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← Icknield (Luton) District Scout Council

2024-12-31-accounts

ICKNIELD DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31 DECEMBER 2024

Charity Registration No: 1049542

Icknield District Scout Council

Contents

Administrative Details 3
District Membership 4
Charity Information 5
Roll of Honour 6-13
AGM – Meeting Agenda 14
Minutes of last AGM 15-18
Trustees Report 19-25
Accounts 26-29
Independent Examiner’s Report 30
District Reports
District Chair 31
District Lead Volunteer 31-35
50:50 Club Application 36-37

Page 2 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Administrative Details

Charity Registration No: 1049542

PRINCIPAL ADDRESS: 6 Carmelite Road Luton LU4 0NH INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Vince Cheshire 6 Bunkers Court Union Street Dunstable LU6 1PZ PRINCIPAL BANKER: National Westminster Bank 31 George Street Luton LU1 2YN SCOUT ASSOCIATION The Scout Association MEMBERSHIP Gilwell Park Icknield District Scout Chingford Council is registered with London The Scout Association E4 7QW (No 10001379)

Page 3 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Charity Membership

DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP At 31 January 2025

Section 2024 2025 Variance
2024to 2025
SquirrelScouts 52 50 -2
BeaverScouts 201 179 -22
Cub Scouts 253 229 -24
Scouts 242 254 +12
ExplorerScouts 86 82 -4
Totalyouth 834 794 -40
Adults 269 259 -10
Totals 1103 1053 -50
Group Squirrels Beavers Cubs Scouts Youth Variance
2024/2025		 Adults
Barton 21 18 24 63 -14 16
Blenheim 4 12 16 32 0 16
First Luton 12 23 42 77 0 37
Flitwick 33 68 67 56 224 +11 44
Harlington 16 18 15 49 +4 18
Manor 2 5 2 9 -14 12
St. Augustine’s 15 15 15 45 -1 11
St. Joseph’s 13 14 19 18 64 +4 16
Sell’s Seventh 4 8 13 12 37 -5 18
Warden Hill 7 14 29 50 -6 23
Wardown Ninth 12 25 25 62 -15 17
Explorers 82 18
SASU
District 13
Totals 50 179 229 254 794 -40 -10

Page 4 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Charity Information

Charity Registration No: 1049542

Names of the Charity Trustees who manage the Charity:

Trustee Name Scouting Appointment Dates acted if not
for whole year		 Name of person or body
entitled to appoint Trustee
Rex Horton District Chair Approved by District Scout
Council
Nicholas Jarman Treasurer Approved by District Scout
Council
Ellen Lill Approved by District Scout
Council
Elizabeth Maguire Approved by District Scout
Council
Keelan Pannell Approved by District Scout
Council
Carol Smart Approved by District Scout
Council
Ben Summerfield District Commissioner /
District Lead Volunteer		 Bedfordshire County Scout
Council
Alan Wood Approved by District Scout
Council
John Worthington Approved by District Scout
Council

Page 5 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Roll of Honour For the year ended 31 December 2024

Squirrels – Chief Scout Acorn Award

Flitwick

Page 6 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Roll of Honour For the year ended 31 December 2024

Beavers – Chief Scout Bronze Award

Blenheim

Harlington

First Luton

Flitwick

St Augustine

St Joseph’s

Warden Hill

Wardown Ninth

Page 7 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Roll of Honour For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Cubs – Chief Scout Silver Award

Barton

Flitwick

Warden Hill

Wardown Ninth

  - Anum

  - Asiyah

  - Ayaan

  - • Idris

  - Muhammad

  - • Umar

  - Yakub

Scouts – Chief Scout Gold Award

Flitwick • Aimee • Charlotte • Ruby Sells Seventh • Riley St Augustine • Cody • Laila • Sophia

Page 8 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Roll of Honour For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Explorers – Young Leader Belt

Page 9 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Roll of Honour For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Awards achieved during 2024

Silver Wolf: For service of the most exceptional nature
Nicky Taylor Flitwick Team Member, Leadership
Bar to Silver Acorn: For further specially distinguished service
Teresa Loughbrough Team Leader, Volunteering Development
Silver Acorn: For specially distinguished service
James Hinkins Team Member, Event Support
Jean Mitchell Team Member, Event Support
John Worthington St Augustine’s Team Member, Cubs
Philip Jeffrey First Luton Team Leader, Scouts
Bar to Award for Merit: For further outstanding service
Gilliam Merrick First Luton Team Member, Beavers
Award for Merit: For outstanding service
Dan Green First Luton Team Member, Scouts
Graham Brown Barton Team Leader, Cubs
Kate Nippard Harlington Group Lead Volunteer
Rebecca Maher First Luton Team Member, Beavers
Scott Roberts First Luton Group Chair
Chief Scouts Commendation: For good service
Andrew Conran First Luton Team Member, Scouts
Christopher Wells First Luton Team Member, Scouts
David Pike First Luton Team Member, Beavers
Gareth Phillips First Luton Team Member, Cubs
Harry Matthews First Luton Team Member, Cubs
Rhys Lewis First Luton Team Member, Cubs
Sandra Rawstorne First Luton Team Member, Cubs
Wendy Wilmer First Luton Team Member, Cubs

Page 10 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Roll of Honour For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Service achieved during 2024

Chief Scout’s 60 years Service Certificate: John Worthington St Augustines

Team Member, Cubs

Chief Scout’s 50 years Service Certificate: Susan Horton

Team Member, Event Support

Chief Scout’s 40 years Service Certificate: Janet Owen Blenheim Peter Misson Flitwick

