2016-17 Annual Report Our vision is for a valued, resilient, healthy environment

028 9045 5770 | www.nienvironmentlink.org | @EnvironmentNI

Contents

1. Overview 1 2. Chairman’s Foreword 2 3. Chief Executive’s Report 4 4. Environmental Policy 6 5. Collaboration & Partnership 11 6. Governance 24 7. Members 28 8. Events 30 9. Finance 31

Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) is the forum and networking body for organisations interested in the environment of Northern Ireland. It assists members to develop views on issues affecting the environment and to influence policy and practice impacting on the natural and built environment of Northern Ireland. Our 71 Full Members represent over 2.3 million individuals, 262 subsidiary groups, have an annual turnover of £60 million and manage over 265,000 acres of land. NIEL also has 45 Associate Members composed of statutory organisations, companies and individuals with an interest in the environment. Northern Ireland Environment Link’s Vision is for ‘a valued, resilient, healthy environment’. NIEL’s Strategic Aims are Environmental Policy; Collaboration & Partnership; and Governance.

Chair Patrick Casement Vice Chair Jennifer Fulton (Ulster Wildlife) Vice Chair Alyn Jones (Alliance Youth Works) Treasurer Terry Waugh (Action Renewables) Co Secretary Craig McGuicken (NIEL) Directors Stephen Aston (Independent Member) Jim Bradley (Belfast Hills Partnership) Anne Casement (Independent Member) Patrick Cregg (Woodland Trust) Resigned December 2016 Stephen Harper (NIE Networks) Austin Herron (Carrickfergus Community Cultivators) Gary McFarlane (Chartered Institute of Environmental Health) Resigned December 2016 Ian Nuttall (Business in the Community – ARENA Network) Diane Ruddock (National Trust) Murray Watt (Supporting Communities NI) Joanne Sherwood (RSPB) Jim Kitchen (Sustainable NI) Gregor Fulton (Woodland Trust) Staff Craig McGuicken – Chief Executive Officer Carol Forster – Operations Manager Dr Stephen McCabe – Senior Policy Officer Resigned Sept 2016 Sean Kelly – Parliamentary & Development Officer Kelly Lavery – Finance & Office Manager Joined Sept 2016 Leanne Phillips – Finance Manager Contract ended August 2016 Iona Meyer – Network & Events Coordinator Connor McLean – Communications Assistant Dr Jonathan Bell – NI Open Government Network Coordinator Dr David McBurney – NI Open Government Network Coordinator Murdo Murray – HLF Catalyst Programme Manager Lorraine Robinson – Space & Place Policy Officer (PT) Suzanne Miller – Space & Place Policy Officer (PT) Jane McCullough – Climate NI Officer Stephen Jones – Climate NI Assistant Kerry Melville – Belfast Food Network Coordinator Joined April 2016 1

Chairman’s Foreword

I am writing this on my way back from my second visit to Brussels within a few weeks, undertaken to meet EU officials, MEPs, and representatives of the NI Executive and Irish Government to discuss the implications of Brexit for the environment. The fallout from the referendum in June 2016 has in many ways dominated the year, and taken up a significant amount of staff and Board time and effort. The environment sector, co-ordinated by NIEL, became engaged in the process from the start, meeting the Stormont Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee to give evidence on the implications within a week of the referendum. Further evidence was subsequently given to the British and Irish Parliamentary Assembly and to the House of Commons Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs. NIEL was also represented at two plenary and one topic-based meetings of the All-Island Civic Dialogue on Brexit in Dublin, providing information on environmental implications. In addition we have been working very closely with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, sitting on their Brexit Consultative Committee alongside farming organisations and representatives of the agri-food industry, developing the important messages to pass on to Whitehall.

Brexit was also the central theme of the Environment Links UK conference held in Cardiff in early October, but which also covered a number of other relevant issues, including Natural Capital and sustainable land management. NIEL Board members and staff were well placed to contribute significantly to these discussions. ELUK has moved forward over the year, developing a Memorandum of Understanding between the four members and setting a policy framework for future collaborative work. It is hoped that we may also be able to source some finance for joint working, building on the excellent relationship that has developed.

The Board has inevitably devoted a good deal of time to NIEL finances, though this has proved to be an easier year than the previous, once we received our letter of offer from NIEA.

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We have been fortunate to source adequate funding from a range of other sources that has meant that we have been able to operate a reasonably normal service, though the nature of that funding means that an increasing amount of staff time is spent on running specific projects rather than on core business. The Board has been very impressed with the way in which the staff have responded positively to the challenges that this has raised, and have kept NIEL at the heart of the environment sector.

After a long period of stability there have been some staff changes over the year. Our temporary Finance Officer Leanne Phillips left in August, to be replaced by a full-time Finance and Office Manager Kelly Lavery, who has performed miracles in transferring our accounting system to Sage. We have also lost Stephen McCabe, our Senior Policy Officer, who has returned to the academic world, and will be sadly missed after several years of excellent work at NIEL. Finally we also lost the services of Carol Forster our Operations Manager in November when she went on maternity leave soon before giving birth to her daughter Robyn. This was undoubtedly a highlight of the year, as also was Jonny Bell’s appearance at the Olympics with the Irish Hockey Team. These staff changes have meant that the Board has spent a good deal of time looking at restructuring, reviewing job descriptions and salaries, as well as considering staff benefits. We now believe that though we are slightly leaner we are well organised to work with our members and partners to meet the many challenges that the sector faces.

Patrick Casement Chair, Northern Ireland Environment Link

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Chief Executive’s Report

2016-17 may well be remembered as the year of Brexit and Trump; and here in Northern Ireland we can add RHI and the failure of the Assembly.

