Faversham District Scout Council
Annual Report and Accounts (on a receipts and payments basis)
Year Ended 31 March 2025
Registered Charity Number: 284893
Faversham District Scout Council
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LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Registered Charity Number: 284893 Scout Association Registration Number: 10001184
Hon President: Cllr Antony Hook
Current Trustees
Cllr T J Martin, District Chair Mr S P Moore, Lead District Volunteer Mr A J White Mr J E Elliott Mr D Kirsch-Mills Mr D J Jones, Youth Lead Mrs S F Beale Mr K Barker Dr J Boyle, District Treasurer Mrs A Eardley (appointed 17/06/24) Ms F James-Blay (appointed 10/09/24)
Former Trustees
Mr P J White (resigned 17/06/24) Ms V E Beale (resigned 17/06/24) Mr D P Darby (resigned 17/06/24) Mr A B Soffe (resigned 17/06/24) Ms J L Greenwell (resigned 17/06/24)
Holding Trustees
Mr E Davis Mr K Neame Offical Custodian for Charities
Correspondence Address
15 Preston Park Faversham Kent, ME13 8LH
Website
www.favershamscouts.org.uk
Independent Examiner
MrrD Wallis
DJW Accounts Consulting Ltd 8, 3 Chivalry Road London, SW11 1HT
Banks
National Westminster Bank Plc 11 The Parade Canterbury Kent, CT1 2SQ
Scottish Widows Bank PO Box 883 Leeds West Yorkshire, LS1 9TY
Investment Managers
St James' Place Plc 1 Tetbury Road Cirencester Gloucestershire, GL7 1FP
Faversham District Scout Council
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DISTRICT TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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The Trustee Board of Faversham District Scout Council ("District" or "Trustees") have the privilege of presenting their annual report for the year ended 31 March 2025.
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.
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 responsibility and make choices - take part in activities indoors and outdoors - undertake new and challenging activities - learn by doing - make and live by their Promise - share in spiritual reflection
Main Activities and Objectives
The District is responsible for supporting the growth and development of scouting in Faversham and its surrounding villages. It does this primarily by providing support and encouragement to the four scout groups in the town. It has a particular responsibility for providing scouting directly to young people between the ages of 14 and 25 through its Explorer Scout Units and Scout Network. The District also runs certain large events for its members as well as supporting participation in county, national and international events.
The District owns and operates Shepherd Park Scout Activity Centre in Sheldwich which provides some additional income to support the whole range of scouting activities. It also owns two other freehold properties and one leasehold property within the district which are used for scouting activities. The District is preparing to take a lease on an additional property which will be used for scouting activities.
The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Faversham District Scout Council
Page 4 of 12
DISTRICT TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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Structure, Governance and Management
The District's governing documents are a constitution which is based upon 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 (POR) of The Scout Association.
The District is a trust established under its rules which are common to all scouts.
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the POR of The Scout Association.
The District is governed by its Trustee Board, the members of which are the Charity Trustees of the scout district which is an educational charity. As charity trustees they are responsible to the wider District Scout Council 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 the Chair, Treasurer and nine Trustees (including two ex officio Trustees: the District Lead Volunteer and District Youth Lead) and meets four or five times each year.
Members of the Trustee Board complete " Being a Scouts Trustee" learning with the first six months of joining the Board.
The District 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.
Finally, the District Trustee Board has a general duty to ensure that scout groups within the District are managed and governed in a way consistent with law and with POR . Where groups fall short of the expected standards, the district will assist and support them in achieving those standards.
The Trustees are aware of the major risks to which the District is exposed and have sought to take steps to mitigate these as far as possible.
The Board would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers, both those on the front line and those whose contributions go unseen by many, who give up enormous amounts of time to provide quality scouting to so many young people in our town.
Faversham District Scout Council
Page 5 of 12
DISTRICT TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Achievements and Performance
The District has continued to support the operation of four scout groups around Faversham providing scouting to just over 330 young people, a decrease of 20 from last year. The Board is working with the District Leadership Team to support groups to improve the rate of growth in coming years. Demand for scouting in Faversham continues to be very high and a key limiting factor in the District's growth is the availability of adult volunteers to join section teams.
