2025-03-31-accounts - Ormskirk & District Scouts

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Agenda

110[th] Ormskirk And District Annual General Meeting Tuesday 10[th] June 2025

Introduction and welcome
Apologies for absence
Governance topics
Review of the previous year
Making appointments
Closing remarks

Minutes from the 109[th] AGM

Wednesday 12th June 2024, 7.30pm

Introduction and Welcome: Heather Lomas, Chair of Ormskirk and District Board of Trustees welcomed members of the District Scout Council, Mayor Julian Finch and Mrs Mary Finch and Chris Lomas, representing County. There were 43 people in attendance.

Apologies for absence: There were apologies from 6 persons today (Craig Dewar-Willox, Sue Goldstraw, Lorraine Murt, Corinne Gibson, Rebecca Dickson, Pete Richardson) Governance topics:

Approval of the minutes of the AGM held on the 7[th] June 2023. The District Trustee Board had reviewed the minutes and put forward these minutes are taken as read - Steve Kirby seconded, a show of hands approved.

Adoption of the model constitution from Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR). The Chair, Heather Lomas, explained this is a new item for the agenda and is in line with Scouting HQ recommendations that the model constitution from Chapter 5 of POR, be adopted. The District Trustee Board proposed the adoption, seconded Morgan Vincent Bennett, show of hands approved.

District Financial Year: Financial year is 1[st] April – 31[st] March

Agree number of members that may be appointed to the Trustee Board: The outgoing Trustee Board recommended 12, this includes ex officio and co-opted members. Ian Flavell seconded, a show of hands approved.

Agree the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council (excluding this AGM): The outgoing Trustee Board recommended the quorum should be set at 20 people. Seconded Jacob Richmond, a show of hands approved.

Review of the previous year: Heather Lomas, invited Chris Charlton (District Lead Volunteer) to present her annual review.

District Lead Volunteer Report: Chris thanked everyone for the amazing job they are doing. It’s great to see young people so enthusiastic, when she is out and about. Ormskirk District have had a fantastic year of growth. County have recognised groups who have achieved this by awarding Certificates of Growth. In the latest Compliance Report, District had 100% for Safety & Safeguarding training.

Annual Report of the District Trustee Board including the Annual Statement of Accounts: The District Trustee Board had approved the Annual Report and Statement of Accounts, and had received the report on the accounts from Alan Venn (Scrutineer). Heather invited Eddie Webb to give an explanation of the Statement of Accounts.

Eddie started by saying this was his first year as Treasurer and it had been a real ‘baptism of fire’… However, he had fully enjoyed the experience. The District had seen great growth in the accounts and they had balanced well. The Explorer Scout section were congratulated on their Gift Aid donations, which amounted to over £5000 in tax relief. He urged groups to make full use of Gift Aid. District HQ had purchased a defibrillator, which had cost £1500, which meant there was a slight shortfall. However, if this had been taken out of the equation the facility is very nearly paying for itself. He thanked Linda and Steve Kirby.

Making Appointments: Following the recommendations from the open selection process initiated by the District Trustee Board

Chris Charlton recommended Heather Lomas should be appointed as District Chair, Heather accepted – a show of hands approved.

Heather Lomas recommended Eddie Webb should be appointed as District Treasurer, Eddie accepted – a show of hands approved.

The following Trustees were appointed. Heather gave an explanation re the appointments and the varying times they would serve. Under the new changes all roles are appointed for 1 – 3 years, to ensure a regular turnover of Trustees.

Hugh Miller – 1 year, Pete Richardson – 2 years, Andrew Senior – 3 years, Luke Pargeter – 1 year, Mike Pye – 1 year, Steve Swainson – 2 years

A show of hands approved.

Heather thanked the Trustees for their work over the past year and, in particular John Brindle and Chris Nevill who were standing down.

Heather proposed Alan Venn as Scrutineer. A show of hands approved.

County Representative – Chris Lomas (West Lancs Scout, Deputy Lead Volunteer) Chris apologised on behalf of Craig Dewar-Willox who had been held up at work.

He congratulated the District on the phenomenal work they are doing. The growth in the District is fantastic. He is very proud, as not every District were achieving this growth. There has been a huge growth in the Explorer section and thanked Colin and his team. There are now 9 Squirrel Dreys and more are planned for September and beyond. Having a Squirrel Drey has vitalized Scout groups. He urged everyone to embrace the changes to Scouting, team-based volunteering means less barriers and makes it much easier for people to volunteer.

