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2023-03-31-accounts

Annual Report 2022 - 2023

Brent District Scout Council

Charity No. 271413

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Introduction

As Scouts, we believe in preparing young people with skills for life. We bring communities together and contribute to society. Above all, we aim to build better futures.

This report demonstrates how we did this from 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023.

Our purpose and method

Scouting actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. In partnership with adults, young people take part in fun indoor and outdoor activities. They learn by doing, by sharing in spiritual reflection and by taking responsibility. They make choices, undertake new and challenging activities, and live their Scout Promise.

The District Scout Council’s Trustees must report on the Council’s public benefit in our Annual Report. We have assessed our aims, activities, and charitable objectives, which are to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social, and spiritual potentials as individuals, as responsible citizens, and as members of their local, national and international communities.

We believe that we have met the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria for both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship and community development. The Scouting Movement complies with two key principles set by the Commission regarding public benefit:

1. Identifiable benefit

The way in which Scouting is carried out helps young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society; this benefit is directly linked to the Purpose of Scouting.

2. Public benefit

Scouting is a national movement open to young people aged 4-25 and to adults. Full membership is restricted to young people and adults who are willing to make the Scout Promise. The District enables those who are financially challenged to benefit from Scouting; while the District charges a subscription to its members, the benefits of Scouting are not constrained by a member’s ability to pay. The District has arrangements to waive subscriptions, fund uniforms and subsidise activities so that young people are not excluded from activities if they face financial difficulties.

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District Commissioner

It brings me great joy to witness the realisation of our 2020-2023 Growth & Development plan. Our goal was to enable more young people in Brent to achieve the Chief Scout’s Awards and the Queen’s Scout Award, and we succeeded.

In 2022/23, we presented 45 Chief Scout Awards.

We experienced an ongoing expansion in the District with new sections and groups opening and some previously closed sections reopening. Our membership has grown by 36.5%, once again making us the UK's fastest-growing district! We have also surpassed our 2020 membership numbers, indicating that we have fully recovered from the decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, we have significantly expanded our District Team. Adam Green has been appointed as Deputy District Commissioner for Programme, and Marcin Dzuira, Nick Blundell, and Tom Hughes have taken on the roles of Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts, Explorers, and Activities, respectively. This bigger team has enabled us to improve our District programme and support more leaders to achieve their Nights Away Permit.

I want to express my deepest appreciation to all the leaders and volunteers who have supported and guided our youth members in achieving our highest honours. Your unwavering dedication and commitment to our growth and development do not go unnoticed. Thank you for being exemplary role models and for always being there to offer guidance and support. You truly make a significant difference in the lives of our youth members, and they will always be grateful for the positive impact you are making.

Do your best!

David Kitchen District Commissioner

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District Chair

Wow … what a dynamic year! The number of scouting groups and the activities being run continue to develop at a dramatic growth rate. Since expanding to cover the whole of Brent, new groups have been opened in areas where local scouting opportunities were limited, especially Wembley, Sudbury and Kingsbury. We welcome our new groups and their fresh impetus to Brent District.

The year has not been without its frustrations. We continue our dialogue with Brent Council over leases. Although a new seven-year lease has just been offered for the 2nd Kingsbury the length of the lease may well preclude major capital investment in the premises. This remains an area where we continue to lobby for a more pragmatic approach from Brent. Having secured carbon reduction grants of £10,000 for two of our premises via the “You Decide” participatory budgeting process in February 2022 Brent Officers are still assessing what modifications are required; after a false start in March 2023, we are back at square one with initial site surveys now planned for August 2023.

The Trustees continue to engage positively with the London Borough of Brent and hope work will be commissioned and implemented before next year’s AGM!

Three groups successfully applied for Brent NCIL funding in the July 2022 allocations (well done 2nd Kingsbury, 27th Willesden and 8th Kenton). We encourage all groups to seek opportunities to access grants and energise their local communities to support scouting.

The District has also engaged with Brent Council on the proposed development of the Welsh Harp Education Centre and will be one of the community partners as plans are developed. We thank David Stevens who is monitoring this project and keeps us informed at a local level.

We are pleased to report that the Brent District site at Village Way has now been vacated by the former car-park tenant following the termination of historic arrangements. There is considerable remediation work to be done before the area can be safely used for scouting activities, but it is a relief to report progress on an issue that has taken three years to resolve. We would encourage all groups that operate lettings or have “local arrangements” to formalise the agreements with written terms to protect both parties. We look forward to re-establishing a wider range of activities at the Brent District site and implementing some remodelling of the facilities.

David Kitchen, our dynamic District Commissioner, continues to implement a framework and strategy for scouting in Brent, balancing the need to support existing groups with growing scouting into new areas. The Trustee Board continues to invest historical resources in the development programme although limited financial resources restrict its scope.

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The District Executive meets regularly both on Teams and in person. Our District Treasurer (Frank) has a firm grip on the financial reporting, and our Secretary (Giles) has greatly enhanced the district’s administration. Properties currently being managed by the district are maintained, with Trevor taking the lead, supported by Wayne Eastmond, David Stevens and Thomas Stevens. We successfully installed a new garage for storage at the Randall Avenue site. Tremendous thanks are due to the commitment of David and Thomas Stevens who spent many cold/wet weekends digging out the foundations across the Winter to enable the prefabricated garage to be installed in Spring. This was a herculean effort with the added benefit of disposing of several tons of rubble from around the site. Thank you!

