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← 6th Friern Barnet Scout Group

2024-03-31-accounts

6[th] Friern Barnet Scout Group

Trustees' Annual Report for the period 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024

The principal address of the charity for correspondence is c/o 27 Loring Road, London N20 0UJ.

Trustees

The trustees are deemed to be the members of the Group Trustee Board for the time being.

Those who have served in this capacity during the last year are as follows:

Trustee Name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for the whole year 1: Richard Charles Chairman 2: Rekha Patel Secretary 3: David French Treasurer 4: Andrew Rush Group Scout Leader 5: Sylvia Snijders 6: Melvin Loades 1[st] April - 9[th] November 2023

Names and addresses of advisers:

Independent scrutineer David Evans Pen-Y-Cae, 38 Galley Lane, Arkley, Hertfordshire EN5 4AJ

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 (POR) of The Scout Association.

The Group is a trust established under rules which are common to all Scouts. It is also a Registered Charity in its own right, number 1146211.

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 Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary together with the Group Scout Leader, and up to 10 other members and meets every 2 months.

Of the 10 other members half are appointed by the Group Council and the other half are nominated by the Group Scout Leader and approved by the Group Council, both at the AGM.

The Trustee Board exists to support the Group Scout Leader in meeting the responsibilities of the appointment and is responsible for:

Risk and Internal Control

The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; these include 2 signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policy to ensure that insurable risks are covered.

Objectives and activities

The objectives of the Group are as a unit of the Scout 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 by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.

 To build strong teams of adults who will deliver the Group’s objectives

Public benefit

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.

In planning our activities for the year we kept in mind the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit at our trustee meetings.

Membership of the Scout Association, and therefore of the Group, is open to all no matter what their background, faith, gender, or personal circumstances. Subscriptions payable to the Group are minimal and no young person would be prevented from joining if they were unable to pay this subscription.

Grants are available through our “Helping Hands” scheme to assist all young people to fully participate in all activities.

Achievements and performance

Chairman’s report

Being the Chair of the Trustees Board for the 6FB means that in addition to the traditional role of chair, the following fall under my responsibility;

During the year we have three main fundraising events: two events are to raise funds for the Group, and the third is the Christmas Show where the Scouts nominate a local charity to receive the funds raised. Our first event of the year was a Bingo Night on 11[th] November 2023, which proved a little problematic as the Bingo caller (Vera) was stuck in traffic following a major accident on the A1 so did not make it to the event. However those attending found themselves at an impromptu gathering of friends with a bar and a relaxed environment in which to catch up and funds were still raised.

The Christmas Show was on 15[th] December 2023, and immediately prior to the event the topic of Photography, Video and Audio recording at Scout events was brought to my attention. This topic has required significant time and meetings to review with our Group, the Scout Association and other Scout Groups to ensure that we have an appropriate set of guidelines in place.

Our final event of the last year was a Quiz Night on 9[th] March 2024 which was well attended. Not only were our brains tested with some well written questions but our stomachs were rewarded with some well-cooked chilli con carne and rice too!

Most of our activities revolve around Manor Drive Church, and on behalf of everyone in the Group I would like to thank Rev Shaun Sanders, Janet Farmer, Vicky Roberts and all of the other members of their team who have been so helpful, generous and welcoming to us, this year as every year.

Finally I would like to thank my fellow trustee board members and fundraising volunteers for their help and support throughout the year. These fund raising events only happen as people are prepared to give several hours of their time before and after the actual event to set up and subsequently tidy up afterwards.

Richard Charles

Trustee Board Chair

We started the summer term with a Royal theme – celebrating the King’s Coronation. The beavers also joined the rest of the group at May camp in Well End for the day, and at October camp for the campfire.

During the summer term we try and get out and about, we are lucky to be surrounded by lots of open spaces that are safe/secure. As always Frith Grange was the location for quite a few meetings - fire lighting, wall climbing, archery & water games. There is nothing quite like toasting marshmallows on a campfire on a summer’s evening. The summer term ended with a trip to Chessington, the Beavers were so well behaved, and we were proud of how they faced some of their fears on some of the rides!

In the Autumn term we were at Manor Drive for most of the meetings, apart from a trip to Friary Park and an autumn walk with Beavers from the District. Beavers also raised money to sponsor another toilet! We ended the term with our Group Christmas Show, this year with a ‘Cinderella’ theme. The Beavers spent a couple of meetings rehearsing and, on the night, showed off their dance moves to ‘Magic Moments’.

During the spring term we had a visit from ‘Ranger Stu’, learned lots about money and came second in the District Dominoes competition. The term ended with a walk which of course included chips.