However, this would only paint a partial picture. For the environment sector, the year started with much attention on the Stormont elections and the new Programme for Government, the final draft of which was undoubtedly the ‘greenest’ PfG that we’ve seen in Northern Ireland. The promise of an end to the Central Government silos, a new outcomes-based approach, and general feeling of increased co-operation between the voluntary sector and government was well received.

This feeling of being ‘in it together’ was probably enhanced by the Brexit vote. Suddenly we as an entire sector were faced with an issue that is simply too big, too complex and too far reaching in its potential effects, for us not to work together.

It has also been a period with some notable successes. The 2nd NI Environment Week was well attended and had a high level of participation from the political parties. The week ended with the NIEL Annual Conference in Belfast Harbour Commissioners. This was a suitable venue for the conference theme – ‘Delivering Prosperity through the Environment’ – which clearly set out the sector’s recognition of the need to talk in a way that politicians’ understand.

We also initiated some new areas of work. In partnership with the Scottish and Welsh Councils for Voluntary Action and Involve in England, we started a programme which brings together the principles of Open Government and the Sustainable Development Goals. This is an exciting project, which has the potential to impact on a range of policy areas. Similarly, the NI Open Government Network made some significant progress – most notably in convincing the Executive to approve a range of commitments to improving the transparency of government.

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The Belfast Food Network joined NIEL in 2016. As well as achieving a Bronze Sustainable Food City Award for Belfast, BFN delivered a stand-out event at Belfast’s Culture Night, providing free dinners to 5,500 people from food which had been earmarked as waste.

In summary, some advances have been made and lots of potential exists, but there are also some underlying structural issues. Brexit, the failure of the NI Assembly and the continued constraints on the public purse all create a sense of uncertainty. How do we as a sector respond?

This is nothing new. We keep going, and we look for new ways. Brexit offers risks – but also opportunities. There may be no Assembly, but there are other ways to get our messages across – to local government, to the wider voluntary sector – and most importantly – to the NI public. Budgets are tighter than ever – but as a sector we’ve been working to improve our resilience and have had some success in diversifying our income streams.

It is this ability to reach out to new audiences, develop new partnerships and to be willing to try new approaches which has always served the sector well. This will be more important than ever in the coming years.

Craig McGuicken Chief Executive Officer, Northern Ireland Environment Link

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Introduction

This annual report details the activities and initiatives delivered by NIEL in accordance with the organisation’s purposes for the public benefit.

 Advance and promote for the public benefit environmental conservation, protection, improvement and sustainability in Northern Ireland.  Raise awareness of environmental issues by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and promoting a collective voice on environmental matters.  Advance the education of all sections of the public in environmental and ecological sciences.

The NIEL Board of Directors have had due regard to Charity Commission guidance in the preparation of this report.

Aim 1 Environmental Policy:

Contribute to the development, promotion and delivery of environmentally relevant policies

NIEL’s primary focus in terms of policy was promotion of the sectoral priorities document ahead of the Northern Ireland Assembly elections and the submission to the Programme for Government consultation and relevant delivery plans.

Environmental Hustings Event Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island

Approximately 60 people representing environmental groups from across Northern Ireland came together at an environmental hustings event on the 22nd April 2016 to challenge the political parties to outline their green credentials in advance of the May 2016 Assembly Elections.

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The event was organised as a follow up to the publication of the NIEL Manifesto and provided an opportunity for Northern Ireland's political parties to answer questions and set out their policies with regard to Northern Ireland’s environment.

With environmental organisations representing well in excess of 100,000 members, delegates were keen to hear what environmental commitments and assurances the political parties could give if their party were returned to serve in the next Assembly.

Party spokespeople were questioned on a range of issues including – health, land and landscape management, heritage and community planning, economics of nature, habitat management including marine and freshwater conservation issues, climate change, environmental education and environmental governance. A comprehensive report of the environmental hustings event is available on the NIEL website: www.nienvironmentlink.org/publications

Northern Ireland Programme for Government

In advance of the 2016 Assembly elections, the sectoral priorities document entitled ‘Priorities for the Environment 2016-2021 – What’s Important To You?’ was promoted on a cross-Departmental basis. NIEL then engaged heavily with its membership to prepare a coordinated response to the draft Programme for Government. A PfG briefing was subsequently submitted to the AERA Committee and the NIEL policy team began engagement with relevant Officers to inform the development of PfG Delivery Plans.

EU Referendum & BREXIT

With the support of the EU Commission Office, NIEL co-hosted a series of events with EU Debate NI to stimulate debate in the lead up to the EU Referendum on Great Britain leaving the European Union.

7 Environmental Policy Consultations NIEL responded to a range of policy consultations including: the Review of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement with evidence calls on countryside development, mineral exploration and renewable energy, the Review of Permitted Development Rights, the Review of Permitted Development Rights for Mineral Exploration, the EIA Amendment Directive, the Review of Dilapidated Buildings/neglected sites and Options for Areas of Natural Constraint. A comprehensive list of policy consultations responses is available on the NIEL website.

