OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-03-31-accounts

Lewisham District Scout Council Trustees’ Annual Report 2023/2024

lewishamscouts.org.uk @LewishamScouts

Registered Charity No. 1001668 Scout District No. 10001058

LEWISHAM DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Trustees’ Annual Report & Accounts for 2023/2024

CONTENTS

Contents
Notice of 2024 Annual General Meeting & Agenda
Minutes of the District’s Annual General Meeting held on 10 July
2023
Reports & Accounts
Reference and administration details
Structure, governance and management
Public beneft
Objectives and activities
Achievements and performance
Financial review
People
Changes and Thanks
Plans for the future
Declaration
Accounts (including Independent Examiner’s Report)
Schedule of Registered Scout Groups & Explorer Scout Units		 Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Page 12
Page 15
Page 15
Page 16
Page 17
Page 17
Page 18
Page 29

1

LEWISHAM DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Annual General Meeting will be held at Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre, Featherbed Lane, CR0 9AA at 1:15 pm on Saturday 6 July 2024.

AGENDA

INTRODUCTION

GOVERNANCE OVERSIGHT

THE PAST YEAR – REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE SCOUT COUNCIL

MAKE APPOINTMENTS

2

LEWISHAM DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Minutes of the 13th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on 10 July 2023 at the Bellingham Bowling Club

1. ADDRESS OF WELCOME BY THE DISTRICT CHAIR

The Chair opened the meeting by welcoming everyone to the 13th Annual General Meeting of Lewisham District Scout Council. He drew attention to the fact that the Scout Association Rules regarding governance of Scout charities were in a state of change, the most significant alteration since last year being that the meeting of District Charity Trustees was now known as the District Trustee Board rather than the District Executive Committee and that those charity trustees were now known as Trustees rather than District Executive Committee members.

A one minute silence was held in memory of members who had died during the previous year.

2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence had been received from Angela Jean-Francois, Pam Alldred, Jon Forsdyke, Mel Fuller, Julian Goodchild, Ruth Jenkins, Adam Longhurst, Fr Edward Perera, Denise Pritchard, Emily Pritchard, Clive and Lyn Taylor and Michael Wall

3. RECEPTION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 11 JULY 2022

The Chair confirmed that the Minutes had been approved by the District Trustee Board and asked the meeting to formally approve them.

The minutes were approved by the Council.

4. GOVERNANCE OVERSIGHT

The Council approved the following resolutions:

3

5. RECEPTION AND CONSIDERATION OF THE TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT (INCLUDING THE ANNUAL STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS)

The Chair confirmed that the Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023 (including the Annual Statement of Accounts) had already been approved by the District Trustee Board.

He drew particular attention to the following points:

Frylands Wood:

After a very difficult year in 2020/21, 2021/22 had represented a return to normality. 2022/23 had continued to consolidate this progress. The site had remained incredibly busy and had made a slight financial surplus over the year which was better than the budgeted outcome.

Unfortunately, as reported at the previous year’s AGM, Nick Smith our Deputy Manager had passed away in June 2022.

However, during the year we had welcomed Dave Barber as our part time administrator, Sue Allen-Gardner as our financial administrator, and Jorge Kleiss as Deputy Centre Manager. By removing the administrative burden from our management and instructor staff, they had had more time to undertake their prime roles.

Finance:

The Chair reported that largely due to the increasing use of Frylands our turnover had continued to increase.

However, this had given rise to increased risk, and a lot of expenditure during year on deferred maintenance at Frylands meant that the charity as a whole had barely broken even over the year.

We had dealt with two main financial issues during the year: the consolidation of our accounting systems which was still incomplete and preparing for the need to register for VAT, which was fast approaching.

Appointments Advisory Committee:

The Appointments Advisory Committee had continued its excellent work whilst dealing with the challenges of new appointments process.

These changes were still in their early stages - but it was hoped that the proposals would make the processes simpler and more flexible.

4

Group Support Team:

The Group Support Team had continued with the two roles of supporting Group Scout Leaders in the management of their Groups and supporting Group Trustees with Group governance.

The Team’s biggest project had remained the 2nd Deptford. Numbers of young people had slowly increased but problems had remained with building up team of local volunteers. The progress had been was largely due to huge input by Richard Morrison, Luke Cohen and Graeme Taylor..

More positively the 32nd Deptford had continued to grow during the year, opening a Squirrel Drey and an Explorer Scout Unit, and had increased its youth membership from 11 in January 2021 to 89 (including Explorers) this year.

The other area of success had been the 20th Forest Hill (Scoutlink) Group. During pandemic their two key leaders had moved away from the area and the rest of the leader team continued to run Zoom meetings. However there had not been enough resource to restart face to face meetings after after the summer break in 2021

Maxine Johnson had agreed to take on the Group Scout Leader role in July last year and the Group reopened in September.

Risks facing District:

The Chair reminded the meeting that because the management of risk is a key role for the District Trustee Board we had been reviewing and formalising our processes.

Three top risk areas had been identified:

The Chair urged those present to remember that all members of the District shared a responsibility for ensuring that it remained effective in supporting and growing Scouting in Lewisham.

