Ormskirk & District Scout Council
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2022
Registered Charity No. 1068959
District Registration No:
The Scout Association: 12911
Governing instrument 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 the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
Aims The Aim of the Association is that: ‘Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society’.
The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law, and guided by adult leadership.
Legal and Administrative information
Principal Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ Investment The Scout Association, Short Term Investment Service, Gilwell Park, Bury Road, Chingford, London E4 7QW Independent Examiner Hirsch Sharma Sharma & Co Accountants, 44 Moor Street, Ormskirk, Lancs, L39 2AQ Contact Address Ormskirk & District Scout HQ, Hall Lane, Lathom, Ormskirk, Lancs, L40 5UN Web Site : www.ormskirkscouts.org.uk
Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2022.
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The Legal and administrative information as set out forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements and articles of association and the Statement of Recommended Practice. - Accounting and Reporting by Charities. The accounts have been drawn up on a Receipts and Payments basis, which is consistent with the previous year.
Trustees.
The District is a trust established under the rules of The Scout Association, which are common to all Groups, Districts, and Counties.
Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation & Rules of The Scout Association.
No Trustee had a personal interest in any assets of the Ormskirk & District Scouts.
District Executive Committee
Trustees : Ex-Officio
District Commissioner Michelle Durney (until September 2021) Chris Charlton (from September 2021) District Chairman Liz Wainwright (until June 2021) Heather Lomas (from June 2021) Deputy District Chairman Heather Lomas (until June 2021) John Brindle (from June 2021) District Secretary Fay Voller District Treasurer Les Davies (until November 2021) District Explorer Scout Commissioner Stefan Blackburn (until September 2021) Colin Marshall (from September 2021) District Youth Commissioner Niamh Woodruff
Trustees : Elected
Colin Marshall (until June 2021) Michael Pye (from 8[th] June 2022) Hugh Miller Luke Pargeter Olivia Dobson (until June 2021)
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Trustees: Nominated
Steve Swainson Michael Nolan Chris Nevill
Trustees: Co-opted
Chairman of Appointment Committee Chris Nevill Chairman of Finance Committee John Brindle
Chairman of Explorer Scout Committee Michael Nolan
Chairman of HQ Management Committee Steve Swainson
Organisation
District Scout Council
The District Scout Council is the electoral body, which supports Scouting in Ormskirk and District. It is the body to which the District Executive Committee is accountable.
The Scout District is led by the District Commissioner, and is supported by the following, The District Scout Council, The District Executive Committee, Administrators and Advisers and the District Team comprising all Assistant District Commissioners, and District Scout Leaders.
District Executive Committee.
The District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting its responsibilities to provide support for Scout Groups. Its activities include, the maintenance of District property, the raising of funds and the administration of District finance, the insurance of persons, property and equipment, assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support, appointing sub-committees, administrators and advisors other than those who are elected as required, and it meets every 2 months.
Members of the Committee are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District, and are responsible for complying with the legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The objectives of the District are:
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a) To provide Scouting for all age groups.
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b) Recruitment of adults for all Sections of Scouting.
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c) Continue the re-development of the District Headquarters.
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d) To develop Scouting in target areas.
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e) Community Impact: Groups to engage with local projects
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f) Develop ‘Vision 2025’
Reserves Policy
The District’s policy is to have an adequate strategic financial reserve in order to continue the activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short and provide the ability to underwrite loans allocated to Groups. At the end of this financial year the total funds amounted to £99,084 of which £27,939 was in designated funds, with monetary assets of £70,141 available for general purposes.
Investment Policy
Management accounts are regularly monitored by the District Executive, Finance Committee. Excess funds (where appropriate) are invested with The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service.
Financial Review
The end of year accounts for Ormskirk and District Scouts have been assessed by the Independent Assessor Hirsh Sharma of Hirsh and Co Accountants.
Over the last year the District has recommenced its face-to-face activities and events and the usage of the headquarters is continuing to increase, which is shown in the accounts and is great news for the charity. Over the last twelve months the District has received Coronavirus grants and a Co-op grant. These, along with income from Membership fees, rental income from the Headquarter and sales in the District shop and badges all provide the District with the funds to operate. Thank you to all of the volunteers who help to generate income in the shop, badges and Headquarters. The finances raised here support the excellent work Chris and her team undertake. The District finances have supported District events, activities and training. The Finance Committee have also been able to support young people with grants for international trips.
