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← York Ebor District Scout Council

2025-03-31-accounts

Annual Report 2024 - 2025 Registered Charity: 1042881

District Lead Volunteer

Nigel White

The past year has been significantly shaped by the Scouts’ Transformation Programme, which brought new systems and processes and really helped modernise our Governance and Delivery operations. The process brought new opportunities to improve how we deliver our great services as a District and we restructured our team into a new way of working.

Our Volunteer Development Team now offer tailored support for each Scout Group and volunteer learning. This means we are supporting our Groups better than ever before. Our Programme Team have provided a great suite of District and City-wide events. Next year, we hope even more Groups will participate, to enable even more young people to benefit from having fun with our wider Scout family. Our 14-24 Team have made great progress planning our trip to the Denmark 2026 Jamboree. And we recently set up our District Support Team including a new pool of students to support us with marketing and communications. This team are working hard on enhancing communication, engagement and collaboration across Ebor District.

I wish to give my heartful thanks to Nung Sirisot, for completing three amazing years as our District Youth Lead. She has led so many initiatives, which have brought tangible benefit to our young people, and has herself also achieved multiple accolades along the way. Into next year, we will be expanding Nung’s good work into our Youth Engagement Team to involve more young adults in District projects.

Our plans for next year are focused on bringing even more opportunities for our young people, through collaboration with our neighbouring Scouts Districts. We hope to work more with neighbour York Minster District to develop our shared asset of Snowball Plantation. We also want to develop a stronger partnership with Harrogate & Nidderdale District, Selby & District and Scarborough & District, to grow support for target sports instructors and campsite activities. We also want to build on our York Active Support Team’s achievements, to extend our partnership working with Minster District Scouts and Girlguiding. This provides opportunities for volunteers to help as and when they can, on areas they choose.

District Youth Lead

Nung Sirisot

As I come to the end of my time as District Youth Lead, previously known as the District Youth Commissioner, I find myself reflecting on what has been an incredibly rewarding, challenging, and transformative journey since stepping into the role in 2021.

When I first began, I was filled with aspirations, ideas, and a strong desire to make a meaningful difference for young people across the district. I started with very little experience, but I brought with me an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a deep passion for youth-led Scouting. Over time, that spark has grown into a wealth of experience, a strong sense of confidence, and a network of amazing people who have supported, inspired, and empowered me along the way.

I’ve had the privilege of being involved in some truly memorable and meaningful projects. One of my proudest achievements was becoming the first person in our District to receive the Scouts of the World Award, through work focused on the Sustainable Development Goal of building strong communities, including helping to support and save struggling Scout groups. Another unforgettable highlight was the honour of representing our district at King Charles III’s Coronation, a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always treasure. These moments were not just personal milestones, but powerful reminders of the importance of service, representation, and the strength of our Scouting community.

Achieving these goals has taken a great deal of time, dedication, and perseverance. Not every idea was fully realised, but I’m proud of the progress we’ve made. We’ve strengthened youth involvement, raised awareness of the importance of youth leadership, and laid a strong foundation for the future of the district. Each challenge was a lesson, and each success was a shared victory with the incredible people around me.

I now pass the baton to my successor, Rowan, with full confidence and excitement for what’s to come. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this chapter. This role has shaped who I am today, and I leave it with immense gratitude, pride, and hope for the future.

Our Membership

From the January 2025 Census

Young People aged Adult Volunteers 4 - 18 1519 501

A 31% increase A 10% increase since 2021 since 2021 Squirrel Dreys Beaver Colonies [20][21] Cub Packs Scout Troops Explorer Units Scout Groups 8 21 11 13

Our Structure

In line with the Scouts’ Transformation Programme, in November 2023 we restructured our District Team into this model

District Leadership Team

Overseeing the operations of the District Ensuring youth engagement in all aspects

Programme Team

14 - 24 Team

Activities & Events Section Leader Support Activity Permit Support

Explorers & Network Young Leaders Duke of Edinburgh’s Award King’s Scout Award

Volunteer Development

Support Team

Welcoming Volunteers Training Programme Adult Awards Group Lead Volunteer Support

Internal & External Comms Marketing Administration Specialist Advisers

Trustee Board

Governance, Finance, Asset Management & Risk Scout Group Trustee Support Scout Troops Explorer Units Scout Groups

Programme Team

Charlotte McCarthy

Our Programme Team has had another successful year and continue to offer an exciting and varied programme of events that help young people to learn new skills, sports – all whilst having fun! Over the course of the year, these activities play a key role in developing confidence, teamwork, and adventure among our young people.

