OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2024-03-31-accounts

Bristol South

District Trustees Annual Report

to the

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

for the year ended 31 March 2024

presented at the Annual General Meeting 6 September 2024

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Contents Pages
Reference and Administrative Information 1
Structure, Governance and Management 2
Objectives and Activities
Public Benefit 3
Risk Assessment
Financial Review
Statement of Trustees Responsibilities
Additional Reporting Requirements 4
Achievements and Performance 2023-24
Paul Harper – District Commissioner/Lead Volunteer 5-14
Steve Williams – District Chairman, Board of Trustees 15
Declaration 16

The accounts for the fiscal year 2023-24 and Independent Examine Statement form a separate document to this report.

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Status

The scout district was first registered with the Charity Commission (England & Wales) on 22[nd] March 2002 under the charity number 1091301 on the merger of the Bristol SE and SW Scout districts.

The charity is part of the Scout Association, located within the ‘Scout County of Avon’ and has the district registration number 16716.

District Trustees during 2023-24

Steve Williams District Chairman (X)
Paul Harper District Commissioner (X)
Tony Rees District Treasurer (X)
Scott Stowell Deputy District Commissioner (N)
Cathy Harding Deputy District Commissioner (N)
Vacancy District Explorer Scout Commissioner (X)
Gemma Francis District Explorer Leader (stood down during the year) (E)
Nick Winter District Explorer Scout Administrator (E)
Gary Turner District Scouter (E)
Reece Foley District Youth Commissioner (stood down during the year) (X)
Stephen Thomas Executive Committee Member (E)
Nick Eccles Executive Committee Member (E)
Roger Whiter District Network Commissioner (X)
Aaron Wheatley Executive Committee Member (N)

(N) District Commissioner’s Nomination, (E) Elected Member (X) Ex-officio There we no co-options to the Board of Trustees during the year under review.

Trustee categories will be changing in line with the Scout Association’s Transformation programme currently being rolled out. This will result in future Trustees being ‘Appointed’ with only two Exofficio positions, that of District Lead Volunteer [formerly DC] and District Youth Lead.

Principal Address

c/o. 45 Whitecross Avenue, Bristol, BS14 9JF

Bankers

Lloyds Bank, Kingswood, Bristol PO Box 1000, BS1 6AH Virgin Media, Unit 1, Transom House, Victoria Street, BX1 1LT

Bristol South District Website and e-mail Address

www.bristolsouthscouts.org.uk contact@bristolsouthscouts.org.uk

Independent Financial Examiner

Mr I J Chalmers

1

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Structure, Governance and Management

The district’s governing documents and constitution are those of The Scout Association (TSA). These consist of Charter Royal, 1991 being the most recent, which in turn gives authority to the bye laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association. The district is a trust established under its rules, which are common to all Scouts. The trustees are appointed in accordance with the rules and policies contained in POR of The Scout Association.

The District Board of Trustees (BOT) consisted of up to 14 members during the year, which as an educational charity, manages the district. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission (England & Wales) as appropriate.

The district operates under the model rules and constitution provided by The Scout Association under POR rule 5 and subsections, as amended from time to time and with due regard and implementation of national policies, including, but not limited to, equal opportunities/equality, privacy and data protection, safeguarding and anti-bullying, safety and vetting.

The BOT meets on average six times a year (also by Zoom if circumstances dictate), and exists to support the District Leadership Team in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:

As progress is made towards the full implementation of the ‘Transformation’ programme elements of BOT activity may be subject to further change.

Purpose, Objectives and Activities

The purpose of Scouting is to actively encourage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

The objectives of the district are as a unit of the Scout Association. The Aim of The Scout Association is:

“To promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials, as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local national and international communities.”

“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.”

2

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Public Benefit

The district meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the ‘advancement of education’ and the ‘advancement of citizenship or community development’ headings. Bristol south scout district ‘catchment’ covers the following postal code areas of south Bristol, though in some areas not exclusively BS1, BS3, BS4, BS13 and BS14. Whilst membership, both young people and adult volunteer, is principally drawn from these areas, activities are not confined to these locations.

