Southampton City Scout District
2020 - 2021 Annual Report & Financial Statement
SOUTHAMPTON CITY DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
Report & Accounts for the year ended 31[st] March 2021
| TRUSTEES_Ex-Officio_ | Appointment | Name | |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Commissioner | David Bowers | ||
| District Chairman | Veronica Radford | ||
| District Secretary | Richard Cook | ||
| District Treasurer | Tony Bradley | ||
| Deputy DC | Kerry Budd | ||
| Deputy DC | Ian Budd | ||
| District Explorer Scout | Commissioner | Sam Chapman | |
| District Network Scout | Commissioner | Josh Smith | |
| TRUSTEES_Elected_ | |||
| Jane Cook | |||
| Gail Langton | |||
| Alice Mintoff | |||
| Kris Partridge | |||
| Nominated | Thelma Bishop-Young | ||
| Ruth Hopgood | |||
| Graham Meering | |||
| Co-opted | George Longhurst (SAS) | ||
| Rex Budd (Wilverley Committee) | |||
| Rishi-Nayan Varodaria | / Georgia Horwich (SSAGO Rep) | ||
| Kay Wilkinson (Appointments Committee) | |||
| Lloyd Pearson (Youth | Commissioner) | ||
| BANKERS | Natwest, Shirley | ||
| INDEPENDENT EXAMINER | Parry Hancock |
District Registration number with the Scout Association 12038
Charity Registration number 1117805
Contact Name and Address Tony Bradley 2 Pewsey Place SOUTHAMPTON SO15 7RX
District Chair
Hello everyone
After a challenging year for us all it is good to feel optimistic that the worst of the pandemic is over and we are on the way back to face-to-face scouting again. As I write the scout readiness level is yellow, one step away from the green level and normality. Before the second lockdown, the Explorers, Network and SSAGO had been very active and some group sections had been getting back together, while some groups have had no face-to-face scouting since March. A rigorous system of Risk Assessment was put in place, with the GSL’s and District working closely together and I would like to thank all involved for making it work so well. The census has shown that we are slightly down on numbers but we are confident that scouting, along with the everything else, will experience uplift when restrictions are removed. To this end our organisation has been greatly improved by establishing a new District Media Team, which runs the website, helps us all to comply with GDPR and is proving a fantastic District resource.
I am very pleased to report that the financial burden of the pandemic has been eased by most of the groups receiving the £10000 grant from Southampton City Council. We were also able to secure this for our campsite at Wilverley and this has put our District in a good position for the future re-opening of scouting. We have also been delighted to welcome our District Youth Commissioner, Lloyd Pearson, who will help our young people develop their leadership qualities as well as a youth forum, all of which serves our aim to put the children at the forefront of scouting.
In remembering those who have given long and dedicated service to our District scouting I would like to thank Colin Floyd who has retired from his role of Wilverley site manager. Colin was at the forefront of upgrading Wilverley, obtaining many grants and renegotiating our lease with the Forestry Commission. I would also like to thank Jonathan, who has stepped down from the Wilverley maintenance team after eight years of service, Pat Davies, Daphne White and Mike Jackson, who have all stood down from Active Support. A further acknowledgement of incredible commitment to scouting is due to Gail Langton, GSL of the 7[th] , who has received her Silver Wolf award.
I am sure I speak on behalf of you all in giving a massive thankyou to David Bowers, who is stepping down as District Commissioner. David has been a pleasure to work with, bringing the district together through teamwork and good communication. I am very glad to say that David is to carry on in the district through his role at the 25[th] .
I also thank the two DDC’s, Ian and Kerry Budd, who have given David such good support, as well as their huge contribution to the district over many years.
Finally, I know you will all join me in congratulating Joshua Smith on his appointment as our new District Commissioner. Joshua has been an important part of our scouting, most recently as our Network District Commissioner. The handover will be at our AGM and I look forward to you joining me in that celebration.
