Annual Report 2006/07
Message of Support from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern TD to the Federation of Irish Societies Annual Congress 2007 I am very pleased to have the opportunity to publicly express my support and appreciation of the work done by the Federation and its affiliates. The Irish Community in Britain is diverse and numerous and this is reflected by the range of your affiliates and the contribution they make to the strength of our community. The Federation continues to develop, shaping the services it offers in order to provide the best information and support to cultural and social clubs and welfare organisations throughout Britain. I am pleased that my Department has been able to provide substantial funding to the Federation, and indeed to many of its affiliate members, to help you to provide the much needed services and support which do so much to enhance the life of our community in Britain. This has already been a notable year for Ireland, with the achievement of power sharing in Belfast and the Taoiseach’s recent historic address at Westminster. Relations between Ireland and Britain are excellent and this is due in part to the role you all play in highlighting the positive, high profile that the Irish Community currently enjoys in Britain. I want to particularly salute the work of your Chair, Dr Mary Tilki, the past and present officers of the Federation, the management, staff and the members on your achievements and to wish the Federation and all its affiliates the very best in the coming year. Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D. Minister for Foreign Affairs
Objectives To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of charities and to promote the efficient application of resources for charitable purposes by non-charitable institutions particularly such charities and purposes for the benefit of the Irish community (those people who are Irish by birth or by descent) by providing advice, information, training and support. To promote any charitable purpose for the benefit of the public in particular the Irish community (those people who are Irish by birth or by descent) in the United Kingdom by the advancement of education, the protection of health and the relief of poverty, sickness and distress.
Trustees
Dr Mary Tilki Maire Gaffney Dr Phil McCarvill Anthony Hanlon
Staff Team
Chair Vice Chair Secretary Treasurer
Paul O’Donovan Bridie McGowan John Twomey Pat Prendergast
Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee
Chris Clegg Des Hurley Karen Scanlon Tish Collins
Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee
Eithne Rynne Ann Gould Frances McAuley Patrick Marmion Conor McGinn Rita Corrigan John Gradwell John Johnson Ged Kelly Fiona Gowen Nia Panayiotopoulos Keith Fox Marion McCracken
Director John McDonagh Operations Manager Executive Assistant Seán Hutton Policy Co-ordinator Capacity Building Co-ordinator Senior Clubs & Community Centres Development Officer Community Health Development Officer Senior Community Development Officer Clubs & Community Centres Development Officer Community Development Worker (Midlands) Cultural Officer Community Development Worker (London) Community Development Worker (London) Clubs & Community Centres Development Officer Media & Communications Officer
Aer Arran Express Associated Church Clubs Bank of Ireland Irish Ferries CTA Holidays
Irish Post Knock Airport Route Organisation Tourism Ireland N Cyprus Tourism
Sponsors
Funders
Díon Committee, Irish Government Dept of Health, Section 64 Funding, Brit Gov Home Office, ACU Unit, British Government Company Number: 04013148 Registered Charity Number: 1092268
Chair’s Report The capacity building report highlights outcomes achieved by the staff in different affiliate and geographical areas. We are engaged in a variety of work with diverse organisations and while many problems are common to all, we have of necessity invested heavily in a number of organisations with particularly difficult issues to resolve.
This is my fifth annual report since being elected chair in 2002 and each year I have been able to report expansion and growth. Thanks to generous funding from DĂon, and some from the Department of Health and the Home Office in the UK, I have also been able to highlight the increasing work done by FIS staff with affiliate organisations. It was timely this year for me to take stock and evaluate outcomes in our different areas of work. I was pleasantly surprised by what had been achieved, but as ever I was reminded of how much more remains to be done. It is easy to get caught up in a web of being busy and not necessarily thinking about whether we are doing the right thing or doing it in the most efficient or effective way. With a sizeable team and a significant financial investment it is important to have targets and a clear sense of direction.
