# **1[st] Ashingdon (St Andrews) Group Scout Council Registered Charity Number 280632 St Andrews Church Hall, Ashingdon** ## **Skills for Life** As Scouts, we believe in preparing young people with Skills for Life. We encourage our young people to do more, learn more and be more. We help young people develop and improve key life skills. # **Trustees Annual Report For the year 6[th] April 2024 to 31 August 2025** ## **Annual General Meeting Weds 5[th] November 2025 Agenda** **1.** Introduction and welcome **2.** Apologies for absence **3.** Governance topics - a. Approve the minutes to the AGM held 6[th] November 2024.. - b. Re-adopt the 1[st] Ashingdon Constitution Ref: 01.05.23 - c. Agree the Group’s financial year 1[st] August to 31[st] July - d. Agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board - Five - e. Agree the quorum for each of the Group Scout Council (including this AGM), meetings of the Group Trustee Board - Two Meetings plus AGM **4.** - Review of the previous year - a. The Group Scout Leader’s review of Scouting in 1[st] Ashingdon (St Andrews) Scout Group - b. To receive and consider the Annual Report of the Group Trustee Board including the annual Statement of the Accounts - c. Treasurers Report and Statement of Accounts. **5.** Making appointments Note - Vacancies for Appointed Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Trustees only occur at the end of their period of appointment in 2026. - Group Chair – Roger Constable - Group Secretary – Vacant - Group Treasurer - Ruth Gibson & Asst. Group Treasurer – Rebecca Clay - Group Trustee Board - Heather Shires, Becky Ricks, Imani Amran, Eleanor Arthur & Sam Ricks. - Scrutineer of the Financial Report – Rob Howe **6.** - Section Leaders Reports **7.** Ravens Wood Report **8.** District Representative **9.** Group and Section Awards **10.** Any other Business **11.** Close ## **Structure, Governance And Management** ## **1. Type of governing document** The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. 2. **How the charity is constituted** 1[st] Ashingdon Scout Group is a Charity established under its own constitution. ## 3. **Trustee selection methods** The trustees are appointed in accordance with; - 1[st] Ashingdon Scout Group Constitution - The scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules - • The Rules of The Scout Association. ## **Policies And Procedures Adopted For:** ## **1. The induction and training of trustees** Trustees are trained according to The Scout Association’s Adult Training Scheme. ## **2. The trustee's consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them** The Group’s Trustee Board, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Group, which is an educational charity, manages the Group. As charity trustees they act collectively, are responsible and accountable for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. The Board consists of independent representatives, a Chair and Treasurer, together with the Group Lead Volunteer, Section Leaders (if opted to take on the responsibility) and meets regularly (at least three times a year) 1[st] Ashingdon Scout Group Trustee Board exists to support the Group Lead Volunteer in meeting the responsibilities of the appointment and is responsible for the: - Group’s compliance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of the Scout Association - Protection and maintenance of Group property. - Insurance of people, property and equipment. - Management of the Group’s finances. - Provision of sufficient resources for Scouting to operate. - Approval of the trustee’s annual report. - Approval of the annual accounts after examination by an Independent Examiner. - Presentation of the annual report and accounts to the Group Scout Council at its Annual General Meeting and where necessary to The Charity Commission. - Appointing and managing any sub committees that may be required. - Appointing Group Administrators and Advisers other than those who are elected. - Opening, closing and amalgamation of sections within the Group. - Inclusion of Young People so that they are meaningfully involved in decision making at all levels within the Group. - Promotion and support to the development of Scouting in the local area. - Management and implementation of the Scout Association’s Safety Policy locally. - • Positive image of Scouting