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Dean Ashpole-chapman District Conrnmissioner Report As I write this my final report a5 District Commissioner for Cotswold Edge. it is time to refLect and to look at notjust 2023124 but my time from 2019 to this years AGM. lives. walked the height of Mount Kilimanjaro Ilndoorsl, we ceLebrated St George's Day online, we made funny videos about toilet rolls, created online programmes, met in a social distance way and reconnected with friends they had not seen for months. When I was interviewed forthe roLe, I was full of enthusiasm and optimism for the future which started off well, pLanning a large District Jamboree near Chipping Sodbury. the future of Mafeking and of course growth. Just before I started the District Joined in with the County for our First Scouting attendance at Bristol Pride, attended various Groups from the DistricL And we have attended each one since. Progress was starting and as we Moved into 2020 a new virus was emerging in China Little did we know what impactthis was going to have on the WorLd. Scouting. young people and our Volunteers. As we sat in a cold, freezing Mafeking in March discussing the future plans for the site around me phones started pinging with text messages and emails with the heart wrenching news -all Face-to- face Scouting activitie5 must cease for an indefinite period." Through this period we also saw VoLunteers reflect on their positions and unfortunately saw numbers drop of our Adult VoLur)teers. As we came out we entered a brand new world we started to see the impact of COVID on our young people. for a lot of our younger members they had only ever known Online or very reduced Scouting start to transition into We all headed home and reflected on the news and the start of great change, ingenuity and challenges. Our volunteers and young people didn't Let us down, leaders created activity packs. zoomlteams Leftthe reaLm of the office and become an essentiaL part of our Page 19
fatt to face groups post COVID has seen a The journey was not easy, as we had lack of confidence. increased anxiety and Loss contrartors put up prices or cancel contracts. of communication skilLs, as they missed out on costs of raw materia15 increasing and changes the important miLestones transitioning in design from the original suppLier. l am beleen year groups in schooL immensely grateful of all the Volunteers who gave up theirtime to 5UPPOrtwith their expertise and determination and to everyone who helped raise funds including our Groups. Young People and Grant Funders. Through this period when we were alLowed to meet outdoors we turned our thoughts to our older young people and getting Mafeking ready for opening back up for our young people to use especially as an outdoor space. we heLd weekly cLeanuphidy sessions on site September 2021 saw our newest section launch called Squirrels (ages 4 to 61 we are very fortunate to have three drays in the Distri¢ first was at 2nd Frampton CottrelL (Now merged with 1st Frampton CottrelU and two drays at 1st Yate. These young peopLe are having some amazing adventures and their Leaders are enjoying the adventure as welL ,1 I. _IIIwL June 2022 saw the District come togetherwsth Bristol South for the First Ever Big Fiesta at Woodhouse Park which had been taken back into County hands to run by the amazing Andy Scully and his Team. We couLdn't have asked for a better weekend Andy even put on the weather for us. Over 870 young people and 300 Adults cometogetherfrom the two for anyone who wanted to join us. these working party days helped our young people and adults to come together and re-connecL As we worked though the site we started to see how tired and exhausted Mafeking was becoming. This started off my what I caLI my COVID madness of starting work on replacing the oLd halL. This was a project of passion and of enthusiasm to provide a new faciLrty for future generations to enjoy and to call home. Page 20
