## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report ## 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2023 ## **1 Reference and Administration Details** **Charity Name:** First Helsby Scout Group **Charity Number:** 1018532 **Principal Address:** Lower Robin Hood Lane, Helsby, Cheshire WA6 0BW ## **Trustees:** Anna Tiplady Chairperson Deborah Marsden Secretary (Until 13/5/23) Vacant Position Secretary (From 13/5/23) James Bainbridge Treasurer Ex-officio Member Ex-officio Member Ex-officio Member Ex-officio Member Judith Potts Group Scout Leader (GSL) Diane Jones Deputy GSL Karen Chalmers Scout Leader Jo Milton Squirrel Leader (From 13/5/23) Michelle Foulkes Beaver Leader (From 13/5/23) Jocelyn Ellams Brian Doran Building Manager, Ass’t Cub Leader David King Quartermaster, Ass’t Cub Leader Karen Thomas Deputy Treasurer Robert Berrie Deputy Chair Chris Ellams IT Coordinator (From 13/5/23) Sally Dilley Trustee (From 13/5/23) Ex-officio Member Ex-officio Member Ex-officio Member Ex-officio Member Ex-officio Member Elected Member Elected Member Elected Member Elected Member Elected Member Nominated Member 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **2 Structure, Governance and Management** ## **Governing Document:** The Group'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. ## **Constitution:** The Group is a trust established under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. ## **Trustee Selection:** The trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. ## **Group Trustee Board (Previously Executive Committee):** The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board (previously called the Group Executive Committee but updated in 2023 in line with POR changes), the members of which are the 'Charity Trustees' of the Scout Group 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, Secretary and Treasurer together with the section leaders and parents' representatives. The Trustee Board exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment and is responsible for: - Compliance with Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association - The maintenance of Group property - The raising of funds and administration of Group finance - The insurance of Group persons, property and equipment - Group public occasions - Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support - The appointment of sub-committees - The appointment of Group Administrators and Advisors other than those elected Page 2 of 13 ## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **Risk and Internal Control:** The Group Trustee Board has identified the following major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed: - Damage to the building, property and equipment The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. - Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters or members The Group supports compliance with the Safety Policy and ensures appropriate risk assessments, elimination, reduction and control measures are taken to reduce the likelihood of any injuries or adverse impact to health. In addition, through membership fees, the Group contributes to the Scout Association's national accident insurance policy. - Reduced income from subscriptions and fund raising The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The committee could also raise the value of subscriptions to increase the Group income either temporarily or permanently. - Reduction or loss of leaders The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If there were a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the Group as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section or, in the worst case, the closure of the Group. - Reduction or loss of members If there were a reduction in membership of a particular section or the Group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section or, in the worst case, the closure of the Group. - Internal Controls The Group has in place systems of internal control that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mis-management or loss; these include dual signatories for all payments, a robust management of expenses and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. Page 3 of 13 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **3 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 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 2023 has been a productive and successful year for 1[st] Helsby Scout Group. The 2023 programme delivery details can be seen in the Section 4 reports for Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Thanks go to all our Volunteers & Leaders. The team has a wealth of experience and we are always keen to engage more volunteers as Leaders or Trustees. We regularly invite parents and members of the wider community to contribute to and get involved with 1[st] Helsby Scout Group and pride ourselves in being a welcoming and inclusive community. ## **Public Benefit Statement** The Group meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. Page 4 of 13 ## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **4 Achievements and Performance** ## **4.1 