District Commissioner
2020 / 2021 - A year of massive challenges due to the Covid restrictions placed on the whole country... Yet through that, Scouting kept going and I’m massively thankful to all those who found a way to keep young people moving forward.
During this time phrases like Virtual, Zoom, Online and Blended Program have been the new normal. We have to manage Risk Assessments and differing Readiness Levels from the Scout Association and different rules of what we can and couldn't do. We lost our District Camp in 2020 and then our Wye Valley Camp in 2021 but we still had Virtual camps at Group and Sections Levels. We had Online Founders day with the Beavers and Explorers and many other online events run by the Leaders access the District and Sections - Thank you all!
As the rules changed so did the way Leader teams approach how we deliver Scouting. Lots on Zoom Planning and then Zoom Meetings and reviews. Home Delivery of earnt badges and project kits and surprise awards with the help of parents we made. I’m so proud of the way the team has met the challenges head on and ran with the program and delivery ideas. I’m thankful to all the Executives and supporters who have helped the Leader teams and for the parents who have made the computers available to their children for Online Scouting to take place.
My thanks also go to the District Executive for the support on handling the Risk Assessment process that has been so important to all us during the restrictions.
This year we again recognised the adult’s achievements in the district as well as all the top awards achieved by those young people in the sections. Well done to all those recognised including Gail Langton for gaining her Silver Wolf Award in January. Hopefully Gail will get to Windsor for a formal presentation soon.
Lots of good Scouting has continued this year despite the restrictions and the Hedgehogs pilot is an example of that - the scheme will go live this year with more details being released this spring - the Squirrels will be the new name going forward.
Groups are now starting to come back to Face To Face as the restrictions ease and some AGM’s are planned. We can only hope that restrictions continue to be lifted and we hope that by September we will be able to do more for the young people.
Lastly I’d like to say thank you to both the Deputy District Commissioners, Kerry Budd and Ian Budd for all their help over the last 5 years (+). As we come to the end of our time in the DC role we hope to support groups and the District going forward and with the next DC and their team all the best for the future - hopefully post Covid…….
YIS, David Bowers, District Commissioner
It was a challenging year for everyone, unfortunately face to face activities had to be put on hold, but the leaders took the bull by the horns and welcomed the new virtual world. Most colonies have managed to provide excellent activities (stargazing, cooking, craft activities, martial arts, guest speakers, to name but a few) and completed hundreds of badges. Leaders have also engaged with The Scouts UK and Hampshire Scout organised events – The Great Indoors Challenges, Race around the World and Hampshire Camping Challenge.
The Beavers were asked to build their own Wacky Race Cars with their families and have races in their gardens.
A virtual skills swap evening was held – giving leaders the opportunity to share virtual programme ideas.
Colonies were encouraged to participate in St James Methodise Church virtual Christingle service.
Our Founders Celebrations related to our founder Robert Baden-Powell’s birthday. Virtually we came together to learn about BP through games, talked about what we are thankful for and made cards to thank someone in our local community. We also had a surprise guest in the form of our UK Chief Commissioner, Tim Kidd.
Even though colonies had been unable to meet face to face, 12 beavers completed their Bronze Chief Scout Awards in the last 12 months, thanks to their leaders.
The District Want To Join list, grew as the year progressed as parents were still adding the names of their young people, with restrictions now lifting many children will be offered places in the next few months.
As always, this report gives me the opportunity to publicly say thank you to all the adults in the section; they have continued to provide excellent and enjoyable activities for the Beaver Scouts by adapting their events/activities in these thought-provoking times, also to all the beavers who have embraced the changes.
Thelma (Danezaa)
Though this has been a challenging year for everyone, many packs have kept doing their best working hard and carrying on. Leaders have been embracing Zoom to deliver their programmes and keep teaching skills for life. Cubs have still been earning lots of badges with some Cubs even completing their Chief Scout Silver Awards.
Although we have been unable to do events together, it has been amazing to hear of all the brilliant activities Leaders have been able to deliver online. So much fun in a time when it was needed.
