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2023-12-31-accounts

Trustees Annual Report

For the period

From (start date) 0 1 0 1 2 3 3 3 1 1 2 2 3
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name
Other names the charity is known by
Registered charity number (if any)
HQ registration number
Charity’s principal address
SANDWELL SCOUT DISTRICT
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SANDWELL SCOUT DISTRICT
THE ORCHARD SCHOOL,CAUSEWAY GREEN ROAD
OLDBURY
Postcode B 6 8 0 A N

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)

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Trustee Name Office (if any) Dates acted if not
for whole year
CHRIS WALLACE CHAIR
LUCY CARTER SECRETARY
GEMMA DIXON TREASURER JAN 23 - MAR 23
KIERAN ANDREWS
WILLIAM FELLOWS
RYAN HADLEY
NICOLA JOHNSON
ALISTAIR HEAD
LYNN TYLER
STEPHEN DAVIES

Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but encouraged as best practice) (These will be published in the annual report of the charity)

Type of advisor Name Address

1 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Section B Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
Type of governing document
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.
(e.g. trust deed, constitution)
The District is a trust established under its rules which are
common to all Scouts.
Trustee selection methods
You may choose to include additional
information, where relevant, about:
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy,
Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
(e.g. appointed by, elected by)
The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, 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 Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 8
Trustees (including 2 Ex Officio Trustees, and 2 co-opted
Trustees) and meets every # months.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts
Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the
Board.
This District Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is
well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings
and equipment are in good working order, and everyone
follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies
and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-
quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills
for life.
Policies and procedures adopted for:
a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them
How the charity is constituted
(e.g. trust, association, company)
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.
The District is a trust established under its rules which are
common to all Scouts.
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy,
Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, 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 Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 8
Trustees (including 2 Ex Officio Trustees, and 2 co-opted
Trustees) and meets every # months.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts
Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the
Board.
This District Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is
well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings
and equipment are in good working order, and everyone
follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies
and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-
quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills
for life.

2 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Section B Structure, governance and management (continued)
Risk and Internal Control
The District Trustee Board 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:
• Damage to buildings, property and equipment. The District
has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to
mitigate against permanent loss.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Reduction or loss of members. The District provides
activities for young people aged 4 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.
• The District has in place systems of internal controls that
are designed to provide reasonable assurance against
material mismanagement or loss, these include two
signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance
policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

3 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Section C Objectives and activities
Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
Youmay chooseto include further
statements, where relevant, about:
• policy on grantmaking;
• contribution made by volunteers;
• policy on investments.
Public benefit statement
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people
in their personal development,
empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy
and loyal.
Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others.
Care -We support others and take care of the world in
which we live.
Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co-
operate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with
adults, work together based on the
values of Scouting and:
- enjoy what they are doing and have fun
- take part in activities indoors and outdoors
- learn by doing
- share in spiritual reflection
- take responsibility and make choices
- undertake new and challenging activities
- make and live by their Promise.
Summary of the objects of the charity set
out in its governing document
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

4 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

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

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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

6 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

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. x

7 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Section E Financial Review
Quantify and explain any designations
Details of any funds materially in deficit
(circumstances plus steps to eliminate)
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on
reserves
Reserves Policy
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.

Further financial review details (optional information)

Youmay chooseto include additional
information, where relevant, about:
• the charity’s principal sources of funds
(including any fundraising);
• how expenditure has supported the key
objectives of the charity;
• investment policy and objectives;
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. The District Trustee
Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the
interest rates received to ensure the District 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 Trustee Board considers the cash flow
requirements.

8 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

~~ee~~ Section F Other Optional Information

Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)

~~ee~~ 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) ~~ee~~ KIERAN ANDREWS NICOLA JOHNSON Position (eg Secretary, Chair) ~~|~~ TRUSTEE DISTRICT COMMISSIONER Date ~~a~~ 2 7 1 0 2 4

