2025-03-31-accounts

Wansdyke

preparing Young People with Skills for Life

WANSDYKE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2025

Registered Charity Number 1184760 District Registration Number 16714

ADULT SCOUTING AWARDS 2024-25

Congratulations to the following on their Good Service Awards

Silver Wolf

Janet Turner (Radstock)

Bar to Silver Acorn

Gary Welsh (Young Leader Trainer)

Bar to Award for Merit

Angela Wootten, Janet Walker, Michael Walker, Philip Sherborne, Rosalind Watts (all High Littleton)

Chief Scout’s Commendation

Nigel Wright (District Chair), William Holmes, Carol Holmes, Jeremy Weeks, Trudy Beechener, Richard Ainsworth (all High Littleton)

Wansdyke

WANSDYKE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Registered Charity No. 1184760

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

on Tuesday 2nd September 2025 at 7.30 pm

at Marksbury Village Hall

AGENDA

1. Chair’s Welcome

2. Apologies for absence

GOVERNANCE

1. To confirm minutes of the Annual General Meeting held in Marksbury Village Hall on 3rd September 2024 at 7.30 pm (see pp 3-4)

2. Matters Arising

3. To adopt the District Constitution (see pp 9-14)

4. To note the dates of the charity’s financial year

5. To approve appointed and community members of the District Scout Council

6. To agree the maximum number of members of the District Trustee Board

7. To agree the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council

8. REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR

9. To receive from the District Lead Volunteer Team an overview of the past year (see p 5)

10. To receive and consider the Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2025 (see pp 6-7) and the District Chair’s Report (p 8)

11. To receive and consider the Trustees’ Annual Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2025

APPOINTMENTS

1. To receive and consider the Trustee Board’s nomination for District Chair

2. To receive and consider the Trustee Board’s recommendation for District Treasurer

3. To appoint a District Secretary

4. To receive and consider persons appointed and co-opted members of the District Trustee Board.

5. To note the appointment of a District President

6. To appoint an Independent Financial Examiner for 2025–2026

7. To appoint two leaders to represent the District on the Avon County Scout Council

8. Presentations

9. The County Lead Volunteer

10. Any Other Business

11. Chair closes the meeting

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MEMBERS of WANSDYKE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL 2024-25

a) Ex Officio Members:

all adult members with a District role - see District roles listed in POR Chapter 16 Teams Table

all Group Lead Volunteer members of each Group Leadership Team from the District

all Group Leadership Team Members of each Group in the District

all Group Section Team Members of each Group in the District

all Group Trustee Board Chairs from the District

all Group Trustee Board Treasurers from the District

all Explorers (including Young Leaders) in the District

all members of the Scout Network in the District

all parents of all Explorers (including Young Leaders) in the District

• b) Appointed Members of the District Scout Council are other supporters of the District appointed by the District Scout Council on the recommendation of the District Lead Volunteer and the District Trustee Board. The number of appointed members must not exceed the actual number of ex officio members (see also (e) below). A District Scout Council does not need to have any appointed members.

• c) Community Members of the District Scout Council are representatives of the local community appointed because of their role rather than by name; for example local headteachers, or Parish Council members. They are appointed by the District Scout Council on the recommendation of the District Lead Voluunteer and the District Trustee Board. The number of community members must not exceed the number of ex officio District Scout Council members.

THE CHARITY TRUSTEE BOARD of WANSDYKE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL 2024-25

Ex Officio Trustees:

Chair

Chair Nigel Wright District Lead Volunteer Stuart Ballard District 14-24 Team Leader Will Holmes District Youth Lead vacant District Treasurer Richard Waugh Elected by District Scout Council: Maddie Difazio-Wright (District Secretary) John Mander, James Swallow Co-opted: Nicholas Lake (from 10 June 2025)

The County Chair and the Regional Lead Volunteer or their nominee(s) each have a right of attendance have right of attendance at Trustee Board meetings.

DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TEAM:

Team members are:

• the District Lead Volunteer(s);

• the District Youth Lead(s);

• the Lead Volunteers of each of the Groups of the District;

• the Team Leaders of each of the District’s 14-24 team, Programme team, Volunteering Development team and Support team;

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Wansdyke District Scout Council

Wednesday 3rd September 2024 at 7.30 pm

1. Welcome. The Chair opened the meeting and welcomed all attendees, especially Andy Hobbs who represented the County Lead Volunteer.

• The Chair asked the meeting to stand for a moment to remember those former members who had been called to higher service during the year, and who had given so much to Scouting: Jim Arthur - Midsomer Norton, Nigel Hutchings – Keynsham, and Lisa Stewart - Chew Stoke.

• 2 Apologies for absence were received from 29 members of the District Scout Council.

GOVERNANCE

3. The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held in Marksbury Village Hall on 6th September 2023 at 7.30 pm had been circulated. Adoption proposed by Stuart Whale, seconded by David Moore and agreed by the meeting.

