**September 2024** 


## Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24 

23rd Bromley (St. Augustine’s) Scout Group 


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## Contents 

|Annual Report and Accounts 2023-24|1|
|---|---|
|Trustees’ report|4|
|Reference and administration information|4|
|Structure, governance and management|5|
|Risk and internal control|6|
|Objectives and activities|7|
|Achievements and performance|7|
|Financial review|12|
|Declaration|13|
|Receipts and payments account for the year ended 31 March||
|2024|14|
|Independent examiner’s report|17|



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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Trustees’ report Reference and administration information 

We present below the reference and administration details of the charity as required by law. 

## Administration 

**Name (as per Charity Commission register)** 23rd Bromley Scout Group **Scout Association/working name** 23rd Bromley (St Augustine's) Scout Group **Sponsoring body** St Augustine’s Parish Church, Bromley, Diocese of Rochester **Scout Association registration number** 10011744 **Scout District and County** Bromley District, Greater London South & South East County **Registered charity number** 267692 (registered 28 June 1974) **Registered charity address** 3 Pondfield Road, Orpington, Kent, BR6 8HJ **Operating premises** Scout Headquarters, Homemead Road, Bromley, BR2 8BB 

## Trustees 

The charity trustees who managed the charity from 1st April 2023 to the date of signing this report were the members of the Group Trustee Board as follows: 

**Group Chair** Colin Goodwin **Group Secretary** Henry Hudson **Group Treasurer** Jonathan Pownall MA ACA CISA **Group Lead Volunteer (Group Scout Leader)** Jenny Owens **Assistant Group Lead Volunteer** Sandra Goodwin **Fundraising Committee Chair** David Wilcox **Other Elected Members** Paul Gubby, Hazel Smith, Robert Townsend (Quartermaster) 

## **Sponsoring Body Nominated Representative** Rev. Steve Spencer 

## Advisers 

**Independent Examiner** Raymond Kirk BSc FCPFA **Bankers** Barclays Bank, Lloyds Bank, Bath Building Society **Insurance broker** Unity Insurance Services 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Structure, governance and management 

The 23rd Bromley (St. Augustine’s) Scout Group was formed just before the outbreak of World War Two. The earliest record we have is a note in a log book saying the first Scout meeting was held on 7th November 1939. Once Scout Groups reach a certain size they are no longer covered by the Scout Association umbrella charity registration and are required to register individually with the Charity Commission. The Group was formally entered onto the Charity Commission register on 28th June 1974. 


The Group is sponsored by the Church of England, St Augustine’s Bromley Parish in the Diocese of Rochester. We are registered with the Scout Association under registration number 10011744. We are part of Bromley District which in turn forms part of the newly combined Greater London South & South East County. 

This Annual Report is issued by the Group Trustee Board of the 23rd Bromley (St Augustine’s) Scout Group in conformity with the requirements of relevant Charities Acts and the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association. It covers the financial year ended 31st March 2024 and the census year ending 31st January 2024. 

Leaders and members at HQ, February 2024 

## Governing document 

The Group is established as a trust under rules which are common to all Scout Groups. The governing documents are those of the Scout Association, consisting of a Royal Charter of 4th January 1912 which incorporated the Scout Association and in turn gives authority to the byelaws of the Association and Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR) of the Scout Association under which the hierarchy of Counties, Districts and Groups are created. 

The Group constitution follows the model constitution set out in POR and has been updated to reflect the governance changes to reflect the changes introduced by the Scout Association during 2023. 

## Management 

The Group is led by a Trustee Board (formerly known as the Group Executive Committee) whose members are the charity trustees of the Scout Group. The charity trustees 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. 

As unincorporated associations, Scout Groups are not permitted in law to hold property title in their own name and must appoint a custodian trustee for the purpose. Custodian trustees are distinct from charity trustees and do not have any management or oversight role. Our Homemead Road premises are held on our behalf by the Scout Association Trust Corporation (SATC) as custodian trustee. SATC is a special purpose company limited by guarantee created by the Scout Association in 1935 and specifically authorised to hold title to land on behalf of Scout Groups, Districts and Counties. 

