Charity number : 1118781
1st Bures Scout Group
Financial Statements
Year Ended 31 March 2026
1st Bures Scout Group
Financial Statements for the year ended 31 March 2026
Contents
Page
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1 - 4 Trustees’ Annual Report
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5 Statement of Financial Activities
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6 - 7 Notes to the Financial Statements
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8 Balance Sheet
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9 Independent Examiners Report
1st Bures Scout Group The Scout Hut The Croft Bures Suffolk CO8 5JB
| Trustees’ Annual Report for the period April 2025 to March 2026 1st Bures Scout Group Registered Charity number 1118781 c/o 9 Pikes Marsh, Bures, Suffolk CO8 5AQ |
Office Lead Volunteer Chair Secretary Treasurer - - |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Trustee | Office | ||
| Antony Waring | Lead Volunteer | ||
| Helen Foster | Chair | ||
| Claire Noblet | Secretary | ||
| Gareth Lloyd | Treasurer | ||
| Philip Byford | - | ||
| Kerrie McGivern | - |
Structure, Governance and Management
The Group's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. 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 as appropriate.
The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 4 Trustees and meets at least 3 times per year.
Members of the Trustee Board complete ‘Being a Scouts Trustee’ learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.
This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.
Risk and Internal Control
The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed, and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
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Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
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Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
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Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently.
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Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.
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- Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.
The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include two signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
Objectives and Activities
The Purpose of Scouting
Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others. Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors
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learn by doing
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share in spiritual reflection
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take responsibility and make choices
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undertake new and challenging activities
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make and live by their Promise
Our Beaver, Cub, Scout and Explorer Sections undertake a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, offering our members the opportunity to learn new skills and participate in new experiences. Our young people learn to work effectively with others; they build friendships, develop self-confidence and contribute positively to the local community.
All our members demonstrate personal development through working towards a range of badges. Some of our young people take on additional responsibility by acting as team leaders, while others demonstrate their commitment to Scouting through working towards their Chief Scout awards. Members of our Explorer Section have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and the Scouts Young Leader programme.
Together, we contribute regularly to our local community through participating in local events and undertaking voluntary work to enhance our village. We maintain our own Scout HQ buildings and campsite facilities to a high standard. Regular fundraising activities are organised by our Trustees and adult volunteers to support our activities.
As a Group, we demonstrate our values by participating in the District St George’s Day Parade and village Remembrance Day Parade.
We are grateful for the dedicated commitment of our volunteers, and we acknowledge and recognise the amount of time and effort they give so that our Group continues to thrive.
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
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Achievement and Performance
Our Group continues to thrive. Our volunteers carefully plan the programme of activities for each Section, enabling our members to develop new skills and work towards a wide range of badges.
This year, over 750 badges were awarded to our members, including the following top awards:
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5 Beavers achieved their Chief Scout Bronze Award
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7 Cubs achieved their Chief Scout Silver Award
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5 Scouts achieved their Chief Scout Gold Award
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6 Explorers achieved their Chief Scout Platinum Award
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5 Explorers were awarded their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award
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3 Explorers were awarded their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award.
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1 Explorer completed her Young Leader Belt, which is an exceptional achievement.
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We were equally proud to recognise the outstanding contributions made by our leaders:
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Paul Snelling was awarded a Long Service Award for 40 years’ service
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Paul Snelling and Tony Waring were each presented with Commissioner's Commendation Awards recognising their service to Scouting.
Finally, we were very proud to learn that Paul Snelling was recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List and was awarded a British Empire Medal for his Services to Young People.
Financial Review
Reserves Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £10,000.
The Group also holds funds of approximately £25,000 designated for “Project 2026”, an ambitious fundraising initiative aiming to update and improve the Group’s resources, facilities and equipment.
Investment Policy
The Group's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.
The Group Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the Group Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.
Forward Looking
Over the coming year, we will continue to offer our members a diverse range of Scouting activities and experiences. We will encourage our young people and our adult volunteers to develop new skills. Alongside this, we will proceed with our “Project 2026” investment initiative. We will continue to consult with our volunteers and members to ensure that funds set aside for this project will enhance the Scouting experience for both our young people and our volunteers.
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Decleration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees
Helen Foster, Chair
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1st Bures Scouts Group
Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2026
Incoming Resources
Income resources from generated funds:
| 31/03/2026 | 31/03/2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Voluntary Income | 3,527 | 5,808 |
| Charitable Activities | 11,196 | 9,786 |
| Activities for generating funds | 14,790 | 17,068 |
| Other incoming resources | 11,269 | 11,397 |
| Investment interest | 819 | 561 |
| ----------- | ----------- | |
| 41,601 | 44,620 | |
| Resources Expended | ||
| Cost of generating voluntary income | 204 | 297 |
| Charitable activities | 37,035 | 31,964 |
| ----------- | ----------- | |
| 37,239 | 32,261 | |
| MOVEMENT IN TOTAL FUNDS FOR THE YEAR | ||
| Net Income for the year | 4,362 | 12,359 |
| Funds bought forward | 212,912 | 200,553 |
| ----------- | ----------- | |
| TOTAL FUND AT 31/03/2026 | 217,274 | 212,912 |
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1st Bures Scouts Group
Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2026
NOTES
| 2026 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Voluntary Income | ||
| Donations | 194 | 41 |
| Gift Aid |
- | - |
| Grants | 3,333 | 5,767 |
| -------- | -------- | |
| 3,527 | 5,808 | |
| Charitable Activities | ||
| Youth programme and activities | 11,196 | 9,786 |
| -------- | -------- | |
| 11,196 | 9,786 | |
| Fundraising Income | ||
| Recycling | 7 | - |
| Fund raising events | 2,187 | 3,223 |
| Camp site hire | 12,596 | 13,845 |
| ----------- | ---------- | |
| 14,790 | 17,068 | |
| Other Incoming Resources | ||
| Membership fees | 10,256 | 10,991 |
| Other Income | 1,013 | 405 |
| ---------- | ---------- | |
| 11,269 | 11,396 | |
| Investment Dividends / Interest | ||
| Bank Interest Received | 819 | 561 |
| -------- | -------- | |
| 819 | 561 |
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1st Bures Scouts Group
Statement of Financial Activities For the year ended 31 March 2026
NOTES
2026 2025
| £ | £ | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of generating voluntary income | ||
| Fundraising expenditure | 204 | 297 |
| ------------ | ----------- | |
| 204 | 297 | |
| Postage and stationery | 344 | 180 |
| Youth Programme activities | 17,557 | 11,441 |
| Travelling | 1,882 | 4,267 |
| Uniforms | 606 | 909 |
| Repairs and general expenses | 5,351 | 4,163 |
| Sundry Expenses | 264 | 99 |
| Rates, electricity and water | 2,244 | 1,867 |
| Insurance | 2,393 | 3,411 |
| Membership fees | 5,244 | 4,617 |
| Donations | 100 | 20 |
| Accountancy | 1050 | 990 |
| ------------ | ----------- | |
| 37,035 | 31,964 |
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1st Bures Scouts Group
Balance Sheet For the year ended 31 March 2026
| 2026 | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed Assets | ||
| Property – Scouts Hut | 165,000 | 165,000 |
| Bank | 52,274 | 47,912 |
| ----------- | ----------- | |
| 217,274 | 212,912 |
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of 1[st] Bures Scout Group (charity no: 1118781)
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2026.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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. I 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
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.
Oliver White
Oliver James White ACA For and on behalf of Affinia (Colchester) Statutory Auditors The Octagon Suite E2 Middleborough Colchester Essex CO1 1TG
12/06/2026
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