4. Matters Arising – there were none.

5. The District Constitution based on Chapter 5 of Policy Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association had been circulated. Adoption proposed by David Moore, seconded by Stuart Whale and agreed by the meeting.

6. The dates of the charity’s financial year: 1st April to 31st March were noted by the meeting.

7. Approval of appointed and community members of the District Scout Council – no nominations had been received.

8. To agree the maximum number of members of the District Trustee Board . Ten (four Exofficio: Chair, Treasurer, District Lead Volunteer, District 14-24 Team Leader) plus up to six others). Proposed by Len Bridges and agreed by the meeting.

9. To agree the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council. Fifteen members suggested by the Trustee Board. Proposed by David Moore and agreed by the meeting.

REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR

• 10.An overview from the District Lead Volunteer Team , had been circulated in the Annual Report, and was received by the meeting. The Chair highlighted some key points and achievements:

• Census - climbed to 1320 from 900 during covid. Shows the benefit of working hard, thank you to those involved.

• Inclusion and support to leaders in learning about autism. Opened a specialist scouting unit to provide training across the district. The courses will be for up to 30 leaders at a time and they’re happy to run as many courses as we need.

• Over a year ago, Tina Curtis stepped down from her role and Graham Bush was initially apprehensive. However, he has been inspired by the fresh enthusiasm of the team.

• The Chair will commit to visit every group before Christmas and create an action plan for developing each group and supporting where necessary.

• He asked all to be ready for the changes coming, and the need to embrace them. He had faith in the new transformation piece in terms of assisting with support for leaders. It will be a mindset change.

• He expressed thanks to Avon County, especially Stu Ballard, for being supportive and adding communication between the District Lead and the Trustee Board.

11. Approve the Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31st March 2024 and the District Chair’s report. Both had been previously circulated. Proposed by Nigel Wright, seconded by Ian Carter, agreed by the meeting.

12. To receive and approve the Trustees’ Accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024. Proposed by Mike Walker, seconded by Tina Curtis, agreed by the meeting. Mike Walker queried the difference in Resources expended: £1959 and Explorer accounts: £1194. Ian Carter said it’s likely to be the delay in paying back out the gift aid at a later date than it’s received. The Chair agreed to confirm post AGM.

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APPOINTMENTS

1. To receive and consider the Trustee Board’s nomination for District Chair. Lead Volunteer Stu Ballard reported on board’s nomination of Nigel Wright. This was agreed by the meeting.

2. To receive and consider the Trustee Board’s recommendation for District Treasurer. The Chair proposed Richard Waugh. This was agreed by the meeting. The Chair thanked Tim Miles for his past service and for his commitment.

3. To receive and consider the Trustee Board’s nomination for the District Secretary (not a Trustee). The Chair proposed Maddie Difazio-Wright. This was agreed by the meeting.

4. 16 To receive and consider the following Trustee Board appointees and co-opted members of the District Trustee board: John Mander, Will Holmes, James Swallow, Maddie DifazioWright. Agreed by the meeting.

5. 17 To note the appointment of a District President. John Mander had been nominated.

6. 18 To appoint an Independent Examiner for 2024-2025. Tony Dicker proposed by Nigel Wright. This was agreed by the meeting.

7. 19 To appoint two leader to represent the District on the Avon County Scout Council. Currently David Moore and Simon Walker who agreed to continue. Proposed by Tina Curtis, seconded by Graham Bush. Nigel thanked both David and Simon for their commitment to this role.

8. 20 The County Lead Volunteer’s Address – Andy Hobbs (DCC) He thanked the District for inviting hum. It had been a pleasure for him to listen and read about what the District has been up to. He spoke about Wanjam, and what a memorable event it had been. He had been delighted to hear about the new Explorer Unit. Other Districts may need to pick Graham Bush’s brain. Transformation is happening – please read all the notes from Ian Carter. He thought it would seem strange for us all, but we’ll get there.

Thank you for everything you’ve done on compliance. He reminded the District that members need to take responsibility for keep their training up to date.

• He thanked all who deliver Scouting week in and week out. Young people benefit from that you do.

• Presentations: Andy Hobbs presented the Chief Scout’s Commendation to Will Summerill, Will Holmes, James Swallow, and Nigel Wright.

22. Closing Remarks

The Chair said: “I feel genuinely blessed to be surrounded by great people, young and experienced, with great ideas. Great experience here doesn’t come with those entrenched in the attitude of ‘it’s the way we’ve always done it.’

The young people are of exceptional quality and bring a huge amount to the board - they are aware of a huge amount around them outside of Scouting. Could I ask for a better Trustee Board? No - I value their contributions hugely.

Graham, James, Will and Will: you are all role models - you may not realise this. You make it happen by making time. You find a way and embody Scouting. The determination, energy and enthusiasm to overcome some of the obstacles that are put in front of you highlight your calibre.

I go back to the year 2000 - we put on a huge event at Somerdale. BANES came along and they built a climbing wall. So did Scouting. The BANES wall fell down after 10 mins. The Scouting wall would still be there today!

Scouting tries to do things properly. The role of the Trustee Board is to believe and support this. We do.