The capacity building team has worked with 90 organisations and although we had many successes they rarely happened as straightforwardly or quickly as we would have liked. It is evident that organisations do not reach crisis situation overnight but reflect problems over many years and as such are not turned round in a short space of time. One of the dangers for staff is a sense of being all things to all people and they have been pulled in many different directions. The issue for FIS is not just spreading ourselves too thinly, but of not getting the best results for the human and financial investment involved. While it was important to prioritise affiliates in crisis, we arguably needed to invest more in nurturing organisations with the potential to flourish with limited help. Equally we might have done more to capture the models of excellence which exist among our members, celebrating and sharing this good practice across the affiliate body.
but despite our efforts to be both proactive and responsive, Irish issues have still slipped from the agenda. However, current policy agendas afford significant opportunities for the Irish community at both local and national level. With the vision and expertise of the trustees and the skilled commitment of the staff we can move further towards our vision.
I am proud of the professionalism and commitment of staff and am constantly aware that their tenacity and ability to go the extra mile are crucial to our success. It is testimony to this that affiliations have increased year on year. Although encouraged by our expanding membership we have been conscious that it has raised expectations which were not always realistic or achievable. We have therefore revisited our strategic plan to ensure it is practical, achievable and cost effective in human and material terms. Work with affiliates has been our priority, but we are always conscious that our efforts can only ever have limited success until the needs of the Irish community are addressed at macro level. Díon funding has enabled us to make many links, but with a few exceptions we are still not fully engaged in policy making processes and strategic partnerships. There is abundant rhetoric about the Irish in different policy debates
“This is my fifth annual report ... and each year I have been able to report expansion and growth”
My grateful thanks go to the Ambassador and his team for their continued support and especially the Díon Committee for their generous funding. May I welcome staff that have joined us and thank everybody for their dedication and commitment. I would particularly like to thank the trustees for their inspiration and guidance and for steering me through the complexity which is the voluntary sector today. My thanks to the affiliates old and new – without them FIS has no purpose.
Dr Mary Tilki Chair
Director’s Report I am very proud to report on yet another successful year in so many ways for the Federation of Irish Societies.
targets for the year in relation to our overall aims and objectives. It is being reviewed regularly as a working document and other important areas that have been included since its conception are a ‘Communication Strategy and ‘Income Generation Consultation’. The Senior Management Team has also drawn up an Operational Plan to work alongside the Strategic Plan to develop work programmes and monitor progress. This has helped us focus on the overall work to be completed throughout all aspects of the organisation: policy, representation, health, capacity building, training, media and events and administration.
Firstly I am delighted to welcome all of our new employees who have joined us since last Congress. The team has grown significantly in expertise and a full complement of staff has seen us achieving many more outcomes than last year. In an organisation such as FIS we rely heavily on our human resources and I am proud to be in a position to lead such a strong and dedicated team.
The Board of Trustees and the Senior Management Team have referred to these plans, in respect of ongoing work and advance planning, throughout the year to ensure we are on track with achieving our set targets and finding the correct balance between all of our commitments. As a second tier organisation we have two very clear directions which shape the work we do, both externally and internally. These are ‘representation and lobbying’ and ‘capacity building work’ with our member organisations. We have worked
The main challenges for FIS over the past year have been to juggle the many components of the work of an umbrella organisation such as ours. The Strategic Plan which was introduced at last years Congress sets out our aspirations and
in particular, the Chair, Michael Lonergan and the Secretary, Amanda Bane, and also to thank them for their support to the Irish community throughout the year.
consistently on both areas during the last year and we remain eager to meet the varied challenges that both will present in the coming year. The main aim of the Capacity Building Team is to support the dedication and commitment of our member organisations in providing quality services to the Irish Community. This report highlights only some of the successes of the Capacity Building work during the past year and the results speak volumes about the skill and expertise of our Capacity Building Team.
I would like to pay tribute to Ambassador O’Ceallaigh who has been a tremendous support to the Federation over the years. We wish him and Mrs O’Ceallaigh every best wish as they prepare to leave London and we offer our sincere thanks to them for all that they have done for the Irish community here in Britain.