The Council resolved to Receive the Annual Report (including Statement of Accounts)

5

6. APPROVAL OF THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S NOMINATION OF DISTRICT CHAIR

The Council Approved the District Commissioner’s nomination of Mike Jackson as District Chair for 2023/24.

7. APPROVAL OF THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER’S NOMINATIONS OF MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT TRUSTEE BOARD

The District’s constitution allows for 6 people to be nominated. The Council approved the District Commissioner’s nomination of: Chris Ellinson, Lesley Hine, Joe McEvilly , Kevin Murphy, Garry Leach, Richard Morrison.

8. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The District Secretary: Vacant and no nominations received.

The District Treasurer: Vacant and no nominations received.

The Council agreed a proposal by the Chair that these appointments be delegated to the District Trustee Board if suitable candidates could be found.

9. ELECTION OF TRUSTEES TO THE DISTRICT TRUSTEE BOARD

The following members had been nominated:

Nominated by: Seconded by:
Luke Cohen Richard Morrison David Wallis
Morgan Fuller Graeme Taylor Chris Ellinson
Graham Simmons Kevin Murphy Lesley Hine
Graeme Taylor Luke Cohen Richard Morrison
Mich Wall Joe McEvilly Luke Cohen
David Wallis Graham Simmons Garry Leach

As the number of nominations did not exceed the number of persons to be appointed all nominations were APPROVED

10. APPOINTMENT OR REAPPOINTMENT OF DISTRICT PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENTS

The Chair advised that Scout Association’s Rules now required us to appoint or reappoint our President and any Vice President each year.

6

The Council approved the reappointment for a further year of Peter James as District President.

The President then reported that District Trustee Board had recommended the appointment of two vice presidents: Lawrie Smith and Trevor Flanders. He then gave a brief summary of the contributions they had both made to Scouting in the District over many years.

The Council approved these appointments.

11 APPOINTMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT EXAMINER FOR 2020/2021

The Council approved the Chair’s nomination of John Lambourne FCA of Latham Lambourne Ltd. for a further year.

12. ELECTION OF A MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL TO REPRESENT THE DISTRICT ON THE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL.

Joe McEvilly had previously volunteered for the role, and had again this year. As there were no other candidates his election was approved.

13. APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATED MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

The Chair reminded the meeting that at the 2021 Annual General Meeting Don Coombe, Lesley Dann, Roger Dann and Richard Leach had all been elected to the District Scout Council for a term of three years. No further nominations were proposed for the current year.

14. ADDRESS BY THE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER

Jennifer McCullough reported that the District now had 21 active Groups and 7 Explorer Scout Units and thanked everyone for their contribution in making this happen. She reported that we now had three new Squirrel Dreys and asked anyone thinking of opening more to get in touch with her.

Camps, sleepovers and outings were continuing and she thanked everyone involved in providing these.

She reminded the meeting that changes to the appointment process and adult learning were coming soon and that we need to be moving wherever possible to a team based approach. She hoped that the District would embrace and obtain the maximum benefit from the changes.

She then went on to present Awards to adult volunteers:

7

Shining Star Awards were presented to Richard Morrison, Graeme Taylor and Luke Cohen for their work supporting the 2nd Deptford;

One Year Service Certificates were presented to Jade Standen and Liza Quinn of the 2nd Deptford Beaver Colony and Jade was also presented with a Commissioner’s Commendation for her work in building up the Colony.

The District Commissioner also reported that she had a number of long service awards to present to holders of District appointments (many of them members of Frylands Wood Scout Active Support Unit) who were not at the meeting and that she would arrange a separate occasion to present these.

The opportunity was also taken for Gavin Forsdyke to present two Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards (one Bronze and one Silver) to two young Explorer Scouts.

15. ADDRESS BY THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Darren Lodge thanked the District for inviting him to the meeting.

He said that he welcomed hearing about what was happening in each of the South London Districts and the great scouting that is being provided to our young people especially in Lewisham.

It had been an interesting year, and the next year would remain interesting due to the changes coming up in the Transformation project.

He asked everyone to continue to help and support Jennifer and her District team in any way possible as we go through the transition and to ensure that all our volunteers had completed any required compliance training, and that all compass records are up to date in readiness for the changes.

In closing the meeting the District Chair thanked the Bowling Club for their hospitality, thanked the large number of Explorer Scouts present for supporting the meeting and for the presentation they were about to give and thanked everyone for attending the AGM.

The formal meeting was followed by a short presentation about the canoe expedition by members of the Discovery and Golden Hind Explorer Scout Units to the Great Glen in Scotland the previous year.