The Trustee Board consists of a Chair and Treasurer together with the Group Lead Volunteer (previously known as Group Scout Leader) and other members as appropriate. It meets at least three times per year. Under the new Scout Association governance structures, there is no longer a Secretary role and elected officials cannot serve a consecutive term of office exceeding 9 years. 

The Trustee Board exists to support the Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of appointments and is responsible for: 

- the maintenance and upkeep of group property and equipment; 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

- the raising of funds and the administration of group finance; 

- the insurance of persons, property and equipment; 

- Group public occasions; 

- assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support; 

- appointing any sub-committees that may be required; and 

- appointing group administrators and advisers 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: 

**Safeguarding** . Keeping young people safe is a paramount responsibility of all adults in Scouting. The Group administrator ensures that adults are checked through the Disclosure and Barring Service and the Scout Association's systems before appointment and that renewal takes place prior to expiry. All adults in the Group are required to complete the Scout Association safeguarding awareness course. Young people are encouraged to raise any concerns that they may have affecting them or another member of the Group with a trusted adult and/or with their own parents or guardians. 

**Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members** . Risk assessments are prepared for all activities, communicated to all adults taking part and reviewed regularly. Training and the correct qualifications are integral to our safety management process. There are nominated trained first aiders on all activities. The Trustee Board reviews and updates the buildings risk assessment. All adult leaders and volunteers in the Group are required to complete the appropriate safety and activity training courses, and are expected to be familiar with the purple card 'Safe Scouting: A Code of Conduct' and to understand that safety is a joint responsibility of all adults in the Group, irrespective of their role. The Group, through capitation fees, contributes to the Scout Association's national accident insurance policy. Through a separate policy arranged through Unity Insurance, any helpers who are not members of the Scout Association are also covered for injury. 

**Reduction or loss of leaders** . The Group is reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the Group. If there were to be 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 this might necessitate closure of the Group. 

**Reduction or loss of members** . The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there were to be 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 this might necessitate closure of the Group. 

**Reduced income** . The Group is reliant upon income from subscriptions, fundraising, donations and ancillary sources such as hall hire. The Group has formalised a reserves policy intended to ensure we hold sufficient reserves to maintain financial viability in the short-to-medium term should there be a major reduction in income. 

**Damage to buildings, property and equipment** . The Group has sufficient insurance cover in place to mitigate against loss, and to compensate for the loss of income from hall hire to third parties arising from physical damage to the premises. 

**Financial loss** . The Group has in place systems of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss; these include dual authorisation for payments and comprehensive insurance to ensure that insurable risks are covered. 

These risks are kept under review and a revised risk register is being prepared using the Scout Association model risk register as modified to reflect local circumstances. 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Objectives and activities 

## Objectives 

The objectives of a charity are set out in its governing document and therefore the objectives of the Group are as a unit of the Scout Association. 

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The method of achieving the aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership. 

## Public benefit 

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. We help children and young adults reach their full potential and gain skills for life. We actively engage and support our members in their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual development and to achieve their full potential as individuals, as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national and international communities. 

## Achievements and performance 

## Group membership 

The annual census taken at 31 January 2024 showed 102 young people in Beavers, Cubs and Scouts with a further 30 in the Explorer Unit. 

|30 in the Explorer Unit.||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Section**|**Youth Members**|||**Adult Leaders**|||**Young Leaders**|||
||**2024**|**2023**|**2022**|**2024**|**2023**|**2022**|**2024**|**2023**|**2022**|
|Monday Beavers (Spitfires)|17|21|15|2|3|3|5|3|3|
|TuesdayBeavers(Hurricanes)|12|4|16|3|1|1|3|2|3|
|Monday Cubs (Baloo)|17|18|20|4|3|4|1|1|2|
|Tuesday Cubs (Kim)|16|23|20|4|4|4|3|3|1|
|Wednesday Scout Troop|40|47|44|5|4|4|2|2|2|
|Thursday Phoenix Explorers|30|28|28|4|3|4|0|0|0|
|**Total**|**132**|**141**|**143**|**22**|**18**|**20**|**14**|**11**|**11**|



In addition, we have 11 adult volunteers at Group level. The total Group membership as at the January 2024 census was 168 (2023 – 170). The latest position is set out in the reports below. 