The Cubs have been adjusting to online based Scouting well, taking on all the challenges they were set and continuing to keep the Cub Scout Promise to do their best. Additionally, to attending their pack night meetings, Cubs from lots of groups have been taking part in online county camps and competitions. Furthermore, Cubs took part in the national ‘Hike To The Moon’ challenge to raise money for Scout Groups in need.
As always, the pack Leaders have been fantastic in helping each other out. Whether it was setting up zoom or other social medias, writing risk assessments or sharing program ideas, they have again stepped up to the challenge and all worked hard to keep providing the Young People with the Scouting Adventure.
Some of the programs the Leaders and Cubs have put together are spectacular, Science, Cooking, Pioneering, Astronomy, Quizzes, Scavenger hunts, Book reading, Entertainer badge and so much more. Everything was so well adapted to being done on an online format.
Some packs have now returned to Face 2 Face Scouting and taking the steady path back to normality keeping everyone safe in the process. On the other hand, some packs / groups feel happier to continue Zoom for the time being which is great.
We will continue to support them and help them start to get out and about again when they feel ready.
We have so much to look forward to in the future, lots of days out, camps, competitions, and plenty of fun to be had!
I am so proud of all the packs and their Leaders in the District, they always go above and beyond to give the Young People the best Scouting Experience possible. Even when the world stopped moving, the Cubs kept marching on.
WELL DONE EVERYONE!
Sarah Granger (Chil)
Since the AGM in 2020the Scout Section has been hit hard by the restrictions and only a hand full of event have taken place. We have a gap of time in the back end of 2020 then more restrictions, so it’s been difficult to get a joined-up approach across the Scouts team.
That said as we’ve come into the Spring signs of life have returned and Troops have been active again! There have not been any District Based activities this year, but Groups and Troops have all been busy with Zoom meeting and activities where allowed.
This year we’ve still been able to award 4 chief scout gold awards, and a Commissioners Commendation Award
None of which would have been possible without the tireless work from our many invaluable teams working Online with Zoom and delivering packs and Badges to their Scouts so I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.
In the true spirt of scouting we’ve found a way to provide opportunities for young people this year and will do going forward.
YIS,
Alice Mintoff ADC Scouts
My fourth year in post (this is now for my reference really) and it's been a tough one. The effects of lock down and restrictions on expeditions, camps, activities and meetings has had a profound effect on the section. In the same instance the Explorer Section Leaders have risen admirably to the challenge and have provided a brilliant virtual programme ensuring that whilst numbers retracted slightly we are already bouncing back. Our resilience I believe is a result of having an amazing cohort of dedicated, passionate and talented leaders currently in situ in the section, the credit is theirs.
Size & Growth
At the time of the census our size had contracted, with many Scout Sections not meeting our pipeline of Explorers reduced whilst we continued to lose over 18s. Number of leaders also fell owing to reductions in student volunteer helpers and other work and social commitments. As I’m writing in May we have already regained our numbers post lockdown and have our highest number of subscribing Explorers (ex YLs) ever.
The individual units are all doing well, however efforts remain to stabilize and support Phoenix which was harder hit than most during 2020 :
Explorer Section Events
Despite all of our events being cancelled we did manage to get together as a section a couple of times.
- St Georges Day Parade : 35 Explorers attended a virtual section event completing a full programme of activities in an action-packed evening.
Achievement
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Our 2020 Explorer Section DofE programme coordinated by Amanda Jukes, suffered last year from a lack of expeditions. However even with the adversity several awards were achieved by the Explorers and DofE team. The programme is back in full swing and we are hoping for another good year in 2021.
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We were particularly pleased as a section to hear that Amanda Jukes has been awarded a Chief Scout Commendation which has been fully deserved for everything she has put into Scouting.
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Additionally and (in some cases) not before time we were also pleased to see an additional 7 Woodbadges awarded across the section.
Cause for Optimism
In summary, despite a difficult year there is still cause for optimism as the section pivots back to face to face scouting. We have a few gaps in Leadership teams and a long list of Scouting activities we are keen to get back to. Our first camp in August is tentatively booked and if we can get there it’ll be a remarkable achievement.