Some other highlights of the year’s programme included:

The success of our Beaver Colony is all down to the teamwork, enthusiasm, and experience of a brilliant group of leaders - Tony, Sylvia, Samantha, Natasha, and Mila. Their commitment, ideas and dedication mean activities are engaging, fun and adventurous for young people of all abilities and backgrounds. There is nothing more rewarding than a young person who goes from ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘yes, I can do this’ with the biggest smile.

Tracey Barnett Beaver Scout Lead

The 6th Friern Barnet Cub Scouts have shown great enthusiasm for the many events and activities that have been laid on for them this year. They have attended many District events, including:

This was combined with a fun and varied programme, which has explored many of the facets of being in the Scout Movement. For example, in summer 2023 the Cubs attended the Reform Synagogue in Oakleigh Road North to discover more about Judaism from their Reader. They had two sessions on road safety and went to the May Camp at Well End; this was the first camp where the current Cub leader team organised the weekend activities for their section and proved very successful. The Cubs demonstrated their dexterity on the traverse wall and their craftsmanship building shelters in the spinney.

In the Autumn term, the Cubs attended the October camp and showed that we are not afraid of a little rain or the dark when having fun and learning new skills. They carved pumpkins, raced down the Cresta Run and abseiled from a 30 foot tower. The Cubs showed their code breaking skills with their Spying night; they learned knots and lashings in their pioneering evening and had a blast bowling. The Cubs used their DIY skills to make Kub Kars for this year’s Grand Prix. Special thanks to David Barnett and William Maynard for volunteering their time and expertise helping out. At Christmas time, the Cubs performed in the Christmas Show unleashing a dance routine created by Debi Rush, with a little stage direction from me.

During the Winter term it was with great pride that we awarded the Green Sixer, Harry Phillips, his Chief Scout's Silver Award. That term we had a Cooking Competition, which Drew and Debi Rush helped at and adjudicated. We hosted our very own Burns’ Night where the Sixers helped to cook haggis, tatties and gravy for the rest of the Cubs who set the table for their Burns' Night feast. They even heard a little bit of poetry from Rabbie Burns himself. The Cubs lit fires and toasted marshmallows at Frith Grange where they had a chance to practice a few songs around a campfire. Lastly, there was a litter pick at Friary Park that allowed the Cubs to do a good deed for the community. All of these many activities as well as those left unspoken were accomplished with the tireless efforts of the Cub leader team and the greatly appreciated help of Active Support members and parents that have volunteered their time to assist them.

Starting in January 2024, Toby Vettiankal has regularly attended Wednesday meetings as a Young Leader for his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award. We created some goals and expectations for him when we started to assess his progress. Within a few weeks, he has already exceeded our expectations. He is proactive, eager and has proven incredibly helpful in

the running of our week-to-week meetings. He is growing in confidence and ready for new challenges.

Regarding the leader team, a new leader, Goursen Ibrahim, joined the team in March 2024. Another leader, Natasha Esposito will be joining for the Summer term of 2024 as a Cub leader from the Group's Beaver team. Two Active Support members, Karen and Bella have regularly helped out at Cub meetings and have significantly contributed to running the activities as well as general safety and safeguarding. We have also sought out new prospective leaders or Active Support members but progress is slow. The parent rota has helped significantly with supplying enough adults to maintain safeguarding and run activities. There being only two dedicated Cub leaders for the organisation and delivery of the section's programme, administration and safety has been the main risk for the Cub section this year.

In February 2024, I informed the Group that I will step down as Cub Scout Section Leader (Akela) at the end of the Autumn term 2024 to resume my previous position as an Assistant Leader. This is due to changing personal circumstances preventing me from being able to properly commit to the responsibilities of being Akela.

Daniel Maynard Cub Scout Lead

Going to camp is always an exciting adventure, whether it means sleeping in a tent, on a boat, under a bivouac or below ground in a Secret Nuclear Bunker – and our Scouts experienced all of these during the year, with twelve camps at eight different venues and a total of 26 Nights Away altogether. Dorian Buyuk-Dogan and Jaiden Harrison were part of the UK Contingent at the World Scout Jamboree in Korea and it was also a year of international opportunity for 27 Scouts from our Troop who went to the Haarlem Jamborette in the Netherlands, along with one Young Leader and eight leaders. It was an amazing experience, surviving heavy rain and flooded tents on the first night to enjoy twelve days of games, sports, pioneering, water activities, hikes, arts and technology, with trips to a theme park and a day in Amsterdam, guided by Bouk, a Dutch leader who had visited us in London before the camp. Not forgetting the open day, the camp fire, the fabulous food and parties every evening in The Mokkie.

In total we raised over £13,000 to help reduce the cost of the Jamborette for parents, and we also helped others in the community. Scouts washed cars at the Manor Drive Methodist church Spring Splash, we supported the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice with money from packing bags and singing carols at Waitrose in North Finchley, and proceeds from our brilliant Group production of Cinderella at Christmas went to the Meningitis Research Foundation. (We chose this charity because a former 6FB Scout, Joe Ward, lost his sister to Meningitis unexpectedly, while he was away on a Himalayan expedition with Hatters Explorers.) On two occasions during the year, some of the older members of the Troop cooked a meal for guests at the Night Shelter run by Homeless Action in Barnet.