Group Scout Leader’s Report** _**2023 has been another busy year for us all at 1st Helsby. We have done so many activities and achieved so much across our four sections over the year that I did not really know where to begin with my report and how to prevent it from being too long!! So here’s my (condensed!) A-Z of 1[st] Helsby’s 2023 …**_ A is for **awards** – **46 Chief Scouts Awards** were achieved across our youth sections, the pinnacle of the badge work. Well done to all! B is for **badges** – an astounding **1,260 badges** were gained by our young people in 2023. A big thank you to the leaders for planning such fantastic programmes, our youngsters for their hard work and to Diane for ordering and distributing them all! C for numerous **Christmas celebrations** including our Group Carol Service led by the young people of each section and kindly hosted by Helsby Methodist Church. D is for the **District** team that support us along the way – thanks to Oli and team! **Engagement** with our local community has taken on many forms including Scouts and Cubs helping at the Four Villages Half Marathon and delivering Helsby News as well as taking part in the village coronation celebrations as part of the Big Help Out. F is for the **fire station** visits (and train rides) to both Frodsham and Ellesmere Port – these were popular nights for all sections. G for the **grant** money from Helsby Parish Council, put to good use for our new PA system and laptop. **Hoho Helsby** brought hundreds of people to our Scout Hut and we raised lots of money – some we donated to charity and some we kept towards our new “calm zone” I for **investitures** aplenty! **Jamboree On The Trail** – the final one ever - was participated in by all sections last May. K is for the **King’s Scout Award** achieved by our Cub Leader Charlotte (Shere Khan) – we are very proud of her! L is for the **life skills** learnt across all sections from our mini medics in Squirrels to outdoor survival skills in Scouts to name but a few. **Manley Mere** Trail – this was a highlight for Scouts from summer 2023. N is for **navigating** , a skill that our Scouts put to good use at Cheshire Hike and the London Monopoly Run among other events. Page 5 of 13 ## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 O is for the many **outings** that our sections have enjoyed to Helsby Quarry, Helsby tennis club, Boulder Hut, Runcorn Ski Centre to name just a few. P is for the new **pizza ovens** at QCW put to good use by Cubs and Scouts on their visits last year and also for the **pyjama party** held by Beavers last summer. Q has to be **Queen Charlotte’s Wood** , the “summer residence” of our Squirrels and loved by all sections and leaders alike! We made the most of our visits there in 2023 both in our evening meetings and for camps. **Royal Mail** paid Beavers a visit in 2023, in the guise of Lenny Letter and Penny Parcel. S is for **Spirit of the Herd** – each section has visited, helped to muck out and the Beavers held a fundraising event for them too. **Thanks** to our amazing **Trustees** ! They help to keep us safe, legally compliant and well resourced. However, we do need more support. We have a vacancy for Chair of Trustees and other governance roles. _**If you could offer some time, please do let me know.**_ U is for **uniform** and our youngsters turned out smartly and respectfully in theirs to attend the 2023 Remembrance Sunday service – thanks to all who attended. V is for our fantastic unpaid **volunteers** who give their time to put on amazing activities for local young people. At the last census, we numbered 38 but with a growing number of young people in our Group and many more on the waiting list, we are always looking for an extra pair of hands _**– why not come along and join us?**_ **Walks** through Delamere Forest, along the Sandstone Trail, Helsby Marshes amongst others have been a big part of our programmes. We covered many miles in 2023! Y is for our enthusiastic **young people – 110 at the last census** and the highest number on roll since 2014 _**(now you can see why we need more volunteers to join us!)**_ Z for **zzzz’s** Not a lot of sleep was had at the Cub Christmas Camp but all had an amazing time as did the Beavers (who slept well!) at their sleepover and the Scouts on their various camps throughout the year. _**I hope that you have enjoyed this snapshot of 1[st] Helsby’s year. As you can see, our young people have experienced a range of activities and achieved many things whilst having lots of fun in 2023. Now we need to future proof our thriving Group and recruit more volunteer leaders and trustees in order for this to continue so please consider whether you could help us in some way.