**1[st] Doddington Scout Group** Doddington Scout Centre, Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambs, PE15 0TG ## **Trustees Annual Report – 1[st] April 2023 to 31[st] March 2024** ## **Section A – Reference and administration details** ## **TRUSTEES (Ex-Officio)** Group Scout Leader Deputy Group Scout Leader Cub Scout Leader Alys Turner Jonathan Harwood Toby Farlow **TRUSTEES (Nominated)** Group Chair Trustee Board Members Deborah Winn Grant Barlow ## **TRUSTEES (Elected)** Group Treasurer Group Secretary Trustee Board Members Anne Appleby Annabel Farlow Dave Bridges Matthew Royston **TRUSTEES (Co-opted)** Trustee Board Members None in this year ## **BANKERS** Lloyds – Victoria ## **INDEPENDENT EXAMINER** Godfrey Smith **REGISTRATION NUMBER WITH THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION** 10013022 **CONTACT NAME & ADDRESS** Anne Appleby (Treasurer) 2 Hook Cottage Hook Road Wimblington March Cambridgeshire PE15 0QL ## **1[st] Doddington Scout Group** Doddington Scout Centre, Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambs, PE15 0TG ## **Section B – 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 of The Scout Association. The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. The Group is managed by the 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 Group Trustee Board currently consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 7 other Trustees (including Ex Officio Trustees) and meets 3-4 times a year. Members of the Trustee Board complete 5 modules of ‘Getting Started’ training, which includes a 'Trustee Introduction', within the first 5 months of joining the Board. This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation’s policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that give young people skills for life. ## **Risk and Internal Controls** The Group Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group 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: - **Damage to the building, property and equipment.** The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. - **Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members** . The Group through the Membership fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. - **Reduced income from fundraising** . The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Trustee Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently. - **Reduction or loss of leaders.** The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. ## **1[st] Doddington Scout Group** Doddington Scout Centre, Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambs, PE15 0TG - **Reduction or loss of members** . The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. - **Financial management.** 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 comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. ## **Section C – Objectives and activities** The objective of the Group is to deliver an active and engaging Scouting Programme to Young People throughout its current Sections. 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. ## **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. In order to achieve the Scout Group objectives we have been delivering Scouting to our Youth Members through two Squirrel Dreys (4-6 year olds), two Beaver Colonies (6-8 year olds), two Cub Packs (8-10.5 ## **1[st] Doddington Scout Group** Doddington Scout Centre, Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambs, PE15 0TG year olds) and two Scout Troops (10.5-14 year olds). Additionally, the Group has Explorer Young Leaders (14-18 year olds) and supports Explorer Programme delivery. The Group meets the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community benefit headings. ## **Section D – Achievements and performance** The Trustee Board has continued to enable improvements to be made to the Scout Centre, as well as supporting the start of Explorer Programme provision from June 2023, and the opening of our second Squirrel Drey in September 2023. Across all sections of the group a wide variety of activities and nights away events have taken place, including multiple camps and water activities. The group membership at the time of our annual census in January 2024 was 115 youth members and 37 adult volunteer members. ## **Section E – Financial review** ## **Reserves Policy** 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 consider that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £26k. ## **Investment Policy** The Group does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a risk averse strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies. This year The Trustee Board have, due to the balance