Scouts
St Mary Gillingham
St Mary Gillingham Scout Group
Annual Report and Accounts
For the period
1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025
The Queen s Award
forvoluntary Service
TheM8ElorvolunteErgrolWS

Trustees Annual Report
1°, April 2024- 31°, March 2025
Reference and Administration Details
Charity Name:
Charity Number:
Scout registration:
Charity Principal Contact:
Charity Principal Address:
St Mary Gillingham Scout Group
1023375
15281
Mr C. Westbrook
The Cedars, Bay Lane Gillingham, Dorset SP8 4ER
1.1 Trustees
Vacant
Fiona Potter
Sarah Stevens
Colin Westbrook
Jackie Westbrook
Jo Taylor
Lee Charlton
Paul Lampard
James (Jim) Harwood
Keith Fleming
Sandra Trowbridge
James Meadows
Group Chair
Group Secretary
Group Treasurer
Group Lead Volunteer
Section Leader Sioux Beavers
Section Leader Chippewa Beavers I Parent
Section Leader Scouts
Section Leader Cubs Mowgli Pack
Scouts
Parent
1.2 Name and Address of advisers
TS Accounting
Bank
20 Kingsmead Business Park Gillingham SP8 5JG
Lloyds Bank High Street Gillingham Dorset SP8 4AQ
Harris + Harris 11 Stony Street Frome Somerset BA11 1 BU
Solicitors
1.3 Property
The Scout Community Hall, Centenary Field, Milton on Stour, Gillingham. Dorset, SP8 5QD
Structure, Governance and Management
2.1 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.
2.2 Constitution
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
2.3 Trustee Selection
The trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association.
2.4 Group Trustee Board
The Group Scout Council is the electoral body to which the Group Trustee Board is accountable. Membership
of the Group Scout Council is open to..
Scouters
Group Active Support Managers and members
Colony Pack and Troop Assistants
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Registefed Charity No. 1023375

Trustees Annual Report
1°, April 2024- 31°, March 2025
Skills Instructors
Administrators
Advisers
Patrol Leaders
All Parents of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts
Any other supporters, including former Scouts and their parents, admitted by the Group Scout Leader,
the Group Trustee Board or the Group Scout Council
The District Lead Volunteer and District Chair are ex-officio members of the Group Scout Council.
2.5 Group Trustee Board
The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the 'Charity Trustees, excluding
the Secretary. The Scout Group 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, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Lead Volunteer and parent
representstion and meets once a term.
Members of the Trustee Board complete five training modules,. Essential Information, Trustee Introduction.
Safety. Safeguarding and GDPR, within the first five months ofjoining the committee.
The Group Trustee Board exists to support the Group Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of the
appointment and is responsible for:
The maintenance of Group property.
Administration of the Group finance.
The insurance for persons. property and equipment.
Group public occasions.
Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support.
Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
2.6 Risk and Internal Control
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group 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: None currently identified.
2.6.1 Damage to Buildings. Property or 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.
2.6.2 Injury to Leaders, Helpers, Supporters and Members
The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Association national accident insurance policy.
Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
2.6.3 Reduced Income from Subscriptions and Fund Raising
The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fund-raising. The Group does hold a reserve
to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a tnajor reduction in income. The Committee could raise
the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or
permanently.
2.6.4 Reduction or Loss of Leaders
The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If there was 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. In the worst-case scenario. the
complete closure of the Group.
Page2of5
Registered Charity No. 1023375

Trustees Annual Report
1°, April 2024 - 31°, March 2025
2.6.5 Reduction or Loss of Members
The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 14. If there was a reduction in membership in a
particular section or the Group as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure
of a section. In the worst-case scenario, the complete closure of the Group.
2.6.6 Financial
The group 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
policy to ensure that insurance risks are covered.
Objectives and Activities
3.1 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.
3.2 The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values..
Integrity - We act with integrity,. we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
Care- We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
Belief- We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Co-operation - We make a positive difference,. we cooperate with others and make friends.
3.3 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.
3.4 Public benefit statement
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education
and the advancemenl of citizenship or community development headings.
Page3of5
Registered Charity No. 1023375