Team Leader, Scouts Team Member, Leadership

Chief Scout’s 30 years Service Certificate: Trevor Sharp First Luton

Team Member, Cubs

Chief Scout’s 25 years Service Certificate: Deborah Gilbey Flitwick Nicholas Jarman Chief Scout’s 20 years Service Certificate: Amanda Smith Flitwick Andrew Ingram Harlington Kate Nippard Harlington Libby Bassam

Team Member, Foxes Cubs District Treasurer

Team Leader, Wednesday Beavers Team Leader, Scouts Group Lead Volunteer Team Member, Learning

Chief Scout’s 15 years Service Certificate: Michael Shields Blenheim Sarah Smart Blenheim Tracie Wootten St Augustine’s

Group Chair Team Member, Beavers Team Member, Scouts

Chief Scout’s 10 years Service Certificate: Andrew Reeve-Smith Riparian Unit Treasurer Benjamin Summerfield District Lead Volunteer Daniel McGuigan Dauntless Team Member Hannah Whiteside Riparian Team Member Jamie Lill Riparian Team Leader Jason Baulk Barton Team Leader, Scouts John Owen Blenheim Team Member, Scouts Keelan Pannell St Joseph’s Group Lead Volunteer Martin Holm Warden Hill Team Leader, Scouts Matthew Nessling Warden Hill Team Member, Beavers Sajid Kayani Blenheim Trustee Thomas Ardern Dauntless Team Member Zoe Plater Manor Team Member, Beavers

Page 11 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Roll of Honour For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Chief Scout’s 5 years Service Certificate: Callam Bonson-Hamilton Riparian Christopher Lill Riparian Christopher Wells First Luton Craig Jeffers St Joseph’s Gemma McGuigan Dauntless Jessica Snell St Joseph’s Kat McGuigan Dauntless Lena Cole St Joseph’s Liam McAree Sells Seventh Madeleine Mills Sells Seventh Michael Abbott Barton Muhammad Bashir Wardown Ninth Nicola Rawstorne First Luton Sean Mulholland Harlington Simon Baldwin Flitwick Zainab Ashraf Blenheim

Team Member Team Member Team Member, Scouts Team Leader, Cubs Team Member Team Member, Cubs Team Member Team Leader, Beavers Team Member, Scouts Team Member, Cubs Group Treasurer Trustee Team Member, Scouts Team member, Scouts Team Leader, Ruxox Scouts Team Member, Beavers

Page 12 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Roll of Honour For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Wood Badges achieved during 2024

The Wood Badge is an international award demonstrating a volunteer’s personal commitment to learning and development with Scouts.

Congratulations to the following adults who gained their Wood Badge in 2024 – and thank you to the Training Advisors who worked with them

Becki Whitlock Sells Seventh Team Member - Cubs Becki Whitlock Sells Seventh Team Member - Scouts Becky Maher First Luton Team Member - Beavers Chris Claxton Harlington Team Leader - Beavers Chris Wells First Luton Team Member - Cubs Colin Wright Warden Hill Team Leader - Cubs Elaine May St Josephs Team Leader - Squirrels Juliet Gregory Harlington Team Leader - Beavers Kathryn McGuigan Dauntless Team Member Kevin Wilson Flitwick Team Member - Scouts Madeleine Mills Sells Seventh Team Member - Cubs Martin Holm Riparian Team Member Matt Nessling Riparian Team Member Paul Wells Harlington Team Leader - Beavers Sandy Reeve-Smith St Augustines Team Member - Cubs Simon Baldwin Flitwick Team Member - Cubs Simon Baldwin Flitwick Team Member - Squirrels Sumaira Bashir Wardown Ninth Team Member - Cubs Tom Cain Sells Seventh Team Member - Cubs

Page 13 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Annual General Meeting – Meeting Agenda

Agenda for 59th Annual General Meeting of Icknield District Scout Council 8.00pm, Wednesday 11th June 2025

Sells Seventh Scout HQ

  1. Opening Prayer

  2. Welcome by District Chair

  3. Apologies

4. Governance Oversight

5 . Review the Previous Financial Year

6. Making Appointments

Following recommendations from the selection process initiated by the District Trustee Board

Page 14 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Minutes of last Annual General Meeting

MINUTES OF 58TH ICKNIELD SCOUT DISTRICT ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 10TH JUNE 2024 AT SELL’S SEVENTH SCOUT HQ COMMENCING AT 8.00 PM

Present: Ben Summerfield (DC), Rex Horton (District Chair), Nick Jarman (District Treasurer), Barbara Wood (District Secretary), Sarah Owen MP, Jenny Symmons, Megan Beirne (County Network),Sue Horton, Alan Wood, Libby Bassam, Janet Owen, John Owen, Rita Jarman MBE, Liz Maguire, Teresa Loughbrough, Elaine May, Keelan Pannell, Rose Leach, Sue Guess, John Worthington, Caroline & David Sutherst, Tony Thurlow, Becki Whitlock, Brian Bates, Carol Smart, Sarah and Matt Allen, Alan Hammond, Nicky Taylor, Barry Hodgkinson, Giles Cutler, Kate Nippard, Jean Mitchell, Lynn Driscoll, Trevor Sharp, Louise Rutt.

1) Opening Prayer : Read by Sue Horton.

2) Welcome by the Chair

Rex Horton (District Chair) welcomed everybody to the meeting. He thanked Megan Beirne for attending as the representative for the County.

