Trustees Annual Report **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** ## Reference and Administration Details Charity Name: Mersey Weaver District Scout Council Charity Number: 1145482 Principal Address: The Heath Business and Technical Park, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 4QX ## **1.1 Trustees** Jeff Shaw District Chair/Cover for District Treasurer Catherine Mudford District Treasurer (Jan to May) Oliver Chambers District Lead Volunteer Grace Wheeler District Youth Lead Volunteer Ronald Sayle Michelle Pickstock Andy Wheeler Krish Daryanani Aaron Cawley (co-opted) Jenny Barrowcliff (co-opted) ## Objectives & Activities ## **2.1 Governing Document & Purposes of the Charity** The 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, Organisation and Rules (POR) of the Scout Association. The purpose of the Scouts is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. By being in the Scouts, adults and young people develop skills for life through participation in a programme, underpinned by our method, and delivered principally in Squirrel Dreys, Beaver Colonies, Cub Packs, Scout Troops, Explorer Units and Scout Networks. The function of all the other adults within our movement is to support the delivery and quality of those programmes in each of our section. ## **2.2 Main Activities** ## **2.3 District Scout Council** The District Scout Council is the electoral body to which the District Trustee Board is accountable. Membership of the District Scout Council is open to: ## **Ex-officio Members** Ex officio members of the District Scout Council are: **Page 1 of 13** ## Trustees Annual Report **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** - **a.** all adult members with a role in one of the District’s teams or sub-teams - see - District roles listed in the POR Chapter 16 Teams Table - **b.** All adults with the following appointments in the Groups in the District - a. Lead Volunteers and Group Leadership Team Members - b. Section Team Leaders and Team Members - c. Group Trustee Board members (Chairs, Treasurers, Trustees) - **c.** All Explorers (including Young Leaders) in the District - **d.** All members of the District Scout Network - **e.** all parents of all Explorers (including Young Leaders) in the District - **f.** the County Lead Volunteer - **g.** the County Chair ## **Appointed Members** The appointed members of the Scout Council are other supporters of the Group, District or County appointed by the Scout Council at their AGM on the recommendation of the Trustee Board for a fixed period not exceeding three years. Mersey Weaver has no appointed members. ## **Community Members** The community members of the Scout Council are representatives of the local community appointed because of their role rather than by their name. For example, local headteachers, or Parish Council members. The total number of appointed and community members of a District Scout Council must not exceed the number of ex officio members Mersy Weaver has no Community Members. ## **2.4 Constitution and Governing document** The District is a trust established under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. It has a constitution agreed by the District Scout Council, but which is subservient to its governing documents. The constitution is detailed in section **5c.2** of POR. ## **2.5 Trustee Selection** The trustees are appointed in accordance with the District’s constitution, the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association and best practice from the Charity Commission. The District Trustee Board should comprise a maximum of 12 Trustees (the total of all ex officio, appointed, and co-opted Trustee categories), with a minimum of five Trustees. In Mersey Weaver it is proposed to have up to twelve Trustees who are approved by the District Scout Council at the AGM: **Page 2 of 13** ## Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** Two ex Offico, eight appointed and up to two co-opted in any year. The aim is for the District Trustee Board, and any sub teams, to have at least two Trustees aged between their 18th and 25th birthdays. The selection processes leading to appointment of District Trustees must include a rigorous and transparent selection process, which includes advertising vacancies widely. All Trustees must complete learning as specified in the appropriate sections of Chapter 16 Teams Table of The Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules. The members of the District Trustee Board are: - a. The District Lead Volunteer and the District Youth Lead are ex officio members of a District Trustee Board. - b. The District Trustee Board must initiate a selection process to propose a District Chair to the District Scout Council for appointment at their AGM. The vacancies for the role of Chair only occur at the end of their period of appointment (for example, a District Chair may have been appointed for three years and so does not need to be reappointed after years 1 and 2). The proposal from the Trustee Board is received by the Scout Council at their AGM. The proposal from the Trustee Board