There are 3 areas to measure success

How many nights away, Youth numbers, Top awards. The future is looking really bright.

Heather invited the Mayor, Julian Finch, to say a few words. He thanked District for the invitation, and congratulated everyone for the great work being carried out in Ormskirk & District.

Heather closed the AGM, thanked Linda for taking the minutes and everyone for attending. She invited people to stay for the Taskmaster event being run by Network.

Chair of Trustees’ Report

Welcome to the 110th Annual report for Ormskirk and District Scouts. What a wonderful year we have had! As you read further through our annual report you will be able to see all the fantastic life changing opportunities we have been able to provide to our young people.

We should be very proud of the work we do in the community and the impact we have. Please do take some time to read, reflect and celebrate the work we have done over the last 12 months.

I would like to take a moment to thank Chris, the District Team and the wider volunteer teams in the Groups across the District for all that they do, each and every week. We really couldn't do it without you!

Heather Lomas - District Chair

Treasurer’s Statement

2024/2025

The district continues to be in good financial health having begun the year with funds of £108,478 and ended with £135,016; an increase of £26,538.

The primary reason for this increase was due to holding a balance of £25,764 for district participants in Red Rose 26, the County trip to Canada in August 2026. Funds in other accounts increased by £774.

Activities & events

In FY24/25 the district provided or supported another fun year of events across all sections. All events were run within budgets agreed by the Programme Team Lead and, where considered necessary due to risk, with the approval of the Finance Committee. Activities and events were run at an expenditure of £32,090, giving a small surplus of £184. Costs include deposits for events scheduled for the coming year, including Solstice, Gang Show, Gathering and, not forgetting, the wonderful Briars Ball.

The Gathering 2024 unfortunately did not go ahead, and the venue deposit of £385 was lost. The Gathering has been a hugely successful and cash-positive event in previous years and the financial impact for the district is notable by its absence. We very much look forward to the return of the Gathering in 2025 at Tawd Vale.

There has been an improvement in the reporting of activity costs in 24/25. The use of online booking systems, pre-credited debit cards and sum-up card machines are a helpful step in the right direction. Groups are requested, where possible, to update their banking facilities to avoid the use of cheques and provide clear narrative on bank transfers to make clear the payment purpose.

District Head Quarters

Under excellent management and operation, District HQ returned a surplus of £2,990. This figure includes all services and expenses but excludes insurances. A £1,000 refund from energy providers SSE was offset by payment of business rates to WLBC.

The district headquarters requires floor repairs due to localised dry rot. Assessment of this problem is in hand and informal quotations estimate likely costs of rectification will be between £5,000 and £10,000. It is hoped that external grants can be secured to offset this cost with the work being carried out in the coming financial year.

Membership Fees

1,424 Young People counted at census. Membership fees of £55 per member were due from groups made up of £48 per member payable by district to County plus the district levy of £7/ member which was set by vote of the District Trustees.

Total membership fees due to district this year (all groups & Explorers): £78,320.00 Capitation fees of £68,688.00 were paid to WLCSC on 17/03/25

Late membership fees from 23/24 received this year: £4,171.00

Late membership fees for 24/25 not received at year end: £14,190.00

HMRC Gift Aid

The Explorer Section claims Gift Aid on behalf of the district and this is processed via the District General CAF Account. All amounts received are transferred to the Explorers CAF account upon receipt. The district received Gift Aid of £5,976 in FY24/25.

Investment in equipment

£2,442 was invested in first aid training equipment and £191 was invested in circus equipment. At the present time the District does not have an up-to-date list of all the equipment that it owns. This should be a task for FY25/26 such that (i) new equipment can be identified, budgeted and purchased to support District activities, e.g. new PA system (ii) that insurances can be properly assessed and premiums reduced where possible (iii) that equipment can be loaned out to Groups at a nominal cost generating revenue to offset District levy and (iv) that training and maintenance can be budgeted and undertaken to ensure safe and appropriate use of equipment.

Badge & Shop Stock

Provision of uniform & badge stock for retail purchase continues to be an invaluable local resource and the shop continues to pay dividends to Scout Groups in the District with an open account. It is noted that stock level increased by £4,321 and £2,452 respectively in FY 24/25. All GLV’s are kindly requested to ensure any aged debts are settled promptly.