Districts sharing stories. equipment and making Long lasting friends and connections. or Good Service Awards showing appreciation for their hardwork and dedication. June also saw the County As I move on to Look after Mafeking as the awarded with the Queens District Centre Lead Volunteer. I wish you aLL Award for Voluntary Service the best for the Future and hope you give my IM8E for VoLunteer Groups). replacementthe support you have aLI given me. The Queen's Award forvoluntary Seyvlce TheA4BEforvolunle£rgroup5 Yours in Scouting Unfortunately in 2020 we saw MarshfieLd Scout Group move over to Bath taking the District from 20 Groups to 19. Dean AshpoLe-Chapman District Lead Volunteer In 2021 we saw 1st Winterborne 1st. Michaelsl close its doors taking group numbers down to 18. In 2023 saw 1st Pucklechurch close suddenLy at the end of the SchooL Year and 2nd Frampton Cottrell Merge with 1st Frampton Cottrell. In 2024 saw 1st Raysfield cLose it's doors but we are thankful to 1st Yate who were able to take a lot of the Young People in. Many peopLe will know that these closures took a personal tone with myself and my mental health which has impacted me massively on my love of Scouting. But as l am writing this we see some slithers of new hope and Growth as people are starting to come forward to volunteer and even more exciting a new Group starting at Mafeking, 1st Ram HILL which starts in September 2024. The roLe of a District Commissioner for me has be a manager. friend, shoulder to cry on. referee. odd job man and much more. It aLways makes me happy to visit Groupslunits, award our amazing voLunteers with Long Service andl Page 21
Charity DetaiLs Charity name: Cotswold Edge District Scout Council 1127669 IEngLand and Wales) Charity Number: Charity Registere Address: Mafeking HaLL. Serridge Lane Ram HilL. Coalpit Heath, BS36 2UF Charity Correspondence Address: District Lead VoLunteer Mafeking HalL. Serridge Lane Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2UF Bankers Lloyds Bank Address: 12 Rowcroft, Stroud, GL5 3BD Website: www.cesd.org.uk Contsrt us: district@cesd.org.uk Telephone: COTSWOLD EUGE ¥'J4 Page 22
Our governance structure, Board membership and Team Structure 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 Distrirt Executive Committee District Vice Presidents District Explorer Scout Commissioner erek Forward Steve & Pat Spokes District Commissioner Dean AshpoLe-Chapman Deputy District Commissioner Alan Northern IUntiL March 241 District Chair Vacant Ele ed Members rnold Tucker District Treasurer ris Harris Deb Bryden lan Robinson District Minutes Secretary Jayne Cross Jrfonne Andow ames Chandler Henry Park District Team District Commissioner Dean Ashpole-chapman District Youth Commissioner Vacant Deputy District Commissioner Alan Northern IUntiL March 24) ADC Scouts son Newton District Quartermaster Steve Spokes District Explorer Scout Commissioner Derek Forward {UntiL March 241 Page 23
Our Groups & Units Cotswold Edge District covers a large area of South Gloucestershire mainly North of the M4 with Pucklechurch to the South. With 16 Groups. 7 Explorer Units and I Young Leader Unit we are one of the Largest Districts within the Scouting County of Avon. Our groups & units 1st Woodend 1st Falfield 1st Thornbury Sharmafi ESU 2nd Thornbury 1st Wickwar 3rt1 Thornbury t Y•te 2nd Alverston 1st Olverston 1st Chippin9 Sodbury t Seven) Beach 1st Almondsbury 1st Ray51ield aosed P•Jrch 24 tsl Wlnterbotsrne Down & Burysid• 1st Pu¢klechur£h .2nd Fr•mpton Cotterell MBfeking Hall Zeus ESU 1st Frampton Cotttrtll Zio aosed July 23 Merged wtth 1st Fr¥rnpton Cottrell Mar¢h Z4 Page 24
Description of the charitys trusts CotswoLd Edge Scout District's governing documents are those of The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organization and Rules of The Scout Association. The District is a trust estabLished under its ruLes which are common to aLL Scouts. The Trugteeg are appointed in accordance with the Policy. Organization and Rules of The Scout Association. The District is managed by the District Executive Committee, the members of which are the 'Charity Trustees 'of the District 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 Committee consists of 3 independent representatives al Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the District Commissioner, Youth Commissioner, and District