Risk Assessment

The DEC/BOT has identified the major risks to which they believe the district is exposed, these have been periodically reviewed and systems have established to mitigate against them. The principal areas of concern that have been identified are:

Financial Review

Due to the nature of the district funding not being guaranteed to be consistent from one year to another the Reserves Policy is flexible in nature. In essence being sufficient funds to continue to pay non deferable or fixed debts/costs for a period of three years without funding being received from the usual income streams. This usually amounts to being in the region of £18k.

Funds are also allocated in addition to this for any possible costs associated with the vacation of the Eastwinds Scout Centre property, £20k and other activities funds are held in specific bank accounts separate from the general district account e.g. Jamboree fund, Explorer Scout fund and Gang Show fund. Funds held are regularly monitored to ensure that they do not become excessive and that are used to the widest possible benefit. Opportunities to invest in local scouting post ‘pandemic period’ are returning and new ones identified. A financial support package to groups and units within the district to attend activities was actioned from the 2023-24 budgets, this will continue in 2024-25 along with other activity subsidies and grants etc to reduce balances to reasonable levels, within three to five years. “Spending wisely for greatest benefit not in haste”.

The district is registered with HMRC for Gift Aid, £717.37 being claimed in 2023-24. This figure is set to rise annually.

3

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

The district has adopted a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in Lloyds Bank Accounts, some interest bearing, yielding £1k interest in the year. The district continues to reduce cash holdings, only now held by the Eastwinds Manager.

The BOT 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.

The district has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; these include either two signatories or two online approvals for payments.

Statement of Trustees Financial Responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for ensuring the keeping of proper accounting records which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the district and forecasting outturn during the year enabling financial provisions to be planned with a degree of certainty.

Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the district and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. The accounts have been drawn up on the receipts and payments basis and follow best practice as set out in the Statement of Recommended Practice “Accounting and Reporting by Charities.”

Additional Required Reporting

There were no ‘serious’ or notifiable local incidents during the year under review. All processes are subject to review by the trustees.

Grant making is not the main way the charity fulfils its purposes. However, in these times, refunds have been made and small grants made available within the scout district in addition to those usually considered e.g. hardship assistance. There was no fundraising from the general public.

No funding was received as a payment for contracts with central or local government.

The charity does not have any trading subsidiaries, nor does it operate outside of England & Wales and has not received any overseas funding.

All the trustees are volunteers and as such not remunerated except for the payment of claimed expenses. There are no paid staff, thus no trustees have resigned to start paid appointments.

As a young person’s charity, all volunteers including trustees are subject to a DBS check prior to appointment, which is reviewed upon positional changes and after five years. This service along with others e.g. mandatory safeguarding and safety training is provided centrally by The Scout Association or via its approved contractor. Trustee details are recorded and shown on The Charity Commission portal.

4

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Achievements and Performance

DC/DLV - Paul Harper

Thanks to everyone for attending tonight. This report covers the Scout year from April 2023 to March 2024.

Membership

Scouting is thriving in Bristol South. The 2024 Census shows there are 1265 young people involved in scouting in Bristol south. This is a1% reduction on 1272 in the previous year. Squirrels, Beavers and Explorer numbers are slightly up overall, with Cubs and Scouts slightly down. However, group/unit numbers are stable and many have waiting lists of those interested with demand for Scouting is still outstripping supply, Last January we had 343 young people on our waiting list, this year its 493, so leader recruitment is still crucial.

Most importantly though, the number of young people in Bristol South has increased by over 26% in the past 3 years from 1004 to 1065. This number is also 4% ahead of our Pre pandemic total. Congratulations to all our volunteers.

In a year when there has been so much change at GLV level, this is a fantastic result.

5

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Squirrels

We now have two established Squirrel Dreys at 11[th] Bristol Air Scout Group and Windmill Hill Scout Group. Demand seems to be high so as further Groups decide to take the plunge and set up a Drey, we now have some experts who can help. .

Redcliffe Beavers (supported by 255[th] Channel Sea Scouts)

As an attempt to offer Scouting in the inner City, we are pleased to be trialling the new Redcliffe Beaver Colony which is being supported by the two Counties project and 255[th] (Channel) Sea Scout Group. It has been an interesting challenge, but I am delighted to announce the Group has four young people invested but also four new volunteers undergoing their getting started training. Here they are making bird boxes and Gingerbread people.