3) Apologies for absence

The following people had sent apologies for not being able to attend the AGM:

Rachel Hopkins MP, Hazel Simmons LBC, Robert Roche LBC, Rob Pullinger (County Chair), Andy Godden (Deputy County Commissioner), Tracie Wootton, Sarah Chiverton, Marnie Zwanik, Paddy Higgins, Ellen & Jamie Lill, Hannah Bollom, Brendan Owen, Simon Baldwin, David & Janet Gilkison, Mark Billington, Darren Reeve

4) Governance Oversight

a) Approval of Minutes from AGM held on 14th June 2023

No comments were made on the minutes. Acceptance was proposed by John Worthington, seconded by Tony Thurlow and agreed by al present at the meeting.

b) Need to re adopt the model constitution as detailed in POR

The District Chair recommended the re-adoption of the constitution as laid down in Section 5.5 of POR. The re-adoption was proposed at the last Trustee Board meeting on 8th May 2024. Those attending the AGM unanimously agreed the re-adoption of the constitution

c) Noting the dates of the financial year

The District Chair reminded all present that the financial year is 1st January to 31st December d) Agree the number of members that may be elected to the District Trustee Board

It was recommended that the maximum number of people who could be elected to the District Trustee Board was 12. This would include two members between their 18th and 25th birthdays. This was seconded by Teresa Loughbrough and agreed by all present at the meeting.

e) Reconfirm the quorum for each committee

Three types of committee needed to have a quorum in place

District Scout Council (including the AGM), Trustee Boards and District sub-committees. In the District there were eleven Groups and four Explorer Units.

District Scout Council and AGM: Rex Horton proposed that nine people plus either the District Chair or DC should be the quorum. Seconded by John Worthington and agreed by all attendees at the meeting

District Trustee Board: it was proposed that the quorum should be 1/3 of committee members plus one. Seconded by Teresa Loughbrough and approved by all attendees at the meeting Sub-Committees: It was proposed that the quorum should be 25% of committee members plus either the Committee Chair or DC. Seconded by Alan Wood and approved by all the attendees at the meeting.

Page 15 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Minutes of last Annual General Meeting (continued)

5) District Reports

a) Financial Report

Sue Horton had retired as District Treasurer on 1st May 2024 and Nick Jarman had taken over the position. Details of the accounts had been sent out with the AGM report and Nick said he had nothing to add to the report. The Accounts had been prepared by Sue Horton and independently examined.

As the 2023 Annual Accounts had been accepted and approved at the District Trustee Board Meeting held on the 8th May 2024 there was no need to take a vote.

b) District Chair

Thank you to all members of the District Trustee Board for their support to Scouting and the District.

Three new Groups have joined our District from Barton, Flitwick and Harlington after the closure of Ampthill and Woburn District. They are very welcome and have started to integrate themselves.

District events are once again starting to happen after Covid and a District Camp will be taking place from 21st to 23rd June.

Thank you to all the Leadership Groups (uniform on non uniform) across the District for everything you do to ensure our Young People receive good training and have fun.

c) District Commissioner and Sectional Reports

The DC thanked Megan Beirne (ACC Network) for attending on behalf of County. He also reiterated his welcome to the three Groups who have joined us from the former Ampthill & Woburn District. The awards that the young people have received this year show the collective efforts and achievements of the Scouting family and the impact we have made in the local community. He thanked all those who have helped deliver high quality Scouting in the District either as a Leader (uniformed or non-uniformed) a parent or a family member.

52 Beaver Scouts gained their Chief Scouts Bronze Award and Nichi Chambers has joined the District team as District Beaver Scout Leader. The Beaver Scouts held a joint picnic in the summer and in December held their annual Christingle.

The Cub Scout section despite having no ADC Cubs or a District Cub Scout Leader have managed to achieve 25 Chief Scout Silver Awards. This due to the dedication of the section Leaders who often meet with Cub Leaders from other Groups for joint activities or to just swap programme ideas.

The Scout section have organised and participated in a variety of camping experiences over the year. 13 Scouts have gained their Chief Scout Gold Award thanks to their enthusiastic Leaders and Ash Chambers has joined as District Scout Leader

Explorer & Young Leaders have grown with the addition of Dauntless (Flitwick) and Ravens (Barton) which gives us 2 land based units and 1 water based unit (Riparian). Riparian have seen a 50% growth over the year and now have independent control of its governance and operations with the creation of a sub-committee. Riparian have run a number of water sports activity days for Scouts and Cubs across the District and these have been well attended

Page 16 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Minutes of last Annual General Meeting (continued)

7 Making Appointments

District Chair is no longer the nomination of the DC. The Chair along with the Treasurer and all other Trustees are appointed following the selection process initiated by the Trustee Board

a) Appoint the District Chair:

Ben Summerfield said that Rex Horton was willing to be District Chair for another 12 months. Thanks were due to him for all his hard work over the last 12 months. Approved by all attendees at the meeting.

b) Appoint the District Treasurer:

The District Chair thanked Sue Horton for all her hard work up to her retirement on 1st May 2024. He welcomed Nick Jarman to the role of District Treasurer with effect from 1st May 2024. Nick had been formally agreed in the role at the District Trustee Board meeting on 8th May 2024. Nick Jarman was willing to be District Treasurer for another 12 months. Approved by all attendees at the meeting

c) Appoint the Minute Secretary

Rex Horton advised the meeting that under the new rules from POR there would no longer be a District Secretary role. The new role title would be District Minutes Secretary and would not be a Trustee or a member of the District Trustee Board. Barbara Wood agreed to continue in this role for the next 12 months.

d) Appoint other members to the Trustee Board:

The new appointed members of the Trustee Board for 2024 are: Alan Wood, John Worthington, Liz Maguire, Keelan Pannell, Ellen Lill and Carol Smart.

As these people had been proposed at the District Trustee Board meeting on 8th May 2024 they were appointed by all attendees at the meeting.