held, looked at investment options, taking into consideration our reserves policy and our operational requirements. The decision was taken to hold some of the funds in instant access interest bearing accounts. Rates and balances are regularly reviewed and funds moved accordingly. ## **Accounts** The accounts have been drawn up on a receipts and payments basis which is consistent with previous years. ## **1[st] Doddington Scout Group** Doddington Scout Centre, Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambs, PE15 0TG ## **Financial Overview for the Year ending 31[st] March 2024** During 2023-2024 the Group started to plan its first international trip for its young people. Our aim was to price the trip at a cost that would be accessible to as many of our young people as possible. Within the budgeting processes we set ourselves fundraising targets to subsidise parental contributions. Payments received from parents, funds raised at our Christmas Bingo and Easter Race Night, along with grants and donations from Healthy Fenland Fund, Doddington Parish Council, Cambridgeshire Scouts, Datashredders, Group Funds via a grant received from the District and a generous donation from 3 avid walkers, who are also members of our adult volunteer team, following a fundraising walk along the Snowdonia Slate Trail have contributed to the significant increase in income year on year. The Group has been fortunate to benefit from several grants this year, and donations of equipment as well as funds. ## **District Grant** Fenland District Scout Association offered a grant to each Group within the District to help them to provide subsidised Scouting for their young people due to the national ‘cost of living’ crisis. - 1st Doddington Scout Group accepted the offer and has used the funds to reduce the cost of: - District Camp held in July 2023, - Group Camp held in September 2023, - Belgium International Camp to be held in August 2024 - Trip to Clip ‘n’ Climb for our Squirrel Drey - Bowling evening for our Scout Troop and Explorers The remainder of the grant, following approval from District, will be utilised during 2024/25 to subsidise an activity for our Beavers and Cubs and to reduce the cost of the Group Camp to be held in September 2024. ## **Burnthouse Wind Farm Community Fund** CCF, Cambridgeshire Community Fund, approved a grant from Burnthouse Wind Farm Community Fund to enable the Group to purchase 2 marquees and tables and benches. The marquees, a 4 x 4 and an 8 x 4 were bought and have already been used. ## **Healthy Fenland Fund** CCF, Cambridgeshire Community Fund, approved a grant from the Healthy Fenland Fund with two purposes. The first was to fund a practice camp prior to our international camp, to enable us to bring all participants together and give them time to get to know each other whilst taking part in similar activities to those they will undertake in Belgium. The second was to help fund our growing water activities capacity by enabling us to buy additional equipment. ## **1[st] Doddington Scout Group** Doddington Scout Centre, Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambs, PE15 0TG ## **Uniformed Youth Fund** The Scout Association supported the Group in applying for a grant from the Uniformed Youth Fund in support of us having opened a 2[nd] Scout Troop since Autumn 2022, which is awarded as a startup grant and a programme activity grant. The fund was wholly funded by The Scouts partnership with the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) with the purpose of helping to grow Scouts. The start-up grant was used to part fund our membership payment and the programme activity grant is being spent on various activities, events being undertaken by Scouts in 24/25 as well as on some equipment in support of ongoing Scout Programme delivery. ## **Tesco Stronger Start** Tesco run a customer based token scheme, whereby customers visiting the store can vote for organisations to be awarded funding. Three organisations are available for voters to choose from and the funds received are based on whether they are placed first, second or third. 