We have also regained an old Friend. Chris James, who many of you will recall as GSL of 255[th] Channel Sea scouts, has returned as an assistant leader in the Redcliffe Colony.

6

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Activities

A picture paints a thousand words, how very true!

7

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Explorers, Young Leaders, Duke of Edinburgh’s Team and Network

Explorer numbers have risen this year. Our two Explorer units, Supernova and Spinnaker are developing with a more Explorer-led programme. Supernova PL/APLS met with Leaders to discuss several term's worth of nights with a range of activities including team building, problem solving, and back to scout basics such as fire lighting and knife skills.

Spinnaker have also been allowing for more nights to be run by Explorers and we are hoping for a good Fiesta with members from both units attending. Both units are now routinely hosting joint nights we recently visited Ashton Court to play wide games. Great fun was had by all.

Duke of Edinburgh Award participation saw a silver team for this year with six Network and Explorer Scouts practice on the Quantocks. With funding from the District, they now have a range of new equipment to take with them from tents to Trangias. Go Outdoors also offered additional discounts and a kit night for all Explorers so the young people managed to learn a thing or two and got a good discount.

Bristol South adults are now supporting over 60 young people to form the next generation of volunteers allowing them to learn vital skills like communication, programme development and assessing their leadership skills, through the Young Leaders Scheme.

8

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Supernova and Spinnaker Explorers had a lovely weekend in the sunshine, taking part in the “Strategy & Evolution” event. We had four teams, and they all did really well. Well done all.

The Gert Lush Network, although in its early stages of reforming won the Golden Boot at the Rickard shield are keen to get a good sturdy base for the next level of Scouting to continue within Bristol South.

9

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

World Scout Jamboree - South Korea

This year, Cathy’s major focus was as Avon Scouts contingent leader at the World scout Jamboree in Korea. Our district was represented by three impressive Young People; Alex, Joel and Callum plus Cathy Harding and Tim Jones who had the honour of leading the Avon contingent and Tim Bird and Bethany Stubbins who provided support via the International Service Team.

While there were some well publicised challenges, our young people had an amazing experience and have told that to everyone who will listen!

Strengthening Our Group Structure

Our Scouting depends on our volunteers, who give thousands of hours to ensure our young people gain skills for life. So, our focus this year, as a district was to support Groups, ensuring they have the right people in the right roles, and, most importantly, a GSL/GLV to attract, motivate and support your team of adult volunteers and to train and support our Group Lead Volunteers.

Many members of the district team cover a number of roles and, of course some of us volunteer in Groups as well. While we still aim to visit every Group, we have often needed to focus where extra support was required or requested.

At Group level, the key to growth is to have an inspirational Group Lead Volunteer to support the volunteers. Hence the focus on appointing new GLV/GSLs and utilising strong groups to support others in need of mentoring.

10

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Over the past two years we ran a series of training events for the GLVs and District Team members of tomorrow. This enabled us to identify and train the Next generation of GLVs and District Team. We have supported the appointment of eight Group Scout Leaders/ Group Lead volunteers, a DESC, an ESL (Young Leaders) and provided face to face training to support them as well as providing a forum for them to share ideas with each other.

Transformation

2023 was the year we started the roll out the national to group transformation project. Titles are changing so a summary might help.

Previous title New Title
Cub Scout Leader, scout leader, beaver
leader, Squirrel leader etc		 Section Leader
Group Scout Leader (GSL) Group Lead Volunteer (GLV)
Assistant leader, sectional assistant Volunteer Team member
District Commissioner (DC) District Lead volunteer (DLV)
ADC etc District Volunteer
District/Group Executive Committee District/Group Board of Trustees
(DBOT/GBOT)

Scott led the project on behalf of the district, and we provided support through training for Group Chairs and GLVs. This year training included: -

11

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

St George’s Day Parade 2023

With an estimated 500 young people and adult volunteers representing 15 Scout Groups and both our Explorer scout units, this year created an experience which many will look back on with pride. Beaming faces and loud voices marked an occasion when our young people could be proud to be a scout. Thanks to our WSJ scouts and all our young people for their contribution. And a special mention should go to our Squirrel Scouts who attended and made such a memorable squirrel promise.