does not require seconding by a member of the Scout Council. The action of the Scout Council is to approve (or not) the proposed name from the Trustee Board. - c. The District Trustee Board must initiate a selection process to propose a District Treasurer to the District Scout Council for appointment at their AGM. The vacancies for the role of Treasurer only occur at the end of their period of appointment (for example, a District Treasurer may have been appointed for three years and so does not need to be re-appointed after years 1 and 2). The proposal from the Trustee Board Is received by the Scout Council at their AGM. The proposal from the Trustee Board does not require seconding by a member of the Scout Council. The action of the Scout Council is to approve (or not) the proposed name from the Trustee Board. - d. The appointed members of a District Trustee Board are persons appointed by the District Scout Council at the District’s AGM. This should follow a selection process initiated and overseen by the District Trustee Board. The vacancies for the role of Trustee only occur at the end of their period of appointment (for example, a District Trustee may have been appointed for three years and so does not need to be re-appointed after years 1 and 2). The proposal from the Trustee Board Is received by the Scout Council at their AGM. The proposal from the Trustee Board does not require seconding by a member of the Scout Council. The action of the Scout Council is to approve (or not) the proposed name from the Trustee Board. - e. The co-opted members of a District Trustee Board are persons co-opted annually by the District Trustee Board. They are not appointed by the District Scout Council at its AGM. The number of co-opted members must not exceed the actual number of appointed Trustees (excluding Chair and Treasurer). - f. The County Chair and the County Commissioner each have the right of attendance at meetings of each of the District Trustee Boards in the Districts in the County. **Page 3 of 13** ## Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** ## **2.6 District Trustee Board** The Trustee Board remains to support the District Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment and to especially to provide guidance, support, and compliance assurance in all aspects of governance inc. safety, legal matters, finance, insurance, data compliance and any other regulatory requirements. The District Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as charity Trustees, to make sure the Scouts is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance, working to ensure that the District is meeting The Scout Association's overall aims and strategic goals. Effective Trustee support helps other volunteers run the Scout programme that gives young people skills for life. Members of the District Trustee Board must act collectively as charity trustees of the District, and in the best interests of the District’s members. The District Trustee Board is responsible for the governance of the charity, and it is accountable to the District Scout Council. Members of the District Trustee Board must act collectively as charity trustees of Scout District, and in the best interests of the charity’s members. Governance roles must be distinct to help manage conflicts of interest. This means that the roles of District Chair and District Treasurer must be kept separate and be done by two different people. The District Trustee Board members must themselves collectively: - develop and maintain a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations - ensure that the District's finances are properly managed, including development and maintenance of appropriate budgets to support the work of the District - ensure that where one of the District's Explorer Units is partnered with a Group and the operational financing is undertaken by the Group, this arrangement is documented in the Partnership Agreement, and the finance arrangements must follow this guidance. - Maintain and manage: - a reserves policy for the charity including a plan for use of reserves outside the 'minimum' - an investment policy for the charity - a public benefit statement for the charity - ensure that people, property and equipment are appropriately insured, and that any property and equipment owned or used by the District is properly protected and maintained - ensure the appointment and management and operation of any sub-teams, including appointing a Chair to lead the sub-teams. This should normally be one of the District's Trustees. - ensure that effective administration is in place to support the work of the District Trustee Board - appoint any co-opted members of the District Trustee Board - ensure transparency of operation, including: - prepare and approve the Annual Accounts and arrange their examination by an auditor or independent examiner as appropriate and as appointed by the District Scout Council at their AGM **Page 4 of 13** Trustees Annual Report **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** - prepare and approve the District Trustees' Annual Report which must include the