From me and the Trustee Board - you do an incredible job and I sincerely hope that you look back on what you have done - you have changed lives for the better. Thank you.”

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AN OVERVIEW OF 2024-25 by the District Lead Volunteer Team

Over the past year, Wansdyke has continued to move forward with The Scouts’ transformation journey. It hasn’t always been easy — change rarely is — but we’re starting to see the benefits of new ways of working. Clearer team structures and improved digital systems are beginning to take shape, and in time, these will help lighten the load for volunteers and free up more time for what really matters.

There’s still a learning curve, and we know that, at times, the changes have felt overwhelming. But we’re encouraged to see an increasing number of volunteers who are engaging positively and professionally with these adaptations. It’s thanks to their commitment that we’ve continued to move in the right direction.

One of the most encouraging developments this year has been the return of young people to Scouting. Membership is now largely back to where it was before COVID — a major milestone. It’s a testament to the hard work of volunteers who deliver inspiring programmes week after week, and it shows that Scouting continues to offer something that young people value. On top of that, we’ve seen Explorer Scout numbers rise by almost 40% since 2020 — a brilliant sign that more young people are choosing to stay in Scouting for longer. We’re also proud of our robust young leader program that is engaging, informative and fun. This is helping to ensure long-term Scouting in Wansdyke by developing the next generation of volunteers– whatever role they want to play! As always, we are actively recruiting more adult volunteers across the district, to help open new sections, reduce waiting lists and offer Scouting to even more young people in the area.

Thank you to everyone who’s helped deliver the wide range of district events this year. From district Beaver, Cub and Scout camps, to paintballing, archery competitions and more — these events have brought young people and adult volunteers together from across Wansdyke. They’ve created opportunities to try something new, grow in confidence, and make memories that will last.

Behind the scenes, we’ve been focusing on how best to support our volunteers — particularly with the transformation process. We’re in a strong position to take the next steps, and we’ll keep working hard to ensure volunteering feels achievable, supported, and rewarding.

We also remain committed to offering a strong support network for groups and units — covering everything from compliance and safeguarding to governance and other vital services. This helps ensure groups can focus on delivering safe, exciting, and high-quality programmes for young people.

Looking ahead, our priorities for the coming year include:

• Supporting all volunteers to feel confident through the new learning programme

• Helping groups and units embed the new team-based structures and ways of working

• Championing high-quality, inclusive programmes that engage and inspire young people Continuing to offer strong central support, so local teams can focus on delivering great Scouting As ever, none of this would be possible without our fantastic volunteers. Whether you lead a section, run events, support behind the scenes or lend a hand when needed, thank you. Your time, energy and care are truly making a difference to young people’s lives in Wansdyke.

On behalf of the District Lead Volunteer Team, thank you again for everything you do. We’re proud of all we’ve achieved together over the past year — and we’re looking forward to another exciting 12 months of Scouting across Wansdyke.

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THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF WANSDYKE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Registered Charity Number 1184760

for the year 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025

SECTION A—Reference and Administration Details

Charity Name: Wansdyke District Scout Council

Charity’s Principal Address: Woodhouse Park Activity Centre, Fernhill, Almondsbury,

South Gloucestershire BS32 4LX

Charity Trustees: Listed on page 2 of this document

Name and Address of Principal Adviser:

Legal and Charity: Mr Derek Bayliss, 56 Uplands Road, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3HN Independent Examiners: Tony Dicker & Co, 29 Courtenay Road, Keynsham, BS31 1JU

SECTION B—Structure, Governance and Management

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 of The Scout Association. The District Constitution is printed on pp 9-16 of this document.

The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The District is managed by a Trustee Board, the members of which are the charity trustees of the District. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to all charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

Members of the District Trustee Board (charity trustees) are listed on page 2 of this document. Ex officio Board members comprise of the Chair, Treasurer, the District Lead Volunteer, the District 14-24 Team Leader plus up to six individuals appointed the District Scout Council. The Board meets approximately every four months.

Members of the District Trustee Board act collectively as charity trustees to ensure that it is well managed, carries out its purposes for the public benefit, complies with its governing document and the law, and manages its resources responsibly.

The Trustees ensure that the charity:

• a) operates in compliance with Policy Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association and with any local charity regulator

• b) meaningfully involves young people in decision making at all levels,

• c) has sufficient resources (funds, people, property and equipment) available to meet its planned work of the District including delivery of the high quality programme and resource requirements of the training programme.

• d) collectively develops and maintains a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations,

• e) properly manages the District’s finances, including development and maintenance of appropriate budgets to support the work of the District.

• f) maintains and manages, a reserves policy for the charity including a plan for use of reserves outside the ‘minimum’, an investment policy, a public benefit statement for the charity.

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• g) appropriately insures people, property and equipment, and that any property and equipment owned or used by the District is properly protected and maintained

• h) appoints and manages the operation of any sub committees, including appointing a Chair to lead the sub committees. This will normally be one of the District’s Trustees.