“The team has grown significantly in expertise and a full complement of staff has seen us achieving many more outcomes than last year”
I would also like to thank the Board of Trustees for their leadership and commitment to the Federation throughout the year. Our work is enhanced by the skills and energy of our Trustee Board in leading and representing the organisation. Finally, our achievements throughout the year have only been possible with the immense dedication and support the staff team have shown to FIS throughout the year and I would like to congratulate each and every member of the team for their contribution to the successes we have had this year. Eithne Rynne Director
We are grateful, as ever, to our funders as without their support we would not be in a position to campaign and work as effectively as we are on behalf of our members and the Irish community. In particular I would like to express our thanks to the Díon Committee for their valued support,
Policy and Representation the Irish community’s experiences of serious health disadvantages. We have demonstrated our commitment to raising the health profile of the Irish community though our involvement with the Department of Health at various levels and by our continued determination not to allow Irish health issues to slip off the agenda of the key policy makers.
As you will see from this annual report many outcomes have been achieved throughout the year, although as our Chair Dr Mary Tilki has said there is much still to be done. We have identified that we need to increase our strengths in lobbying this coming year, focusing on key government departments to enable us to increase the profile of the Irish community and to ensure proper recognition and inclusion for our community.
Our work with the British Irish Inter Parliamentary Last month saw the Test Census for 2011 being Body, Committee D, is reaching a conclusion carried out in five different locations throughout following intensive work with them in profiling England & Wales. I am particularly pleased with the needs of the Irish community in Britain. It FIS’s achievement in successfully lobbying the Office is hoped that the final report will be presented at for National Statistics (ONS) to keep the ‘Irish the next plenary in the autumn and that FIS will question’ in the Ethnic minority category question. be in a position to use the recommendations in With the support of Lord Dubs, Chair of Committee further discussions with both the British and Irish D of the British Irish Inter Parliamentary Body, and Governments. Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, we convened a meeting late last year to discuss our concerns. We In other areas of our representative work we have shall continue to monitor the results of the Test consistently expressed our concerns where the Irish Census and lobby the ONS until such times as they community has not been included or consulted on confirm that the appropriate question will remain. new policy and strategic initiatives, and will continue to be a link between statutory agencies and the Irish The FIS Health Development Officer has been community until this is resolved. working closely with our Chair, Dr Mary Tilki, to actively lobby for specific health screening campaigns to educate and therefore improve
Capacity Building Programme final draft and will be implemented in 2007. The rationale behind the strategy document is to offer clarity to member organisations around the levels of service provision that the CBT can provide. It also includes a new training programme for affiliates to provide relevant training and encourage out of region networking opportunities. Community services have been extended through the establishment of Satellite Surgeries in areas where gaps in service provision have been identified.
The Capacity Building Team (CBT) consists of Community Development workers, Clubs and Community Centres workers, a Cultural worker, and a Health Development worker. They have responded over the past year on a priority needs analysis basis and the successful expansion of the staff team in some regions has increased our capacity to work with a greater number of organisations. The national recruitment campaign FIS undertook was successful for the London and South region and we are delighted to have two new community development workers for this area. However, recruitment in the North of England has proved unsuccessful so far. We are now working with a recruitment consultant in the North and are hopeful that the post will soon be filled. Although the CBT have not been at full strength for much of the year they have performed remarkably well with the intricate and diverse nature of work and increased level of demand for their services. An Operational Plan has been developed for the CBT that will enable us to increase our efficiency as a resource and help us to maximise the potential of all our organisations. In addition to the support work with organisations, a Capacity Building Strategy document is now in its
Capacity Building Programme Clubs & Community Centres
well on the way to achieving charitable status. The club has managed to keep its Irish identity, enhance The Clubs and Community Centres team have its promotion of the Irish culture and enjoy an worked hard to provide opportunities for clubs increase in membership. to broaden their awareness of the new Fire Risk Assessment requirements and the implications of We find increasingly that the skills of our different the now imminent no smoking legislation. The development workers are being called upon as we following case study provides an example of the encourage organisations to develop and widen their challenges the team have responded to and the remits. As a result individual organisations are often able to take advantage of the specialist support outcomes achieved. offered from the FIS’s cultural, health, community The Federation were approached for advice and and clubs teams at any one time, an example of support to secure the future of a club when trading which is demonstrated below. losses and outstanding loan repayments emerged following the resignations of key members of the Community Development Workers club’s committee. The Federation supported the club by introducing them to their local Community The Community Development Workers have Voluntary Services organisation. This in turn been asked to set up new groups where there highlighted the need to modernise organisational is a particular need. One of our organisations structures. recently formed to provide a luncheon club for Irish and other Elders and enlisted the Federation’s Throughout this modernisation process the support from the start. The CDW helped to draft Federation has supported the club, consulting with a constitution, put together a range of appropriate solicitors and other professionals to ensure every policies and procedures, prepare for their inaugural option was explored and considered. Alongside AGM and advised on and defined committee roles regular meetings with the membership the club has and responsibilities. adopted a new name and constitution and registered with Companies House. They are now 10
The Federation assisted with funding bids, both to DĂon and external bodies, and supported the development of cultural activity within the organisation. We have initiated and developed links with other organisations facilitating the establishment of a satellite advice surgery and a health advice surgery expanding the service delivery to the community. These links have provided an additional long term support structure for the group.