Such a momentous event doesn’t happen by chance. Thanks to everyone in the District Team who organised and ran it and to all our scouting volunteers and parents for making it such a great celebration of Scouting in Bristol South.

It was the end of an era as we sadly say goodbye to parading on public roads due to additional costs now being imposed. The police insistence on use of outside contractors to manage the parade meant the previous format was no longer viable. We were the last district in Avon to hold a traditional St George’s Day Parade. The new DLV team are intending to introduce a new format so we can recommence this important event in 2025.

12

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Gang Show – February 2024

This year’s spectacular show had the biggest cast and more young people than ever before. The County Commissioner, County Chair, Girl Guides Bristol SW Divisional commissioner and around 700 people were treated to an excellent show with singing dancing, comedy. It is also a great advert to other Scouts with visits from representatives of Gang Shows in Swindon, Exeter, and Newport all visiting. Fred Webb, our County Gang show assessor told us it was our best show yet!

If you would like to be part of this amazing show next year, watch out for next year’s auditions. Every Cub, Scout, Explorer, Network, Brownie and Girl Guide members are welcome, leaders as well! Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons and transport is available from some Scout HQs.

13

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

New District Lead Volunteer team

On 1[st] April 2024, Scott, Cathy and I handed on the baton to a new District Leadership Team. Our initial tenure of 18 months was eventually extended to 3 years! The new DLV team is Sean Hegarty, Ben Wherrett and James Blackmore. They will share responsibilities between them with a shared email account. My aim was always to remain only long enough to ensure that the excellent scouting in the district could be sustained for the long term and, in some cases, rebuilt after the COVID lock-down. I am delighted to be handing over to a new fresh, talented and dedicated team.

Farewell & Thanks

As this is my last AGM Report as your District Lead Volunteer, I would like to express my thanks to everyone who has supported me over the past three years: -

Bristol South will always have a special place in my heart, and I wish you all every success for the future!

Thank you for all you do for our young people.

Paul

Paul Harper – District Commissioner

14

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

District Chairman’s Report 2024

As we come to the end of another Scouting year, we all reflect on the past year and the highs and lows of our scouting life. I am sure that there have been many occasions you come home from a session or scout meeting and shout “That’s it, I am giving up scouts! I am done with it! ”. Only to follow the next session with shouts of “ Why did I ever think about giving up scouting!”

For the District Board of Trustees, it has been more a case of getting to terms with the idea of changes both as National, District and Group level. I am sure most of you have heard the term ‘transformation’ spoke about over the last 6 months, as we know is just another word for change.

Georg C Lichtenberg, the 17[th] C German physicist, is quoted to have said “ I cannot say whether things will get better if we change: What I can say is they must change if they are to get better”

Frances Hesselbein who between 1965 and 1976 rose from volunteer troop leader of the Girl Scouts of the USA to CEO until 1990. During her tenure, the Girl Scouts attained a membership of 2.25 million girls with a workforce of 780,000, mainly volunteers. She is quoted to have said “ Culture does not change because we desire to change it. Culture changes when the organisation is transformed. The culture reflects the realities of people working together every day.”

I trust that we can all come to terms with changes however big or small they may seem at the time and remember that Scouting is not only an organisation but a movement: constantly moving and changing to remain relevant to our young people of both today and more importantly tomorrow.

On a district level we have had to accept a change in our District Leadership Team, and on behalf of the Board of Trustees and myself personally I would like to express our sincere thanks to Paul Harper (who’s title changed from District Commissioner to District Lead Volunteer), for all his hard work and devotion to our District over the last 3 years. Which is truly reflected in his annual report, We wish him all the best in his next scouting endeavour.

Our new District Lead Volunteer Team have now been appointed with effect of 1[st] April and will soon, if not already done so, make themselves known to the district. Again, we wish Sean, Ben and James every success for the future.

