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2024-12-31-accounts

Patron HM King Charles III Joint Presidents HRH The Duke of Kent; HRH Duchess of Cambridge Founder Robert Baden-Powell OM Chief Scout Dwayne Fields

Scout Council District Registration Number: 14119; Registered Charity: 289912

Trustees’ Annual Report

and

Financial Statements

for the year ending

31[st] December 2024

to

Richmond upon Thames District Scout Council

County of Greater London South West RICHMOND UPON THAMES DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Registered Charity No 289912

Annual General Meeting

Sunday 14th September 2025 at 2:00pm

1[st] Whitton HQ., Kerswell Hall, Wills Crescent, Hounslow

Agenda

1 .Welcome

  1. Apologies for absence

  2. Minutes of last year’s AGM

  3. Reports--District Chairman

  4. --District Treasurer

  5. --District Secretary

  6. Approval of District Reports, Annual Report and Financial Statements for year ending 31[st] .December 2024

6. Report on the constitutional changes

7. Election of District Trustees & Officers

9. AOB

Page 2

Richmond upon Thames District Scout Council

Patron HM King Charles III Joint Presidents HRH The Duke of Kent; HRH Duchess of Cambridge Founder Robert Baden-Powell OM Chief Scout Dwayne Fields

Scout Council District Registration Number: 14119; Registered Charity: 289912

Annual General Meeting

Sunday 15th September 2024 at 2:00pm The Hub, Kerswell Hall, Wills Crescent, Hounslow

1. WELCOME:

District Chair, Jill Fielder, welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Jill welcomed Gillian Norton Deputy Lieutenant for Richmond upon Thames; Mayor Richard Pyne; Mayoress Helen Pyne; our County Commissioner, Owen Purcell; President Deborah Miles; Vice Presidents, Penny Bell-Wright and Linda Grantham.

Jill then told meeting that we had lost 2 long standing members this year.

Robin Corti, who had had many roles within the District and County and was the President of Richmond upon Thames District Scouts.

Shirley Sainsbury-Brown, who had been a volunteer and fund raiser, at 1[st] Hampton Hill, 7[th] Hampton and been District Badge Secretary for 40 years. They will both be sadly missed.

Jill introduced our new President, Mrs. Deborah Miles

Tony Arbour has resigned his post as Vice President but continues to support the District.

Phil Hunt then gave a presentation about the Transformation and what it means for our volunteers.

2. ATTENDANCE and APOLOGIES

Scout Council Members in attendance – 69

Formal apologies for absence received from: Tony Arbour, Guy Jones, Alex Petty, Karin Noble, Charlie Grantham, Alan Juriansz, Paul Fitchett, Rochelle Westropp, Caron Fretten-Shelley, Chris Sanders, Sara Elvin, Dominic Evans, Phil Beal, Suman Lall, Annabelle Allen, Alan Stacy, Mandy King, David O’Connor, Andrew Bell-Wright, Clive Scoggins.

3. MINUTES OF 2023 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

These were included in the Trustees’ Annual Report and were agreed and adopted.

4. APPROVAL OF ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2023

The District Annual Report had been distributed before the Meeting and had been made available online on the District website. There were no questions arising and the Report was approved.

Page 3

5. APPROVAL OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDING 31st DECEMBER 2023

The Annual Report included the Financial Statements for 2023. The accounts had been signed off by our Auditor without any concerns. There were no questions for the Treasurer. The District Financial Statements were approved.

6. Constitutional matters

6.1 Constitution

Further to the discussions arising from some questions raised at last year’s AGM, the District Board of Trustees recommended that Richmond upon Thames District Scout Council adopts the Model Constitution without modifications or additions as described in the Scout Association’s Policy, Organisation and Rules Chapter 5.5 and specifically paragraphs 5.5.2 through to paragraph 5.5.9

This was motion was adopted by the Scout Council by show of hands and with no dissent.

6.2 Quorum for the District Scout Council

The Scout Council is required to approve and record the minimum number of Scout Council Members required to approve important decisions needed by our Charity including the appointment of Trustees. The in view of the size of our District, the Board of Trustees recommends that number (the minimum number to be quorate) to be 21 Members .

