Trustees’ Annual Report
For the period From 01/01/2022 to 31/12/2022
Section A – Reference and administration details
Charity Name Sandwell Scout District
Registered charity number (if any) HQ registration number 1020042 10001662
Charity’s principal address
14 Powke Lane, Rowley Regis, B65 0AA
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)
| Trustee Name | Ofce (if any) |
Dates acted if not for the whole year |
|---|---|---|
| Alistair Head | ||
| Chris Wallace | Chair | |
| Kieran Andrews | ||
| Gemma Dixon | Treasurer | |
| Jacqueline Holt | ||
| John Crawford | ||
| Lucy Carter | Secretary | |
| Lynn Tyler | ||
| Nicola Johnson | ||
| Ryan Hadley | ||
| Stephen Davies | ||
| Will Fellows |
Section B – Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document (e.g. trust deed, constitution)
The District's governing documents are those of the 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 of The Scout Association.
How the charity is constituted (e.g. trust, association, company)
The District/Area/County is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by)
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice) The District is managed by the District 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 and representation from the District Scout Council. The Committee meets at least four times a year.
Members of the Executive Committee complete training which includes a trustee introduction, safety, safeguarding and GDPR within the first 5 months of joining the committee.
This District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:
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The maintenance of District property;
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The raising of funds and the administration of District finance;
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The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
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District public occasions;
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Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
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Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
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Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
Risk and Internal Control
The District Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
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Damage to buildings, property and equipment. The District has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
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Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The District through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Association's national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
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Reduced income from fund raising. The District is primarily reliant upon income from the annual District levy. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of the levy to increase the income to the District on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
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Reduction or loss of leaders. The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or a group as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section, or a Group.
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Reduction or loss of members. The District provides activities for young people aged 6 to 25. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section, or a Group.
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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.
Section C – Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
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:
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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 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:
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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.
Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects
The District works to support Groups and Explorer Units to provide active and safe Scouting and provides activity opportunities to enhance the programme offered by Groups. The District is responsible for implementing a safe recruitment process, in line with Policy, Organisation and Rules.
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.
Section D – Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
This year has been a whirlwind of experiences creating an immense range of emotions for myself particularly and has been a real learning curve for me and the District Team.
Scouting this year has returned to as much as normal as it possibly can since Covid, but has felt the most normal it has been for a long time All groups are now returned to doing what they do best – providing amazing opportunities and experiences to around 500 young people.
Our census figures had risen slowly (about 6% growth in young people and 4% growth in adults), which is always good and air of growing and exploring ways of offering even more Scouting opportunities seemed a focus for so many in our District
January started with a small but important awards evening at Smethwick Labour Club. A combined 185 years of service to Scouting was celebrated by some very committed adults from our District. As well as long service awards, wood badges were also presented as well as some national awards for outstanding service to Scouting.
We continued to offer out our monthly drop in’s at District Office – some months were supported better than others depending on the needs of the members and who just fancied a cuppa, a cake and a chinwag. However, they did give opportunities for the District Team to meet and plan future events.
Chris Wallace, who has continued to be a star and real grounding District Chair has worked with Gemma (District Treasurer) to continue keeping us safe, financially stable and as legal as we need to be to comply with HQ and Charity Commission requirements. These 2 along with the exec have been a real steadying force, sounding board and a great source of knowledge for when things have been a little tricky. Thank you for your tireless hard work and commitment, it really is appreciated.
So the 2022 highlights in no particular order include:
*Sandwell opened its second Squirrel Drey in July 2022 at 617 Air Scouts in Wednesbury and the Squirrel Drey at 46th Sandwell celebrated its first birthday in October of this year.
*We held our District AGM for the year 2021/22 face to face – where we again celebrated the hard work of our District and Groups as well as sharing some of our future plans for 2023 onwards.
*Beaver International Badge Day – 9th April 2022 at St Peters Church Hall Great Bridge. Around 85 Beavers and around 25 adults turned up for a truly international day of friendship, fun, games, craft and food. They even gained a badge too!
*District Scout Camp at Patshull Campsite, Wolverhampton – end of July, attended by 5 groups – around120 participants. A massive thank you to Chris Wallace and his Ariel Scout Team for being our amazing caterers. Also thank you to all the leaders who supported the event and just got involved and helping out where and when necessary.