The Board continues to monitor the District Leadership’s Team progress towards the multi-year vision for Faversham Scouts which has been set out previously. The Board notes that numbers of volunteers with district roles have increased, providing adequate support to groups in trickier situations remains difficult with the resources available. The Board is pleased that the number of sections in the district has grown, and that the number of squirrel dreys has doubled in the last year. It continues to be a long term goal that all groups in the District should have a Squirrel drey. This vision sets a clear path for the Faversham Scouts, emphasising the importance of volunteer development, structural enhancements, and community engagement in achieving a vibrant and sustainable future for the district.
During the year, the District Trustee Board approved the registration of a new Scout group for Faversham, the 4th Faversham (Alexander’s Own) Scout Group which will be based at Bysing Wood Primary School. The Group is currently attracting interest from potential young people and volunteers and hopes to open in earnest in summer 2025.
A major focus of the year has been the transformation of the volunteer experience, aimed at revitalising the district through organisational restructuring, improved volunteer welcoming processes, and enhanced training supported by a new digital system. The new digital system accompanied by an updated edition of Policy, Organisation and Rules was lunched in November 2024, and has now been implemented fully by the District. All volunteers are now operating within a team based model, and new volunteers are undertaking the new volunteer joining journey. These efforts reflect the district’s commitment to creating a more flexible, inclusive, and efficient environment that supports the growth and development of both young scouts and volunteers, ensuring a rewarding and impactful Scouting experience for all involved. There do remain some teething problems with the new system particularly around the management and delivery of learning to volunteers which still need to be worked through in 2025.
The Shepherd Park Team has continued to grow and develop its vision of the site as an asset of which the District can be proud. Income from external campers has continued to grow this year, and the team have received very positive feedback from visiting groups.
Faversham District Scout Council
Page 6 of 12
DISTRICT TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
Financial Review
The District reports a cash surplus for the year of £451 (2024 deficit: £5,106) The District's investment and savings reserves stood at £166,504 (2024: £161,352) at the year end. The full annual accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025 are appended to this report.
Reserves Policy
The District's policy on free reserves (unrestricted general funds less any illiquid assets) is explained fully in the Financial Controls Policy, last reviewed and adopted on 13 November 2024. Sufficient funds will be held to enable the District to operate for 18 months without income as a minimum.
The District Trustees have the authority to vary the level of Reserve below the minimum and will note in meeting minutes the reason for such variation together with the plan and timescale to increase to the minimum level.
Reserves will be kept in a separate, interest-bearing bank account or similar low-risk product. Movement out of the Reserves bank account will only be undertaken with majority approval of Trustees. At 31 March 2025 there were approximately 48 months' operational expenditure available as free reserves.
Investment Policy
The District is in the very fortunate position to have been the recipient of several very significant legacies over the years. What remains of these legacies are held in a 35-day notice interest bearing bank account. Units that remain invested in a St James' Place property fund cannot be accessed until the temporary suspension on withdrawals has been lifted. At 31 March 2025 this had a value of £19,602.
It is District policy to avoid using this capital for day to day purposes, instead reserving it for key projects such as the development of Shepherd Park. Funds will not be deposited into or withdrawn from the investment or savings accounts without the approval of the District Trustee Board.
The District Trustee Board approved this report on 27 June 2025.