• i) puts in place effective administration to support the work of the District Trustee Board

• j) appoints any co-opted members of the District Trustee Board

• k) operates transparently including preparation and approval of the Annual Accounts and arrange their examination by an auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer as appropriate and as appointed by the District Scout Council at their AGM

• l) prepares and approves the District Trustees’ Annual Report which must include the Annual Accounts and include the report from the auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer

• m) presents the approved Trustees’ Annual Report and Annual Accounts to the District Scout Council for their consideration at the District’s AGM, and following the District AGM, that a copy of the District Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts is sent to the County Trustee Board administration, and, as the District is a registered charity, is filed with the appropriate charity regulator.

• n) takes responsibility for the District’s adherence to Data Protection Legislation recognising that, dependent on circumstances, it will at different times act as a Data Controller and as a Data Processor

SECTION C—Objectives and Activities

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 cooperate with others and make friends. The District meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of citizenship and community development headings.

SECTION D—Achievements and Performance

These are detailed in the review by the District Chair (on page 5) and District Lead Volunteer (on pages 15– 16) of this report.

SECTION E—Finance

The District Scout Council has decided that the accounts shall be kept on a Receipts and Payments basis. The charity’s financial year shall be from 1st April to 31st March.

SECTION F—Other Optional Information: None

SECTION G—Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the above report.

Signed on 04 August 2025 on behalf of the charity’s trustees.

Nigel Wright District Chair Maddie Difazio-Wright District Secretary

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DISTRICT CHAIR’S REPORT

Nationally Scouting is losing more Leaders and Helpers than it is recruiting; this position is mirrored in Wansdyke District where recruitment and sustainability of groups is a constant conversation. The demand for Scouting has never been greater amongst the residents of Wansdyke but this demand is not matched by the numbers of volunteers coming forward to help run and maintain their local Scout Groups.

Despite the simplification of the administrative and governance processes, which have been positive changes to Scouting during the last two years, the day-to-day delivery of Scouting to young people has continued with great invention, patience and enthusiasm from all who undertake the operational responsibilities of developing young people through the Scouting adventure. All of our Leaders and Helpers in Wansdyke District are multi-skilled, highly trained individuals. They are very accomplished team players who work together sharing the common aim of keeping our Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorer Scouts in a safe, secure and enjoyable environment. Wansdyke needs more volunteers who are willing to give up a small proportion of their time to keep their local Scout Group on the map. The process to recruit leaders and helpers is now much simpler, training is easier and in most cases in online. Many administrative burdens that were associated with leader training have been removed.

There is no expectation that a leader or helper will be at the Scout HQ every week, our emphasis is now very much on sharing roles as well as experience. The coming years are critical in determining the future of Wansdyke Scout District as well as the future of the Scout Groups in the District. The continuing net loss of Leaders and helpers will force hard decisions, but not if the annual net loss is reversed.

Nigel Wright

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THE CONSTITUTION OF WANSDYKE DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Registered Charity No. 1184760

(The numbers in left column refer to rule numbers in POR)

5c.2.1 Preamble

5c.2.1.1

This constitution describes the role, membership and operation of the District Scout Council, and the District Trustee Board.

In the previous versions of POR, it was section 5.5.

5c.2.2 Charitable objects

5c.2.2.1

[Rule 1.1 of POR]

Our purpose is to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

5c.2.3 The District Scout Council

5c.2.3.1

The District Scout Council has a governance role for the charity and makes District Trustee Board appointments other than ex officio and co-opted Trustee appointments.

5c.2.3.2

The District Scout Council has no Trustee responsibilities.

5c.2.3.3

The members of the District Scout Council are:

• a) The ex officio members of the District Scout Council are detailed in Rule 5b.3.2.5;

• b) The District Scout Council may appoint some members as detailed in Rule 5b.3.2.8;

• c) The District Scout Council may appoint some community members. See Rule 5b.3.2.9.

• The maximum number of appointed and community members of a District Scout Council is detailed in Rule 5b.3.2.10.

5c.2.3.4

District Trustee Board administration must ensure that appointed District Scout Council Members are recorded locally in the minutes of the District Scout Council meeting which appoints them (normally the AGM). District Scout Council members (whether ex officio or appointed or community) must not be recorded as such on the membership system.

5c.2.4 The District Trustee Board

5c.2.4.1

The District Trustee Board is responsible for the governance of the charity. Although the District Trustee Board is responsible for the charity, it is accountable to the District Scout Council.

5c.2.4.2

District Trustee Board membership

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The members of the District Trustee Board are:

• a) Ex officio:

The ex officio roles are defined in Rule 5b.3.3.5(a).

• b) Appointed District Trustees (including Chair and Treasurer) are persons appointed by the District Scout Council as described in Rule 5b.3.3.5(b).

• c) The selection process for appointed District Trustees must follow Rules 5b.3.3.5(b) and 5b.3.3.6.