This was motion was adopted by the Scout Council by show of hands.

6.3 Number of Trustees

The Board of Trustees recommended to the Scout Council that the Board should comprise of no less than 6 (six) Trustees and no more than 8 (eight) Trustees including two ex-officio members this year.

This was motion was adopted by the Scout Council by show of hands.

7. ELECTION OF DISTRICT TRUSTEES

The Chairman thanked the departing Trustees for their contributions. Stepping down were: Pam Dixon, Ian Hardy, Nigel Waine, Keith Wincott, Sarah Kershaw, Aaron Gibbons-Mirat, Felix Stapleton, Ellis Madle, Donna Wilson and Roger Stanley (Ossie).

The Board of Trustees proposed that the following applicants should be elected by the Scout Council as Trustees for Richmond upon Thames District for up to 3 years:

This was motion was adopted by the Scout Council by show of hands.

It was noted that Phil Hunt, the District Lead Volunteer ( formally known as the District Commissioner ) is a Trustee by virtue of his office (ex-officio), as is one named Youth Lead ( formally known as a District Youth Commissioner ). One of the two current Youth Leads will be appointed post meeting.

The Meeting also noted that Gill Brewer will attend Trustee meetings as an Aide-de-Camp to keep notes and publish minutes as a matter of record as required.

The Meeting also noted that Alan Brewer will represent this District at the GLSW County Board of Trustees,

8. ELECTION OF AUDITOR

Chandrasih Sisodia, a professional accountant, who had examined and approved the accounts for 2023, is prepared to examine our accounts again next year.

His election as Independent Examiner was agreed at the meeting.

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9. FROM OUR GUESTS

9.1 Gillian Norton - Deputy Lieutenant of Richmond upon Thames

Gillian thanked the Scout District for inviting her each year. She said that enjoyed hearing how the Scouts in the District are enjoying their experience and thanked all of the volunteers for their devotion to the young people of Richmond upon Thames.

9.2 Councillor Richard Pyne - The Mayor of Richmond upon Thames

Thanked the meeting for his invitation. He was glad to hear of the success of Scouting in Richmond upon Thames and thanked all the volunteers for their hard work. He felt honoured to be the Mayor as the whole Borough had lots of volunteers in all sectors.

9.3 Owen Purcell – County Lead Volunteer, Greater London South West

Owen Purcell started by paying tribute to all the Trustees, in particular the Chair. Richmond upon Thames is the largest District in the County. He highlighted the Leaders’ achievements and the impact they had on Young Peoples’ lives.

Owen then mentioned the national Transition occurring this year. He stated that job titles do not matter as we still do the same for young people. He finished by thanking, on behalf of young people, all of our volunteers for all they do.

AWARDS

Owen began by saying the first awards he presented were always a pleasure to reward people who had served the Scouts for so long.

The following Awards were also presented:

Finally, Owen paid tribute to the following volunteers who received the highest award Scouting can offer for especially outstanding and distinguished Good Service:

Owen congratulated all those receiving Awards.

10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Jill thanked 1[st] Whitton for the use of their hall. She also thanked Tim and his team who were outside providing our refreshments.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 15.45

Page 5

Annual Report, and Financial Statements

REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Governing Document Royal Charter 4th January 1912, as amended 19 July 1991

Objectives To promote 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.

President: Mrs. Deborah Miles

Vice Presidents: Cllr Alan Juriansz to15[th] Sept. 2024 Cllr Tony Arbour, JP MLA Mrs Penelope Bell-Wright from 15[th] Sept. 2024 Ms. Linda Grantham

Trustees

All served from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024 unless noted. Details regarding recruitment/appointment and training of Trustees are shown under Governance & Management.

