Annual Report 2007-08 by Anna Franks

Annual Report 2007/08

About FIS FIS is a national umbrella body with affiliates from the Irish community and voluntary sector in Britain. FIS was established in 1973 by Irish organisations who recognised the need for a forum for Irish groups where they could get together and support each other. FIS members now cover a range of activities and types of group and they provide a wide selection of services for the Irish community.

resident McAleese speaking at the FIS Community Reception, Milton Keynes, June 2007: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To the army of volunteers, professionals, public representatives and all others represented here today who work so passionately on behalf of the Irish community on this our neighbouring island, I say a warm and heartfelt thank you.â&#x20AC;?

FIS provides development support to enable our members to continue to provide high quality services and to grow to meet the needs of the community. FIS represents the views of our members and of the Irish community in Britain and seeks to ensure that the community can play a full and respected role in the life of this country.

FIS Vision

To achieve a confident, healthy and empowered Irish community participating fully in a multicultural Britain.

FIS Mission Statement

To be a strong committed representative voice for the Irish voluntary sector and to provide a comprehensive range of quality support services to member organisations.

FIS Strategic Aims

1. To support, represent and develop the Irish voluntary and community sector in Britain. 2. To ensure equality of opportunity and social inclusion for the Irish voluntary sector. 3. To work closely with other minority ethnic groups in identifying and addressing community health issues. 4. To promote and increase access to diversity in Arts and Cultural experiences. 5. To ensure FIS maximises opportunities to ensure financial viability and appropriate resources to successfully manage the activities of the organisation including governance, management and administration.

FIS Team Trustees Dr Mary Tilki

Chair

Paul O’Donovan

Trustee

Maire Gaffney

Vice Chair

Declan Carroll

Trustee

Dr Phil McCarvill

Secretary

John Twomey

Trustee

Anthony Hanlon Chris Clegg

Treasurer

Pauline Roche

Trustee

Trustee (to September 07)

Des Hurley

Trustee

Karen Scanlon

Trustee

Tish Collins

Trustee

Staff Team Eithne Rynne

Chief Executive Officer

Ann Gould

Executive Assistant

Seán Hutton

Policy Officer

John McDonagh

Operations Manager

Frances McAuley

Capacity Building Co-ordinator

Patrick Marmion

Senior Clubs & Community Centres Development Officer

Conor McGinn

Health Development Officer

Rita Corrigan

Senior Community Development Officer

John Gradwell

Clubs & Community Centres Development Officer

John Johnson

Community Development Worker (Midlands)

Ged Kelly

Cultural Officer

Fiona Gowen

Community Development Worker (London)

Nia Panayiotopoulos

Community Development Worker (London)

Keith Fox

Clubs & Community Centres Development Officer

Marion McCracken

Finance & Communications Officer

Kelly Fahy

Reception/Administration (London)

Leigh Monaghan

Reception/Administration (North West)

Lois Russell

Reception/Administration (Midlands)

Sponsors

Funders

Aer Arran Express

Irish Post

Díon Committee, Irish Government

Bank of Ireland

CTA Holidays

Department of Education, Irish Government

Enterprise Ireland

Jenni Murphy

Governance Hub, British Government

North Cyprus Tourism

Tourism Ireland

Rose of Tralee

Triskellion Theatre

Company Number: 04013148 Registered Charity Number: 1092268

Chair’s Report This has been a busy and challenging year for the Federation. In contrast to the growth and expansion of previous years it has been one more focussed on consolidation, but as the report will show we have had significant success. In particular we have seen a declining need for crisis intervention among our affiliate organisations. This is down to the hard work and commitment of our staff as well as the willingness of affiliates to consider different ways of working. Ensuing stability has allowed the team to invest more in developing proactive, progressive and sustainable organisations. A major focus of our work has been encouraging collaborative working between Irish organisations, expanding the reach of affiliate services and engaging in partnerships with bodies who have statutory responsibility for the Irish community in Britain.