Fund Raising for Red Rose Canada 2026 and Jamboree 2027

District events provide an opportunity to raise funds for young people to attend County & National level international events by the sale of crafts, confectionary and other entrepreneurial means. FY24/25 has seen funds raised for:

Red Rose 26 Canada:

£917.63 including sum-up amounts fund-raised for Red Rose 26 are transferred to an Event Sub Account (37603) in CAF and managed independently by the Red Rose Core Team and with oversight & payments second authorised by the District Treasurer or other Trustee.

It is noted for the Jamboree 2027 (Poland) £1,000 was ring-fenced in 24/25 and a further £2,000 has been budgeted for in the 25/26 budget. This totals £3,000 which currently sits within the balance of the District CAF General Account. Remaining funds to support YP selected from the District to attend the Jamboree will be allocated in the 26/27 budget noting the change in funding support to County 25%, District 25%, Participant 50%.

Sum Up Machines

The District put into use two Sum Up e-sales machines in Dec 2024 and these have proven to be successful in collecting donations and undertaking cashless sales. Donations raised in FY24/25 (net of Sum Up commission of 2%) totalled £888 as follows:

Red Rose 26 £565.63

Belgium 26 £262.08 – not included in District accounts as collected on behalf of W. Lancs Gangshow 25 £60.01

Funds from the Sum Up account were not transferred to CAF General account until 28/05/25. The Sum-Up machines are available on loan to Groups by prior agreement.

Loans to Groups

All loans to Groups are fully repaid.

District Grants and Funds Disbursement

In 23/24 the District set aside in the budget grant funds as follows:

Section Grants – All sections were allocated £200 to support section promotional events or to offset reasonable event costs. Only £400 (Explorers & Network) was claimed.

Squirrel Start Up Grants - Groups opening up new Squirrel Sections were eligible to claim £100 (& later increased to £200) to offset costs. Claims were made by 40[th] Ormskirk (£100) and 1[st] Upholland (£200) totalling £300.

Training – £1,000 was budgeted for training purposes to cover both mandatory leader training,

activity permit training or refresher training, noting it is considered that there is a general need to increase permitting within the District particularly where the persons undertaking the training would be willing to support District events and service provision. £570 of these funds were claimed in FY24/25 and a more structured approach to training should be a future target.

International Grants - £1,300 of grants supporting overseas trips for young people were paid out in 24/25. Applications for for grants should be directed to treasurer@ormskirkscouts.org.uk . Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee.

DLV Discretionary funds (including hardship) - £400 was paid out in FY24/25.

Financial Report

Ormskirk & District Scout Council

Summarised Statement of Financial Activities for Year Ended 31[st] March 2025

District Lead Volunteer

I know I said it last year but - Congratulations AGAIN to all the Leaders and young people who make Ormskirk and District the best District in West Lancs. We have had another year of growth, an achievement not enjoyed in all Districts in West Lancs. This is a testament to the dedication and commitment of every single volunteer in the District. I am proud to lead such a fantastic team.

This year has had its ups and downs with some fantastic Scouting going on around the District interwoven with the challenges that the new digital system has provided us with for the past 6 months. The initial launch was delayed a few times and finally came live at the beginning of December. I think it is fair to say that, at that point, the system was not exactly fit for purpose. Many upgrades have taken place since and we are now in a situation where we have a usable, useful system. Thank you to everyone who has helped guide our Leaders and Managers to carry on doing all their normal tasks in a totally different way.

The District Management Team is continuing to develop and grow. We have seen the start of Welcome Conversations and the new Learning modules in the Volunteer Development Team, we now have a catalogue for District stores that can be booked out and has been circulated to Groups as part of the Support Team, the 14 – 25 Team continues to grow and we have a new Team Leader for Explorers, and the Programme and Events team have finished the year on a high with a new format St, George’s Day celebration.

There will be Management Team reports to expand on the above, but I would like to highlight a couple of our successes. We now have over half of our groups with Squirrel Dreys, and I would like to welcome years 5 & 6 from Scarisbrick Hall School into our Scouting family at 41st Ormskirk (Halsall & Scarisbrick). The school has introduced Cubs into those year groups with a number of teachers becoming Cub Leaders. We look forward to welcoming some of them on the District Cub camp and from September the older ones in year 6 will be doing Scouts rather than Cubs.