• d) Co-opted Trustees are persons co-opted by the District Trustee Board, see Rule 5b.3.3.5(c). Their term of appointment is a maximum of 12 months (though reappointment is permitted). The number of co-opted members must not exceed the actual number of appointed Trustees, excluding Chair and Treasurer. If a co-option is required mid-year because of a vacancy arising, then this rule may be broken, provided that the total number of Trustees remains no greater than the total number of Trustees permitted by District Scout Council resolution at the AGM.

The selection process for co-opted Trustees must follow Rules 5b.3.3.5(c) and 5b.3.3.6.

5c.2.5 District Scout Council – Annual General Meeting

5c.2.5.1

To support the planning and delivery of a District AGM there is a downloadable ‘script’ (including agenda and script templates and a suggested planning timetable).

5c.2.5.2

Each District Scout Council must hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM) within six months of the end of the District’s financial year. The District should give four weeks’ notice of the date of the AGM.

5c.2.5.3

The AGM must:

a) Undertake governance oversight by:

• approving the minutes of the previous District AGM;

• adopting (or re-adopting) the constitution of the charity (see Rule 5b.3);

• noting the dates of charity’s financial year;

• approving appointed and community members of the District Scout Council;

• agreeing the maximum total number of members of the District Trustee Board (this is one number representing the total of ex officio, appointed and co-opted members);

• agree the quorum for future meetings of the District Scout Council.

• b) Review the previous financial year by:

• receiving from the District Lead Volunteer an overview of the past 12 months of activity in the District;

• receiving and considering the District Trustees’ Annual Report and the annual statement of accounts which have been approved by the District Trustee Board.

c) Make appointments:

• appoint a Chair of the District Trustee Board, following recommendation from the selection process initiated by the District Trustee Board;

• appoint a Treasurer of the District Trustee Board, following recommendation from the selection process initiated by the District Trustee Board;

• appoint other members of the District Trustee Board, following recommendation from the

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• approve the appointment of any District Presidents or District Vice Presidents and note current appointees (if any);

• appoint (or re-appoint) an auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer (see 5a.1.7);

• nominate two representatives of the District Scout Council to represent the District on the County Scout Council.

5c.2.6 District Trustee Board – purpose

5c.2.6.1

The District Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as charity Trustees, to make sure 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.

5c.2.6.2

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.

5c.2.6.3

The District Trustee Board must act in the charity’s best interests, acting with reasonable care and skill and take steps to be confident that:

• a) the charity is:

• well managed;

• carrying out its purposes for the public benefit;

• complying with the charity’s governing document and the law;

• managing the charity’s resources responsibly.

• b) the charity is operating compliant with POR and the local charity regulator, including effective management of each of the Key Policies listed in POR Chapter 2.

• c) Young people are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels.

• d) The District has sufficient resources (funds, people, property and equipment) available to meet the planned work of the District including delivery of the high quality programme and resource requirements of the training programme (see Rule 4.3.7).

5c.2.6.4

The District Trustee Board members must themselves collectively:

• a) develop and maintain a risk register, including putting in place appropriate mitigations;

• b) ensure that the District’s finances are properly managed, including development and maintenance of appropriate budgets to support the work of the District;

• c) 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.

• d) maintain and manage:

• a reserves policy for the charity. This must address the minimum reserves that should be maintained to allow for difficult financial circumstances in the District, and must also include a statement about how reserves outside that ‘minimum’ will be used for development of Scouts;

• an investment policy for the charity;

• a public benefit statement for the charity;

• e) 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.

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• f) 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. This sub-team Chair role title is Sub-Team Leader (see the Teams Table in Chapter 16).

• g) ensure that effective administration is in place to support the work of the District Trustee Board.

• h) appoint any co-opted members of the District Trustee Board .

• i) ensure transparency of operation, including:

• prepare and approve the Annual Accounts and arrange their examination by an auditor, independent examiner or scrutineer as appropriate and as appointed by the District Scout Council at their AGM;

• 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 5e.2.1.2.

• j) 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.

• k) individually and collectively maintain confidentiality regarding appropriate District Trustee Board business.

• l) 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 reselected after years 1 and 2).

• m) where staff are employed:

• act as a responsible employer in accordance with 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.

5c.2.6.5

A 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:

• b) its purpose is governance focused and not operational;

• c) its members are agreed and approved by the District Trustee Board;

• d) the District Chair has right of attendance;

• e) the District Lead Volunteer has right of attendance.

5c.2.6.6

Sub-team members are not District Trustees unless they are already members of the District Trustee Board.

5c.2.6.7

All sub-team members must be recorded on the membership system.

5c.2.6.8

To support effective governance and share good practice, the District Chair and Treasurer should create a support network amongst the Group Chairs and Group Treasurers of the District.

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5c.2.7 District Scout Council - Conduct of meetings

5c.2.7.1

The District Scout Council meets at their AGM (see 5c.2.5).

5c.2.7.2

It would be unusual for there to be additional meetings of the District Scout Council. This is because the primary task of the District Scout Council is to appoint the District Trustee Board. If members resign from the District Trustee Board, Rule 16.9.2.2 must be followed, thus rendering an additional District Scout Council meeting unnecessary.