*Ryan and a growing team of willing adults have continued to offer YL training at the District Office every other month. We really can see the impact this has on our Yl’s because when out visiting, they really are being the best they can be making a big difference to the sections and groups they support. Thank you to Ryan and the team that grows, changes and evolves every session.
*Appointed a new District Nights Away advisor – Andy Barlow, who has hit the ground running and has signed off 1 new permit and 4 renewals – again a massive thankyou for all you have done, as even more young people now get to experience the best bit of scouting – being away from home
- Civic Remembrance Parades were attended in Oldbury, Wednesbury, Smethwick, Tipton and West Bromwich, as well as some groups supporting more intimate ones at their local churches or community centres. It is so good to see the Scout uniform loud and proud at these events, proving that we are still well thought off and needed.
*Queens Jubilee Party Day at the District Office in June – a day of madcap madness, drums, food, traditional games, crafts and challenges to celebrate this historic occasion.
*YL Skills and Training weekend – at 1st Sandwell HQ. Ryan and his team provided training, skills and practical Scouting activities for 21 YL’s in Sandwell. A big thank you to Team1st Sandwell for hosting this event and sharing their knowledge and expertise with the young leaders and other adults present.
*Chris Jones (1st Sandwell) and Nic J (DC) were named as 2 of 400 National Platinum Champions from over 5000 nominations nationwide. Well done and thank you to all who were nominated
*Eat and Meet with Santa – Christmas Parties at Rowley HQ with around 100 Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs and around 35 Scouts and Explorers in the evening. Food, friendship, games and a lot of Christmas singing – a massive thankyou to “Santa Carl” who stayed all day to be the best santa you could ever need.
*The DAAC team have continued to provide invaluable support in welcoming new adults in to Scouting, discussing their potential roles and training commitments and being the first few friendly faces that encourage them on their scouting journey. Thank you for all this unseen work, time and commitment given to these roles.
*The District Training Team have also really been working hard supporting members, holding validation evenings an generally showing support and commitment to all leaders who have training needs. A combined Sandwell and Halesowen team really works well and offers us the flexibility to offer the trainings and expertise we have. Thank you for your time and support.
*District Carol Service (9th Dec 2022) at St James Church – West Bromwich. A combination of tradition, modern and down right crazy – ending with a massive snowball fight. Approximately, 120 young people and adults turned up to sing, eat and be merry! A really festive and enjoyable atmosphere was created. A big thank you to Revd Mark Wilson and the Church Wardens of St James for hosting and supporting this event. The food and gift collection from all who attended was really appreciated by 2 local food banks and the flowers and planters were very much appreciated by a local residential home.
*I have attended 5 Group AGM’s this year (Oakham, 1st Sandwell, 46th Sandwell, Abbey Hill and 617 Sandwell Air Scouts. Thank you for the invitations and thank you for everything you do to show due diligence in relation to the Trustee and charity commission expectations at your group level.
*Phil Bird (Blue Ribbon) and Lewis Tucker (1st Sandwell) were both nominated and successfully awarded with the National Chief’s Scouts Commendation Award for their service and commitment to Scouting in Sandwell. Well done, congratulations and definitely deserved.
There are probably many more things I have missed out because to be honest so much happens at District, Group and Section level, it really is impossible to keep up with everything. Please accept my apologies if I have missed anything out, especially if it was important, amazing and fantastic!
This year also saw, as did the rest of the nation and the Commonwealth the death of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth second who passed away on 8th September this year. As a long serving patron of our organisation, her passing was a real blow to Scouting on the whole. Many sections and groups marked this sombre occasion with real professionalism and respect and showed their allegiance to he 70 yrs service in a way that made me feel very honoured and proud to be DC at the time.
The District has also benefitted again from funding, albeit much less, linked to its buildings that the District Trustees must ensure is used wisely to support the long-term development of Scouting in Sandwell. We hope to continue in the same vain, ensuring our buildings
Whilst the past year wasn’t anywhere as challenging as the previous year, we believe Scouts across Sandwell have a lot to be proud of and as we look back, we can see how the efforts of these twelvemonths have enabled us to grow strongly and provide that super quality Scouting we have always done. A calendar of District events – some whole District and many for specific sections has been put together and shared with groups. We have tried really hard to listen to you all and take on board as much as we can – your ideas, suggestions and feedback from previous events etc so hopefully the District Team and myself can provide you with a District to be proud of and that you want to Scout in an be part of.
