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2025-03-31-accounts

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

For the Period 1[st] April 2024 – 31[st] March 2025

SECTION A - REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Charity Name:

Cotswold Edge District Scout Council

Registered Charity Number: 1127669 (England and Wales) Charity’s Principal Address: Mafeking Hall, Serridge Lane

Mafeking Hall, Serridge Lane Ram Hill, Coalpit Heath, BS36 2UF

Trustees Name’s Position Date of appointment
Arnold Tucker Acting chair (Trustee) 12thSeptember 2024
Nicholas Gingell District Lead (Ex officio) 12thSeptember 2024
Sarah Gingell Elected District Treasurer 12thSeptember 2024
Yvonne Andow Elected Trustee 12thSeptember 2024
Jason Newton Elected Trustee 12thSeptember 2024
Christopher Harris Elected Trustee 12thSeptember 2024
Derek Forward Elected Trustee 12thSeptember 2024
Jayne Gregson Cross Elected Trustee 12thSeptember 2024
Fin Tewson Under 18 rep 12thSeptember 2024
Will Lightfoot Under 18 rep 12thSeptember 2024

Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

SECTION B - STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Description of the charity:

Risk 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 mitigate against them. The principal areas of concern that have been identified are:

Damage to buildings, property, and equipment .

The District would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from Scout Groups and Explorer Units from within the District, neighbouring organizations such as churches, community centres, and other youth organisations. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. The

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

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 accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.

Reduced income from fundraising .

The District is primarily reliant upon in come from subscriptions and fundraising. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee 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 District. If there was any reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular area / Unit or section within a Group there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a Unit, Group or Section. In the worst case scenario, the complete closure of the District.

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 area/ Unit or Group or a section within a Group then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of that particular Unit / Section. In the worst case scenario, the complete closure of the Group or Unit.

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

SECTION C - OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

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 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 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 development, 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;

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

SECTION D - ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

The Trustee Board Performance & Achievements

The District Lead Volunteer’s Report

The District Lead Volunteer’s Report which can be found at Appendix A , contains all the information regarding operational matters and issues arising during the reporting period.

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

SECTION E - FINANCIAL REVIEW

SECTION F - DECLARATION

  1. The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above, and the declaration is signed below on their behalf: -

Arnold Tucker Acting Chairperson

Date:

Nicholas Gingell District Lead Volunteer Date:

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

APPENDIX A

DISTRICT LEAD VOLUNTEER’S REPORT

So, one year in and the Ex-Cub leader who said they could help the District with “some administration tasks” is now writing this annual report.

Wow what a year, within weeks of the last AGM I had to close down Compass making sure that everyone’s Safety, Safeguarding and First Aid was up to date and compliant through until December to allow Scouting to continue whilst Gilwell uploaded and started the new Membership System. Let me tell you, I probably knew only 10% of the volunteers in the district at this point, so when the new system went live, I really was shooting in the dark.

We all know how difficult the Go-Live was, and within hours of it opening for the DLV’s to access, we were all told the system was closing down for an hour or so, for urgent updates and repairs. Whilst Dean and Jason tried to help where they could, the system was just not playing ball, and so we struggled on the best we could, to get the basics set up for the GLV’s to sign-on and able to use it from the Monday.

Unfortunately, the experience for everyone has not been great, and whilst we hoped ironing out the glitches would be a few days, it was months. I think you will agree that for the last 10 months the new membership system has taken over most of our time, however if I am totally honest, I cannot do my role without it now, and I am hoping GLV’s will feel the same very soon.

Whilst trying to get to grips with the dramas of the new membership system from both HQ and within the District, we still had to complete the census, and whilst I knew how to complete a section census, the completion and sign off at District level was a much different thing all together, so a big thank you goes to all of the GLV’s and ESU Leaders for their hard work in completing the returns, but especially to Derek Forward for his long hours and dedication to ensuring the 1425 return was accurate, but also ensuring that the Gift Aid returns were arranged, allowing the District to ensure a healthy return of free funding was captured.

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

The census numbers are below and overall showed a decrease of 10 young people in total year on year.

2025 Census 2025 Census 2025 Census
Group SQ BE CU SC EXP
1st Abbotswood 15 10 21
1st Almondsbury 15 27 17
2nd Alveston 19 23 20
1st Chipping Sodbury
2nd Chipping Sodbury
15
21
14
25
13
14
1st Falfield 13 16 13
1st Frampton Cotterell 12 14 16 10
1st Frampton Cotterell 26 24 17
1st Frampton Cotterell 9
1st Olveston 23 23 19
1st Ram Hill 19 14
1st Severn Beach 11 20 19
1st Thornbury
1st Thornbury
19
20
22
28
16
28
2nd Thornbury 12 13 20
3rd Thornbury 14 16 4
1st Wickwar 14 20 14
1st Winterbourne 15 26 16
1st Woodend 17 11 19
2nd Woodend 13 21
1st Yate
1st Yate
19
18
21
20
31
28
20
25
CESD Young Leaders 19
Nike 22
Zeus 51
Endeavours 27
Mumvuzi 6
Pheonix 34
Sharman 12
Challenger 21
Totals 49 356 428 334 192 1359
2024 1369

Our total numbers represent similar trends as seen nationally in Scouting.

