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2025-01-31-accounts

1[ST] GREAT AMWELL SCOUT GROUP

(Registered Charity no 267345)

ACCOUNTS and REPORT

2024-2025

Year ended 31 January 2025

1[ST] GREAT AMWELL SCOUT GROUP

TRUSTEE BOARD MEMBERS:

Chair Andy Verdin Group Lead Volunteer Gail Stretch Treasurer Christine Prince Trustee Daniel Buswell Trustee Richard Clayden Trustee Christina Coates 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 Contact 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 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 seven trustees, registered with the Charities Commission: the Chair, Group Lead Volunteer, Treasurer, Secretary, Risk Registrar, Property Manager and Youth Representative; 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 make sure the Scout Group is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance. It 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 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 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, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Activities

We are pleased to report that Great Amwell Scout Group has had a great year, with young people aged from 4 to 14 years enjoying the Group’s facilities and programme of activities provided by our leaders.

Our sections have taken part in many District events such as the Beaver Hike and St George’s Hunt. Cubs have entered teams into the Oxley Shield (successfully winning this challenging event), the Swimming Gala, as well as continuing an impressive winning record in the District Go-kart competition. Scouts have taken part in several competitions, most notably involving the District Nocturnal, Cooking and Lego competitions. We were also delighted to see our Beaver section running a joint camp with a visit to RAF Duxford.

The Olympic-themed Group Camp last year was a great success, with the Olympic torch burning bright throughout the event, even providing inspiration to help recruit a new leader.

Our Group Lead Volunteer, Gail Stretch, comments further: “I am delighted that our AGM evening will kick-off another Group Camp weekend. This year, we will be ‘Racing Across the World’, and a big thank you to Shere Khan from Otters who has led preparations for this year’s camp theme.”

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

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Great Amwell is a very fortunate Scout Group and over the past six months we have invested further by replacing our fence at the top of the field to maintain our boundary and to keep all our members safe. The next project is to upgrade the kitchen and to replace the boiler. This has now been designed and we have been successful with a grant to cover part of the cost.

Despite the high level of investment in the past few years, including the mains sewerage works, new outdoor covered area and boundary fence, Great Amwell Scout Group remains financially sound. However, there is an ongoing need to raise funds to make the next projects happen, which is supported by the Group’s involvement in a number of set fundraising activities, such as marshalling at the Ware Rotary Fireworks Display in November and a BBQ at Ware Week in July. Both events are also great opportunities for us to raise the profile of the Group, help our community as well as to raise funds.

This year our Scout Leader, Richard Clayden, has decided to take a step back from section leader duties to become a supporting team member. Whilst he is looking to slowly move into ‘retirement’, he also knows he would miss the scouting family too much so has kindly offered to continue to oversee maintenance of the Group premises and facilities. We are very pleased to confirm that Graham Paul is taking up the role of Team Leader for Scouts, with Anthony Dakin supporting as a Team Member and Richard attending on specific evenings.

We will continue a recruitment campaign as we do have vacancies across our leadership teams.

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.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

After a further year of significant investment – more than £40,000 in capital projects, primarily linked to a brand new outside covered space – the Group generated a deficit on general funds and activities of £24,515.56 for the 12-month period to 31 January 2025. At the end of this period, the Group had cash of £33,751.93 in general funds, together with designated reserves of £1,500.00 as a contribution to the new boundary fence. Since the end of the accounting period, the work involved in this new fencing project has been completed.

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. The Board is pleased to report that by the end of the financial year, general reserves were replenished to the 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, 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 or instant access accounts 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 G Stretch Andrew Verdin Christine Prince Gail Stretch Chairman Treasurer Group Lead Volunteer Date: 28[th] April 2025 Date: 28[th] April 2025 Date: 28[th] April 2025

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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 31st January 2025, 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:

