Annual Report and Accounts 2021- 2022 scouts.org.ukfJoin
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
1 Reference and Administration Details
Charity Name: Derwentside District Scout Council Charity Number: 1016535 Principal Address: c/o Howden Bank Farm, Maiden Law, Lanchester, County Durham. DH7 0QS
1.1 Trustees
David Lovett District Chair David Ellis District Secretary Nick McCormick District Treasurer
Jason Wise District Commissioner
Phil Roberts District Explorer Scout Commissioner Resigned 1[st] December 2021 Finlay Marsh District Youth Commissioner
Kerry Chappell Elected Representative Neil Jukes Elected Representative Keith Slater Elected Representative Margaret Roberts Elected Representative Alison Fraser Nominated Representative
Resigned 1[st] December 2021 Resigned 3[rd] May 2022
1.2 Advisors
Kenneth Fraser Co-Opted advisor
1.3 Independent Examiner
Mr. Richard Major
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
2 Structure, Governance and Management
2.1 Governing Document
The District’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.
2.2 District Scout Council
The District Scout Council is the electoral body to which the District Executive Committee is accountable. Membership of the District Scout Council is open to:
Ex officio
All adult members and associate members of the Scout District (see District roles listed in The Appointments Process chapter, Table 2: Appointments).
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All adults holding the following appointments from the Scout Groups in the District
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i. Group Scout Leader
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ii. Deputy Group Scout Leader
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iii. Group Chair
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iv. Group Secretary
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v. Group Treasurer
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vi. Section Leader
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vii. Assistant Section Leader
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viii. Group Active Support Manager
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all Explorer Scouts;
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all members of the District Scout Network;
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all parents of Explorer Scouts;
Nominated Members
Other supporters of the District Appointed by the District Scout Council on the recommendation of the District Commissioner and the District Executive Committee.
The County Commissioner and County Chair are ex-officio members of the District Scout Council.
2.3 Constitution
The District is established under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.
2.4 Trustee Selection
The trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
2.5 District Executive Committee
The District is managed by the Executive Committee, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District which is an educational charity. 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 Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the District Commissioner, District Explorer Scout Commissioner, District Youth Commissioner and up to six nominated members and 6 elected members and meets every 3 months.
Members of the Executive Committee complete 'Essential Information for Executive Committee' training within the first 5 months of joining the committee.
This Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:
Members of the Executive Committee must act collectively as charity Trustees of the District, and in the best interests of its members to:
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Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association
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Protect and maintain any property and equipment owned by and/or used by the District
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Manage the District finances.
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Provide insurance for people, property, and equipment.
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Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fund-raising activities.
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Promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area.
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Manage and implement the Safety Policy locally
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Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community.
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Appoint and manage the operation of any sub-Committees, including appointing a Chair to lead the subCommittees
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Ensure that Young People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the District
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The opening, closure and amalgamation of Groups as necessary.
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And all other duties as set out in Policy, Organisation and Rules.
2.6 Risk and Internal Control
The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
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Trustees Annual Report
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3 Objectives and Activities
The primary objective of the District is that of the Scout Association generally, namely:
‘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:
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Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
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Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
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Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
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Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
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Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we cooperate 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:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing
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share in spiritual reflection
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise.
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
4 Achievements and Performance
The Executive Committee gratefully acknowledges the valuable contribution made by volunteer leaders across the District who have worked hard to deliver quality Scouting in Derwentside District. As with last year, we have been gripped by COVID and this has significantly impacted on activities. However, alongside these huge challenges, the district has gradually returned to face-to-face scouting, building on the foundations set during the pandemic and moving forward with no financial issues reported because of a reduction in income.
It was inevitable that COVID and not meeting face-to-ace would have an impact on membership numbers. However, we fared much better than other districts and recovered some of the reductions we saw last year. Nationally, there was a general expectation of a 20% reduction in membership. Within the district, we actually saw a 0.3% increase in youth membership. We also saw an increase in Explorer members, an increase in registered Young Leaders and healthy waiting lists across the district.. This is testimony to the dedication of our volunteers.
The improvements we have made over the last few years in our web platforms paid real dividends during the pandemic. We have been ahead of the game since the first lockdown with our online systems and approaches enabling the District and groups to continue delivering Scouting despite lockdowns and restrictions and moving to a hybrid model of online and face-to-face as restrictions were lifted. Combining the creativity and innovation of our volunteers and our online systems resulting in over 600 online meetings taking place in groups and across the district over the course of the pandemic.