Adult volunteer numbers remain a concern and waiting lists especially at Squirrels and Beavers age are still high, with adult volunteer numbers being the biggest factor for this.

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

HQ remain keen to encourage groups to adopt Squirrel colonies, and HQ assistance is available both in financial support as well as planning support to encourage groups to do this, and also to encourage any new sections within a group.

Currently we have 497 active adult members on the new Membership system, this does not include regular helpers now known as Non-Member DBS required but does include all Network Members who are over 18.

Due to the recent data cleansing carried out by adopting the new system, this number can be considered as being very accurate, with only 9 of these members having not signed in yet, but are all known by HQ and are getting help to access it.

The recent Safety Training was completed well, with only a couple of volunteers who had difficulty with getting the certification to work on their “My Learning,” and within 2 days of the deadline these were sorted by HQ and the individuals involved.

Work is still required at Group and ESU level to now watch your own “Data Explorer” dashboards and chase up all compliance training and growing roots training, to ensure on time compliance. Alan Northen, Jed Williams and myself are monitoring the district dashboards, however if each Group or ESU look after their own dashboard lists, we as a district are more likely to be compliant, and less likely to have to temporarily suspend hard working and much needed volunteers, (watch the 90 day training tracker to get ahead of issues)

Talking of Volunteers, please let me thank you ALL for everything you do to make the section meetings as special as possible for our Young Scout members, and whilst your spare time is consumed by scouting deeds, there are still some important areas that need some assistance in the District. For example, assistance with IT for those members who just need some help with the online training, website updating, or helping the support teams etc.

A few special mentions for volunteers in the district who you may or may not know but will always be interested in your help or maybe just so you know who to contact if you need them.

Derek Forward, Mike Rickwood and Chris Marshall for MiDAS training and compliance.

Hannah Cameron and Claire Wiltshire for First Response certification compliance

Steve Marshall, supported by Derek Forward, Chris Harris, Henry Park and many other dedicated members who run the Ten Tors training for the TT challenge weekend.

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

For all things 14-25, Jed Williams supported by Derek Forward and Chris Harris are the best port of call, and happy to sort most queries you have.

Paul Mugenyi, Nick Cook & 1[st] Chipping Sodbury team who improve the Sodbury Challenge year after year.

Rowan Marshall, Jim Godden, Derek Forward and team who administer and run the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Alex Bolton and team for Intrepid Explorers, this ESU is ideal for any explorer or Young Leader who shows willingness to do extra for our Young Members and are willing to work towards activity permits. (currently meeting on Wednesday nights once a month at Wood House Park)

Mike and Karl Rickwood who run the Young Leaders training programme.

Alan Northen, District Programme Lead, who checks through all RAs for your NAN’s and Activity Notifications and assists me with adult compliance whenever possible.

Mafeking Hall & Campsite- We are looking to operate this under Avon County on behalf of the District from September 2025, Dean Ashpole-Chapman is likely to remain involved by assisting Andy Scully and team going forward, more details will be released soon.

Dannii Newton, Clair Wiltshire and Paula Mainprise for all in-house Squirrel Colony help and guidance.

Jason Newton for all air rifle and crossbow activities information and guidance, plus is our local member of the Avon County Rifles Team.

Andy Scully at Wood House Park Activities Centre, is always happy to help with any membership system or online training queries.

Nick Cook, Hannah Cameron, Baggy Bartlett, Derek Forward, Sandra Carnegie and Andy Scully for Nights away Permit Assessing.

This year I tried to visit a few events this year, including Strategy, Ten Tors Training, Sodbury Challenge, to name a few, and sorry if I haven’t got to your group yet, but I will do my best now that I hope the changes of last year are now settling.

One last thank you to Adrian Baxter, who has compiled many photos of our Young Members and Volunteers, doing things they all love to do throughout this past year, and doing a great job of providing Skills for Life!

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Cotswold Edge Scout District

Trustees Annual Report 2024/25

Lastly, I must also mention the sad loss of a very experienced Scouting Leader, Maria-Patricia Hudd, (1[st] Abbotswood Scout Group), who we lost suddenly this year whilst being treated in hospital. Her funeral was well attended by many Scouters, and she will be missed greatly by us all.

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Cotswold Edge Districte e Scout Council@ Accounts from 1* st AprilH 2024 to 31° st March 2025

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Cotswold Edge District Scout Council

| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Cotswold Edge District Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Cotswold Edge District Scout Council you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

| report in respect of my examination of the Cotswold Edge District Scout Council accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

| have completed my examination. | 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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Cotswold Edge District Scout Council as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. 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 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

| 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.

