## **1st Headcorn Scout Group** 

## **Trustees’ Annual Report** 

# **for the period from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024** 

## **Section A   Reference and administration details** 

Charity name 1st Headcorn Scout Group Other names the charity is known by Headcorn Scouts Registered charity number 281713 HQ registration number 29539 Charity’s principal address Headcorn Scout Hut, Ulcombe Road, Headcorn, Ashford, Kent, TN27 9QR 

## **The charity trustees who manage the charity** 

|_Name_|_Office(if any)_|_Dates acted if notfor wholeyear_|
|---|---|---|
|Ann Carroll|Group Chair||
|Sally Harris|Group Treasurer||
|Philip Harris|Group Lead Volunteer||
|Helen Anderson|||
|Daniel Langford|||
|Jennifer Sargent|||
|Raymond Burr||To 30.01.24|
|Janet Scaysbrook|||
|Michael Brook-Foster MBE|||
|Jennie Burr|||
|Loughlin Cooper|||
|Mary Routledge||From 30.01.24|
|Lizell Williams||From 02.07.24|



**The custodian trustees (in whom, as trustees, the charity’s property is vested and who act under the charity trustees’ instruction)** 

Ann Carroll, Kevin Harper, Simon Rickett and Philip Harris 

**Independent Examiners** McCabe Ford Williams, Chartered Accountants, Bank Chambers, 61 High Street, Cranbrook, Kent, TN17 3EG 

**Solicitors** Kingsfords, 5/7 Bank Street, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1BZ **Bankers** NatWest Bank, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8SH 

NatWest Bank, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8SH 

_Page 1_ 



_1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2024_ 

## **Section B   Structure, governance and management** 

## **Type of governing document** 

The Group’s governing documents are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and _The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association_ . 

## **How the charity is constituted** 

The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all UK Scout Groups. 

## **Trustee selection methods** 

The trustees are appointed in accordance with _The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association._ 

## **Additional governance issues** 

The Group is an educational charity and is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the members of which are the Group’s “charity trustees”.  As such, they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate. 

The Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and up to 10 other Trustees and meets every two months. Members of the Trustee Board complete “Being a Scouts Trustee” learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board. 

The 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 volunteers run high quality and safe programmes that give young people skills for life. 

## **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: 

- Damage to buildings, property and equipment.  The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. 

- Injury to members, leaders, helpers, supporters and third parties.  The Group, through the membership fees and the payment of a supplementary premium, is included in the Scout Association’s national accident insurance and public liability policies.  Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. 

- Financial irregularity.  At least three trustees have online access to view bank transactions and balances. 

## **Section C   Objectives and activities** 

## **The Purpose of Scouting** 

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society. 

## **The Values of Scouting** 

As Scouts we are guided by these values: 

- 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 cooperate with others and make friends. 

_Page 2_ 



_1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2024_ 

## **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. 

## **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** 

## **Group achievements** 

The Group consists of three sections: Beaver Scouts, Cub Scouts and Scouts.  All three are thriving, with buoyant membership, and their own programme of adventurous activities.  The Group as a whole achieved the following: 

The Group performed a play for three nights during February half-term week.  Entitled “The Terrible Truth About the Secret of the Ruins of Badfarten Schloss”, it was written by one of the Group’s leaders and most of the boys and girls in the Group took part.  As well as raising Scouting’s profile within the community and earning a significant sum for funds, this kind of activity teaches the value of commitment; is an excellent confidence builder; and provides constructive indoor activity during the coldest and wettest part of the year. 

The Remembrance Sunday observance in our village is always very well supported.  The Group played a prominent role, as usual, and was complimented by the Parish Council and others for its excellent turnout and conduct.  We are pleased that one of our Scouts was called upon to sound The Last Post and Reveille. 

For the third time, this year’s Christmas project involved spending several evenings collecting the largest yet quantity of food items from our village for a Kent-based food bank.  We think it’s important for our young members to realise there are people in our community suffering hardship, and to spend some time and effort helping them. 