## Group Lead Volunteer report 

We’ve had another active year with some amazing Scouting happening in every Section. I will leave them to tell you what they have been doing but the Group as a whole is in a very good state. 

At the time of writing the latest position is that we have: 

- 34 Beavers 

- 35 Cubs 

- 36 Scouts 

- 33 Explorers 

- 19 Young leaders working in all Sections 

- 21 leaders 

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## **Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

We welcome Laura Evans to Hurricane Beavers (not the Laura Evans that runs Spitfire Beavers - another one!). We have said goodbye to Chris Powell and would like to thank him for all his years of service with the Group. We are also saying goodbye, hopefully not for ever, to Charlotte Miles, Matthew Higginbottom, Henry Pownall and Callum Hall, who are either going to university, taking a gap year or studying while working. We wish them luck and hope they know they are welcome at the 23rd any time. 

## I’d like to thank: 

- Rob Townsend and Sean Ward for taking over the quartermaster role from Alan Alexander and continuing to make sure we have all the equipment we need, and thank you Alan for all your years of hard work; 

- The team who are working on the extension plans, we appreciate all your hard work fundraising, applying for grants and all the planning that’s needed to move this huge project forward; 

- The Trustee Board and Fundraising Committee for all their support; 

- All the leaders, I probably don’t say this enough but thank you for everything you do to make the 23rd Bromley the amazing Group that it is; 

- And Sandra, we share the Group Leadership role, thank you for all your help and support. 

Things are changing in the way Scouting is run; we are moving over to a more team-based way of working where people can do as much or as little as they like and if you have a particular skill maybe you can help out.  If you would like to know more about how you can support the Group, from helping at fundraising events, running a particular session or event, helping a Section in the background or at camp or attending regularly weekly meetings please come and talk to either myself and Sandra or have a chat with the leaders. 

We have extended the Group Leadership Team to include David Goodwin, Alan Alexander and Ellen Alexander and this will mean we can continue to support the leaders and Sections as we always have but we can now offer extra support if they need it. 

## **Jenny Owens, Group Lead Volunteer (formerly known as Group Scout Leader)** 

## Section reports 

## Beavers – Hurricanes Colony 

Hurricanes has been growing steadily this year, and we are now up to 14 members, with full attendance most weeks. We have seen 4 Chief Scout’s Bronze awards in the last year, a great achievement by those who have achieved it, with several more on the way in the coming months. We have run a varied programme on Tuesday evenings, including supporting the local community through a litter pick of Jubilee Park in July, visits from Kent Falconry and the Fire Brigade alongside Kim Pack, and plenty of badges including Air Activities, Emergency Aid, Gardening, and Disability Awareness. 

In September, we held our first camp for 2 years at Cudham. The Beavers hiked to Christmas Tree Farm in Downe, and got a chance to meet the animals, before returning for grass sledging and a campfire to finish off the weekend. Other events this year have included the District Easter Egg hunt in March and a very wet and muddy St George’s Day Fun Day in April. For now, we have an expanded leadership team, with Laura kindly agreeing to step up, along with our 2 young leaders. 

## **Henry Pownall, Hurricanes Beavers** 

## Beavers – Spitfires Colony 

The Beavers have had a busy year; collectively they achieved 492 badges, five Chief Scout Bronze awards and did five nights away over three camps. The November camp included a 4.6 mile sponsored walk where they raised £347 for the Royal British Legion. At Christmas they made over 100 Christmas cards to be handed out to local elderly residential homes as well as a trip to a bowling alley for a Christmas treat and a night at the local stables learning how to care for horses. In February they were off for a night away to do lots of experiments and have a go in at a cave bus. Even though it ended up being a little too dark and creepy for most Beavers to complete it everyone had a go. The Beavers learnt how to look after their bikes, and a few learnt how to ride. A couple of hectic life skills meetings had everyone learning how to lay a table, make a bed, hang washing on a line, tie their shoelaces, pack a bag for a camp and how to plan a balanced meal. At summer camp the Beavers managed to all do archery, climbing and made 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

their own individual fires. While on camp they proudly wore their t-shirts they had made a few weeks earlier and told many people how they had done them. 