‘we have seen a declining need for crisis intervention among our affiliate organisations.... stability has allowed the team to invest more in developing proactive, progressive and sustainable organisations’

The economic climate and shifting policy environment has led us to think critically about our strategic direction, and to examine fitness for purpose in the light of rapid growth over recent years. The Board of Trustees has worked closely with the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management Team to draw up business and strategic plans. We have identified clear targets and established enhanced structures to monitor progress towards goals; and developed strategies to evaluate performance, measure effectiveness and demonstrate value for money. We continue to be grateful for the generosity of the Díon committee and are delighted to welcome David Cooney, Ambassador of Ireland, and Gerry Kelly, Díon Committee Chairman, and their respective families, to London. May I thank the staff for their commitment and enthusiasm and all our affiliates for their support. A particular thank you to the trustee board who give so freely of their valuable time to bring a wealth of expertise, experience and good humour to the Federation.

Dr Mary Tilki Chair

Chief Executive Officer’s Report I am delighted to take this opportunity to report back to you on what has been an extremely busy but very successful year for FIS. The report from our Capacity Building Team (CBT) shows the many and varied issues which have been presented by affiliated organisations this year, and how the CBT have tailored our support to address the issues.

‘FIS continues to represent the Irish Voluntary sector in Britain and have made strong representation to local government and statutory bodies to ensure that the Irish community needs are recognised ’

FIS continues to represent the Irish Voluntary sector in Britain and have made strong representation to local government and statutory bodies to ensure that Irish community needs are recognised and that appropriate measures are taken to ensure that they are treated equitably. Our theme for the year focused on new external partnerships, as well as facilitating closer links between our member organisations. FIS are keen to continue to support partnership working and see the role of bridge building as an important aspect of our work. Smaller voluntary organisations are encouraged to work in partnership to give them a strong voice and appropriate infrastructure to meet the growing demands of third sector funding. This year, more than ever, we have seen the importance of maintaining close contact with our minority ethnic partners, such as ROTA and Voice4Change, to work together on issues such as the proposed withdrawal of single community funding. We welcome the adoption of the report into the needs of the Irish community in Britain which was carried out by the British Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body (BIIPB), Committee D. FIS first raised these issues with the BIIPB in 2005 and I would like to offer my grateful thanks to the Chair of Committee D, Lord Alf Dubs, and his colleagues, who gave a great deal of their time in hearing evidence for the report. The Report makes recommendations regarding the needs of the Irish community living in Britain which we will use as evidence in negotiations with local authorities and funders.

Eithne Rynne CEO

I remain, as ever, indebted to FIS’ enthusiastic, dedicated and extremely hard working team who continue to work tirelessly to achieve our outcomes. Finally, I would like to offer my grateful thanks to the Chair and Trustees who have supported our work throughout the year and who are always willing to share their skills and expertise to develop and build on our successes.

Health Promotion FIS organised a very successful and high-profile ‘Give up this Lent’ smoking cessation campaign. Posters and information leaflets were provided to all affiliate organisations as well as a range of pubs, clubs, churches and other community centres across the country. The campaign won plaudits from the leading smoking cessation charity ‘No Smoking Day’ and the Department of Health.

Community Focus The Health Bus brought the FIS healthy living and health promotion messages to the centre of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in London. Over Community 100 people availed themselves of the blood Focus pressure testing and information provided by three nurses who staffed bus. Leeds Irishthe History Month FIS Health Bus St Patrick’s

Supporting affiliates

Launch

Festival London

FIS Chair, Dr Mary Tilki, was one of the speakers at the launch on the 2 March. The speech is printed here in full - Mary’s words are a great accompaniment for these images of St Patrick’s Day and a timely reminder of the Irish community’s pride of place and contribution to British society. In her speech Mary said: “I am delighted to represent the Federation of Irish Societies at the launch of Irish History Month in Leeds. Leeds is a wonderful city with many close connections to FIS through the Irish Arts Foundation, Leeds Irish Health and Homes and Leeds Irish Centre, as well as the thriving GAA and CCE scene. “There is great awareness of the richness of Irish culture, from its music and literature to its arts and dance. However there is an increasing need to recognise the history of Irish migration, as like many other migrants we are in danger of being lost to the histories of two places; the places we came from and the places we came to. “This is partly because migrant history is the story of ordinary men and women but we are airbrushed out of Irish history (especially the women) and we are not painted into the history of Britain. “Like our Jewish, Black, Asian, Eastern European and other fellow migrants we are shaping the history of the societies we have come to. The Irish History Month, the St Patrick’s Day Parades and Festivals are a testimony to the impact we have on UK society. “Moreover, these events are enjoyed by the whole community and bring in crowds of non-Irish people and indeed Irish people who do not always follow the Irish scene. “It is very easy to talk about the migrants and the host culture. However, it is timely to remember we are not guests any more. We are no longer visitors but here to stay. We are the host culture. We are a proud and distinct part of that host culture and we want to share in making that history. “