## **Section E   Financial review** 

## **The charity’s policy on reserves** 

The Group’s policy on reserves is to hold sufficient unrestricted funds to continue the charitable activities of the Group should fundraising or other income fall short, or should unforeseen expenditure occur.  The trustees consider that a sum equivalent to six months gross expenditure is appropriate, amounting to approximately £19,000.  The actual amount at the year-end was £24,341. This excess is being used to improve the Group’s assets. 

## **The memorial fund** 

The Paul Walton Memorial Fund was established in 1987 in memory of a member of the Group who died aged 16 in a tragic accident.  It is a restricted fund, and exists “ _to provide financial assistance to individual members of the Scout Group to enable them to participate in Scout camps or expeditions_ ”.  In the thirty-seven years it has existed, the fund has given assistance totalling more than £3,800 to 22 boys and girls. 

## **Investment policy** 

All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks. 

_Page 3_ 



_1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2024_ 

## **Section F   Plans for future period and other optional information** 

## **Future plans** 

Today’s generation of young people have missed a great deal during the coronavirus pandemic, and we intend to continue to play our part in filling some of those gaps. 

## **Section G   Declaration** 

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees, 14[th] March 2025. 


Philip Harris, Group Lead Volunteer 


Ann Carroll, Group Chair 

_Page 4_ 



_1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2024_ 

## **1st Headcorn Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account** 

## **for the period from 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024** 

||This year<br>unrestricted<br>funds|This year<br>restricted<br>funds|This year<br>total<br>funds|Last year<br>total funds|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||£|£|£|£|
|**Receipts**|||||
|MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS(see note 2)|||||
|Received from members|7,760||7,760|7,019|
|Lesspaid on|-3,995||-3,995|-3,366|
|Net membershipsubscriptions retained|3,765||3,765|3,653|
||||||
|DONATIONS AND GRANTS|||||
|Donations|1,367||1,367|3,581|
|Grants||||0|
|Gift Aid|1,232||1,232|1,085|
||2,599||2,599|4,666|
|ACTIVITIES(gross)|||||
|Camps and expeditions|23,143||23,143|13,824|
|Other activities and outings|759||759|1,096|
||23,902||23,902|14,920|
|FUND RAISING(gross)|||||
|Quizzes|2,542||2,542|2,222|
|Pantomime/play|1,302||1,302|1,301|
|MayFair|73||73|698|
|Other events(under £500 each)|482|151|633|594|
||4,399|151|4,550|4,815|
|INVESTMENT INCOME RECEIVED|||||
|Interest|261||261|14|
||261||261|14|
|OTHER INCOME|||||
|Hire of equipment andpremises|4,486||4,486|4,347|
|Miscellaneous receipts|1,001||1,001|0|
||5,487||5,487|4,347|
||||||
|TOTAL RECEIPTS|40,413|151|40,564|32,415|



_Page 5_ 



_1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2024_ 

## **1st Headcorn Scout Group Receipts and Payments Account** 

## **For the period from 1[st] January 2024 to 31[st] December 2024** 

||This year<br>unrestricted<br>funds|This year<br>restricted<br>funds|This year<br>total<br>funds|Last year<br>total funds|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||£|£|£|£|
|**Payments**|||||
|YOUTH PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES|||||
|Camps and expeditions|18,272||18,272|12,662|
|Other activities and outings|1,797||1,797|1,908|
|Contribution towards campingfees|248|200|448|0|
|Purchase of badges,cards and books|692||692|701|
|Trainingaids and materials|1,833||1,833|1,621|
|Wreaths|75||75|100|
||22,917|200|23,117|16,992|
|PREMISES|||||
|Water and drainage|371||371|597|
|Lighting,heatingand cleaning|4,253||4,253|4,229|
|Licences and Insurance|2,569||2,569|2,184|
|Repairs,renewals and otherpremises costs|2,086||2,086|3,896|
||9,279||9,279|10,906|
|MINIBUS EXPENSES|||||
|Licence and insurance|1,062||1,062|1,021|
|Repairs and maintenance|1,406||1,406|1,096|
|Diesel and oil|406||406|394|
||2,874||2,874|2,511|
|FUND RAISING EXPENSES|||||
|Quiz nights|720||720|497|
|Pantomime/play|79||79|29|
|MayFair|40||40|75|
||839||839|601|
|OTHER PAYMENTS|||||
|Equipment renewals|1,171||1,171|614|
|Insurance|52||52|52|
|Miscellaneouspayments|469||469|351|
||1,692||1,692|1,017|
||||||
|TOTAL GROSS EXPENDITURE|37,601|200|37,801|32,027|
||||||
|ASSET AND INVESTMENT PURCHASES|||||
|Tables|389||389||
|Install security gate|450||450||
|Boiler replacement and system alteration||||5,400|
|New LED lighting||||1,132|
|Acousticpanels||||2,124|
|Sound system||||779|
||||||
|TOTAL PAYMENTS|38,440|200|38,640|41,462|