To all Scout volunteers in the district (whatever your new titles), young and old, new to scouting or a seasoned leader, I trust you have another great year in scouting.

On a foot note, Fransis Hesselbein lived to be 107 years old so perhaps it can be said that Scouting is good for your health, wellbeing and longevity? Here’s to another great year in scouting in Bristol South.

Yours in Scouting

Steve Williams

Chair, District Board of Trustees

15

BRISTOL SOUTH DISTRICT SOUTH COUNCIL TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees Report above. Signed on behalf of the Charity's Trustees by:

Steve Williams – Chair, Board of Trustees 2023-24

Paul Harper – District Lead Volunteer [formerly DC] 2023-24

Date: 6[th] September 2024

16

Bristol South Scout District Board Of Trustees Annual Accounts 2023-24

Registered Charity 1091301

Contents:

Page

1 Cover & Contents 2 Account Summaries & Assets 3 Main District Operational Accounts 4 District Gang Show District Jamboree 5 Eastwinds Scout Centre District Explorers (including Young Leaders & DofE) 6 Spinnaker Sea Explorer Scout Unit Supernova Explorer Scout Unit 7 District Network - Gert Lush Approval Declaration 8 Commentary 9 Independent Examiners Report

www.bristolsouthscouts.org.uk

Page One

Accounts Statement - 2023 - 2024

Accounts Summaries B/F Income Expenditure Balance
Main Operational Accounts £ 146509.11 74622.22 90962.91 130168.42 n1
District Gang Show 4559.73 7035.01 7054.70 4540.04
District Jamboree 347.96 0.00 0.00 347.96
Eastwinds Manager 313.30 95.00 285.64 122.66
District Explorers 595.24 3307.88 3397.47 505.65
Spinnaker SESU 1442.54 2893.42 1879.05 2456.91
Supernova ESU 1287.86 4066.23 4412.20 941.89
District Network 308.01 0.00 0.00 308.01
District Badge Secretary 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.29
Grand Totals 2023-24 £ 155364.04 92019.76 107991.97 139391.83
Non-monetary Assets
2023-24 2022-23
Eastwinds Building 345600.00 318555.00 (a)
Eastwinds Contents/Equipment 30352.00 29075.00 (a)
The Den
Contents		 7978.00 7978.00 (a)
District Badge Stock 1553.38 2511.30 (b)
Ravens Band Instruments & Equipment 1650.00 2500.00 (c)
Valuations based on (a) NFU Insurance (b) District Badge Secretary annual report (c) Band Leader estimate.
Total Non-monetary assets £ 387133.38 360619.30
Total Asset Value, Money Buildings etc £ 526525.21 515983.34

The District has no Endowment or otherise 'restricted funds' formally ringfenced for specific use by Deed of Gift/Trust or similar legal condition.

n1 This sum includies provison for a payment being paid made at the commencement of each financial year, thus the balance c/f to 2024-25 is 'inflated' by this sum. "True Overall Balance after liabilities" £67,630.92

At the end of the year under review the district has one debtor, this being a loan to a group of £2500. On schedule a payment of £500 was received so the total 'Debtor' figure is £2000. There is no reason to suspect that future payments will not be received on schedule.

Page Two

Main Operational Accounts 2023-24 2022-23
Balance brought forward 146509.11 133327.00
Income
Annual Membership Fees From Groups 2024 53033.50
Miscellaneous Income 60.00
Donations Recd - General 21.26
Badge Income 7675.49
Refunds Received 80.00
Loan Repayments 500.00
World Scout Jamboree Payments/Grants Recd 1485.00
St George's Day Collection - Mercy Scouts 1281.26
Bank Interest 1091.08
Eastwinds
Forest School 7515.00
Scout Use 1600.00
EDF Refund 279.63
9394.63
Total Income 74622.22 110184.99
Balance B/F + Income 221131.33 243511.99
Expenditure
Membership Payment to County 2023 60518.50
Badge Purchases
(Scout Store)		 6326.58
Youth Programme & Activities 226.06
Den and Casual Helper Insurance 193.76
District Website (URL, Hosting & Support) 340.64
Licenses Legal & Consents 599.92
Volunteer Training, Support & Events 967.72
Activity Costs - District Support to Events 712.26
District Team Expenses 432.22
AGM/Trustee Expenses 40.00
St George's Day - Mercy Scouts Uganda 1281.26
World Scout Jamboree Payments to County 1635.00
District Overheads 138.08
Eastwinds Utilities
Water, Electric, BT		 3095.17
Repairs & Maintanance 4243.14
Waste Removal 163.56
Insurance NFU & Fire Equipment 2029.60
Business Rates 87.04 9618.51
Grants/Loans Other Financial Support
Grants to Groups 5250.00
Group Activity Support Payments 2682.40 7932.40
Total Expenditure 90962.91 97002.88
Income less Expenditure to C/F 130168.42 146509.11