## **Laura Evans, Spitfires Beavers** 

## Cubs – Baloo Pack 

We started with a camp in September at Wilberforce. A fiendishly festive Halloween Party was also attended by some very scary cubs, a good time was had by all. 

After half-term we got stuck into the run-up to Christmas - cards were made and the Cubs decorated wooden baubles for our Christmas Fair. 

Some of our Cubs were also very busy rehearsing and then performing in the Group Pantomime - well done to all. 

February saw us on another camp at Wilberforce - tracking, compass work and crafts were enjoyed by everyone. 

An Easter Egg hunt took place just before the Easter Break, after which we attended the District St. George's Day Event at Fryland's Wood Scout Campsite. A very wet and muddy day was enjoyed by all, even though we had to be towed out of the car park at the end of the day! 

In May we also attended another District event - an overnight stay at Chatham Dockyards. There were lots of activities, good food and not very much sleep - a very enjoyable event! 

Over this year we have had Cubs who have achieved badges in Fire Safety, My Faith, Hobbies, Collectors and Challenge Awards. We have also been incredibly proud to award a Chief Scout Silver Award to Genevieve Smith - congratulations to her and we also have another 4 cubs working towards their Silver Awards too. 

We have had amazing help from our wonderful helpers this year - Heather, Charlotte, Matthew, Teddy and Anna, as well as Beth and Adam when they have been able to attend. Special thanks also go to Karen and Mick Shipp, who have been available to step in when needed, sometimes at very short notice - as well as Mick coming to help on camps. Thank you to all. 

Thank you to the parents who support us throughout the year. 

## **Tim and Marina Snook, Baloo Cub Pack** 

## Cubs – Kim Pack 

Kim Pack has had around 20 Cubs this year and we’re expecting a few more come in the new year. We have taken the Cubs to Chatham dockyard with Bromley District for the Cubs sleepover and have a survival themed camp later this year. We have increased the young leaders from 2 to 4 to help run evenings and games for the Cubs. We have run a variety of different evenings to do with the environment, science and creativity. Later this year we are doing the DIY badge where the Cubs will be making wooden cars and racing them. Another event this year was St. George’s Day where some of the Cubs got to do a variety of activities around the muddy campsite where it was held. At the start of the year held a joint birds of prey evening with the Beavers on a Tuesday evening, The Cubs got to interact with lots of different birds of prey and learn about how they survive in the wild. 

## **Aston Bush, Kim Cub Pack** 

## Scout Troop 

The Troop has 36 members aged between 10 and 14 years of age, supported by a team of 6 adult and 4 young leaders. We are a diverse and inclusive Group and support Scouts and leaders of all genders, and from varied ethnic backgrounds as well as those who have a range of physical impairments, are neurodiverse and who identify as gender fluid or gender neutral. 

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## **Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

Throughout the last year the Scouts have all had the opportunity to sleep out in shelters, when we raised over £2,000 for our local homeless charity in Bromley, as well as supporting the Group in various fundraising and community activities. Several of the Scouts took part in the Group pantomime in leading and supporting roles and the Scouts attended the Essex International Jamboree where they enjoyed a fun-filled week with Scouts and Guides from as far afield as India and Australia as well as those closer to home in the UK.  We have also taken part in many local camps and activity evenings including hiking and expeditions, water sports, and in addition finding out about our local history and community., 

We have awarded an amazing 7 Chief Scout Gold awards (the highest award a Scout of this age can achieve) and this is testament to the enthusiasm and dedication of those young people, as well as the support of their families, their fellow Scouts and of course the leadership team. We have just wished 7 of our older Scouts “good luck” as they embark on their next adventures within the Phoenix Explorer Scout Unit and have welcomed 7 new Scouts from our 2 Cub packs. We are looking forward to the next year of adventure and fun together. 