All the above appointments are for a period of 12 months (until the next AGM in 2025)

e) Appointment of the Independent Examiner for 2024:

Nick Jarman proposed Vince Cheshire as the new Independent Examiner. Approved by all attendees at the meeting.

f) Appoint representatives from the District for the County Scout Council: Appoint two representatives.

No people had been appointed to these roles yet. They will be appointed at a later meeting of the District Trustee Board and the details sent to the County Secretary

g) Re-appointment of Vice Presidents:

Rita Jarman MBE, Heather Lake, Roger Lake and Alan Hammond wished to remain as Vice Presidents. Approved by all attendees at the meeting.

Page 17 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Minutes of last Annual General Meeting (continued)

8 County Representative

Megan Beirne (County Network) thanked the District for inviting her to attend the AGM. She was amazed a the number of awards the Young People in the District had earned and thanked the Leaders for all their hard work and the dedication to the young people and Scouting in general.

9 Presentations

Ben Summerfield made three presentations.

The DC said that during the year there had been 52 Bronze Awards presented, 25 Silver Awards and 13 Gold Awards.

He thanked Sue Horton for all her years of service as District Treasurer and presented her with a clock and a bouquet of flowers for which she was sincerely thankful

10 Any Other Business:

Jean Mitchell passed on her thanks to all members of the District that assisted her and Adam in clearing out the storage unit previously occupied by Sundon Scout Group and transporting it all to Sells Seventh HQ. Thank you to Sells Seventh Scout Group for use of their HQ for the storage of the equipment.

11 50/50 Club Bonus Draw:

The winners of the Annual General Meeting 50/50 Club draw were:

First: No 17 Alan Hammond, receiving £60. Second: No. 15, Roger Lake, receiving £40. Third: No. 35, Nick Jarman, receiving £25.

Meeting closed at 8.35 pm.

Page 18 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 December 2024

The members of the District Trustee Board (The Trustees of Icknield District Scout Council) present their report, Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 December 2024

Structure, Governance and Management

Governance

The Charity’s governing document is the Royal Charter granted by King George V to the “Boy Scouts Association” on 16 December 1911. Its name has since been changed to “The Scout Association”. This Charter has been supplemented by further Charters granted by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. These Charters give authority to the Bye Laws of the Association, which are approved by His Majesty’s Privy Council. The Bye Laws, in turn, authorise the making of rules for the regulation of the Association’s affairs and thereby give authority for the Rules known as “Policy, Organisation and Rules” which are located at www.scouts.org.uk/por

Icknield District Scout Council was registered in 1967 as an educational Charity

The Charity is aware of the Charity Governance Code and its seven principles and will continue to critically review its approach to governance and assess how effective it is against these principles in 2024.

Structure

This report and accounts cover the activities directly controlled by Icknield District Scout Council which is an autonomous organisation admitting people to membership subject to the policy and rules of The Scout Association. The activities of the Scout Groups in Icknield District are not reflected in the report and accounts. These bodies are autonomous charities affiliated to Icknield District Scout Council which together form Scouting in Icknield District

Icknield District Scouts are led by the District Lead Volunteer and managed by the District Trustee Board. They are accountable to Icknield District Scout Council for the satisfactory running of Scouting in Icknield District.

Management

The management of the business of the District Scout Council is vested in the District Trustee Board. The District Trustee Board (Trustees of the Charity) is appointed in accordance with Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The District Trustee Board met seven times during the year to manage the affairs of the Charity. The Trustees will continue to meet with this regularity in 2025

The District Trustee Board has responsibility for:

Page 19 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

The District Trustee Board is responsible for policy making but delegates some operational decisions to its sub committees which may also recommend policies for the consideration of the District Trustee Board. The District Trustee Board appoints Chairs and members of sub committees annually.

Until November 2024 there were two sub committees for the Charity:

Organisation

The District is led by the District Lead Volunteer who is assisted and supported by:

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees are appointed in accordance with the “Policy, Organisation and Rules” of The Scout Association. All Trustees are required to complete Mandatory Learning.

Risk Management

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:

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 the District as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a Section. In the worst case scenario, the District would be unable to support the Groups

Page 20 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Objectives and Activities

Our Purpose

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Our Values

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

Our Method

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

The Charity Trustees have a duty to report on their public benefit in their Annual Report. We have assessed our aims, activities and charitable objectives which are:

“Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.”

We believe we have met the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria for both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development.

Page 21 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Achievements and performance

All of the decisions made by the Trustees have been in the interests of young people and adult volunteers and we hope that everybody in Scouting in Icknield District will have benefitted from them.

The Trustees recognise the huge contribution made by each and every adult volunteer without which the Charity could not exist.

The District runs a 50:50 Club, a bi-monthly lottery which raises funds for the Explorer section. In 2024 it raised £675 and retained all the existing membership.

District organised activities for the young people include:

District organised activities for adult volunteers include:

District Growth

Plans for future periods

The Scout Association “Skills for Life”

This is the five year plan for The Scout Association.

Our vision

By 2025 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme.

We will be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities.

Page 22 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Our objectives

In 2016 we asked volunteers what should be prioritised in the next strategic plan and the majority of volunteers said we should keep working towards the same four strategic objectives

What does this mean for Icknield District Scout Council?

Growth – we have incorporated the information received from Groups to create the District Development Plan to achieve our growth goals and support Groups.

Inclusivity – We will support development work to ensure that Scouting is reaching all sectors of our community.

Youth Shaped – Ensure that young people are at the heart of our strategies and represented on key committees.

Community Impact – The District is providing resources to enable projects which might not have gone ahead or have been more poorly resourced to have greater community impact.

Financial Review

Reserves Policy

During the year the Trustees have conducted a fundamental review of the Charity’s reserves policy. The policy has been established to protect the Charity and its charitable programme by providing time to adjust to changing financial circumstances. It also provides parameters for future budgeting and strategic plans and contributes towards financial decision making.