Conor McGinn, FIS Health Development Worker, once again took to the road to bring information and health checks to the Irish community. Conor was assisted by qualified nurses and health professionals. Many of the revellers at the St Patricks celebration in central london took the opportunity to have the checks and take away the wide-ranging literature. Photographer Louise Jefferson.

Irish History Month launch: Leeds March 08

Irish History Month, a pioneering venture in Britain, exists to promote knowledge of Irish History and experiences in Britain and beyond, its purpose is to disseminate information on the many positive contributions that Irish people have made to British society and also to introduce new audiences to the vibrancy of Irish arts, heritage, culture and history.

Irish History Month, to be launched in Leeds, takes place in venues across the city throughout the month of March, the month in which St Patrick’s Day is celebrated.

So what’s involved then? There is a programme of events to suit all tastes.

Following the official launch with guest speakers Gerry Kelly (Embassy of Ireland /Chair Dion Committee), Dr Mary Tilki (Chair Federation of Irish Societies), John Roles (Leeds City Museum), Sean Gallagher (Development Director, Leeds Metropolitan University), Jackie Dwyer (Chair Leeds St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee) and Anna Gilbert (Director, Liverpool Irish Festival).

FIS provided affiliates with a calendar of health promotion events that could be held alongside luncheon clubs, tea dances and other activities, these included events on prostate cancer awareness, falls prevention, healthy eating and alcohol awareness. The Experience Ireland event on Sunday 2nd March at the Carriageworks Theatre on Millennium Square in the heart of Leeds, is a one day free family-friendly day with workshops on music, dance and crafts, live traditional music sessions and a range of stalls, exhibitions and displays. There are performances from Ceoltoiri Coleman , a group of traditional Irish musicians all the way from County Sligo in the west of Ireland and a CD launch from the London based traditional Irish band The Long Notes. The day culminates with a performance from one the most popular Irish comedians to have emerged in recent years Dara O’Briain who performs at the Grand Theatre, Leeds. There are also events in the new Arts Centre SEVEN on Harrogate Road. These include traditional Irish music concerts on the 7th and 25th of March. We are delighted this year to be working closely with Leeds Metropolitan University who are organizing a series of events to celebrate Irish History Month under the Leeds Met Ireland Banner and the Leeds St. Patrick’s Day Parade which takes place on Sunday 9th March. For the fan of visual arts the month features the mightily impressive Roisin Bán exhibition about the Irish in Leeds; photographic displays from local groups and photographers and much more. There are also a number of concerts and recitals featuring local and national musicians and performers as well as schools workshops, literary events and parades. For further details see: www.irishhistorymonth.com

FIS supported affiliates to organise successful health promotion and information days which targeted the local Irish community.

FIS supported affiliates in making representations to their local Primary Care Trust for funding and partnership working. This included several successful partnership arrangements for health information days, policy and research commissioning, conferences and commissioning of services.

Influencing and changing policy

FIS has been one of the most vociferous charities advocating a move towards tackling health inequalities, and has stressed the necessity for preventative measures and early access as key to improving the health of the Irish community. FIS was delighted when the UK government announced measures to screen the population for heart disease, stroke and cardiovascular disease – an issue on which FIS has been campaigning for some time. 8 FIS was instrumental in ensuring that the Irish community’s position as a key ethnic minority was maintained in the moves integrating all the equalities strands, and contributed heavily to the drafting of the NHS Single Equality Scheme. FIS has met with the Equalities and Human Rights Unit at the Department of Health to ensure that the ‘Irish’ category in ethnic monitoring is adhered to by all NHS and Department of Health bodies. FIS also played a key role in the creation of a health inequalities strategy for London and had all its major recommendations included in the final report produced for the Greater London Authority. FIS supports many academic studies and much research into the health of the Irish community. This research supports the evidence already collated that shows the health of the Irish community to be much worse than other BME groups, and is used by FIS to lobby statutory sector organisations to provide adequate services for the Irish community.