## **Alex Pownall, Scout Troop** 

## Phoenix Explorer Unit 

The Explorer Unit has had well over 30 Explorers all year; we have seen some of our Explorers move up to Network but they have been replaced with people from our waiting list and/or moving up from Scouts. We’ve run a varied programme on a Thursday night, teaching our young people soft skills and practical skills. 

10 of our Explorers joined over 4,500 other Scouts from around the world at Essex International Jamboree over the summer. Throughout the week the Explorers were able to do a variety of different activities with new Scout friends they made from the UK and abroad – these included traditional Scouting skills, energetic activities and team building challenges. Each evening there was a wide range of entertainment on offer including circus acts, talent shows and silent discos. 

3 Explorers also attended the Bromley District trip to Ardeche in France – it was a scorching hot week away but they had great fun. Activities on offer included high ropes and climbing, but the highlight for many was the river descent where they paddled down the river over a couple of days and camped by the riverside one night. 

It is great to see so many of our Explorers volunteering as Young Leaders in other Sections in the Group – not only does it help the wider Group, but the Explorers get a lot of enjoyment and personal development opportunities. We have also had a number of Explorers achieve their Chief Scout Diamond and Platinum Awards over the last year – and have another few in the pipeline for next year. 

## **David Goodwin, Phoenix Explorers** 

## Network 

Network has expanded to 36 members with around 15 regular attendees every 2 weeks. This year we have done 2 camps so far and are planning another camp in October. Some members of Network are looking to complete their King Scout’s Award so we'll be working towards that next year. We're also undertaking an expedition on Snowdon this year. 

Earlier in the year we had a visit from a member of a Network group in Australia visit and we gained insights about their experience of Scouting. We are looking to meet up with other Network groups in the future also. 

## **Aston Bush, Network** 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Faiths and beliefs programme 

The Group is sponsored by St Augustine’s Parish Church. Membership of the Group is open to all faiths and beliefs. The Group actively promotes the Scout Association Faiths and Belief Programme, developing Scouting values, personal attitudes and a range of beliefs, Scouts' Own and St Augustine’s youth structured services, and attendance at the Remembrance Day Service. 




Remembrance day service and parade, November 2023 

## Community activities 

We have supported our local community through the year in a number of ways. Our Headquarters building is used by two Brownie Packs for their regular weekly meetings and also by local families for children's birthday parties. It has also been used by the local authority to use as a Polling Station for both local and national elections. We resumed our popular Pantomime and Gang Show in January 2023 and these are open to all members of the community. In January 2024 we held a free performance of our pantomime for local residents and this was very well received by those who attended. 



Pantomime, January 2024 and Quiz night, March 2024 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Financial review 

## Financial review 

The Group made a deficit of £6,528 (2022-23: surplus of £10,605) which reduces our total funds to £58,738 (2022-23: £65,266). The most significant element of this is an increase in camp fees and costs compared to the previous year. 

Nevertheless we remain well placed to maintain our day-to-day Scouting activities while steadily building up funding to support our HQ refurbishment project. Expenditure of £3,478 (2022-23: £572) from restricted funds represents payment for planning consents and more detailed architectural plans. 

## **Financial highlights 2023-24** 

|• <br>•|Receipts:<br>£38,123<br>Payments:<br>£44,446|
|---|---|
|•|Total funds:  £58,943<br>– Group Unrestricted: £39,877<br>– Group Restricted:     £12,662<br>– Sections                     £  6,404|



The full accounts are presented on pages 14 to 16 below. 

## Subscriptions, fundraising, grants and donations 

The Group is dependent upon membership subscriptions to fund its core activities, and additional sources of income to support the membership and for the maintenance, renovation, refurbishment and replacement of buildings and equipment. Net membership subscriptions retained after capitation totalled £8,232 (2022-23: £9,721). 

All parents and supporters are encouraged to subscribe to Gift Aid to maximise the tax relief on subscriptions and donations we can obtain through HM Revenue & Customs. The Group has not yet submitted the claim for 2021-22, 2022-23 or 2023-24 although claims may be backdated so there is no overall detriment to our financial position. 

Restricted donations of £2,490 (2022-23: £6,709) were received towards our HQ refurbishment project. 

