2025-03-31-accounts - 1st Leighton Buzzard Scout Group

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Trustees' Annual Report

For the period

From (start date)	0	4	4	4	3	1	0	3	2

Section A	Reference and administration details
Charity name Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) HQ registration number Charity’s principal address	1st Leighton Buzzard Scout Group N/A 2 7 9 3 3 0
	1st L	eighton Buzzard Scout Group
	Grov	eburyRoad
	LEIG	HTON BUZZARD
	Post		code	L	U	7	4	S	W

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)

Trustee Name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
Ian Summerfield	Chairperson
Stephanie Harris	Treasurer
Rob Redfern	GSL
Dave Perkins	Trustee
ZacharyDover	Trustee	1st Sept 24 - Present
Amanda Godden	Trustee
Edward Goddard	Trustee
Stephen Anderson	New Joint GSL	11th April 25- Present
Graham Mills	New Joint GSL	11th April 25- Present

Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but encouraged as best practice) (These will be published in the annual report of the charity)

Type of advisor Name Address

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Section B	Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts Type of governing document (e.g. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted (e.g. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by) Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice) Policies and procedures adopted for: The Group's governing documents are those of the The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they 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. The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 7 Trustees and meets 4 times a year. Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board. This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high- quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life. a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them
	The Group's governing documents are those of the The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.

	The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.

	The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association.
	The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they 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. The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 7 Trustees and meets 4 times a year. Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board. This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high- quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.

2 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

Section B Structure, governance and management (continued)	Section B Structure, governance and management (continued)
	Risk and Internal Control The group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently. Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as a

Section B
Structure, governance and management (continued)

Risk and Internal Control
The group has in place systems of internal controls that are
designed to provide reasonable assurance against material
mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all
payments and a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure
that insurable risks are covered.
Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group
would request the use of buildings, property and equipment
from neighbouring organisations such as the community
centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal
arrangements exist with these organisations. The Group has
sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to
mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The
Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout
Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk
Assessments are undertaken before all activities.
Reduced income from fund raising. The Group is primarily
reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The
group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of
activities should there be a major reduction in income. The
Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the
income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily
or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant upon
volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If
there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an
unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as a

3 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

p p g p whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.

Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 4 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.

Section C	Objectives and activities
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects	The Purpose of Scouting Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. The Values of Scouting As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others. Care -We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes. Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co- operate with others and make friends. The Scout Method Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and: - enjoy what they are doing and have fun - take part in activities indoors and outdoors - learn by doing - share in spiritual reflection - take responsibility and make choices - undertake new and challenging activities - make and live by their Promise.

	The following scouting activites have take place within the 2024-2025 financial year: Rememberance Group Camp 2024 Cub Christmas 2024 bowling Distrcit Cub Day at Gullivers Land 2024

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Distrcit Cub Day at Gullivers Land 2024 Scout Camp March 2025 Scout Expedidtion Spring 2024 Grimsdyke Hike 2024

Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

You may choose to include further statements, where relevant, about: • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers; • policy on investments.

Public benefit statement 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.

Section D	Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
	This year the group have spent considerable time and invested funds into the maintenance and upkeep of the building. This has included an all new fire alarm with new wiring, detectors etc throughout. The building has been fully decorated througghout, including ceilings and walls painted and new curtain poles and curtains. The building has also had new radiiators installed. The building is a credit to the group and district. There has also been investment in activity equipment, where rifles and associated equipment have been purchased as an investment to the group, and will the view to hiring out the activity to benefit other groups in the district.

Section D

Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of
the charity during the year

This year the group have spent considerable time and
invested funds into the maintenance and upkeep of the
building. This has included an all new fire alarm with new
wiring, detectors etc throughout. The building has been fully
decorated througghout, including ceilings and walls painted
and new curtain poles and curtains. The building has also
had new radiiators installed. The building is a credit to the
group and district. There has also been investment in activity
equipment, where rifles and associated equipment have
been purchased as an investment to the group, and will the
view to hiring out the activity to benefit other groups in the
district.

Section E	Financial Review
Quantify and explain any designations Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves	Reserves Policy The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £22,000. The Group held reserves of approximately £51,000 against this at year end. This is above the level required for operating expenses. However this can be explained by the age of the building which can at times require considerable funds to carry out repairs and to keep it in good order.

Section E

Financial Review

Quantify and explain any designations
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on
reserves

Reserves Policy
The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources
to continue the charitable activities of the group should
income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group
Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum
equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £22,000.
The Group held reserves of approximately £51,000 against
this at year end. This is above the level required for
operating expenses. However this can be explained by the
age of the building which can at times require considerable
funds to carry out repairs and to keep it in good order.

5 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

Details of any funds materially in deficit N/A (circumstances plus steps to eliminate)

Further financial review details (optional information)

You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about: Investment Policy • the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising); The Group's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies.

• how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity;

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

investment policy and objectives; Not applicabble at this time.

Section F Other Optional Information Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them) None

Section G

Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

S.Harris	S.Harris	S.Harris	S.Harris	S.Harris	S.Harris

Stephanie Harris

Treasurer
1 2 0 8 2 5
1	2	0	8	2	5

6 LT700001 (14 September 2024)

1st Leighton Buzzard Scout Group Annual Accounts, year ending 31st March 2025

	2024-2025
Income
Bank Interest	451.60
Donation	209.50
Events	1,020.00
Events - Cubs	322.50
Events - Explorers	45.00
Events - Scouts	180.00
Membership Fees	7,706.00
Rent	17,125.00
Expense
Activity Equipment	2,821.61
Admin	823.26
Badges	383.72
Camping Equipment	158.44
Events	1,492.09
Events - Cubs	354.57
Events - Explorers	45.00
Events - Scouts	293.40
Insurance	1,377.71
Meetings - Beavers	18.90
Meetings - Cubs	178.72
Membership Costs	2,989.10
Utilities	4,084.89
Venue Maintenance	27,056.71
Account balances
Treasurer's Account - Lloyds	4,294.61
BB Instant Online Savings	45,739.06
Natwest 1	1,176.96
Summary
Account balance brought forward	66,229.15
Total income	27,059.60
Total expenditure	42,078.12
Net income	-15,018.52
Account balance carried forward	51,210.63

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteesl mèmbers of 1 StLeightonBuzzardScoutGroup On accounts for the year ended 315t March 2025 Charity no (if any) 279330 Set out on pages Enclosed I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ('Ihe Trust.) for the year ended 3110312025 Responsibilities and As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 ("the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 oflhe 2011 and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charily Commission under section 145(5)(bJ of the Act. Independent tThe charity's gross income did not exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to examiner's statement undertake the examination by being a management accountant I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in Gonnection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect,: that the accounls give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent éxamination. 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. Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.

Slgned: Date: 1310812025 Name: Peter Denis Banwell Relevant professional qualification(s) or body lif any): Management Accountant IER October 2018 Address: 291 Heath Road Leighton Buzzard LU73A Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight matters of concem {see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts.. directions and guidan for examiners). Non8