Page Three

Page Four District Gang Show
2023-24
2022-23
Balance brought forward
4559.73
3954.49
Income
Ticket Sales
(all sources)
4796.30
Refreshment Sales
909.90
Raffle Sales
315.00
Donations
35.00
Charitable Performance Collection
500.35
Merchandise Sales incl DVD
50.00
Programme Sales
117.20
After Show 2023 Celebration Contributions
215.00
Contibutions Towards Taunton Gang Show Visit
90.55
Savings Account Interest
5.71
Total Income
7035.01
7389.77
Balance B/F + Income
11594.74
11344.26
Expenditure
Rehersal Expenses
550.00
Equipment/Services Hire (Audio/Visual)
2978.60
Scenery
256.73
Equipment - New/Replacement
61.18
Front Of House Costs
17.03
Costumes & Make Up
553.81
Residual Costs 2023 Show
610.65
Repair Costs
425.00
Refreshment Costs
374.59
Charity Collection Payout
500.35
Printing, Copying & Postage
74.05
After 2023 Show Celebration Costs
392.40
Taunton Gang Show Visit Costs
87.80
Music Costs
172.51
Total Expenditure
7054.70
6784.53
Income less Expenditure to C/F
4540.04
4559.73
District Jamboree
2023-24
2022-23
Balance brought forward
347.96
4317.96
Income
0.00
0.00
Total Income
0.00
0.00
Balance B/F + Income
347.96
4317.96
Expenditure
0.00
3970.00
Total Expenditure
0.00
0.00
Income less Expenditure to C/F
347.96
347.96
Eastwinds 2023-24 2022-23
Balance brought forward 313.30 283.98
Income
Hire - Non Regular Users 95.00
Total Income 95.00 95.00
Balance B/F + Income 408.30 378.98
Expenditure
Electrical 19.17
General Maintainance 114.48
Admin 1.99
Strimmer 150.00
Total Expenditure 285.64 65.68
Income less Expenditure to C/F 122.66 313.30
District Explorers (Incl. Young Leaders & DofE) 2023-24 2022-23
Balance brought forward 595.24 1906.85
Income
Subscriptions (net of Go Cardless fees) 2429.75
Gift Aid 198.95
DofE Award Contributions 679.18
Total Income 3307.88 1838.28
Balance B/F + Income 3903.12 3745.13
Expenditure
Membership To District 2024 2400.00
Online Scout Manager License 20.37
Young Leader Training 140.84
DofE Expenses 836.26
Total Expenditure 3397.47 3149.89
Income less Expenditure to C/F 505.65 595.24

Page Five

Spinnaker ESU 2023-24 2022-23
Balance brought forward 1442.54 981.88
Income
Subscriptions 2250.00
HMRC Gift Aid (via District) 518.42
Refunds Received [Rent Net] 125.00
Total Income 2893.42 5858.03
Balance B/F + Income 4335.96 6839.91
Expenditure
Annual Membership 2024 390.00
Uniforms & Badges 108.25
Activity Costs 916.71
Camp Costs 196.18
Equipment Insurance 127.78
Go Cardless Transaction Fees 140.13
Total Expenditure 1879.05 5397.37
Income less Expenditure to C/F 2456.91 1442.54
Supernova ESU 2023-24 2022-23
Balance brought forward 1287.86 1733.27
Income
Subscriptions 1950.00
Activity Contributions 1791.23
Camp Contributions 250.00
Activity Rebate From District 75.00
Total Income 4066.23 3931.00
Balance B/F + Income 5354.09 5664.27
Expenditure
National, County & District Membership 1060.00
Rent Paid 400.00
Uniforms & Activity Wear 80.48
Activity Costs 1712.62
Camp Costs 510.00
Materials & Equipment 599.10
OSM Charges 50.00
Total Expenditure 4412.20 4376.41
Income less Expenditure to C/F 941.89 1287.86

