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2023-01-31-accounts

1[ST] GREAT AMWELL SCOUT GROUP (Registered Charity number 267345)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT and ACCOUNTS

2022-2023

Year ended 31 January 2023

1[ST] GREAT AMWELL SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEE BOARD MEMBERS

Chair

Andy Verdin Chair Gail Stretch Group Scout Leader Christine Prince Group Treasurer Christina Coates Secretary Richard Clayden Scout Leader Robert Price Cub Leader Michelle Lang Cub Leader Sonia Cousins Beaver Leader Wendy Devonshire-Helps Beaver Leader Gail Stretch Subscriptions & Lettings Secretary

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS

Group Registration Number with Scout Association 35362 Charity Registration Number 267345 Charity Principal Address 142 London Road Ware Hertfordshire SG12 9NH ADVISORS Bankers Barclays Bank plc Independent Examiner Miss C McGovern

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Group's governing documents are those of the 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. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The Group is managed by the Trustee Board (formerly Group Executive Committee), the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the Scout Group, which is deemed a charity set up to provide Scouting activities in Hertfordshire. As Charity Trustees, they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.

The Trustee Board consists of 3 independent representatives: the Chair, Treasurer and Secretary, together with the Group Scout Leaders, individual section leaders (if opted to take on the responsibility) and parent representation; and meets 3 or 4 times a year. Members of the Trustee Board complete 'Essential Information for Trustee Board' training within the first 5 months of joining.

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

Risk and Internal Control

The Trustee Board has identified the major risks to which it believes 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 such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these 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 capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities.

Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions, lettings and fundraising. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee 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.

Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 14.5 years. 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.

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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:

The Scout Method

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

Activities

Following the pandemic recovery, we are pleased to confirm that Great Amwell is now back, with a full programme and once again beginning to flourish. We are fortunate to have an experienced and enthusiastic leadership team to continue to make Scouting possible, who look forward to introducing a variety of activities into our programme over the next year.

Our sections have taken part in many district events such as the Beaver Tug-of-War, Easter Egg Hunt and most recently the Skills Day. Cubs have had teams entered into the Oxley Shield, Scout Swimming Gala and most recently the District Go-kart competition. Scouts have taken part in Nocturnal and the Cooking Competition, with this last event seeing us come runners-up at County.

Our Group Scout Leader, Gail Stretch, comments further:

“Last September I was invited to WaGAwood, a Beaver camp between Great Amwell and 3[rd] Ware, and it was great to see so many young people enjoying the outdoors. I am now looking forward to our first District-run Camp that takes place in a couple of weeks.

Last year, you may remember me mentioning a new section that has been introduced. They are called Squirrels and provide activities for young people aged 4–6 years. Stanstead Abbotts have opened a Drey and 2[nd] Ware are also looking to open one. We would very much like to start this adventure at Great Amwell but need to have a leader team in place to make this happen.”

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.

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ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Great Amwell is a very fortunate Scout Group and over the last term we have been connected to the mains sewage, so the building is now self-sufficient. The next big project is to build an outside covered space, to enable the sections to run activities all year round no matter what the weather. We are also making enquiries to update the kitchen area and look at replacing the fence and gate leading into the woods.

This year has seen the Group spend a lot of its funds on upgrading the cess pit to the mains sewerage. We are still financially healthy, but are busy raising the funds to make the next projects happen. This is done by the Group’s involvement in a number of set fundraising activities; such as marshalling at the Ware Rotary Fireworks Display in November and we hope to run a BBQ at Ware Week in July. Both of these events are also great opportunities for us to raise the profile of the Group, help our community as well as to raise funds.

Unfortunately, over the last year we have seen some of our Leaders retire. They will be very much missed but we thank them for their commitment, hard work and time they have given to the Group, in some cases over decades. We will now be starting a recruitment campaign as we do have vacancies within our leadership teams.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year, the Group generated a deficit on general funds and activities of £20,699.33, due primarily to the capital project involving connection to the main sewerage system. As at 31[st] January 2023, the Group had cash of £66,848.36 in general funds and designated reserves of £8,000.00 have been put aside as contribution to our planned outside covered space. Since the end of the accounting period, final payments of almost £32,000 have been made on the sewerage connection project, which will further reduce our reserves.

The Group has identified the major risks to which it is exposed and follows the policies and rules of the Scout Association to deal with them.

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 Trustee Board considers that the Group should hold a sum equivalent to at least 12 months running costs, which currently equates to around £30,000 in reserves. Given our position at the end of the accounting period and taking into account final payments on the major sewerage connection project and provisions made for the expenditure on the outside covered area, our reserves remain more than adequate.

It is worth noting that only a couple of years ago reserves were at a very high level, but this has been planned in order to commit to major capital projects as we continue to invest in and preserve the Group’s headquarters

Investment Policy

The Group's Income and Expenditure is relatively modest and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer term investments, such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.

The Trustee Board regularly monitors the level of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the Group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn; before doing so the Trustee Board reviews its cash flow requirements going forward.

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DECLARATION

The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report above.

Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees:

A Verdin

C Prince

Andrew Verdin Chair

Christine Prince Group Treasurer

Date: 20th February 2023

Date: 20th February 2023

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE 1[ST] GREAT AMWELL SCOUT GROUP

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31[st] January 2023, which are set out in pages 8 to 10.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

have not been met; or

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

C McGovern

10[th] May 2023

Miss C McGovern 1341 High Road Whetstone London N20 9HR

Page 7 of 10

1[st] Great Amwell Scout Group (Registered Charity No 267345) Receipts & Payments Account for the year to 31[st] January 2023

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RECEIPTS PAYMENTS
2022 2023 2022 2023
Subscriptions Subscriptions
9,369.68 Subscriptions 10,517.00 3,640.00 To County & HQ 4,524.00
- Income Tax Recovered -
Activities
Activities 582.55 Badges & Uniform 461.46
797.50 Camps & Activities 5,826.93 690.00 Training 108.21
1,134.45 Materials 1,327.21
1,079.69 Equipment 531.89
495.00 Camps, Trips etc. 6,258.86
Donations
1,250.00 Donations and contributions 1,200.00 7,621.69 13,211.63
Capital/Designated Expenditure
Grants 3,304.80 Building Programme 43,701.84
18,240.93 Grants 11,226.00
Administration
Fundraising 1,581.90 General Expenses 1,083.66
- Ware week 700.00 1,581.90 1,083.66
750.00 Fireworks 750.00
- Other Fundraising 54.75
750.00 1,504.75 Premises
2,036.23 Insurance 1,658.27
1,150.00 Grounds 1,358.00
Premises 3,274.75 Repairs/Maintenance 1,105.35
22,547.30 Lettings 22,492.80 4,070.89 Cleaning 4,138.82
2,218.74 Electricity 3,109.94
168.18 Gas 361.00
Investment Income Etc. 2,160.00 Sewerage 2,304.00
6.04 Bank Interest 18.22 44.98 Water Rates 1,452.52
15,123.77 15,487.90
27,632.16 73,485.03
25,329.29 (Deficit)/Surplus for year (20,699.33)
£ 52,961.45 £ 52,785.70 £ 52,961.45 £ 52,785.70
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1st Great Amwell Scout Group (Registered Charity No 267345)

Balance sheet as at 31st January 2023

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2022 2023 2022 2023
307,189.15 Brought Forward 332,518.44
FIXED ASSETS
25,329.29 (Deficit)/Surplus for year (20,699.33) 1.00 Land 1.00
236,969.75 Building - brought forward 236,969.75
- additions -
236,970.75 236,969.75
CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND
94,891.95 Barclays Group - unrestricted 66,217.59
- Barclays Group - restricted 8,000.00
565.21 NatWest Scouts 565.25
- Cash Cubs (Leopards)
90.53 Cash Cubs (Otters) 65.52
- Cash Beavers (Bears) -
- Cash Beavers (Wolves) -
95,547.69 74,848.36
£ 332,518.44 £ 311,819.11 £ 332,518.44 £ 311,819.11
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1st Great Amwell Scout Group (Registered Charity No 267345) Statement of Financial Activities for the Year ended 31[st] January 2023

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Unrestricted Designated Unrestricted Designated
Funds Funds TOTAL Funds Funds TOTAL
2022 2022 2022 INCOME & EXPENDITURE 2023 2023 2023
Incoming Resources
9,369.68 9,369.68 Membership Subscriptions 10,517.00 10,517.00
797.50 797.50 Activities 5,826.93 5,826.93
1,250.00 1,250.00 Donations 1,200.00 1,200.00
18,240.93 18,240.93 Grants 3,226.00 8,000.00 11,226.00
22,547.30 22,547.30 Premises 22,492.80 22,492.80
750.00 750.00 Fundraising 1,504.75 1,504.75
- - Income Tax Recovered - -
6.04 6.04 Bank Interest & Investment Income 18.22 18.22
52,961.45 - 52,961.45 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 44,785.70 8,000.00 52,785.70
RESOURCES USED
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Members Activities & Services
7,621.69 7,621.69 provided 13,211.63 13,211.63
1,581.90 1,581.90 Administration 1,083.66 1,083.66
18,428.57 18,428.57 Premises 59,189.74 59,189.74
27,632.16 - 27,632.16 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 73,485.03 - 73,485.03
25,329.29 25,329.29 NET RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS (28,699.33) 8,000.00 (20,699.33)
Other recognised Gains & Losses
- - Revaluation of Property - -
- - Surplus on sale of Investments - -
25,329.29 - 25,329.29 NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (28,699.33) 8,000.00 (20,699.33)
307,189.15 - 307,189.15 Balance Brought Forward 332,518.44 - 332,518.44
332,518.44 - £ 332,518.44 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD 303,819.11 8,000.00 £ 311,819.11
Unrestricted Restricted Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Funds Funds
FIXED ASSETS
236,970.75 236,970.75 Tangible Fixed Assets 236,970.75 236,970.75
- - Investments - -
236,970.75 - 236,970.75 236,970.75 - 236,970.75
CURRENT ASSETS
Payment in advance
- Debtors -
95,457.16 95,457.16 Bank & Building Society 66,782.84 8,000.00 74,782.84
90.53 90.53 Cash 65.52 65.52
95,547.69 - 95,547.69 66,848.36 8,000.00 74,848.36
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors (amount falling due within
- - 1 year ) - -
95,547.69 - 95,547.69 NET CURRENT ASSETS 66,848.36 8,000.00 74,848.36
332,518.44 - 332,518.44 TOTAL ASSETS less CURRENT LIABIITIES 303,819.11 8,000.00 311,819.11
Creditors (amounts falling due after
- - - more than 1 year) - -
332,518.44 - £ 332,518.44 NET ASSETS 303,819.11 8,000.00 £ 311,819.11
Approved on behalf of the Executive Committee on
20th February 2023 and
signed on their authority
G Stretch A Verdin C Prince
Gail Stretch Andrew Verdin Christine Prince
Group Scout Leader Chairman Group Treasurer
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