Lastly, I would like to record my continued thanks to my exceptional leadership team, my leaders and my DESA Julia Hall – together you continue to achieve some amazing things. I am humbled by your commitment to these Young People and the dedication you have for Scouting.
explorers@southamptoncityscouts.org.uk
Sam Chapman - District Explorer Scout Commissioner
In the last year we have partaken in a wide range of great activities and adventures, with the majority of them organised by the members. This year also heralded the introduction of a Network Team, elected from the group by members to take on coordinating activities, events, and other details such as improving linking with Explorer units. The team consists of Abi as Chair, Poppy as Secretary, and James and Megan as joint Treasurer.
Network currently has 43 members with 25-30 of these being regular and active, and the majority of them leaders at a variety of sections in groups around the city. We are currently working to improve the number of Explorers turning 18 who continue on to join us. This year has seen us say a fond farewell to some older members as well as welcoming some new faces to the section including students and individuals new to both the area and Scouting.
This year we were very pleased to be able to act as virtual audience to two of our members' QSA presentations and we congratulate Karen and Hazel on their success and hard work. Throughout lockdown Network ran over 20 virtual quizzes hosted by a wide range of members which helped to keep us all connected and enthusiastic. Other virtual events we’ve had included regular catch ups, a live escape room that involved the host being directed around an escape room via Zoom, baking and cooking challenges such as homemade pizza, and games nights where we made the most of the wide range of internet-based games available. An excellent bridge between virtual and in person Scouting for us this year has been scavenger hunt challenges, with members taking part in several, including one in conjunction with Southampton SSAGO, with great success.
We have unfortunately not been able to have any in person camps this year, but we did make up for it with common favourites such as Christmas Camp and Halloween Camp getting an ‘all-but-the-camping’ revamp with typical activities held around the city and virtually, including hikes, games, pumpkin carving, crafting challenges and virtual bake-offs.
When we have been able to meet face to face, Network have been able to enjoy old favourites such as campfires, New Forest hikes, and backwoods cooking, as well as a trip on the Hythe ferry for a very wet hike. We also greatly appreciated the chance to try our hands at tomahawk throwing, thanks to Russ at the 29[th] Scout Group. We are hoping to do more activities in this vein as we progress further away from lockdown, including plans to return to semi-regular climbing sessions, further hikes, and a camp open to all members who have turned 25 this year and as such missed out on a last camp.
This year would not have been possible without everyone who has run an event and those who have kept attending them so a massive thank you to all who have contributed to Network’s continuing success through this difficult year.
As one might expect I have little to report concerning the Active Support Unit. We have not met for over a year due to the Covid restrictions. I have kept in touch with my members on a regular basis, and I am pleased to report all are well. As previously reported, I have 3 members who have stood down, however I have had two enquiries about joining us, so that levels things out a bit. Plans for the new Active Support Unit are still in their early stages. My Co-ordinator for that unit will be Antonia Mintoff. We hope to hold an inaugural meeting soon. Although there has not been much happening of late i would still like to thank my members for their loyalty, and the District Executive for their continued support. Here's hoping for a better year to come.
George Longhurst, Active Support Manager
Southampton SSAGO
Despite the challenges that Coronavirus presented us, Southampton SSAGO has had a very successful year. We have gained 7 new members bringing our total number of members to 42. We also have 5 new student Scout leaders that have signed up in the district bringing our total number of student volunteers with Scout units to 21. We have also been in contact with Hampshire Scouts in Hospitals and hope to be able to provide leaders to assist with them in the near future.
Throughout lockdown we continued with our weekly Monday meetings and held a variety of weekly socials including quizzes (some held jointly with Network), Taskmaster-style competitions, Murder Mystery Evenings, film nights and badge sewing evenings. We even held a virtual summer camp putting on a range of virtual activities for our members to take part in for a week in August.