Signed on behalf of the District Trustee Board
Trevor Martin District Chair
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••··••················· Simon Moore District Lead Volunteer
Faversham District Scout Council
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF FAVERSHAM DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL
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Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Faversham District Scout Council
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Faversham District Scout Council for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Faversham District Scout Council 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 Faversham District Scout Council 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Faversham District Scout Council as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed,
David Wallis ACA
Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales DJW Accounts Consulting Ltd 8, 3 Chivalry Road London, SW11 1HT
Date:
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Faversham District Scout Council
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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| Receipts Admin ESU monthly fees (via bank and cash) Donations Fundraising Grants Red Panda gift aid Shepherd Park campers Shepherd Park session fees Shepherd Park utilities Buildings insurance Badge sales Red Panda: other income Bank interest World Scout Jamboree income |
2025 Unrestricted £ 390 - 1,545 - - - 7,608 3,900 3,777 2,682 360 - 4,248 - |
2025 Restricted £ - - - - 2,500 - - - - - - - - - |
2025 Designated £ - 4,512 - - - 355 - - - - - - - - |
£ 390 4,512 1,545 - 2,500 355 7,608 3,900 3,777 2,682 360 - 4,248 - Total |
2024 Total £ - 3,786 4,770 412 - 175 5,685 - - 3,453 - 194 1,298 2,400 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camps and Activities | |||||
| Whole District activities Young Leaders activities Explorer activities Scout activities Cub activities Beaver activities Total Receipts Payments Capitation paid to county for ESUs Utilities Buildings insurance Shepherd Park maintenance Shepherd Park development Badges Admin Legal costs Red Panda: GoCardless fees Golden Lions: GoCardless fees 4th Faversham Squirrels set-up costs |
392 - - 864 1,761 1,598 29,124 - 3,684 4,296 11,795 - 390 799 - - - 1,500 |
- 3,000 - - - - 5,500 - - - - 1,511 - - - - - |
- - 1,980 - - - 6,847 1,850 - - - - - - 95 8 - |
392 3,000 1,980 864 1,761 1,598 41,470 1,850 3,684 4,296 11,795 1,511 390 799 - 95 8 1,500 |
403 500 1,884 - 4,945 617 30,521 2,112 8,777 4,083 9,124 - 60 258 600 66 - |
| Camps and Activities | |||||
| Whole District activities Young Leader activities Explorer activities Scout activities Cub activities Beaver activities |
392 - 714 864 1,860 1,324 |
- 1,689 - - - - |
- - 3,999 - - - |
392 1,689 4,713 864 1,860 1,324 |
430 195 2,924 - 5,032 676 |
| Capital Movement | |||||
| Transfer to savings Total Payments Net of receipts/(payments) Transfer between accounts Cash funds at 31st March 2024 Cash funds at 31st March 2025 |
4,248 31,866 (2,742) 1,724 (1,018) 9,996 8,978 |
- 3,200 2,300 - 2,300 805 3,105 |
- 5,953 894 (1,724) (831) 7,602 6,771 |
4,248 41,019 451 - 451 18,402 18,853 |
1,291 35,628 (5,107) - (5,107) 23,509 |
| 18,402 |
Faversharn Distrirt Scout Council Page9 of 12 STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIÉSAS AT 31 MARCH 2025 2025 2025 2025 Unro8trl¢t RMtrlct•d Designat•d 2025 Total 2024 Tot•1 Monètary A88et• District bank a¢¢ounl Shepherd Park aecounl Golden Lions ESU account Golden Lions ESU cash Red Pandas ESU account Scottish Widows deposit account Expense cards 4.925 3.827 3,105 1.526 9,556 3,827 1,590 10.633 1.380 1,645 22 3.893 241 587 18.401 1,590 2,769 2.769 241 870 18,853 241 143 9.135 727 6,613 3.105 Other Monotary A•••ts St James, Place Investment (see note 41 Natwesl Interest-tearing saving$ Badges receivable Shepherd Pa fees receNable Cub and Beaver activittes receivable Ub'litses receivable 19.062 146.992 19,062 146,992 25.309 136.043 188 30 122 4.721 166,413 166.054 166.054 Monetsry Llabllltl•$ Final KIJ payment for Golden Lions 950 950 950 950 1,744 1,744 Ass•ts r•taln•d lor tho Charlty'¥ own u Land and buildings (see note 51 Shepherd Park development Isee note 61 Badge and scarf stock Stamp ¢o11gdion {see note 101 104,231 135,789 657 200 240.877 104,231 135.789 657 200 240.877 104.231 135.789 280 1,140 241.440 The Trustees ol Faversham "SIn"ct Scoul clAc11 approved this report on 27 June 2025. Signed on behalf of the Trustees rev artJ"n Distncl Chair &"mon Moore 'strict Lead Vc4unleer
Faversham District Scout Council
Page 10 of 12
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
1 Accounting Policies Basis of Accounting
The Accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 and the Receipts and Payment framework for small noncompany UK charities.
The Trustees consider the charity to be a going concern, and this assessment is reflected in the method of preparation of these accounts. When considering this assessment, the Trustees have considered a period of no less than twelve months from the date of signature of these accounts.
2 Funds
The general fund represents the funds of the District that are not subject to any restriction regarding their use and are available for application to the general purpose of the District.
Restricted funds represent monies donated to the District for a specific purpose.