Representation & Policy FIS continues to make representation on affiliate’s behalf at national and local government level. FIS regularly attends consultation meetings in respect of the Census 2011, the Department of Works & Pensions Equality and Disability Forums, the Greater London Authority (GLA) Stakeholder team and sits on various other regional equality bodies. FIS has recently been asked to sit on the London European Social Fund Committee and the GLA’s Health Inequalities Impact Assessment to represent the Irish voluntary sector. As part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that the Irish community are included in new policy or strategies being developed at local government level we have made regular submissions to various statutory agencies. FIS has developed strong links with two other BME umbrella groups with a view to working in partnership: Race on the Agenda (Rota); and Voice4Change. FIS has been successful in lobbying the Office of National Statistics (ONS) to ensure the question relating to Irish ethnicity remained in the Test Census held in May this year. Our Policy officer continues sitting on the ONS ‘Census Diversity Advisory Group’ and has worked to keep the Irish question on the agenda. Earlier this year, as part of the British Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body (BIIPB) Committee D enquiry, we had the opportunity to lobby the ONS to include Irish Travellers as a separate category. We also requested they look at place of parents or grandparents birth which would ensure that we do not lose data on 2nd or 3rd generation. Following the analysis of the Test Census we will continue to work with the ONS to ensure that the 2011 census includes the Irish question.

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FIS has produced a suite of twenty four reports analysing Census data on a regional basis. This is to provide our members with evidence of the needs of the Irish community in their local and regional areas. This evidence can be used by affiliates when approaching their local authorities regarding services or seeking funding.

This year FIS has continued to encourage the growth of the Irish Professional Networks (IPN). Birmingham, Coventry, and Sheffield have now joined the more established Manchester and Leeds networks. Our overarching aim is to develop stronger links between the business and voluntary sector. We are now also working in partnership with Enterprise Ireland (EI) and have taken the former EI Young Irish Professionals Network under the IPN umbrella. The IPN now have a national presence with a strong and committed steering committee which is made up of representatives from FIS, EI and regional IPN’s.

CBT Work Programme 2007-08 There have been a range of significant achievements within the Capacity Building Programme this year. We have tailored our support, advice and training services to the particular needs presented by our members and have been able to respond quickly and effectively to resolve many of the member’s issues.

Communications This year we have built on the success of our improved communication links with members and stakeholders and continue to achieve our target of publishing a monthly newsletter. In conjunction with our website it keeps members informed on a wide range of topics, encourages sharing of good practice and gives affiliates and other relevant agencies an opportunity to advertise their projects, services and job vacancies. The improvement in communications has led to increased attendance at the forums, training sessions, seminars, workshops and the Information Day coordinated by FIS staff during the year, which has given us the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise throughout the Irish voluntary sector.

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Forums Forums run over the last year include Managers, Advice Workers and Culture. Issues covered include commissioning agenda, employment support initiatives, sources of funding streams, service development, monitoring & evaluation systems and many more relevant topics. We are delighted at the level of support given to the forums and the very positive feedback from participating members. Many of the issues discussed at the forums led on to specific training workshops and seminars being run.

Training & Information Days In response to the subject of disability benefits that came up regularly in the advice workers forum, FIS organised and ran a series of training courses in collaboration with Disability Alliance. The courses covered introduction to Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and Appeals Procedures. They were well attended and electronic copies of the training materials were available for those unable to attend. Participants’ feedback included: “The training … was the best I have attended. It was well presented in a fashion and at a level that allowed all points and details to be fully understood. The facilitators were obviously on top of their subject.” “I found the day incredibly useful. The standard of training was excellent - at the right level with very easy to use material.” We were very pleased to be awarded funding from the Governance Hub to carry out an extensive regional training programme for Trustees and Committee members throughout the country. These proved an excellent opportunity to increase governance skills within our sector and we intend to use these to cascade this training to many more organisations in the coming year. Topics covered included:* * * * *

Good governance and why it’s important National Standards for Trustees and the Code of Governance Roles and responsibilities of trustees and officers roles of chair, treasurer and secretary The boundaries of governance and management Approaches to improving board effectiveness