Ex- pLorer Scout Commissioner. Network Commissioner, elected members. nominated mem- bers and co-opted members. The committee meet 4 times a year at approximateLy three- monthly intervals. This District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibiLities of the appointments and is responsibLe for.. The maintenance and upkeep of the District Headquarters (Mafeking HalLI; The raising of funds and the administration of District finance; The insurance of persons, property and equipment. District public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of Leaders and other adult support. Appointing any sub committees that may be required.. Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those who are eLected. ExpLorer Scout Units and Young Leaders Scouting across the Districi. Network Scouting across the District. Scout Active Support Unit Page 25
Risks and Internal Control The District Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed. these have been reviewed and systems have been established to miti- gate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are: Damage to buildings• property and equipmenL The Distrirt would requestthe use of buildings. property and equipment from Scout Groups and ExpLorer Units from within the Distric( neighboring organizations such as churches. community centers and other youth organisations. Similar reciprocal arrange- ments exist with these organisations. The District has sufficient buiLdings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent Loss. Injury to leaders. helpers, supporters. and members. The District through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national ac- cident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before aLL activities. RedUd income from fundraising. The District is primariLy reliant upon in come from subscriptions and fundraising. The Dis- trict does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities shouLd there be a major re- durtion in income. The Commitee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the District on an ongoing basis. either temporariLy or permanentLy. Reduction or loss of leaders. The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the DistricL If there was any redurtion in the number of leaders to an unacceptabLe leveL in a particuLar area l Unit or section within a Group there would have to be a contraction, con- solidation or closure of a UniL Group or Section. In the worst case scenario the complete cLosure of the DistricL Reduction or loss of members. The District provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 25. If there was a reduction in membership in a particuLar areal Unit or Group or a section within a Group then there would have to be a contraction. consolidation or cLosure of that particuLar Unit I Section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group or Unit Page 26
Summary of the objerts of the charity Objectives The objectives of the District are as a unit of the Scout Association as set in the governing documents of the Association. The Aim of The Scout Association is to promote the development of young peopLe in achieving their fuLI physicaL, inteLlertual, 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 to prepare young people with the skills for Life by providing an enjoyabLe and attractive scheme of progressive training. based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult Leadership. 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 attitude's. Co-operation We make a positive difference; we co-operate with others and make friends. The Scout Method Scouting exists to activeLy engage and support young people in their personaL develop- menL empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. Scouting takes place when young peopLe, in partnership with aduLts, work together based on the values of Scouting and- Enjoy what they are doing and have fun. Take part in activities indoors and outdoors. Learn by doing. Share in spiritual reflection. Take responsibiLity and make choices. Page 27