Frank has provided temporary banking support for new groups this year while championing the lease negotiations with Brent. Giles has added significant value to the recording and organisation of District meetings and driving the health and safety agenda. We are deeply indebted to Trevor for his practical advice, insight, and irrepressible enthusiasm for scouting at Trustee meetings. We should also acknowledge the contributions of Theresa, Katie, Wayne and Denise to the Trustee Board; their practical guidance enriches our discussions and informs the direction of scouting across Brent District. As the District expands, we hope some group supporters will join the district trustees, adding to its skill set and enabling us to deliver a wider agenda. We need to expand our property and facility support and would welcome people with building and financial management skills.

Scouting in Brent is continually evolving, making a positive contribution to the local community and providing “skills for life” and training to our youth and adult volunteer members. We are continually exploring ways to stabilise our financial position to sustain our development programme. The support of the local community, leaders and volunteers are key to delivering a strong scouting experience to our members. I would like to acknowledge and thank everyone who has contributed to achieving this across Brent District.

Martin Beard, District Chair

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Membershi p

2022 2023 2022 v 2023
Male
Female
Total
Male
Female
Total
Male
Female
Total
Youth membership
Beaver scouts 82
42
124
96
49
145
+14
+7
+21
Cub scouts 87
35
122
145
74
219
+58
+39
+97
Scouts 93
46
139
112
73
185
+19
+27
+46
Explorer scouts 19
14
33
34
19
53
+15
+5
+20
Network members 6
-
6
11
3
14
+5
+3
+8
Total youth membership 287
137
424
398
218
616
+111
+81
+192
Leadership
Section leaders 34
28
62
36
32
68
+2
+4
+6
Sectional assistants 8
10
18
12
16
28
+4
+6
+10
Total leadership 42
38
80
48
48
96
+6
+10
+16
Management
Group Scout Leaders 5
6
11
9
4
13
+4
-2
+2
Commissioners 4
-
4
4
-
4
Total management 9
6
15
13
4
17
+4
-2
+2
Group Governance 14
22
36
19
20
39
+5
-2
+3
District Governance 4
-
4
3
1
4
-1
+1
Total Governance 18
22
40
22
21
43
+4
-1
+3
Support Roles
Group Support Roles -
1
1
2
0
2
+2
-1
+1
District Support Roles 4
6
10
0
3
3
-4
-3
-7
Active Support -
-
-
1
0
1
+1
+1
Total support 4
7
11
3
3
6
-1
-4
-5
Total membership 360
210
570
484
294
778
+124
+84
+208
Beaver Scout Colonies 10 10
Cub Scout Packs 10 13 +3
Scout Troops 12 12
Explorer Scout Units 5 5
Active Support Units 1 2 +1
Groups 13 13

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Diversity

----- Start of picture text -----
A1 British
Brent Distric Scouts: Youth Ethnicity 2023
A2 Irish
E2
A3 Gypsy or Irish Traveller
1.8%
D3 A4 Roma
4.3% A5 Any other White background
D2 E1 A1 A2 B1 White and Black Caribbean
1.0% 12.6% 18.3% 0.0% B2 White and Black African
D1 A3 B3 White and Asian
0.0%
2.4% B4 Any other mixed background
C5 A4 C1 Indian
0.2%
3.5% A5 C2 Pakistani
C4 16.5% C3 Bangladeshi
2.6% C4 Chinese
C3
0.0% C5 Any other Asian background
B1 D1 Caribbean
C1 0.4%
C2 21.4% B2 D2 African background
0.6%
4.3% D3 Any other Black background
B4 B3 E1 Arab
6.5% 3.5% E2 Any other ethnic group
65% of our youth membership is from Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups,
increasing from 57% in our 2022 census. In the 2021 National Census, the London
Borough of Brent’s population was 64% BAME [1] . This makes us the most diverse scout
district in the UK.
Brent District Scouts: Youth Religion 2023
Buddist
0.5%
Buddist
Christian Christian
17.4% Hindu
Hindu
4.7%
Jewish
Prefer not to say Jewish
1.0%
41.5%
Muslim
Sikh
Muslim
Other
23.1%
No religion
Prefer not to say
No religion Other Sikh
9.6% 1.7% 0.5%
----- End of picture text -----

1 Ethnicity in Brent - 2021 Census topic report (https://data.brent.gov.uk/dataset/vq9nd/ethnicity-in-brent2021-census-topic-report)

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2023 was the first time we have collected religion as part of our census; however, many did not fill this part of the form in leading to some inaccuracy in the data.

Brent District Scouts: Youth Disabilities 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
1.5%
1.1%
0.0%
0.2% 2.8%
5.7%
0.2%
Developmental
0.6%
Physical
Mental Health
Sensory
Injury
Medical
54.1%
33.9% Progressive
Self-describe
Prefer not to say
No disability
----- End of picture text -----

We have seen the number of youth members in the district with developmental disabilities increase from 5.5% in 2022 to 5.7%. This compares to only 2.5% in the national population[2] .

2 Mencap (https://www.mencap.org.uk/learning-disability-explained/research-and-statistics/how-common- learning disability)

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Historical Comparison

----- Start of picture text -----
Total District Membership
800
700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
Beavers Cubs Scouts Explorers Network Adults
2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
----- End of picture text -----

Our annual census is taken on 31[st] January, and our 2023 figures have grown beyond our 2020 membership. With a 36.5% growth in membership, we are again the fastestgrowing district in the UK, as we were in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.