Annual Accounts and include the report from the auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer - present the approved Trustees' Annual Report and Annual Accounts to the District Scout Council for their consideration at the District's AGM - following the District AGM, ensure that a copy of the District Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts is filed as described in POR 5e.2.1.2 and 5e.2.1.3 of The Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules. - take responsibility for the District's adherence to Data Protection Legislation recognising that, dependent on circumstances, it may at different times act as a Data Controller and as a Data Processor - individually and collectively maintain confidentiality regarding appropriate District Trustee Board business - put in place annually an open and transparent selection process to recommend to the District Scout Council appropriate persons to be appointed members of the District Trustee Board, including Chair and Treasurer. Vacancies for appointed Trustees only occur at the end of their period of appointment (for example, a Trustee may have been appointed for three years and so does not need to be re-appointed or re-selected after years 1 and 2). Where staff are employed: - act as a responsible employer in accordance with the Scouts' values and relevant legislation - ensure that effective line management is in place for each employed staff member and that these are clearly established and communicated - ensure that appropriate specific personnel insurance is in place Notye Mersey Weaver has no direct staff employed. District Trustee Board may create sub-teams it deems necessary to support its governance function. The District Trustee Board must ensure that for any sub-team it appoints: - its purpose is governance focused and not operational - its members are agreed and approved by the District Trustee Board - the District Trustee Board Chair is an ex officio member - the District Lead Volunteer is an ex officio member Sub-team members are not District Trustees unless they are already members of the District Trustee Board. Mersey Weaver District Trustee Board has three sub teams - Finance Sub Team - Health, Safety and Environment Sub Team - Growth & Development Programme Steering Group **Page 5 of 13** Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** ## **2.7 Risk and Internal Control** The District Trustee Board has developed a dynamic Risk Management Process to help identify the major risks to which they believe the District is exposed. In support of this process the Trustee Board has also developed a Risk Register in which to: - record these identified risks, - record necessary mitigating actions in place or needed to reduce these risks to an acceptable level, - assist in the sharing of these risks across the District teams to help understanding, and clarify the wider team’s role in managing these risks, - track to the appropriate progress of mitigating actions, - support the ongoing maintenance of this dynamic register. A copy of this Risk Register is available separately on request. ## Objects and Activities The primary purpose of the District is aligned to that of the Scout Association namely: _‘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: - 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 - undertake new and challenging activities - make and live by their Promise. **Page 6 of 13** Trustees Annual Report **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** ## **The activities of the District** - The provision of the Scouting programme for 14–18 year old members (Explorers) - The provision of scouting for 18–24 year old members (Network) - The provision of support to Scout Groups within the District - The provision of communication channels between Scout Groups within the District and between those Groups and the rest of the Scouting Organisation. ## Achievements and Performance 2025 has been another vibrant, ambitious and rewarding year for Mersey Weaver. Across Runcorn, Widnes, Frodsham and the surrounding villages, our volunteers have continued to deliver safe, inclusive, varied and adventurous programmes for young people. The success of the District remains a testament to the dedication, commitment and passion of our leaders, trustees, supporters, activity teams, young leaders and young people. This was once again celebrated at our annual #BigThankYou event at Queen Charlotte’s Wood. The event gave us the opportunity to recognise the contribution of volunteers from across the District, celebrate awards and remind ourselves that Mersey Weaver is at its best when people from different Groups, Units and teams come together in support of young people. A major highlight of 2025 has been the continued success of our Growth and Development work, supported by our Local Growth Officer, Emma Jenks, and the Growth and Development Programme Steering Group. The District has continued to focus on opening new provision, strengthening existing Groups and targeting communities where Scouting can have the greatest impact. This has included recruitment events, open