund Programmes across the Union.) Funding de-committed from under-spending projects was re-routed to support those with the capacity to
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undertake further activity and make an increased contribution to the 2005 N+2 target. With the clock ticking from 1 January 2005 on the N+2 targets of the Peace II Extension Programme it is
clear this will be a major pre-occupation in the year ahead.
King George VI Youth Awards
YouthNet continues to provide administrative support for these Awards which are aimed at supporting youth work at local level, offering grants to small projects as well as supporting individual young people undertaking personal development programmes. In 2004/2005, 21 awards were granted, from a total of 41 applications received throughout the year. The average grant was £222. Contributions were made to a wide range of projects and individuals, ranging from outdoor pursuit training to peer education workshops. Further information and application forms are available on our website.
Executive Programme Fund for Key Services Provided through the Community and Voluntary SectorThroughout the period 2003 – 2005, YouthNet also successfully managed and administered Short Term Funding for the Social Inclusion/Community Regeneration Executive Programme Fund for Key Services Provided through the Community and Voluntary Sector, on behalf of the Department of Education. One hundred and fifteen applications were assessed in total, with thirty-nine projects allocated a total of £1.4 million in funding.
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The statement of financial activities has been prepared on the basis that all operations are continuing operations.
There are no recognised gains and losses other than those passing through the statement of financial activities.
TOTAL TOTALNote Unrestricted Restricted 2005 2004
£ £ £ £Incoming ResourcesMembership and other fees 2 5,904 5,904 6,203Activities in furtherance of the Charity’s Objects:
Grants receivable 3 128,045 356,612 484,629 555,684Interest receivable 6 - 2,581 2,581 5,572Other income 2,527 - 2,527 675
Total Incoming Resources 136,476 359,165 495,641 568,134
Resources ExpendedCharitable expenditure:
Costs in furtherance of charitable objects 7 54,596 424,045 478,641 397,724
Management and administration 8 61,797 79,090 140,887 130,029
Total Resources Expended 9 116,393 503,135 615,528 527,753
Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before transfers 20,083 (143,970) (123,887) 40,381
Transfer between funds - - - -
Net (outgoing)/incoming resources for the year 20,083 (143,970) (123,887) 40,381
Balance brought forward as at 1 April 2004 27,216 382,479 409,695 369,314
Balances carried forward as at 31 March 2004 47,299 238,509 285,808 409,695
VOLUNTARY YOUTH NETWORK FOR NORTHER IRELAND
Statement of Financial ActivitiesFor the Year Ended 31 March 2005
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2005
2004
Note £ £ £ £Fixed AssetsTangible assets 11 30,528 22,988
Current AssetsStock 12 650 650Debtors 13 127,463 128,086Cash at bank and in hand 158,038 274,095
286,151 402,831
Creditors : amounts falling due within one year 14 (30,871) (16,124)
Net current assets 255,280 386,707
Total assets less current liabilities 285,808 409,695
Funds Restricted Funds 15 236,509 382,479Unrestricted Funds
- Designated 14,032 - - General 16 33,267 27,216
285,808 409,695
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part VIII of the Companies (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 relating to small companies.
The financial statements were approved by the board on 13 September 2005and signed on its behalf by:
The notes on pages 10 to 16 form part of these financial statements
VOLUNTARY YOUTH NETWORK FOR NORTHER IRELAND
Balance SheetAs at 31 March 2005
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Chairperson Honorary Treasurer
Full Members
Action Mental Health – VOTE Project Army Cadet Force Association Baptist Youth Belfast Community Circus School Belfast Door Project Black Youth Network The Boys' Brigade Brook, Belfast The BYTES Project Cathog Catholic Guides of Ireland Centre for Global Education Challenge for Youth Children's Law Centre Chinese Welfare Association Church of Ireland Youth Council Cinemagic Clubs for Young People Contact Youth Co-operation Ireland Corrymeela Community Department of Youth & Childrens'
Work - (Methodist Church) Disability Action Youth Project Down's Syndrome Association Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme Extern Forthspring Frontier Youth Trust GLYNI
The Girls' Brigade Girls Friendly Society GirlGuiding UK, Province of Ulster Harmony Community Trust
Hope UK Hostelling International International Voluntary Service Mencap Mulholland After Care Services Multi Cultural Resource Centre NIACRO
National Council of YMCA's of Ireland Newry Volunteer Bureau NICH S NI Council for Ethnic Minorities NI Deaf Youth Association NI Forces Youth Service NI Scout Council NI Women’s Aid Federation – Young
Person’s Development Project PHAB NI Inclusion Matters
Playboard Presbyterian Youth Department The Prince's Trust Public Achievement The Rainbow Project Red Cross Youth St Columb’s Park House St John Ambulance Scout Foundation Northern Ireland
Share Centre The Spirit of Enniskillen Trust Voice of Young People in Care VS B – Young Citizens In Action Wheelworks Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster Young Travellers Education Project -
BTEDG
YouthAction YouthCom Youth Initiatives Youth Link NI
Affiliate Members
Belfast Education & Library Board NI Citizen’s Advice Bureau NSPCC NUS/USI North Eastern Education & Library
Board The Police Service of Northern
Ireland – Community Involvement Branch
Probation Board for Northern Ireland South Eastern Education & Library
Board Southern Education & Library Board Western Education & Library Board
YOUTHNET MEMBERSHIP 2005
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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We would like to thank the following organisations/ bodies who have supported our work during the year:
Department of Education
Esmée Fairbairn Foundation
Youth Council For Northern Ireland
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