One highlight during the November lockdown was ‘Build-A-Rally’ a very successful (and the first) online rally open to all members of the Student Scout and Guide Organisation across the country, hosted by our SSAGO club. Having been in the works for a while, the very dedicated group of Southampton SSAGO members led by Lucy, supported by Elizabeth, Jake, Tim, Henry, Rebecca, Poppy, Becky, Alex and Leon did a brilliant job of planning and adapting their event under the everchanging guidance. From campfire cooking to mini pioneering, from escape rooms to whittling, the virtual event offered something for everyone.
As a society we held our AGM in February to elect our new committee with Jake as Chair, Holly as Secretary, Rob as Treasurer, Rishi as Scout Liaison, Isabel as Guide Liaison, Elsie as Archivist, James as Quartermaster, and Leon as Webmaster. Since then we have transitioned into a blend of online and in-person activities including hikes in the New Forest, a BBQ on Southampton Common.
With restrictions easing we hope to continue more in-person events including a planned Monopoly run in Winchester and hopefully a Summer Camp in early September.
We look forward to hitting the ground running at the start of the next academic year, welcoming new members, running a range of in-person activities, and (restrictions permitting) running a Fresher’s camp.
Youth Commissioner
After being appointed to the position of District Youth Commissioner at the end of October last year, the circumstances we have found ourselves in have meant it has been hard to hit the ground running with encouraging Youth Shaped Scouting across the district. Despite these challenges, I am currently working towards forming a District Youth Team made up of representatives from all the 14+ youth sections in the District. To this end, we now have a representative from each of the Explorer units (Enterprise ESU - Darcey, Griffin ESU - Archie, Kraken ESU - Amalka, and Phoenix ESU - Vickie), Southampton City Network - Daniel, and Southampton SSAGO – Rishi, with only the Young Leader Unit yet to select a representative. The team are soon to have their first meeting and are hoping to meet within the next month.
The Youth Team will play an important role in the district going forward; ensuring that the district is taking Youth representation into account in all aspects. They will enable Youth-shaped ideas to be truly acknowledged on a variety of issues, whilst empowering young people to take the lead. This will span from topics discussed at District Exec Meetings to input on District Camp and other events within the District - potentially even going on to run events and activities of their own. Once the Youth Team has established itself you will likely see members of the Team, including myself, across the district attending Scout Troops, Cub Packs and Beaver Colonies to encourage even more youth led scouting. This is hopefully the first of many youth-led programmes in the district, so keep your eyes peeled!
Lloyd Pearson - District Youth Commissioner (DYC)
Wilverley Campsite
The year started with the site closed, and the maintenance team unable to attend until Covid restrictions eased enough around the end of May for us to resume the ongoing work necessary to keep the site in good order. Safe working wasn’t without it’s challenges, but by employing the recommended practices for social distancing, ample fresh air and good hygiene, much was achieved. Necessary work to replace rotten framework in part of the Charles Alan building progressed, as well as work to improve security and are range of other tasks in the grounds and regular grass cutting.
As hopes began to dim for re-opening, all booking deposits had by now been refunded and no new ones were being taken. As a Scout campsite, we are bound by the readiness levels set by the Scout Association who in turn are guided by the National Youth Agency. Wilverley would not be able to re-open until the readiness level is set to GREEN.
Autumn brought a worsening Covid situation with no prosect of opening, so the decision was taken to exploit the unique opportunity and undertake a major re-alignment of the heating system in the cottage. The work to switch pipework from high level to being boxed in at floor level, has continued throughout the winter, except for the period when lockdown restrictions meant that once again, we were unable to attend the site. We are very grateful to Arthur Ashton for his expertise which enabled this to happen. Had it been necessary to pay commercial rates for this task, the refurbishment would have cost in the region of £10,000. A full redecoration is currently under way.