days, taster sessions, social media support, school and community engagement, recruitment materials and practical support for Groups and Units. We were delighted to welcome new and developing sections into the Mersey Weaver family during the year, including Squirrel Dreys at 10th Widnes, 3rd Frodsham, 1st Halton, 1st Ince & Elton, 4th Widnes and Murdishaw, along with new or restarted provision at Windmill Hill, Murdishaw and 3rd & 9th Runcorn. Work has also continued to support 6th Runcorn with reopening Scout provision and to strengthen leadership and governance in Groups where additional support has been needed. These developments reflect a huge amount of work by both new volunteers and established leaders who have supported taster sessions, pilot meetings and the early stages of new sections. The 2025 Census shows the scale of progress. Total youth membership increased from 1,130 to 1,179, an increase of 49 young people, or 4.3%. Overall membership increased from 1,519 to 1,748, an increase of 229 members, or 15.1%. Squirrels continued to show particularly strong growth, increasing from 93 to 119 young people, a rise of 28%. Cub membership also increased, from 313 to 322. Beavers reduced slightly from 289 to 281, Scouts reduced from 265 to 239, and Explorer membership remained broadly stable at 112. Scout Network membership increased significantly from 57 to 106, reflecting encouraging growth in our 18–25 provision. The Census also shows a very positive increase in adult volunteer capacity. Adult section teams increased from 230 to 282, a rise of 52 adults, or 22.6%. Total adult roles increased from 389 to 569, **Page 7 of 13** ## Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** reflecting both new volunteers joining and the transition to team-based volunteering through the wider Scouts transformation programme. This growth in adult capacity is particularly important because our ability to offer more places for young people depends directly on recruiting, welcoming, supporting and retaining enough volunteers. Despite this growth, demand for Scouting remains very high. The Census recorded waiting lists of 152 young people for Squirrels, 130 for Beavers, 200 for Cubs, 145 for Scouts and 5 for Explorers, a total of 632 young people waiting for a place. This underlines both the success of Scouting in Mersey Weaver and the continuing challenge facing the District. The priority for the year ahead must remain on opening new provision, strengthening existing sections, supporting Groups with recruitment and ensuring that families in all parts of the District have access to Scouting where capacity allows. The District now supports 18 Scout Groups, alongside a Young Leader Unit, four Explorer Scout Units and District Scout Network provision. During the year, operational provision increased to 11 Squirrel Dreys, 19 Beaver Colonies and 19 Cub Packs. This reflects the continuing commitment of Groups and District teams to create more local opportunities for young people, while also recognising the need to stabilise and rebuild Scout Troop capacity where numbers have fallen. Young people across Mersey Weaver have once again achieved an impressive range of awards. During the Census reporting period, young people achieved: - 34 Chief Scout’s Acorn Awards - 65 Chief Scout’s Bronze Awards - 54 Chief Scout’s Silver Awards - 22 Chief Scout’s Gold Awards - 5 Chief Scout’s Platinum Awards - 5 Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Awards • 7 Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Awards - 3 Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards - 4 Young Leader Belt Buckles - 2 King’s Scout Awards - 4 Chief Scout’s Diamond Awards In addition, at Celebrating Success we congratulated 25 Chief Scout’s Gold Awards, 5 Chief Scout’s Platinum Awards, 2 Chief Scout’s Diamond Awards, 2 Young Leader Awards, 2 Explorer YouShape Awards, 2 Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Awards and 1 Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award. These achievements demonstrate the quality of programmes being delivered locally and the dedication of the volunteers who support young people to challenge themselves, develop new skills and complete top awards. We were especially proud to celebrate Harry Edgar and Grace Wheeler, both from Beacon and Mersey Weaver Scout Network, who were recorded on the District King’s Scout Roll of Honour in 2025. The King’s Scout Award remains the highest achievement for Explorer Scouts and Scout Network members and reflects sustained commitment to personal development, teamwork, service, challenge and leadership. The 14–24 Team and Explorer Scout Units have continued to provide a varied and adventurous programme including Duke of Edinburgh training and expedition opportunities. There was also strong **Page 8 of 13** Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** engagement with the Young Leader programme, a significant increase in Young Leaders, and continuing work to support Explorer-to-Network transition, King’s Scout Award pathways and future international opportunities. A particular highlight