9 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Charity Name No (if any) No (if any)
Sandwell Scout District 1020042
Receipts andpayments accounts CC16a
For the period
from
Period Start Date
01/01/2023
To Period end date
31/12/2023
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
Funds (1st
Rowley Regis)
Restricted (Bob
Addie Fund)
Restricted (Bob Total funds Last year
to the nearest £
to the nearest £
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
MembershipFees
24,185
24,185
19,367
Short Term Investment Fund Interest
247
247
69
Refund of Short Term Investment Fund
20,533
20,533
Cash Deposited
303
303
COVID Grants
-
8,001
Other Income
226
226
150
Activities & Events
4,991
4,991
1,757
Uniform / Badges / LogBooks
36
36
49
Sub total 50,520
-
-
50,520
29,392
Total receipts
50,520
-
-
50,520
29,392
~~Le~~
A3 Payments
MembershipFees 21,830 21,830 19,006
Utilities 2,165
1,783
3,948 2,115
Rates 400 400 776
Activities & Events 7,255 7,255 1,430
Closure of Short Term Investment Fund 20,533 20,533 784
Cash Deposited from lastyear 231 231
Volunteer Expenses 38 38 122
Miscellaneous Expenditure 206 206 -
Uniform / Badges / LogBooks - 70
Maintenance 7,323
29
7,352 149
**Sub total ** 59,980
1,813
- 61,793 24,453
Total payments
Net of receipts/(payments)
A6 Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
59,980
1,813
-
61,793
24,453
- 9,460
- 1,813
-- 11,272
4,939
90,591
18,844
4,000
113,434
108,495
81,131
17,031
4,000
102,162
113,434
~~=====~~
4,939
108,495
113,434
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
~~a~~
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Categories Details funds funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds 81,131.00
21,031
81,131
21,031
-
Barclays Bank Account
Total cash funds
~~====~~
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds funds funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets - - - -
B3 Investment assets
B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own
use
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
Current value
(optional)
-
Fund to which
asset belongs
Cost (optional)
Current value
(optional)
Unrestricted
-
-
Unrestricted
-
-
Restricted Funds (1st
RowleyRegis)
-
-
Details
Details
Orchard School Scout HQ
Westbourne Road Scout HQ
1st Rowley Regist Scout HQ
~~——~~
-
-
-
Details Fund to which
liability relates
Amount due
(optional)
When due
(optional)
B5 Liabilities - -
Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the
trustees
Signature
Print Name
kandrews
KIERAN ANDREWS
~~———~~
Date of
approval
05/13/2024

CCXX R1 accounts (SS)

20/10/2024

1

Independent examiner's report on the accounts

Section A Independent Examiner’s Report

Report to the trustees Charity Name SANDWELL SCOUT DISTRICT On accounts for the year 31/12/2023 Charity no 1020042 ended (if any) Set out on pages 3, 4 (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2023. Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection examiner's statement with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached .

Date: 20/10/2024 Signed: Name: DAVID ROBERT WESTWOOD Relevant professional NONE qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 16 Drayton Road Smethwick, West Midlands B66 4AJ

Oct 2018

1

IER

Section B Disclosure

Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners).

Give here brief details of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose .

Oct 2018

2

IER

CHARITY COMMISSION fOP INGLANO ANO WAIIS S4nd¥ell SCOTAQ Distiiet 10211042 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a Foi the period Irorn OW)V2023 3111212023 Section A Receipts and payments Uniestiicied ff￿dS Funds11st Ro¥l•y Resiricied (Bob Addle Fundl Toial Funds L•si Je•1 A1 Recei ts M¢mbtr=hip F¢¢: ShtsitToffft lThyédlffttht Fuhd ￿ttrs1 È4.l•S 24T 20.533 3113 24.1•5 241 20.53? 303 6) h D£pooild COVID Grant= Oth¢t Ih¢othé & EvQhl UThsform l BidgrfJ 26 2È6 1.157 4? I Lo9 Book 36 36 50.520 50.520 2¥.3?2 so.sÈo A3 Payfft•nis M¢mbtr= P¢¢# 21.830 2.165 21.830 J.J4• 400 T.255 20.533 231 tJ.006 2.115 1.T•J T.255 1.430 Cl•4¥lt ol ShoriT¢rfft IThY¢¢m¢l F¥Dd h D¢PO￿lI￿a from l•=t y¢¥ V*luht¢ti Expoh: J• 122 206 UThilorm l B) M4ihl¢h4•¢¢ ILO Book 70 2$ 1.352 61.TJJ 11.212 939 A6 Cash lunds last yeai end Cesh fLwLts Il¥syeoV end 90 591 108 495 090 102.162 IER Oct 2018

Section B Ststement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Uniestricted funds ResliicQed funds Endo¥menQ funds Categoiies Oeiails i• •e•rest t Bl Cash funds B¥thy= B4rth •1.131.011 21.•31 81.131 21.031 Uniestiicied lunds Resiilcied frunds Endo¥ffl•ni lunds Oeiails l• •¢•v¢s¢ t 1• •¢4v¢%I B2 Olher monelary as8els D•ialls C•sl B3 Inveslmenl assels Deiails C•st B4 A88els retained for Ihe charily's own use <&¥d S<hool Sco¥t WeWtb¢A¢ Atsd s£￿ Uhr¢stricitd Rtyléy S<0 A￿1•YA￿liv) Deiails V&tb d• B5 Liabililièt Sh]n•d by on• ￿ two trust￿ on ￿h￿IE of 411 th• trust••s Pwint NarrK• D4t• ol roval kanthews KEF¢AN AN￿￿W$ 0511312024 IER Oct 2018