## Assets and liabilities 

In addition to the monetary assets shown in the balance sheet representing cash and bank balances, the Group has non-monetary assets representing land, buildings and equipment. These are not required to be included in the statement of assets and liabilities but their values are disclosed as a note. They are valued for insurance purposes at the amounts shown below and in between formal reassessments, the most recent of which took place in December 2022, values are uprated through indexation applied annually by the insurers. 

|**Non-monetary assets – insurance values**|**2023-24**|**2022-23**|
|---|---|---|
|Land and buildings|£721,961|£703,685|
|Contents, fixtures, fittings and stock|£10,523|£10,419|
|Scouting equipment|£29,415|£29,214|



Land and buildings represent the HQ premises which are leased from St Augustine’s Church in the Diocese of Rochester whereby the Group enjoys beneficial use of the asset and bears the cost of insurance, maintenance and enhancement expenditure. The lease was renewed in 2016 for a term of 30 years. The annual payment due under the lease is £10 until 2025, rising to £25 from 2025 and £50 from 2035. 

Contents, fixtures, fittings and stock primarily comprise furniture and fittings in the HQ premises as well as props, staging, sound and lighting equipment for pantomimes and gang shows. 

## Reserves policy 

The Group's overall policy is to hold sufficient reserves to continue its charitable activities should there be a shortfall in income and fundraising activities. Our policy is to hold sufficient free reserves to meet expenditure as follows: 

- HQ: 18 months of premises running costs, including maintenance, insurance and utilities, plus an allowance for the repair and renewal of our equipment and other assets; 

- Sections: 110% of the previous years’ capitation payment to the Scout Association, plus an amount equivalent to 110% of the most recent deposit for camp or other significant activity where deposits must be paid to secure the 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

activity several months in advance of fees being collected. 

Based on the last two years of accounts, this equates to a base level of reserves of approximately £7,750 for Group and a further £7,000 across the Sections. As at 31 March 2024, this target was met for Group but not for the Sections which had collective reserves of £4,953 against the policy target of £7,000 – a shortfall of £2,047. Sections are not expected to actively increase subscriptions to build up reserves but will be encouraged to look for other opportunities such as retaining activity surpluses where appropriate. 

The Group held unrestricted reserves of £46,281 at the year-end (2022-23: £51,067) together with restricted funds of £12,662 (2022-23: £14,199) towards HQ refurbishment. In total our monetary funds, comprising cash and bank balances, stood at £58,943 (2022-23: £65,266) at the financial year end. 

## lnvestment policy 

The Trustee Board has continued to maintain a low-risk strategy to the investment of its funds. At present funds are held in cash or instant access deposits using mainstream banks or building societies covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. The Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of balances and the interest rates received to ensure the Group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Given increases in interest rates during 2023, the Trustee Board has updated its investment policy, balancing considerations of maximising returns against ease of access to funds given anticipated expenditure in the next few years on the HQ refurbishment project. The update also reflects revised investment guidance from the Charity Commission issued in August 2023 which confirms that charities are able to invest responsibly and there is no overriding duty to maximise financial returns at the expense of ethical considerations relevant to the charity’s aims and objectives. 

## Headquarters refurbishment project 

Work progressed on the HQ refurbishment project including receipt of planning permission and commissioning of more detailed architectural plans. At the year end the restricted fund stood at £12,662 and the Trustees agreed to make a further contribution of up to £28,000 from unrestricted funds depending on our success in fundraising through activities, grants and donations. 

We were notified after the end of the financial year that our application for a grant of £75,000 from the Veolia Environmental Trust Community Grant Fund had been unsuccessful. This unfortunately means that we are not yet in a position to commence building work. Further sources of grant funding will be sought in 2024-25. 

## Declaration 

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees' report above. 