8

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Lewisham District Scout Council is a trust (Charity No. 1001668; Scout Registration No 10001058). It has its own HQ building at 66 St German’s Road, London, SE23; and has a 40 year lease from September 2022 on Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre, Featherbed Lane, Croydon, CR0 9AA

THE DISTRICT TRUSTEE BOARD FOR 2023/2024 Ex-officio:

District Chair – Mike Jackson District Secretary - Vacant District Scout Network Leader -Vacant District Youth Lead - Vacant

District Lead Volunteer - Jennifer McCullough District Treasurer – Michael McDermott (from 9.10.23) District Explorer Scout Commissioner - Vacant

Elected / Nominated /Co-opted Trustees

Luke Cohen Garry Leach Graham Simmons
Chris Ellinson Joe McEvilly Graeme Taylor
Morgan Fuller Kevin Murphy Michael Wall
Lesley Hine Richard Morrison David Wallis

Appointments Advisory Committee and Sub-Committees of the District Trustee Board for 2023/2024

Members of the Appointments Advisory Committee and of sub-committees were appointed by the District Trustee Board. Chairs and members of sub-committees were confirmed on 10 July 2023. The District Chair and District Commissioner are ex-officio members of all sub-committees.

Appointments Advisory District Headquarters Frylands Wood Committee Sub-Committee Management Committee Lesley Hine (Chair ) Joe McEvilly (Chair until 7.11.23) Kevin Murphy (Chair) Hilary Leach Antonietta Hesketh (Chair from Vicki Armitage (Deputy Chair) Dave Leach 20.11.23) Chris Ellinson (Deputy Chair) Graham Simmons John Harris Alan Britchford Lynn Simmons Michael Wall Cathy Blackett (Secretary from 9/10/23 Katie Sturgess Ray Wickenden Liz Fricker A representative from each Section Barry Goswell meeting Penny Goswell at the building Peter Low Joe McEvilly Ron Fox Awards Panel Graham Simmons Garry Leach (Chair) Sarah Turner (Secretary until 9/10/23) Maria Clifford David Wallis Chris Ellinson Ray Wickenden Trevor Flanders Brian Young Isabel Gainey

Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Malling, ME19 4TA Independent Examiner : John Lambourne FCA of Latham Lambourne Limited, Chartered Accountants - 18 Woodlands Park, Bexley, DA5 2EL

9

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Lewisham District Scout Council is a charity constituted in accordance with the Rules of The Scout Association to support and provide Scouting within the London Borough of Lewisham and is supported under those Rules by the Scout County of Greater London South. The Scout Association’s Royal Charter provides for the making of Bye-Laws approved by His Majesty in Council which, in turn, authorise the making of the Rules referred to above (known as “Policy, Organisation and Rules”, or “POR”).

This year marks a significant change in the governance and management of the District. Whereas previously a District Executive Committee had been responsible for both governance and management, POR now requires that these responsibilities be separated so that Trustees can focus on governance issues. There are also changes in some of the traditional role titles – where this has happened the closest previous role is identified below.

Overall responsibility for the management of the District rests with the District Trustee Board (until April 2023 known as the District Executive Committee). Its members are the charity trustees of the District Scout Council which is an educational charity.

Following this year’s AGM the Board will have two ex-officio members: the District Lead Volunteer (previously District Commissioner) and the District Youth Lead (previously District Youth Commissioner). In addition the District Chair, the District Treasurer and other Trustees are appointed by a process previously agreed by the Board, The Board has the power to co-opt additional members between Annual General Meeting, primarily to appoint individuals whose skills and experience are particularly valuable. The County Lead Volunteer (previously County Commissioner) and the County Chair have the right of attendance at meetings.

The Board’s main purpose is to ensure that the District as a charity is well managed, carrying out its purposes for the public benefit. complying with POR and the law and managing its responsibilities responsibly.

It must also ensure that young people are meaningfully involved in decision making, ensure that the District has sufficient resources (including funds and volunteers) to achieve its aims, manage risk, develop and manage budgets, maintain reserves, investment policies and a public benefit statement, ensure adequate insurance is in place and ensure that adequate administration is in place to support the Board’s work.

The Board may establish sub-committees consisting of members appointed by the Trustee Board. The District Lead Volunteer and the District Chair are ex officio members of each sub-committee.

The District Scout Council is the electoral body, which supports Scouting in the District and to which the District Trustee Board is accountable. It comprises:

10

Leaders and Sectional Assistants), Active Support Manager, Explorer Scouts and their parents and carers,

Appointed and Community Members are appointed by the Council on the recommendation of the District Lead Volunteer and the District Trustee Board

The non-governance functions of the former Executive Committee now pass, along with the former responsibilities of the District Management Team to a new District Leadership Team led by the District Lead Volunteer. The leadership team is supported by a number of functional teams and sub-teams:

The District has systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. These include two signatories or electronic authorisations required for all payments and insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

Charities in England and Wales must have only charitable purposes which must be for the public benefit.

Trustees have referred to The Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the District’s objectives and in planning future activities. By adopting and maintaining the Purpose, Method and Values of The Scout Association, we are confident that our charitable

11

purposes are sound, and in line with what we are trying to achieve in terms of public benefit for both our youth and adult members.

The Purpose, Method and Values are set out below.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

THE PURPOSE OF SCOUTING

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

THE VALUES OF SCOUTING

As Scouts we are guided by the following values:

THE SCOUT METHOD

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Governance

Effective governance has always been a key feature of Lewisham Scout District. The District Trustee Board has continued to carry out its role responsibly and with due diligence and care. Its meetings have been well attended, and issues have been discussed and resolved in a professional and business-like manner.