_Page 6_ 



_1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2024_ 

## **1st Headcorn Scout Group** 

## **Receipts and Payments Account for the period from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024** 

||This year<br>unrestricted<br>funds|This year<br>restricted<br>funds|This year<br>total funds|Last year<br>total funds|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||£|£|£|£|
|**Summary**|||||
|Receipts lesspayment|1,973|-49|1,924|-9,047|
|Transfer between funds|-200|200|||
|Cash funds lastyear end|22,568|1,617|24,185|33,232|
|Cash funds thisyear end|24,341|1,768|26,109|24,185|



## **1st Headcorn Scout Group Statement of Assets and Liabilities at 31[st] December 2024** 

||31.12.24<br>unrestricted<br>funds|31.12.24<br>restricted<br>funds|31.12.24<br>total funds|31.12.23<br>total funds|
|---|---|---|---|---|
||£|£|||
|**Cash funds**|||||
|Bank accounts|24,341|1,768|26,109|24,185|
||24,341|1,768|26,109|24,185|
|**Other monetary assets**|||||
|Fees and costspaid in advance|1,570||1,570|549|
||1,570||1,570|549|
|**Assets for the charity's own use**|||||
|Meetinghall,at cost|357,663||357,663|357,663|
|Motor vehicle(see note 3)|250||250|250|
|Equipment,furniture,etc.(see note 4)|20,000||20,000|20,000|
||377,913||377,913|377,913|
|**Liabilities**|||||
|Fees received in advance|||0|0|
||||||
|**Assets less Liabilities**|403,824|1,768|405,592|402,647|



_Page 7_ 



_1[st] Headcorn Scout Group, Trustees’ Annual Report 2024_ 

## **Notes to the Accounts** 

## **1.   Restricted funds** 

## **The Paul Walton Memorial Fund** 

Transactions during the year were as follows: 

|**Notes to the Accounts**<br>**1.   Restricted funds**<br>**The Paul Walton Memorial Fund**<br>Transactions duringtheyear were as follows:|||
|---|---|---|
||This year<br>£|Last year<br>£|
|Balance brought forward|1,617|1,617|
|Amounts received:|||
|Fundraisingactivity|150||
|Transfer between funds|200||
|Amountspaid:|||
|Contribution towards campingfees|-200||
|Balance carried forward|1,767|1,617|



The purpose and management of the "Paul Walton Memorial Fund" is described in section E of the trustees' report. 

## **2.   Membership subscriptions** 

Subscriptions are collected from members.  Part of those subscriptions is paid on in the form of a membership levy to help defray the Scout Association’s costs at District, County and National levels. The amount paid on is shown in the accounts as a deduction from the subscriptions received. 

## **3.  Motor vehicle** 

The Group's vehicle is a 17-seater minibus purchased second-hand in 2015.  At the end of 2023 it was considered to have a value of £250. 

## **4.  Equipment, furniture, etc.** 

The Group owns furniture and equipment with a value of approximately £20,000.  Its replacement value is approximately £29,000. 

## **5.  Payments to Trustees** 

(a) For part of the year, one trustee was paid at approximately the market rate for cleaning work (a total of £672 during the year). 

