## **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| |---|---| |**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| Page 1 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| |---|---| |**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.| |---|---| ## **Achievements and performance** Page 2 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.| |---|---| ||| |**_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.| Page 3 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.| |---|---| ## **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**| |---|---| Page 4 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.| |---|---| |**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.| Page 5 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.| |---|---| |**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;| Page 6 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.| |---|---| ## **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.| |---|---| ## **Reference and administration details** |**Principal Address**|Dee Scout Centre
Burton Road
Little Neston
CH64 9RE| |---|---| Page 7 TAR Template 2026 Trustees’ Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025 **Scouts "Of"\ o.c Se� Scouts (,)** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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.
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Name and address of advisors** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Type of advisor Name Address
Independent
Examiner/ Auditor
Scrutineer Andy Harland 2 Argyll Avenue, Eastham, Wirral, CH62
BED
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Declaration** **The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees by:** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Signatory 1 Signatory2
Signature V-
� ifµ [�-]
Full name Tracy Seddon Helen Johnson
Position held Chair Treasurer
Date 03/08/2026 3 / ft/ 2b
**----- End of picture text -----**
**TAR Template 2026 Trustees' Annual Report for the period 2024 to 2025** **Page8** ## **Dee Sea Scout Group (Charity No. 1002494) Receipts and payments account** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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
**----- End of picture text -----**
LT700002 (February 2024) 1 of 3 ## **Dee Sea Scout Group (Charity No. 1002494 Receipts and payments account** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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
**----- End of picture text -----**
LT700002 (February 2024) 2 of 3 ## **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** **----- Start of picture text -----**
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
**----- End of picture text -----**
**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) 3 of 3 **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