Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2023
Charity Name: Chorley District Scout Council Registered Charity No: 1024746 District Registration No: The Scout Association: 12910 Governing instrument: The Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association by authority of a Royal Charter dated 4[th] January 1912. Aim and Values of Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal Scouting: development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. 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.
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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. • Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
Legal & Administrative Information
Bankers:
Main bankers - TSB (Chorley Branch) Chorley District Scout Council, Market Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2SE Other bankers - HSBC (Chorley Branch) 26 Market Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 4HE National Westminster Bank (Chorley Branch) 46 Market Street, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 2RZ Investment: The Scout Association, Short Term Investment Service, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW Independent Examiner: Mr. Ian Wilkin Contact Name & Address: Jim Banks 54 Westhoughton Road, Adlington, Chorley, Lancashire, PR7 4ET President: The Rt. Honourable, Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP Vice Presidents: Alan Fishwick Jim Banks Trustees - Ex-Officio : Stephen Morton District Chair Jim Banks District Secretary Mike Grayson District Treasurer Andrew Lewis District Commissioner Philip Fairclough District Explorer Scout Commissioner Ellie Baker District Network Commissioner George Lewis District Youth Commissioner Trustees - Elected : Amy Calderbank District Executive Committee Member Lisa Lewis District Executive Committee Member Peter Sturgess District Executive Committee Member Peter Beesley District Executive Committee Member Trustees – Nominated : Kerry Houghton District Group Scout Leader Representative Paul Smith Chair Chorley Risk Assessment Group
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Charity Reg number -1024746
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2023
1. Introduction
The legal and administrative information as set out forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, Articles of Association and Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities.
The accounts have been drawn up on a Receipts and Payments basis, which is consistent with the previous year.
a. Trustees Interests
No Trustee had a personal interest in any assets of the Chorley District Scout Council.
b. The District Scouting Governance and Finance (fully set out in POR chapter 5)
The Scout District is led by a District Commissioner and managed by a District Trustee Board. They are accountable to the District Scout Council for the satisfactory running of the district.
The District Scout Council is the body which has charity governance responsibility for Scouting in the District. The District Trustee Board is accountable to the District Scout Council.
2. Aims and Objectives
The aim of Chorley District Scout Council ("CDSC") is that of The Scout Association; the purpose of Scouting is to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential; as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. These benefits are available to all young people and are therefore considered to be a public benefit under Section 4 of the Charities Act 2011.
We welcome young people and volunteers from all backgrounds, and with us, they learn and share skills, enjoy an engaged and varied programme of activities, honour the Scout values and become active citizens of a connected community. We produce happier, more resilient citizens who work together towards greater social cohesion and an undeniable better world.
The trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives.
Chorley District Scout Council is a trust established under the rules of the Scout Association, which are common to all Scout Groups and Districts. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy. Organisation & Rules (Chpt 5) of the Scout Association.
3. Financials
Appendix 1 - Statement of Financial Activities Summary for the year ended 31st March 2023 including headline figures for year opening and end of year general reserves.
Appendix 2 - Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustee of Chorley District Scout Council
The policy of the district is to have adequate strategic financial reserves in order to provide the requisite level of support to the Scout Groups within the district for a minimum period of two years and to retain sufficient resources for the adequate maintenance of the properties that are held in the name of Chorley District Scout Council. The various sections of the district also maintain their own resources to support the activities in which they are involved.
The district remains in strong financial health having total cash reserves in excess of £133k at the year end.
There has been a net outflow of funds during the year of c£50k. Of this £25k related to the purchase of the new camping field with the remainder disbursed to further the district’s objective of supporting the post Covid growth of Scouting.
There is a change in format to this year’s accounts in that the standard Charities Commission layout has been adopted and approved by the Executive committee. There have been no material changes to accounting conventions.
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Charity Reg number -1024746
During the year there was a change of Treasurer with Alan Venn stepping down after many years of dedicated service. The district owes a large debt of gratitude for his considerable efforts in controlling the district’s finances and leaving the district in a strong financial position.
We have continued to invest in the adult training programmes for basic outdoor Scouting skills, first aid and other Scout training requirements.
With the longer term strategic aims of investing in the growth of the district, providing further support for international Scouting events and providing adult training either free of charge to the adult or subsidised for externally accredited skills, it was approved by the Trustees Board to fully implement the district element of the Scout membership fee for 2022/23. The district element was approved by the District Scout Council at the AGM in July 2022 However an early payment discount was agreed by the Trustee Board, of £2 per head resulting in £2257 being re-invested back into grass roots scouting in the district.
