Trustees’ Annual Report - Dee Sea Scouts
For the period:
| From | 01/4/24 | To | 01/4/25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| (period start date) | (period end date) | ||
| Charity Name | Dee Sea Scout Group | ||
| Charity Registration Number (if registered - leave blank if excepted charity) |
1002494 | ||
| HQ Registration Number | S10015564 |
Objectives and activities
| Summary of the purpose and objects of the charity as set out in its governing document |
The objectives of the charity are as a part of The Scout Association. 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 these values Integrity– We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal Respect– We have self-respect and respect for others Care– We support others and take care of the world in which we live Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes Co-operation– We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends The Scout Method Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of scouting and: • enjoy what they are doing and have fun • take part in activities indoors and outdoors • learn by doing • share in spiritual reflection • take responsibility and make choices • undertake new and challenging activities • make and live by their promise |
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| Summary of the main activities in relation to the purpose and objects |
Throughout the year, Dee Sea Scout Group advanced its charitable objectives by providing a structured programme of educational, recreational and developmental activities for young people in the local community. Activities included weekly meetings, badge work, outdoor learning, camps, sleepovers, adventurous activities, community engagement projects and skills-based programmes across the Squirrel,Beaver,Cub and Scout Sections. The Group |
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TAR Template 2026 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025
| promoted personal development, confidence, teamwork, leadership, resilience and citizenship through the Scout Method, enabling young people to learn new skills, make positive choices and contribute to their community. The charity also maintained and managed the Scout hut as a community resource, supported volunteers in delivering a safe and inclusive programme, and worked to ensure that financial or other barriers did not prevent young people from participating in Scouting. These activities directly supported the charity’s purpose of helping young people develop skills for life and make a positive contribution to society |
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| Statement confirming the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
The Trustees confirm that the charity meets the Charity Commission’s Public Benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. |
| You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: • Policy on grant making |
Financial assistance to individuals or families may be provided where this helps remove barriers to participation in Scouting. This may include support with membership subscriptions, activity fees, camps, uniforms, equipment or other reasonable costs connected with Scouting. Assistance will normally be considered where a young person or family would otherwise be unable to take part. All grant-making decisions will be made by the Trustees, decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking account of the Group’s charitable purposes, available funds, reserve’s policy, fairness to beneficiaries, and the need to manage any actual or perceived conflicts of interest. Trustees or volunteers with a personal connection to an applicant or recipient must declare that interest and must not take part in the decision where a conflict exists. The Trustees will carry out checks that are proportionate to the value and risk of the grant. Where appropriate, grants will be subject to clear conditions, including the purpose for which the funds may be used, the amount awarded, any payment arrangements, and any evidence required to confirm that the funds have been used properly. The Trustees will keep appropriate records of grant-making decisions, including the reason for the grant, the amount awarded, any conditions applied, any conflicts of interest declared, and any monitoring or follow-up undertaken. The level of monitoring will be proportionate to the size and nature of the grant. The Trustees will review grant-making activity at least annually to ensure that grants remain affordable, properly controlled, and aligned with the Group’s charitable purposes. Any material grant-making activity will be reported in the Trustees’ Annual Report where required, including the nature of grants made and how they supported the Group’s charitable objectives. |
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Achievements and performance
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TAR Template 2026 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year identifying the difference and impact the charity’s work has made, including on sustainability |
During the year, the Group continued to provide a varied, inclusive and progressive programme of Scouting activities across its sections. The charity’s work has helped young people develop confidence, independence, practical skills, teamwork and resilience, while providing opportunities for friendship, outdoor adventure and personal achievement. The Squirrel Section delivered a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, badge work and a sleepover at the Scout hut. A number of Squirrels achieved their Chief Scout’s Acorn Award and successfully moved on to Beavers, demonstrating the positive impact of the section in supporting younger members to grow in confidence and progress through Scouting. The Beaver Section continued to thrive, and continued interest from families wishing to join. Beavers worked towards and completed a range of badges, and activities included outdoor games, team building, craft projects, nature and community activities, problem-solving challenges and themed nights. These opportunities helped young people learn new skills, build friendships, develop independence and gain awareness of the wider world. The Cub Section also had a successful year, benefitting from a successful camp, providing important opportunities for outdoor learning, teamwork and personal development. The Scout Section delivered a broad programme including navigation training, hikes, water-based activity at Forest Camp, survival skills using knives and axes, life skills and mental health resilience activities. Scouts