As we came out of COVID restrictions, nights away resumed, with groups taking a cautious, risk-based approach to run nights away between August and March. This resulted in the Explorer Summer Camp for 2021 being rescheduled for summer 2022, as advice was to stay local. We were also one of the first nationally to resume international trips when restrictions were lifted in January. A pilot group of Explorers spent a very successful 9 days in the Middle East, experiencing local history, culture and landscape, and representing the District and UK Scouting, meeting senior officials of the Omani Scout and Guidance Association.
The last couple of years have had an impact on plans to improve access to resources and experiences for our youth members. The District has continued to provide OS Maps and Easier Scouting resources to all groups. With the agreement of the GSL at 1st Leadgate, the District will be setting up an archery and air rifle range and has purchased the equipment to enable those to operate. The Leadgate Scout Leader and other District Leaders have gained Archery permits. The intention is that the ranges will be set up, tested and available from the Autumn Term 2022. The District Target Shooting Squad are meeting face-to-face again and are hoping to have access back to MoD ranges from May 2022. They hope to enter their first National Rifle Championship, as the 2020 competition was cancelled due to COVID. The District was also successful in applying for a grant from the Youth Investment Fund to fund a powerboat, safety equipment and a 9-seater minibus. These resources have been purchased and will be in use from May 2022.
Across the District groups have worked exceptionally hard in ensuring our volunteers have the support and encouragement necessary to complete their mandatory training. We have maintained our high standard for compliance with 95%-100% for safety and safeguarding training, 94% compliance for GDPR training and, following two district first aid courses, 89% compliance for first aid training. This should be celebrated, particularly as face-toface first aid training has only recently restarted.
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
4.1 Public benefit statement
The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
5 Financial Review
5.1 Reserves Policy
The Scout District's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short.
In addition sufficient funds should be available to replace equipment, support Scout Groups and promote Scouting within Derwentside District.
The Executive Committee considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs.
The Committee allocated the following amounts:
| General reserve | £3000 |
|---|---|
| Equipment fund | £2000 |
| Gang Show | £3000 |
| Groups financial assistance fund | £2290 |
| BBC Children in Need – YIF (Restricted) | £2000 |
The District held sufficient funds throughout the year to meet these requirements.
5.2 Investment Policy
The District does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments. The District has therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
6 Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
D Lovett
Signature: Date: 27/09/2022
o Full Name: David Lovett o Position: District Chair
D Ellis
Signature: Date: 27/09/2022 o Full Name: David Ellis Position District Secretary
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
7 Accounts
| For the year from |
01 April 2021 | To | 31 March 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Receipts and payments | ||||
| Receipts | 2021/2022 Unrestricted funds £ |
2020/2021 Unrestricted funds £ |
||
| Donations, legacies and similar income | ||||
| Membership subscriptions | 2,366 | 2,249 | ||
| Capitation fees received | 10,145 | 16,086 | ||
| Less:Capitation fees paid on (National/County) | 15,369 | 15,326 | ||
| Net membership subscriptions retained | - 2,858 | 3,009 | ||
| Donations | 888 | 260 | ||
| Legacies | - | - | ||
| Gift Aid | - | - | ||
| Other similar income | - | - | ||
| Sub total | - 1,970 | 3,269 | ||
| Grants | ||||
| BBC Children in need - YIF | 48,820 | - | ||
| Other grants | - | 300 | ||
| Sub total | 48,820 | 300 | ||
| Fundraising (gross) | ||||
| Other fundraising activities | - | - | ||
| - | - | |||
| Sub total | - | - | ||
| Activities | ||||
| District Activities | 6,889 | - | ||
| Explorer Activities | 3,702 | 380 | ||
| Sub total | 380 | |||
| Sundry Receipts | ||||
| Other | - | - | ||
| Uniforms & Badges | - | 69 | ||
| Training | 130 | - | ||
| Capitation rebate | 158 | 179 | ||
| Investment income | ||||
| Bank interest | 12 | 42 | ||
| Sub total | 300 | 290 | ||
| Total Gross Income Asset and investment sales, etc. Total receipts |
||||
| 4,239 | ||||
| - | - | |||
| 57,741 | ||||
| 57,741 | 4,239 |
