Trustees' Annual Report
For the period
| For the period | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| From (start date) | 0 1 | 0 4 | 2 5 | 3 1 | 0 3 | 2 6 | ||||
| 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 |
||||||||||
| 1st Lichfield (St Chads) Scout Group | ||||||||||
| The Leasowe | ||||||||||
| Lichfield | ||||||||||
| Staffordshire | ||||||||||
| Postcode | W | S | 1 | 3 | 7 | H | D |
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 | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Sadler | Chair | |
| Jonathan Staite | Board Member | |
| Paul Adams | Treasurer |
Audit & Examination of Annual Accounts
| Type of Review | Undertaken By | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Independent Examiner | Connell Business Services | Lichfield, Staffordshire. |
Advisers to the Charity
Type of advisor Name Address
Page 1 of 7
Section B
Structure, governance and management
Governing document
How the charity is constituted
Trustee selection methods
Policies & Procedures Adopted for the Induction & Training of Trustees
The Group'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 Group 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 Group is managed by the Group 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 2 Trustees and meets every 4 months.
Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.
This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is wellmanaged, 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.
Page 2 of 7
Structure, governance and management ( continued… )
Section B
Policies & procedures for trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them
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:
Damage to the building, property and equipment . The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members . The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fund raising . The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently. 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. Reduction or loss of members . The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. 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. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. Inappropriate Use of Funds . All expenditure is itemised on group accounts, and, with very few exceptions, all incoming funds go directly into the group bank account. This means that all income and expenditure flows through the group bank account and thus facilitates full scrutinisation of how funds are used. The group bank account also requires two signatories for all payments, including both cheque payments and online transactions; there are no card transactions. Lease Renewal�Fund . This fund serves two purposes; 1) to provide contingency funds in case of major unexpected and unavoidable expenses occurring and 2) to build a fund toward the eventual renewal of the lease for the Leasowe Hall. The Leasowe Scout Hall is on a fifty-year lease with St Chad Church signed on 28th November 1990. Upon completion of the fifty years the Scout Group will need to renegotiate the lease. Our best course of action is uncertain now however it is acknowledged that any chosen action will incur substantial costs and it is for this reason that a fund has been created to build reserves ready to take the necessary action when appropriate to do so.
Page 3 of 7
| Section C | Objectives and activities |
|---|---|
| Values of Scouting Public benefit statement Purpose of Scouting Scout Method |
|
| Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal 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. 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. |
|
| 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 Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. |
Page 4 of 7
Section D Achievements and performance The last 12 months have been very busy for the scout group. Yet again our fantastic team of adult volunteers have ensured that the required element of all young people being offered at least one overnight residential experience.
YEARLY REVIEW Jonathan Staite Group Lead Volunteer
Our young people numbers are increasing in all sections along so excitingly with out number of adult volunteers. We have recruited an additional four volunteers for the cub and scout sections which is just brilliant.
The most exciting news is that towards the end of 2025 we took the decision to launch a Squirrels section. This section of the scouting is for children aged 4 to 6 yrs. A parent of a beaver volunteered to run the section and successfully recruited five other volunteers. They spend the first three months of 2026 with the first session taking place at the end of April. The ‘drey’ has 12 members currently and following a great first term we have agreed to increase to 16 in the autumn. Also of note was that the trustees were able to secure funding supporting from HQ’s to help meet the additional costs of opening up the section.
It is pleasing to note that our financial situation remains sound with sufficient reserves in place. The Group also received a donation from a company and were able to purchase a large power bank with solar charging capability which will be a real asset on camps.
Our group continues to go from strength to strength.
Jonathan Staite Group Lead Volunteer 1st Lichfield (St Chads) Scout Group.