also benefited from nights away opportunities, helping them develop practical skills, independence, confidence and resilience. Several Scouts achieved the Chief Scout’s Gold Award during the year, including young people moving up from the section in the autumn and spring terms. Across all sections, the Group’s activities have made a positive difference by giving young people access to structured, safe and enjoyable learning experiences outside the classroom. The programme has supported physical activity, mental wellbeing, social connection, problem-solving and community awareness. Progression between sections and the achievement of Chief Scout awards demonstrate the continuing value of the Group’s work in helping young people develop skills for life. The Trustees also recognise the importance of sustainability in the charity’s activities and operations. During the year, the Group continued to use the Scout hut as a community asset, supported by hall hire income, while taking steps to manage runningcosts. |
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| You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: • Achievements against objectives • Fundraising activities |
Achievements Against Objectives The Group’s objectives are to promote the development of young people through Scouting and to provide opportunities that help them achieve their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential. During the year, the Group achieved these objectives through the delivery of regular section meetings, badge work, outdoor learning, camps, sleepovers, community activities and skills-based programmes. The progression of young people between sections, the achievement of Chief Scout awards, and sustained demand for places demonstrate that the Group continues to meet a clear need within the local community. |
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TAR Template 2026 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025
| • Contribution made by volunteers |
Fundraising Activities Fundraising and income generation during the year supported the Group’s ability to deliver Scouting activities and maintain its facilities. The Group received income from membership subscriptions, camping and activity contributions, hall hire and donations. Hall hire continued to provide an important income stream and helped offset the costs of running and maintaining the Scout hut. Contribution Made by Volunteers The achievements of the Group would not have been possible without the commitment and contribution of its volunteers. Section leaders, trustees, parent helpers and other supporters gave their time to plan and deliver activities, maintain safe operating arrangements, support camps and events, manage administration and finances, and care for the Scout hut. Their contribution enabled young people to access a high-quality Scouting programme and helped ensure that the Group remained active, inclusive and sustainable throughout theyear. |
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Financial review
| Review of the financial position |
The Trustees report that the Group remained financially stable during the year ended March 2025. Total receipts for the year were £28,902.84 and total payments were £24,326.72, resulting in a net increase in cash funds of £4,576.12. Cash funds increased from £5,745.39 at the start of the year to £10,321.51 at year end. Income The Group’s principal sources of income were membership subscriptions, camping and activity income, and hire of the Scout building. Membership subscriptions generated £15,564.25, camping trips generated £4,840.00 and hall hire generated £6,741.00. The Group also received a donation of £500.00 from Shop4Neston, which was transferred to the Fundraising account. The Trustees are satisfied that income during the year was sufficient to support the Group’s charitable activities and meet its operating costs. Expenditure Total payments for the year were £24,326.72. The main areas of expenditure were membership subscriptions paid on to Scout headquarters, District, County and national bodies (£4,800.00), youth programme and activity costs (£4,623.66), electricity and gas (£4,767.44), insurance (£2,950.42), repairs and renewals (£1,700.62), cleaning (£1,183.12), uniforms and badges (£1,000.86), and OSM/GoCardless fees (£624.36). These payments were incurred in furtherance of the Group’s charitable purposes and to support the safe and effective delivery of Scouting activities. The Trustees continue to monitor building-related costs closely, particularly utilities, repairs, maintenance and cleaning. Income from hall hire makes an important contribution towards these costs. During the year, the Group also took steps to manage cleaning expenditure by moving away from a commercial cleaning arrangement to a local cleaner. Cash Funds and Reserves |
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TAR Template 2026 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025
| At 31 March 2025, the Group held total cash funds of £10,321.51. This comprised £5,716.98 in the Current account, £3,198.25 in the Fundraising account and £1,406.28 in the Buildings account. The increase in cash funds during the year has strengthened the Group’s ability to meet its short-term obligations and support future Scouting activities. The Trustees consider the level of reserves held at year end to be reasonable in the context of the Group’s current activities. However, reserves remain modest when compared with annual expenditure and the ongoing costs of maintaining and operating the Scout building. The Trustees will continue to keep the reserves position under review and may agree formal reserves targets to ensure that sufficient funds are available to manage routine operating costs, planned maintenance and unexpected expenditure. Overall Financial Position Overall, the Group is financially stable and has improved its cash position over the year. Income from subscriptions, camping activities and hall hire has been sufficient to cover annual expenditure and increase total funds. The key financial risks remain the cost of utilities, insurance, building maintenance and activity-related expenditure. Continued monitoring of these costs, alongside active subscription collection and hall hire income, will be important to maintain the Group’s financial resilience. |
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| Policy on Reserves, why they are held, and the amount of reserves |