12

Lewisham District has a relatively high financial turnover compared with other Districts and this makes the management of financial risks a very high priority for Trustees.

The monitoring and management of risk is a key responsibility of our Trustees. The District Risk Register now consists of three sub-registers dealing with the work of the District Trustee Board and District Leadership Team, generic risks that affect all of our Groups across the District and finally Frylands Wood operations. The Frylands register is monitored by the Frylands Wood Management Committee and the other two by the Group Support Team with all three being reported to meetings of the District Trustee Board.

Frylands Wood Scout Outdoor Centre.

By far the largest activity of the District Trustee Board, both in terms of financial activity, risk and staff and volunteer time, has been the management of our Outdoor Centre. Under the new arrangements this work transfers to the District Leadership Team with the Trustee Board continuing to provide oversight and satisfying itself that risks and finance are properly managed.

Frylands Wood is far more than a traditional District Camp Site. We run it not only for the benefit of our own young people but also as a service to a wider group of outdoor education providers, including schools, Girlguiding UK and other uniformed and non-uniformed youth organisations. We aim to open up the "Scout experience" to as many young people as possible, whether or not they are Scouts.

During 2023/24 we had a difficult year. Although bookings continued to grow we found that users were spending less than in previous years so there was not a direct link between the number of bookings and our income. In addition a backlog of maintenance work, some of which had been deferred during the period of uncertainty caused by the pandemic and the delays in renewal of our lease, resulted in maintenance costs exceeding our budget. As a result over the year the Centre made a loss of approximately £35,000,

This has exacerbated the problem we already had at the beginning of the year where our reserves fell short of the amount mandated by our reserves policy. Trustees and the Frylands Wood Management Team and staff are working closely together to ensure that the financial risks caused by this deficit are mitigated.

The District’s policy is not to seek to obtain any direct financial benefit from the operation of the Centre and where possible any surpluses (after making allowance for maintaining an adequate contingency reserve) are invested in improving the site’s facilities. The benefit to young people in Lewisham District comes from discounted rates for our own users and no internal charges being made for District run events. In the year under review these two benefits were worth approximately £6,000.

Our greatest asset at Frylands is our people – both paid staff and volunteers, and their hard work and dedication is what makes the outdoor Scouting experience possible for so many young people so thanks are due for their input.

Recently Jorge Kleiss, our Deputy Manager, announced his intention to resign to take up a new career as a firefighter. In the relatively short time he has been with us he has made a huge

13

contribution to our work. We wish him well in his future career and hope to see him back from time to time as a volunteer.

Sam Linley has also decided to step down as volunteer leader of the Events Team. Again he has made a great contribution in that and other volunteer roles and we hope that he will continue to support the centre in other ways.

Appointments Advisory Committee

The Appointments Advisory Committee has continued its dual role of welcoming new adult volunteers into Scouting whilst ensuring that they have the ability and willingness to carry out their roles. In future its work (and its volunteer committee members) will transfer to the Volunteering Development Team.

The Ron Fox Awards Panel.

The Ron Fox Awards Panel was set up under the leadership of Garry Leach to use the income from the fund left to us by the late Ron Fox to provide grants primarily to Scout Groups which will support the provision of better Scouting for more young people. The panel comprises members from across the District, particularly the Lewisham North Groups reflecting the area where Ron was District Commissioner and later District Chair.

The Panel has continued its work of supporting Scouting in Lewisham Groups. Groups are reminded that funds are available to support the development of their Group and urged to think about how the Ron Fox Fund could help.

The Group Support Team

The Group Support Team has continued its dual function of providing Group Trustees with governance support (on behalf of the District Trustee Board) and also providing Group Scout Leaders with management support (acting on behalf of the District Management Team).

A key task has continued to be supporting the 2nd Deptford. Although the Group’s delivery of Scouting to young people continues to improve problems remain with their headquarters, which is a building in poor state of repair leased from Lewisham Council. District Support Team members continue to provide support, especially relating to governance and property management issues, but we will soon reach the point where District Trustees will have to consider how much time and money can be invested in supporting the building or whether it would be better to move the Group to new premises.

14

FINANCIAL REVIEW

This year there have been several changes in the way District finances are managed as a new Treasurer has been appointed, and financial record keeping for the District has continued to transition away from spreadsheets and into QuickBooks. Financial processes are being reviewed and efficiencies introduced where appropriate.

However, whilst in time these changes should simplify the management of the District finances, at present they have contributed to a delay in the preparation of the accounts. The accounts are therefore not attached as part of this report as they are still under preparation by Latham Lambourne.

When the accounts have been approved by the District Trustee Board they will be circulated to all members of the District Scout Council for their consideration.

Trustees acknowledge with gratitude the following specific grants and donations:

Don Broome Scout Trust £1,875
The Scout Association Grants for startups Squirrels and Explorer Scouts £7,500
Ecclesiastical Insurance Group (nominated by Movo Partnership) £500
Lewisham Lottery £542

and to the many unclaimed personal expenses by Trustees and Office Holders.