Consultation Organisation Response Deadline Options for Future Support to Areas of Natural Constraint DAERA 29th Apr 2016 Strategic Planning Policy for Development in the Countryside DAERA 6th May 2016 Strategic Planning Policy for Renewable Energy Development DAERA 6th May 2016 Permitted Development Rights for Mineral Exploration DAERA 13th May 2016 Health and Social Care Innovation Grant Scheme DoH 3rd Jun 2016 Historic Environment Fund DfC 6th Jun 2016 EnergyWise Scheme Proposals DftE 10th Jun 2016 Dilapidated Dangerous Buildings & Neglected Sites DfC 20th Jun 2016 Shellfish Water Protected Areas DAERA 24th Jun 2016 Review of Permitted Development Rights DfI/Planning 30th Jun 2016 Long Term Water Strategy DfI 12th Dec 2016 Programme for Government 2016-21 NI Executive 23rd Dec 2016 Evidence on PFG Indicators AERA Committee 9th Jan 2017 Criteria for Reconfiguring Health and Social Care DoH 20th Jan 2017 Review of Permitted Development Rights for Mineral Exploration DfI 3rd Feb 2017 EIA Amendment Directive DfI 9th Feb 2017 Microbeads in the Marine Environment DAERA 28th Feb 2017 EIA Forestry Consultation DAERA 5th Apr 2017 Review of Natural Heritage Memorial Fund DfC 6th Apr 2017 Draft Belfast Bicycle Network DfI 13th Apr 2017 Belfast Community Plan and LDP BCC 20th Apr 2017 EIA Roads Consultation DfI 21st Apr 2017 EIA Water Consultation DfI 26th Apr 2017 Draft Industrial Strategy DftE 24th Apr 2017

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Northern Ireland Environment Week (NIEW) 2016

Running from the 26th to 30th September the theme for NI Environment Week 2016 was ‘Farming in a Changing Climate’. The event brought MLAs, policy- makers, the environmental sector and the general public together to celebrate Northern Ireland’s environment.

A programme of talks and seminars on topics including food security, sustainable agricultural land management, food production and biodiversity was hosted at Stormont. Contributors to the talks programme included Dr John Gilliland, Sustainable Land Management Expert Working Group; Elizabeth Mitchell, Belfast Food Network; Gillian Gibson, Footprints Women’s Centre; Arlene Megaw, Skainos; Jill Minne Belfast City Council and Professor Ian Montgomery, QUB.

NIEW 2016 saw the launch of Ulster Wildlife’s ‘Grassroots Challenge’ project funded by Big Lottery and delivered in partnership with NIEL, the Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Keep NI Beautiful and Lantra (the UK-wide skills organisation that supports individuals and businesses working in land-based industries). The initiative will support and empower young people to lead long–term environmental change locally, benefiting neighbourhoods and communities and increase the ability of young people to improve places that are important to them.

Sponsors of NIEW 2016, Agenda NI launched the Environment Ireland Sourcebook, an annual reference publication for those interested in environmental issues in Ireland. The publication covers all aspects of the environment in Ireland from major policy issues and sub sectoral analysis through to comprehensive listings of government agencies and environmental organisations and provides the essential desktop guide to the environment.

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NIEL members delivered events across Northern Ireland to celebrate NIEW 2016, providing a unique opportunity for the public to get closer to nature as well as contribute to environmental debate and discussion.

NIEL Annual Conference – Delivering Prosperity Through The Environment

On the closing day of NIEW 2016, NIEL hosted its annual conference on the topic of “Delivering Prosperity Through The Environment” at The Belfast Harbour Commissioner's Office. This conference investigated the concept of Natural Capital and what it means for business, government and society. It explored some of the tools of the natural capital concept, including Natural Capital Accounting at corporate and national levels, and discussed the way forward for Northern Ireland in delivering prosperity through the environment.

The conference was delivered in partnership with Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Forum for Natural Capital and the Ecosystems Knowledge Network. Contributions were made by Michelle McIlveen (DAERA Minister) Professor Jane Stout (Irish Forum for Natural Capital), Simon Rennie (Central Scotland Green Network), Dr Roddy Fairley (Scottish Natural Heritage), Will Evison (Price Waterhouse Cooper) and Paddy Brow (NI Water). The conference was chaired by Stephen Aston, NIEL Board member and Chairperson of the Economics for Nature Working Group.

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Assembly Inquiries/ Committees

 FWTF members met the DAERA Committee to brief MLA’s on priorities for freshwater  NIEL submission to the AERA Committee responding to their request for a briefing on the proposed PfG Indicators  NIEL members met with AERA Committee on Brexit  NIEL members met with the British Irish Parliamentary Committee on Brexit  NIEL members met with the NI Affairs Committee on Brexit

Aim 2 Collaboration & Partnership:

Facilitate partnerships and support collaboration in the environmental sector to promote and deliver shared objectives

Task Forces & Working Groups

We would encourage members to engage with Task Forces/Working Groups that are relevant to their own work – if you are interested in participating in any of the below, please contact Jonathan Bell – [email protected]

Transition Working Group

The Transition Group was formed to help connect the eNGO sector and central government departments during the transfer of functions into the new Government Department for Agriculture, Rural Affairs and Environment, which was created on 1st April 2016. During the year the group met with a range of officers as well as the new DAERA Minister, and covered a number of areas including the Programme for Government and Brexit.

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Economics of Nature Working Group

The EoN Working Group coordinated and delivered the NIEL Annual Conference on the theme ‘Delivering Prosperity Through The Environment’ which explored Natural Capital and what it means for business, government and society. In terms of policy development, the group advocated the development of a Natural Capital Index and Forum which was subsequently included in the Draft Programme for Government. Natural Capital briefing papers were also submitted to the DAERA Committee to progress this area of policy with government officials. NIEL continues to be represented on the Irish Forum for Natural Capital steering group, to promote a joined up approach to the natural capital agenda.