Looking back over the past year we have hosted lots of activities starting back in June. This is when the Cubs participated in the Athletics Competition, a high-energy competition involving various track and field events, encouraging personal bests and team spirit. Meanwhile, Scouts take on Race the Sun, an exciting challenge that tasks them with navigating through numerous checkpoints before sunset. This is great for helping Scout build leadership skills, resilience, and problemsolving skills in a practical setting.

In July, the focus turns to our youngest members with the Squirrel Sports Day. Designed for fun and inclusivity, this event gives our fabulous Squirrels the chance to participate in a variety of simple games and activities that are all about having fun and they each proudly took a medal home to remember their amazing achievements by.

A favourite amongst the younger sections with games, music, food and a visit from Father Christmas to kick off the festive season!

After the New Year, the district returned to sports and outdoor fun in April with three standout events. The all-new Cubs Tag Rugby tournament encouraged physical activity and cooperation through a fun, non-contact version of rugby.

The team supported the Snowball Activity Day, with Backwoods Cooking. We went through A LOT of marshmallows and cocktail sausages. It gave us chance to spread our love of Scouting with not only current Scouts but new Young People and their adults too!

Finally, we have rounded up the year with the Cub Rounders Competition. A great team sport, promoting coordination, strategic thinking, and sportsmanship.

As always, we couldn’t continue to provide such a wide range of activities without the support and dedication of all the members of the Programme Team. We are always on the lookout for new volunteers. If anyone sees anything they would like to get involved with, get in touch with us!

After the summer break, Scouts Ashes Weekend in September offers older members a chance to immerse themselves in nature. Held at

Snowball, this weekend teaches vital survival skills like shelter-building, fire-lighting, and navigation. It's a favourite among Scouts and is often one of the most memorable experiences of the year.

October brought the Cub Activity Day, pack ed with lots of different badge work opportunities. Covering first aid, backwoods cooking, team building games and navigation activities.

As 2024 came to a close, December featured the much-anticipated Beaver and Squirrel Christmas Party.

Volunteer Development

Tracy McEwan

This year was always expected to be a busy one for the Volunteer Development Team and. I am proud to say that the Volunteer Development Team has embraced these challenges brilliantly.

As a team, we recognised early on that the demand for First Response training would significantly increase, and we took proactive steps to meet this demand. In preparation, Ebor has successfully expanded our trainer pool, ensuring that we have qualified trainers to support the increased need. We have also revisited our delivery methods to offer more flexibility. We secured a grant and bought additional training equipment. Trainers are now available to travel to group venues, which is more convenient for trainees. We introduced a blended learning approach, with a mix of remote learning and practical training, which has been well-received by volunteers who are not able to attend a full day course in person.

Group Lead Volunteers have experienced an increase in demands on their time, and in anticipation of this, we established a Group Support Team to provide them with assistance. Each group is now assigned a Group Support Buddy, who is available to offer support on a as-needed basis. This experienced group of volunteers is wellversed in practical and pastoral matters, and they are here to support not only group members but also Trustee Board members. We encourage all groups to utilise this resource.

The Transformation Programme brought a change to our Welcome Meeting Conversations for new volunteers. Initial feedback suggests that this has made a positive impact, offering new volunteers a more relaxed, relevant, and helpful introduction to the movement. These conversations have proven to be an excellent way to ensure new members feel welcomed and supported as they begin their journey with us.

14-24 Team

In Ebor District, we now have over 200 Explorers (an incredible 11% increase) across 11 Units, who have participated in a range of adventurous activities including rock climbing and kayaking. A particular highlight in 2025 was our District’s participation in the London Monopoly Run. One of our Explorers Team Member Rhys, from Endeavour (2nd Acomb Scouts):

In March we took over 70 Explorers to take part in the iconic Monopoly Run in London, a city-wide Explorer Scout event that brought

the Monopoly board to life. Our Explorers split into groups having to navigate around London by tube, bus and foot (no planes though!). They raced to visit as many reallife Monopoly locations as possible, completing tasks along the way. It was a brilliant day full of teamwork, strategy and adventure.

This is now an activity we would like to offer to Explorers in the District every two years. We also joined large scale events offered by the North Yorkshire County Team such as Junior Warrior, navigating obstacles and lots of mud over a 3km assault course!