An affiliated cultural society requested guidance and practical assistance on a number of issues and the CDW was able to offer the following support.
Cultural Development Worker
As a result of a governance review we have helped them to prepare their Memorandum and Articles, establish a Company Limited by Guarantee and have begun the process of registering the organisation as a charity. The Federation also provided fundraising advice including liaising with the local council, event management advice and support with the development of a highly successful summer festival.
The society in question has a small but dedicated committee and an increasing portfolio of events and activities. As they had been presented with some new challenges they invited FIS to work with them on a number of initiatives. The cultural worker was able to guide them through each stage of the recruitment process, preparing the job description, short-listings and interviews and The Luncheon Club membership has now reached facilitating almost 150, with an average weekly attendance of providing ongoing support with employment policies, procedures and line management. 72, 80% of whom are from the Irish community.
The Cultural Development Worker is a newly created post within the Federation. Since his appointment he has begun to develop the post, creating a data base, establishing significant networks, successfully engaging the Arts Council, running forums and supporting a growing number of cultural organisations. The following example highlights the successful outcomes for one affiliated cultural group.
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Capacity Building Programme Health Development
A landmark FIS conference on coronary heart disease was held in January and attended by the The Health Development Worker (HDW) continues Public Health Minister, Caroline Flint MP, as well to make good progress in raising awareness of Irish as senior Department of Health officials and health health issues and ensuring that affiliates are equipped professionals. to lobby their local statutory health organisations. A FIS led consultation on the mental health of the Irish in the London Borough of Islington provided Some of the major health an opportunity for affiliates to liaise directly with the promotion projects over the Primary Care Trust and showcase the work being last year have included a one done by Irish organisations. Similar studies by day conference in Birmingham universities in Liverpool and Birmingham continue, to mark World Mental Health with Irish organisations in the latter city having a Day. The key objective within direct input into a research project. this event was raising and giving prominence to the very FIS, with other BME sector colleagues, lobbied important issue of mental health hard to ensure that provision was made for the in the Irish community. circumstances of the Irish community in any new Following the success Mental Health Act, and a Department of Health of last year, the health consultation quoted the FIS submission extensively. promotion bus made The work of raising the profile of the Irish community another very popular through a number of Federation initiatives is appearance at the St ongoing and significant links have been forged with Patrick’s Day Parade senior health officials. We can also report that several Parliamentary questions have been raised in London. in connection with the health circumstances of the Irish community and a number of appointments with senior health officials are arranged. 12
Administration and Communication Support work from FIS office staff has been of a consistently high quality over the past year, from dealing with the ever growing volume of calls and enquiries received from members and the general public, to keeping affiliated organisations up to date with current activities. Four National Meetings have taken place in Manchester, London, Liverpool and Coventry and have been well attended. These have been an opportunity for affiliated groups to be apprised of the ongoing work of FIS, raise any concerns they have, share their good news and network with members from other organisations.
were invited to send in details of vacancies for staff, volunteers, or management committee members. The stand attracted a lot of attention over the two days and over a thousand leaflets were handed out. Due to the success of the event, FIS will be taking a stand at the 2007 Fair.