of 2025 was the Mersey Weaver contingent visit to Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland. This was our largest and most inclusive international adventure yet, bringing together Scouts, Explorers and Network members from across the District. For many young people it was their first time abroad, and the experience gave them the opportunity to develop independence, resilience, confidence, friendship and a real sense of international Scouting. This major expedition was only possible because of an extraordinary fundraising effort and the commitment of the leadership team. Particular thanks are due to Andy Hill as Contingent Leader and Michelle Pickstock as Support Team Leader, alongside all the leaders and supporters who worked before, during and after the expedition to make the experience safe, inclusive and memorable. Mersey Weaver continued to perform strongly at Cheshire Hike with outstanding representation from our Groups and Explorer Units, including 1st Moore winning the Pathfinder section, 1st Norley placing 6th in Pathfinder and 2nd in Pathfinder+ and 4th Frodsham, 1st Helsby and 1st Newton & Kingsley also taking part. In the Explorer section, Cestrian, Mersey Weaver placed 1st, with Draco, Mersey Weaver placing 3rd and also fielding further teams. These results demonstrate the strength of outdoor skills, teamwork and resilience being developed through Groups and Units across the District, as well as the support given by volunteers who help young people prepare for and take part in challenging events with District Training. The Youth Lead team also continued to develop youth-shaped Scouting across the District. A major highlight was the Wellbeing Weekend, which attracted over 150 attendees and received very positive feedback. The event supported young people to think about wellbeing, inclusion and personal development, and helped gather ideas for future work. The Youth Lead team also continued to engage with County and national youth forums, helping ensure young people’s voices inform the direction of Scouting in Mersey Weaver. 2025 has also been a significant year for investment in our activity centres and wider District assets. Queen Charlotte’s Wood benefited from grant funding for a new kitchen and from the installation of modern smart infrared heating. The kitchen refurbishment also enabled wider improvements, including loft insulation, electrical improvements and a new smart security system. These projects have improved the experience for young people, volunteers and visiting groups while helping make the centre more efficient, sustainable and attractive for future bookings. The District Scout Centre has also benefited from continued improvement, including progress with the main hall heating and lighting project, roof repairs and wider refurbishment planning. The installation of modern infrared heating is an important step in improving comfort, reducing energy waste and making the building more usable for the many teams and activities that rely on it. The Centre continues to support District meetings, training, activity teams, storage, programme support and a wide range of regular and ad hoc Scouting activity and also this year became the permanent home of the District Shop. **Page 9 of 13** ## Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** Clogwyn has continued to provide an important base for adventurous activities in North Wales. Maintenance has continued and discussions have progressed around securing a longer-term lease, which is important for the future sustainability of this valued facility. Queen Charlotte’s Wood remains a busy and valued outdoor centre for camping, residential experiences, target sports, campfires, pioneering and wider outdoor learning and is an important venue used free of charge by our groups on a weekly basis. Together, Queen Charlotte’s Wood, Clogwyn and the District Scout Centre give Mersey Weaver the facilities needed to offer a richer and more varied programme than would otherwise be possible. The District has also had considerable success securing external funding. This includes £81,000 from the Better Youth Spaces Fund for a new minibus and Explorer camping equipment. Alongside applications submitted directly by the District, we have supported Groups to access funding for their own buildings, equipment and development projects. Collectively, this has helped bring hundreds of thousands of pounds of investment into Scouting locally, improving facilities, strengthening sustainability and enabling more young people to take part in high-quality activities. The minibus project is a particularly important investment in future programme delivery. Transport remains one of the biggest practical barriers to adventurous and residential experiences, especially for Groups and Units serving families affected by the wider cost-of-living crisis. A modern, safe and accessible minibus will help more sections take part in camps, activities, visits and events, and will strengthen the District’s ability to support Groups across Mersey Weaver and beyond. The District’s existing minibuses and trailers have