Annual
Report and
Accounts
2022 - 2023
derwentsidescouts.org.uk
#SkillsForLife
- kouts
Derwentside
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## 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
Finlay Marsh District Youth Commissioner Kerry Chappell Elected Representative Neil Jukes Elected Representative Keith Slater Elected Representative
## **1.2 Advisors**
None
## **1.3 Bankers**
Lloyds Bank PLC Virgin Money UK PLC
## **1.4 Independent Examiner**
Mr. Richard Major
Page 2 of 11
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## 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 Members
- All adult members of the Scout District.
- All adults holding the following appointments from the Scout Groups in the District i. Group Scout Leader
- ii. Deputy Group Scout Leader
- iii. Group Chair
- iv. Group Secretary
- v. Group Treasurer
- vi. Section Leader
- vii. Assistant Section Leader
- viii. Group Active Support Manager
- all Explorer Scouts;
- members of the District Scout Network;
- parents of Explorer Scouts
- County Commissioner
- County Trustee Board Chair;
## 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.
Page 3 of 11
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## **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 (if appointed as a Trustee) 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:
- Comply with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association
- Protect and maintain any property and equipment owned by and/or used by the District
- Manage the District finances.
- Provide insurance for people, property, and equipment.
- Provide sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting recruitment, other adult support, and fund-raising activities.
- Promote and support the development of Scouting in the local area.
- Manage and implement the Safety Policy locally
- Ensure that a positive image of Scouting exists in the local community.
- Appoint and manage the operation of any sub-Committees, including appointing a Chair to lead the subCommittees
- Ensure that Young People are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the District
- The opening, closure and amalgamation of Groups as necessary.
- 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.
Page 4 of 11
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## 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:
- 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 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:
- 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.
Page 5 of 11
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## 4 **Achievements and Performance**
The Executive Committee gratefully acknowledges the valuable contribution made by volunteer leaders and supporter across the District who have worked hard to deliver quality Scouting in Derwentside District. Despite a number of challenges, including the closure of one of our groups, we have a 5.4% increase in our youth members and an overall increase of 3.1%. There have been increases in Explorer members, Network members, registered Young Leaders, DofE uptake and healthy waiting lists in all groups. No groups have reported any financial issues post-COVID. This is testimony to the dedication of our volunteers.
Nights away have returned to pre-COVID levels. Explorers who took part in the pilot visit to the Middle East, experiencing local history, culture and landscape, as well as representing the District and UK Scouting by meeting senior official of the Omani Scout and Guide Association delivered a presentation on their time in Oman and Dubai. Across the District 75 nights away took place, providing fantastic opportunities for all our youth members.
We have been able to progress 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. We have set up and equipped an archery and air rifle range, available to all groups, adding value programmes and providing clear value for money. Our successful application for funding from the Youth Investment Fund, enabled us to purchase a 9- seater minibus and 5.8m powerboat with associated safety equipment. These were available to all groups from May. Groups and the Explorer Unit have begun to use all these resources and feedback has been very positive. To the end of this financial year, we have provided £4455 worth of powerboat sessions to our youth members at a cost to them of £660, adding significant value to the scout and explorer programmes.
The Explorer Unit accessed an activity grant, enabling them to subsidise a number of activities. Older Explorers took part in a jetski session and all unit members had the opportunity to experience powerboating, coastal paddle boarding, and climbing, resulting in one jetski session, seven powerboating sessions, three paddle boarding sessions and three climbing sessions between June and July.
The District Shooting Squad entered their first national competition, the 44[th] National Scout Rifle Championship and did exceptionally well. As well as being the only squad from the north of the country and competing against some well-established and resourced squads, they came 17[th] out of 87 teams, a great achievement for our first competition. Of particular mention is Sid, who came 7[th] nationally (out of 304 participants) in the NSRA Cup, a combination of 6yd air rifle, 6yd pistol and field target by a shooter aged over 14. He was 6 points off a gold medal! We hope to increase the size of the squad (and our ranking) for the 2023 Championship.
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 97%-100% for safety and safeguarding training, 97-100% compliance for GDPR training and 90% compliance for first aid training. This should be celebrated.
## **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.
Page 6 of 11
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## 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.
During the year the Executive Committee reviewed the reserves policy and decided that there was no longer a need for the Equipment and Gang Show designated funds, and increased the general reserve to reflect increased annual running costs.
The Committee allocated the following amounts:
|General reserve|£3,000|
|---|---|
|Groups financial assistance fund|£1,851|
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.