I would like to congratulate all those who have gained awards this year including top awards for our Young People, Good Service awards for our amazing Volunteers and those who have been recognised inside and outside Scouting for their outstanding achievements. We are very lucky to have such dedicated people, not forgetting all those who facilitate the YP getting their CS Acorn, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and King’s awards.

Finally, I make no apology for repeating my closing statement from last year. Each and every one of you is a valued member of Ormskirk and District and you all have my heartfelt thanks for everything you do. Please keep up the good work that makes us such a fantastic District. Chris Charlton - District Lead Volunteer

Programme Team

The past 12 months has seen changes with teams-based working, titles changes and new training. Although change can be challenging at times, we’re supporting Young People and aiding their development with Skills for life, and I believe these changes will help us going forward.

Squirrels I’m pleased to say Squirrels now has a District representative for the section in Corrine Gibson who after running the first District Drey has taken the decision to become part of the team and support others. Corrine is currently developing the programme, and this starts with a Fun Day on Saturday 5[th] July 10.00 – 14.30 followed with a spot of tea and cake for Squirrel Leaders for a meeting at the 40[th] Hut (Aughton) afterwards.

After over 5 years supporting Beaver Colonies in the District Paula decided to call time on supporting the district to focus on working with her own Beaver Colony. I’m very grateful for the support Paula has shown and I’m sure you will all agree she has done an excellent job and wish her well. She will continue to

support the District Archery team and lead Crawford Beavers, so we’ll still see her around.

A big thank you to Ann Redwood, Anne Molyneux and Catherine Walton for continuing to support the District Beaver section, it’s been agreed that we’re looking to add additional Leader support to enhance the Beaver programme team.

Paula said “thank you to Paul Cochrane, District Team and Beavers Leaders for the support over the years and I look forward to seeing development in Beavers going forward.

Cub programme has been more focused over the last 12 months which started in January with a trip to Rossendale for skiing, and prior to that a well-supported and fun day at Crocky Trail in May along with a County Cub Camp. Talking to Paul about the last 12 months he said I’m lucky to have such great support from all members of the District Cub Team and enjoy great support from Leaders when running our events. A particular highlight of the year has been presenting over 60 Chief Scout Silver awards around the district”

The next adventure for the Cubs section is the District Cub Camp at Scarisbrick Guide Camp site located within Scarisbrick Hall School on the 6[th] -9[th] June and although I can’t attend, I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing the feedback.

Scouts Due to work commitment Jacob left the Scout section and District after many years of great service. He’s missed but change brings opportunity, and I’m pleased that Jane Lea and Lorraine Murt have picked up from Jacob and are delivering an excellent programme designed to help achieve Chief Scout Golds and offer nights away and skills to our Young People.

Lorraine and Jane said “working together has been fantastic and we decided upon a quality focused programme assisting towards Chief Scout Golds. Scout Leaders have really got behind us which has resulted in increased numbers at Scouting events so thank you”

Lorraine and Jane have ambitious plans, and we have just seen excellent representation at County Rally with 171 participants from Ormskirk. Next is the revamped Solstice event with Brian Smith, Gill Howarth, Steve Moss, Charlie Frankland joining the District Scout team to deliver, let’s hope the sun shines but its not too hot as its going to be a busy weekend for the Scouts.

Sessions have been taking place for Archery and Fencing for groups around Activities the District. I have received great support from the Trustee Board in wanting to develop the range of activities we are able to offer groups. This work continues with shooting and water activity development going forward. If you have activity permits or want to develop skills and work towards a permit then please let me know as we must grow and refresh teams in especially water, climbing as well as adding new activities going forward.

Finally thank you to Chris Charlton for offering me advice and sharing her knowledge in my roles of District Programme and Development. I don’t think anybody could or would have worked harder on the District with Chris dedicating many hours and sacrificing her own group to pick this District up after COVID. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Paul Cochrane - District Programme Lead

The Explorers have had another very busy year with the highlight being Red Rose 2024. The District Explorer Red Rose team worked hard to ensure that Explorers could make the most of aoa “~ = : nef the week and this was helped by the Explorer sub camp team who were brilliant.