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CBT Work Programme 2007-08

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Planning organised from shops are being awareness work chester A series of free h 2008 in Man January to Marc dealing with ers face when

Travell tion is the issues that es. So the Federa dge either around l issues and attitud Travellers and Gypsies and in our knowle g with awareness of cultura We all have gaps or around our affiliates workin g Aid and FIS plug the gaps! the planning system North West Plannin series of workshops to help collaborating with to hold a website. er Movement the Federation’s from ad if the Irish Travell available to downlo in the North West region but newsletter or is them to people s and volunteers accompanies this targeted at worker have spare places we will allocate A booking form d we will workshops are If we level of deman Please note: These a booking form. we have a high a place, and if ted please submit have requested you are interes in the future. north west who the regions outside in other from ng similar events look into arrangi The themes are:

cultures ers for Traveller and Gypsy y planners who are volunte 28th ness about Irish and countr at on Monday Workshop 1 –awarebe aimed primarily at town . It will take place will interested people This workshop ester city centre. g Aid, plus other North West Planninthe Mechanics Institute, in Manch at January, 4 -7 pm and issues g process, system and Gypsies who ers plannin Travell the g with Irish Irish understanding it impacts upon t workers workin Workshop 2 – Irish advice and suppor g permission system and how ry, 4-7pm at the This is aimed at plannin sday 27th Februa more about the need to know take place on Wedne Gypsies. It will ester. Travellers and Hill in Manch s Rd, Cheetham Centre, Queen g process al training with the plannin offer some inform dealing will – op drop ery g worksh Workshop 3/Surg families. This includes a plannin 08 at individuals and communities and g on 6th March This is aimed at Irish Traveller on and early evenin for Gypsy and and information on Thursday afterno ester. will take place am Hill in Manch in surgery. This , Queens Rd, Cheeth t either Helen the Irish Centre contac or form g submit a bookin ont, at North workshops please 0121 622 5613: or Jan Beaum these ng F attendi 4169 ted in on T 0121 622 If you are interes i.org.uk , gham FIS office planningaid.rtp White, at the Birmint/f: 0161 969 3672 e: nwco@ Aid West Planning planning professional town to pay independent and who cannot afford provides free, and individuals *‘Planning Aid’ to communities of local planning advice and support fees. It complements the work a look at their website nt Take dent of them. planning consulta is wholly indepen authorities, but .rtpi.org.uk nningaid www.pla

Three training sessions have been completed from January this year, targeting workers and volunteers in the North West region, to look at ways of bridging the gaps in our knowledge on issues Irish Travellers & Gypsies face when dealing with the planning system and around our awareness of cultural issues and attitudes. FIS collaborated with North West Planning Aid, FIS affiliates working with Travellers and Gypsies, and the Irish Traveller Movement to hold a series of workshops to help redress the balance. The courses covered awareness about Irish Traveller and Gypsy cultures, understanding the planning process, system and issues, and dealing with the planning process aimed at individuals and families. We are looking into arranging similar training sessions in other regions in the near future.

‘Restoring the Balance’ was a very successful one day training event organised and facilitated by FIS to bring Arts Council England (ACE) and our member organisations together to explore ways of working in partnership and developing the relationship between ACE and the Irish voluntary sector. The Director of the London Irish Centre, Peter Hammond, wrote: “I was most impressed by and greatly enjoyed the day [Ged] organised recently with the Art Council. It was a clever mix of presentations, entertainment, and networking. I am sure that many Irish organisations will benefit as a result.”

FIS are delighted to announce that ACE have agreed to work with FIS to move towards a greater mutual understanding that will allow Irish cultural groups a fairer chance of accessing ACE and Lottery funding Workshops The continued and much valued support from the Department of Social & Family Affairs Ireland this year saw the delivery of an excellent information day for Advice organisations throughout the UK. The day enables Irish welfare agencies in the UK to receive up-to-date and accurate information on benefits and other matters that affect clients who wish to return to Ireland. It was also a great opportunity for our frontline workers to feed back to the Department the needs and concerns of the Irish population here. Arlene Boreland, Women’s Irish Centre Advice Worker, said: “The Information Day was a well organized day and gave a very informative insight into the benefit system in Ireland; likewise the new housing rules and initiatives. The question and answer session with the panel was extremely useful.” FIS are pleased to have the opportunity to work closely with statutory and voluntary bodies from both countries to facilitate and strengthen links for the benefit of Irish people living in Britain but considering returning to live in Ireland. Many other training and workshop opportunities have been made available to FIS affiliates during the last year including: information on Díon funding, key health information, clubs & community centres issues, commissioning, good governance and child protection issues. These workshops have provided the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise throughout the Irish voluntary sector.