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Programme

Deputy District Commissioner for Programme: Adam Green Assistant District Commissioner for

Youth Awards

The awards we give our Youth members represent the culmination of significant activity within our youth sections. There are awards in all sections, allowing young people to progress through The Chief Scout’s Bronze Award (Beavers), Silver (Cub), Gold (Scouts), Platinum (Explorers), Diamond (Explorers) and The Queen’s Scout Award (Explorers and Network).

Award Name
Group
Chief Scout’s Bronze Award Isabella Tsang
2ndKingsbury
Ava-Marie Corbyn-Thomas
2ndKingsbury
Thiago Da Costa
2ndKingsbury
Aarushi Vyas
23rdWillesden
Sebastian Zaprawa
23rdWillesden
Theodor Holfeld
23rdWillesden
Jasper Pescod
23rdWillesden
Inigo Halsby
23rdWillesden
Lorenzo Pappalardo
23rdWillesden
Casper Shaw
23rdWillesden
Zoe Futter
23rdWillesden
Mollie Cooper
23rdWillesden
Alice Smith
23rdWillesden
Ted McGonagle
25thWillesden
Rufus Gurney
28thWillesden
Chief Scout’s Silver Award Maximus Tsang
2ndKingsbury
Joshua Virciorovan
2ndKingsbury
Oluwadamilola Olasupo
2ndKingsbury
Patrick Istoc
2ndKingsbury
Victas Choong
2ndKingsbury
Aaron Suissa
23rdWillesden
Olivia Potter Marshall
23rdWillesden
Owen Grabowski-Mette
23rdWillesden
Zelie Rabier
23rdWillesden
Jackson Skinner
23rdWillesden
Owen Grabowski-Mette
23rdWillesden
Salwa Rashad
27thWillesden
Wolf Stevens
28thWillesden

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Martha Gray
28thWillesden
Marcie Lyford Clarke
28thWillesden
Chief Scout’s Gold Award DannySkinner
23rdWillesden
Hugh Jones
23rdWillesden
JayDziura
28thWillesden
India Watts
28thWillesden
DaisyWalker
28thWillesden
Zyad Mekky
28thWillesden
Ralph Dowson
28thWillesden
Chief Scout’s Platinum Award Lois Cameron
Nomad ESU
Josh Skinner
Nomad ESU
Farah Ratray
Nomad ESU
Josh Gomes
Nomad ESU
Dylan O'Connor
Nomad ESU
RubyBlindheim
Pioneer ESU
Chief Scout’s Diamond Award Layan Mekky
Nomad ESU
Josh Skinner
Nomad ESU

----- Start of picture text -----
Awards per Year Comparison
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Bronze Silver Gold Platinum Diamond Queen's
----- End of picture text -----

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Events

This year saw a return to all our major District events.

It started on the 1[st] of April, with our Spring District Camp – however, this turned out to be a “freezer camp” with sub-zero temperatures on both nights. This was the first of our permit camps, helping three leaders successfully apply for their Nights Away Permit.

We ran a similar camp in October with three more leaders getting their Nights Away Permits.

The whole District was back together on the 6[th] of May for our St. George’s Day Award Ceremony. The District also took part in the Brent Borough Proclamation of Accession and the Remembrance Sunday Parade.

Our Patrol Challenge camp returned with two Scout patrols and two Explorer Scout patrols entering. Our swimming galas continue to grow in popularity with a Junior Gala for Beavers and Cubs and a Senior Gala for Scouts, Explorers and Leaders.

Our District Campfire was oversubscribed again – even though we doubled capacity. The fireworks were great, and we were able to fundraise for our World Scout Jamboree and Haarlem Jamboree participants.

We entered 12 teams in the Monopoly Run Live, the largest group of competitors. We followed the day of rushing around London with a BBQ at 28[th] Willesden’s HQ.

We ran multiple taster sessions for canoe, kayak and sailing during the year, and the last event of the year was our Beaver Scout Science Day.

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Expeditions Active Support Unit

Unit Manager: Nick Blundell

What are we

We set up Expeditions Active Support Unit to encourage both youth and adults to get into the countryside and hills to enjoy hikes and expeditions. We were asked to do this by designing hikes and expeditions for the Scout and Explorer Scout sections and all adults in Brent.

Who are we

Over the last two years, we have grown from a small team of adults to now a quality team of adults, of which we have three Duke of Edinburgh Award assessors and three Duke of Edinburgh Award instructors. One of our team is working on his Scouts Hill walking qualification; we also have a summer mountain leader on the team. We are always interested in adults who want to join the team.

What have we achieved over the last year?

For adults in Brent, we ran two hikes. The First one in the winter up over Invinghoe Beacon; approx. 10km long it ended up in a pub where we enjoyed Sunday lunch. The second one of which was again a winter walk. This time started and finished at Phasels Wood Scout Campsite again approx. 10km with a pub lunch stop. These walks are designed to help the participants gain knowledge and skills while having fun in the outdoors; we include route cards, route finding, compass revision, risk assessment and talks on group and personal kit for different times of year. The culmination of this will be a trip up to the Dark Peak in the Peak District in October 2023 with camping and adventure walking in the hills.