1st Doddington were chosen to be one of the three organisations in two stores, March and Chatteris and were awarded £1500 in total. These funds will be spent on facilities and equipment to further our water activity provision both locally and when away on camps and activity days. In additional to water activities we are also sourcing equipment to increase the bushcraft skills within our leaders and young people. ## **Compare the Market** 1st Doddington were nominated for an award of £1000 and lucky to be chosen in Compare The Market’s Summer of Sport campaign. The group was recognised for its vision and support of young people within the local community. ## **Donation** During our 70th Anniversary celebration a generous donor gave the Group £1000 towards renovating and improving our building. These funds were used to instal additional toilet facilities and to increase our storage capacity. These works were all completed this year. ## **Assets** During this year the Group was gifted some canoes and kayaks, and purchased a trailer to store and transport them. This has enabled us to support the District by providing water activities for other Groups along with giving our own young people increased opportunity to spend time on the water gaining and enhancing water sport skills. ## **1[st] Doddington Scout Group** Doddington Scout Centre, Benwick Road, Doddington, March, Cambs, PE15 0TG 1st Doddington also took over ownership of a trailer from District, a larger trailer to transport our rafting equipment. It has already facilitated time on the water by our section members and will be used to support water activities within the District together with being available to other Groups when not in use. As well as income increasing year on year, expenditure has done the same. This was as a result of utility costs, hall improvement works and a review of the trees on site along with completion of recommended works. In additional to regular expenditure, we hosted a celebration event for our 70th Anniversary in May 2023, with members past and present joining us for food and activities. In August 2023 in preparation for our international trip in August 2024, members of the team carried out a recce trip to familiarise themselves with all aspects of the trip, including the journey, the campsite and each of the activities planned. The cost of this trip is within the budget for the whole event. The increase in income this year, as a result of the income needed for the international trip and the funds received from grants, will result in a larger expenditure figure during 2024/25, than in previous years, as funds are paid out for the trip and items are purchased from grant funding. ## **Section F – Other – Future Plans** As we look further forward into this Financial Year, the focus will be in recruitment of further volunteers and embedding Transformation changes that are being rolled out throughout Scouting nationally. The aims of the changes are to make it easier, more enjoyable and rewarding to volunteer with Scouts. ## **Section G – Declaration** The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above on **19/07/2024** . Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees. |Signature||| |---|---|---| |Full Name|Deborah Winn|Anne Appleby| |Position|Group Chair|Group Treasurer| |Date|19/07/2024|19/07/2024| ## **1st Doddington Scout Group (Charity no. 1204134) Receipts and payments account** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Year start date Year end date
For the year
1st April 2023 To 31st March 2024
from
Receipts and payments
2023/24 2022/23
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Receipts
Donations, legacies and similar income
Membership subscriptions 15,642.00 13,496.50
Donations - CTM - recognition for badge work 100.00 -
Donations - general 1,774.06 956.00
Legacies - -
Gift Aid 3,775.59 1,604.06
Camp and other activities 6,492.64 5,688.50
Donation - Slate Trail walkers 415.07 -
Belgium - Participant contributions 15,625.00 -
Belgium - Fundraising 3,360.86 -
Belgium - Donations 1,150.00 -
Other similar income 44.00 -
Sub total 48,379.22 21,745.06
Grants
Maintenenace grant - -
District Grant 3,915.00 -
Compare the Market 1,000.00 -
Burnthouse Fund 3,750.00 -
Healthy Fenland Fund 4,000.00 -
TSA - Uniformed Youth Fund 3,500.00 -
Groundworks 1,500.00 -
Other grants - 1,000.00
Sub total 17,665.00 1,000.00
Fundraising events (gross)
Litter Picking 1,300.00 1,100.00
Match Funding 833.25 1,817.84
Easyfundraising 46.17 72.01
Doddington Sports Afternoon 610.05 529.50
Sponsored Walk 103.43 1,084.83
Wimblington Fun Day 49.60 23.40
Doddington Village Show 468.10 348.59
Carol Singing 208.18 251.50
Sale of badges and uniform 36.50 179.20
Sale of equipment 150.00 -
Other fundraising activities 128.25 -
Sub total 3,933.53 5,406.87
Scout hut income
Hire of building 70.00 35.00
Hire of equipment - -
Other Scout hut income - refund on gas bill - 92.04
Sub total 70 127.04
Investment income
Bank interest 297.42 -
Building Society interest - -
The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - -
Other investment income - -
Sub total 297.42 -
Total Gross Income 70,345.17 28,278.97
Asset and investment sales, etc. - -
Total receipts 70,345.17 28,278.97