in the local community. Page 2 of 7 pages 1[st] Ashingdon Scout Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss. These include: - A requirement for all income and expenditure to be receipted and invoiced. - Limits of expenditure without reference to the Group Executive Committee. - Relevant data and money to be passed to the group treasurer in accordance with an agreed timetable. - Relevant accounts and financial reports to be made available to all trustees in accordance with an agreed timetable. - Two signatures for all outgoing bank transactions. - Comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered. ## **3. Objectives and activities** The objectives of 1[st] Ashingdon Scout 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. 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. 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 ## **Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objectives** 1[st] Ashingdon Scout Group in carrying out our activities keep in mind the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. 1[st] Ashingdon Scout Group is part of the UK’s biggest mixed youth organisation. We change lives by offering 4- to 25-year-olds fun and challenging activities, unique experiences, everyday adventure, and the chance to help others so that our members make a positive impact in communities. Being part of the Scout Movement helps children and young adults reach their full potential. Members of the Scouts develop skills including teamwork, time management, leadership, initiative, planning, communication, self-motivation, cultural awareness and commitment. We help young people to get jobs, save lives and even change the world. Members of the Scouts take part in activities as diverse as kayaking, abseiling, expeditions overseas, photography, climbing and zorbing. As a member of the Scouts, young people and adults can learn survival skills, first aid, computer programming, or even how to fly a plane. There is something for every young person and adult alike. It is a great way to have fun, make friends, get outdoors, express individual creativity and experience the wider world. Page 3 of 7 pages This everyday adventure is possible thanks to our volunteers, who support the Scouts in a wide range of roles from working directly with young people, to helping manage the Group, to being a Charity Trustee. We help volunteers get the most out of their experiences with the Scouts by providing opportunities for adventure, training, fun and friendship. The Scout Association’s award-winning training scheme for volunteers means that adults get as much from the Scouts as the young people. Our approach focuses on what individual people want to get out of volunteering with the Scouts, while respecting how much time an individual can offer. Over 90% of the Scout volunteers say that their skills and expertise have been useful in their work or personal life. **Annual General Meeting Weds 5[th] November 2025 Minutes** ## **1. Introduction and Welcome** John Blundell welcomed members of the Group and everybody in Scout Group, Scout Council and guests including Councillor Laureen Shaw. Meeting Chaired by Roger ## **2 Apologies for absence** Mark Carter, Heather Shires, Eleanor Arthur, Imani Amran Young Members & their families – Arthur, Logan, Clark & Joshua ## **3 Governance Topics** - A. To approve the minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2024. The Minutes have been previously reviewed by the Group Executive Committee at their first meeting after the previous AGM, circulated to the Group Prior by WhatsApp and so I propose that the Minutes are taken as read and ask the meeting agree that they are a true record of that meeting. Ruth and show of hands to approve – **Approved** - B. Re-adopt the 1[st] Ashingdon Constitution Ref: 01.05.23 Becky and show of hands to approve – **Approved** . - C. Agree the Group’s financial year 1[st] August to 31[st] July Parent and show of hands to approve – **Approved** . - D. Agree the number of members that may be elected to the Trustee Board – Five Steve and show of hands to approve – **Approved** . - E. Agree the quorum for each of the Group Scout Council (including this AGM), meetings of the Group Trustee Board - Two Meetings plus AGM - Sam and show of hands to approve – **Approved** . ## F. **Review of the previous year** The