Northern Ireland Marine Task Force

The first tranche of Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) were formally designated in December 2016 following a successful NIMTF campaign. An assessment of the current NI MPA network is expected in October 2017, and will inform a potential second round of MCZs.

Due to ongoing delays in the release of the Marine Spatial Plan (MSP) for public consultation, NIMTF has focused effort on researching marine spatial planning, examining case studies of successful ecosystem-based MSPs and developing and trialling an assessment framework that can be applied to the draft NI Marine Plan when it is released for consultation. This will enable NIMTF to rapidly identify strengths and weaknesses in the NI Marine Plan, and to provide specific examples of good practice to address any potential shortfalls.

As the NI representative on the Environment LINKS UK Marine Group, NIMTF continues to work collaboratively to promote an ecologically coherent network of MPAs across the entire Irish Sea.

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Planning and Land Matters Task Force

The Planning and Land Matters Task Forces were merged towards the end of this year in order to streamline policy work with members. The group provided input to numerous consultations, including the review of permitted development rights, the review of the SPPS and informed the Community Planning general principles document devised for Councils. Whilst the restructuring of NI government Departments, Brexit and suspension of the Northern Ireland Assembly have delayed progress, the task force continues to advocate a Land Strategy for Northern Ireland.

Freshwater Task Force

FWTF members met the DAERA Committee to brief MLA’s on priorities for the freshwater environment which included: flooding, SuDS, water quality targets, the floods review and a Northern Ireland Land Strategy. The group submitted comments on the NI Freshwater Implementation Plan and other relevant consultations such as the EIA Amendment Directive and the NI PfG. FWTF also briefed Tim Irwin from NIEA Water Management Unit on key issues and priorities.

Transport Working Group

The Transport Working Group exists as a policy sounding board for the NIEL policy team, informing response to transport consultations and other engagement with decision makers.

Northern Ireland Climate Action Network

Northern Ireland Climate Action Network is a consortium of environmental organisations and development agencies which seeks to raise awareness of climate change in NI.

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Events delivered this year included a film screening of 'Before the Flood' as part of Belfast Film Festival. The network also held a facilitation event at Stormont which brought MLAs together with their constituents to discuss support for climate action.

Resource Efficiency Working Group

The Resource Efficiency Working group exists as a policy sounding board, and membership has fed into a Strategic Investment Board group to promote Circular Economy principles in Northern Ireland.

NIEL is also represented on the Strategic Investment Board’s Circular Economy Steering Group, which provides an important opportunity for the eNGO sector to input at strategic level to the progression of the circular economy agenda in NI.

Northern Ireland Protected Area Network (NIPAN)

A tailored programme of fundraising training and capacity building support for NIPAN members on corporate engagement and sponsorship was delivered through the HLF Catalyst programme.

The programme, delivered by Business in the Community NI on behalf of NIEL, comprised a series of practical, interactive learning events covering the following topics:

 Developing your approach to successful engagement with the Private sector  Meet the Corporates ‘Speed Networking’ event with a number of private companies  Preparing your Pitch & Pitching for Sponsorship  One-to-One consultancy support to help organisations tap into BITC programmes and take their proposals forward

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The programme provided NIPAN with the opportunity to engage with a range of private sector businesses and to develop sponsorship proposals tested by an independent panel. Work continued with some NIPAN members to progress a shared agenda for environment and health in Northern Ireland. A number of funding applications were submitted for a ‘Green Prescription’ initiative to link GP patients with environmental activities. As yet, none of the applications have been successful but efforts will continue to resource a pilot project.

NIEL Communications

EU EnviroHub

In November 2015, NIEL received funding from the European Commission to deliver a programme of events to stimulate debate on the EU Referendum. Following on from the referendum result, the EU EnviroHub was redesigned and populated with information on “Brexit” and its implications for the environment.

NIEL e-Bulletin

The NIEL monthly newsletter maintains a high readership, with just under 1,400 subscribers. The average open rate is 31.29%, which according to recent research is 6.31% higher than the charity sector average of 24.98%. NIEL issues e-Bulletins on a monthly basis and publishes special issues on a range of topics and projects.

NIEL website

Analytics continue to record considerable interest in the website, with 27,000 visits recorded in the April 2016 – March 2017 period; this is a notable increase from the 22,000 visits recorded in the previous year. 150,000 webpages were viewed throughout April 2016 – March 2017.

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EU Matters

In recognition of the key role that the European Institutions play in the development of environmental policy at the local level, NIEL continued to produce a monthly environmental news-sheet entitled EU Matters which provides the latest EU research information and policy analysis relevant to Northern Ireland.

Social Media

NIEL social media analytics for the 2016/2017 period showed a considerable increase in followers, with Facebook followers growing from 650 to 1,000 and Twitter followers growing from just under 1,000 to 1,300. NIEL’s LinkedIn company profile has seen moderate growth, reaching 150 followers this year.

Climate Northern Ireland

Over the past year Climate Northern Ireland (CNI) delivered a broad programme. Working with partners across the UK, Climate NI has contributed to, and brought back lessons, tools and resources from other projects and jurisdictions. Climate NI also participated in its first EU partner funding bids. One was successful and has awarded Climate NI funding to deliver a climate change adaptation planning project for local government. Some of the key outcomes of the Climate NI work programme include:

 Climate NI worked with the Institution of Civil Engineers to develop a deliver a SuDS workshop which brought together policymakers, building control and planning representatives from local councils, and designers. The event, opened by the DfI Permanent Secretary, supported the diverse sector stakeholders to work together to develop a roadmap toward appropriate uptake of SuDS in Northern Ireland.

