Scouts "_ Ash Green Trustees, Annual Report 2026 SEhVEI<S SCOUTS cubs @explorers
Trustees' Annual Report 2026
For the Financial Year ending 31st March 2026 and covering the period 01/04/2025 to 31/03/2026
1 Reference and Administration Details
Charity Name: Ash Green Scout Group Charity Number: 1199314 Principal Address: Ash Green Scout Group, New Ash Green Youth Centre, Ash Road, New Ash Green, Longfield, Kent DA3 8JY
Correspondence Address:
100 Punch Croft, New Ash Green, Kent DA3 8HS
1.1 Trustees
Louise Banks Chair Michael Gordon Banks Group Lead Volunteer Clare Hambleton Secretary Casey Hughes Treasurer Mark Jennings Quartermaster Mollie Louise Burr Trustee Alice Baker Trustee
2 Structure, Governance and Management
2.1 Governing Document
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 (P.O.R) of the Scout Association.
2.2 Constitution
Ash Green Scout Group is a Trust established under the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association (P.O.R.). It has a constitution agreed by the Group Scout Council, but which is subservient to its governing documents.
2.3 Group Scout Council
The Group Scout Council is the electoral body to which the Group Trustee Board is accountable. It has a governance role for the charity and makes Group Trustee Board appointments other than ex oPicio and co-opted appointments (see P.O.R. Rule 5.4.5.2.c).
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Membership of the Group Scout Council does not provide any membership status of the Scouts.
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The Group Scout Council has no Trustee responsibilities.
2.4 Group Trustee Board
The Group Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as charity Trustees, to make sure the Group is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance. Although the Group Trustee Board is responsible for the charity, it is accountable to the Group Scout Council.
The Group Trustee Board exists to support the Group Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of their appointment. The Group Trustee Board must act in the charity’s best interests, acting with reasonable care and skill and take steps to be confident that:
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a) The charity is:
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well managed
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complying with the charity’s governing document and the law
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managing the charity’s resources responsibly
b) the charity is operating compliant with P.O.R and the charity regulator, including ePective management of each of the Key Policies listed in Chapter 2 of The Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules (P.O.R.).
c) young people are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels.
d) the Group has suPicient resources (funds, people, property and equipment) available to meet the planned work of the Group including delivery of the high-quality programme and resource requirements of the training programme (Rule 4.2.2 of The Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules).
2.5 Trustee Selection
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association (Rule 5.4.7 of The Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules).
2.6 Risk and Internal Control
These are:
2.6.1 Injury to Volunteer Leaders, Helpers, Supporters or Members
The Group supports compliance with the Safety Policy and ensures appropriate risk assessment; elimination, reduction and control measures are taken to reduce the likelihood of any injuries. In addition, through membership fees, the Group contributes to the Scout Association's national accident insurance policy.
2.6.2 Damage to Buildings, Property or Equipment
The Group would request the use of property and equipment from other local Scout Groups and organisations. The Group has suPicient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
2.6.3 Reduced Income from Subscriptions and Fund Raising
The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fund-raising. The Group holds adequate reserves to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income.
The committee could also raise the value of subscriptions to increase the Group income, either temporarily or permanently.
2.6.4 Reduction or Loss of Volunteer Leaders
The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If there were a reduction in the number of volunteers to an unacceptable level, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of activities or sections.
2.6.5 Reduction or Loss of Members
If there were a reduction in membership of a particular section or the Group as a whole, then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation, or closure of a section.
3 Objectives and Activities
The primary objective of the Group is that of the Scout Association generally, 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:
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Integrity - We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal.
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Respect - We have self-respect and respect for others.
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Care - We support others and take care of the world in which we live.
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Belief - We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
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Co-operation - We make a positive diPerence; we cooperate 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:
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enjoy what they are doing and have fun.
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take part in activities indoors and outdoors.
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learn by doing.
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take responsibility and make choices.
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undertake new and challenging activities.
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make and live by their Promise.
Activities of the Group
- The provision of the Scouting programme for 6 to14 year old members.
4 Achievements and Performance
Please see the Trustees’ Annual Review document below.
education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
5 Financial Review
5.1 Reserves Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold suPicient 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 12 months’ running costs, circa £26,500. The Group held reserves of approximately £27,000 against this at year end.
5.2 Investment Policy
The Group Trustee Board considers that the Group does not have suPicient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low-risk strategy for the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies. Currently, our sole Bankers are Lloyds Bank, Gravesend, Kent.