The Charity’s reserves policy establishes an appropriate target range for the level of general reserves. The range is based on a risk assessment of the probability and likely impact on the Charity’s activities that might be caused by a decline in income, an inability to meet financial obligations, or an inability to reduce expenditure in the immediate short term. The policy ensures a balance between spending the maximum amount of income raised as soon as possible after receipt, while maintaining the appropriate level of reserves to ensure uninterrupted operation. The policy and target level will be reviewed annually to reassess the risks and reflect changes in the Charity’s income, financial obligations and expenditure.

The District Trustee Board considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to a normal years running costs with an additional £10,000 to ensure there are sufficient funds to maintain uninterrupted operation during a time of adjustment. The actual figure for 2024 was just over £25,000

The District held reserves of approx. £38,084 at the year end which is above the level required for operating expenses.

During the year the District spend was less than the estimated budget. The District Trustee Board funded £8800 towards the cost of site fees and activities on the District Camp. ensuring there were minimal costs to the young people for the camp. As the District is the lender of the last resort it was proposed to set aside any other unused income to enable the District to offer help to any Group or Section that may request financial support.

Page 23 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Investment Policy

The District’s Income and Expenditure is relatively small and as a consequence the District did not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The District has therefore adopted a low risk strategy for the investment of its fund. The majority of funds are held in cash using mainstream banks. During the early part of 2024 the Trustees voted to save some of our cash which is for emergency funds in an instant access HSBC savings account along with further funds that will not be required immediately in a C.A.F. stocks and shares cautious fund that pays dividend twice a year. Our Treasurer keeps a careful check on this fund and gives the Board an update on how the fund is performing at every Board meeting.

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. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the District Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.

The District Trustee Board reviews this policy annually.

Specific Financial Activities

(a) Designated fund (2)

During the year St Augustine Scout Group paid their final repayment of £2,669 towards the legal cost for gaining their 125yr lease with Luton Borough Council. Following any legal fees reimbursement the balance of the fund at 31st December 2024 was £32.518.59

(b) Designated fund (3)

Money from the former Sundon Scout Group is held in a this fund for two years in case the Group can be restarted. The fund is held in an interest paying deposit account and was £14,409 at year end.

(c) Restricted fund

The District still remains the lead partner of the fund set up by Luton London Airport Ltd (LLAL) for voluntary uniformed youth organisations within the Luton Borough boundary which is a Restricted Fund. From 1st April 2022 funding and management of this fund was taken over by Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF).

Funding from LLAL was a donation and all monies remaining in the fund can only be used to offset requests for reimbursement of meeting venue costs. Funding from BLCF is a grant and is used for the same purpose. Any monies from BLCF which are not spent during the financial year must be returned to them, income from BLCF during 2024 was £5800, spend far exceeded income. Final payment of grant awarded in 2023.

BLCF had changed the criteria during 2023 for awarding grants from their fund they require a greater amount of information and were more willing to assist with specific projects and not rental costs. The District Treasurer has been in discussion with a local councillor and the CEO of Luton Rising and hopefully there will be more funds available as the current fund runs out.

From April 2024 the fund was reimbursing 80% of the rental costs with the reimbursement being reduced to 50% of the rental costs from April 2025. This will enable groups to benefit from the remainder of the fund for a longer period.

Total funding for 2024 was £31,046. The balances of the accounts on 31st December 2024 were BLCF Nil and LLAL £111,178

Page 24 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Trustees’ report For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity reporting and accounting: the essentials November 2016 and the requirements of POR chapter 5. This includes safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material mismanagement or loss. They include:

Approved by the Trustees on 12th May 2025 and signed on their behalf by:

Benjamin Summerfield District Lead Volunteer District Trustee Board

Rex Horton District Chair

District Trustee Board

Page 25 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Year start date Year end date
For the year
from		 01/01/2024 To 31/12/2024
Receipts and payments
2024 2023
Unrestricted
funds		 Designated
funds(1)		 Designated
funds(2)		 Designated
funds(3)		 Restricted
funds(1)		 Total funds Total funds
£ £ £ £
Receipts
Donations, legacies and similar
income
Membership subscriptions 49,604.50 11,959.58 0.00 0.00 0.00 61,564.08 34,462.90
Donations 4,661.35 20.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,681.35 850.10
Legacies 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Gift Aid 293.72 1,134.84 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,428.56 905.25
Other similar income 815.60 7,819.98 0.00 14,288.04 0.00 22,923.62 1,784.42
Sub total 55,375.17 20,934.40 0.00 14,288.04 0.00 90,597.61 38,002.67
Activities
Beavers 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 60.00
Cubs 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Scouts 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 48.00
Camps 0.00 11,444.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 11,444.80 7,720.00
Duke of Edinburgh 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Explorer 0.00 1,130.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,130.00 1,033.00
Training 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 90.00
Sub total 0.00 12,574.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 12,574.80 8,951.00
Grants
Maintenance grant 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
BLCF fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 5,800.00 5,800.00 23,200.00
LLAL fund 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Legal fees returned 0.00 0.00 2,669.00 0.00 0.00 2,669.00 2,669.00
Other grants 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Sub total 0.00 0.00 2,669.00 0.00 5,800.00 8,469.00 25,869.00
Fundraising events (gross)
Badge Shop receipts 8,579.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,579.14 1,765.66
Easy Fundraising 32.66 79.51 0.00 0.00 0.00 112.17 145.87
Lottery 50/50 1,385.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,385.40 1,302.00
Uniform 0.00 630.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 630.60 220.00
Hoodies 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 932.00
Water Days 0.00 11,692.66 0.00 0.00 0.00 11,692.66 5,060.60
Other fundraising activities 10.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10.00 0.00
Sub total 10,007.20 12,402.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 22,409.97 9,426.13
Scout hut income
Hire of building 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Hire of equipment 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Other Scout hut income 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Sub total 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Investment income
Bank interest 332.37 0.00 431.66 121.25 497.32 1,382.60 4.65
CAF Bank investment dividend 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,537.04 2,537.04 0.00
CAF Bank investment revaluation 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,512.27 2,512.27 0.00
Scout Short Term Investment
account		 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 702.44
Other investment income 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Sub total 332.37 0.00 431.66 121.25 5,546.63 6,431.91 707.09
Total Gross Income 65,714.74 45,911.97 3,100.66 14,409.29 11,346.63 140,483.29 82,955.89
Asset and investment sales, etc. 0.00 70.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 70.00 100.00
Total receipts 65,714.74 45,981.97 3,100.66 14,409.29 11,346.63 140,553.29 83,055.89