For Scouts aged 13 to 14 years of age we ran a very successful Gold Chief Scouts Award expedition and Expedition Challenge badge, where 20 Scouts completed the challenge. To complete the challenge, Scouts had to take part in our day's training course, as well as the weekend away (completing 4 hours of walking and camp craft, as well as completing an expedition journal).

For Explorer Scouts 14 to 18 years of age we ran a very successful Chief Scout’s Platinum Award and Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expedition, where we had four patrols of six Explorer Scouts. To complete the expedition element with us Explorers need to do two days on foot, walking 15km over that time, attending the training course and a presentation evening.

We are extremely proud of the effort shown by both sections and the support the rest of the team gave.

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Southern 50 hiking challenge

The expedition team also supports the Southern 50 competition hike, which we have now competed in twice; this challenge tests the ability of all who participate.

We entered two Explorer Scout teams, plus a team comprised mainly of adult leaders and one Explorer Scout. (But known as the "adult team.")

The teams set off at sunrise in dry but cold conditions. Both Explorer Scout teams competed in the 30km distance, while the adult team undertook the 50km distance.

Both Explorer Scout teams sped around the course to show you how fast they were if they had been competing in the previous year they would have been in the prizes in 2nd and 3rd place. However, such was the quality of this year's teams/competition that they barely made it into the top ten.

The adult team had a tougher challenge and finished around midnight. However, they came across two scout teams that had merged into one and were lost and very tired. They agreed to tag along with the adult team until the next checkpoint. Ultimately, they stayed with the adult team until the finish, thus completing the course and getting a certificate.

Adults in the team

It has been a great year watching the continuous development of the adults within the team, as they gain confidence in teaching a technical skill, not only but also seeing the levels of navigation improve, also the responsibility of the team managing bases of routes and supporting young people on expeditions, even though it has been hard work, I can say with confidence that I'm very happy with the direction the unit is taking and look forward to working with them in 2024.

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Explorer Scouts

Explorer Scout provision is the responsibility of the Scout District under The Scout Association Policy, Organisation & Rules. However, most of our Units partner with one of our groups sharing facilities and resources.

Young Leader Explorer Scout Unit

Explorer Scout Leader: Vacant

We re-started our Young Leader training programme in November 2023 with Module A. The Unit meets on the second Saturday of the month running two modules per session.

Dragon Explorer Scout Unit (8[th] Kenton)

Explorer Scout Leader: Satish Halai

Nomad Explorer Scout Unit

Explorer Scout Leader: Nick Blundell

Pioneer Explorer Scout Unit (28[th] Willesden)

Explorer Scout Leader: Marcin Dziura

Voyager Explorer Scout Unit (27[th] Willesden)

Explorer Scout Leaders: Usma Shah & Alam Udin

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People

Local Training Manager: Theresa Mills

Wood Badge

Since September 1919, adult volunteers in the Scouts have been awarded

the Wood Badge on the completion of their leader training. The basic badge comprises two wooden beads worn at the end of a leather lace.

Name Role Group
Aslam Bakerally Scout Leader 27thWillesden
Dominic Sommerville Scout Leader 2ndKingsbury
Jack Stride Assistant District Commissioner for Perception
Robert Adamson Scout Leader 20thWillesden
Usma Shah Explorer Scout Leader Voyager ESU

Chief Scout’s Length of Service Awards

Length of service awards are available to Members and Associate Members of the Association with eligible roles that accrue service, uniformed or not.

Award Name
Role
Group
5 Years Fatimalbatoul Medlej
Assistant GroupScout Leader
12thWillesden
Frank Penter
District Treasurer
John Stevens
GroupScout Leader
28thWillesden
Humaria Sheikh
Explorer Scout Leader
Voyager ESU
Kosser Sheikh
Explorer Scout Leader
Voyager ESU
Mohamad El-Rumani
GroupScout Leader
12thWillesden
Naila Salim
Scout Leader
27thWillesden
Naseem Hosany
Assistant Beaver Scout Leader
27thWillesden
Robin Mills
GroupSupporter
23rdWillesden
10 Years Harshil Shah
Assistant Explorer Scout Leader
Dragon ESU
James Wooley
GroupChair
20thWillesden
Katie Beard
District Duke of Edinburgh Award Advisor
Mei Cheng
GroupTreasurer
8thKenton
30 Years Nicholas Blundell
Assistant District Commissioner for Explorer Scouts

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Awards for Meritorious Conduct

Chief Scout’s Commendation for Meritorious Conduct
This is awarded for meritorious conduct of a high standard,
that is, acts of bravery with no risk to life or dedication to the
Scouts despite their diffculties. It can be awarded to both
youth and adult members.
Name
Role
Group/Unit
Yvette Sowah
Group Chair
35thWillesden

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Development

Development Committee Chair: David Kitchen

The Trustee Board have maintained their commitment to growth and has developed a successful approach to establishing new groups via the “six-week challenge” run by our amazing Growth and Development Officer (Derek) and his assistants Irene and Tom with additional help from Christian from Scout Headquarters. This process has led to new groups and additional sections being opened across the Borough with plans in place for next year aided by additional support from the County and The Scout Association’s initiatives.

Derek, our Growth & Development Officer, has successfully recruited Development Team Assistants deployed across the district to establish new sections and support groups in difficulty. We welcomed Irene in August 2022 and Tom in January 2023.

New Provision

7[th] Wembley

The 7[th] Wembley started with Cubs first in June 2022 followed by Beavers in January 2023. Both six-week challenges were sold out and parents volunteered to help. The Cub pack started in September 2022, and towards the end of that term, they were ready to go it alone and the Group was formally registered with The Scout Association in December.