The Trustees have considered the level of reserves required to ensure that the Group can continue to operate effectively and meet its charitable objectives. For the purposes of this policy, reserves are the unrestricted funds held by the Group that are freely available to spend on its charitable purposes, excluding any funds that have been set aside for a specific purpose. Reserves are held to provide financial resilience and to protect the continuity of Scouting activities. In particular, the Trustees consider it prudent to hold reserves to cover short-term cash flow pressures, unexpected reductions in subscription or hall hire income, increases in utilities or insurance costs, essential repairs and maintenance to the Scout building, and any unexpected expenditure required to keep activities running safely. The Trustees have agreed that the Group should aim to hold a minimum level of free reserves equivalent to approximately three months of normal operating expenditure. The reserves position will be reviewed at least annually as part of the budgeting and accounts process, and more frequently if there are significant changes in income, expenditure, building costs or other financial risks. The Trustees will report the level of reserves held, the reason for holding them, and any significant variation from the target level in the Trustees’ Annual Report. The Trustee Board plan to increase the level of reserves to the amount they consider appropriate by 31/12/2026. The trustee board will review this on a regular ongoing basis. |
| Policy on Investments and investment performance |
The charity’s reserves are limited, so it does not currently have sufficient funds for longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. It has therefore adopted a low-risk investment approach, with all funds held in cash through mainstream banks or building societies. |
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TAR Template 2026 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025
A description of the N/A principal risks
Structure, governance and management
| Type of governing document |
The charity’s governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association. |
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| How the charity is constituted |
The charity is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. It is constituted as an educational charity. |
| Trustee selection methods |
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. |
| Policies and procedures for the induction and training of trustees |
All Trustees complete The Scout Association trustee and mandatory learning within the first six months of joining the Trustee Board, they also complete other Scout Association mandatory learning periodically as required. |
| Additional governance arrangements |
The charity is managed by the Trustee Board, the members of which are the “Charity Trustees”. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and seven Trustees (including one Ex-Officio Trustees, and no co-opted Trustees) and meets at least 4 times a year. The Trustee Board exists to support the Leadership Teams in meeting the responsibilities of their appointments and in supporting them to run high- quality and safe programs that give young people skills for life. The Trustee Board maintain appropriate governance policies and oversight. The Trustee Board is responsible for carrying out its purposes for the public benefit, complying with the charity’s governing document and the law, and managing the charity’s resources responsibly. The Trustee Board is responsible for ensuring the charity is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good order and everyone follows legal requirements and Scout Association Policy, Organisation & Rules. This includes responsibility for: • Promoting a positive image of Scouting in the community, as well as its development; • Developing, maintaining and regularly a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations; • Ensuring that the finances are properly managed, and there are sufficient resources(and reserves)to deliver high-qualityScouting; |
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TAR Template 2026 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025
| • Ensuring a system of internal controls is in place that is designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; • Ensuring that property is appropriately managed; • Maintaining appropriate insurance of persons, property and equipment; • Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; • Having an open and transparent selection process for the recruitment of Trustees; • Appointing Advisors as required; • Ensuring effective administration is in place to support the Trustee Board; • Ensuring compliance with applicable governance and charity regulations, including in respect to safety and safeguarding; • Ensuring incidents are appropriately reported in line with regulation and policy; • Ensuring applicable policies and regulations are regularly reviewed and changes implemented as appropriate; • Ensuring transparency of operations, including in the preparation of accounts and holding and AGM; • Ensuring compliance with Data Protection legislation; • Acting as a responsible employer for any employees, who are effectively managed. |
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Plans for future periods
| Plans for future Periods |
The Trustees are committed to developing the Group’s activities and facilities to ensure that Scouting remains accessible, inclusive and engaging for young people. A key priority for the coming year is to support the return of water-based activities, including kayaking, boating and related outdoor learning opportunities. The Group has agreed in principle to work towards getting Scouts back on the water, and a detailed plan and budget are being developed to assess the equipment, training, safety requirements and financial resources needed to deliver this safely and sustainably. |
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Reference and administration details
| Principal Address | Dee Scout Centre Burton Road Little Neston CH64 9RE |
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TAR Template 2026 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025
Scouts "Of"\ o.c Se� Scouts (,)
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Names of the charity Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
trustees who manage the year
charity
Tracey Seddon Chair 15/11/2024 -
2. Dudley Bidston Chair 2002 -15/11/2024
3. Helen Johnson Treasurer 2021-
4. Ian Williams lead Volunteer /Trustee 15/11/2024 -
5. Martin Dowler Trustee 15/11/2024 -
Trustee 15/11/2024 -
__ 6. �·_Malgorzata Matoszko �-� .,.------� � - � ----- - - -
7. Kevin Merrison Trustee 15/11/2024
1.