The on-site team is led by Clive Finder, the other members being Arthur Ashton, Steve Andrews, Gary Joyce and myself. Clive and I are now joint Wardens for the site. During the year, Jonathan Gardiner decided to step down from the team after several years and we are grateful to him for his contribution during that time. As always, we would welcome anyone who would like to become part of the maintenance team and join us on either or both of the work sessions on Tuesday and Friday mornings.
Bookings are being taken by Richard Webster on a provisional basis for a possible re-opening this summer. Due to the uncertainty around this, no deposits have been taken. We await news from the Scout Association on whether the move to GREEN status will happen from the last step of the government “road map” on 21[st] June.
Expenditure has been kept low by not using New Forest District Council for grass cutting, plans for regular rubbish collection have been shelved, use of gas and foul water collection has been minimal. Maintenance costs are less, but project work has involved modest levels of expenditure.
Inevitably, income from site fees has not been possible. When, and how quickly bookings will return to previous levels is hard to predict. A change to booking policy from when we resume, is that we will be taking day bookings from our own District (and no-one else). This will be possible for up to two months in advance, when it is less likely that this would block any potential camping or residential overnight bookings. This is to offer the opportunity for a covid safe location for activities away from group’s own regular meeting places. The Charles Alan activity centre building will be available, but not the cottage. No site fees will be charged for this, other than for the use of the generator if it is required.
Finally, a big thank you to the District Media Team for doing a brilliant job improving the web pages for Wilverley.
Financial figures for 2020-21 are included in the District Treasurer’s report.
Rex Budd Wilverley Committee Chairman
Leader Training and Compliance
Your district training adviser team is: Thelma Young, Nico Chart, David Horseman, Gail Langton, Ben McDonagh, Graham Meering, Ellie Thompson, Woody Wood, Victoria Woods, Elaine Moles, Georgie Horwich. Thanks to the team for all the validation meetings held during the past year.
12 Wood Badges were earned in past 12 months. Congratulations to: Michael Coomer, Ryan Parry, Chris Shank, Gavin Babbage, Andy Pell, Alice Mintoff, Lisa Scott, Luke Bennalick, Amy Beach, Ieuan Grainger, Liam Flavin, and Ollie Bills. A further 8 Managers and 66 Section Leaders / Assistant Section Leaders are enrolled in the woodbadge training scheme. About 30 of those Wood Badges are overdue for completion (past the three year limit). We hope to whittle this down to ZERO by the 1st September national deadline.
First Aid training team: Iain Redmill, Georgie Horwich, Doc Coomer, Jake Jukes, Simon Holt. Hot of the press - Module 10B (face-to-face first aid) is about to restart! We have more than 50 leaders waiting for this.
Getting Started training [note this is all done by e-Learning now]. Still about 40 people need to complete at least one of GDPR, Safety, SafeGuarding, or Essentials. Nico is running the Compliance Report each month and passing on the spreadsheets to the relevant managers. Many thanks to all managers who have encouraged their leaders to get cracking on their training recently.
Don't forget that all leaders should record at least five hours new training each year. You may want to work towards holding a Permit for Nights Away, or for adventurous activities, or consider doing Train-the-Trainer, Camp Leader skills, or the Management training where relevant.
Nico Chart
Appointments
Members of the Appointments Committee this year were:
Kay Wilkinson (Chair) Carolyn Chart (Secretary) Gail Langton Kris Partridge Jane Cook Richard Jacob Ryan Parry Paul Collett
Over the last twelve months since the last AGM, we held three Appointments Panel meetings (in September, December and April) and approved the following appointments.
1 Explorer Scout Leader 5 Scouts Assistant Leaders (2[nd] , 7[th] , 11[th] , 14[th] , 26[th] ,) 3 Scouts Sectional Assistants (14[th] , 14[th] , 26[th] ) 4 Cubs Assistant Leaders (7[th] , 14[th] , 25[th] , 26[th] ) 1 Beavers Sectional Assistant (29[th] )
1 Group Skills Instructor (25[th] )
The candidates were all of very high standard. In addition, we have considered and approved 10 changes of role or additional roles within the District. We currently have no leaders that are Pre-Provisional. We have also regularly sent reminders for reviews due – thanks so much to all those who have endeavoured to keep on top of these!