Page 26 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Receipts and Payments Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024

Year start date Year end date
For the year
from		 01/01/2024 To 31/12/2024
Receipts and payments
2024 2023
Unrestricted
funds		 Designated
funds(1)		 Designated
funds(2)		 Designated
funds(3)		 Restricted
funds(1)		 Total funds Total funds
£ £ £ £
Payments
Charitable Payments
Membership subscriptions paid on 40,449.00 2,261.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 42,710.50 27,132.00
Youth programme and activities 834.89 1,259.09 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,093.98 3,031.43
Camp expenses 8,784.61 8,716.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 17,500.86 6,717.98
Adult support and training 992.99 628.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,620.99 70.61
Rent 125.00 2,012.00 0.00 0.00 31,046.17 33,183.17 46,326.30
Rates 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Water and Sewerage 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Electricity and Gas 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Legal & professional 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Insurance 264.58 1,630.70 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,895.28 1,842.84
Website 279.98 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 279.98 0.00
Repairs and Renewals 0.00 758.22 0.00 0.00 0.00 758.22 166.59
Materials and equipment 780.76 5,769.25 0.00 0.00 0.00 6,550.01 1,295.51
Printing and photocopying 263.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 263.03 336.84
Contribution to camp costs 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Uniforms 247.50 717.60 0.00 0.00 0.00 965.10 504.50
Bank charges 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
OSM charges 127.56 472.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 599.62 291.54
AGM and trustee expenses 905.77 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 905.77 865.52
Donations 1,505.90 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,505.90 3,000.00
Administrative expenses 2,142.82 465.18 0.00 0.00 18.00 2,626.00 14,871.90
Sub total 57,704.39 24,689.85 0.00 0.00 31,064.17 113,458.41 106,453.56
Fundraising expenses
Purchases of badges 8,957.69 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,957.69 2,063.74
50/50 Club 647.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 647.00 607.00
Hoodies 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1,071.60
Water Days 0.00 4,437.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,437.40 1,096.89
Other fundraising costs 0.00 246.64 0.00 0.00 0.00 246.64 0.00
Sub total 9,604.69 4,684.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 14,288.73 4,839.23
Total Gross Expenditure 67,309.08 29,373.89 0.00 0.00 31,064.17 127,747.14 111,292.79
Asset and investment 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 4,955.79
Totalpayments 67,309.08 29,373.89 0.00 0.00 31,064.17 127,747.14 116,248.58
Net of receipts/(payments) (1,594.34) 16,608.08 3,100.66 14,409.29 (19,717.54) 12,806.15 (33,192.69)
Transfers between funds 7,771.75 (7,127.75) 0.00 0.00 (644.00) 0.00 0.00
Cash funds last year end 37,798.30 13,370.48 29,417.93 0.00 131,539.85 212,126.56 245,319.25
Cash funds this year end 43,975.71 22,850.81 32,518.59 14,409.29 111,178.31 224,932.71 212,126.56

Page 27 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year

31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st Dec 2023
Unrestricted
funds		 Designated
funds(1)		 Designated
funds(2)		 Designated
funds(3)		 Restricted
funds(1)		 Total funds Total funds
£ £ £ £
Cash funds
Bank current account 20,816.26 20,816.26 22,497.51 22,497.51 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 8,478.37 8,478.37 51,792.14 51,792.14 210,892.38
Bank deposit account 23,109.86 23,109.86 0.00 0.00 32,518.59 32,518.59 14,409.29 14,409.29 15,187.67 15,187.67 85,225.41 85,225.41 0.00
Building society account 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
CAF Bank investment account 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 87,512.27 87,512.27 87,512.27 87,512.27 0.00
Debit card account 0.00 0.00 353.30 353.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 353.30 353.30 775.90
Cash/Floats 49.59 49.59 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 49.59 49.59 458.28
Total cash funds 43,975.71 43,975.71 22,850.81 22,850.81 32,518.59 32,518.59 14,409.29 14,409.29 111,178.31 111,178.31 224,932.71 224,932.71 212,126.56
Other monetary assets
Tax claim 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Debts due to the District 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Insurance claim 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sub total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Investment assets
Investment property - detail 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Quoted investments 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other investments - detail 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sub total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Non monetary assets for
Badge stock 9,304 9,304 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9,304 9,304 4,486
Shop stock 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Other stock 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Land and buildings 0 0 4,000 4,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,000 4,000 2,442
Motor vehicles 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Scouting equipment, furniture etc 0 0 32,105 32,105 0 0 0 0 0 0 32,105 32,105 32,105
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sub total 9,304 9,304 36,105 36,105 0 0 0 0 0 0 45,409 45,409 39,033
Liabilities
Accounts not yet paid
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 (344)
~~——s~~
Expenses incurred but not invoiced
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~
Subscriptions not yet paid
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~
Loan - detail
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~
Other liabilities
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~
Sub total
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 0
~~——s~~		 (344)
~~——s~~
~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~ ~~——s~~
Total net assets
~~——s~~		 53,280
~~——s~~		 53,280
~~——s~~		 58,956
~~——s~~		 58,956
~~——s~~		 32,519
~~——s~~		 32,519
~~——s~~		 14,409
~~——s~~		 14,409
~~——s~~		 111,178
~~——s~~		 111,178
~~——s~~		 270,342
~~——s~~		 270,342
~~——s~~		 250,815
~~——s~~