PEOPLE

The Scout Association’s Annual Census at the end of January 2024 showed an 5% increase in the District’s youth membership (under 18’s) from 1022 to 1174. A significant achievement this year is that our young people numbers now exceed by 2% the pre-pandemic 2020 census. Sectional changes are Squirrels +7%, Beavers -10%, Cubs +5%, Scouts +13% and Explorer Scouts +20%. As the year has progressed Groups are continuing to develop and open new sections and we expect further substantial growth in next year's figures.

Trustees are delighted to report that since the start of the year under review the following members of the District were recognised with long service awards for 25 or more years of service:

25 years: Daniel Gardner (17th Lewisham North), James Lennard (11th Forest Hill) and Robert Ludlow (32nd Deptford)

15

Awards for Good Service were awarded to:

Chief Scouts Commendation

for Good Service: Jordan de Saa, Jason Foad, Jorge Kleiss, Sam Linley, Dan Rust and David Wallis Award for Merit: John O’Shea, Ray Wickenden Bar to the Award for Merit: Barry Goswell Silver Acorn: Gillian Leach

Congratulations and thanks to all those who received awards and of course to the many others who have not received an award this year but continue to deliver an outstanding experience to our young people.

During the year since 1st July 2023 we were sad to hear of the deaths of the following members:

Peter Buckle (1st New Cross), Graham Liles (32nd Deptford) and Reg Scott (formerly 12th Lewisham North).

All will be greatly missed.

CHANGES AND THANKS

This year has seen fewer than usual changes in the personnel and operations of the District Trustee Board.

In October Michael McDermott took on the role of District Treasurer, which had been vacant for some time. His initial task was to oversee the transfer of the District’s accounting systems to QuickBooks which thanks to his financial expertise and enthusiasm is now substantially complete. In November Joe McEvilly moved away from Lewisham to take up a new job and so resigned as a Trustee and Chair of the District Headquarters Sub-Committee. We are very grateful to Antonietta Hesketh for taking on that role and overseeing the change of the sub-Committee into a sub-team in the post-transformation world.

Our thanks go to all those moving on from roles - we are working on recruiting to fill the vacancies. Scouting is a Youth Movement and the District will work best when the knowledge and experience of its longer-serving members are combined with the enthusiasm and new ideas that our younger volunteers can bring.

In a report such as this there are too many people to refer to and thank all by name. Suffice it to say that without those who have, for example, run District events and activities; supported leaders with their training; helped Groups and Explorer Units to develop and grow; provided support to Frylands Wood as a member of the Service Crew; looked after our ‘books’ and paid our bills; sat on

16

committees; taken minutes of meetings; and so much more, the District would not be in its present healthy state.

Thank you to all concerned.

PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Our vision remains that all Lewisham Scout Groups and Explorer Scout Units will:

However, we continue to meet new challenges, especially around the recruitment of adult volunteers. The District, and Scouting generally, will need to meet and overcome those challenges by everyone pulling together.

DECLARATION

District Trustees have approved the Trustees’ report above, which is signed on their behalf by:

Mike Jackson Jennifer McCullough

Mike Jackson Jennifer McCullough District Chair District Lead Volunteer

July 2024

17

LEWISHAM DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

31ST MARCH 2024

Charity Registration number: 1001668 Scout Registration number: 10001058

Latham Lambourne Limited Chartered Accountants

Bexley

18

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the

Lewisham District Scout Council

I report on the accounts of the Council the year ended 31st March 2024 on pages 17 to 23 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes.

This report is made solely to the trustees in accordance with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity’s trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees for my examination work.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. You consider that the audit requirement of Section 144(2) of the 2011 Act does not apply.

It is my responsibility to: . Examine the accounts (under Section 145 of the 2011 Act); To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners (under Section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act); and . To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. 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 I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's statement

The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of ICAEW

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements

. to keep proper accounting records( in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act); and . to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached, or

  2. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the accounting rules of the District's constitution have not been met.

John Lambourne

John Lambourne FCA For and on behalf of Latham Lambourne Limited Chartered Accountants

18 Woodlands Park, Bexley, Kent DA5 2EL

19

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31st March 2024

Note
Income and Expenditure
Income
15
Income from donations
Donations and Grants
Income from Charitable Activities
Youth Programme
Adult Support & Training
Support & Services to The Movement - DHQ
Support & Services to The Movement - Outdoor Centre
Other Trading Activities
Fundraising and Levy
Investment Income
Bank Interest
Other Incoming Resources
Total
Expenditure on:
16
Raising Funds
Charitable Activities
Youth Programme
Adult Support & Training
Support & Services to The Movement - DHQ
Support & Services to The Movement - Outdoor Centre
Miscellaneous Payments
Total Resources Expended
Transfers between Funds
Fixed assets transfers
Net Income
Other recognised gains
Investment value change
Balances Brought Forward at 1st April 2023
Balances Carried Forward at 31st March 2024		 £
£
£
£
16,536
8,322
0
24,858
29,692
14,147
0
43,839
304
0
0
304
0
0
0
0
326,750
0
0
326,750
7,532
0
0
7,532
2,486
0
0
2,486
0
0
0
0
383,300
22,469
0
405,769
3,709
350
0
4,059
23,207
637
0
23,844
2,050
0
0
2,050
3,679
0
0
3,679
371,139
2,290
0
373,429
0
750
0
750
403,784
4,027
0
407,811
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
-20,484
18,442
0
-2,042
24,865
0
0
24,865
216,153
497,365
3,000
716,519
220,534
515,807
3,000
739,341
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024		 2023
£
9,145
12,457
158
270
351,161
7,024
3,923
0
384,138
6,860
17,170
1,011
4,339
364,810
1,131
395,321
0
0
-11,183
16,168
711,534
716,519

