Trustees' Annual Report
For the period
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| Section A | Reference and administration details | ||||||||||||||
| Charity name Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) HQ registration number Charity’s principal address |
Wyre Scouts Wyre District Scout Council 1 1 4 6 9 5 7 1 0 0 0 1 8 9 8 |
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| Wyre District Scout Council c/o 1st Thornton Cleveleys Scout Hut |
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| Marsh Road | |||||||||||||||
| Thornton Cleveleys | |||||||||||||||
| Postcode | F | Y | 5 | 2 | T | Y |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)
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Trustee Name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Sills | District Chair | ||
| Jon Minshull | District Commissioner | ||
| CraigGilfoyle | District Treasurer | ||
| Jan Townley | |||
| NickyDennison | Chair Appointments | ||
| Len Wiseman | Committee |
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| RosemaryDyson | |||
| Lauren Rigby | Commissioner | ||
| Neil Ralph | |||
Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but encouraged as best practice) (These will be published in the annual report of the charity)
| Type of advisor | Name | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Accounts Scrutineer | Jane Melling | Stackfield Farm Old Toms Lane, Stalmine,Lancashire. FY6 0JS |
| Bank | Yorkshire Bank | Blackpool |
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Section B
Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
| Type of governing document (e.g. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted (e.g. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by) |
The District's governing documents are the constitution formally adopted at the AGM on 19th September 2024 and those of The Scout Association, consisting of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. |
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| The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. The Scout Council formally adopted the Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules Constitution |
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| The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the District Consitution and Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. |
Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
You may choose to include additional The District is managed by the District Board of Trustees, information, where relevant, about: the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the Scout Policies and procedures adopted for: District which is an educational charity. As charity trustees a) the induction and training of trustees; they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable b) trustee' consideration of major risks to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper and the systems and procedures to accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as manage them. appropriate. The Committee consists of Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, elected and nominated trustees, and ex-officio members. The Trustees typically meet bi-monthly. Members of the Executive Committee complete an induction and required training within the first 5 months of joining the committee.
This District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting their responsibilities, supported by District sub-committees, and is responsible for: - The maintenance of District property and assets; - The raising of funds and the administration of District finances; - 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.
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| Section B | Structure, governance and management(continued) |
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| Risk and Internal Control The District Board of Trustees 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 main areas of concern that have been identified are: Operation, maintenance and improvement of the District Headquarters. The need for, and benefits of, a dedicated headquarters have been evaluated during the year and remain an area of concern mitigated by setting up an Assets sub-committee. The District has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. Recruitment and retention of young people and adult leaders, particularly given the impact of Covid-19, is a particular concern. A special project to address this, along with support to ailing groups within the District, has been initiated. Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The District through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Association's national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Reduced income from fund raising. The District has been reliant income primarily from subscriptions. A conscious effort to increase income from grant funding has resulted in significant improvements in income, offsetting the burden on members in the short term. The District has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include two signatories for all payments, clear terms of reference for committees, and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. |
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| Section C | Objectives and activities |
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| Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects |
The Purpose of Scouting Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Values of Scouting As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others. Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes. Co-operation - We make a positive difference; we co- operate with others and make friends. The Scout Method Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and: - 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. |
| The District aims to achieve these objectives by ensuring that it provides an enjoyable and attractive programme for its young people. |
Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
| statements, where relevant, about: • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers; • policy on investments. Public benefit statement Youmay chooseto include further |
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| The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. |
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| Section D | Achievements and performance |
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year |
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| The District currently provides Scouting for 621 young people in Wyre District in West Lancashire. The District has maintained a full and varied programme of activities during 2023-24 across all its Sections. All Sections continued their activities, completing awards as part of The Scout Association programme of activities. Full details are avaliable in Wyre Scouts' Annual Report accessible from our website. |
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| Section E | Financial Review |
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| Quantify and explain any designations Details of any funds materially in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate) Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves. |
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| Reserves Policy The District's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short. The District Executive Committee considers that the District should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £15,000, partially offset by grant income & donations. The District held reserves of approximately £25,000 against this at year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses. |
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| No funds are in actual or theoretical deficit. |
Further financial review details (optional information)
| information, where relevant, about: Youmay chooseto include additional • the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising); • investment policy and objectives; • how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; |
Investment Policy The Trustees consider that the District does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments such as stocks and shares. The District has adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only charity accounts in mainstream banks. The District Treasurer regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure that the District obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements as well as maintaining adequate cash flow. The District Executive Committee are regularly kept informed of the District's financial position. |
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Section F
Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods (details of any The District has plans to increase its impact through an significant activities planned to achieve inspiring programme focused on developing skills for life. them) There will be more young people experiencing a wider range of opportunities. This requires a focus on recruiting and retaining more well trained, better supported and motivated adult volunteers that are as diverse as the communities in which we operate. We also aim to embrace the range and quality of assts and resources available, including raising sufficient funds to cover the maintenance and running of the District Headquarters and other places to support Scouting across the District.
Section G
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (e.g. Secretary, Chair) Date |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colin Sills | ||||||||
| District Chair | ||||||||
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