The programme has been full once again and this is in addition to the tireless work put in by the Unit teams who make sure there are meetings every week. —_~ - : ‘ The walking days have been popular again and included both Snowdon and Sca Fell Pike this : Soe ™, year. The Go-karting Grand Prix was another highlight along with The beach night, minimoonlight, roller-skating and the Christmas cinema night. Explorers travelled to the Cairngorms on Snow and Ice and also to a new event called Fell and Rock in the Lake District. They also “bs oP. ~ hy ar >< competed in the Mountain Adventure challenge once again. There is so much on offer both within District and beyond that the young people should never get bored. Young Leaders have supported groups once again and are thoroughly enjoying their roles. Network members have been very active with the huge success of the Barn Dance which was a very lively night. They have been on the network camps and involved with organising the big national camp at Easter, the Network Gathering. They meet on a monthly basis with extra activities that they want to get involved with. Network members did a fabulous job with the gang show and have already started on next years.

There is also an Explorer belt team from Ormskirk Network and this year they are organising the Ormskirkopoly Run, which as well as being great fun and a good programme filler, will also serve as a fundraiser too.

Both Explorer teams and Network entered moonlight and did very well with 3[rd] place in each competition.

Thank you as always for support for our section and thank you to the Explorer leaders and Network members who do so much. Dawn Corlett - 14-24 Team Member ; re a ¢. 4 1@

Volunteering Development Team

Our aim is to support our volunteers on their Scouting journey ensuring it’s a positive and enjoy able experience. Yes there is still a long way to go with a lot to still achieve but with the team we are getting there and making a difference. I would like to thank everyone who has embraced the new digital system and completed all the actions that are required of them. The team consists or several smaller teams, these are all listed below.

Learning. Volunteer led learning is a whole new concept, with most of our learning done through online modules, where volunteers can do training as and when they have time. First impressions are positive especially for our younger volunteers, but we are aware of some volunteers struggling, the learning team is there to help. Every single member of Scouts must log on and complete their learning. The Safety learning has been our main priority over the last few months getting everyone logged on and completed by July 2025. First Aid is a constant ongoing thing and Sandra Birchall is on hand to get everyone organised to complete it. Thanks to Sandra and to Chris for all their time and energy.

Inclusion. This new team was brought together last July and launched into the District in October to support the District in providing an inclusive, positive, proactive and understanding culture for all. Led by Luke Pargeter the team have attended leader meetings, St George Day and several groups offering advice and running evenings for them. The feedback has been very positive from everyone. We aim to continue to offer support and advice on Neurodiversity and Disabilities, Religion and Beliefs, Sexual Orientation and Identities and Mental Health for all. Thanks to all the team for your time and energy. The team will be at the Gathering so please call in to see them. Remember “Together We Are Better”

Welcome Conversations. This team was formed to help run the welcome conversations required by the new system and replaces the Adult Appointments Committee. 30 plus volunteers undertook training and then were accredited to be able to run the conversations, playing a pivotal role in ensuring our new members feel valued, informed and ready to embark on their journey in Scouting. Our welcome conversation coordinator is Jo Nevill who helps GLVs get in touch with the right welcome conversation volunteers. Thank you, Jo, for your time.

Awards. We have a lot of fantastic volunteers in the District that give a lot of time and amazing service to scouting. Individuals can now submit nominations for awards through their membership online but our awards team of Tolu Oshinowo, Chris Charlton and Fay Voller make sure nobody is left out. Over the year they have met up, written citations and submitted applications. Thank you.

Recruitment. This team will work to recruiting new volunteers, supporting and placing them in the correct role. As yet we haven’t developed this team but it is something we will be working on in the very near future. We are looking for dynamic, enthusiastic volunteers who would be prepared to join the team and get Ormskirk District growing.