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Name and address of advisors
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Type of advisor Name Address
Independent
Examiner/ Auditor
Scrutineer Andy Harland 2 Argyll Avenue, Eastham, Wirral, CH62
BED
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Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees by:
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Signatory 1 Signatory2
Signature V-
� ifµ [�-]
Full name Tracy Seddon Helen Johnson
Position held Chair Treasurer
Date 03/08/2026 3 / ft/ 2b
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TAR Template 2026 Trustees' Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025
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Dee Sea Scout Group (Charity No. 1002494) Receipts and payments account
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Year start date Year end date
For the year
2024 To 2025
from
Receipts and payments
2024/04 2025/04
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Receipts
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership subscriptions - 15,564
Donations - 500
Events - -
Gift Aid - -
Camps - 4,840
Sub total - 20,904
Grants
Maintenenace grant - -
Other grants - -
Sub total - -
Fundraising events (gross)
Detail 1 - -
Detail 2 - -
Detail 3 - -
Other fundraising activities - -
Sub total - -
Scout hut income
Hire of building - 6,741
Hire of equipment - -
Other Scout hut income - -
Sub total - 6,741
Investment income
Bank interest - 58
Building Society interest - -
The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - -
Other investment income - -
Sub total - 58
Total Gross Income - 27,703
Asset and investment sales, etc. - -
Total receipts - 27,703
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LT700002 (February 2024)
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Dee Sea Scout Group (Charity No. 1002494 Receipts and payments account
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Year start date Year end date
For the year
2024 To 2025
from
Receipts and payments
2024/04 2025/04
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Payments
Charitable Payments
Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District) - 4,800
Youth programme and activities - 4,624
Adult support and training - -
Rent - -
Water and Sewerage - -
Electricity and Gas - 4,767
Insurance - 2,950
Repairs and Renewals - 1,701
Materials and equipment - 19
Printing and photocopying - -
Contribution to camp costs - -
Uniforms & Badges - 1,001
AGM and trustee expenses - -
Cleaning - 1,183
OSM/GoCardless fees - 624
Other costs detail 3 - 1,457
Sub total - 23,127
Fundraising expenses
Detail 1 - -
Detail 2 - -
Detail 3 - -
Other fundraising costs - -
Sub total - -
Total Gross Expenditure - 23,127
Asset and investment purchases, etc. - -
Total payments - 23,127
Net of receipts/(payments) - 4,576
Cash funds last year end - 5,745
Cash funds this year end - 10,322
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LT700002 (February 2024)
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Dee Sea Scout Group (Charity No. 1002494 Receipts and payments account
Year start date Year end date For the year 2024 To 2025 from
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
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01/04/2024 01/04/2025
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Cash funds
Barclays current account - 5,717
Barclays Fund account - 3,198
Barclays Buildings account - 1,406
The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - -
Cash/Floats - -
Total cash funds - 10,322
(agree balances with receipts and payments account) ok ok
Other monetary assets
Tax claim - -
Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group - -
Insurance claim - -
Sub total - -
Investment assets
Investment property - detail - -
Quoted investments - -
Other investments - detail - -
Sub total - -
Non monetary assets for charity's own use
Badge stock - -
Shop stock - -
Other stock - -
Land and buildings - -
Motor vehicles - -
Scouting equipment, furniture etc - -
Other - -
Sub total - -
Liabilities
Accounts not yet paid - -
Expenses incurred but not invoiced - -
Subscriptions not yet paid - -
Loan - detail - -
Other liabilities - -
Sub total - -
Total net assets - 10,322
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The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on Xth X 200X (the date of the Trustee Board meeting that approved the accounts) and signed on their behalf by
| Signature | Print Name Chair Treasurer |
|---|---|
LT700002 (February 2024)
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LT700005 – Scrutineer’s Report to the Trustees (July 2026)
Scrutineer's Report to the Trustees of Dee Sea Scout Group, Ellesmere Port & Neston Scout District
I report on the accounts of the Group/District for the year ended 31[st] March 2025
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Scrutineer
As the Group's/District's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that neither the audit nor independent examination requirements of the Charities Act 2011 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out an audit or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you.
Basis of Scrutineer's Statement
In accordance with the directions given in the Group's/District's constitution, I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on pages …1……… to ...3.........
Scrutineer's Statement
In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records produced to me and comply with the constitution.
Name: Andy Harland CPFA Address: 2 Argyll Avenue Eastham Wirral CH62 8ED Date: 20[th] July 2025