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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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

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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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