Trustees' Annual Report
For the period
From (start date) 0 1 0 1 2 4 to end date 3 1 1 2 2 4
| Section A | Reference and administration details | Reference and administration details | Reference and administration details | Reference and administration details | Reference and administration details | Reference and administration details | Reference and administration details | Reference and administration details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charity name Sandwell Scout District Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) 1 0 2 0 0 4 2 HQ registration number 1 0 0 0 1 6 6 2 Charity’s principal address On the Grounds of The Orchard School CausewayGreen Road Oldbury Postcode B 6 8 8 L D 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 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) Treasurer Nicola Johnson Andrew Stanford Kieran Andrews Chair Trustee Name Dates acted if not for whole year Office (if any) Jacob Osborne Lynn Tyler William Fellows Alistair Head Stephen Davies |
Sandwell Scout District 1 0 2 0 0 4 2 1 0 0 0 1 6 6 2 |
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| On the Grounds of The Orchard School | ||||||||
| CausewayGreen Road | ||||||||
| Oldbury | ||||||||
| Postcode | B | 6 | 8 | 8 | L | D |
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section B | Structure, governance and management | |||
| Description of the charity’s trusts Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice) The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, 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 Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. Trustee selection methods (e.g. trust, association, company) How the charity is constituted Policies and procedures adopted for: You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: (e.g. appointed by, elected by) 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) Type of governing document |
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| 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. |
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| The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. |
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| The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. |
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| The District is managed by the District Trustee Board, 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. |
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a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them
The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 5 Trustees and meets every 3 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 highquality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.
| 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. |
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| 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 District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. 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: 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. Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects |
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. |
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| 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. |
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| Section D | Achievements and performance |
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year |
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| This year has been a settled and growing year – groups continuing to work hard, consolidating our Trustee Board and growing our District Team. It was also the year we “Transformed” to the new Scout Membership system and began to journey on the new ways of Scouting linked to training, the volunteer experience and all the new terminology and teams. We had talked about it for so long, and now it has happened…and we survived x Our census figures rose again steadily (about 8% growth in young people and 3% growth in adults), which is always good and air of growing and exploring ways of offering even more Scouting |
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opportunities seemed a focus for so many in our District again this year. A significant amount of this group came from opening our new District Explorer Scout Unit – Hydra. Unfortunately, this was unbalanced out by the closure of 1 st Brandhall Scout Group. A combination of many reasons, but mainly a lack of adults meant after many years of activity and great Scouting, the group was closed. Thank you to the leaders who transferred to other groups and sections, so we didn’t loose your commitment and enthusiasm. January bought the usual recording of census numbers, setting budgets and planning the year ahead. It also began a special year for 46 th Sandwell Scout Group who celebrated 100 years of Scouting, with big celebrations planned for June. June saw our AGM for the year, which was poorly attended, considering the membership of the District – this triggered a decision for our plans to change in the future. Our current chair didn’t appear on the night of the AGM and we were left wondering how we would fill the gap, but a very generous offer from another group chair offered to