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The SuDs report was made publically available and was submitted to the Storm Water Management Group for comment.  The Climate NI online Knowledge Directory, which features climate change expertise, was extended to cover the island of Ireland in partnership with Climate Ireland.  Climate NI worked with Lakeland Dairies to adapt and develop a business resilience tool for dairy farmers. This is currently being piloted with farmers by Lakeland Dairies.  Climate NI contributed to a special edition of the Environmental Scientist Journal which focused on how decentralisation has helped the environment. Climate NI provided an article that explored the successes of regional climate change adaptation planning.  Climate NI met with the DAERA Permanent Secretary to provide an overview and update on the work of the partnership, and how it provides support for adaptation policy development.  Climate NI hosted a meeting of the UK and Ireland administration adaptation network. This provided an opportunity to showcase adaptation work in Northern Ireland which included a visit to the Connswater Greenway.  Climate NI worked with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Climate Ireland and European partners to prepare and submit an Interreg bid to support local council adaptation planning. This was successful and has allowed Climate NI to develop a new strand of work aimed at supporting climate change adaptation at a local council level.  A stakeholder engagement exercise with academics, private sector and NGOs gathered information to inform the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. A report was prepared and submitted to DAERA to inform the CCRA and guide development of the next Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme.

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 A stakeholder engagement exercise with academics, private sector and NGOs gathered information to inform the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment. A report was prepared and submitted to DAERA to inform the CCRA and guide development of the next Northern Ireland Climate Change Adaptation Programme.

NI Open Government Network (NIOGN)

Without transparency and accountability, development and regulatory decisions can be made at the expense of our environment. Open Government has the potential to address significant environmental issues and challenges and ultimately contribute to the protection and enjoyment of our environment and heritage resource.

Over the past year, NIOGN has delivered a jam-packed work programme. In December 2016, the Executive approved for the first time Northern Ireland -specific commitments as part of the Open Government National Action Plan. Four commitments were agreed:

1. Develop and trial effective open policy-making and public engagement methods. 2. Investigate implementation of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) in the Department of Finance’s Central Procurement operations. 3. Open-up government for greater accountability, improve public services and building a more prosperous and equal society. This will include increasing the proportion of public sector agencies to have published open data. 4. Promote greater levels of public sector innovation.

Government also indicated its interest in the development of a citizen’s budget.

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A broad programme of events was also delivered with OGN partners:

 Participatory Budgeting – The Big Ideas Festival of Economics, NICVA  Govcamp Connect Ireland – Narrow Water Castle, Warrenpoint  Aarhus, TTIP and Environmental Protection Post Brexit – NICVA  Democracy Games: The Next Generation – Youth Action  Carnegie Workshop session on OG and the PfG – The Community Hub  Participatory Budgeting session – NI Federation of Housing Associations Conference, Newcastle  Narrowing of Civic Space – Human Rights Festival, Black Box  Can Open Government help heal Divided Societies– OGP Summit, Paris  Pushing Boundaries - UU Seminar, Jordanstown  ElectionsNI– Various count centres across NI  Democracy Day sessions – The Mac  Democracy Games for Special Schools at Stormont as part of the Grassroots Challenge  Webinars on the Sustainable Development Goals and the instrumental value of open government  Open policy-making and Democracy, QUB

Further information on NIOGN is available at: www.opengovernment.org.uk

Linking Open Government and Sustainable Development

Working with OG partners across the UK, NIEL was also successful in a funding bid to Big Lottery to deliver an initiative to open up the process through which government and civil society jointly works towards the Sustainable Development Goals across the UK.

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The Scottish Council for Voluntary Action is the lead project partner, supported by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action and Involve in England. NIEL with the support of the NIOGN network plans to deliver a series of webinars and will play host to a major conference in 2017-2018 to support this initiative. Further information on this project is available at: opengovpioneers.miraheze.org

HLF Catalyst

NIEL’s fundraising training and capacity building programme ‘Investing in Northern Ireland’s Heritage’ delivered a varied programme of learning events throughout the year:

 Corporate Engagement and Sponsorship programme for the NIPAN network and delivered by Business in the Community.  IoF accredited Introductory Certificate in Fundraising/Introduction to Fundraising courses  Legacy Fundraising programme in partnership with Will to Give which comprised introductory workshops, toolkit design, and clinic consultancies  Social Investment Readiness Pilot Programme to explore the potential for social enterprise development in the environment/heritage sector. This programme will continue in 2017/2018 and is being delivered by Co3 and the University of Ulster Business School with the additional support of Building Change Trust.

The programme has also sought to make the most effective use of the shared practice, learning and resources of the wider HLF Catalyst Umbrella Programme UK. Investing in Northern Ireland’s Heritage is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund under the Catalyst Umbrella Programme and will conclude in March 2018. Learning materials relating to the HLF programme are available at: heritagefundraisingni.org

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Space & Place

With the support of the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the NIEL Space & Place Policy Officer continued to develop the learning and legacy from the programme around its four key policy areas, Environment and Sustainability; Health and Well-Being; Community Development and Difficult Spaces. A broad range of activities was delivered during the year:

 Support to streamline assessment processes, capture grantee information and develop resources to improve the quality of the programme and the experience for grantees  Thematic mapping of projects and development of best practice case studies  Mapping community assets to enable grantees to make stronger connections within their communities and develop partnerships that may contribute to long term sustainability  Regional cluster event on funding to support future applications and collaborations  Research and practical recommendations for grantees and policy makers on how the natural and built environments can support health  Skills audit of grantees  Sustainability Workshops  Practice to policy papers on engaging with government/asset transfer/community assets; the input of volunteers and sustainability and planning for the future  Space & Place e-Bulletins  An online resource section at www.spaceandplaceni.com which shares examples of good practice, and will include impact and evaluation, and learning and development tools

The Space & Place Policy Officer post will conclude in 2017-2018, however NIEL will continue to work with Consortium Partners to promote the benefits of the Space & Place programme.