With a Group Scout Leader in place who had already been working on volunteers for the new Beaver Colony, all was set for the Beaver challenge in January. By April they were acting independently. Two leadership teams working well together, having fun and delivering engaging in fun programmes.

3[rd] Kingsbury

In December we formerly registered the 3[rd] Kingsbury Scout Group as a specialist scout group offering places to young people with additional needs. Until the end of this reporting year, we have not yet opened the group. This is largely due to difficulties around the venue. In March we secured the use of The Village School in Kingsbury which is a dedicated SEND school. The intention was to drive through plans to open by April to qualify for Uniformed Youth Fund funding, but the time scale was too tight. We now hope to open by the end of the summer term 2023.

12[th] Willesden

Although it had been registered as a new group in March 2020, February 2022 saw the launch of the 12[th] Willesden Scout Group with a six-week challenge for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The 12[th] had been working hard to recruit and train a team of volunteers, which started during the lockdown so all they needed were young people to sign up. This happened with all the section challenges being sold out. The challenge was a success,

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and the group was created with all sections meeting at the same time in the same venue on a Saturday afternoon.

28[th] Willesden

The 28[th] Willesden Tuesday Cub pack started with a six-week challenge in April 2022. The challenge was fully subscribed with 17 very keen and excitable Cubs, most of whom were not from the 28[th] Willesden's waiting list. The challenge went well, and the pack was supported up until the end of the term. A small leadership team was formed and supported by a good parent's rota. The pack resumed in September with support from the Development Team. Plans are in place to launch a Scout Challenge in April 2023.

35[th] Willesden

Squirrels were started at the 35[th] Willesden in January 2023 with a six-week challenge. This was a completely new experience for the Development Team having never opened a squirrel section. The Challenge was sold out, and two parents volunteered to be part of a Leadership Team.

Leopold School Beaver and Cub project

The Development team ran a project at Leopold School in answer to a request from the school to set up a Beaver Colony and Cub pack as an after-school provision. The project ran for one term but was discontinued in September 2022. Members were offered places in local groups.

Group Support

10[th] Willesden

The Beaver Colony was closed in September 2022 due to a lack of volunteer leaders. We reopened it in February 2023 with a six-week challenge at a new venue, John Keble School in Harlesden. The challenge was sold out, and two parents came forward to be part of the Leadership Team. The Beavers and the new volunteers were keen and eager to restart in April 2023 following a successful Challenge.

The Team have continued to support the 10[th] Willesden since they resumed in March 2022. Support has primarily been offered to the Cub section and initially the Beaver section to help them with programme planning, recruiting new volunteers and growing the sections.

20[th] Willesden

The Development Team have continued to offer weekly support to both the Cubs and the Scout sections ensuring that these sections could continue. To grow them in numbers and to help train and recruit new volunteers.

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28[th] Willesden

Pioneer Explorer scout unit re-opened in February 2023, following a temporary closure with a six-week challenge which Marcin ran.

35[th] Willesden

In May 2022 we opened the Cub Pack which had been closed since the pandemic. We opened with a six-week challenge, which was sold out. We already had a volunteer Leader on board and successfully recruited a team to support her during the challenge.

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Operations

Operation Committee Chair: Trevor Toombs

The Operations Team is currently responsible for two properties: Randall Avenue at NW2 7SX, currently occupied by Nomad Explorer Scout Unit and hopefully the soon-to-berestarted 37[th] Willesden Group, and Village Way at NW10 0LH currently our District HQ and HQ for the 27[th] Willesden Group.

My thanks to all the team of helpers this year and if you would like to join our team to support Scouting in Brent, please do talk to any of us. Until next year…

Randall Ave

To be more functional and meet the wider range of needs on the site, the District agreed to provide more on-site storage. Several options were reviewed, and a pre-cast garage was deemed the most cost-effective, secure, and speedy option. The decision was made to remove the old shed and extend the existing concrete base. This was easier said than done, and thanks must be given to Martin Beard, David and Thomas Stevens, Wayne Eastmond and others for the enormous number of hours it has taken to clear the site and extend the base in all types of weather. We are pleased to confirm that the garage is now complete and in use by Nomad ESU, allowing the hall to be cleared to create a much better and usable space for the occupants. The next project is to re-organise the original garage.

Asbestos guttering has been replaced with plastic versions (thanks again to Martin). Qualified contractors have also removed a quantity of asbestos from the site. Some fencing on the site has been repaired, and some tree maintenance has also been done.

The electrical systems have needed some upgrades and replacements to be compliant; upgraded external lighting is planned for summer 2023. We hope to complete our certification of this project soon. Smart meters have also been installed to assist in generating accurate bills.

We are still awaiting the outcome of the survey for our CO2 carbon reduction grant which has delayed further projects being progressed.

The grass and other ground maintenance continue; thanks again to Thomas and others in the team.

Village Way

The main news for this site is that after much effort, we have taken full possession of the site from the previous tenant of the external areas. We now have the task of planning the

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future use of this land. This will entail getting quotes to clear the land of contamination and other waste, tree maintenance and fencing – all of which will need funding.

Meanwhile, ongoing maintenance was required for roofing, and some tree work was required (especially after some of the storms we have had) to keep the buildings waterproof, safe and secure. Considerable work has been done to maintain the grounds in as good a condition as nature will allow us in the time available.