The notes on pages 19 - 23 form part of these accounts

20

Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 31st March 2024

Total funds
2024
£
Cash fow from operating activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities
11,313
Cash fows from investing activities
Interest from investments
0
Purchase of plant and equipment
-11,350
net cash used in investing activities
-11,350
Cash fows from fnancing activities:
Net cash used in fnancing activities
0
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period
-37
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the accounting period
114,205
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the accounting period
114,167
-38
Reconciliation of net income/ (expenditure) to net cash fow from operating activities
Net income/(expenditure) for the year (as per the statement of fnancial activ
22,823
Adjustments for:
Depreciation charges and assets written of
7,843
Interest from investments
Change in value of investments
-24,865
Purchase of investments
0
Decrease/(Increase) in stocks
-1,723
Decrease/(Increase) in debtors
-12,542
Increase/(decrease) in creditors
19,777
Net cash provided by operating activities
11,313		 Total funds
2023
£
-389,613
-4,234
-4,234
0
-393,847
508,052
114,205
-393,847
4,985
7,225
-16,168
-373,700
2,576
-11,816
-2,715
-389,613

21

Balance Sheet at 31st March 2024

Note
Fixed Assets
Tangible Fixed Assets
2
Investments
3
Current Assets
Stock
4
Debtors
5
Cash at Bank and in Hand
6
Liabilities: amounts falling due within one year
7
Net Current Assets
Net Assets
Funds
Unrestricted
10
Designated
9
Restricted
8		 2024
2023
£
£
£
£
188,448
184,941
414,733
389,868
7,818
6,095
50,100
37,558
114,167
114,205
172,085
157,858
35,925
16,148
136,160
141,710
739,341
716,519
220,534
216,154
515,807
497,365
3,000
3,000
739,341
716,519		 2024
2023
£
£
£
£
188,448
184,941
414,733
389,868
7,818
6,095
50,100
37,558
114,167
114,205
172,085
157,858
35,925
16,148
136,160
141,710
739,341
716,519
220,534
216,154
515,807
497,365
3,000
3,000
739,341
716,519
716,519
216,154
497,365
3,000
716,519

Approved by the District Trustee Board on 27 July 2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Mike Jackson

M H Jackson (District Chair)

The notes on pages 23 – 28 form part of these accounts

22

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024

1 Accounting Policies

The District has responsibility for a building previously used by a group which closed in June 2008. This building has been included in these accounts at its insured value. It is used as the district headquarters.

Other mobile, portable, or sectional buildings and 2 storage containers, being purchased by, or donated to the District, have been included in theses accounts at depreciated cost or gift valuation. They are all located at Frylands Wood.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Designated funds are funds set aside by the trustees for particular purposes.

2 Tangible Assets

COST or VALUATION
Brought forward
Additions
Assets Written Off in Year
Depreciation/ Valuation adjustment
Net Book Value carried forward		 Buildings
168,473
2,496
8,377
1,902
3,693
.
2,300
300
8,750
-890
-1,199
-2,094
-550
-3,110
167,583
3,597
6,283
1,652
9,333
Buildings
Fixtures and
Equipment
Activity Training
Equipment
Other
Equipment
Vehicles and
Mowers		 Total
184,941
11,350
0
-7,843
188,448

3 Investments

Investments
Brought forward/ Investment
Change in investment value		 2024
389,868
24,865
414,733		 2023
373,700
16,168
389,868

23

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2023

4
Stocks
Providore (Inc stamps)
Badges
DMT Wear/Crew
5
Debtors
Trade Debtors
Internal (Groups & Members) Debtors
Third Party monies (Groups)
Pre-Prepayments
6
Cash at Bank and in Hand
Bank Current Accounts
Bank Deposit Accounts (Interest bearing)
Cash Floats with others
7
Liabilities: Amounts Falling Due Within One Year
Booking Deposits
Creditors - Others
Third Party monies (Groups)		 2024
6,830
832
156
7,818
2024
£
30,662
0
18,089
1,349
50,100
2024
£
33,517
76,300
4,350
114,167
2024
£
21,681
14,244
0
35,925		 2023
5,693
259
143
6,095
2023
£
17,483
0
13,807
6,268
37,558
2023
£
22,498
91,127
580
114,205
2023
£
12,996
3,152
0
16,148