have not been met; or

C McGovern

6[th] May, 2025

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 2025

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RECEIPTS PAYMENTS
2024 2025 2024 2025
Subscriptions Subscriptions
11,216.00 Subscriptions 14,333.69 5,136.00 To County & HQ 6,785.00
6,585.12 Income Tax Recovered 2,483.12
Activities
Activities 1,633.60 Badges & Uniform 1,340.25
6,459.81 Camps & Activities 4,926.00 80.00 Training -
1,289.05 Materials 1,565.45
671.98 Equipment 655.36
6,918.85 Camps, Trips etc. 4,508.35
Donations
26.00 Donations and contributions 669.46 15,729.48 14,854.41
Capital/Designated Expenditure
Grants 35,410.51 Building Programme 43,067.96
1,000.00 Grants 3,000.00
Administration
Fundraising 2,066.19 General Expenses 1,315.01
1,646.00 Ware week 266.57 2,066.19 1,315.01
800.00 Fireworks 800.00
49.00 Other Fundraising 53.00
2,495.00 1,119.57 Premises
1,878.14 Insurance 2,144.68
1,200.00 Grounds 1,182.00
Premises 752.25 Repairs/Maintenance 5,188.75
22,953.80 Lettings 23,110.55 3,914.62 Cleaning 3,824.29
4,357.34 Electricity 2,518.74
271.74 Gas 849.59
Investment Income Etc. 864.00 Sewerage -
627.67 Bank Interest 314.80 - Water Rates (472.68)
13,238.09 15,235.37
66,444.27 74,472.75
(15,080.87) (Deficit)/Surplus for year (24,515.56)
£ 51,363.40 £ 49,957.19 £ 51,363.40 £ 49,957.19
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1st Great Amwell Scout Group (Registered Charity No 267345)

Balance sheet as at 31st January 2025

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2024 2025 2024 2025
311,819.11 Brought Forward 296,738.24
FIXED ASSETS
(15,080.87) (Deficit)/Surplus for year (24,515.56) 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
50,906.87 Barclays Group - unrestricted 33,340.43
7,920.00 Barclays Group - restricted 1,500.00
894.05 NatWest Scouts 383.85
46.57 Cash Cubs (Otters) 27.65
59,767.49 35,251.93
£ 296,738.24 £ 272,222.68 £ 296,738.24 £ 272,222.68
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1st Great Amwell Scout Group (Registered Charity No 267345) Statement of Financial Activities for the Year ended 31[st] January 2025

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Unrestricted Designated Unrestricted Designated
Funds Funds TOTAL Funds Funds TOTAL
2024 2024 2024 INCOME & EXPENDITURE 2025 2025 2025
Incoming Resources
11,216.00 11,216.00 Membership Subscriptions 14,333.69 14,333.69
6,459.81 6,459.81 Activities 4,926.00 4,926.00
26.00 26.00 Donations 669.46 669.46
(7,000.00) 8,000.00 1,000.00 Grants 1,500.00 1,500.00 3,000.00
22,953.80 22,953.80 Premises 23,110.55 23,110.55
2,495.00 2,495.00 Fundraising 1,119.57 1,119.57
6,585.12 6,585.12 Income Tax Recovered 2,483.12 2,483.12
627.67 627.67 Bank Interest & Investment Income 314.80 314.80
43,363.40 8,000.00 51,363.40 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 48,457.19 1,500.00 49,957.19
RESOURCES USED
Direct Charitable Expenditure
Members Activities & Services
15,729.48 15,729.48 provided 14,854.41 14,854.41
2,066.19 2,066.19 Administration 1,315.01 1,315.01
48,648.60 48,648.60 Premises 50,303.33 8,000.00 58,303.33
66,444.27 - 66,444.27 TOTAL RESOURCES USED 66,472.75 8,000.00 74,472.75
(23,080.87) 8,000.00 (15,080.87) NET RESOURCES BEFORE TRANSFERS (18,015.56) (6,500.00) (24,515.56)
Other recognised Gains & Losses
- - Revaluation of Property - -
- - Surplus on sale of Investments - -
(23,080.87) 8,000.00 (15,080.87) NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS (18,015.56) (6,500.00) (24,515.56)
311,819.11 - 311,819.11 Balance Brought Forward 288,738.24 8,000.00 296,738.24
288,738.24 8,000.00 £ 296,738.24 BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD 270,722.68 1,500.00 £ 272,222.68
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 -
51,720.92 8,000.00 59,720.92 Bank & Building Society 33,724.28 1,500.00 35,224.28
46.57 46.57 Cash 27.65 27.65
51,767.49 8,000.00 59,767.49 33,751.93 1,500.00 35,251.93
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Creditors (amount falling due
- - within 1 year ) - -
51,767.49 8,000.00 59,767.49 NET CURRENT ASSETS 33,751.93 1,500.00 35,251.93
288,738.24 8,000.00 296,738.24 TOTAL ASSETS less CURRENT LIABIITIES 270,722.68 1,500.00 272,222.68
Creditors (amounts falling due
- - - after more than 1 year) - -
288,738.24 8,000.00 £ 296,738.24 NET ASSETS 270,722.68 1,500.00 £ 272,222.68
Approved on behalf of the Executive Committee on
28th April 2025 and
signed on their authority
G Stretch A Verdin C Prince
Gail Stretch Andrew Verdin Christine Prince
Group Lead Volunteer Chairman Treasurer
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