As at Randall Avenue, we are still awaiting the outcome of the CO2 carbon reduction grant survey. Smart meters for the Electric circuits and water (no gas on site) have been installed onsite to assist with accurate billing.

SkillsForLife

22

Finance

District Treasurer: Frank Penter

Trustees’ responsibilities

Trustees are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and for being satisfied that the financial statements give a true and fair view. Trustees are also responsible for preparing the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Charity law requires Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the district and charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, Trustees are required to:

Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that show and explain the charity’s transactions, disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity, and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with any applicable charity laws and, in particular, the Charities Act 2011. Trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Financial statements are published on Brent District Scout Council’s website in accordance with legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements, which may vary from legislation in other jurisdictions. The maintenance and integrity of the group’s website is the responsibility of the Trustees. The Trustees’ responsibility also extends to the ongoing integrity of the financial statements contained therein.

The Finance Sub-Committee monitors the effectiveness of any external and internal audits. The Trustees believe that the system of internal controls has been adequate to provide reassurance against material misstatement or loss.

SkillsForLife

23

Financial review

During the year the charity received a total income of £58,602 (2022: £111,869 inclusive of a Covid grant and incoming money associated with the boundary change).

The charity’s resource expenses totalling for the year were £126,744 (2022: £134,146). As a result, the deficit for the year was £68,142 and has been subtracted from the accumulated funds (2022: deficit of £22,277).

This performance represents a return towards the ‘norm’ after two exceptional years related to covid and boundary changes.

£60k continues to be held by County in readiness for tenure costs associated with the Kenton and Kingsbury headquarters. We have progressed the situation at Kingsbury, albeit not with the length of tenure that we wanted. Kenton continues to be unresolved.

The Development Project’s costs were £52k, compared to £46k the previous year (this represents a return to norm and additional costs as this project has become more active and successful). The trustees have intended for some years to be in a position whereby the accounts breakeven once the development project is removed. On this measure we have run the District at a £16k deficit. Last year the trustees discussed the fact that our objective here is not being achieved. This discussion has continued. An increase (albeit marginal) in our levy (charged to groups) and an increase in young people will help. We also hope that we may soon obtain a regular hirer of the District’s property at Village Way.

SkillsForLife

24

How we operate

This report and accounts cover the activities directly controlled by Brent District Scout Council (Charity Number 271413 England & Wales). The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association govern Brent District Scout Council.

Full details of the activities of the Scout Groups in Brent District are not reflected in this report and accounts. Scout Groups are autonomous charities and are affiliated with the District Scout Council.

The District Trustee Board

The Trustee Board delegates its work to three standing sub-committees, these are:

Trustee Board

From To
Martin Beard District Chair
David Kitchen District Commissioner
Frank Penter District Treasurer
Giles Wolfe District Secretary
Katie Boguhe 28thSept 2022
Wayne Eastmond
Theresa Mills
Denise Pambakian
Lorraine Draper 28thSept
2022
Trevor Toombs

Principal Bankers

Barclays Bank PLC, Leicester, LE87 2BB

Independent Examiner

Goldwins Limited, 75 Maygrove Road, West Hampstead, LONDON NW6 2EG

Principal Address

Scout Approach, Village Way, Neasden, LONDON NW10 0LH

SkillsForLife

25

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Brent District Scout Council

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Brent District Scout Council (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2023.

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; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

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.

Anthony Epton BA FCA CTA FCIE Goldwins Chartered accountants 75 Maygrove Road West Hampstead London NW6 2EG

26

Brent District Scout Council Statement of financial activities

(incorporating an income and expenditure account)

For the year ended 31 March 2023

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Membership Subscriptions
Charitable activities:
3
- Events and programmes
- Scout Building Income
- Shop income
- Others
Investment income
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Membership Subscriptions
5
Charitable activities:
5
- Events and programmes
- Building Expenses
- Shop purchases & expenses
- Others
Total expenditure
Net gains / (losses) on investments
6
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Net income / (expenditure) for the year
Net income / (expenditure) before net gains /
(losses) on investments
Unrestricted
£
912
34,615
8,031
1,618
1,509
-
1,453
48,138
27,992
63,982
4,353
5,338
14,976
116,641
-
(68,503)
-
(68,503)
698,785
630,282
(68,503)
Restricted
£
1,737
4,915
3,812
-
-
-
-
10,464
3,048
7,055
-
-
-
10,103
-
361
-
361
7,533
7,894
361
2023
Total
£
2,649
39,530
11,843
1,618
1,509
-
1,453
58,602
31,040
71,037
4,353
5,338
14,976
126,744
-
(68,142)
-
(68,142)
706,318
638,176
(68,142)
2022
Total
£
21,360
26,587
13,577
19,892
382
29,925
146
111,869
20,512
62,854
19,100
1,349
30,331
134,146
-
(22,277)
(22,277)
-
(22,277)
728,595
706,318

All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. The attached notes form part of these financial statements.