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Cotswold Edge Scout Council 01/04/2023 - 31/03/2024

This Year LastYear
£ £
Total receipts forthe year 111988.69 144,128.03
Total payments forthe year (123,674.06) (164,920.41)
Net receipts (payments) for the year (11,685.37) (20,792.38)
Cash, bank and similarfunds brought forward 73686.73 94,479.11
Cash, bank and similar funds carried forward 62,001.36 73,686.73
ine above acccunt ana
accompanying statement
of assets and liabilities
were approved by the
Trustees
ONveetttteeteeeeeeeesseees and signed on their behalf by
District Trustee Board Chairperson
Distribution OfFunds £ £
District Development Fund 30496.76 23979.91
Hardship Fund 2500 2500.00
AssetTransfer (1stW-S-M) 10906.91 10906.91
World Jamboree Fund 0 0.00
Business Fund ; _ _.18097.69 36299.91
62001.36 73686.73
3 £
RECEIPTS ThisYear LastYear
ADMIN General Print/Postage/Stationary 0.00 0.00
SundryAdmin 0.00 0.00
0.00
BADGES Badges 171.00 303.40
Admin/Postage/Stationary 0.00 0.00
171.00 303.40
HEADQUARTERS Council Charges 0.60 87.90
Hall Hire 3529.50 0.00
HQ REFURB 0.00 491.24
Sundry HQ 108.05 30.94
3,637.55 610.08
GENERAL SCOUTING Scout Leader Training 1590.00 595.00
World Jamboree 1720.00 5,850.00
District Events 3860.00 16,020.00
Sundry Scouting 0.00 0.00
7,170.00 22,465.00
CAPITATION Capitation 75295.00 82,012.00
GiftAid 5,555;55 3,039.33
80,850.55 85,051.33
DONATION/GRANTS LloydsBank
GiftAid (Refurb)
Just Giving
Amazon
SG Covid
500.00
0.00
0.60
23.52
0.00
4,000.00
2,502.26
0.00
22.51
0.00
Parish Council 7376.87 400.00
Gen 0.00 5,328.60
Lotto
Refurb Grants
659.16
7256.66
844.86
25,524.08
Benevity 4010.00
19,826.21
0.00
35,622.31
BANKING Intereston Accts 333.38 75.91
Charges 0.00
333.38
0.00
75.91
TOTALRECEIPTS 111,988.69 144,128.03
£ £
PAYMENTS This Year Last Year
TRANSPORT District Commissioner
District Explorer Scout Commissioner
fe)
-101.30
0.00
(178.75)
Others 0.00
(101.30)
0.00
(118.75)
ADMIN General Print/Postage/Stationary -94.80 0.00
Midas Training -708.25 (720.25)
SundryAdmin -670.80 (346.20)
Benevity -£990.00
(2,463.85)
0.00
(1,066.45)
BADGES Badges -333 (323.94)
Admin/Postage/Stationary 0.00
(333.00)
0.00
(323.94)
HEADQUARTERS Rates & Insurance
Utilities
Website/Liceinces
Hall Hire
-1934.49
-988.86
-934.57
-240
(2,767.30)
(287.54)
0.00
0.00
HQ REFURB -35379.3 (60,629.19)
Mafeking Maint -1989.77 (974.48)
Grounds Maint. -859.99 0.00
(42,326.98) (64,658.51)
14 - 25 Scouting Leader Training 0.00 0.00
Eqpt Exp -481.79
Kit Insurance 0.00 0.00
Exp Uniform -288.75
Hardship Payments 0.00 0.00
Start Up 0.00 0.00
Sundry 0.00 0.00
Young Leader Training 0.00
Young Leader Uniform -706.88 (106.14)
Young leader Sundry 0.00
(1,477.42) (106.14)
GENERAL SCOUTING Group Grants /setup 0.00 0.00
World lamhores -2,380.00 (8,400.00)
St Georges Day 0.00
District Events (17,744.35)
LeaderTraining (30.00)
Hardship 0.00
District Jamborees 0.00
Sundry Scouting -585.96 (1,560.94)
(2,965.96) (27,735.29)
CAPITATION Capitation -68450 (67,872.00)
GiftAid -§555.55 (3,039.33)
(74,005.55) (70,911.33)
TOTALPAYMENTS (123,674.06) (164,920.41)
MONETARYASSETS £ £
Bank CurrentAccount 97,474.60 105,177.97
Bank InterestAccount 30496.76 ~* 30,163.38
127,971.36 135,341.35
Less Outstanding Cheques -69060.00 (68,392.08)
Plus Outstanding Receipts 3090.00 6,737.46
Total Carried Forward 62,001.36 73,686.73
Land £150,000.00 £150,000.00
Buildings £250,000.00 £250,000.00
Scouting equipment, furniture, etc. - ReplacementValue £7,279.00 £7,279.00
BadgeStock £349.00 £306.50

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Cotswold Edge Districte e Scout Councile Accounts from 1* st AprilH 2024 to 31° st March 2025

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Cotswold Edge District Scout Council

| report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Cotswold Edge District Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Cotswold Edge District Scout Council you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

| report in respect of my examination of the Cotswold Edge District Scout Council accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

| have completed my examination. | 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:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Cotswold Edge District Scout Council as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  3. 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 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

| 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: , AnAY, Name: AIO< r AWAnw Kk ¢1 AaS\e£ < Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): CHAG Ee) /x| a \ Address: Za (AL CONV AGE, VEX ir) OLVESNGLY (OC Quw L } Date: $$ Ocqosee cee ‘