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Belfast Food Network

The Belfast Food Network (BFN) joined NIEL in April 2016. BFN is a cross-sector partnership of public sector organisations, NGOs and businesses working together to foster the development of Belfast as a Sustainable Food City. The Network seeks to promote sustainable food as a means of enabling positive social, economic and environmental benefits for Belfast and beyond.

BFN is part of the pioneering, and rapidly growing, Sustainable Food Cities network, which is an alliance of cities and towns, each of which is harnessing sustainable food as a vehicle for driving positive change. Belfast was one of the six founding cities of the UK-wide programme, now engaging forty-one cities, towns and districts.

From obesity and diet-related ill-health to food poverty and waste, climate change and biodiversity loss, food is at the heart of some of our greatest social, economic and environmental problems, but it’s also a vital part of the solutions. BFN, as part of the Sustainable Food Cities Network helps people and communities share challenges, explore practical solutions and develop best practice on food issues. The Network delivered a broad programme of activities this year including:

 Enough is Enough – Questionnaires collected from food bank users and results to be collated into a report for dissemination.  Community Shop pilots – Initiative aimed at existing food banks/fledging community shops for refurbishment. An application by Footprints Women’s Centre is being progressed.  Nourish – Low cost cooking programme based on fresh, seasonal produce that can be bought locally.

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 Growing for the Future – Building on the legacy of the Year of Food and Drink 2016 and a project between the Hastings Hotels Group, Jilly Dougan (edible gardener) and 5 local schools in 2016, this resource aims to encourage children to grow fruit and vegetables and explore where food comes from while promoting healthy eating. Tourism NI, in partnership with the Council For The Curriculum Examinations & Assessment (CCEA), have developed the resource: ccea.org.uk/growing/about.php  Feed the City – As part of Belfast Culture Night 2016, BFN fed 5,500 people for free from left over food.

A number of funding bids to resource the Network were also compiled during the year.

Education for Sustainable Development Forum

The Education for Sustainable Development Forum (ESDF) is a networking organisation that promotes a coordinated approach to the delivery of environmental education in Northern Ireland.

ESDF published 10 e-bulletins during the year, providing a range of information and updates for its members and are circulated to the school and youth services network.

Teacher training days were also held in St Mary’s University College and advisory sessions were delivered in Stranmillis University College.

The Annual Conference, “Digging” for Success – ‘How to measure and communicate your strengths’ was held in the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy. The conference was well attended and delegates had the opportunity to tour the excellent centre afterwards. ESDF members also participated in a range of events during NI Environment Week 2016.

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Northern Ireland Archaeology Forum

During the year, discussions were held around the future direction of NIAF. Phil Macdonald who had taken over the role of Chair on an interim basis stood down owing to a change in his work commitments. Discussions are ongoing with the Historic Environment Division around the wider development of the archaeology sector in Northern Ireland, and how NIAF can best support this process.

Armagh Public Library

NIEL partnered with Louise Browne Associates to develop a range of recommendations on the long term development of Armagh Public Library.

Aim 3 Governance

Ensure the efficient, effective and accountable operation of NIEL for the delivery of the outcomes of the strategic plan

Environmental Links UK (ELUK)

During the year the Environment Links UK continued to develop our joined-up approach. Major areas of work included – the ongoing review of the Birds and Habitats Directives where ELUK members helped secure political backing to retain these important laws; range of marine collaboration; consultation on the UN’s Access to Justice provisions; and the creation of the ELUK Brexit Nature Coalition.

The highlight of the year was the biennial ELUK Conference in Cardiff in October 2016. As ever, the Conference was an excellent opportunity for members of the 4 Links to come together, sharing information across a range of environmental issues. For the first time, the Irish Environment Network also attended.

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Funding

NIEL received a letter of offer for our core project ‘Environmental Collaboration & Action in Northern Ireland’ under the DAERA Environment Fund in November 2016. This relates to year two of a three year core funding arrangement with the Department. NIEL also received funding from Building Change Trust, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Big Lottery Fund (through the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations) and member subscriptions to support the variety of projects delivered by the organisation.

Finances & Subscriptions

Detailed annual budgets are prepared in the winter and approved by the Finance and Human Resources Committee (FHR) and Board of Directors in March. Accounts are prepared at three, six, nine, eleven and twelve months and expenditure is monitored tightly against budgets.

Policies & Procedures

In consultation with NIEL staff and Board of Directors a review of staff benefits was undertaken during the year. A suite of new policies/measures were put in place to respond to employee needs and to contribute to the general wellbeing of the staff team.

With the assistance of CO3, NIEL undertook a Core Capacity Assessment Tool (CCAT) assessment. Based on anonymous responses from board members, senior management and staff members, CCAT provided a snapshot of how an organisation is progressing, and helped identify its strengths and opportunities for improvement. NIEL has implemented a number of CCAT recommendations and intends to participate in Phase II of the initiative.

25

Staff Changes

Leanne Phillips’ contract concluded in August 2016 and Kelly Lavery joined the team as Finance Manager in September 2016.

Dr Jonathan Bell was picked to play for the Irish Hockey Team at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics.

Dr David McBurney joined the NIEL team in a full-time capacity in 2016 to assist with the delivery of the NI Open Government Network project.