A regular FIS Newsletter has been produced and it has proved to be very popular with affiliated groups who have contributed articles and information to be included on a regular basis. Work is also ongoing to update the ‘FIS in Focus’ publication which contains the directory of our affiliated members and will be In partnership with the Department of Social available in June 07. and Family Affairs, FIS held an ‘Information Day’ in Birmingham to offer advice workers the The last couple of months have seen the development opportunity to gain knowledge, expertise and up to of a new FIS website which will be going live in June date information from the people in Ireland directly 07. It will include a ‘Forum’ facility for Clubs, Health, involved in the key service areas such as; Pensions, Culture, Community Development and Policy Benefits, Housing and Health. Returning to Ireland which will enable a new level of interaction and issues were also on the agenda including; education, participation between staff, members and relevant medical care, cost of living, documentation etc. It professional bodies. was a very successful day and we are grateful to the Department for their high level of commitment to The recruitment of the Reception and Administration Post for the London office produced a huge response. the event. We are delighted to announce that the successful FIS took a stand at the Forum 3 Jobs Fair in London candidate was appointed and will begin work to promote the work of the Federation and its immediately. member organisations. London based organisations 13
During the course of the year a successful recruitment campaign has increased the Federation’s outreach capacity and the number of affiliate organisations to benefit from face-to-face support has risen substantially. The Federation has continued to represent our affiliated members and the Irish community in a positive strategic manner and to consolidate our work to raise the profile of the Irish community in both British and Irish society. We look forward to the next year with confidence in our ability to support, promote and advocate for and on behalf of the Irish community.
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (INCORPORATING THE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2007
Incoming Resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Investment income Incoming resources from charitable activities Total Incoming Resources Resources Expended Other costs of generating funds Charitable activities Governance costs Total Resources Expended Net income Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward at 1 April 2006 Total funds carried forward at 31 March 2007
Unrestricted Funds £ 59,840 25,860
Restricted Funds £ 900 -
Designated Funds £ - -
Total 2007 £ 60,740 25,860
6,500 ──────
498,750 ──────
- ──────
505,250 ──────
92,200 ──────
499,650 ──────
- ──────
591,850 ──────
679,525 ──────
- 46,870 11,180 ──────
- 710,811 - ──────
- - - ──────
- 757,681 11,180 ──────
1,420 505,454 6,959 ──────
58,050 ────── 34,150
710,811 ────── (211,161)
- ────── -
768,861 ────── (177,011)
513,833 ──────
120,623 ──────
297,366 ──────
70,016 ──────
488,005 ──────
322,313 ──────
£ 154,773 ══════
£ 86,205 ══════
£ 70,016 ══════
£ 310,994 ══════
£ 488,005 ══════
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Total 2006 £
98,629 18,729
562,167 ──────
165,692
BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2007
FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS NET ASSETS FINANCED BY: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Designated funds
252,844 ────── 301,129 ────── £ 310,994 ══════ 154,773 86,205 70,016 ────── £ 310,994 ══════
2007 2006 £ £ £ 9,865 16,759 ────── 44,322 41,869 509,651 619,347 ────── ────── 553,973 661,216 189,970 ────── 471,246 ────── £ 488,005 ══════
120,623 297,366 70,016 ────── £ 488,005 ══════
The summary financial statements are extracted from the full audited financial statements. The audit opinion on the full financial statements was not qualified and they were approved by the trustees in May 2007 and submitted to the Charity Commission and Companies House during June 2007. Copies of the full financial statements, including the unqualified audit report, can be obtained from the charity’s registered office: 95 White Lion Street, London N1 9PF, 020 7833 1226. Dr Mary Tilki (Chair) The summarised financial statements are consistent with the full audited financial statements.
Alison Ward Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors
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The Federation of Irish Societies London Office: 95 White Lion Street Islington London N1 9PF Tel: 020 7833 1226 Fax: 020 7833 3214 info@irishsocieties.org www.irishsocieties.org Birmingham Office: Suite 211, Keys Court 82-84 Moseley Street Birmingham B12 ORT Tel: 0121 622 4169 Fax: 0121 622 5613 Manchester Office: EMF House 12 Charlotte Street Manchester M1 4FL Tel: 0161 245 3221 Fax: 0161 245 3315
FIS exists to represent and develop our members and our community