Nick Jarman District Treasurer District Trustee Board

Page 28 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

Notes to the Icknield District Scout Council Accounts

(1) Comparisons shown where applicable

(2) The designated fund (1) relates to Dauntless, Ravens and Riparian Explorer Units

(3) The designated fund (2) is designed to support a new Group or other building projects within Icknield District

(4) The designated fund (3) relates to funds held by the District following the closure of Sundon Scout Group which will be ring fenced for two years

(5) The restricted fund (1) is restricted to the payment of rents for the hire of premises used by uniformed groups within the Borough of Luton. The restricted fund will not receive any further income as London Luton Airport and BLCF have both revised their funding policy. During the year, £85,000 of the restricted fund was invested with CAF Bank. The value of units has risen and dividends have been received.

(6) The District received £600 from Nat West Bank and £50 from Barclays Bank as compensation following complaints

(7) Riparian Explorer Sea Scout Unit received a loan of £4000 from the District in 2023. The Unit has repaid £2000 in 2023, £500 in 2024. Payments of £500 each are due in October of each year 2025, 2026 and 2027.

Page 29 of 37

Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees of Icknield District Scout Council

Page 30 of 37

Icknield District Scout Council

District Reports For the year ended 31 December 2024

DISTRICT CHAIR

Hope you all have had another memorable year with your Scouting and are beginning to operate under the revised procedures that are highlighted in P.O.R. Transformation has been on going throughout the year and should be completed at the end of 2024. Unfortunately it will be some time for those of us would have carried out our Scouting over a number of years, to get use to the changes of adult roles titles within the movement.

There was more demand for the District to carry out its banking on the internet so various changes needed to be made and new practices learnt and implementing and amended procedures. After holding the role for two terms the second one of 25 years our District Treasurer decided it was the right time for her to retire from her role and leave internet banking to a more understanding mind. Thank you Sue for all your years of service and time you gave to Icknield District.

With the changes to the Appointment/Training process the role of Appointments Secretary is no longer required. Thank you Nick for volunteering to take on the role of District Treasurer and introduce internet banking to the District.

Also thank you to all the adults who give their time freely to Scouting in Icknield you really amaze me on what you keep giving. I am sure with all your dedication Scouting in Icknield will stay strong.

Finally this will be my last report as I feel it is time for me to stand down as District Chair at the A.G.M. with a final thank you to everyone who has helped me over the years

Rex Horton (District Chair)

DISTRICT COMMISSIONER / DISTRICT LEAD VOLUNTEER

Throughout the past year, our dedicated volunteers and young people have continued to exemplify the values of Scouting through their commitment to providing young people in our community with outdoor experiences and skills for life. They have managed to do that whilst preparing for; and going through the biggest transformation to the way Scouts runs in 20 years. Despite challenges this year the District has persevered, adapted and innovated to ensure that Scouts remain a vibrant and enriching experience for all involved.

This report and the awards earned this year serve as testament to the collective efforts and achievements of our Scouting family and showcases some of the impact we have made within our local community.

However, there are still challenges to overcome in the next few years to stabilise the District and grow so that we can ensure that we help as many young people as possible earn their skills for life

Icknield District Scout Council

District Reports For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

Strategic Goals

Last year I announced the Icknield District strategic goals for 2023-2025 and over the year we have continued to make great progress on these. These goals will be reviewed now transformation has been complete so watch this space next year for our updated plans.

Growth and Recruitment of Volunteers and Youth Members

The District has continued to make progress against our publicity plan. Investing in more indoor and outdoor banners which have been used at many District events in the last year and have helped support conversations with the community about volunteering in Scouting.

We have also grown and expanded our efforts on the District website and social media, actively working to build content and posts which has increased our engagement in the community. This includes paid advertising on social media which led to engagement from 20,000 individuals around the District area.

These experiments with methods of engagement over the last two years have yielded results which will massively help inform the Districts’ continued publicity, marketing, and recruitment methods in 2025 and beyond.

Strengthening the District team

The District team started the year quite small but with transformation due at the end of the year we decided to focus on recruitment to the new team structure rather than the traditional roles. In this we have been relatively successful, appointing a number of volunteers into roles within sub teams. However, many of these appointments are in addition to other roles within Scouting meaning we are still looking for more members to support the team, primarily in the key team lead roles.

Below is the new District Team structure since transformation which shows where we have grown but also where we need to grow further in 2025.

Icknield District Scout Council

District Reports For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

- Strengthening the 14 25 provision

Over the last year the 14-25 years provision has grown and strengthened but also suffered a blow.

The District Young Leaders team has continued to build on its successes, delivering a full programme of training and support to the Young Leaders in the District. With 51 YLs reported at the end of the year and with 5 Young Leaders earning their belt buckles. With 11 YLs turning 18 and staying on as adult volunteers is the ultimate evidence of success.

The activity Explorer Units continue to do well, with a wide variety of programme both on the water and on land. However, In December, after many years of exemplary service to Scouts at Barton and in Ravens ESU, Jason Baulk sadly passed away leaving the Unit without a Leader. We will work through 2025 to help stabilise and grow Ravens and keep Jason's legacy going.