27

Brent District Scout Council

Balance sheet

As at 31 March 2023

Note
Fixed assets:
9
Current assets:
Investments
10
Stock
11
12
Liabilities:
13
15
Designated funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total net assets / (liabilities)
Tangible assets
Debtors
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
Net current assets / (liabilities)
Funds
Restricted funds:
Unrestricted funds:
General funds
Total funds
2023
£
397,399
-
10,441
233,903
641,743
(6,717)
528,717
101,565
2023
£
3,150
3,150
635,026
638,176
7,894
630,282
638,176
2022
£
532,634
2,713
7,695
173,297
716,339
(13,171)
580,840
117,945
2022
£
3,150
3,150
703,168
706,318
7,533
698,785
706,318

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Trustees on ………………………….2023 and signed on their behalf by: 13 September

Martin Beard District Chair

The attached notes form part of the financial statements.

28

Brent District Scout Council Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

1 Accounting policies

a) Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102 - effective 1 January 2015) - (Charities SORP FRS 102).

The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy or note.

b) Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern. The trustees do not consider that there are any sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next reporting period.

c) Income

Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and that the amount can be measured reliably.

Income from government and other grants, whether ‘capital’ grants or ‘revenue’ grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred. Income received in advance for the provision of specified service is deferred until the criteria for income recognition are met.

d) Donations of gifts, services and facilities

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item or received the service, any conditions associated with the donation have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), volunteer time is not recognised so refer to the trustees’ annual report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated gifts, professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure in the period of receipt.

e) Interest receivable

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

f) Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity’s work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.

29

Brent District Scout Council Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2023

1 Accounting policies (continued)

g) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is classified under the following activity headings:

Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.

h) Allocation of support costs

Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charitable programmes and activities.

i) Operating leases

Rental charges are charged on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

j) Tangible fixed assets

Items of equipment are capitalised where the purchase price exceeds £1,000 . Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life.

k) Investments

Investment includes cash held on long term deposit.

l) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

m) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

n) Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

30

Brent District Scout Council Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2023

2 Income from donations and legacies

Donations
General
3
Income from charitable activities
Events and programmes
- Events
- ESU income
Other charitable incomes
- Scout Building Income
- Shop Income
- Others
Total income from charitable activities
Membership Subscriptions
Explorer Scouts
£
912
912
34,615
-
34,615
Unrestricted
£
8,031
-
1,618
1,509
-
Unrestricted
£
1,737
1,737
-
4,915
4,915
£
-
3,812
-
-
-
Restricted
Restricted
2023
Total
£
2,649
2,649
34,615
4,915
39,530
2023
Total
£
8,031
3,812
1,618
1,509
-
14,970
2022
Total
£
4,386
4,386
22,886
3,701
26,587
2022
Total
£
7,142
6,435
19,892
382
29,925
11,158 3,812 63,776

4 Income from investments

Bank interest Unrestricted
£
1,453
1,453
£
-
-
Restricted
2023
Total
£
1,453
1,453
2022
Total
£
146
146

31

Brent District Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

5.a Analysis of expenditure

Membership
Scout Shop purchase
Property Operating Cost
Property Maintenance Cost
Direct Costs:
Direct Event Costs
ESU Programme and Costs
District Programme and activities
Volunteers
Growth and development
Grant:
Grants to Individuals
Grants to Organisations
Support costs:
Governance costs
Independent examiner's fee
Bank Fees
Insurance
Legal & Professional Fees
Digital Systems & Telecommunications
Total expenditure 2023
Total expenditure 2022
Events and
programmes
£
-
-
-
-
7,679
7,055
4,056
200
52,047
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Building
Shop
£
£
-
-
-
5,338
1,786
-
2,567
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,353
5,338
19,100
1,349
Charitable activities
Building
Shop
£
£
-
-
-
5,338
1,786
-
2,567
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4,353
5,338
19,100
1,349
Charitable activities
Others
£
31,040
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
3,487
2,515
154
1,890
210
2,527
3,000
1,193
2023
Total
£
31,040
5,338
1,786
2,567
7,679
7,055
4,056
200
52,047
3,487
2,515
154
1,890
210
2,527
3,000
1,193
2022
Total
£
20,512
1,349
11,414
7,686
6,324
4,854
3,835
947
46,894
5,000
16,524
33
1,890
183
5,424
125
1,152
71,037 4,353 5,338 46,016 126,744 134,146
62,854 19,100 1,349 50,843 134,146

Of the total expenditure, £116,641 was unrestricted (2022: £127,104) and £10,103 was restricted (2022: £6,661).

5.b Analysis of expenditure- Prior year (2022)

Membership
Scout Shop purchase
Property Operating Cost
Property Maintenance Cost
Direct Costs:
Direct Event Costs
ESU Programme and Costs
District Programme and activities
Volunteers
Growth and development
Grant:
Grants to Individuals
Grants to Organisations
Support costs:
Governance costs
Independent examiner's fee
Bank Fees
Insurance
Legal & Professional Fees
Digital Systems & Telecommunications
Total expenditure 2022
Events and
programmes
£
-
-
-
-
6,324
4,854
3,835
947
46,894
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Building
Shop
£
£
-
-
-
1,349
11,414
-
7,686
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,100
1,349
Charitable activities
Building
Shop
£
£
-
-
-
1,349
11,414
-
7,686
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,100
1,349
Charitable activities
Others
£
20,512
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,000
16,524
33
1,890
183
5,424
125
1,152
2022
Total
£
20,512
1,349
11,414
7,686
6,324
4,854
3,835
947
46,894
5,000
16,524
33
1,890
183
5,424
125
1,152
62,854 19,100 1,349 50,843 134,146

32

Brent District Scout Council Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

6 Net income / (expenditure) for the year

This is stated after charging / (crediting): 2023 2022
£ £
Independent examiner's remuneration (excluding VAT): 1,575 1,575

7 Analysis of staff costs, trustee remuneration and expenses, and the cost of key management

The charity did not employ staff during the year.