Andy Carter

Many of our Explorers also Young Leaders and we have an active coaching and development programme for them. We also have a Scout Network providing fun events for young adults alongside York Minster District.

In the last year, we have been focusing on the top awards, such as Duke of Edinburgh Gold, and King’s Scout Award, to enable more of our Explorers and Network members to complete these.

Interest in international Scouting has also grown significantly this year:

14-24 Team Leader

Support Team

Freya Sellers

Our District Support team provides the all=important background, laptop-based work, including marketing, communications, administrative and specialist support for our District and Group Teams. At the heart of this is a pool of students looking after our website and collating news stories to promote a positive perception of Scouting.

We have now recruited an enthusiastic team of new students, and I have recently returned from travelling abroad to lead the team.

In the year ahead we aim to showcase good news from our local Scout Groups, reestablish our District Newsletter, and refresh our internal communications. We will also promote our other support services such as advisers in safety, additional needs, faith, mental health, and international Scouting.

Trustees’ Annual Report

For 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 Registered Charity Number 1042881 Scout Association Number 16423

Our Trustees

Ex-Officio Ex-Officio means ‘by virtue of their office’. These volunteers are those whose Scouting role also makes them a Trustee. Their role and its start date are listed below.

Nigel White District Lead Volunteer 1 May 2020
Nung Sirisot District Youth Lead 3 April 2022

Elected Members are appointed to the board at the AGM. POR states Elected that those whowish to be elected to the board must hold a District Role, or are in a relevant role from a District. Their start dates are listed below.

Matt Matravers District Chairperson 1 October 2024
Graeme Taylor District Treasurer 12 December 2017
Hugh Bardell District Trustee 1 October 2023
James Barker District Trustee 1 October 2023

Trustees’ Annual Report

Objectives and Activities

The objective of the York Ebor District Scout Council (the District) is to function effectively as a unit of the Scout Association. 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:

The Trustee Board supports the District Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment.

Trustees are responsible for:

As a registered charity, the District confirms that its Trustees pay due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit in determining the way it accepts individuals into membership and the activities it carries out.

The District is an educational charity, managed by the Trustee Board, membership of which is set out below.

Trustees’ Annual Report

Structure, governance and management

The District’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 its Policy, Organisation and Rules.

The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouting bodies.

The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. They are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities, including registration, keeping proper accounts, and making annual returns to the Charity Commission.

Risk and Review

The Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the District may be exposed. These have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:

Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members

Through the annual capitation fees the District contributes to the Scout Association’s national insurance policy and every effort is made to ensure that the appropriate information is provided to support this. All activities have appropriate management of risks, approvals and supervision. There is an ongoing maintenance schedule and review of the viability of our shared facilities at Snowball Plantation to ensure safety.

Reduction or loss of leaders

The District is totally reliant on volunteers to run and administer its activities. To mitigate this our District Team maintains regular contact with local Scout Groups, and develops Young Leaders (aged 14-17) to progress into adult volunteer roles.

Reduced income from capitation as a result of decreased membership

The District is primarily reliant on income from capitation, but holds a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a significant reduction in income. A budget is prepared ahead of the annual capitation being set. Our Trustees are also exploring opportunities to access external funding. The Board continues its policy of budgeting carefully and, wherever possible, seeking that events should cover their costs. The District’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue its charitable activities should income fall short. The Board considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 18 months’ running costs for normal activity.

Material mismanagement or loss

The District has in place a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance, including dual signatures in respect of all payments and comprehensive insurance policies. The District does not hold sufficient funds to place into longer-term investments and has adopted a low risk strategy of placing its day to day funds in a mainstream bank and its reserves with the Scout Association’s Charity Deposit Account.

Trustees’ Annual Report

Finance Review

The below receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 27 May 2025 and signed on their behalf by Matt Matravers (Chair) and Graeme Taylor (Treasurer)

York Ebor District Scouts - Receipts For the year 01/04/2024 to 31/03/2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds Designated funds Total funds Total funds
Receipts
2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 2023/24
Donations, legacies and similar income
Gross Membership
Subscriptions £98,735 £1,519 £100,254 £88,800
(Note 1)
Less Capitation £88,862 £88,862 £77,700
Net income from
£9,874 £1,519 £11,393 £11,100
capitation
Donations
Donations
£900 £2,153 £3,053 £65
(Note 2)
DOE £627 £627 £625
Denmark £2,411 £2,411
Camps and Activities £10,457 £10,457 £2,664
Sub total £21,857 £6,083 £27,940 £14,454
Fundraising (gross)
Uniforms £728 £728 £501
Sub total £728 £728 £501
Investment income
Bank interest £462 £462 £317
The Scout Association
Short Term Investment £3
Service
Sub total £462 £462 £320
Total Gross Income £23,047 £6,083 £29,131 £15,275
----- End of picture text -----