Trustees Annual Report
1°, April 2024- 31°, March 2025
Achievements and performance
At the Scout Census on 31st January 2025. the Group had 90 youth members split be￿een 5 sections supported by
16 adult leaders, section assistants and committee members. In total there were 116 members.
We thank all our volunteers for their hard work, dedication and support during the past year, another challenging year
given the number of changes needed, following the introduction of the new Scout Association Membership system
ancl the preventing future deaths report published after the inquest, following the death of a scout at the Great Orme,
near Llandudno. All sections rely on adults volunteering their time to lead activities, camps, undertake administrative
tasks etc. Additional leaders for all sections would be very much welcomed, would you like to help, even on an
occasional basis?
Chippewa Beaver Colony
Jo, Sue and Sam started the year supported by parents on a rota. during the year Sue and Sam stepped back with
two parents Adrian and Mark coming forward to help Jo who continued to offer a varied and interesting programme.
With Jo's son moving to cubs see also decided to step down, following letters to all Chippewa Beaver parents and to
parents on the waiting list requesting help, the decision was taken to suspend the colony with the majority of members
moving up to Cubs, transferring to Sioux Beavers or unfortunately leaving.
During the year the beavers achieved over 160 badges. which included 1 Chief Scout Bronze Awards.
Sioux Beaver Colony
Jackie (Red Bear) continues to lead this section, with support from Bea, Cat, Hanna, Steve, parents and Sophia a
young leader. During the year the beavers achieved over 240 badges, which included 7 Chief Scout Bronze Awards.
Mowgli Cub Pack
Paul (Akela) is supported by Sarah together with Sam a young leader. Following the restart of the section the cubs
achieved over 13 badges. Which included 1 Chief Scout Silver Award.
Kim Cub Pack
The leadership team comprises of Melissa (Akela), together with Lou, Nicola, and two young leaders Callum and
Maisey. During the year the cubs achieved over 220 badges. Which included 4 Chief Scout Silver Awards.
Scouts
Lee, Jim, Emma and Tom have been joined by Adam leading this section. Four Scouts and two leaders joined
the 1st Templecombe Scout Group on the Friendship Tour to Australia in December 20241January 2025 for 16
days, a trip which they thoroughly enjoyed. During the year the scouts achieved over 170 badges, which
included 1 Chief Scout Gold Awards.
Financial Review
5.1 Reserves Policy
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 Group Trustee Board considers that the group should
hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £15,000.00 which has been placed in a 32-day notice
account.
The Group held reserves of £242,790.47 against this at year end. This is above the level required for operating
expenses. However, this can be explained as it includes the property asset of £194,682.30.
5.2 Investment Policy
The Group does not have sufficientfunds to invest in longerterm investments. The Group has therefore adopted
a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks.
5.3 Annual Accounts
The groups income was £49,880.00 with an expenditure of £55.080.63 giving a deficit for the year of £5,200.63.
this was due to the new fence and external alterations. The year end bank balance was £47,608.15.
Page4of5
Registered Charity No. 1023375

Trustees Annual Report
1" April 2024- 31°, March 2025
Future significant activities or major projects
The sections plan to support a full range of normal scouting activities tO9ether with the following.
Scouts.
July Stand up paddle boarding at Silton lake, Expedition hike Gillingham to Sedghill Village Hall.
August Summer camp with Shaftesbury and Templecombe Scouts at Buddens activity centre.
September Stand up paddle boarding at Silton lake.
March 26 activity weekend at Butchers Coppice.
Cubs.
July Stand up paddle boarding at Silton lake.
August Summer camp.
September Stand up paddle boarding at Silton lake.
Beavers.
July Sleepover at the Scout Community Hall.
Trustee Board.
The solicitor is continuing to complete the transfer and registration of the land from the original 4 trustees over
to the Official Custodian for Charities.
Quotations for aluminium replacement doors have been obtained from Pitman Windows and Valecraft a final
decision is awaited.
The group are in discussions with David Wilson Homes for support from their Community Fund Programme to
replace the fence to the church and repaint the hall walls.
The damp wall in the meeting room continues to be monitored, a meeting with Burfitt & Garrett and QJ Hull is
to be held to produce an action plan.
The building of an external store has not progressed,. this project is to be revitalised and Planning and
Building regulation approval requested.
The construction of a pioneering pole storage.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees..
Signature:
Date".
Full Name:
Colin Westbrook
Position:
Group Lead Volunt
Page5of5
Registered Charity No. 1023375