5c.2.7.3

A District Scout Council meeting should normally be convened with at least four weeks’ notice. A meeting may be convened on shorter or no notice with the agreement of at least three quarters of the members of the District Trustee Board.

5c.2.7.4

District Scout Council meetings are chaired by the District Chair. If the Chair is unable to be present, the Chair may appoint a delegate to chair a meeting of the District Scout Council subject to such appointment being approved at the start of the meeting by a majority of the District Scout Council members present.

5c.2.7.5

Only District Scout Council members, as defined in Rule 5c.2.4.2, may vote in District Scout Council meetings.

5c.2.7.6

The quorum for a District Scout Council meeting is agreed by the District Scout Council at their AGM (see 5c.2.5.3(a)).

If there is no quorum present at a meeting of the District Scout Council, the meeting must be closed and reconvened at the earliest opportunity.

5c.2.7.7

Decisions are made by a majority of votes cast by those present at the meeting. In the event of an equal number of votes being cast on either side, the Chair does not have a casting vote and the matter is taken not to have been carried.

5c.2.7.8

To discharge their responsibilities, the District Scout Council may meet by video conference as well as (or instead of) face to face when agreed by the District Chair. The District Scout Council must not ‘meet’ using any indirect process, such as email.

At any meeting which is not fully in person, there must be an online poll or other electronic method of counting votes.

5c.2.7.9

All meetings of the District Scout Council, whether face-to-face or otherwise, must be properly recorded and minuted. Meetings of the District Trustee Board should be convened on at least two weeks’ notice. Meetings may be convened on shorter or no notice with the agreement of at least half of the members of the District Trustee Board.

13

5c.2.8.1

Meetings of the District Trustee Board should be convened on at least two weeks’ notice. Meetings may be convened on shorter or no notice with the agreement of at least half of the members of the District Trustee Board.

5c.2.8.2

District Trustee Board meetings are chaired by the District Chair. If the District Chair is unable to be present at a meeting, the District Trustee Board may choose a member to act as chair for the duration of the meeting of the District Trustee Board subject to such appointment being approved at the start of the meeting by a majority of the members present at the meeting.

5c.2.8.3

Only members of a District Trustee Board as defined in 5b.3.3 may vote in its meetings.

5c.2.8.4

The quorum for a meeting of a District Trustee Board is one third of the Trustees (ex officio plus appointed plus co-opted) plus one [round down if necessary]. So, a Trustee Board with 10 members would have a quorum of four. And a Trustee Board with six members would have a quorum of three.

For any sub-teams of the District Trustee Board, the quorum for each sub-team must be set by the District Trustee Board, based on the size of the sub-team and the complexity of its task(s). If there is no quorum present at a meeting of the District Trustee Board, or a sub-team, the meeting must be closed and reconvened at the earliest opportunity.

5c.2.8.5

Decisions are made by a majority of votes cast by the Trustees present at the meeting. In the event of an equal number of votes being cast on either side, the Chair does not have a casting vote and the matter is taken not to have been carried.

5c.2.8.6

To fulfil their responsibilities, the District Trustee Board may meet by video conference or in person, as determined by the District Chair. This includes 'hybrid' meetings, where some Trustees are present at an agreed location while others participate remotely via phone or video.

5c.2.8.7

Where urgent matters arise between scheduled meetings of the District Trustee Board and if it is not feasible to convene a meeting of the Trustee Board, electronic voting (such as email) may be used for decision making provided the District Chair deems it appropriate. For such decisions, a minimum of 75% approval from the Trustees is required [the ‘rounding’ guidance from 5c.2.8.4 also applies in this case]. The results of the vote must be reported to, and recorded in, the minutes of, the next District Trustee Board meeting.

14

Wansdyke DistrictScout Council Statement ofFinancialActivities Yearended31March2025
	TotalFunds	TotalFunds
	(allunrestricted)	(allunrestricted)
	2025	2024
	E	f
lncomingresources
Charitableactivities	125,893	73,533
lnvestmentincome(interest)	1,006	793
GiftAid andother donations	2,684	1,959
Total	729,577	76,285
Resourcesexpended
Charitableactivities	115,0t7	87,256
Total	L75,077	87,2s6
Net incoming (outgoing) resources	L4,554	-1o,97L
Total funds broughtforward	1L3,725	L24,696
Total funds carriedforward	728,279	7L3,725