Legal & Administrative Details

Ormskirk & District Scouts

Registered Charity No. 1068959 District Registration The Scout Association 12911 Governing Instrument The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association by authority of a Royal Charter dated January 1912. Aims Our mission - Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. Our values - We act with care, respect, integrity, cooperation, exploring our own and others’ beliefs. 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 Alan Venn 71 Claughton Avenue Clayton-le-Woods, Leyland Web Site www.ormskirkscouts.org.uk District HQ Hall Lane, Lathom, L40 5UQ Contact Address Hall Lane, Lathom, L40 5UQ

Report of the Trustees for the year ended 31st March 2025

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

District Commissioner Chris Charlton Trustees: Ex-Officio District Chair Heather Lomas District Explorer Scout Commissioner Colin Marshall District Youth Commissioner Erin McGee (Until January 2024) District Youth Commissioner Rhys Evans (From January 2024) Trustees: Elected Hugh Miller Mike Pye Steve Swainson Trustees: Nominated Luke Pargeter Andrew Senior Pete Richardson

Ormskirk & District Scout Council

Summarised Statement of Financial Activities for Year Ended 31[st] March 2025

Treasurers Statement

2024/2025

The district continues to be in good financial health having begun the year with funds of £108,478 and ended with £135,016; an increase of £26,538.

Activities & events

District Head Quarters

Membership Fees

1,424 Young People counted at census. Membership fees of £55 per member were due from groups made up of £48 per member payable by district to County plus the district levy of £7/member which was set by vote of the District Trustees.

Total membership fees due to district this year (all groups & Explorers): £78,320.00

Capitation fees of £68,688.00 were paid to WLCSC on 17/03/25 Late membership fees from 23/24 received this year: £4,171.00 Late membership fees for 24/25 not received at year end: £14,190.00

HMRC Gift Aid

Investment in equipment

£2,442 was invested in first aid training equipment and £191 was invested in circus equipment.

At the present time the District does not have an up-to-date list of all the equipment that it owns. This should be a task for FY25/26 such that (i) new equipment can be identified, budgeted and purchased to support District activities, e.g. new PA system (ii) that insurances can be properly assessed and premiums reduced where possible (iii) that equipment can be loaned out to Groups at a nominal cost generating revenue to offset District levy and (iv) that training and maintenance can be budgeted and undertaken to ensure safe and appropriate use of equipment.

Badge & Shop Stock

Fund Raising for Red Rose Canada 2026 and Jamboree 2027

District events provide an opportunity to raise funds for young people to attend County & National level international events by the sale of crafts, confectionary and other entrepreneurial means.

FY24/25 has seen funds raised for:

Red Rose 26 Canada: £917.63 including sum-up amounts

Funds raised for Red Rose 26 are transferred to an Event Sub Account (37603) in CAF and managed independently by the Red Rose Core Team and with oversight & payments second authorised by the District Treasurer or other Trustee.

It is noted for the Jamboree 2027 (Poland) £1,000 was ringed fenced in 24/25 and a further £2,000 has been budgeted for in the 25/26 budget. This totals £3,000 which currently sits

within the balance of the District CAF General Account. Remaining funds to support YP selected from the District to attend the Jamboree will be allocated in the 26/27 budget noting the change in funding support to County 25%, District 25%, Participant 50%.

Sum Up Machines

Red Rose 26 Canada £565.63 Belgium 26 £262.08 – not included in district accounts as collected on behalf of West Lancs County Gangshow 25 £60.01

Funds from the Sum Up account were not transferred to CAF General account until 28/05/25. The Sum-Up machines are available on loan to Groups by prior agreement.

Loans to Groups

All loans to Groups are fully repaid.

District Grants and Funds Disbursement

In 23/24 the District set aside in the budget grant funds as follows:

(i) Section Grants – All sections were allocated £200 to support section promotional events or to offset reasonable event costs. Only £400 (Explorers & Network) was claimed.
(ii) Squirrel Start Up Grants - Groups opening up new Squirrel Sections were eligible to claim £100 (& later increased to £200) to offset costs. Claims were made by 40[th] Ormskirk (£100) and 1[st] Upholland (£200) totalling £300.
(iii) Training – £1,000 was budgeted for training purposes to cover both mandatory leader training, activity permit training or refresher training, noting it is considered that there is a general need to increase permitting within the District particularly where the persons undertaking the training would be willing to support District events and service provision. £570 of these funds were claimed in FY24/25 and a more structured approach to training should be a future target.
(iv) International Grants - £1,300 of grants supporting overseas trips for young people were paid out in 24/25. Applications for for grants should be directed to treasurer@ormskirkscouts.org.uk . Applications will be reviewed and approved by the Finance Committee.
(v) DLV Discretionary funds (including hardship) - £400 was paid out in FY24/25.

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