Trustees’ Annual Report

Finance Review

York Ebor District Scouts - Payments For the year 01/04/2024 to 31/03/2025

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted funds Designated funds Total funds Total funds
Payments
2024/25 2024/25 2024/25 2023/24
Camps and
£8,959 £8,959 £2,418
Activities
Denmark £652 £652
DOE £883 £883 £894
Ceremonials £1,733 £1,733 £1,500
Contribution to
£4,646 £4,646 £3,494
Snowball Plantation
Jamboree £162
Consumable and
£666 £666 £150
Equipment
Uniforms £920 £920 £307
Admin £542 £542 £634
Insurance £52 £52
Donation -
International £320 £320
Support
Leader recruitment,
Training and £132 £132 £113
expenses
Sub total £18,533 £972 £19,505 £9,671
Total Gross
£18,533 £972 £19,505 £9,671
Expenditure
Total payments £18,533 £972 £19,505 £9,671
Net of
£4,515 £5,111 £9,626 £5,604
receipts/(payments)
Cash funds last year
£29,024 £2,782 £31,806 £26,202
end
Cash funds this year
£33,538 £7,893 £41,431 £31,806
end
----- End of picture text -----

Trustees’ Annual Report

Finance Review

York Ebor District Scouts -

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year

----- Start of picture text -----
2024/25 2024/25
2024/25 2023/24
Unrestricted Designated
Total Funds Unrestricted funds
funds Funds
Cash funds
Bank Current Account £2,652 £2,652 £16,489
Savings Account £20,729 £20,729
Instant Access Account £10,157 £7,893 £18,050 £15,317
Total cash funds £33,538 £7,893 £41,431 £31,806
Other monetary assets
Sub total
Non-monetary assets for
charity’s own use - £1,578 £1,578
Interest in YAS - 50%
Sub total £1,578 £1,578
Total Assets £35,116 £7,893 £43,009 £31,806
Contingent liabilities and
future obligations 0
Nil
----- End of picture text -----

Notes to the Accounts

Note 1 - The District puts aside funds each year to support international events equivalent to £1 per head.

Note 2 - Donations include £700 towards the cost of first aid dummies; £200 towards the cost of the AGM, and £2,153.33 from York Joint Scout Trust towards support of international events.

Note 3 - York Ebor District Scout Council has an interest in certain assets which are jointly held, being:

a) a 50% interest through York Active Support for items including events, activities, badges and ceremonials, held with York Minster District Scouts.

b) a one third interest in the York Scout and Guide Gang Show, held with York Minster District Scouts and Girlguiding North Yorkshire (South). An asset has been introduced into the District Accounts as these are no longer reported through the York Scout Joint Trust.

Note 4 - York Ebor District Scout Council also has a 50% interest in Snowball Plantation, held with York Minster District Scouts, through the York Scout Joint Trust.

Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of the YORK EBOR DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL I report on the accounts of the District for the year ended 31st March 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet and related notes. This report is made solely to the trustees in accordan￿ with Section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the charity's trustees those matters l am required to state to them in an Independent Examinerfs report and for no other purpose. To the fvllest extent penn￿ed by law, I do not accept or assume responsibilty to anyone other than the chanty and the charity's trustees for my examination work. Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner The District's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. They consider that an audit is not required for Ihis year (under Section 144 of the Charrties Act 2011 (the Chanties Act)) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility lo: Examine the accounts (under Section 145 of the Charities Act): To follow the procedures laid down in the General D1￿ctionS given by the Charity Commissioners (under Section 145{5)(b} of the Chanties Act); and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basls of Independent Examlnerfs report My examination was carried oul in accordance with the General D1￿ctionS given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the District and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. 11 also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the eviden￿ that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examinerfs statement In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act, and to prepare accounts which accord wrth the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met,. or to which. in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name". Address: 3+ K*￿L L￿, LIJ￿￿kIl￿I, ytrx k119 fS4 rf&kJLLy Date.. Lf100006 (1" February 2017)