In November 2021 Les Davies stood down from the role of Treasurer. I wanted to take a moment on behalf of the whole District to thank Les for his wonderful work and dedicated support especially navigating the charity through the last few years. Since November 2021, the role of the treasurer has been caretaken by the Chair of the Finance Committee and the District Chair whilst a re-evaluation process was undertaken. The outcomes from this review have seen some changes to the charity’s policies and procedures, with a focus on supporting the District team in the post pandemic world. It is hoped that these changes will enable the District team to feel confident in organising events and activities for our young people, balanced against the need for transparency and appropriate financial governance.
Following a recommendation from the Independent Assessor and expected growth within the District events and activities, the charity will move to using accounting software for future years to support this transparency and future financial control. They will also seek to recruit a bookkeeper, to support the Treasurer in their role.
If anyone would like further financial details, or has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the District Chair or Chair of Finance. Ormskirk and District Scouts have had a financially sound 2021/22 year and we are looking forward to supporting the many and wonderful activities and events that this next year will hold.
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Achievements and activities in the year
Following the impact of COVID to provide a typical Scout programme and the impact on membership numbers 2021-22 was a better year. The 2022 census figures demonstrate that the District is bouncing back and we are seeing growth especially within the Beaver section which was hardest hit throughout the pandemic. This is thanks to the dedication and sheer hard work shown by our leaders during these tough times and will go from strength to strength and return to pre pandemic figures very soon. As soon as the new Squirrel section was announced, two groups offered this provision for 4-5 year olds. 42nd Ormskirk led the way with taster sessions in the run up to Christmas and a full opening in February, closely followed by Crawford Village. All the Leaders and new Squirrels are having great fun and it is a pleasure to visit the drays and see the enthusiasm and range of activities on offer. There are now a few other groups looking to join this new adventure.
A highlight of the year was the coming together of the District, culminating on St George’s Day with our first parade for 3 years.
Beaver Scout colonies taking part in a variety of activities such as the Fun Factor District trip and the County Spring Olympics. There is also the upcoming District Beaver camp and the County Puddle and Waddle event that will surely be well attended.
Cub Scouts at the end of 2021, held a couple of activity days in St. Helens. One was laser quest in the morning and the afternoon at St Helens world of glass. The way the children were running around ‘zapping’ each other in the darkness was brilliant and then to see a live glass blowing demonstration was something else. To kick start 2022, there was a new event – a twist on the skills challenge day that we used to hold. A themed trading post activity in the run up to Easter that elements of all the challenge badge were covered.
For the Scout section the last twelve months have seen an amazing resurgence in Scouts gaining Skills for Life: returning from the great indoors to the great outdoors, challenging themselves with adventurous activities and completing their Chief Scout Gold Awards.
It was fantastic to have 115 Scouts from ten troops attending County Rally in May, with Scouts taking part in a huge range of activities from High Ropes to Water sports, from Chess to Tomahawk Throwing! We’re all excited to see how the programme continues to evolve after the Silent Disco became an instant hit.
For the Explorer Scouts Monthly Walking Days have been well received with some members climbing their first ever mountain whilst the more experienced helped and encouraged newer Explorers. The first District competition of the year was mini moonlight which attracted over 50 Explorers and was a good fun night along with it being excellent training. All Explorers welcomed the return of Moonlight in January and it was so good to see that Ormskirk Explorers were well prepared and secured the first five places in the competition. The highlight of the year has definitely been the first District camp for a long time and this was held at Hawkhirst Scout Camp. The Explorers went sailing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, bell boating, abseiling, climbing and also had two evening camp fires by the water with pizzas, smores and singing.
The District Scout Community Hub is being used again for both Scouting activities and use by the wider public. Improvements continue to be made so the building is fit for purpose.
Statement of Trustees’ responsibilities.
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Law applicable to charities in England and Wales require the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year.
In preparing financial statements the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
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State whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements
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Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy the financial position of the Charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
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Independent Examiner.
Hirsch Sharma of Hirsch & Co Accountants was the independent examiner and has examined the accounts for 2021/22.