## 6 **Declaration**
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
|Signature:|David Lovett|Date:|23/09/2023|
|---|---|---|---|
|Full Name:|**David Lovett**|||
|Position:|**District Chair**|||
|Signature:|Jason Wise|Date:|23/09/2023|
|Full Name:|**Jason Wise**|||
|Position|**District Commissioner**|||
Page 7 of 11
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## 7 **Accounts**
## **Derwentside District Scout Council**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
For the year
01 April 2022 To 31 March 2023
from
Receipts and payments
2022/2023 2021/2022
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
£ £
Receipts
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership subscriptions 4,572 2,366
Capitation fees received 22,730 10,145
Less:Capitation fees paid on (National/County) 15,084 15,369
Net membership subscriptions retained 12,219 - 2,858
Donations 360 888
Gift Aid - -
Other similar income - -
Sub total 12,578 - 1,970
Grants
BBC Children in need - YIF - 48,820
Clothworkers Foundation 4,000
Durham Scout County (Bernard Sunley Foundation) 1,500 -
Sub total 5,500 48,820
Fundraising (gross)
Other fundraising activities - -
- -
Sub total - -
Activities
District Activities 722 6,889
Explorer Activities 7,486 3,702
Sub total 8,208 10,591
Other Income
Minibus 31
Boat 125
Uniforms & Badges -
Training 130
Capitation rebate 164 158
Bank interest 27 12
Sub total 346 12
Total Gross Income 26,632 57,453
Asset and investment sales, etc. - -
Total receipts 26,632 57,453
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 8 of 11
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## **Derwentside District Scout Council**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
For the year
01 April 2022 To 31 March 2023
from
Receipts and payments
2022/2023 2021/2022
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
£ £
Payments
Charitable Payments
Youth programme and activities (District) 3,429 4,773
Youth programme and activities (Explorers) 8,057 1,858
Adult support and training 56 594
Rent
720 510
Minibus
3,336 -
Boat
5,988 -
Insurance
201 201
Membership fees 1,310
Materials and equipment 207 5,977
Administration
52 42
BBC Children in Need repayment 1,986 -
Badges & Uniforms 889 28
Repairs and Renewals -
Bank fees
379 169
Sundries
101 100
Loan to Groups 3,149 -
Sub total 29,861 14,252
Fundraising expenses
Other fundraising costs - -
Sub total - -
Total Gross Expenditure 29,861 14,252
Asset and investment purchases, etc. - -
Total payments 29,861 14,252
Net of receipts/(payments) - 3,229 43,201
Cash funds last year end 21,918 -
Cash funds this year end 18,689 43,201
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 9 of 11
Trustees Annual Report 2022 - 2023
## **Derwentside District Scout Council**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
31 March 2023 31 March 2022
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
£ £
Cash funds
District current account 883 4,236
District deposit account 2,404 4,399
District savings account 8,406 8,384
District cash in hand - -
Explorers current account 6,970 4,873
Explorers cash in hand 26 26
Total cash funds 18,689 21,918
Other monetary assets
Tax claim - -
Debts due from Groups 6,576 8,590
Sub total 6,576 8,590
Non monetary assets for charity's own use
Motor vehicles 20,375 20,375
Scouting equipment, furniture etc 10,823 10,823
Other 22,600 22,600
Sub total 53,798 53,798
Liabilities
Accounts not yet paid 605 440
Expenses incurred but not invoiced - 3,384
Other liabilities - -
Sub total 605 3,824
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **Contingent liabilities and future obligations**
Nil
**The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 25th April 2023 and signed on their behalf by**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Signature Print Name
DJ Lovett D J Lovett Chair
N McCormick N I McCormick Treasurer
**----- End of picture text -----**
Page 10 of 11
Trustees Annual Report
2022 - 2023
Scouts
Derwentside
IndependeDt examiner's report to the trustees of
D¢nv¢ntside Di8tri¢t S¢out Coun¢ll
I r¢p)rt to the ttustees on my examination of the accounts of the Derwentside District Scout
Council for th¢ y¢ar ended 31" March 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of Teport
As the charity tn]stees of the Denventside District Scout Coun¢il you ar¢ responsible for the
preparation of the accounts in accordance wtth the requit¢m¢tts of the Charitsts Act 2011
I'the Act,).
I re>rt in res¢1 of my examination of the Derwentsid¢ Di$tri¢t Scout Coun¢il a¢wunis
carried out under section 145 of th¢ 2011 Act atKI in ca]ng out tny ¢x4mination I have
followed all the applicable Directiim5 given by the Charity CoTnmission under sethon
145(5Kb) of the ACL
Independent exaJlli4eT'J $tat¢Jnent
I have ¢ompleted my examination. I confirnJ that no matuial matters have com¢ to my
att¢nuon in coJJnection with the examinatson giving me wjse w Ixli¢ve that in ally material
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Derwettside District Scout Council
&8 required by 5cction 130 of th¢ Act. or
2. the aecouttts do not accord with tknse iecords., or
3. the aeeouttts do not comply the applicable requiyemetts ColeM]ng th¢ form and
content of acc4)unts set out in the Charities (Attoutts attd Rew>rts) Regulation$ 2008
other than any Tequiremettt that the accouThts gi a'true fRir which is not a
matt¢rcoD$ider¢d as part of an iTLdeFrndent examination.
I have no concems attd have come xross no other nJAtters in conn¢¢iion with th¢
exainination to w4si¢h attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable aproper
uterstand]llg of the accounts to be reached.
Siglltyj..
k((ithkb ufttrJQ
Relevant professional qualification or memFwship of professioJJai bodies lif any)..
AddTrss'.
-f &EIE'S
LAJJqit4
bd1 olx
9 2oz3
Dak:
Page 11 of 11