become our District Chair – a massive thankyou Andy Stanford x We had a promotion day at New Square in West Bromwich New Square, where we engaged with the public to promote Scouting and encourage new membership – a somewhat cold day, but again a positive opportunity to show we still exist and prove we are relevant and needed youth organisation. Kieran has continued to keep a tight reign on the District finances and budget, but also developing our banking, expenses and financial strategies to make them streamline but effective – a thankless job, but much needed and very much appreciated – thank you Kieran So our 2024 highlights in no particular order include: A joint Beaver and Cub District Sleepover and Day at Twycross Zoo District Science Badge Day in March for Squirrels – St Pauls Church, Golds Hill Beaver Experiment Badge Day – April - thank you to St John’s Scout Group for hosting. 6 groups were represented and learn lots and made lots of mess, all in the name of learning and exploring. District Sports Day – all sections at the Millenium Centre in Wednesbury Ryan, Zoe and Jacob have continued to offer YL training at the District Office every other month. We really can see the impact this has on our Y’Ls 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 you all for the hard work this entails. NA permits and sessions to prepare for camps have been on the increase this year. A massive thank you to Andy Barlow for his hard work, dedication and nurture of these adults. 3 permits have been successfully awarded this year, with 2 or 3 more hopefully in 2025. Remembrance Parades were attended in Oldbury, Wednesbury, Smethwick, Tipton, Hill Top 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. District Inflatanation Morning – Bouncing with Santa and 150 friends – all section event in December, in West Bromwich. As well as 2 hours of
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madcap bouncing, we even managed a natter with Santa too! We attended Sandwell Pride and Armed Forces Events in Dartmouth Park in June as well – a busy weekend of parading, flag bearing, face painting and glitter – and another 2 great opportunities for Sandwell Scouts to be seen and heard in a positive way. The DAAC team and Training Team officially came to an end this year too, due to the changes to Scouting through Transformation. Thank you for all this unseen work, time and commitment given to these roles over many years. We hope you will continue in new roles in Sandwell, so we will all continue to benefit from your knowledge and experience. I have attended 5 Group AGM’s this year (Oakham, 1 st Sandwell, 46 th 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. 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! 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 are maintained appropriately, although we are now looking at potentially selling our Westbourne Road building, due to the run down nature of the building and the fact that, despite or 3 or 4 attempts, we have not been able to successfully re-open a group here. We may be reaching out to key people with knowledge and experience in these matters to help us. Whilst the past year has been a settled and hardworking year, with groups really focusing on their own achievements and programme, 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 2025 onwards… hopefully holds… Our Top Awards and Thanks Evening for young people and adults – a new combined event with the AGM in a more social type venues The continuation of District Drop in evenings More Sports Events, Section Badge days, sleepovers and camps An all section District Camp More growth, recruitment and promotion – hopefully another Squirrel Drey and a whole new Scout Group could be opened too! *Out Transformation Journey will continue and become embedded – 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 I do what I do as DC because I have amazing people around me who 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
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| Section E | Financial Review | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ||
| £70,000 against this at year end. This is above the level | ||
| required for operating expenses. | ||
| Quantify and explain any designations | ||
| Details of any funds materially in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate) |
~~a~~ | ~~a~~ |
Further financial review details (optional information)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: Investment Policy • the charity’s principal sources of funds The District's Income and Expenditure is very small and as (including any fundraising); 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. • how expenditure has supported the key Occasionally this may involve using an account that objectives of the charity; requiresa period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the District Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements. • investment policy and objectives;
Section F Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)
Other Optional Information
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) Kieran Andrews Nicola Johnson Position (eg Secretary, Chair) Treasurer District Lead Volunteer Date 3 0 1 0 2 5