Wansdyke DistrictScout Council Detailed StatementofFinancialActvities Yearended31March2025
	Total	Total
lncominp resources	2025	2024
	f	f
District membership subscriptions	53,935	53,240
Less:Avon Countymembership subscriptions	-49,245	-48,400
	4,690	4,840
WAM4AM	34,100	0
DistrictScoutCamp	0	7,3t6
Badges	1,966	0
Explorer Scout Units	84,924	6t,2ss
Donations	200	0
Giftaid	2,684	1,959
Bankinterest - District	696	793
Bankinterest-Explorer Scout Units	311	0
	L29,577	76,763
Resourcesexpended
Training	800	1,000
OSM Costs	705	88s
Gift AidPaymentstoExplorer Scout Units	2,684	1,959
PICRights	150	0
Districtcamp	0	438
Cubcamp	0	4,530
Beavers	0	1,,L67
Accountancy fees	540	540
lnsurance	0	94
MotionPictureLicence	287	26?
ScrapstoreMembership	50	59
Soap Boxderby	79	0
lTexpenses	78	74
Administrationand AGM	47	118
WAM/AM	34,309	570
DistrictAGM	50	0
Trophies	131	212
Badgecosts		25t
Explorer Scout Units	75,707	74,975
	L75,O77	87,134
Net incoming Goutgoing) resources	74,554	-LO,971
Balanceb/fwd1April2024	L13,725	r24,696
Balancecfiwd31March2025	L28,279	773,725

Wansdyke DistrictScout Council Balance Sheet Asat3lMarch2025
	2025	2024
	f	f
Currentassets/-liabilities
Stocks	9,046	6,082
Cashatbank andinhand	L25,gL3	136,377
Loanrepayablewithin12months	5,500	2,500
Debtors	0	18
Creditors	-50,180	-48,752
Netcurrentassets	89,279	96,225
Loanrepayablebetween2and10years	39,000	77,500
Net Assets	t28,279	773,725
Representedby:
Total funds(all unrestricted)	728,279	L13,725

2, Cashat bank and inhand	2025	2024
	E	f
Bath Building Society	76,434	25,881
Districtcurrent account	62,779	67,O70
District depositaccount	7,854	14,400
Badgeaccount KeynshamESUcurrent account KeynshamESUreserveaccount KeynshamESUexpedition account KeynshamESUfundraising account ArgusESUaccount MercuryESUcurrent account MercuryESUsavingsaccount SaxonESUcurrent account TitanESUcurrent account	7,707 3,,73L 0 2,243 3,473 5,735 73,472 2,744 5,899 488	2,O44 t,247 0 7,004 L,237 5,484 10,085 L,524 5,846 398
FossewayESUcurrent account ArgusESU cashin hand TitanESUcashin hand	7,247 0 0	0 0 72
SaxonESUcashin hand	L67	L52
	125,913	136,378

3Explorer ScoutUnits
.					Itans
incomingresources	Keynsham E5U E	Argus ESU E	Mercury ESU t	Saxon ESU f	CluttonFosserway ESU ESU		Total 2025 E	Total 2024 f
Subscriptions ActivitiesandCamps Giftaid	3,308 72,177	2,575 12,842	2,650 3,758	7,970 980	2,494 5	180	14,057 29,702	7!,542 76,704
Expo							0	t,794
MinibusHire Camp	6,607						0 6,607	15,054 7,293
Donations/grants Uniforms Foreign/home excursion 5undry Bankinterest	8,488 2,O24	300 69	280 14,301 2,742	2,728 195	480	3,500 50 1	0 9,163 3,800 330 77,O29 4,236	2,518 0 0 0 5,759 1,792
							0	0
	32,544	75,726	23,7376,813		2,9793,737		84,924	61,256
Resourcesexoended	f	E	f	f	€		f	f
CapitationFees Gift Aid	4,2aa		L,932	t,942	t,5r7		9,679	7,712
Membershipcosts Rent Camp Expo		1,150 247 1,305			460		0 1,150 247 7,765	0 1,69s 7,479
Badgepurchases ActivitiesandCamps Foreign/home excursion Transport(incl. repairs) Fundraising Training Soap Boxderby lMeeting costs Uniforms Admin &misc	2,2L2 4,L47 6,172 7,759	87 12,249 r22 315	4,750 70,367 679 858	7,154 455 3,166 438	530 382	77 1,020 45 577 375 223 22''	0 164 2t,975 8,602 13,533 6,772 7,759 45 577 497 7,224 1,838	26,465 10 18,803 0 7,293 4,384 0 0 0 0 0
	28,57A	L5,475	18,526	7,t55	2,889	2,484	75,L07	74,976
Netincoming/outgoing resour	3,966	25L	4,605	342	90	L,247	9,8t7	-73,720
Fundsbrought forward	3,482	5,484	11,609	5.998	470	0	26,983	40,703
Fundscarriedforward	7,44a	5,735	t6,2L4	5,6s6	500	7,247	36,800	26,983

Wansdyke DistrictScout Council Statement ofFinancialActivities Yearended31March2025
	TotalFunds	TotalFunds
	(allunrestricted)	(allunrestricted)
	2025	2024
	E	f
lncomingresources
Charitableactivities	125,893	73,533
lnvestmentincome(interest)	1,006	793
GiftAid andother donations	2,684	1,959
Total	729,577	76,285
Resourcesexpended
Charitableactivities	115,0t7	87,256
Total	L75,077	87,2s6
Net incoming (outgoing) resources	L4,554	-1o,97L
Total funds broughtforward	1L3,725	L24,696
Total funds carriedforward	728,279	7L3,725