The completion of the Belfast Food Network transition to NIEL meant Kerry Melville, BFN Coordinator, joined the NIEL team in 2016.

Dr Stephen McCabe, Senior Policy Officer at NIEL resigned in September 2016.

Carol Forster, NIEL Operations Manager, commenced maternity leave in November 2016.

Board of Directors

The following appointments were made to the NIEL Board of Directors:

 Joanne Sherwood – RSPB  Jim Kitchen – Sustainable NI  Gregor Fulton – Woodland Trust

Resignations

The following members resigned from the NIEL Board of Directors during the course of 2016-2017:

 Gary McFarlane – Chartered Institute of Environmental Health  Patrick Cregg – Woodland Trust

26

The NIEL Board of Directors and the sub-committees met several times during this year.

The NIEL Board of Directors met on the following dates:

 1st June 2016;  21st September 2016;  7th December 2016 (AGM); and  15th March 2017

The FHR Sub Committee met on the following dates:

 23rd May 2016;  25th August 2016;  21st November 2016; and  9th March 2017

Risk Register

The Risk Register is a standing item on the FHR Agenda and reviewed quarterly by the NIEL Board of Directors. A review and restructuring of the Risk Register was undertaken during the year in consultation with the NIEL Board of Directors to ensure emerging risks that could potentially impact on the organisation were identified and mitigation measures agreed.

Student Placements

NIEL is grateful to the following students for their assistance with various projects during 2016-2017:

Samuel Purdon, Rachelle Adams, Walid Shaida, Ben George, Shane Taggart and Maria Vargas.

27

Full Members

Action Renewables Lough Neagh Partnership Alliance Youth Works Mountaineering Ireland ARENA Network Mourne Heritage Trust Belfast Charitable Society National Trust Belfast Civic Trust Natural Copeland Belfast Healthy Cities North Belfast Partnership Belfast Hills Partnership Northern Ireland Badger Group British Trust for Ornithology Northern Ireland Forest School Association Broughshane Improvement Committee Organic Centre Bryson Charitable Group Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland Buglife Ringhaddy Area Residents Butterfly Conservation Royal Society for the Protection of Birds Carntogher Community Association Rural Community Network Carrickfergus Community Cultivators Rural Development Council Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust Speedwell Trust Cavehill Conservation Campaign Sperrins Gateway Landscape Partnership Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Supporting Communities NI Colin Glen Trust Sustainable Northern Ireland Community Places Sustrans Copeland Bird Observatory Talnotry Avian Care Trust Council for British Archaeology The Conservation Volunteers County Armagh Wildlife Society The Woodland Trust Creggan Country Park True Harvest Seeds EcoSeeds Ulster Angling Federation Enriched Earth Ecovillage Ulster Archaeology Society Federation of City Farms & Community Gardens Ulster Architectural Heritage Society Field Studies Council Ulster Federation of Rambling Clubs Glens Red Squirrel Group Ulster Wildlife Grass Roots Conservation Group Waste and Resources Action Programme Holywell Trust Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust Institute of Northern Ireland Beekeepers Institute of Public Health in Ireland Irish Hare Initative Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Lagan Valley Regional Park Landscape Institute Northern Ireland Lecale Conservation Light 2000 Lough Erne Heritage

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Associate Members (Organisations)

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council Association of Professional Game Angling Instructors Belfast Education and Library Board Chambré Public Affairs Delamont Country Park EcoTourism Ireland Envirocentre Glenhordial Permaculture Farm Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Natural Living Assets RES UK and Ireland South Eastern Education and Library Board Southern Education and Library Board The Hermitage Cottage The Northern Ireland Housing Executive

Associate Members (Individuals)

Anderson, Zoe Robinson, Lorraine Casement, Anne Saunders, Jim Casement, Patrick Sims, Gary Christie, Peter Stelfox, Dawson Christie, Sue Stephens, Jude Curry, Robin Williams, Brian Foster, Bill Woolley, Tom Green, Frances Workman, Sacha Hernan, Robert Emmet Hood, Isabel Jack, Brian Knott, David McAdam, Jim McCabe, Stephen Moorhead, Heather Mullan, William Nelson, Roy O’Neill, Leah O’Sullivan, Philip Orford, Julian Patton, Marcus Reid, Gordon

29 Events

NIEL hosted a broad range of events throughout the year. A full list is available on our website – www.nienvironmentlink.org/events

Event Location Date Social Finance - Seizing New Opportunities Clifton House 13th Apr 2016 Environmental Hustings Event Lough Neagh Discovery Centre 22nd Apr 2016 Corporate Engagement Workshop I - NIPAN Survey Clifton House 24th May 2016 Europe: “Competing Visions” Event Riddell Hall, Queen’s University 2nd Jun 2016 HLF Catalyst Umbrella Programme (2016-18) Launch Clifton House 27th Jun 2016 DAERA Stakeholder Engagement Event Crawfordsburn Country Park 28th Jun 2016 eNGO Meeting with DAERA Minister Crawfordsburn Country Park 7th Sep 2016 Belfast Food Network - Feed the City Throughout Belfast 16th Sep 2016 NI Environment Week 2016 Throughout NI 26th - 30th Sep 2016 NIEL Annual Conference 2016 Belfast Harbour Commissioners 30th Sep 2016 Environment Links UK (ELUK) Conference 2016 Cardiff, Wales 3rd - 4th Oct 2016 BITC Responsible Business Summit 2016 Waterfront Hall 5th Oct 2016 Corporate Engagement Workshop II - Where to start? Translink, Great Victoria Street 11th Oct 2016 CNI - SuDS: Good for Business, Environment and Society? 174 Trust 18th Oct 2016 Corporate Engagement Workshop III - Speed Networking Ulster Bank HQ 14th Nov 2016 NIEL Annual General Meeting 2016 RSPB Window on Wildlife 7th Dec 2016 Corporate Engagement Workshop IV - Preparing your Pitch Ulster Bank HQ 23rd Jan 2017 Corporate Engagement Workshop V - Dragon’s Den Goodwood House 1st Feb 2017 Corporate Engagement Workshop VI - Dragon’s Den Goodwood House 10th Feb 2017 ESDF - Annual Conference and AGM 2016 Seamus Heaney Centre 10th Feb 2017 HLF Catalyst - An Introduction to Legacy Fundraising Arts Resource Centre 23rd Feb 2017 Space & Place - Sustainability and Planning for the Future Armagh City Hotel 22nd Mar 2017 Open Government Network - Democracy Day The MAC 24th Mar 2017