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Charity Name No (if any) Sandwell Scout District 1020042 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period Period Start Date To Period end date from 01/01/2024 31/12/2024 ~~eeee a~~ Section A Receipts and payments
| Unrestricted funds |
Restricted Funds (Hydra ESU) |
Restricted Funds (1st Rowley Regis) |
Restricted (Hardship Fund) |
Total funds | Last year | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | to the nearest £ | |||||||
| A1 Receipts | ||||||||||||
| MembershipFees | 25,469 | 25,469 | 24,185 | |||||||||
| Short Term Investment Fund Interest | - | 247 | ||||||||||
| Refund of Short Term Investment Fund | - | 20,533 | ||||||||||
| Cash Deposited | 438 | 438 | 303 | |||||||||
| Other Income | 435 | 1,804 | 2,239 | 226 | ||||||||
| Activities & Events | 9,900 | 44 | 9,943 | 4,991 | ||||||||
| Uniform / Badges / LogBooks | 104 | 30 | 134 | 36 | ||||||||
| Grants | 3,500 | |||||||||||
| Subscription Fees | 1,515 | |||||||||||
| District Levy | - | |||||||||||
| **Sub total ** | 36,345 | 5,089 | 1,804 | - | 43,237 | 50,520 | ||||||
| Total receipts | 36,345 | 5,089 | 1,804 | - | 43,237 | 50,520 | ||||||
| A3 Payments | ||||||||||||
| MembershipFees | 22,563 | 22,563 | 21,830 | |||||||||
| Utilities | 2,549 | 4,767 | 7,317 | 3,948 | ||||||||
| Rates | - | 400 | ||||||||||
| Activities & Events | 9,829 | 1,440 | 11,268 | 7,255 | ||||||||
| Closure of Short Term Investment Fund | - | 20,533 | ||||||||||
| Volunteer Expenses | 275 | 347 | 622 | 38 | ||||||||
| Miscellaneous Expenditure | 661 | 29 | 690 | 206 | ||||||||
| Uniform / Badges / LogBooks | 426 | 468 | 478 | 1,373 | ||||||||
| Maintenance | 640 | 5,273 | 5,913 | 7,352 | ||||||||
| Bank Charges | 12 | 12 | ||||||||||
| **Sub total ** | 36,954 | 2,255 | 10,547 | - | 49,756 | 61,793 | ||||||
| Total payments | 36,954 | 2,255 | 10,547 | - | 49,756 | 61,793 | ||||||
| Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds |
- 610 2,834 - 8,743 - - 6,519 - 11,273 - - ~~——~~ |
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| A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
81,131 80,521 ~~——~~ |
81,131 80,521 |
2,834 ~~a~~ |
17,031 8,288 |
17,031 8,288 |
4,000 4,000 |
4,000 | 102,162 95,643 |
113,434 102,162 |
113,434 102,162 |
| Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period ~~ee~~ |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period ~~ee~~ |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted Restricted Endowment |
|
| Categories | funds funds funds Details |
| to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ |
|
| B1 Cash funds | 80,438.00 11,840 Lloyds Bank Account |
| 145 3,220 Barclays Bank Account |
|
| 80,583 15,060 - Total cash funds |
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| Unrestricted Restricted Endowment |
|
| funds funds funds |
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| B2 Other monetary assets B3 Investment assets |
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £ - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Current value (optional) - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) Current value (optional) Details Details Details ~~a~~ ~~ |
| B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use |
Unrestricted - - Unrestricted - - Restricted Funds (1st RowleyRegis) - - 1st Rowley Regis Scout HQ Orchard School Scout HQ Westbourne Road Scout HQ ~~ee~~ |
| B5 Liabilities Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) When due (optional) - Date of approval Details Signature Print Name ~~a~~ |
| 15/03/2025 18/3/2025 DWestwood DAVID WESTWOOD kandrews KIERAN ANDREWS ~~EE~~ |
CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
18/03/2025
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 | 31/12/2024 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 31/12/2024. | |
| 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: 18/03/2025 Signed: Name: DAVID ROBERT WESTWOOD Relevant professional NONE qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 16 Drayton Road Smethwick, West Midlands B66 4AJ
1
Oct 2018
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 .
2
Oct 2018
IER
Section A Receipts and payments Unrèstricted funds Restricted Funds (Hydra ESUI Restricted Funds11s1 R¢Mley Reuisl Resvicted (Hardship Fund) Toial funds Last y A1 Receipts Pknbèrship FÈ&s 24185 247 Rfurd biv5Lmnt Fuid Cash 104 131 1.515 Distnd L Sub iotal 37 Total receipls A3 Payinents Pl£mb¥sbip Fees 563 21.q>J 767 7,317 R5 11 chreDfS Terrn Ir54 FuTrJ Z15 347 Ut¢m i Bad9és I LLe Bc#Jks 478 1,373 5.913 12 5.273 ChJroe5 12 Sub total 49,7 Total payments 55 49,7 Net of receiptsl(payments) G,519 AS Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end I&162 102 162 IER Oct 2018
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unre5tTlCted funds torwresl£ Restricted lunds Endowtnent funds caT•oories B1 Cash funds ,438. 11.8 145 Total cash funds 80.583 1 &060 Llmèstiicied lunds Rèstricttd lun¢ts Enthwmènt lunds Details B2 monetary assèts Details Fund towhiGh Curr•ntva tional B3 Investment assets Details Fund ts>whiGh Curr•ntv onal Cost{wlicTr B4 Assets retfained for the charty's own use lstRtyltyRegi4 SWHQ ReSK¥F (Is¢ Details Fund towhich es B5 Lwbilities tyone u knly)tn on bEhftWrldl the truste Swature Print Naff Dale of vrowdl 19025 kandrews KIER4N ANDREWS IER Oct 2018