CBT Work Programme 2007-08 Affiliated Groups: Direct Support Our work with affiliated groups has also been ongoing and carried out according to the response level and work plan designed for each group by the Capacity Building Team. The breakdown of support to affiliates, types of support work, together with breakdowns of affiliate organisations by type and region, are shown below.

Affiliate Groups by Support Level

9% 27%

Acute - 6 months to 1 year

12%

Acute/Development - 1 year Developmental - 3 months to 1 year Developmental/Minor - 3 months

13%

Minor - 6 months

39%

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Ongoing support at Board Meetings Support with Recruitment & Selection Support with Strategic Planning Assistance with Fund raising Support with Financial Management Advice on Best Practice Support with attracting new Board members Managing Community Consultants Support with developing collaborative practices Support and advice on developing Lunch Clubs Mentor Support for New Managers Informal Staff training Support with new buildings

• • • • • • • • • • •

Design and facilitation of ‘Away Days’ Advice on collaborating with other groups Assistance with Professional Network start up Support to staff teams as required Advice on collaborating with CIS Advice on tendering contracts with local PCT Resolving financial issues Support for Research project Support with creation of new Irish organisation Advice & support with Health Development projects Health development lobbying and representation

Affiliate Groups by Type

Affiliate Groups by Region

Associate 3%

Yorkshire & Humberside 9%

Non Venue 23%

East Midlands 7%

West Midlands 12%

Clubs & Centres 30%

Wales 1% South West 2%

London 32%

Housing Association 4% Elders 3% South East 21%

Culture 12% Community Care 25%

North East 1%

North West 15%

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2008 Unrestricted Funds £

Restricted Designated Funds Funds £ £

Total 2008 £

Total 2007 £

Incoming Resources Incoming resources from generated funds Voluntary income Investment income

10,302 26,771

60,740 25,860

Incoming resources from charitable activities

46,198

616,323

662,521

505,250

────── 83,271 ──────

────── 616,323 ──────

────── ──────

────── 699,594 ──────

────── 591,850 ──────

327,867 7,534 ────── 335,401 ──────

536,695 ────── 536,695 ──────

────── ──────

864,562 7,534 ────── 872,096 ──────

757,681 11,180 ────── 768,861 ──────

Total Incoming Resources Resources Expended Charitable activities Governance costs Total Resources Expended Net (Outgoing)/Incoming Resources before Transfers Transfer between funds Net income

(252,130) 114,466 ──────

79,628

──────

(34,838)

(137,664)

Reconciliation of Funds Total funds brought forward at 1April 2007 154,773 ────── Total funds carried forward at 31 March 2008 £ 17,109 ══════

(114,466) ──────

(172,502) ────── (172,502)

(177,011) ────── (177,011)

86,205 ──────

70,016 ──────

310,994 ──────

488,005 ──────

£ 51,367 ══════

£ 70,016 ══════

£ 138,492 ══════

£ 310,994 ══════

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2008 £

FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets

2008 £ 11,334

CURRENT ASSETS Debtors Cash at bank and in hand CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS NET ASSETS

2007 £ 9,865 ──────

47,358 279,381 ────── 326,739

44,322 509,651 ────── 553,973

199,581 ──────

252,844 ────── 127,158 ────── £ 138,492 ══════

301,129 ────── £ 310,994 ══════

17,109 51,367 70,016 ────── £ 138,492 ══════

154,773 86,205 70,016 ────── £ 310,994 ══════

FINANCED BY: Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Designated funds

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 on 20th May 2008 and submitted to the Charity Commission and Companies House during June 2008. 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 Accountants Chartered Certified Accountants and Registered Auditors

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 manchester@irishsocieties.org

FIS exists to represent and develop our members and our community