(b) Payments are sometimes made to trustees to reimburse payments made by them on behalf of the Group. 

**The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities with accompanying notes were approved by the Trustees on 14[th] March 2025 and signed on their behalf by** 


Ann Carroll Group Chair 


Sally Harris Group Treasurer 

_Page 8_ 



I. Heudcorn Scout Group, Trustee5' Annuul Report 2024
Independent Examinerfs Report to the Trusts•s of the 161 Headcorn Scout Group
I reprrfi on the accounts of ihe Group for th8 year er￿e￿ 31 De￿rnber 2024 whith comprise tha Receipts 8NI
Payments Aceowls and Statement ofksetsand Uabilibes.
This report is made solely to Ihe trustees in accordatKe with Section 145 of ihe ChaTrties Act 2011. My wotk has
been undenaken so ihal I might slate lo the ¢harily'8 IrUs￿e$ those maller5 1 affl required lo slgte lo Ihem in 8n
Independent Examiner's report ¥nd for no olher wrpose To the fullest exlenl p￿rnItted by 184v. I do wl 8ccepl or
as¥vme r$spon￿billiY to anyone olher than the charily and the Gharily's Iruske$ foi my ex8minailon woth.
ReBpoctlv• rgBpDnslbllltl•s of Trust••$ •nd Examltwr
The Gioup's trustees responyble lor lh8 prepar81ion ol its 8tt0unts They conslder Ihal an audit is not re4uir•J
for this yearlunder Section 144 of the Ch8riVes Act 2011 ItyE Charitie5 Aclll and thai an independent e¥aminali
15 ne8ded.
11 Is my responslbility to..
Exam1￿ aC￿nIs{und￿ SeG*on 145 01 ihe Charitiès Acii.
To 1011ow the procedures laid in ihe Genwal &rqcli¢x¥ wen by the Charfly Commissloners lundqr
se¢b.￿ 14515llblof the Charibes Acti", and
To s￿lewhe￿￿r parfl(￿lar tnatter5 have comt 10 my ait*)iio
Basisof Independent ExatTri#or8 roport
y examination was G4rried out ￿ ac￿[da￿e the Ge￿al threclK)ns by the Charity Commissioners.
eXam￿all0￿ inG4udes a rgview ol Ihtr a¢￿￿n11n9 records kept by the Grouplthslricl and 3 ￿npariS￿n ol the
aCCoL￿ts presented wlh those recoTds. It also ir￿lUdeS con￿ders11￿ of aty unusual iiems or disclosure5 In the
ac¢ounis and seekln9 explanalioD5 from you a5 Ituslee5 ￿￿err￿n9 ¥ny such maiters. The procedure5 undertaktn
do not provide all Ihe eVId￿te Ihal would be required In an audit. 3fKI consequenuy no OpInh￿ is given 8S
whelh8r the acc(￿￿15 Fr•s6ni a'tyu8 and 18irf the report ￿ limited lo those mattgis *1 oul in $tstement
below.
Independent E%aminor'8 Wtgmènt
In ConneGt1￿ with tny exatninaiion. nomatW has cometo my a￿tIon
1. which gwes me reasonabie ￿use lo bdieve that in. anymaleTial rtspe¢L Ihe requ1￿ments
lo keep accounbng ie¢ords In accordence WI￿ Section 130 of the Charitie5 ACL and
lo prepare aCco￿lS thich accoFd with th8 a(LounDng ￿COrdS and comply with the acC￿n￿
requiremen15 of the ChariligsAGI have b88n md". or
2. to whi¢h, in my Opinion, allenbon should bg drawn ￿ order to ena￿¢ 8 pwpw vnder$landlng ol ihe a¢(xxJnts to
be reached
Name." Marbn Humpfvreys
Qualificabon.. FCCA
Address." M¢Cabè Ford Williams
Bank Chambws, 61 Hrgh Street. Cranbrook. Kent TN17 3EG
dltr. 14 March 2025
LT7000061191 February 20171
Page 9