By order of the trustees,
Heather Lomas Chairman
Fay Voller Secretary
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Independent examiner's report to the trustses of Ormskirk and Distrirt ScoLrts Council I reprytto th@tsustses on my examinati(Trn of theacwunts ofthe Ormskirk and Distrirt Scouts Counci forthe year ended 3113122 Responsibitities and basis of report Asthe charityttustee5 ofthe Orrn5kirk and Di5trirt Scout5 Council VOU a rÉSPsblÈ forthÈ preparation of the ac(aunts in accordan with the requirements of the Charitie5 Act 2011 Ilhe I rewt in speOf my examination of the Ormskirk and District Scout5 Council account% carried ou, uDder SelOn 145 ol the 2011 Act and in carrying my examinati I have followed allthe applicable directions given bythe Charty Cornmission undersecbon 14515111)l ol theAct. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my @xamination. I confitmthat no material matters havecometo my attention in connection WI the exarnination giyjng me cause to believe that in any material respect.. l. Accounting records were Doi kept ID respectof the Ormskirk and District Scouts Counal as rUred by seCtn 130 of thE ACL" or 2.The accounts do noiaccord WFth those records. I hèwe no concerns and have come across no Oiher matters in connection With the examination th which atteTrth)n should be drawn in th15 report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accountsto be reached. I have made recommendat5 to the treasurer on how to make Sure all cash colle¢(ed is kept 5erure arhd have tr)een a55ured that thi5 15 being dorhe. A150 have made recommendatiQn5 on bEtter accounting system XERO This is wdeiy used by milbons of Dr9allitions a5 ane of the better ned.. H. Sharni NamE." HwsthshanO BA DMS CGMA AICPA Hirsch & Co A(courrtants Rel4tlIfeSS1jLqufirti0nrrberSpo1 WOfesoLb0d.. CGNIA AKPA Addre5s.'44 M¢wSt OrmrK LJncs.L39 2AQ
Ormskirk and District Scout council
Summarised Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31st March 2022 Opening funds £71,438
| Receipts | Payments | Balance | Year 20/21 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Membership fees | £ 7,840.00 | £ 7,840.00 | £ 7,800.00 | |
| Donations and gift aid | £ 15,971.00 | £ 350.00 | £ 15,621.00 | £ 21,499.00 |
| Trading | £ - | £ 50.00 | ||
| Administration | £ 148.55 | £ 1,686.50 | £ (1,537.95) | £ (2,757.00) |
| Activities and events | £ 14,597.00 | £ 14,745.00 | £ (148.00) | £ (165.00) |
| Fund raising | £ - | |||
| Development | £ - | £ (1,065.00) | ||
| Training | £ (110.00) | |||
| Equipment | £ - | £ (437.00) | ||
| Inter Scout events | £ - | £ (21,572.00) | ||
| Premises | £ 3,515.00 | £ 5,816.00 | £ (2,301.00) | £ (6,387.00) |
| HQ redevelopment | £ - | £ (3,497.00) | ||
| Investments | £ - | £ (236.00) | ||
| Loans | £ - | £ (12,650.00) | ||
| Miscellaneous | £ 1,335.00 | £ 886.00 | £ 449.00 | |
| Group funds | £ 525.00 | £ 525.00 | £ 38.20 | |
| District Scout Shop | £ 15,574.00 | £ 9,898.00 | £ 5,676.00 | £ (1,199.00) |
| District Badges | £ 22,767.00 | £ 20,867.00 | £ 1,900.00 | £ 147.00 |
| District Explorers | £ 22,610.00 | £ 19,437.00 | £ 3,173.00 | £ (3,962.00) |
| Totals | £ 104,882.55 | £ 73,685.50 | £ 31,197.05 | £ (24,502.80) |
| Total Income | £ 104,882.55 | |||
| Total expenditure | £ 73,685.50 | |||
| Balance | £ 31,197.05 |
| Statement of assets | and liabilities at 31st March 2022 | and liabilities at 31st March 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monetary assets | Opening balance | Closing balance | |
| CAF District General | |||
| purposes | £ 47,793.00 | £ 70,141.00 | £ 22,348.00 |
| CAF Explorer Account | £ 10,218.00 | £ 13,391.00 | £ 3,173.00 |
| CAF Scout Shop | £ 9,057.00 | £ 14,548.00 | £ 5,491.00 |
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| Coop Badge | £ 4,349.00 | £ - | £ (4,349.00) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash in Hand | £ 20.00 | £ 1,004.00 | £ 984.00 |
| Debts due to district | |||
| Loans by district | £ 300.00 | ||
| Debts due to scout | |||
| shop | |||
| Due from groups | |||
| (badges) | £ 293.00 | ||
| Non monetary assets | |||
| Badge Stock | £ 3356.59 | £ 5,184.00 | |
| Scouts shops stock | |||
| Land and Buildings | £ 170,957.00 | £ 170,957.00 | |
| Fixtures and fittings | £ 3,706.00 | £ 3,706.00 | |
| Equipment | £ 18,687.00 | £ 18,687.00 | |
| Current liabilities | £ - | ||
| District creditors | £ 47.75 | £ 48.00 | |
| Badge creditors | £ - | ||
| Scout shop creditors | £ 50.00 | £ 50.00 |
Account now closed, money transferred to CAF General Purposes
The above account and accompanying statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 24 May 2022 and signed on their behalf by
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Treasurer Chairman
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Heather Lomas
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