Wansdyke DistrictScout Council Detailed StatementofFinancialActvities Yearended31March2025
	Total	Total
lncominp resources	2025	2024
	f	f
District membership subscriptions	53,935	53,240
Less:Avon Countymembership subscriptions	-49,245	-48,400
	4,690	4,840
WAM4AM	34,100	0
DistrictScoutCamp	0	7,3t6
Badges	1,966	0
Explorer Scout Units	84,924	6t,2ss
Donations	200	0
Giftaid	2,684	1,959
Bankinterest - District	696	793
Bankinterest-Explorer Scout Units	311	0
	L29,577	76,763
Resourcesexpended
Training	800	1,000
OSM Costs	705	88s
Gift AidPaymentstoExplorer Scout Units	2,684	1,959
PICRights	150	0
Districtcamp	0	438
Cubcamp	0	4,530
Beavers	0	1,,L67
Accountancy fees	540	540
lnsurance	0	94
MotionPictureLicence	287	26?
ScrapstoreMembership	50	59
Soap Boxderby	79	0
lTexpenses	78	74
Administrationand AGM	47	118
WAM/AM	34,309	570
DistrictAGM	50	0
Trophies	131	212
Badgecosts		25t
Explorer Scout Units	75,707	74,975
	L75,O77	87,134
Net incoming Goutgoing) resources	74,554	-LO,971
Balanceb/fwd1April2024	L13,725	r24,696
Balancecfiwd31March2025	L28,279	773,725

Wansdyke DistrictScout Council Balance Sheet Asat3lMarch2025
	2025	2024
	f	f
Currentassets/-liabilities
Stocks	9,046	6,082
Cashatbank andinhand	L25,gL3	136,377
Loanrepayablewithin12months	5,500	2,500
Debtors	0	18
Creditors	-50,180	-48,752
Netcurrentassets	89,279	96,225
Loanrepayablebetween2and10years	39,000	77,500
Net Assets	t28,279	773,725
Representedby:
Total funds(all unrestricted)	728,279	L13,725

2, Cashat bank and inhand	2025	2024
	E	f
Bath Building Society	76,434	25,881
Districtcurrent account	62,779	67,O70
District depositaccount	7,854	14,400
Badgeaccount KeynshamESUcurrent account KeynshamESUreserveaccount KeynshamESUexpedition account KeynshamESUfundraising account ArgusESUaccount MercuryESUcurrent account MercuryESUsavingsaccount SaxonESUcurrent account TitanESUcurrent account	7,707 3,,73L 0 2,243 3,473 5,735 73,472 2,744 5,899 488	2,O44 t,247 0 7,004 L,237 5,484 10,085 L,524 5,846 398
FossewayESUcurrent account ArgusESU cashin hand TitanESUcashin hand	7,247 0 0	0 0 72
SaxonESUcashin hand	L67	L52
	125,913	136,378

3Explorer ScoutUnits
.					Itans
incomingresources	Keynsham E5U E	Argus ESU E	Mercury ESU t	Saxon ESU f	CluttonFosserway ESU ESU		Total 2025 E	Total 2024 f
Subscriptions ActivitiesandCamps Giftaid	3,308 72,177	2,575 12,842	2,650 3,758	7,970 980	2,494 5	180	14,057 29,702	7!,542 76,704
Expo							0	t,794
MinibusHire Camp	6,607						0 6,607	15,054 7,293
Donations/grants Uniforms Foreign/home excursion 5undry Bankinterest	8,488 2,O24	300 69	280 14,301 2,742	2,728 195	480	3,500 50 1	0 9,163 3,800 330 77,O29 4,236	2,518 0 0 0 5,759 1,792
							0	0
	32,544	75,726	23,7376,813		2,9793,737		84,924	61,256
Resourcesexoended	f	E	f	f	€		f	f
CapitationFees Gift Aid	4,2aa		L,932	t,942	t,5r7		9,679	7,712
Membershipcosts Rent Camp Expo		1,150 247 1,305			460		0 1,150 247 7,765	0 1,69s 7,479
Badgepurchases ActivitiesandCamps Foreign/home excursion Transport(incl. repairs) Fundraising Training Soap Boxderby lMeeting costs Uniforms Admin &misc	2,2L2 4,L47 6,172 7,759	87 12,249 r22 315	4,750 70,367 679 858	7,154 455 3,166 438	530 382	77 1,020 45 577 375 223 22''	0 164 2t,975 8,602 13,533 6,772 7,759 45 577 497 7,224 1,838	26,465 10 18,803 0 7,293 4,384 0 0 0 0 0
	28,57A	L5,475	18,526	7,t55	2,889	2,484	75,L07	74,976
Netincoming/outgoing resour	3,966	25L	4,605	342	90	L,247	9,8t7	-73,720
Fundsbrought forward	3,482	5,484	11,609	5.998	470	0	26,983	40,703
Fundscarriedforward	7,44a	5,735	t6,2L4	5,6s6	500	7,247	36,800	26,983