Other highlights of this year’s programme have included:

Jack Petchey Special Achievement Awards were won by four of our Scouts (Shreya Bhardwa, Nicholas Frangou, Callum Gates and Magda Clarkson) and special congratulations go to Jaiden Harrison, Teddy Mace and Nina Sydee, who all gained the top award in the Scout section, the Chief Scout’s Gold Award. We entered four teams in the Chiltern 20 hiking competition in October and they all completed the challenge, with one team gaining fourth place in the 15km event and another coming fifth out of 59 teams in the 20km category.

The purpose of Scouting is “to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.” Our leaders and Young Leaders work together in a team effort to deliver a programme that will achieve that aim, and we enjoy seeing the Scouts grow to fulfil their potential.

Malcolm Scout Lead

Active Support Unit

The Active Support Unit is a virtual group of adults, the majority with no prior experience of Scouting, who don’t mind being occasionally contacted, often at short notice, to help the leaders.

Requests range from “crowd control” at Cubs through to helping running outside events and camps if you wish. Knowledge that that there is a such a support network allows the leaders to plan the meetings for the young people with confidence.

There is neither a uniform nor a cost for being in the ASU, just a willingness to be on the WhatsApp Group we use to communicate. Understandably there is some training – it is Zoom sessions taking about 90 minutes in total and, of course, a DBS check.

If you can spare 90 minutes for the training and then help support the leaders, please give me a call!

Tim Smedley

Manager Active Support Unit tim@thescouthut.org.uk

M 07782 357345

Helping Hands

Over the years the 6FB Trustees and the leaders have always supported those members who perhaps would not have been able to commit, or continue to commit to Scouting due to financial or other circumstances.

For many years, 6FB has had a Helping Hands policy that is there to provide financial support, but the Trustees had been frustrated that the take up was nil for many years.

A more structured policy has now been put in place, with section leaders and a dedicated Helping Hands leader in each section, to assist and support those with the greatest financial need.

As a result, we have already provided formal financial support for a few members; not as many as we would like, but it is a good start from a zero base.

6FB is one of the better funded Scout Groups, and it is only right that we make an extra effort to financially support those that would otherwise have to make the decision that they or their children can no longer take part in Scouting, or not even consider Scouting in the first place, because of financial constraints.

As part of this Report, we have included a simple page explanation of the financial support we can provide, and the people to contact to get that support.

If all of us, leaders, parents, young people, Active Support members and Trustees can raise awareness of this support, then we will no doubt help more people who perhaps really could do with a chance to gain the advantages that Scouting can provide.

Mel Loades

Helping Hands Coordinator

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Group Scout Leader

During the year we were delighted to welcome Mila Maric and Goursen Ibrahim to the Beaver and Cub teams respectively. More help is still needed in Cubs, though.

The commitment of several of the existing members of our team was recognised as the Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service was awarded to Daniela, David F, Jack, Lorna, and Mel.

We’ve started to hear about the changes that are being planned by our national Headquarters to the way that volunteers are organised (among other things, we’ll be “team members” rather than “leaders”), plus a revamp of our adult training (to be called “learning”) and a new webbased adult database. Don’t worry, we’ll carry on using Online Scout Manager (OSM) for the young people.

Some of the other features of the year which haven’t already been mentioned:

Daniel has mentioned in the Cubs’ Report that he will be stepping back at the end of 2024, and we thank him very much for all that he has done and continues to do with the Pack.

Now more than ever we need more people on the Cub team to help to provide the fun, challenge and adventure – and have some fun yourselves as well.

We want YOU to use your energy and creativity to help our Cubs to develop their potential and earn a wide range of badges and awards, including the prestigious Chief Scout's Silver Award.

Of course you won’t have to do this alone – a team of supporters, parents and the young people themselves will help you to plan and deliver the programme.

Give young people the skills that they need to succeed in life and discover how being part of the Scouting team can be as rewarding for you as it is for them. Speak to one of us today!

Andrew Rush Group Lead Volunteer

Financial activities and results

The accounts can be found at the end of this report.

It is a requirement of POR that funds not immediately required by the Group are transferred into a suitable investment vehicle permitted by POR.

The Group’s policy has been to invest with The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service, Gilwell Park, Chingford, London E4 7QW and in bank deposit accounts through HSBC Bank PLC and Lloyds Bank PLC.

Reserves

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 9 months’ running costs, circa £3,000.

The Group held reserves of approximately £11,612 against this at year end. The increase was mainly due to the receipt of payments towards attending the Haarlem Jamborette.

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.