Group Lead Volunteer review of Scouting in 1[st] Ashingdon (St Andrews) Scout Group John Blundell gave a review. - This year we are reviewing an ’18 Month Period’ - Membership circa 100 in total - ‘Turnover’ £52k and the need for correct governance. - Success, stability and achievement of the group, down to the hard work of the leaders Page 4 of 7 pages - Regular and successful Events - Remembrance, - Christmas Tree Festival - Easter Egg Hunt - Now the Autumn Scarecrow Festival - Camps/Sleepovers/Hikes/Competitions - Praise for Team of volunteers who deliver the programmes - Ravens Wood – summary of improvements this year - Refurbished Store - Power to Stable - Car Park Lighting - Glebe Floodlights - Clearance of the Bothy - Creation of our ‘Bee Colony’ - Commencement of two storage cabins - Volunteers please for our Fundraising Team & Leadership Team - Confirmation that Simon Davies has accepted the Role of Quartermaster - Big Thank you to everyone for their support - Summary of the kind of Scout Group we are striving to achieve - G. Receive and consider the annual report of the Group Trustee Board including the annual Statement of Accounts. (Verbal via Chair) - H. Treasurers Report and Statement of Accounts (note subject to Audit) - Small Loss over 18 months - Slight Increase in Subs at Christmas - Summary of received Grants - Significant increase in Badges being purchased! - ▪ Thanks given to the Treasurer. (Note – no vote is required, the Group Scout Council only ‘receives and considers’) ## **4. Making appointment** Group Secretary - Heather Shires has stepped down from her role and a vote of thanks was given. Heather will however remain as a trustee. Note - Vacancies for Appointed Chair, Treasurer and Trustees only occur at the end of their period of appointment in 2026. - Group Chair – Roger Constable - Group Secretary – Becky Ricks (no vote required) - Group Treasurer - Ruth Gibson & Asst. Group Treasurer – Rebecca Clay - Group Trustee Board - Heather Shires, Becky Ricks, Imani Amran, Eleanor Arthur & Sam Ricks. - • Scrutineer of the Financial Report – Rob Howe ## **5. Section Leaders Reports** Verbal Reports given by Tracey (Cubs) and Sam (Scouts) with both Kelley (Squirrels) and Zak (Beavers) available for any Questions and Answers. Cubs Section Report - 26 cubs - 10 silver awards - Total of 325 badges awarded since last year. - RAF Hendon 23 members all achieved Air activities 3 - Mega camp 15 - wet and we had our own shower cubicle. - District hike - 5 completed it - We have a sleepover in January at monkey bizzness - Good, varied programme Page 5 of 7 pages Scout section report - 16 scouts - Some moving up now and at Christmas - 224 badges since last year - County backpack – - Navigation training – 4 - Skills weekend -11 - Varied programme putting their skills to the test ## **6. Ravens Wood Report** Verbal Report was delivered within GLV review ## **7. District Representative** Dave Offord – a summary and update of information within the district including Ark Lane. ## **8. Group and Section Awards** Scouts – Nate Cubs -Imogen Beavers – Ariana Squirrel - Arthur YL – Pippa Leader – Tracey ## **9. Any other Business** None ## **10. Close** Chair closed the AGM, thanked all for attending and invited everyone to the Fire & BBQ Page 6 of 7 pages 1ST ASHINGDON SCOUT GROUP ACCOUNTS FOR THE YeAR ENDING 31ST AUGUST 2026 APRIL 6TH 2024 TO AUGUST 31 ST 2025117 months) PAYMENTS INCOME 81F HALL EVENTS- CAMPS ETC FUNDRAISING SPENDING EQUIPMENT EVENT- PANTO 2024 8 2025 UNIFORM INSURANCE SCOUT CENSUS GO CARDLESS FEES ALL SECTIONS- MEETING EXPENSES ADMINISTRATION - BADGESIINK ETC.FOR ALL SECTIONS SUNDRIES TRAINING RAVENS WOOD- MAINTANENCE RAVENS WOOD ADMIN- RENT OSM RENEWALS CHARGE CARD EXPENSES £2,223.36 £6,678.$6 £387.36 £214.55 £2,345.76 £820.89 £919.54 £3,392.CM) £613.20 CURRENT ACCOUNT CASH IN HAND VIRGIN MONEY. £3,217.58 £0.00 £19,596.14 IMEGA CAMPI Group £22.813.72 £1,896.28 £2,860.57 £0.00 £0.00 £4,384.31 £399.64 £773.20 £3,341.30 SUBSCRIPTIONS AND REGISTRATION F £12,446.58 EVENTS- CAMPS ETC £6,608 56 EVENT- PANTO 2024 & 2025 £2,164.63 GRANT £2,500.00 FUND RAISING £697.16 £31.250.52 CF CURRENT ACCOUNT & CHARGE CARDS CASH IN HAND VIRGIN MONEY. INTEREST VIRGIN MONEY IN GIFT AID £48.22 £5,080.00 £0.00 £6,316.57 £309.80 £14,481.98 £29,545.15 £21.108.35 £62,368.87 e82.358.87 Page 7 of 7 pages