Signed on behalf of the charity trustees: 


**Colin Goodwin** Group Chair 27 September 2024 


**Jonathan Pownall** MA ACA CISA 

Group Treasurer 27 September 2024 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Receipts and payments account for the year ended 31 March 2024 

Receipts and payments summary and statement of assets and liabilities 

|**Receipts and payments summary for the year ended 31 March 2024**<br>**2023-24**<br>**2023-24**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Total receipts for the year (see page 15)<br>35,632.47<br>2,490.79<br>Total payments for the year (see page 16)<br>40,418.48<br>4,028.00<br>**Net surplus/(deficit) for the year**<br>(4,786.01)<br>(1,537.21)<br>Balance brought forward at 1 April 2023<br>51,067.34<br>14,199.23<br>**Balance carried forward at 31 March 2024**<br>**46,281.33**<br>**12,662.02**<br>**Statement of assets and liabilities as at 31 March 2024**<br>**2023-24**<br>**2023-24**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Monetary assets**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Section current accounts<br>10,008.30<br>Group current accounts<br>13,325.40<br>Investment accounts<br>18,669.19<br>12,662.02<br>Cash held<br>4,278.44<br>**Total funds**<br>**46,281.33**<br>**12,662.02**|**Receipts and payments summary for the year ended 31 March 2024**<br>**2023-24**<br>**2023-24**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Total receipts for the year (see page 15)<br>35,632.47<br>2,490.79<br>Total payments for the year (see page 16)<br>40,418.48<br>4,028.00<br>**Net surplus/(deficit) for the year**<br>(4,786.01)<br>(1,537.21)<br>Balance brought forward at 1 April 2023<br>51,067.34<br>14,199.23<br>**Balance carried forward at 31 March 2024**<br>**46,281.33**<br>**12,662.02**<br>**Statement of assets and liabilities as at 31 March 2024**<br>**2023-24**<br>**2023-24**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Monetary assets**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>Section current accounts<br>10,008.30<br>Group current accounts<br>13,325.40<br>Investment accounts<br>18,669.19<br>12,662.02<br>Cash held<br>4,278.44<br>**Total funds**<br>**46,281.33**<br>**12,662.02**|**2023-24**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>38,123.26<br>44,446.48<br>(6,323.22)<br>65,266.57<br>**58,943.35**<br>**2023-24**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>10,008.30<br>13,325.40<br>31,331.21<br>4,278.44<br>**58,943.35**|**2022-23**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>48,834.83<br>38,229.72|
|---|---|---|---|
||||10,605.11<br>54,661.46|
||||**65,266.57**|
||||**2022-23**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>15,793.14<br>16,250.00<br>30,707.36<br>2,516.07|
||**46,281.33**<br>**12,662.02**||**65,266.57**|



## **Restricted funds** 

Group restricted funds comprise the Headquarters refurbishment and repairs fund. The property is owned by St. Augustine's Church and the Group is responsible for maintenance and enhancement expenditure under the terms of the lease. The valuation for insurance purposes is £721,961. 

In addition the Group has two Designated funds held within Unrestricted funds. These are £1,386.46 in respect of the Jamboree fund and £123.09 in respect of the Kenya fund. 

The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on 27 September 2024 and signed on their behalf by 


Colin Goodwin Group Chair 


Jonathan Pownall MA ACA CISA Group Treasurer 

#SkillsForLife 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Receipts for the year ended 31 March 2024 

|**Membership subscriptions**<br>Membership subscriptions<br>Less: capitation paid to District<br>Net membership subscriptions retained<br>**Donations, legacies and gift aid**<br>Collections<br>Donations received<br>**Fundraising income**<br>Christmas Fair<br>Pantomime<br>Gang Show<br>Other fundraising activities<br>**Activities and events**<br>Camp receipts<br>Family camp<br>Group events<br>**Investment and property income**<br>Hall hire<br>Interest received<br>**Total receipts**|**2023-24**<br>**2023-24**<br>**2023-24**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>14,255.00<br>14,255.00<br>(5,847.60)<br>(5,847.60)<br>8,407.40<br>8,407.40<br>236.30<br>236.30<br>896.31<br>2,490.79<br>3,387.10<br>758.39<br>758.39<br>4,520.75<br>4,520.75<br>0.00<br>0.00<br>1,051.47<br>1,051.47<br>15,235.00<br>15,235.00<br>0.00<br>0.00<br>1,968.00<br>1,968.00<br>1,935.00<br>1,935.00<br>623.85<br>623.85<br>**35,632.47**<br>**2,490.79**<br>**38,123.26**|**2022-23**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>15,657.43<br>(5,936.10)|
|---|---|---|
|||9,721.33<br>160.50<br>8,423.04<br>685.52<br>2,850.00<br>1,447.00<br>807.42<br>14,613.11<br>753.34<br>5,385.14<br>3,245.00<br>193.43|
|||**48,834.83**|