Voluntary Help

Many volunteers give of their time and talents to support Scouting at the 6[th] Friern Barnet. We are greatly indebted to these volunteers for their commitment and support.

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:

Richard Charles Group Chairman

Date: 19[th] September 2024

6[th] Friern Barnet Scout Group Annual Accounts for the year to 31[st] March 2024

Notes to the Accounts 2023-2024

This year we recorded a deficit, but that is entirely down to the timing of income and expenditure for the Haarlem Jamborette camp – where we collected most of the income last year and spent most of the costs this year.

The underlying position remains very healthy and we continue to operate a recurrent position in balance, or at a slight surplus. Main items of expenditure are camps & activities, rent and the membership fees that we pay to the Scout Association.

There were a couple of notable changes this year:

The decrease in value of the general fund is of little concern because of our good management of expenditure.

Income

Subscriptions were up by 11% on the previous year, but there is natural variability in these numbers due to changing section numbers.

Income from camps reflects the number of camps that we do and this year, like the previous year, includes the Haarlem Jamborette income.

We would like to thank the Jack Petchey Foundation for the continued support to our Group – recognised by the contribution given.

Expenditure

Expenditure was £15,000 higher than the previous year – reflecting the cost of the Haarlem Jamborette.

Both the rental and membership fees remained broadly similar – which are the two main fixed expenditure items.

Cash Balances

We continue to have easy access to our cash and have a healthy balance, which although it has decreased by £10,000 in the year, reflects the expenditure for the Haarlem Jamborette.

David French FCCA MBA Treasurer 26th July 2024

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees for the year ended 31[st] March 2024

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees Board and Examiner

The Group Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Group Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts.

They consider that an audit is not required this year (under section 43(2} of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act) and They consider that an audit is not required this year (under section 43(2) of the Charities Act that an independent examination is needed. 1993 (the 1993 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Report Basis of Independent Examiner's Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions elven by the Charity Cormmissioners Commissioners (under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993Act). An examination includes a review of {under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993Act). An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Group and a comparison of the accounts presented with thase records. It also includes consideration of any unusual the accounting records kept by the Group and a comparison of the accounts presented with items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as a trustee concerning any such matters. those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and conseq uently | and seeking explanations from you as a trustee concerning any such matters. do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, In connection with my examination, na matter has come to my attention: and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent Examiner's Statement

o to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Dea

1[st] August 2024

David Evans

1. Income & Expenditure Account: Year Ending 31st March 2024

2023/24 2023/24 2023/24 2022/23 2022/23 2022/23
Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds		 Unrestricted
Funds
Restricted
Funds
Total Funds
Income
Subscriptions
Gift Aid
Camps
Fundraising & Donations
Jack Petchey Award
Clothing Sales
Investment Income
Activities
Other Income		 £
8,563
971
15,632
6,914
1,800
0
100
2,090
700		 £ £
8,563
971
15,632
6,914
1,800
0
100
2,090
700		 £
7,713
1,272
18,741
5,187
2,800
300
250
1,382
705		 £
200		 £
7,713
1,272
18,741
5,187
2,800
300
250
1,382
905
Total Income 36,769 0 36,769 38,350 200 38,550
Expenditure
Expenditure on Scouting Activities
Camps and Camp Activities
Equipment
Clothing Purchases
Rental of Hall
HQ Membership Fee
GoCardless Fees
Insurance
IT Support
Haarlem Expenditure
Badges
Training and Qualifications
Donation
Bank Charges
Other Expenditure		 £
2,658
12,717
813
262
2,478
4,447
643
72
21,275
679
500
78		 £ £
2,658
12,717
813
262
2,478
4,447
643
0
72
21,275
679
0
500
0
78		 £
3,286
13,963
565
464
2,628
4,567
707
355
86
4,484
262
0
0
28
215		 £ £
3,286
13,963
565
464
2,628
4,567
707
355
86
4,484
262
0
0
28
215
Total Expenditure 46,623 0 46,623 31,610 0 31,610
Surplus/ (Loss) (9,854) 0 (9,854) 6,740 200 6,940
2. Statement of Assets & Liabilities at 31st March 2023
Accrued Income 0 0
Cash in hand & in Bank
Lloyds Current Account 11,592 9,246
Lloyds 32-Day Account 15,100 0
Lloyds Fixed Term Deposit 50,000 0
HSBC Reserve Account 20 20
Scout Deposit Account 0 77,300
Total Closing Balances 76,712 86,566
Current Liabilities 0 0
Net Assets 76,712 86,566
Opening Funds 86,566 79,627
Movement in Funds (9,854) 6,940
Closing Funds 31st March 2024 76,712 86,566
Analysis of Funds
General Fund 1,712 5,210
Designated Funds 75,000 6,356
Restricted Funds 0 75,000
Total Funds 76,712 86,566