continued to support programme delivery, although 2025 has also shown the financial and operational challenges of maintaining older vehicles. Maintenance costs, reduced bookings and unexpected repairs have reinforced the need to keep our transport provision under review, ensure good MiDAS training coverage and make best use of these important shared resources. The mobile climbing wall has also seen important progress. Following refurbishment and an independent review of the operating procedures, the wall was able to return to service subject to updated procedures, training and further review. This is a valuable District asset which can support Groups, events and external bookings, and continued investment will be needed to keep it safe, attractive and sustainable. The District Scout Shop has continued to provide affordable uniform, badges and equipment for families and volunteers across the District. At a time when many households are under financial pressure, the ability to offer uniform below recommended retail prices remains an important part of making Scouting accessible. The Shop also continues to make a valued contribution to District finances and supports the wider Growth and Development work by helping new sections and new volunteers access the resources they need. The Awards and Recognition Team has once again played an important role in ensuring that volunteers are thanked and celebrated. In 2025, the District Roll of Honour recorded awards including the Award for Merit, Bar to the Award for Merit, Bar to the Silver Acorn, Silver Acorn, Chief Scout’s Commendation for Good Service and Chief Scout’s Personal Award. We were particularly pleased to see Rick Wakefield awarded the Silver Acorn and Sandra Hale awarded the Bar to the Silver Acorn, **Page 10 of 13** ## Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** alongside many other well-deserved recognitions for volunteers from across the District. These awards represent only a small part of the contribution made by volunteers each week, but they are an important way of recognising exceptional service and dedication. Throughout the year, the District also continued its transition to the new volunteer experience and digital systems introduced by The Scouts. This has required a considerable amount of work from volunteers at Group and District level, particularly around new team structures, role titles, welcome processes, learning, compliance and digital records. While this has created short-term complexity, it also provides an opportunity to make volunteering more flexible, collaborative and easier to sustain in the long term. The Trustee Board has continued to focus on safe Scouting, governance, risk, compliance, finance and the long-term sustainability of District assets. This has included work on trustee training, data protection, duty of candour, risk management, premises oversight, safer recruitment and mandatory learning. The Board also began important succession planning for key District leadership roles, ensuring that Mersey Weaver is prepared for future leadership transition and able to maintain continuity. 2025 has also brought sadness and challenge. The District was deeply saddened by the death of Cath Mudford, our Treasurer, whose contribution to Mersey Weaver was greatly valued. Her loss has been felt personally and organisationally, and the District has had to work carefully to maintain financial oversight and reporting while seeking new support for the finance function. We record our thanks for Cath’s service and for the volunteers who have stepped forward to help maintain continuity. As we look ahead, Mersey Weaver is in a strong position. Membership is growing, adult volunteer capacity has increased, major investment has been secured, our activity centres are improving, and young people continue to achieve outstanding things. At the same time, the District faces real challenges: large waiting lists, pressure on family finances, rising operating costs, the need to maintain and improve buildings, and the ongoing task of recruiting and retaining enough volunteers. The achievements of 2025 show that Mersey Weaver has the ambition, capability and community support to meet those challenges and continue helping more young people gain skills for life. ## Financial Review ## **5.1 Reserves Policy** The District has undertaken a review of its potential liabilities in the face of foreseeable risks and has currently determined that a reasonable minimum sum to hold as reserves is one year’s District operating cost: nominally £90 000. 