**_ _**Yours in Scouting Judith Potts, 1[st] Helsby Scout Group**_ Page 6 of 13 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **4.2 Squirrel Section Report** ## **Numbers** Throughout 2023 we had 20 Squirrel places available in the drey, during this year we saw most of the original Squirrels move on to Beavers, where they have been welcomed and continue to enjoy building on their Scouting knowledge and taking part in fun activities. ## **Leaders and Young Leaders** Squirrels Leadership responsibilities have been shared between Cath Clarke (Holly), Claire Sullivan (Chestnut), Helen Farrar (Laurel), Claire Beech (Beech) and Ethan Finlay (Oak) Denise Best (Hazel), Lily Nicholson and Jo Milton (Willow). Jo Milton became Squirrel Section Leader which had been an open vacancy since the drey started. Ethan joined the leaders in September and has brought valuable Scouting knowledge, Ethan is a District Youth Commissioner for Mersey Weaver and keeps us informed on the latest topics. Towards the end of the year Lily Nicholson who has been a young leader since the drey opened decided to become assistant section leader, Lily has been with Squirrels since the group launched, leaders were so pleased that Lily decided to join the team in a leader capacity. The Squirrel team have a breadth of knowledge and skills which all compliment one another. ## **Programme** We’ve enjoyed a varied programme of activities over the past 12 months. Some of the highlights have included: **Fire Station Visit** – We were lucky enough to visit Frodsham Fire Station and be guided around by some of the crew. The Squirrels enjoyed trying on uniform, using the hose and sitting in the Fire Engine. It was great fun. **Queen Charlotte’s Wood** – From the end of February up until October we spent most of our Squirrel sessions in the Queen Charlotte Woods enjoying being outside. We enjoyed campfires, cooking, Easter egg hunt, scavenger hunt, exploring, nature art, experiments, rock painting, sports day, learning about sustainability and an assault course to mention a few of the activities enjoyed. We aim to send as much time in Queen Charlotte Woods as possible as we all thoroughly enjoy our time there. **JOTT 2023** – A number of Squirrels and Squirrel Leaders joined the 1st Helsby Beaver group on the 13th May to follow a planned walk along Helsby marshes. It was a lovely sunny day. _**Xmas party**_ – Our year was wrapped up with a party in Coco's play barn, where the Squirrels enjoyed playing amongst the different levels and activities whilst listening to Christmas music and received a Christmas gift of a hat with a torch. **Christmas Carol Service** – The Squirrels sang one of their favourite songs, Twinkle Twinkle little star with a slight adaption to make the song even more meaningful for the service. Page 7 of 13 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **District Events** Helen and Denise attended the Skills Day on 30[th] September 2023, where they enjoyed learning new skills they could bring to the Squirrel programme. A number of the Squirrel leaders also attained their first aid certificates. ## **Badge Achievements and Chief Acorn Awards** Eleven Squirrels achieved their Chief Acorn Awards in the past 12 months. The Squirrels continue to earn badge credits each week and we plan our sessions carefully to be as varied as possible. ## **Thank you** We’d really like to say a huge thank you to our Super Squirrels who make the sessions fun and enjoyable. They throw themselves in to every task and should be so very proud of themselves and what they’ve achieved so far. We would also like to say massive thank you to the parent helpers who join us and help us to run the sessions because we really couldn’t run the sessions without your support. Thanks to Judith and Diane for continued support and to all the section leaders. Thanks to everyone on the Trustee Board who put many hours in behind the scenes. ## **4.3 Beavers Section Report** ## **Numbers** Our Beaver numbers remain consistent. We currently have 28 Beaver members, with a couple of Squirrels coming to join us as they turn 6 at the end of this term. It is always sad to see children leave but glad they are continuing with their Scouting adventure. ## **Leaders** We have unfortunately lost some of our leaders in 2023. However, we have been lucky, as some parents have stepped up to help us and become leaders and Jennifer Tiplady joined us from the Cub team. At this time, we have five leaders running the section, alongside parent helpers who are on a rota each week. ## **Programme** We have had another busy year, doing lots of fun activities. We have been on numerous walks, whether it be through Helsby, litter picking or finding leaves and plants in Helsby Quarry, to obtain nature and community badges. Alongside this, the Beavers have enjoyed their JOTT to Helsby Marshes and a coin flip walk in the village. Page 8 of 13 ## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **Programme continued** Last May, we visited The Spirit of the Herd Pony Sanctuary in Helsby, learning about the ponies and how they were looked after. The Beavers have also made the most of having Queens Charlotte Wood on the doorstep by holding meetings there in the summer, playing lots of team games and having campfires in the large space available. During the winter months, we have been mostly in the hut learning about disability by competing in Boccia games and healthy eating by making mini pizzas and fruit sticks. We also have been learning about other countries in the world by having