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## **1st Doddington Scout Group (Charity no. 1204134) Receipts and payments account** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Year start date Year end date
For the year
1st April 2023 To 31st March 2024
from
Receipts and payments
2023/24 2022/23
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Payments
Charitable Payments
Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District) 5,460.00 5,248.00
Membership subscriptions refunds 49.00 -
Youth programme and activities 9,295.79 7,323.35
District Grant 3,131.39 -
Adult support and training 236.38 -
Refuse collection 125.40 116.52
Water and Sewerage 258.00 204.00
Electricity and Gas 2,127.15 1,718.82
Insurance 1,727.72 1,657.96
Repairs and Renewals - -
Materials and equipment 3,686.68 1,903.83
Advertising and printing 120.00 136.34
Squirrels Set Up - 182.47
Badges and Uniforms 1,293.40 2,905.94
AGM and trustee expenses 79.95 171.69
Website 100.00 100.00
Wreaths 130.00 74.00
Hall and Gardening (includes tree work) 450.00 250.00
SumUp and Trybooking fees 34.15 702.86
Hall renovation and maintenance 2,768.43 650.70
Music Licence 338.20 594.94
WiFi 107.36 -
70th Anniversary 757.26 -
Belgium - Recce 693.28 -
Belgium - Site Deposit 324.57 -
Belgium - PreCamp Activities 475.65 -
Belgium - Ancilliary Items 126.89 -
Belgium - Fundraising expenses 725.84 -
Sundries 193.45 213.23
Sub total 34,815.94 24,154.65
Fundraising expenses
Doddington Carnival 151.10 195.11
Wimblington Fun Day 15.61 -
Doddington Village Show 116.47 -
Other fundraising costs - -
Sub total 283.18 195.11
Total Gross Expenditure 35,099.12 24,349.76
Asset and investment purchases, etc. - -
Total payments 35,099 24,349.76
Net of receipts/(payments) 35,246.05 3,929.21
Cash funds last year end 25,549.06 21,619.85
Cash funds this year end 60,795.11 25,549.06
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## **1st Doddington Scout Group (Charity no. 1204134) Receipts and payments account** **----- Start of picture text -----**
Year start date Year end date
For the year
1st April 2023 To 31st March 2024
from
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
31st March 2024 31st March 2023
Unrestricted funds Unrestricted funds
£ £
Cash funds
Bank current account 2,775.36 25,549.06
Bank deposit account - Group savings 37,994.04 -
Bank deposit account - Explorers 119.59
Bank deposit account - Belgium funds 19,906.12
Building society account - -
The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service - -
Cash/Floats - -
Total cash funds 60,795.11 25,549.06
(agree balances with receipts and payments account) ok ok
Other monetary assets
Tax claim - -
Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group - -
Insurance claim - -
Sub total - -
Investment assets
Investment property - detail - -
Quoted investments - -
Other investments - detail - -
Sub total - -
Non monetary assets for charity's own use
Badge stock 400.00 700.00
Shop stock - -
Other stock - -
Land and buildings
Trailers and canoes -
Scouting equipment, furniture etc -
Other
Sub total 400.00 700.00
Liabilities
Accounts not yet paid - -
Expenses incurred but not invoiced - -
Subscriptions not yet paid - -
Loan - detail - -
Other liabilities - -
Sub total - -
Total net assets 61,195.11 26,249.06
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the
Signature Print Name
Debi Winn Chair
Anne Appleby Treasurer
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Independent examiner's report to the trustees of I" Doddington Scout Group (Charity no. 1204134) I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 1st Doddington Scout Group for the year ended 31st March 2024. Responsi1xlit￿ and basis of report As the charvty trustees of the lx Doddllngton Scout Group you a￿ resFX)nsEible f(hr the weparakn of the accounts in accordan￿ wwth the requirements of the Charities Act 20111.the Actl. I report in respect my examination of the Ig Doddington Scout Group's accounts carTied out under section 145 11 Act arKJ Dn carrying out my examinatpon I have f(Al0v￿d aLI a calAe Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the ACL I have completed my examinatio￿ I confinn that no material matters have come to my attentlon in connection with the examunatllon giving me cause to believe that in any materllal respect accounting records were not kept in respect of the 1st Dod(fington Scout Group as required by section 130 of the Art 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across rK) 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 accounts to be reached. Signed: Nam& Godfrey Smi Institute of Chartered Accountarts lln EtTrgland & Wales 3 Milb Gardens March Cambridgeshire PE15 9FB Date: 19*July 2024