2025 has seen further investment in the District facilities, as well as in the Local Growth Officer (LGO). The year end unrestricted funds (£79,149) are below the agreed reserves level. This is due to the higher level lof investments made in 2025 (notably in the LGO and activity centres) and the higher level of funds for Designated or Restricted to specific purposes (£141,509 and £27,357 respectively). **Page 11 of 13** ## Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** The Designated sum includes the monies for the new minibus (£71,000) which will be spent in early 2026. The £27,357 of Restricted funds are dominated by monies set aside for the support of Clogwyn Activity Centre from an historic bequest. Note funding from the TSA has ince again resulted in a lower level of spend on the LGO. It has been agreed that the District will continue to fund the LGO throughout 2026, this will however eat into reserves further as the current phase of TSA funding will not be available. Additional external funding for the LGO will be sought in 2026, but in the meantime non grant funded investments in the activity centres will have to be limited.Despite this commitment to limit investment, it is still expected that significant sums will again have to be invested to complete the refurbishment of the DSC in 2026. Accounting for the unrestricted reserves outcome at the end of 2025, the combination of the DSC and LGO investments, plus ongoing inflation pressures it is expected that the unrestricted reserves will be depleted further in 2026. It is likely that current level of reserves set at at one years operating will have to be reduced to a more realistic 3 to 6 months. This will be discussed by the psot AGM Trustee Board at the next Reserves review in mid 2026. The sad loss of the District Treasurer, Cath Mudford, in 2025 led to some challenges but overall the finances continued to be managed in a prudent and professional manner, with expenses settled promptly. Despite the comprehensive finances processes in place, the lack of an experienced Treasurer did complicate and delay the closure for the year end accounts, however, these have now been completed and to the full satisfaction of our IE. The District will continue to support exciting activities and events to enhance the provision of scouting in the District. These continue to be proposed, approved, and tracked using our project proposal and approval process. Resolution of Gift Aid application remains outstanding. ## **5.2 Investment Policy** The District has adopted a low-risk strategy with all funds held in cash in banks or building societies. The District continues to make use of a secure account with the Charity bank giving a higher rate of return. An Investment Policy is in place to reflect this strategy. **Page 12 of 13** Trustees Annual Report ## **01 Jan 2025 – 31 Dec 2025** ## Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees: SIGN **Signature: Date: 10/06/2026** Full Name: Oliver Chambers Position: District Lead Volunteer **Signature:** J M Shaw **Date** : **10/06/2026** Full Name: Jeff Shaw Position: District Chair **Page 13 of 13** 31 B￿￿￿b￿2024 31" fknnLv2025 Totsi Unfe51tKiEd Lknwatoj Restrftyl IFKO 70A7&00 L14 20464 4026116 2175&74 B7&36 D. 1213A8 7Q47 67&1AX) 6356LOO 4187.70 187.70 87,34943 7&89622 3444254 M44Z54 7¥1I13 T19L3.L3 OL 1.14 192532 l4n￿ Don4tbi%grants & 0.00 40,262.16 - Fund Cry U75574 - AL*twtssl ￿c$hoP 9507￿6 . andCh¥g45 0.￿j 1.213.88 27A3 L41&00 24a49 )7.26 $￿1.?6 236fj1J.72 191159.74 ￿.187￿8 IA7150 Totsl InLoTh 3M31￿31 I￿3316$ 164623A5 L41& E¥JVDITURE - Me￿￿11pFte5 7U3 9)&97.26 1877.17 3SQ loom 19J4L18 00 A341. 52964.70 51WA4 19.191. 19,191h8 om 8￿76￿8 7Q7l4 3&73 lQ179.07 & &¥ts . 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Rec•pts noton b￿k ststwnwrt Payrn￿ts 5tsteMtTht 0.￿ 25.￿.61 Cash Boak Bpi&n om 134,241.53 iia77937 92,839.76 X).1gJ.93 103,041.60 1(Kth 20177937 1(Q189.71 W650.05 &939.61 To#(R¢￿*s#￿trd￿V 248,01634 79.IAt3 1419)9.10 27.357.61 Jdf Shrw EriC￿￿ett 151 Zo26 Indépendent Examiner's Report To the Trustse5 of the Mersey Weaver District Scout Council Accounting Period I report on the accounts of Mersey Weaver District Scout Council for the period 01 january 2025 to 31* December 2025. Respective Responsibilitie5 of Trustees and Examiners The Charity Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit 15 not required for this year Lsnder sertion 144 of the Charibes Art 20111" the Charities Act"} and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility: to examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act., to folLow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. under section 14515lb of the Charities Act, and., to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examiner's Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Dirertions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also included consideration of any unusuaL items or di5cI05ures in the accounts. and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide aLL the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequentLy no opinion is given whether the accounts present a "true and fair" view and the report 15 Limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examiner's Ststement In connecbon with my examination. no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material aspect, the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act. and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and compLy with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met or to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in orderto enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Date: Eric Bennett