Summary of the main achievements of the tharity during the year Growth In Cotswold Edge there is a large number of young people on our waiting lists, and mony more who huve not been able to consider joining because there is either no Scout Group or Explorer Unit near where they live or the ones that are there are full. We will work to give more young people the opportunity to join the everyday adventure of Scouting. Male Female Self Identify Totsl Youth Membership Adults 1034 332 1369 208 162 370 Inclusivrty We will ensure Scouting develops and is 5U5tuinable in the m05t deprived parts of our District, we will welcome all members of society, and be seen a5 open to people from all buckgrounds by the generolpublic. White Mixed/ Asianl Blackl Prefer Multiple Asian Caribbean not to r: ethic British or African Groups 37 Total Youth Membership Adults 1210 19 1369 326 40 370 Youth Membershlp Adults 107 13 22 99 54 1066 1369 31 43 267 370 Page 28
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Cotswold Edge District Scout Council Accounts from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024 Indepefjdent examIn•$ repgrtto the tru¥taes of Cot¥wold Edge Dl8trlrf Sc(t Councll l ¥ewrttoth&tDJstseu on MyexBrnlnon ofth• account& oftheC0tsJld Edg8 D(8trletS¢ouLCoundl lor thoyeaiendgd 31 Mwch 2024. Rw8lblUtle8 end b1801 repon Asth•chorftytrust8esoftheCotswoid Dl8trlctScout councll.you ar8 I1n9bl#kn8 preparaOn ofthe aceoum• In p¢cord8ncewnhth8 r8qulrem8nt8 oIth•Ch•ritiAct 207I1'theAct). I rèport InrngpectotmyeyAmlnatlon ofthg Cotsw)Id Edge Dlstrict ScoutcourlISceoucarOdtstst undei3eetlon 14Sof the 2011 Aci 8nd in carrylftg my wmln8tltsn I ha¥efollowffjd alltheappUc8bLe oheon881Vfjn byth8ChorltyComml8slon under se¢tlon 145(5llbl oftheAct. Irpd1nt&1wnnef8st8t8Ment I havecompleted myKK8mln&tton. l ¢onff rm thatno mtstertglmattar8h8vecome to my 8n•ntlon Sn connectlon wAth the ex8rnln¥tion ndma cause wbeUe¥eth8t In any mer81 r85pe¢tr. •¢coWwrecOTd$ n¢XkgPtkntsspuetof Ihe Cotswold Edge Dl8tslctSeoutCo4tndl I¢d ty110n 130 otthttP£t; ot th8 gccountsdo rtotaecorfwlth tho88 fec09. ThoV¢noctyrnj and a¥e com8 8cios# ntsother rn8tteTS In oonntctlon wrth thgaxamlnMtiDntowhich ttenOn ahouid bedrth Inthlsfeport In order 1blE8 prop81 unil¢iandin8of tho ac¢Dunttsto ba r8ached. Aete¥8ntryofwlono1 quouficetlon ormemborship ot prof888ional bodle81rf sryl., ei CFO Clic Addrw: CE(th4kllKLL, 3 &Los. qLO 2sI8 I x Page 30
Cotswold Edge Scout Councll 01102023- 3110312024 Yr Lasi Ygor Totsl rocopts IDr Ihg ywr 111986.69 144,12&03 Tot1 pgymwts tr tho Jear (123,874.061 1184.920.471 M&t f•¢eW Ip•yrnthtsl for tr• y 171,08S 3n 120.792.381 CaJh. bank 8nd Similw fiJrnJ5 brcwht 78.73 94.479.11 Csh, bank ond Slrnilar fvnd8 rarrl&J ftwtd 02.tyJ1.20 73.688.73 aGCOUni ana IiJblk wgr# 3Fprg¥•d by lh• Tru$*os tlwr by Di8tributlon Of Fund• 304.78 25¢)J 10K6.91 23979 91 25fX 10x691 H¥rdship Fund AsBetTransbr Wd Jambuee Fund 8Me$S Funrj 11•tW->MI 9991 T3686.73 18097 69 62001.3$ RECEIPTS Tris Yèar La8t Yw sLdryr4D 171. 303 40 000 87.90 FAlRTF< ¢]rr.l Ch 3529.50 0.00 1(k8.06 Ha Ref URB sur WJ 491.24 IS 00 1720CQ 595. 5.85D.C 16.020 L¥wLI Everrta 82.012.fr) 3,039.33 G4PITATtrall 75295. S.5SS.55 Page 31
500.00 o_oo 0.00 23.52 1.C(#J.C(s 2.$02.26 o.TrJ 21S1 b} QNI SG C•¥ 7376.87 G•n 5.328 659,16 72. 4010 25.524 DB o_oo &•IIKING 333 38 75.91 TOTAL RECEIPT8 IA138.03 Page 32:. 1..
PAYMENTS Thtsy L8&t Ymr o.tsj 1118.751 D,C .10130 -70B.25 470.80 (720 261 1346.201 8wdrykn¥n .333 1323,94) 0.00 Rk -1934.49 498 86 3457 -2AO -35379 3 -1989.77 .859. r2,767.3DI (287.S41 utiiu H•1 Hi ieiJ.629 191 1974.481 14.25SUYW OOD 48179 o,fyJ .288 75 0.00 o.fy) 0.00 yoj L••U•I Tfah yfig i•wty Unrftym -7C6,88 {11X.141 O.OD 18,4CI).CQI o.oa 117,744.391 130.001 D.0) -1380. 01ct e¥w Le•aerTWMII 1,660.94 187,872.001 3,D39.33 Grqfvj .$555 55 TOTAL PAYMENTS 1123,674.061 I114•All Page 33
MONETARY ASSETS Bank CurtBni Aunt aafiK MCL4)unt 97.474.PA] 10S,1n.97 30.163.38 127,971. 135,34135 La¥ Oulgl•ndirq Cheque5 0tslJITh9 Re¢ei05 188,392 081 6,737.40 Totsl Carrled FOttl 62,001.36 73.686.73 Lar £IS0.L).OD E150,fAK).aO Jldings £25D,O.00 Scong •4pm¥tt, lumrture. ek . Replaen1 V•iu• 8a¢ge Slo £T279.f £7,279.00 £349.00 £X£.50 Name Dean As oLe-Chapman District Lead VoLunteer {Outgoing} Position: Date: 12th September 2024 Page 34