The charity trustees were not paid and did not receive any other benefits from employment with the charity in the year (2022: nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2022: £nil).

8 Taxation

The charity is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.

9 Tangible fixed assets

Cost
At the start of the year
Additions in year
At the end of the year
Depreciation
At the start of the year
Charge for the year
At the end of the year
Net book value
At the end of the year
At the start of the year
All of the above assets are used for charitable purposes.
Investments
Investments at fair value:
Cash held on long term deposit
£
3,150
-
Property
Total
£
3,150
-
3,150 3,150
-
-
-
-
- -
3,150 3,150
3,150 3,150
2023
£
397,399
2022
£
532,634
397,399 532,634

10 Investments

33

Brent District Scout Council Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

11 Stock
Scout Shop Inventory
12 Debtors
Trade debtors
Prepayments
13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals
14 Analysis of net assets between funds
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
Net assets at the end of the year
Analysis of net assets between funds (prior year)
Tangible fixed assets
Net current assets
Net assets at the end of the year
General
unrestricted
funds
£
3,150
98,415
Designated
funds
-
528,717
2023
£
-
2022
£
2,713
- 2,713
2023
£
9,693
748
2022
£
7,695
-
10,441 7,695
2023
£
2,672
2,155
1,890
2022
£
3,827
7,454
1,890
6,717 13,172
Restricted
funds
£
-
7,894
Total
funds
£
3,150
635,026
101,565 528,717 7,894 638,176
General
unrestricted
£
3,150
114,795
Designated
funds
-
580,840
Restricted
£
-
7,533
Total
funds
£
3,150
703,168
117,945 580,840 7,533 706,318

34

Brent District Scout Council Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

15 Movements in funds
Restricted funds:
Explorer Scouts
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds:
Designated funds:
Development Project 2020-2023 Fund
Development Project 2023-2026Fund
District HQ Re-development Fund
Capital Project Grant Fund
Hardship Fund
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds including pension fund
£
7,533
At the start
of the year
£
10,464
Incoming
resources &
gains
£
(10,103)
Outgoing
resources &
losses
Transfers
£
-
£
7,894
At the end
of the year
7,533 10,464 (10,103) - 7,894
59,031
200,000
100,000
198,680
23,129
-
-
-
-
-
(51,487)
(560)
-
-
(76)
(7,544)
7,544
-
-
-
-
206,984
100,000
198,680
23,053
580,840
117,945
-
48,138
(52,123)
(64,518)
-
-
528,717
101,565
698,785 48,138 (116,641) - 630,282
706,318 58,602 (126,744) - 638,176

Purposes of restricted funds

Scouting is carried out helps young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Designated funds

Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for ogoing opearating activities.

Movements in funds (prior year)
Restricted funds:
Explorer Scouts
Total restricted funds
Unrestricted funds:
Designated funds:
Development Project 2020-2023 Fund
Development Project 2023-2026Fund
District HQ Re-development Fund
Capital Project Grant Fund
Hardship Fund
Total designated funds
General funds
Total unrestricted funds
Total funds including pension fund
£
4,058
At the start
of the year
£
10,136
Incoming
resources &
gains
£
(6,661)
Outgoing
resources &
losses
Transfers
£
-
£
7,533
At the end
of the year
4,058 10,136 (6,661) - 7,533
101,122
-
100,000
200,000
24,629
4,500
-
-
-
-
(46,591)
-
-
(1,320)
(1,500)
-
200,000
-
-
-
59,031
200,000
100,000
198,680
23,129
425,751
298,786
4,500
97,233
(49,411)
(78,074)
200,000
(200,000)
580,840
117,945
724,537 101,733 (127,485) - 698,785
728,595 111,869 (134,146) - 706,318

35

Brent District Scout Council Notes to the financial statements For the year ended 31 March 2023

16 Contingent assets or liabilities

There are no contingent liabilities.

17 Legal status of the charity

Brent District Scout Council is a charitable organisation registered with the Charity Commission (registration number 271413).

18 Related party transactions

The charity has no related party transactions during the year.

36

Brent District Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 March 2023

19 Statement of financial activities (prior year)

Comparative figures

Note
Income from:
Donations and legacies
2
Membership Subscriptions
Charitable activities:
3
- Events and programmes
- Scout Building Income
- Shop income
- Others
Investment income
4
Total income
Expenditure on:
Membership Subscriptions
5
Charitable activities:
5
- Events and programmes
- Building Expenses
- Shop purchases & expenses
- Others
Total expenditure
Net gains / (losses) on investments
6
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Net income / (expenditure) for the year
Net income / (expenditure) before net
gains / (losses) on investments
Unrestricted
£
21,360
22,886
7,142
19,892
382
29,925
146
101,733
18,705
58,000
19,100
1,349
30,331
127,485
-
(25,752)
-
(25,752)
724,537
698,785
(25,752)
Restricted
£
-
3,701
6,435
-
-
-
-
10,136
1,807
4,854
-
-
-
6,661
-
3,475
-
3,475
4,058
7,533
3,475
2022
Total
£
21,360
26,587
13,577
19,892
382
29,925
146
111,869
20,512
62,854
19,100
1,349
30,331
134,146
-
(22,277)
(22,277)
-
(22,277)
728,595
706,318

37