several international nights and celebrating Burns night. The Beavers have had a number of nights visiting different places in the community. We have had a night at Frodsham Fire Station, learning about fire safety and exploring the fire engine. The Beavers also had the opportunity to spray water from the hoses. We also visited Helsby Library to learn about books and IT which everyone enjoyed. May we say a thank you to Helsby Methodist church who in addition to hosting the Scout Group Carol Service in December have run two workshops for the Beavers, one about the Harvest festival and another about Easter. Although in the summer we were unable to have a sleepover in the hut, due to some work taking place, we did have an end of term party with lots of games and activities till late. However, in November, once the work had been done, we had our first sleepover in the hut since lockdown, where the Beavers enjoyed an animal show together with crafts. ## **Awards** The Beavers gained 371 badges in total during 2023, with a fantastic 17 Chief Scout’s Bronze awards being earned. ## **4.4 Cubs Section Report** It has been another busy year in Cubs with numbers remaining steady. We have really enjoyed our first Cub outdoor camp since Covid and have loved welcoming new leaders and Cubs into our pack. We have been very lucky to have the opportunity to take part in a number of trips visits and activities with support from other organisations and members of the scouting community. ## **Numbers** The Cub pack remains popular, and we currently have 30 members. We have had a large number of Cubs move to Scouts this year so have filled their places with members moving up from Beavers and children from our waiting list. Moving forward looking at numbers in other sections, we expect numbers to remain at this level as members join us from Beavers and move on into Scouts. Page 9 of 13 ## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **Leaders and adult support** This year we have been very lucky to get 3 new adult leaders. We have welcomed Fiona Diaz, Jonathan Best and at the start of 2024, Lynne Nadiu will join the group. All three have made extremely valuable contributions and the extra adults have given the Cub team some much needed flexibility. We have also lost two of our leaders. Kerry Ann Holloway (Rama) has moved on due to work commitments and Jennifer Tiplady (Rikki) has moved from the Cub section to Beavers. We would like to thank both of them for of their efforts and help while they were part of the Cub section and wish Jennifer the best of luck with the Beavers. During this year we have had a very successful rota for parent help at meetings which has enabled us to do activities which require a higher level of supervision. We really appreciate the help and skills that parents have brought to the group, both at pack nights and on camps; without you some activities would not have been possible. In the autumn term, additional leader numbers meant that we had a trial period without a regular parent rota which has been successful as parents remain willing to help with one off events. ## **Programme** In 2023 we have completed a variety of different activities as part of our programme of meetings and events. We have been on a number of trips including: visiting Chester Mosque, Spirit of the Herd Pony Sanctuary, the Fire Station in Ellesmere Port, climbing on Frodsham Hill with support from the district explorer group, swimming and bouldering at Climbing Hut in Ellesmere Port. As ever, we have been busy working towards a range of badges including the science, world faiths, hobbies and international badges. In total during 2023 we awarded well over 200 activity badges! We have spent a lot of time out and about including the water station at Helsby half marathon, den building in Delamere, cycling, taking photographs of a local nature reserve, athletics at various local parks, delivering the Helsby News and memorably catching the train into Frodsham and walking home. We hope the Cubs enjoyed it as much as we did. ## **Nights Away** In the last year we have offered several opportunities for Cubs to take part in overnight experiences. In February some of our Cubs took part in the sleepover in Chester Cathedral, along with other members of Cheshire Scouts. It was a unique experience, and I don’t think anyone who was there will forget it in a hurry. We also had a summer camp at Cox Wood campsite near Wrexham in June. This was the first opportunity for many of our Cubs to take part in an outdoor camp and despite the insects, we had a great time exploring the campsite, doing archery, pedal carting and taking part in team games. At Christmas we had our annual indoor camp at The Hideaway in Queen Charlotte’s Wood. As well as shooting and a variety of other outdoor activities we were particularly pleased that we were able to offer the Cubs the opportunity to try crate stacking, which has been a long held ambition of the Cub team. Sincere thanks to Karen Chalmers (Scout Leader) who has been willing to accompany the Cub pack as the permit holder on several camps including the Cox Wood camp in the