Membership fees passed on to District are treated as 'agency income' 

#SkillsForLife 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Payments for the year ended 31 March 2024 

|**Youth programme and activities**<br>Core meetings and activities expenses<br>Prizes<br>**Event costs**<br>Retirement and commemoration events<br>**Badges, uniforms and training**<br>Badges<br>Scarves and uniform<br>Training<br>**Camp fees and costs**<br>**Purchases of equipment**<br>Camping equipment and gaz<br>Pantomime and gang show equipment<br>Props and costumes<br>Other equipment<br>**Insurance**<br>**Headquarters running costs**<br>Building maintenance<br>Cleaning<br>Waste collection<br>Ground lease<br>Heaters<br>Broadband<br>Electricity<br>Gas<br>Water<br>**Headquarters refurbishment**<br>**Donations made**<br>**Service charges and miscellaneous expenses**<br>Online Scout Manager fees<br>PayPal fees<br>Printing, postage and stationery<br>Website hosting costs<br>**Fundraising expenses**<br>Christmas Fair expenses<br>Pantomime licence<br>Other fundraising expenses<br>**Total payments**|**2023-24**<br>**2023-24**<br>**2023-24**<br>**Unrestricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Restricted**<br>**funds**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>**£**<br>4,978.12<br>550.00<br>5,528.12<br>46.25<br>46.25<br>41.52<br>41.52<br>1,105.90<br>1,105.90<br>(372.20)<br>(372.20)<br>0.00<br>0.00<br>23,486.28<br>23,486.28<br>703.58<br>703.58<br>3,613.65<br>3,613.65<br>511.37<br>511.37<br>7.25<br>7.25<br>1,357.62<br>1,357.62<br>27.99<br>27.99<br>653.93<br>653.93<br>681.48<br>681.48<br>10.00<br>10.00<br>204.00<br>204.00<br>303.68<br>303.68<br>485.84<br>485.84<br>415.12<br>415.12<br>326.53<br>326.53<br>0.00<br>3,478.00<br>3,478.00<br>661.30<br>661.30<br>883.00<br>883.00<br>7.29<br>7.29<br>108.59<br>108.59<br>75.47<br>75.47<br>55.00<br>55.00<br>0.00<br>0.00<br>39.92<br>39.92<br>**40,418.48**<br>**4,028.00**<br>**44,446.48**|**2022-23**<br>**Total funds**<br>**£**<br>8,878.11<br>87.76<br>57.43<br>1,398.41<br>1,243.74<br>24.00<br>15,829.54<br>2,002.45<br>0.00<br>172.71<br>731.53<br>1,321.58<br>964.39<br>666.32<br>681.48<br>10.00<br>0.00<br>346.05<br>485.61<br>365.65<br>353.75<br>527.82<br>532.50<br>1,132.78<br>16.20<br>250.79<br>70.67<br>43.35<br>15.60<br>19.50|
|---|---|---|
|||**38,229.72**|



#SkillsForLife 

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**Annual report and accounts 2023-24** 

## Independent examiner’s report 

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of the 23rd Bromley (St. Augustine’s) Scout Group 

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the 23rd Bromley (St. Augustine’s) Scout Group (the Trust) for the year ended 31 March 2024. 

## Responsibilities and basis of report 

As the charity trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). 

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## Independent examiner’s statement 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 

2. the accounts do not accord with those records 

I have no concerns 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 accounts to be reached. 

Signed Name Raymond Kirk BSc FCPFA Address 39 Wellmeadow Road Lewisham SE13 6SY Date 27 September 2024 

#SkillsForLife 

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