Page Six

District Network 2023-24 2022-23
Balance brought forward 308.01 461.21
Income 0.00 0.00
Total Income 0.00 0.00
Balance B/F + Income 308.01 461.21
Expenditure 0.00
Network Neckerchiefs 0.00
Total Expenditure 0.00 153.20
Income less Expenditure to C/F 308.01 308.01

Declaration

Approved, subject to Independent Examination, at the Board of Trustees meeting 23rd April 2024 in accordance with POR [March 2024 revision] Rule 5.7.2.1. and are signed on their behalf.

Steve Williams

Paul Harper

Chairman Board of Trustees _ District Commissioner [Lead Volunteer] V Bristol South Scouts

Tony Rees District Treasurer Board of Trustees

Page Seven

The annual accounts are:

Accounts Commentary 2023-2024

As the total district Income is less than £250k the accounts are in a 'Receipts & Payments' format as per The Charity Commission requirements and subject to an ‘Independent Examination’ rather than full audit.

Once again, the district finishes a review period in an apparently ‘cash rich’ situation, however, this is not totally by design. The trustees agreed to a ‘negative budget’ for the year, publicising the availability of grants, loans and support for activities to groups and units. However, the anticipated take up was in fact lower than anticipated. *** Hence the trustees have agreed to continue this support philosophy into 202425.

Until the effective use of funds can be made, most of the balances ‘at bank’ have been placed in a selection of interest-bearing account so that some gain is made from it whilst future expenditures are being identified and made. The trustees reaffirmed that it would not be prudent management to spend for spending’s sake just to reduce balances to the agreed reserves levels. Indeed, some of these may need revaluation as costs across the board continue to rise, although reliefs on rates and utilities were still received. Gift Aid continues to be claimed where possible.

The trustees agreed that there would be no district membership levy in 2023-24 plus that district funds would pay a proportion of county and national membership based on numbers from the previous year’s Scout Census. Looking forward to 2024-25, in order for a return to payment of district membership not coming as a complete surprise and massive financial imposition in future years to groups and units the trustees have agreed to levy a £1 per young person per head charge as part of the membership 2025 payment.

As in the previously year, expenditures and costs relating to Eastwinds have risen and the income stream for incidental third-party has started to return, although not significantly. The amount of contribution made by Forest School for regular use is reassessed annually to contribute to the site operational costs which also helps in keeping the costs of Scouting use to pre pandemic levels.

The value of badge stocks has decreased and as groups/units are now directly purchasing these costs and incomes will no longer effect the accounts. There is still the intention to sell off obsolete stocks as opportunities permit so value will be recovered.

The established formal reserves policy, retaining at least an average of three years reserve covering non deferable costs, anticipated to be in the region of £15k and the remediation allocation at £22k have been maintained with development and assistance provisions remaining static at £18k***.

I end with my usual sincere thanks to all who have kept accounts over the year, enabling the timely production of these accounts, a successful Independent Examination and to the continued support of the account signatories for the smooth operation of the district finances.

As previously indicated, the production of the 2024-25 accounts will be my last function as District Treasurer.

Tony Rees District Treasurer/Trustee

Page 8 of Accounts Section Annual Report 2023-24

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trustees Bristol South District Scouts On accounts for the year ended 3110312024 Charity no (if any) 1091301 Set out on pages 1-8 I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (°the Trusf) for the year ended 3110312024 Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees. you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan￿ with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (°the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's ststement come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordan￿ with section 130 of the Charities Act" or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records I have no cOn￿mS and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Date: 2710512024 Signed: Name: lan Jeffrey Chalmers Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: Mulberry House 1 Almond Walk Bristol, BS13 7BJ IER Oct 2018