summer. We are extremely pleased that Charlotte King has now earned an outdoor camp permit so the Cub pack are now able to support more overnight experiences. Page 10 of 13 ## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **District and County events** In March some of our Cubs took part in a Cub craft competition with other local groups. They made cards, posters and models and the event was a lot of fun. Many of our Cubs have also taken advantage of the opportunity to take part in district shooting sessions with the district target sports teams. As previously mentioned, some Cubs also took part in the Cheshire Scouts sleepover at Chester cathedral. Thanks to Mersey Weaver district and Cheshire Scouts for all their work organising these activities. ## **Awards** In 2023 fourteen cubs gained their silver challenge awards which feels like this must be a record! Congratulations to all of these Cubs who have put in a massive amount of work and demonstrated a real ‘have a go’ attitude to Cub activities. Finally, we’d like to thank all of the Cubs and parents who have taken part in and contributed to Cubs’ activities in the last year. We have many happy memories of fun and adventure. We look forward to exciting new challenges in 2024. Bagheera, Baloo, Chil, Hathi, Oo, Kaa, Raksha, and Shere Kahn. ## **4.5 Scouts Section Report** Scout Section has had an amazing year through 2023, with a huge increase in numbers and a real return to all scouting activities. ## **Numbers** Scout numbers have exploded through 2023; we started the year with just 17 scouts and finished with 34!! And numbers are still increasing!! 4 scouts turned 14 through the year all moving to explorer sections (One to Draco, three to Beacon). ## **Leaders** Karen, Lucy, Alan, Jim and John have formed the core leader team for scouts through 2023 with ad-hoc support from Colin and Fiona. Thanks also go to Charlotte, Judith, Diane and Robert who all popped in to lend a hand on our summer camp. ## **Programme** The spring term focussed on preparing some of our older scouts (and training up the younger ones) for Cheshire Hike at Easter. This was the first time we have had scouts take part in Cheshire Hike since before Covid and there was significant skills gap in all our scouts. So, we set about practicing our navigation skills, learning how to pack a rucksack with all the kit we need for a weekend hike, practicing cooking hike meals on the Trangias and of course getting our boots on and practicing it for real! We are SO proud that four Scouts all completed the hike at Easter with one Scout and their partner winning the Mersey Weaver District Winners award for the Pathfinder Plus age group. Page 11 of 13 ## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **Programme continued** Another highlight of our spring term was our “Air Activities” weekend camp at Ashley Guide Centre near Manchester. We had a lot of fun learning about everything to do with aeroplanes and had a wonderful visit to Manchester Airport’s Runway Museum where the scouts got to learn about how the airport worked, dress up and be pilots in the cockpits of several planes, push the trolley up and down as cabin crew and got to see Concorde “exercise” it’s nose in its hanger and the Airbus A380 take off!!! In March Alan and Karen took 4 scouts to London, where we joined over 8000 Scouts and Guides for the Monopoly Run Live. We walked nearly 14 miles, traversed London on bus and underground and visited virtually every property on the board winning our game. We celebrated with a Pizza tea before catching the train home – absolutely exhausted but buzzing from a brilliant day. After Easter we moved our Monday evenings outside, taking advantage of the light evenings, cooking on campfires and firing crossbow at QCW, cycling round Delamere Forest, completing the athletics badge on the field and practicing putting tents up in preparation for our summer camp. Oh, and a lot more hiking!! Our summer camp was at Milldale, near Nantwich. We had this amazing site to ourselves for the weekend where, led by our patrol leaders, our scouts catered for themselves and took part in activities such as stream walking, cave-shack, assault course, go karts and camp Olympics. September saw us return to the hut where we completed a variety of badges including making videos to send to our South African “pen-pal” scouts, a variety of cooking and craft activities and studying the history of scouting. Other highlights included a couple of taster sessions skiing at Runcorn dry slope and some campfire cooking at QCW. Autumn term also saw us complete a hike camp weekend around Beeston and Bickerton. Our older scouts walked independently over 2 days to complete their expedition challenge with our younger scouts walking in small groups with leaders on the Saturday to test their navigation skills. Congratulations to five senior Scouts for completing their expedition (and to two more for doing it “just for fun”!!). At Christmas we had a fun sleepover in the hut playing silly games and sleeping in our homemade dens. Through the year we have taken part in a number of community events including