We recently produced a guide and a flow chart for Line managers and GSLs to help them understand the process for appointing new leaders and changes of roles.
Ryan Parry joined the committee but has been released to take up a role as DC in the New Forest area. Our thanks go to him for adding some youth to our team. We are actively seeking to recruit some younger members to join the committee – contact me on the email below if you’re interested!
Carolyn Chart District Appointments Secretary
District Media Team
The team is: Luke, Sam, Abi, Oli and Nico. If you have someone in your group who is into websites and communications then we'd like to talk to them about being on the media team.
This year we have continued to be custodians of the district electronic storage and communication systems, chiefly using the Google suite of tools. Key district documents are stored and shared from Google Drive. Our website and domain is managed from Google Sites.
The District Data Protection, Confidentiality and Privacy Policy is published here = https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gKJPuHfntQ90AnVNChHDBiq8rqtJzsme/view?usp sharing.
Our Media Team Terms-of-Reference document is also on the district Google Drive. = https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tBsx7FkUW6_K2m8QmiZ81xRETGu2yEWk/view?usp sharing
Many district members have taken up the offer to have firstname.lastname@southamptoncityscouts.org.uk email addresses and we also maintain group/section email addresses. This is the best way to keep our communications GDPR compliant so we recommend it for all adults communication across the district. Let us know if you would like such an email address.
We have kept the district website content up-to-date throughout the pandemic and we have refreshed the site with a new layout this year: https://southamptoncityscouts.org.uk/.
In particular we have created new dedicated website for the district Wilverley Campsite wilverley.southamptoncityscouts.org.uk.
We have also helped several groups with updating their own websites to meet current standards and we are available to help with others if needed.
Health and Safety Advisor
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been no visits to group’s HQ’s for the purposes of assisting in their H&S compliance during the past year.
As part of a district team I have been reviewing Covid-19 Risk Assessments that groups, their sections and units have submitted in support of some activities that were either virtual or limited face-to-face meetings.
I was also involved in sourcing and providing PPE to groups and units in advance of them being able to meet face-toface either on outdoor activities, or occasionally in their HQ’s. We were successful in obtaining a grant of £500 which went toward this PPE provision, as well as a number of free face visors courtesy of BAT, and the Chair of the 1st Aldermoor.
Now that there is hope that the lockdowns are coming to an end I trust we can start to get back to meeting the groups and their committees in the coming year, picking up on the H&S activities already started.
Tony Bradley Health and Safety Adviser
Treasurer
The whole of the financial year was quieter than would be expected, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
For this year we have fully adopted the use of FreeAgent, provided by our bank, NatWest. This is an on-line accounting package with direct automatic bank feeds, which allows examination and scrutiny of all expenditure and receipts by various categories going through district and associated bank accounts. The executive committee have access to FreeAgent and are able to independently view transactions and reports at any time.
FreeAgent generates a Profit and Loss statement, which is then used to complete the Scout Association balance sheet template. This is the document which must be externally examined and submitted to the AGM for approval, and which can be found elsewhere in this booklet.
We used the services of an accounting company, Parry Hancock, to review and re-examine the accounts for 2019/2020 and to help us migrate to the use of the SA balance sheet. This was then used to provide the previous year’s comparison figures.
Parry Hancock have also carried out the obligatory external examination of accounts for 2020/2021, and I am grateful to them for the work they have done in both aligning our accounts with the SA standard, and also preparing the annual statement for this year.
In doing this work I have removed the holding fund details from the balance sheet, and I will provide the executive committee with these various funds details outside of the published accounts. Of course this year there has been very little activity at all.
At the end of the year we transferred trusteeship and authority for the CCLA COIF deposit account to three members of the executive committee.
We have strengthened our payment process such that approval is sought from another member of the executive committee to agree any and all expenditure paid through the bank account by BACS, other than recurring Direct Debits. Cheques still require a second signature, although we haven’t raised any cheques during this period.