Investment in the long term future strategic development of the district was significantly enhanced by the purchase of 2.5 acres of land at Birkacre, Chorley. The purchase cost was £23000 plus a further £1600 in legal and HM Land Registry Fees with funding coming from the Geroge Platt legacy fund specifically set up for investments in the future of scouting in Chorley. The land is dedicated to greenfield activities for the whole of Chorley District Scout Council. Efforts are now concentrating on improving the overall accessibility and eradication of areas of significant weed infestation.
4. Overall Performance and Achievements
In 2022/23 we started the return to more normal Scouting activities both indoors and outdoors. Some of the highlights were a ‘Bounce Back Camp’ for all groups and sections, paid from district central funds and attended by 700 members of Chorley District, participation in the ‘Red Rose’ International Camp held in Cumbria, various Cub, Scout and Explorer camps at district and Scout County levels, first face-to-face St. George’s Day parade held since the Covid-19 lockdown with representation from every Scout Group in Chorley District and the return to face-to face meetings for all group and district trustee boards.
We also saw the welcome return of the biennial, joint Chorley Scout and Guide show, ‘Chorley Capers’ after its cancellation in 2021 due to Covid 19.
The January 2023 Scout Association census figures show a marked increase of 8.5 %, in the numbers of young people (4 to18 year olds) taking part in Scouting across Chorley District, since the 2022 census, with 1272 young members.
The number of 16-18 year old Explorer Scouts taking on roles as Young Leaders went up to 59 which is not only an increase over the 2022 census figures but is also higher than the 2020 pre-Covid lock down number. A magnificent achievement by these Explorer Scouts and all the adult leaders supporting them.
During the same period the total number of adult volunteers including Scout Network (18 to 24 year olds) rose by 4% to 355.
In addition, we saw the launch of the first Squirrel Dray for 4-6 year old young members at Eccleston Scout group. This launch is already bearing fruit with a further 5 groups declaring positive interest in opening Squirrel Drays.
The Trustees Board maintained a constant review of costs during this period and monitoring increased costs in building insurance, content insurance, utility charges, mandatory HSE safety checks and maintenance for property owned by Chorley District Scout Council.
5. Awards
Members Awards
Top Awards achieved: -
Beavers Bronze Chief Scout Award – 82 Cubs Silver Chief Scout Award – 103
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Charity Reg number -1024746
Scouts Scouts Gold Chief Scouts Award 37 Explofer Scouts Palatium Chief Scouts Award Explorer Scouts Diamond Award Explorer Scouts Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Explorer Scouts Young Leader Belt Buckle Adult Volunteer Awards Commissioner's Commendation Award for Merit -3 Bar to the Award for Merit - 2 Statement of Tru¥tee8' Res onsibilitie8 The law appl icable lo charities in England and Wales requires that the Trustees prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the financial activities of the charity during that year and of ils financial position at the end of the year. In preparing the financial statements the Trustees are required lo.. Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Stale whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial stalernents. Prepare the financial slalements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriale to presume that the Charity will continue in operation. The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose. with reasonable accuracy, the financial position of the Charity and which enable Ihem to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charity Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking responsible steps for the prevention, and deleclion. of fraud and other irregularities. 7. Inde endent Examiner.. A resolution will be proposed at the 2023 Annual General Me8ting that the districvs Board of Trustees appoint a suitabl8 person as the Independent Examiner for the coming year on a retained fee basis. This report was approved by the Trustees on 12th May 2023 and signed on their behalf by.. Trustees 1. Stephen Morton Chair, Chorley District Scout Council Trustee 2. Andrew Lewis District Commissioner Page4of4 Chafity Rag numb8r-1024748
Appendix 1
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Charity Name No (if any)
Chorley District Scout Council 1024746
Receipts and payments accounts CC16a
For the period Period start date Period end date
To
from 1st April 2022 31st March 2023