6 Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved this Trustees Report. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees:
Signature: Full Name: Michael Gordon Banks Position: Group Lead Volunteer Date of Signature: 11/07/2026
Signature: Full Name: Louise Banks Position: Group Chair Date of Signature: 11/07/2026
ASH GREEN SCOUTS RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
| RECEIPTS Member subscriptions Excelsior Explorer fees Camp receipts KIJ camp receipts Fundraising/Donations Activities and group outings Charitable income/Gift Aid Motor income Other income Bank interest (gross) received Total Receipts PAYMENTS Membership fees Premises hire Premises expenditure Group equipment Uniformed Section budgets Uniformed Section activities Camps KIJ Training & courses Uniforms & badges First Aid Catering Stationery OSM/Web fees AGM/Promotional costs Miscellaneous expenses Motor expenses Premises & equipment insurance Fundraising/Donations Member subscription refunds Total Payments Excess of (Payments)/Receipts for the year* |
16,560 £ 240 £ 3,225 £ 2,053 £ 1,061 £ 458 £ 1,568 £ 114 £ 239 £ 119 £ 25,635 £ 6,440 £ 3,432 £ 105 £ 2,766 £ 3,848 £ 519 £ 1,717 £ 3,792 £ 20 £ 1,069 £ 19 £ 15 £ 47 £ 173 £ 129 £ 24 £ 1,539 £ 546 £ 279 £ 15 £ 26,495 £ 26,495 £ £ (859) 2025-26 |
16,560 £ 240 £ 3,225 £ 2,053 £ 1,061 £ 458 £ 1,568 £ 114 £ 239 £ 119 £ 25,635 £ 6,440 £ 3,432 £ 105 £ 2,766 £ 3,848 £ 519 £ 1,717 £ 3,792 £ 20 £ 1,069 £ 19 £ 15 £ 47 £ 173 £ 129 £ 24 £ 1,539 £ 546 £ 279 £ 15 £ 26,495 £ 26,495 £ £ (859) 2025-26 |
19,500 £ 155 £ 4,319 £ 5,101 £ 696 £ 1,736 £ 1,686 £ 100 £ 430 £ 195 £ 33,918 £ 7,315 £ 3,349 £ 103 £ 808 £ £ 4,769 £ 1,341 £ 5,913 £ 3,950 £ 560 £ 1,651 £ 943 £ 21 £ 51 £ 173 £ 167 £ 33 £ 1,484 520 £ 30 £ 105 £ 33,286 £ 33,286 £ 632 £ 2024-25 |
19,500 £ 155 £ 4,319 £ 5,101 £ 696 £ 1,736 £ 1,686 £ 100 £ 430 £ 195 £ 33,918 £ 7,315 £ 3,349 £ 103 £ 808 £ £ 4,769 £ 1,341 £ 5,913 £ 3,950 £ 560 £ 1,651 £ 943 £ 21 £ 51 £ 173 £ 167 £ 33 £ 1,484 520 £ 30 £ 105 £ 33,286 £ 33,286 £ 632 £ 2024-25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25,635 £ 26,495 £ |
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| 26,495 £ |
33,286 £ |
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| £ (859) | 632 £ |
*Due to the rounding of individual figures, totals may not exactly equal the sum of their constituent parts.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS & LIABILITIES
FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31st MARCH 2026
| Total cash funds Equipment at Ash- insured for an estimated replacement of TOTAL ASSETS Member subscriptions in credit TOTAL LIABILITIES Freehold property (Garage)- insured for an estimated replacement of Equipment at garage- insured for an estimated replacement of Equipment at Youth Centre- insured for an estimated replacement of Bank savings account Cash float Bank hardship account TOTAL ASSETS MINUS TOTAL LIABILITIES Member subscriptions due Vehicle (LD69ZDX)at 2023 purchase cost minus 20%pa Bank current account |
10,433 £ 15,513 £ 255 £ 1,586 £ 27,787 £ 20,885 £ 26,950 £ 8,758 £ 13,395 £ 12,480 £ 255 £ 110,510 £ 225 £ 225 £ 110,285 £ 31st March 2026 |
10,024 £ 17,711 £ 300 £ 611 £ 31st March 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 28,646 £ |
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| 19,126 £ 23,540 £ 7,650 £ 11,700 £ 15,600 £ Nil |
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| 106,262 £ |
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| 195 £ |
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| 195 £ |
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| 106,067 £ |
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Other income
1%
Charitable income/Gift Aid Motor income Bank interest (gross) received
6% 0% 0%
Activities and group outings
2%
Fundraising/Donations
4%
KIJ camp receipts
8%
Income 2025-26
Camp receipts
13% Member subscriptions
65%
Excelsior Explorer fees
1%
Premises & equipment
Miscellaneous expenses insurance Fundraising/Donations
0%
2% 1%
Member subscription
AGM/Promotional costs
refunds
0%
0%
OSM/Web fees
1% Stationery Motor
0%
expenses
Catering
6%
0%
First Aid
0%
Uniforms & badges
4% Membership fees
24%
Training & courses KIJ
0% 14%
Expenditure 2025-26
Premises hire
13%
Camps
6%
Uniformed Section activities Uniformed Section budgets
Group equipment
2% 15% Premises expenditure
10%
0%
----- End of picture text -----
Independent examinofs report to the trustses of Ash Green Scout Group Icharity number 1199314) I report to the Irustees on my eXaMinatn of the accounts of the Ash Green Scoul Group. being a Receipts and Payments account for the year ended, and Statement of Assets and Liabilrtjes as at, 31 March 2026. Responsibilities and basis of r•port As the charity trustees of the Ash Green Scout Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {Ihe Act,). I report in respect of my examinatKJn of the Ash Green Scout Group accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my eXaMinatn I have followed all the applKable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 14515llb) of the Act. Independent •xaminerfs statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matenal matters have come to my attenlion in cOnneCtn with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respecl.. 1. accountlng fecords were not kept in respect of the Ash Green Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Act,. Cf 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no conm$ and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the acunt$ to be reached. Signed.. John K Cardnell FCA 4 Redhill Wd New Ash Green Longfield Kent DA3 8aH 11 June 2026
Overview of the Group
Ash Green continues with our success in being the largest group in Swanley district and the fourth largest in Kent! We currently have 118 young people on our books from Beavers though to Explorers. We would like to accommodate more Beaver age children into the group, but due to the continued struggle to get leaders, we have to run with lower numbers at present. We have been advertising for volunteers on the local Facebook groups, in the local schools and I have approached County for help on this. I have been working hard to reduce our waiting list over the past year; we currently have 48 children on our waiting list.