The annual census was completed in February of this year and invoices issued to the groups and units. I am pleased to say we made our combined subscription payment to County before the end of the financial year, having received all incoming payments in good time. Early payment reductions and a one-off County rebate were able to be passed on. My thanks to the groups, units, and their treasurers for their assistance and speedy responses.
During the latter part of last year the Canoe Club was dissolved as previously stated. Subscription money already paid to the canoe club was all refunded to groups and units.
There were some outstanding payments for 2019 Wye Valley, and all these were collected during the year. As there were no face-to-face meetings, it was agreed District would pay a reduced fee to those groups who host Explorers, ASU and Young Leaders.
These payments were made during the year.
A claim was made for gift aid, in respect of Explorers subscriptions and the funds transferred back to the Explorers bank account.
We were successful in claiming the government grant for small businesses and Wilverley received £10,000. We also refunded £2996 in respect of cancelled bookings. There was no dividend to distribute between District and the Wilverley Project Fund.
Tony Bradley District Treasurer
Southampton Clty Scout District Rec•ipts and Paymonts Account Forth• yef from ot 04 2020 31 03 202f Upttsiad 17 June 2021 to V9 (Tony BOlbVI Recei ts and payments 2Q2012021 UnrnJtrt¥d fund• 2019I2ts20 R¢¢¢bpts jlmj Nel 715 Lvll cbI 5.035 ubtL 4.347 r•n 600 io,rJr 1.ZVO 70.&OD un¢•lvlry{9r(X• 2,e81 .124 g.D47 U7 Bubtr*AI 2D,797 oy 53 07,Jq6 Southampton City Scout District Recoipts and Payments A¢count 1 LT70000211¥t January 2017)
ForthÈ year from 01 04 2020 To 31 03 2021 Recei ts and payments 202012021 Unrestricted fvnds 201912020 Unrestsictfrd Charwable Payments 1.015 7951 ytand tyainin Rert S.CV35 19.859 2.145 2.614 RqHits3nORerwas 4.320 921 COmnOnI0ryvcOS*s 7.421 1.749 675 12 267 l eaviry gitts 2ts4 439 SLthtI Chle 1,134 Fund 1436 10Y Sub1£ Totsl Gro&8 Expgndifyffv As8•t and inve81ment purchases. èt¢. Totalp8yments Het ofreceip(P0yMents) Cash fund¥ la5tyearend 90.759 Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year 31st March 2021 31$t hlarch 2020 Unrestricted fund8 Unrestrttted lunds Cash fund8 2 LT70000211sl January 20171 13
47.yo 4V75 Bank delaCcouN 553 3&.725 3167ty A4¥8 146 Total ra5hfurKIs T4¥ Eim Invesknentassets 65.5 71JOD Otherin¥esTh8nL%.d Sub total Non rnonetsry 48¥ts for charfty'g own us bu11¥ eFc 3,241 5.YBY 3,241 bIle5 4Y7 rrf)tyeikwhl L-I Otherllafwlths contlng0ntllablll¢ and luture obllgatlon Th• aljove re¢elptg and PAym0rf¥ acvjuntand statementofaÉ athd liabilibeB wwp approved by th• Iljth Junfr 2021 {thedate ofthè Exgcutiw Commrttee ma19 thatapprov8d thg 4ccountsTr and slgfted on I1r bBhalfby'. nature Print Nafne Dr. v8[Ka Radlo Cha *. ABTrdky 313 3 LT700002115t January 20171
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Southampton City District Scout Council
I repolt to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Southampton City District Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2021.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Southampton City District Scout Council you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 201 1 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the Southampton City District Scout Council accounts carried out under section 145 of the 201 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 examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. l. confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Southampton City District Scout Council as required by section 130 of the Act; or
- the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns 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,
Signed:
Name: Mrs LA Parry, ACA ICAEW
Address: Parry Hancock Webb House 20 Bridge Road
Park Gate
Southampton son 7GE
Date: