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1[ST] GREAT AMWELL SCOUT GROUP (Registered Charity no 267345)

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT and ACCOUNTS

2023-2024

Year ended 31 January 2024

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1[ST] GREAT AMWELL SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEE BOARD MEMBERS:

Group Chair Andy Verdin Group Lead Volunteer (Ex Officio) Gail Stretch Group Treasurer Christine Prince Trustee (Secretary) Christina Coates Trustee Daniel Buswell Trustee Richard Clayden Trustee Colin Haywood GROUP LEADERSHIP TEAM: Group Lead Volunteer Gail Stretch Scout Team Leader Richard Clayden Cub (Otters) Team Leader Robert Price Cub (Leopards) Team Leader Michelle Lang Beaver (Bears) Team Leader Sonia Cousins Beaver (Wolves) Team Leader Wendy Devonshire- Helps Squirrels Team Leader Leanne Couzens

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	Cleo McGovern

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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. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group, which is an educational 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 seven (7) trustees, registered with the Charities Commission: the Group Chair, Group Treasurer and 5 Trustees (including 1 Ex Officio Group Lead Volunteer, Secretary, Risk Registrar, Property Manager and Youth Representative); and meets 3 or 4 times a year. Members of the Trustee Board complete ‘Being a Scouts Trustee' training within the first 6 months of joining the Trustee Board.

This Trustee Board exists to make sure the Scout Group is well managed; risks are assessed and mitigated; buildings and equipment are in good working order; and that everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation’s policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers to run high-quality and safe programmes that provide young people ‘skills for life’. It is responsible for:

Development and maintenance of Group property and a Risk Register;
Management and administration of Group finance and budgets, including fundraising;
Establishing appropriate reserves and investment policies;
Insurance of persons, property and equipment;
Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
Appointing any sub committees that may be required; and
Appointing Group Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.

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 could 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 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 a 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.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

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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.

ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Activities

We are fortunate to have an experienced and enthusiastic leadership team to provide a fun and exciting programme, and to make Scouting possible; the team looks forward to introducing a variety of activities into the schedule over the next year. We are also pleased to announce that from last October, we have been able to start our first Squirrels Drey, introducing young people aged 4-6 to Scouting.

Over the past months, our sections have taken part in many District events such as the Beaver Hike and Easter Egg Hunt; Cubs have entered teams into the Oxley Shield, Swimming Gala and, most recently, the District Gokart competition. Scouts have taken part in and won Nocturnal and Cooking Competitions.

Our Group Lead Volunteer, Gail Stretch, comments further: “I am now looking forward to our first Squirrel Camp and getting back to our Olympic-themed Group Camp, which will take place straight after the AGM.”

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.

Achievements and Performance

Great Amwell Scout Group is in the very fortunate position of having excellent facilities to host a number of exciting and educational activities for young people. We continue to invest in those facilities and over the last six months have built a covered space for our members to be able to enjoy all year-round outdoor activities. The next project is to replace the kitchen and to secure the fencing and gate leading into the woods at the top of our headquarters.

This year has seen the Group invest a lot of its surplus funds on improving our headquarters and facilities. The Scout Group remains financially sound, however, we need to continue to raise funds to make the next projects happen and to limit any increase in subscriptions.

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Our primary fundraising activities include marshalling at the Ware Rotary Fireworks Display in November and a BBQ plus Tombola stall at Ware Week in July; both events are also great opportunities for us to raise the profile of the Group and 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 continuing with our recruitment campaign as we do have vacancies within our leadership teams.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

During the year and after investing a further £35,000 in capital projects – primarily involving connection to the main sewerage system – the Group generated a deficit on general funds and activities of £15,080.87. Notwithstanding this outflow, as at 31 January 2024 the Group had cash of £51,847.49 in general funds plus designated reserves of £7,920.00, which have been put aside as contribution to our planned outside covered space. Since the end of the accounting period, final payments of just over £46,000 have been made in relation to the construction of the new outside covered area, adjacent to the main building; whilst this has further reduced our reserves, expected income during the rest of the year will help to rebalance the position.

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. Given our position at the end of the accounting period and including final payments made for the outside covered area, our reserves currently remain below policy level but the Board are content that our regular income and fundraising will replenish reserves to an optimum level.

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. The Group therefore adopts a low risk strategy to investment of its funds, which 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.

DECLARATION

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

Signed on behalf of the Charity’s Trustees:

A Verdin C Prince G Stretch Andrew Verdin Christine Prince Gail Stretch Group Chair Group Treasurer Group Lead Volunteer Date: 29 April 2024 Date: 29 April 2024 Date: 29 April 2024

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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTES OF THE 1[ST] GREAT AWMELL SCOUT GROUP

I report on the Accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 January 2024, which are set out in pages 7 to 9.