8 Restricted Funds

Frylands projects Movement in Resources
Transfer
Incoming
Outgoing
£
£
£
£
£
3,000
0
0
0
3,000
0
0
0
0
0
Balance 1st
April 2023
Balance 31st
March 2024
3,000
0
0
0
3,000

9 Designated Funds

Contingency Reserve
Frylands Wood
Group Development - Fox Fund
International Fund
Kenya 2024
TSA (Muhsinnen/Lionheart)
Don Broome		 Movement in Resources
Transfer
Incoming
Outgoing
£
£
£
£
£
150,000
0
0
0
150,000
15,640
0
222
0
15,862
322,724
0
0
-2,640
320,084
4,950
0
0
0
4,950
4,051
0
14,147
-287
17,911
0
0
7,000
0
7,000
0
0
1,100
-1,100
0
Balance 1st
April 2023
Balance 31st
March 2024
497,365
0
22,469
-4,027
515,807

24

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024

10 Analysis of Net Assets Between Funds

Restricted funds
Designated Funds
Unrestricted Funds
11
Employees Remuneration
Salaries
Social Security Costs
Pension Costs		 Current Assets
£
£
0
3,000
0
3,000
0
515,807
188,448
32,086
188,448
550,893
2024
£
171,063
7,216
6,463
184,742
Tangible Fixed
Assets		 Total
£
97
3,000
515,807
220,534
739,341
2023
£
138,912
5,605
5,839
150,356

There were 7 full time employees during the year (2023 7). And a further 3 (2023 4) part time employees at certain times of the year. No employee received employee benefits of more than £60,000 in the year.

12 Trustees Remuneration and Expenses

Trustees Remuneration and Expenses
2024 2023
£ £
Remuneration paid to Trustees 0 0
Expenses Reimbursed to Trustees 115 710
Number of Trustees Reimbursed 1 4

Trustees were reimbursed for necessary out of pocket expenses spent on District business at agreed rates, and for expenditure made by them on behalf of the District.

13 Independent Examiner Fees

Examiner fees
Fees for other services		 2024
£
1,220
240
1,460		 2023
£
1,170
240
1,410

25

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024

14

Comparatives for the Statement of Financial Activities

Note
Income and Expenditure
Income
15
Income from donations
Donations and Grants
Income from Charitable Activities
Youth Programme
Adult Support & Training
Support & Services to The Movement - DHQ
Support & Services to The Movement - Outdoor Centre
Other Trading Activities
Fundraising and Levy
Investment Income
Bank Interest
Other Incoming Resources
Total
Expenditure on:
16
Raising Funds
Charitable Activities
Youth Programme
Adult Support & Training
Support & Services to The Movement - DHQ
Support & Services to The Movement - Outdoor Centre
Miscellaneous Payments
Total Resources Expended
Transfers between Funds
Fixed asset transfers
Net Income
Other recognised gains		 £
£
£
£
7,386
1,614
145
9,145
12,457
0
0
12,457
158
0
0
158
270
0
0
270
351,161
0
0
351,161
7,024
0
0
7,024
3,923
0
0
3,923
0
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2023
382,379
1,614
145
384,138
5,411
1,449
0
6,860
14,805
2,365
0
17,170
1,011
0
0
1,011
4,339
0
0
4,339
363,310
1,500
0
364,810
186
0
945
1,131
389,062
5,314
945
395,321
-7,500
7,500
0
0
0
0
0
0
-14,183
3,800
-800
-11,183

26

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
15
Detailed Incoming Resources
Note
Administration & Funding
Donations & Grants
Legacy
Donations in kind - fixed assets
Sundry Donations
Activities for Generating Funds
Fund Raising
Membership Levy
Recovered Membership Fees (Previous Year)
Interest & Fund Raising
Bank Interest
Youth Programme & Activities
Section Events
Kenya Trip
Jamboree
International fund
District Events
Explorer Scout & Network
Admin & Accommodation
Badges & Uniform
Programme
Donations
Adult Support & Training
Non Member Insurance
Tributes
Badges & Scarves
Support & Services to the Movement
District Headquarters
Lettings
Utility Recoveries
Outdoor Centre
User Fees & Charges
Less Discounts
Activities & Equipment Hire
Less Discounts
Retail Sales (Catering; C'mas Trees;Provi;Stamps)
Operating costs recovered
Maintenance Costs recovered
Warden's Support ( Recovered)
Gas Sales
Utility costs recovered
Deposits forfeited
Miscellaneous Charges & Sundry Receipts
Miscellaneous Receipts
Sundries
Total Income		 £
£
£
£
0
0
0
0
11,350
0
5,186
8,322
0
13,508
16,536
8,322
0
13,508
365
0
0
365
7,167
0
0
7,167
0
0
0
0
7,532
0
0
7,532
2,485
0
0
2,485
2,485
0
0
2,485
627
0
0
627
0
14,147
0
14,147
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
627
14,147
0
14,774
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
23,054
0
0
23,054
6,011
0
0
6,011
29,065
0
0
29,065
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
304
0
0
304
304
0
0
304
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
151,010
0
0
151,010
-7,323
0
0
-7,323
127,877
0
0
127,877
-4,725
0
0
-4,725
22,908
0
0
22,908
713
0
0
713
255
0
0
255
0
0
0
0
35,548
0
0
35,548
280
0
0
280
206
0
0
206
1
0
0
1
326,750
0
0
326,750
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
383,299
22,469
0
394,418
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024		 £
0
0
9,145
Total Funds
2023
9,145
381
6,643
0
7,024
3,923
3,923
521
0
0
0
0
521
0
0
11,936
0
11,936
0
0
158
158
270
0
270
138,251
-4,687
133,939
-4,564
41,318
127
120
0
43,699
1,557
491
910
351,161
0
0
384,138