Events

With focus on Transformation this year, especially in the second half of the year focus on events has not been front of mind. However, the District and Group leaders have managed to still deliver a varied calendar of great events.

The highlight of this year was the District Camp on 21st - 23rd June. It was attended by 327 Young People and over 100 adults. The Groups all had a great time camping and participating in the 33 different activities on offer and singing at the District campfire on the Saturday evening. As District Lead Volunteer, it was absolutely fantastic to see the District come together at camp after such a long time and to formally welcome the new Groups who joined us last year as this was their first District wide event.

In October the District also ran our annual Jamboree on the Air/Internet, this year we reimagined the day as a STEM/Communications activity day with a number of science, digital and communications activities on offer to the young people. In completing these activities the younger sections had earned a badge and made major progress towards others.

Icknield District Scout Council

District Reports For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

In addition the sections have all run individual events over the year:

Squirrels held a teddy bears picnic in July.

Beavers have held a campfire in June and their annual Christingle event in December. Both were well subscribed and great days out.

Cubs held a competition as part of the Small Tail Trail run by Keech Hospice. Designing and painting a hare which went on display at Stockwood Park Discovery Centre all through the summer alongside submissions from local schools and community groups. I therefore have the pleasure to introduce a new member of the District, Icky the Hare.

Scouts and Explorers held a challenge evening showing off traditional Scouting skills and activities, this event was also a fantastic way to encourage linking between Scouts and Explorers as young people met the Explorers and their leaders in a more informal setting.

For leadership, this year we continued our tradition from last year a town hall meeting, which occurs every six months. This gives the Group and sectional leaders from across the District opportunities to come together, discuss issues and share ideas. The meetings also give the District team an opportunity to share updates and insights.

I want to thank everyone that helped organise these events however small, these events do a fantastic part in bringing the District together and helping our young people earn their skills for life.

Membership

Despite our efforts over the last year in publicity and recruitment, the 2025 census reported a decline in both young person and adult numbers. Our youth membership decreased by 5% since last year (834 -> 794) and our adult membership of 1% (269 -> 266). This decline is in line with national trends both within Scouting and within youth organisations but still raises cause for concern and is a motivator to redouble our efforts on recruitment In 2025.

The census also reported 368 young people on waiting lists currently missing out on Scouting. This demand currently cannot be met mostly due to lack of adults in Groups or lack of meeting space and further reinforces the need for increased recruitment efforts.

Icknield District Scout Council

District Reports For the year ended 31 December 2024 (continued)

On a positive note, whilst our adult volunteer numbers decreased that saw a 10% positive shift towards adults in sections helping deliver programme.

In Conclusion and Looking to the Future

Overall, this year has been a success for the District, navigating the changes, confusion and disruption caused by transformation. Whilst there have been bumps on the road I am massively proud of the achievements and efforts of all within the District who have helped make the community a great place and have ensured that young people have earned their skills for life

We still have a long way to go on our strategic plans in the coming years but I look forward to updating you all on our updated goals and the progress towards them.

It leaves me to sign off this year by thanking from the bottom of my heart all those who have helped deliver the high quality of Scouting and help us recover from the pandemic over the last year, whether as an adult volunteer, a parent or a family member. Your hard work and dedication allows us to have an impact on the lives of our young people, helping them earn their skills for life and creating core memories along the way.

Ben Summerfield (District Lead Volunteer)

Icknield District Scout Council

The District Camp Fund 50:50 Club Application Form

The 50:50 Club raises money for the District Camp Fund.

It costs £50 a year to be a member, 50% of which is given back to members as prizes and 50% is a donation to the District Camp Fund.

Icknield District wants our District camps to be the best possible and we need the help of families, relatives, neighbours, friends and school colleagues to achieve this aim. Please share this widely, the more people involved the bigger the prize pot and the more we can support Scouting..

We hope you will encourage friends and family to complete the application form on the next page

  1. All applicants must be aged 18 or over

  2. The annual cost will be £50.00, payment methods are explained on the next page

  3. There will be six bi-monthly draws each year with three prizes per draw which will take place at District Trustee Board meetings.

  4. A bonus draw will be made at the District AGM

  5. Prize monies will be variable according to membership numbers but will always comprise 50% of the income from the fund.

  6. The balance of the fund will be held and accumulated for the benefit of the District Camp Fund and will be paid into the fund annually.

  7. The names of all prize winners will be sent by email to all participants.

Thank you and good luck

Liz Maguire

Email – 5050@icknieldscouts.org.uk

Icknield District Scout Council

The District Camp Fund 50:50 Club Application Form

Please accept my application for membership of the Icknield District Scout 50/50 Club. I have

(a) Paid £50 into the bank account below or

(b) Enclosed a cheque for £50.00 or

(c) Completed the standing order mandate for bi-monthly payments of £8.35 and a cheque for the sum of £8.35 to cover the initial payment. Please send documents to:

Mrs E Maguire, 6 Carmelite Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 0NH

Full Name: ___________ Address including postcode: _______ ___________ Telephone number: ________ Email address: ___________

----- Start of picture text -----
STANDING ORDER MANDATE
To: The Manager ________ Bank
Bank Address ________
__________
Account Name _________
Account Number ___ Sort Code __
----- End of picture text -----

Please pay the sum of £8.35 on the first day of August, October, December, February, April and June until further notice

Signed _______ Print FULL NAME ______

Payee Icknield District Explorer Scouts 50/50 Club
NatWest Bank
Market Hill Branch
31 George Street
Luton
LU1 2YN
A/c No: 48672548
Sort Code 60-13-28