30 Company Registration Number NI034988 HMRC Charity Reference Number XR19598 NI Charities Commission Reference Number NIC101074

Northern Ireland Environment Link A private company limited by guarantee without share capital - exempt from using "limited"

Summary Financial Statement for the year ended 31st March 2017 Northern Ireland Environment Link

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT ON THE SUMMARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The directors present herewith the summary financial statement of Northern Ireland Environment Link for the year ended 31st March 2017 and confirm the following:

 the summary financial statement is only a summary of information derived from the charity’s annual accounts;  the summary financial statement does not contain any additional information derived from the directors' report;  the full annual accounts, the independent auditor's report and the trustees’/directors’ report can be obtained on application to Northern Ireland Environment Link;  the annual accounts were approved by the Board on 6th December, 2017

This directors’ statement was approved by the board of directors on 6th December, 2017 and signed on its behalf by:

Patrick Casement Chair - Board of Directors / Trustees INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' STATEMENT TO THE MEMBERS OF NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK

We have examined the summary financial statement of Northern Ireland Environment Link.

Respective responsibilities of directors and examiner The directors are responsible for preparing the summary financial statement in accordance with applicable law. Our responsibility is to report to you our opinion on the consistency of the summary financial statement with the full annual accounts and Directors' Report, and its compliance with the relevant requirements of Section 427 of the Companies Act 2006 and the regulations made thereunder. We also read the other information contained in the summary financial statement and consider the implications for our report if we become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the summary financial statement.

Basis of opinion My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Opinion In my opinion the summary financial statement is consistent with the full annual accounts and directors' report of Northern Ireland Environment Link for the year ended 31st March 2017 and complies with the applicable requirements of Section 427 of the Companies Act 2006, and the regulations made thereunder.

———————————— Nigel V Skillen FCA Diamond & Skillen Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditor Sinclair House 89/101 Royal Avenue Belfast BT1 1FE

6th December 2017 Northern Ireland Environment Link

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st March 2017

General Funds Restricted Totals Totals (unrestricted) funds 2017 2016 £ £ £ £ Income from donations and legacies  Subscriptions 3 14,435 - 14,435 9,165  Grants 3 338,479 59,082 397,561 430,954 from charitable activities  Event and project income 3 74,454 12,755 87,209 24,753  Members servicing and accommodation 3 1,200 - 1,200 1,200  Other servicing and accommodation 3 - - 0 - from other activities  Sundry income 3 1,038 2,292 3,330 1,633 from investments  Investment income 3 - - 0 591 Total income 429,606 74,129 503,735 468,296

Expenditure on raising funds  Advertising / PR costs 4 2,500 335 2,835 3,020 on charitable activities  Employee costs 4 327,500 34,320 361,820 327,193  Premises costs 4 25,670 - 25,670 25,475  Administration costs 4 26,980 401 27,381 21,294  Programme / event costs 4 45,300 16,879 62,179 45,382 on other items  Legal and professional fees 4 3,897 - 3,897 9,047  Other expenses 4 713 827 1,540 1,139  Depreciation of assets 4 - - 0 - Total expenditure 432,560 52,762 485,322 432,550

Net (deficit) / income for the year 5 (2,954) 21,367 18,413 35,746 Transfers  Gross transfers between funds 16 - - 0 - Net movement in funds for the year (2,954) 21,367 18,413 35,746

Reconciliation of funds  Fund balances b/fwd at 1st April 269,368 10 269,378 233,632 Fund balances c/fwd at 31st March 266,414 21,377 287,791 269,378

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. All gains and losses in the year are included above. Northern Ireland Environment Link

Statement of Financial Position (Balance Sheet) as at 31st March 2017

2017 2016 £ £ Non Current Assets  Tangible assets 8 - -

Current Assets  Receivables 9 100,226 58,895  Cash and cash equivalents 193,905 223,005 294,131 281,900

Payables: amounts falling due within one year 10 (6,340) (12,522) Net assets 287,791 269,378

Accumulated funds Unrestricted income funds:  General funds 12 266,414 269,368  Other funds 12 - - 266,414 269,368 Restricted income funds:  HLF Catalyst Fund 12 9,019 -  Open Government Network Pioneer Fund 12 12,348 -  Other projects 12 10 10 Total funds 287,791 269,378

The summary financial statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 6th December 2017 and signed on their behalf by:

———————————— ———————————— Patrick Casement Terry Waugh Chairman of Directors Director, Hon Treasurer

Northern Ireland Environment Link 89 Loopland Drive Belfast BT6 9DW

Tel: 02890455770 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nienvironmentlink.org

Northern Ireland Environment Link is funded by