Page 5 of 7
| Section E | Financial Review |
|---|---|
| Audit of Accounts Estate Property Policy on Reserves Policy on Investments |
|
| 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 6 months running costs, circa £10k. Where funds fall short of the desired amount fundraising will be prioritised year-on-year until the desired reserve is reached. Amounts held in reserves which are in excess of this desired amount are retained to support the Lease Renewal Fund. |
|
| The Group'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 Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks, building societies, & credit unions, or The Scout Association's Short Term Investment Service. |
|
| Following Scout Association and Charity Commission guidelines the Group Executive commission the services of a qualified Independent Examiner to audit the annual accounts. The report returned by the Independent Examiner provides assurance that the accounts of the Group meet the terms of the constitution outlined by The Scout Association. It also provides a confirmation that the Group accounts reconcile with the Group Bank Statements. |
|
| The Group has the rights to use of the Leasowe Scout Hall within the terms of a lease signed on 28th November 1990. The lease runs for a period of 50 years expiring on 27th November 2040 whereupon the ownership and control of both the property and the land are to be handed over to St Chad’s Church. For the period of the lease the 1st Lichfield (St Chads) Scout Group are to pay rent of £1 on or before 31st December each year. As responsible caretakers of the property and to meet the terms of the lease, the Group Executive will allow sufficient funding to maintain the land and the building structure and also the internal/external aesthetics. |
|
| Section F | Other Optional Information |
| None |
Page 6 of 7
Section G
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
----- Start of picture text -----
Signature
Full name
Martin Sadler Jonathan Staite
Position
Chair Group Lead Volunteer
0 8 0 7 2 6
Date
----- End of picture text -----
Page 7 of 7
1st Lichfield (St Chads) Scout Group ANNUAL ACCOUNTS SUMMARY
| 1st Lichfield (St Chads) Scout Group ANNUAL ACCOUNTS SUMMARY |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-2026 | 2024-2025 | |||
| Income | ||||
| Bank Interest | £ | 203.35 |
£ | 71.59 |
| Donation | £ | 525.00 |
£ | 575.00 |
| Events | £ | 2,342.50 |
£ | 2,433.00 |
| Events - Beavers | £ | 490.00 |
£ | 750.00 |
| Events - Cubs | £ | 1,032.00 |
£ | 1,050.00 |
| Events - Scouts | £ | 2,284.50 |
£ | 1,616.00 |
| Gift Aid | £ | 3,031.74 |
£ | - |
| Grant | £ | - |
£ | 3,044.72 |
| Membership Fees | £ | 7,295.11 |
£ | 8,734.88 |
| Merchandise | £ | 5.00 |
£ | 213.00 |
| Rent | £ | 9,348.00 |
£ | 9,830.00 |
| Expense | ||||
| Activity Equipment | £ | - |
£ | 79.00 |
| Admin | £ | 811.87 |
£ | 583.29 |
| Badges | £ | 461.39 |
£ | 877.81 |
| Bank Fees | £ | 542.59 |
£ | 616.81 |
| Camping Equipment | £ | 782.81 |
£ | 2,389.87 |
| Events | £ | 1,946.18 |
£ | 2,537.70 |
| Events - Beavers | £ | 485.25 |
£ | 973.42 |
| Events - Cubs | £ | 1,233.44 |
£ | 1,194.85 |
| Events - Scouts | £ | 2,364.63 |
£ | 1,383.07 |
| Insurance | £ | 1,801.73 |
£ | 1,834.80 |
| Meetings - Beavers | £ | 214.97 |
£ | 176.34 |
| Meetings - Cubs | £ | 162.70 |
£ | 376.32 |
| Meetings - Scouts | £ | 98.47 |
£ | 78.79 |
| Meetings - Squirrels | £ | 230.02 |
£ | - |
| Membership Costs | £ | 3,748.50 |
£ | 4,176.00 |
| Merchandise | £ | - |
£ | 355.60 |
| Rates | £ | 1.00 |
£ | 1.00 |
| Rent | £ | 75.00 |
£ | 130.63 |
| Training | £ | 264.37 |
£ | - |
| Utilities | £ | 4,180.04 |
£ | 3,196.67 |
| Venue Maintenance | £ | 5,442.83 |
£ | 3,938.41 |
| Account balances | ||||
| Barclays Current | £ | 5,658.65 |
£ | 11,783.71 |
| Fusion Reserve | £ | - |
£ | 14,368.88 |
| Barclays Reserve | £ | 22,203.35 |
£ | - |
| Summary | ||||
| Account balance brought forward | £ | 26,152.59 |
£ | 22,734.78 |
| Total income | £ | 26,557.20 |
£ | 28,318.19 |
| Total expenditure | £ | 24,847.79 |
£ | 24,900.38 |
| Net income | £ | 1,709.41 |
£ | 3,417.81 |
| Account balance carried forward | £ | 27,862.00 |
£ | 26,152.59 |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES of 1" LICHFIELD (ST CHADS) SCOUT GROUP I reF)Ort on the accounts of th• Trust for the year ondod 31° March 2026 . The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audil is not required for this year under section 43{21 of the Charlti8s Act 1993 (Ih8 1993 Act) and that an independent examinatlon is needed. It is my responsibility to: cxaminc the accounts under section 43 of the 1993 Act. lo follow thc procedures laid do1 in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. My examination was carri8d out in accordance with the g8n8ral directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination indudes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also indudes consideration of any unusual items or disdosures in th8 accounts, and seeking explanations from you as tnsstees conceming any such matt8rs. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair Vie and the report is limrted to those matters set out in th8 Statemènt b81ow. In connection with my examlnation, no matter has come to my attentlon: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material r8spe¢t the requirements: to keep accounting r¢cords in accordance with section 41 of the 1993 Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act have not been met; or (2) to which. in my opinion, attentton should be drawn in ord8r to enable a prop8r understanding of the accounts to be reached. Wl (S Relevant professlonal quallficatlonlbo(ly JK2 L.i. Signature