The future- January 2023 onwards… hopefully holds…
*Our Top Awards and Thanks Evening for young people and adults
*The continuation of District Drop in evenings
*More Sports Events, Section Badge days, sleepovers and camps
*More growth, recruitment and promotion – hopefully another Squirrel Drey and a new Explorer Scout provision
*Out Transformation Journey – Scout Association changes – will start to be more obvious and will see and hear much more as we all journey on the good ship transformation together
The first few months have been a whirl wind but the amazing people around me have kept me grounded, enthused, motivated and have shown so much support and kindness it is unbelievable. A special thanks to my Dave and my mom for all their love and support and slaps when they think I needed a reality check! A big thank you to all of you present and all the members who are not here tonight – your support and faith in me really does make my role much easier and to be honest, without what you do, I would not have my role…
But remember, Sandwell Scouts is and will always be a TEAM and…“Together, Everyone Achieves More”
Thank you for all you have done and in advance…thank you for everything you will continue to do and as our Scout promise says… I promise I will do my best for you, your young people, their families and the wider community. You are an inspiration to me and so many young people and families
Section E – Financial Review
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves Quantify and explain any designations
The 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. The District Executive Committee considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £20,000.
The District held reserves of approximately £90,000 against this at year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses.
This is due in part to receiving unexpected income from Government grants for premises occupied by the District. The trustees will take stock of the reserves currently held and consider how best to invest these funds over the coming 12/18 months. This may be to reinvest in some of the District assets to ensure they can be used to support the objectives of the District longer term.
Further financial review details (optional information)
Investment Policy
The District's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The District has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies or The Scout Association's Short Term Investment Service.
The District Executive regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the District Executive considers the cash flow requirements.
Section F – Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)
Section G – Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full Name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair)
Date
| Charity Name | No (if any) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwell Scout District | 1020042 | |
| Receipts andpayments accounts | CC16a | |
| For the period from Period Start Date 01/01/2022 |
To Period end date 31/12/2022 |
Section A Receipts and payments
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 19,367 69 5,334 150 1,757 49 |
Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 19,367 69 5,334 150 1,757 49 |
Restricted Funds (1st Rowley Regis) to the nearest £ 2,667 |
Restricted Funds (1st Rowley Regis) to the nearest £ 2,667 |
Restricted (Bob Addie Fund) to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ 19,367 69 8,001 150 1,757 49 |
Total funds to the nearest £ 19,367 69 8,001 150 1,757 49 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MembershipFees | 19,367 | 19,367 | 6,976 | |||||
| Short Term Investment Fund Interest | 69 | 69 | 10 | |||||
| COVID Grants | 5,334 | 2,667 | 8,001 | 56,899 | ||||
| Other Income | 150 | 150 | 1,377 | |||||
| Events | 1,757 | 1,757 | 683 | |||||
| Uniform / Badges / LogBooks | 49 | 49 | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | 26,725 | 2,667 | - | 29,392 | 65,944 | |||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
||||||||
| 26,725 | 2,667 | - | 29,392 | 65,944 | ||||
| 19,006 1,921 776 1,430 90 70 149 |
195 784 32 |
19,006 2,115 776 1,430 784 122 - 70 - 149 |
||||||
| MembershipFees | 19,006 | 19,006 | 14,329 | |||||
| Utilities | 1,921 | 195 | 2,115 | 7,504 | ||||
| Rates | 776 | 776 | 1,988 | |||||
| Activities & Events | 1,430 | 1,430 | 781 | |||||
| Insurance | 784 | 784 | 821 | |||||
| Volunteer Expoenses | 90 | 32 | 122 | 3,176 | ||||