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:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

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:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act

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

3 June 2024

Miss C McGovern 1341 High Road Whetstone London N20 9HR

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1[st] Great Amwell Scout Group (Registered Charity No 267345) Receipts & Payments Account for the year to 31[st] January 2024

			PAYMENTS
2023 Subscriptions 10,517.00 Subscriptions - Income Tax Recovered Activities 5,826.93 Camps & Activities Donations 1,200.00 Donations and contributions Grants 11,226.00 Grants Fundraising 700.00 Ware week 750.00 Fireworks 54.75 Other Fundraising 1,504.75 Premises 22,492.80 Lettings Investment Income Etc. 18.22 Bank Interest £52,785.70	1,646.00 800.00 49.00		2023 Subscriptions 4,524.00 To County & HQ 5,136.00 Activities 461.46 Badges & Uniform 1,633.60 108.21 Training 80.00 1,327.21 Materials 1,289.05 531.89 Equipment 671.98 6,258.86 Camps, Trips etc. 6,918.85 13,211.63 Capital/Designated Expenditure 43,701.84 Building Programme Administration 1,083.66 General Expenses 2,066.19 1,083.66 Premises 1,658.27 Insurance 1,878.14 1,358.00 Grounds 1,200.00 1,105.35 Repairs/Maintenance 752.25 4,138.82 Cleaning 3,914.62 3,109.94 Electricity 4,357.34 361.00 Gas 271.74 2,304.00 Sewerage 864.00 1,452.52 Water Rates - 15,487.90 73,485.03 (20,699.33) (Deficit)/Surplus for year £52,785.70	5,136.00 1,633.60 80.00 1,289.05 671.98 6,918.85	2024 15,729.48 35,410.51 2,066.19 13,238.09
				1,878.14 1,200.00 752.25 3,914.62 4,357.34 271.74 864.00 -


					66,444.27 (15,080.87)
		£			£51,363.40

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1st Great Amwell Scout Group (Registered Charity No 267345)

Balance sheet as at 31st January 2024

	236,969.75 -	2024 1.00 236,969.75 59,767.49
	50,906.87 7,920.00 894.05 46.57

£		£ 296,738.24

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1st Great Amwell Scout Group (Registered Charity No 267345) Statement of Financial Activities for the Year ended 31[st] January 2024

Unrestricted Funds Designated Funds 2023 2023 10,517.00 5,826.93 1,200.00 3,226.00 8,000.00 22,492.80 1,504.75 - 18.22 44,785.70 8,000.00 13,211.63 1,083.66 59,189.74 73,485.03 - (28,699.33) 8,000.00 - - (28,699.33) 8,000.00 332,518.44 - 303,819.11 8,000.00 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 236,970.75 - 236,970.75 - - 66,782.84 8,000.00 65.52 66,848.36 8,000.00 - 66,848.36 8,000.00 303,819.11 8,000.00 - - 303,819.11 8,000.00 Gt Stretch Gail Stretch Group Lead Volunteer	TOTAL INCOME & EXPENDITURE 2023 Incoming Resources 10,517.00 Membership Subscriptions 5,826.93 Activities 1,200.00 Donations 11,226.00 Grants 22,492.80 Premises 1,504.75 Fundraising - Income Tax Recovered 18.22 Bank Interest & Investment Income 52,785.70 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES RESOURCES USED Direct Charitable Expenditure 13,211.63 Members Activities & Services provided 1,083.66 Administration 59,189.74 Premises 73,485.03 TOTAL RESOURCES USED (20,699.33) NET RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS Other recognised Gains & Losses - Revaluation of Property - Surplus on sale of Investments (20,699.33) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS 332,518.44 Balance Brought Forward £311,819.11 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD FIXED ASSETS 236,970.75 Tangible Fixed Assets - Investments 236,970.75 CURRENT ASSETS Payment in advance Debtors 74,782.84 Bank & Building Society 65.52 Cash 74,848.36 CURRENT LIABILITIES - Creditors(amount falling due within 1 year ) 74,848.36 NET CURRENT ASSETS 311,819.11 TOTAL ASSETS less CURRENT LIABIITIES - Creditors(amounts falling due after more than 1 year) £311,819.11 NET ASSETS Approved on behalf of the Executive Committee on 29th April 2024 and signed on their authority A Verdin Andrew Verdin Group Chair	Unrestricted Funds Designate d Funds 2024 2024 11,216.00 6,459.81 26.00 - 1,000.00 22,953.80 2,495.00 6,585.12 627.67 50,363.40 1,000.00 15,729.48 2,066.19 47,568.60 1,080.00 65,364.27 1,080.00 (15,000.87) (80.00) - - (15,000.87) (80.00) 303,819.11 8,000.00 288,818.24 7,920.00 Unrestricted Restricted Funds Funds 236,970.75 - 236,970.75 - - 51,800.92 7,920.00 46.57 51,847.49 7,920.00 - 51,847.49 7,920.00 288,818.24 7,920.00 - 288,818.24 7,920.00	TOTAL 2024 11,216.00 6,459.81 26.00 1,000.00 22,953.80 2,495.00 6,585.12 627.67
			51,363.40
			15,729.48 2,066.19 48,648.60
			66,444.27
			(15,080.87) - -
			(15,080.87)
			311,819.11
			£ 296,738.24
			236,970.75 -
			236,970.75
			59,720.92 46.57
			59,767.49
			-
			59,767.49
			296,738.24 -
			£ 296,738.24
			C Prince Christine Prince Group Treasurer

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2024-01-31-accounts