The accounts include monetary transactions, assets and liabilities for which the District Trustees can be held responsible.
Subject to the above, Receipts and Payments include income as received and expenditure when irrevocably paid.
3 Statement of Assets and Liabilities
The following assets are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:
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Any amount owing to the charity
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Closing bank and cash balances as shown in the receipts and payments account.
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Monetary assets invested to generate interest
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Assets retained for the charity's own use
The following liabilities are recognised in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities:
• Creditors for goods and services where the supply has been received or relates to the period ended 31 March 2025.
- Monies received in advance relating to following year.
4 Invested Funds
The savings and investments earn interest and dividends and these are accumulated in the portfolio. On the basis that there is effectively a substanial unrealised gain during the year the Trustees have again taken the view that it is not appropriate in 2024-5 to reflect the accumlated income and unrealised gain as a receipt but add them to the value of the savings and investments. The comparative figures have been amended to be consistent.
The value of the invested funds increases and decreases with market price flucuations. The Trustees consider it would be appropriate to reflect such variations in value in the accounts until such time time as they have materialised through a sale. At 31 March 2025 the market value of the investments was £19,062.
The majority of the investment funds are held in a NatWest 35-day notice interest-bearing account to enable easier access and management of the funds.
Faversham District Scout Council
Page 11 of 12
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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5 Land and Buildings
Faversham District Scout Council owns three freehold properties within the district, all of which are used on a regular basis for scouting activities. Ownership has come about by way of gift or from funds gifted for the purpose. The figure in the accounts is an historic book figure and includes monies spent on improvements. It has not changed for a number of years and does not reflect the value of the properties. The District Trustees have sought without success to obtain a valuation of the properties without incurring valuation fees. Given that there is no plan to dispose of any of the properties or use their value for any other purposes, the Trustees are of the opinion that knowledge of their value would have little more than curiosity value. As such the expenditure of valuable scout funds on such an exercise is not considered to be necessary.
Values for insurance purposes are kept under review and cover at the 2024 renewal was set at £1,551,573.45.
6 Shepherd Park Development
The figure comprises the construction costs of the north field toilet block plus architect fees, planning applications and similar costs, and the cost of fundraising.
7 Restricted Funds
| Fire pit/campfire circles grants YL start-up grant YL programme activity grant Restricted Funds |
Balance 01.04.2024 £ 500 305 - 805 |
Income £ 2,500 - 3,000 5,500 |
Expenses £ (1,511) (305) (1,384) (3,200) |
Balance 31.03.2025 £ 1,489 - 1,616 3,105 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Restricted funds comprise a £500 grant provided by County (2022) for the erection of a fire pit at Shepherd Park and a £2,500 grant from KCC for campfire circles (October 2024); a start-up grant for a Young Leader unit (£500 February 2024, £305 remaining by 31 March 2024) and a programme activity grant for Young Leaders (£3,000, received April 2024).
8 Designated Funds
| Network Golden Lions ESU Red Pandas ESU Young Leaders |
Balance 01.04.2024 £ 1,302 1,868 4,210 224 7,604 |
Income £ - 4,056 2,790 - 6,847 |
Expenses £ - (4,022) (2,097) - (6,119) |
Transfer £ - - (1,724) - (1,724) |
Balance 31.03.2025 £ 1,302 1,901 3,185 224 6,612 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A historical expense, owed by Golden Lions to Mrs D Austin for a camp (£714) was paid from the District bank account because there was insufficient capital in the Golden Lions account. Therefore this sum will be transferred between the accounts in instalments during 2025-6 and is not recognised above.
The Red Panda expense card was used to purchase items for a District project (£147.69), therefore this will be refunded in 2025.
Faversham District Scout Council
Page 12 of 12
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025
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9 Trustees remuneration
Trustees were not paid any remuneration during the year (2024: Nil).
10 Contingent Asset
The Faversham District Scout Council is the beneficary of a legacy from the estate of the late Alan Swan, a long time scout leader who died 20 March 2021. The legacy comprised his entire stamp collection which has been sold in a number of lots at auction, raising a net total of £1,415.88 at 31 March 2025. There remains a few unsold lots which will continue to go into future auctions until sold. The remaining lots are therefore now recognised as a non-monetary asset of value £200.