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
----- Start of picture text -----
For the year
01 April 2021 To 31 March 2022
from
Receipts and payments
2021/2022 2020/2021
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
£ £
Payments
Charitable Payments
Youth programme and activities (District) 4,773 280
Youth programme and activities (Explorers) 1,858 295
Adult support and training 594 292
Rent
510 596
Insurance
201 302
Repairs and Renewals
- -
Materials and equipment
5,977 2,654
Administration
42 43
Contribution to camp costs
- -
Badges & Uniforms
28 69
AGM and trustee expenses
- -
Bank fees
169 97
Sundries
100 395
Loan to Groups
2,710 -
Sub total
16,962 5,023
Fundraising expenses
Donation
- 105
- -
- -
Other fundraising costs
- -
Sub total
- 105
Total Gross Expenditure 16,962 5,128
Asset and investment purchases, etc. 42,975 -
Total payments 59,937 5,128
Net of receipts/(payments) - 2,196 - 889
Cash funds last year end 24,114 -
Cash funds this year end 21,918 - 889
----- End of picture text -----
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
31 March 2022
31 March 2021
| 31 March 2022 | 31 March 2022 | 31 March 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds £ |
Unrestricted funds £ |
||
| Cash funds | |||
| District | |||
| Current Account | 4,236 | 7,876 | |
| Savings Account | 4,399 | 4,898 | |
| Savings Account | 8,384 | 8,373 | |
| Cash/Floats | - | - | |
| Explorers | |||
| Bank account | 4,873 | 2,928 | |
| Cash/Floats | 26 | 39 | |
| Total cash funds | 21,918 | 24,114 | |
| Other monetary assets | |||
| Tax claim | - | - | |
| Debts due from Group | 8,590 | - | |
| Insurance claim | - | - | |
| Sub total | 8,590 | - | |
| Non monetary assets for charity's own use | |||
| Land and buildings | - | - | |
| Motor vehicles | 20,375 | - | |
| Scouting equipment, furniture etc | 10,823 | 6,262 | |
| Boat | 22,600 | - | |
| Sub total | 53,798 | 6,262 | |
| Liabilities | |||
| Accounts not yet paid | 440 | - | |
| Expenses incurred but not invoiced | 3,384 | - | |
| Subscriptions not yet paid | - | - | |
| Loan - detail | - | - | |
| Other liabilities | - | - | |
| Sub total | 3,824 | - |
Contingent liabilities and future obligations
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Trustees Annual Report
2021 - 2022
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 27 th September 2022 and signed on their behalf by:
----- Start of picture text -----
Signature Print Name
DJ Lovett D J Lovett Chair
N I McCormick Treasurer
N McCormick
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Notes to the Accounts
The District has a policy of reserves as stated in our annual report. The amount of each fund is as follows:
| Name Type General Reserves Designated Equipment Fund Designated Gang Show Fund Designated Group Financial Assistance Fund Designated BBC Children in need - YIF Restricted |
Balance 3,000 2,000 3,000 2,290 2,000 |
|---|---|
| 12,290 |
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Trustees Annual Report 2021- 2022 Scouts DeentSide Independent examlnerfs report to the trustees of Derwentslde Dlstrlct Scout Councll I report to the trustees on my examlnatlon of the accounts of the Derwentslde Dlstrlct Sco Council forthe year ended 31° March 2022. Responslbllltl•s and basi% of rnport As the char6ty trustees of the Derwentside District Scout Councll you are Trsponsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordancè with the requirements of the tharleS Act 2011 I'thè ACYI. I report in respect of my examlnatlon of the Derwentside Distrirt Scout Councll accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in Carrying out my examination I have followed all the applioble DirÈttions given by the Charity Commlsslon Ijnder section 14515llbl of thè Act. Independent examlnerfs statement I have completed my examlnatbon. I conflm that no materlal matters havè come to my attention in connettlon with the examlnation byvin8 me cause to believe that In any materlal respect: l. accountlng records were not kept In respect of the Derwentside Distrirt Scout Council as required by sertion 130 of the Art: or 2. thè accounts do not accord with those records: or 3. the accounts do not comply wlth the applicable requlrements concèrniftgthe forni and content of accounts set out in the Charltles IAccounts and Reports) Re8ulations 2(1)8 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair vlew whith Is not a matter consldered as part of an Independent examlnatlon. I have no concerns and have Come acr055 no other matters in connection with the examlnatlon to whlch attention should be drawn In thls report In order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name: EAoikflJ Relevant professional qualfficatlon or membèrship of professional bodies Ilf anyl- Addres5: C Gr COKlf ljiyl olx Date: Page 13 of 13