27

Notes to the Accounts for the Year Ended 31st March 2024
16
Detailed Resources Expenditure
Administration & Funding
Governance Costs
Fund Raising Costs
Office Holders Expenses
Professional Fees & Charges
Investment charges
Bank charges
Other
Youth Programme & Activities
Section Events & Activities
District & Other Events
Kenya trip
Jamboree
International fund
Group & Personal Support
Depreciation - Other Equipment
Explorer Scout & Network
Grants
Badges & Uniform
Programme
Adult Support & Training
Meetings & Expenses
Conferences
Clothing
Net Stock Movement in Year- DMT Clothing
Adult Training Courses
Badge Purchases
Net Stock Movement in Year- Badges
Communications
Tributes
Non-member Insurance
Resource Material
District Equipment (Incl. ESUs)
Other Equipment written off
Support & Services to the Movement
District Headquarters
Insurance
Maintenance
Utilities & Rates
Development
Outdoor centre
Fees & Charges
Activity Costs
Retail Purchases (Catering;C'mas Trees;Provi;Stamps)
Gas purchases
Net Stock Movement in Year
Insurance
Post, Telephone & Copying
Advertising & PR
Transport
Service Team Costs
Direct Employment Costs (Inc accommodation)
Wardens Support
Utilities & Rates
Buildings & Site Maintenance
Other Payments
Loss on scrapped assets
Depreciation - Buildings & Fixtures & Fittings
Depreciation - Vehicles
Depreciation - Activity Training & Equipment
Outdoor Centre Development
Miscellaneous Improvements
Miscellaneous Payments
reduction in 2nd Deptford debt
Total Resources Expended		 £
£
£
£
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3,021
0
0
3,021
0
0
0
0
537
0
0
537
151
350
0
501
3,709
350
0
4,059
893
0
0
893
56
0
0
56
0
287
0
287
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
949
287
0
1,236
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
22,258
350
0
22,608
22,258
350
0
22,608
300
0
0
300
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
881
0
0
881
0
0
0
0
869
0
0
869
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2,050
0
0
2,050
1,112
0
0
1,112
303
0
0
303
2,264
0
0
2,264
0
0
0
0
3,679
0
0
3,679
10,743
0
0
10,743
7,086
0
7,086
17,869
0
0
17,869
27,736
0
0
27,736
-1,723
0
0
-1,723
9,430
0
0
9,430
8,770
0
0
8,770
791
0
0
791
0
0
0
2,433
0
0
2,433
192,478
0
0
192,478
2,666
0
0
2,666
45,320
0
0
45,320
39,396
2,290
41,686
301
0
0
301
0
0
0
0
2,089
0
0
2,089
3,110
0
0
3,110
2,644
0
0
2,644
371,139
2,290
0
373,429
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
750
750
0
750
0
750
403,784
4,027
0
407,811
Unrestricted
Funds
Designated
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
2024		 £
0
275
2,796
1,300
1,040
1,449
Total Funds
2023
6,860
9
0
0
0
0
0
0
9
2,365
0
14,796
17,161
1,011
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1,011
0
2,496
1,843
0
4,339
9,964
33,544
17,541
35,147
2,575
7,303
12,250
2,341
0
2,019
158,502
7,665
32,089
36,295
350
550
1,188
1,230
4,257
364,810
0
0
1,131
1,131
395,321

28

Lewisham District Scout Council

Schedule of Registered Scout Groups & District Explorer Scout Units

Scout Groups

1[st] Lewisham Park 1[st] New Cross 2[nd] Deptford 2[nd] Sydenham 3[rd] Crofton Park 4[th] Lewisham 6[th] Lewisham South 8[th] Lewisham South 9[th] Lewisham North 9[th] Sydenham 11[th] Forest Hill 12[th] Forest Hill 12[th] Lewisham North 12[th] Lewisham South 14[th] Lewisham South 16[th] Lewisham South 17[th] Forest Hill 17[th] Lewisham North 20[th] Forest Hill (ScoutLink) 21[st] Lewisham North 28[th] Lewisham North 32[nd] Deptford

Explorer Scout Units

Aureate Explorer Scout Unit Discovery Explorer Scout Unit Golden Hind Explorer Scout Unit Lionheart Explorer Scout Unit Muhsineen Explorer Scout Unit Venture Explorer Scout Unit Young Leader Explorer Scout Unit

29