| Miscellaneous Expenditure | - | 814 | ||||||
| Uniform / Badges / LogBooks | 70 | 70 | 125 | |||||
| Repayment of COVIDgrants | - | 42,511 | ||||||
| Maintenance | 149 | 149 | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 23,443 | 1,010 | - | 24,453 | 72,049 | |||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||||
| 23,443 | 1,010 | - | 24,453 | 72,049 | ||||
| 3,283 | 1,657 | - | 4,939 | - 6,105 | ||||
| 87,308 | 17,187 | |||||||
| 87,308 | 17,187 | 4,000 | 108,495 | 114,601 | ||||
| 90,591 | 18,844 | 4,000 | 113,434 | 108,495 |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B5 Liabilities Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details 1st Rowley Regist Scout HQ Signature Details Orchard School Scout HQ Westbourne Road Scout HQ Scout Association Short Term Investment Fund Cash Total cash funds Details Details Details Barclays Bank Account |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73,827 | 18,844 | ||
| 20,533 | - | ||
| 230 | - | ||
| 94,590 | 18,844 | ||
| Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| Fund to which asset belongs |
|||
| - | |||
| Fund to which asset belongs |
|||
| Unrestricted | - | ||
| Unrestricted | - | ||
| Restricted Funds (1st Rowly Regis) |
- | ||
| Fund to which liability relates |
|||
| - | |||
| CHRIS WALLACE | |||
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
31/10/2023
1
| Charity Name | No (if any) | |
|---|---|---|
| Sandwell Scout District | 1020042 | |
| Receipts andpayments accounts | CC16a | |
| For the period from Period Start Date 01/01/2022 |
To Period end date 31/12/2022 |
Section A Receipts and payments
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 19,367 69 5,334 150 1,757 49 |
Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ 19,367 69 5,334 150 1,757 49 |
Restricted Funds (1st Rowley Regis) to the nearest £ 2,667 |
Restricted Funds (1st Rowley Regis) to the nearest £ 2,667 |
Restricted (Bob Addie Fund) to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ 19,367 69 8,001 150 1,757 49 |
Total funds to the nearest £ 19,367 69 8,001 150 1,757 49 |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MembershipFees | 19,367 | 19,367 | 6,976 | |||||
| Short Term Investment Fund Interest | 69 | 69 | 10 | |||||
| COVID Grants | 5,334 | 2,667 | 8,001 | 56,899 | ||||
| Other Income | 150 | 150 | 1,377 | |||||
| Events | 1,757 | 1,757 | 683 | |||||
| Uniform / Badges / LogBooks | 49 | 49 | - | |||||
| **Sub total ** | 26,725 | 2,667 | - | 29,392 | 65,944 | |||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
||||||||
| 26,725 | 2,667 | - | 29,392 | 65,944 | ||||
| 19,006 1,921 776 1,430 90 70 149 |
195 784 32 |
19,006 2,115 776 1,430 784 122 - 70 - 149 |
||||||
| MembershipFees | 19,006 | 19,006 | 14,329 | |||||
| Utilities | 1,921 | 195 | 2,115 | 7,504 | ||||
| Rates | 776 | 776 | 1,988 | |||||
| Activities & Events | 1,430 | 1,430 | 781 | |||||
| Insurance | 784 | 784 | 821 | |||||
| Volunteer Expoenses | 90 | 32 | 122 | 3,176 | ||||
| Miscellaneous Expenditure | - | 814 | ||||||
| Uniform / Badges / LogBooks | 70 | 70 | 125 | |||||
| Repayment of COVIDgrants | - | 42,511 | ||||||
| Maintenance | 149 | 149 | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 23,443 | 1,010 | - | 24,453 | 72,049 | |||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
||||||||
| 23,443 | 1,010 | - | 24,453 | 72,049 | ||||
| 3,283 | 1,657 | - | 4,939 | - 6,105 | ||||
| 87,308 | 17,187 | |||||||
| 87,308 | 17,187 | 4,000 | 108,495 | 114,601 | ||||
| 90,591 | 18,844 | 4,000 | 113,434 | 108,495 |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| Categories B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets B5 Liabilities Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B1 Cash funds |
Details 1st Rowley Regist Scout HQ Signature Details Orchard School Scout HQ Westbourne Road Scout HQ Scout Association Short Term Investment Fund Cash Total cash funds Details Details Details Barclays Bank Account |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| 73,827 | 18,844 | ||
| 20,533 | - | ||
| 230 | - | ||
| 94,590 | 18,844 | ||
| Unrestricted funds to nearest £ |
|||
| - | |||
| Fund to which asset belongs |
|||
| - | |||
| Fund to which asset belongs |
|||
| Unrestricted | - | ||
| Unrestricted | - | ||
| Restricted Funds (1st Rowly Regis) |
- | ||
| Fund to which liability relates |
|||
| - | |||
| CHRIS WALLACE | |||
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
31/10/2023
1