running a water station at the 4 Villages Half Marathon, the Helsby Coronation event, Remembrance Day Parade our Christmas Carol Service and delivering the Helsby News. ## **Awards** Huge congratulations to the four senior Scouts who achieved their Gold Award in 2023 (the top award in the Scout section) and for completing Cheshire Hike in April. Congratulations too for the five Scouts who completed their expedition challenge in September, they are all well on their way to “gold” in 2024. Karen, Lucy, John, Jim, Alan and Colin. Page 12 of 13 ## 1[st] Helsby Scout Group Trustees Annual Report for the Period 01-Jan-2023 to 31-Dec-2023 ## **5 Financial Report** ## **Financial Report and Independent Examination** The financial report for 2023 has been subject to independent examination and has been found to be an accurate reflection of the Group’s financial position. ## **Financial Status & Reserves Policy** We were successful in being granted £1000 from Helsby Parish Council Grant Fair, with other donations gratefully received from local residents or community groups. Gift Aid has been received for 2019 and 2020, this amounted to £4,739. Gift Aid is in the process of being claimed for 2021, 2022 and 2023. The management of subscription and other payments to the Online Scout Manager (OSM) system has worked well in 2023 making financial transaction management easier for Leaders, Parents and our Treasurer. The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the Group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The appropriate level is judged to be circa £14k. Although the cost of delivering Scouting is increasing in the current economic climate, we held subscriptions at the 2022 rate throughout 2023. However a further modest increase has been agreed for 2024. The Group ended 2023 with total funds, including reserves and grant monies, of £37,878. ## **Investment Policy** The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments, such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopt a low risk strategy and all funds are held in cash with a mainstream bank. The Group consolidated all savings into the bank deposit account from the Scout Association's Short Term Investment Service. ## **6 Declaration** The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees: |**Signature:**|_Anna Tiplady_|Anna Tiplady| |---|---|---| |**Position:**|Chair of Trustee Board|| |**Date:**|23/4/24|| Page 13 of 13 ## **1st Helsby Scout Group - Statement of Account 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2023** ||**Receipts and Payments**|**2021**|**2022**|**2023**| |---|---|---|---|---| ||**Receipts**|||| ||Subscription Receipts|£11,985|£13,873|£14,962| ||CampReceipts|£1,060|£2,820|£4,966| ||Donations||£1,390|£390| ||Gift Aid|||£4,739| ||Interest|£7|£49|£356| ||ScoutingActivities|£70|£150|£260| ||Other|£82|£10|£21| ||Grants|£16,907|£2,667|£1,000| ||**Total Receipts**|**£30,111**|**£20,959**|**£26,694**| |||||| ||**Payments**|||| ||Membership|£4,046|£5,253|£5,184| ||CampExpenses|£1,261|£3,237|£4,009| ||Badges and Uniform|£1,560|£2,818|£1,996| ||Donations|||| ||Insurance|£1,301|£1,413|£1,616| ||Utilities|£1,615|£1,958|£2,306| ||Equipment|£4,016|£3,771|£1,742| ||BuildingMaintenance/Lease|£3,776|£2,926|£12,182| ||Other ScoutingActivities|£5,109|£3,541|£3,854| ||Bank Charges|£0|£258|£799| ||Subscription Refunds|£38||| |**Total Payments**
**£22,721**
**£25,175**
**£33,688**
~~a~~||||| |||||| ||Surplus / Deficit|£7,390|-£4,216|-£6,994| ||Opening Net Funds
Closing Net Funds|£39,697
£47,087
**£47,087**
**£42,872**
~~-—_+—_ ~~||£42,872
**£35,878**
~~+—_~~| ||**Assets and liabilities as at 31st December 2023**|||| ||**Cash Funds**|||| ||Scout Association Short Term Investment Service|£3,978|£3,991|Closed| ||Barclays Premium Account|£36,853|£36,888|£32,204| ||Barclays Current Account|£6,257|£1,992|£3,674| ||**Total Funds**|**£47,087**|**£42,872**|**£35,878**| ||James Bainbridge, Treasurer|||16/04/2024| ||Cath Mudford, Independent Examiner|CZMHA|MHA|18/04/2024| ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS** ## 1. **Accounting Period** st I report on the accounts of 1[st] Helsby Scout Group for the period 01 January – 31 December 2023. ## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner** The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity’s trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Charities Act”) and that an independent examination is needed. ## It is my responsibility: - to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, - to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 145(5)b of the Charities 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 general Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair” view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. ## **Independent Examiner’s Statement** 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 accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and - to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act - have not been met; or - 2 to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Cath Mudford April 18 2024 11 Romilly Avenue, Barry, South Glamorgan, CF62 6RB