Independent Examiners Report
Report of the Independent Examiners to the Trustees on the Financial
Statements of St Mary Scout Group for the year ended
31st March 2025
Charity number 1023375
In connection with my examination, no matter ha5 come to rny attention..
111 which gjves me reasonable cause io believe that sn any rnaterial ￿SpeCt the
ouirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with sectlon 130 of the 2011 Act and
to p￿pare Bccounts which hccord with the accounting records and comply wlth
the accounting requirement5 of the 2011 Act
have not been met OF
121 to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn In order to enable a proper
understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed...........
Miss B Kemp
TS Accounting Southwest Limited
20 Kingsmead Bustness Park
Gillingham
Dorset
SP8 5JG

5t Mar
kout Grou
Charity number 1023375
FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH 2025
31.03.25
31.03.24
Treasurer
Income
8eavers
20.00
123.60
Cub5
552.89
2.735.00
9.448.33
StO￿s
10.178.25
18,098.1)J
3,097.17
19.50
Sub5
12,280.00
2,322.80
30.25
HMRC Gift Aid IS¢outs fundraising)
Uniform
Africa trip refvnd
Grants
Donations
2.577.49
11,732.25
3.562.89
41.56
1.669.36
7,351.30
7.197.74
Hall hire
Fun¢Jrdisin8
Bank interest
Other expenses
Malntenance
594.21
161.48
6,212.31
280.91
Equipment
Insurance
13.973.60
2,769.04
52.00
2,107.50
52.00
Helper in5
Accountancy
Sundry
Rates
216.00
216.00
554.01
88.28
S7.89
82.76
Heat ond light
Water
2,357.67
288.21
1,708.34
102.55
Beavers
857.21
313.06
Cubs
654.50
591.14
Scouts
10,969.63
2,057.13
6,038.12
i.OOD.44
1,282.34
Fund ralslng
Badge5
Supplles
Cen5Us paymenl
Community hall
Capitation
640.89
1.269.70
1760
7,591.67
10,580.00
397.41
4,891.80
Scouts
Beavers
Cvbs
Scouts
Subs
HMRC charitie5
S¢outs- expenses
55,080.63
49,880.¢XI
5,2(X).63
27,719.17
43.158.38
15,439.21
Exce$5 incorne for the year

St M• S¢out Grou
Charfty number 1023375
HE
OR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MARC*1 2025
Assets and llabilitie5
31.03.25
31.03.24
8aok I
14,580.30
17,986.29
15,Q41.56
27.341.89
25,966.91
Bank 2
Savin85
Lg3n
Fjoat
5DJ.OJ
Property asset
194.68230
194,68230
Total net assets
242,790.45
247.991.10
FlnarKed by
Reserves blfwd
Income less expense5 forthe year
Re5erwes clfwd
247391.10
5,2CU.63
241790.47
231551.89
15.439.21
247,991.10
l. Accountln8 poliiies
8¥sLs of prepaTrtlon
Receipts are reco8nised In the PErlod that revenue 55 recetved, except that If
revenue rel•tes to or b5 refunded at a fvture d*e, Itls treated as an accounts
payable and expendjture Is reconised when
payrnents are m3de, except where It relatesto a 518nlflcant futurè event,
Noaccount Trs tsken of èny Inventorie5 or on hand items held for ¥esale.
FR5102 has been appfied in relatlDD tothe bulldlng asset