Section A Receipts and payments
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
A1 Receipts
Membership Fees 57,950 - - 57,950 57,688
District Activity Income from Members 37,959 - - 37,959 15,988
Explorer Unit Member Contributions 26,235 - 26,235
Sales 7,885 - - 7,885 5,423
Donations 639 - - 639 -
Interest 168 - - 168 615
Gift Aid 2,761 - 2,761 2,425
Property Rental 1,949 - - 1,949 2,098
Other Income 1,073 - - 1,073 21,916
Sub total (Gross income for
107,623 28,996 - 136,619 106,153
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
None - - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 107,623 28,996 - 136,619 106,153
A3 Payments
District Activity Costs 67,879 - 67,879 6,732
Explorer Unit Activity Costs 23,183 - 23,183 20,216
Headquarters Membership fees 40,142 5,650 - 45,792 41,020
Leader Training 2,837 - - 2,837 -
Stock Purchases 6,100 - - 6,100 8,891
Property Costs 8,743 - - 8,743 11,439
IT Costs 2,709 - - 2,709 -
Equipment Purchases 560 - - 560 -
Other Overheads 3,278 - - 3,278 13,395
Sub total 132,248 28,833 - 161,081 101,693
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
Platt Field Campsite 25,317 - - 25,317 Nil
- - - -
Sub total 25,317 - - 25,317 -
Total payments 157,565 28,833 - 186,398 101,693
Net of receipts/(payments) - 49,942 163 - - 49,779 4,460
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 172,024 11,483 - 183,507 183,441
Cash funds this year end 122,082 11,646 - 133,728 187,901
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CCXX R1 accounts (SS)
09/07/2023
1
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted funds Restricted funds Endowment funds Categorles Detalls to nÈarÈst £ to nearest £ to nearest £ B1 Cash funds Main Bank Accounts 114,449 Expbrer UnitActouni$ 11.646 ChoiY Capers Awount 4,153 JMC Property ManwJemenl Account 3,4BO Total cash funds 122,082 11,646 1awevbanCeh receyts and pawD8nts ccounllgll Unrestricted funds Restrict funds Endowment funds Details Shop Stock to nearest £ to nearest È to nearest £ B2 Other monetary assets 3,OB4 Fund to whlch asset belon Cost loptionall Cuwrentvalue Details None 83 Investment assets Fund to which asset belon General Details Headquarters Build0(70% Ownetshipl Cost loptionall Currentvalue B4 Assets retained for Ihe Charitys own use 64,500 General 30.000 PL4tt Fk1 Campsile General 21,000 21.000 FuThd to which relates Amount due When duo Details B5 Liabilities Final Payments for Inlernalional camps General 6,698 1 August 2023 SvJned by one or trust88s on behalf of all the trustees Signature Print Nam8 Date of roval Stephen Morton 3110712023 Andrew Lewis 3110712023 CXX R2 account5 ISSI 0910712023
endix 2 CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent ExamineT'S Report Report to the trustees Chorley Distitt Scout Councli On accounts for the year ended 3151 Marth 2023 Charity no (rf any) 1024746 Set out on pages 1and2 I repjrt to the trustees on rny examination of the accounts of the above charity {Ihe Trusf> lor the year ended 31103r2023. Responslbllltles and basis of report As Ihe charilvs trustees, you are responsible for the preparation ol the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {Ih8 Acr). I report In respect of my examination of the Trusfs accounts carried out under seclion 145 01 the 2011 Act and carying out my examlnation, I have followed all the applicable Directi5 gtven by the Charity Commissi under section 145(5)[b) ot the Acl. Independent I have completed my examinatw. I confiryn that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gries rne cause to believe that in. any rnateTial respect: the accnting records were not kept in accordance Wlth section 130 of the Charities Act: or the accounts (Id not accord with the accounting records: or the accounts did not c(PIY wtth the applicable requirements conceming the fonn and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Reswlations 08 other than any requirement tha& u If aGtin1s and fair ¥ieN'I kih -h is fioi a ri considered as part of an indeperKlent exarnination. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection *ith the examination to which attention should be dravm in this report In order to enable a proper underslanding of the accounts to be reached. . Pleas8 d818le lh8 M>rds in th8 brackets if they do not apply. Signed: 18th August 2023 Name: lan Wilkin Relevant professional qualAfication{s) or body {If any): Sentor Officer, Lancashire County Council Address: 168 Brodick Drive Bolton IER Oct 2018
BL2 6r2 Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner need5 to highlight material matters of concem (see CC32. Independent exarrinaticffl of charity actx)unts: dIrtiO% and guidance for examin$). Gfve here brief details of any ttems that the examlner wl8hes to dlselose. NIA IER Oct 2018