Because of our amazing leader team, we still oPer a great mix of both traditional Scouting, along with exciting and adventurous activities. Rifle shooting, climbing, water sports, archery, axe throwing, micro-lighting, cross bows to are just some of the things booked this year across all of our sections.
Leadership team and Trustees
Unfortunately, we have suPered a slight drop in numbers due to work commitments. We are currently running with 17 uniformed leaders and 1 young leader. During the course of the year, we have had six DofE volunteers helping out with our younger sections. Cubs welcomed another leader a few months ago, helping out on much needed Monday nights. We also have two adult helpers who have a DBS and are helping with our Beavers.
Sadly, we are saying goodbye to both Peter and Gill, our ex-Group lead volunteer and ex -Treasurer. They are stepping down from their Trusteeship, due to moving to Worthing this year. I wish them a happy retirement and thank them for their nearly 10 years of dedication to the group. That leaves us with seven trustees running the group.
Camping
This year has been a busy year full of camping. Last summer we had the Kent International Jamboree (KIJ), our Scouts and Explorers took part alongside nearly 8,000 young people from around the world with hundreds of activities packed into a week-long camp. We had a District camp back in May this year at Lower Grange Farm. Every young person from Beavers to Explorers was invited to join Swanley district at a weekend camp, packed with activities for each section. Out of 13 groups and the 73 young people camping Ash Green accounted for 50 of those young people! This was the first time Beavers have camped in over three years, it was amazing to see. Along with our young people, leaders and parent helpers, we also fed the county climbing team and district oPicials over the weekend. Thanks to Helen and the Scout team, we served up over 80 meals at a time! Cubs had great fun on winter camp in January. Scouts had a skills camp in May at our local site in Farningham woods. Both Cubs and Scouts have further camps booked later in the year.
Equipment
With agreement of the Trustees, the group invested £6,300 in new camping equipment. Replacing our very worn-out marquees and collection of tents. We also made some smaller purchases of camping equipment for our camp kitchen. Vincent the group van had a minor issue with the AdBlue system. Mark our Quartermaster seems to have been able to repair it relatively cheaply.
Running costs
Like everything else in the world, our bills have continued to rise. The hall hire and membership to the Scout movement being the biggest costs to have gone up. We continue to do everything we can to prevent increases to our subscription fees. We may need to raise our fees in the future, which haven’t been raised in over 12 years.
Youth Centre
We continue to work very closely with the Youth Centre trustees on the management of the building. I am happy to report the back wooded area is now safe to use again after a large number of trees got trimmed or cutdown. The area was deemed unsafe to use for nearly seven months.
Safeguarding and Safety
There was one disclosure made by a young person that was reported to Headquarters. This was an incident that happened outside of Scouting and is being dealt with by external agencies.
Youth Awards
Great progress has been made working towards the ‘Chief Scouts Awards’, with over 28 being presented across all of our sections this year. This is the highest award any young person in their section can receive, so a big well done to them and their leaders for putting the work in!
Fundraising and Community work
We continue to take part in the New Ash Green Village Day every year, with Axe throwing and Archery activities raising over £271 last year. We had an amazing turn out for a Quiz night back in February run by our Scout leaders raising over £400. We also got asked to run Archery at the Milestone Academy last summer raising nearly £90. We are proud to be involved in raising money for The Royal British Legion every year. We raised an amazing £580 last November. We have also continued our litter picking around New Ash Green during diPerent times of the year, collecting bags and bags of rubbish every time! We helped out at the District St George’s Fun Day again this year, providing Archery for nearly 270 young people.
Finally
I would like to say a very heart felt thank you to all our uniformed leaders who spend hours every week, planning and running meetings, activities and doing lots of extra things behind the scenes. Our Trustees who work tirelessly behind the scenes, most of you are unaware of who they are, but without their dedication in Scouting, the group simply wouldn’t function. Your continued support at Ash Green is truly appreciated! And to our parent volunteers, who help plug the gaps, we do have shirts available in your size!
Mike Banks
Group Lead Volunteer (Formally called Group Scout Leader)
Ash Green Scout Group