Society of St Vincent de Paul (Ireland) National Management Council Report For the year ended 31 December 2020
The National Management Council (NMC) presents its annual report and the audited consolidated financial statements for the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP or the Society) in respect of the island of Ireland for the year ended 31 December 2020. The financial statements follow the current requirements of the Statement of Recommended Practice, Accounting and Reporting (SORP) by Charities and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland FRS 102. In the Republic of Ireland, charities are governed by the Charities Acts 2009 (only partially enacted), 1961 and 1973. In Northern Ireland, charities are governed by the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 1964 and the Charities (Northern Ireland) Order 1987. BACKGROUND The Society of St Vincent de Paul is an International Christian organisation of lay people, Catholic from its origins, formed in Paris in 1833, by Frederic Ozanam and his companions. Placed under the patronage of St Vincent de Paul, the Society is inspired by his thinking and works. It seeks, in the spirit of justice and charity, to help those who are experiencing poverty in any form. It does this mainly through the person-to-person visitations by its members. OBJECTIVES OF THE CHARITY The relief of poverty, both material and emotional, in Ireland and abroad, without differentiation on the grounds of race, colour, creed, ideology or gender. ACHIEVING THE SOCIETY’S OBJECTIVES Support and Friendship: Through person-to-person contact, we are committed to respecting the dignity of those we assist and thus to foster their self-respect. In the provision of material and other support, we assure confidentiality at all times and endeavour to establish relationships based on trust and friendship. Promoting Self-Sufficiency: We believe it is not enough to provide short-term material support. Those we serve must also be helped to achieve self-sufficiency in the long term and the sense of self-worth this provides. When the problems we encounter are beyond our competence, we build bridges of support with others more specialised. Working for Social Justice: We are committed to identifying the root causes of poverty and social injustice on the island of Ireland and in solidarity with the poor and disadvantaged, to advocate and work for the changes required to create a more just and caring society.
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