Philippe Hunt District Lead Volunteer
Barbara Jill Fielder District Chairman
Timothy Anthony Grebot Deputy Lead Volunteer
Patrick Leopold Ducker District Treasurer
Alan Paul Brewer Representative on GLSW Exec.
Gillian Annette Deputy Treasurer
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Pamela Dixon District Secretary
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Nigel Jeremy Waine Training Manager
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Ian Robert Hardy Appointments Secretary
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Keith Meredith Wincott Growth & Development
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Ellis Madle District Youth Commissioner
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Felix Stapleton District Youth Commissioner
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Gillian Margaret Brewer Nominated by District Commissioner
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Roger Albert “Ossie” Stanley Special Missions
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Donna Wilson Risk Assessment Officer
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Aaron Gibbons-Mirat District Network Commissioner
To 15
thSept.		 2024 Sarah Louise Kershaw Co-Opted

District Registration Number with the Scout Council: 14119 Charity Registration Number : 289912 Bankers : National Westminster Bank, CAF Bank Ltd. West Malling, Kent Custodian Trustee Scout Association Trust Corporation Custodian Adviser None Website: www.richmondscouts.org.uk Principal Address: Mrs B.J. Fielder, Chairman, Richmond upon Thames District Scout Council, 79 Wills Crescent, Hounslow, TW3 2JE

Telephone: 020 8755 0373 Email: chair@richmondscouts.org.uk

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STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Richmond upon Thames District Scout Council is separate educational charity within the Scouts’ federated structure and affiliated to the County of Greater London South West Scout Council (GLSW), and to the Scout Association . The rules under which the District Council operate are authorised by the Bye-Laws of the Scout Association, known as Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR), which, in turn, are authorised by the Royal Charter.

The District Council acts as an umbrella organisation to the individual Scout Groups operating within its geographical area, who are separate educational charities, and subject to the same rules. The District Council directly administers the Explorer Scout Units within its area, as well as other District organisations.

All those joining any of the Scout Groups, Units or other organisations which operate within the remit of the District Council become members of the Scout Association.

The District Scout Council is the electoral body of adults which supports Scouting in the district and it is from that body that the District Board of Trustees is nominated/elected/co-opted and to which the District Board of Trustees is accountable.

Governance and Management

The District Lead Volunteer, formerly known as the District Commissioner (DC) is appointed by the County Lead Volunteer, a member of GLSW.

The District Chairman, District Secretary and Treasurer are elected at the Annual General Meeting.

Following discussions and agreement at the 2021 Annual Conference, further members of the District Council can be seconded for their specific role, skills, knowledge or experience.

Under the Scout Association Policy, Organisation and Rules (POR), the DC can nominate further members of the District Board of Trustees, for approval at the Annual General Meeting. The number of Trustees must number between 5 and 9.

Representatives of the leaders of each stage of Scouting are elected by their colleagues, as members of the District Operations Committee.

All members of the District Board of Trustees are subject to Enhanced Clearance by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (previously the CRB) and are given training appropriate for their post by the District Training Officer or his/her nominee.

The Trustees making up the Richmond upon Thames District Board of Trustees meet at least six times a year, and are responsible for:

  1. Ensuring that the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit

  2. The maintenance of District Property

  3. The raising of funds and administration of District finance

  4. The insurance of persons, property and equipment

  5. Supporting the development of Scouting on District public occasions

  6. Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support

  7. Appointing any sub-committees that may be appropriate

  8. Appointing any District Administrators and Advisers other than those who are elected.

Day to day decisions affecting the operation of the affiliated Scout Groups are made by the District Commissioner, after appropriate consultation.

Day to day administration decisions are made by the Chairman, after appropriate consultation.

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STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Trust. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the District Council and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The Trustees are also responsible for the preparation of the Annual Report and Financial Statements in accordance with the Bye-Laws of the Scout Association and the Charity Commissioners.

These require the District Board of Trustees to select and apply suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently, to make reasonable and prudent judgements, and to prepare financial statements on the “going concern” basis for each financial year in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Charities SORP 2005).

Each Scout Group is an educational charity in its own right and must produce Group accounts in line with the reporting procedures. Some Groups are also registered charities, in which case they must produce Group accounts in line with the reporting procedures and provide an annual report to the Charity Commission.

The Financial Statements are subject to Independent Examination by a suitably qualified person.

RISK AND CORPORATE MATTERS

The Trustees take a cautious approach to risk. To that end they have taken steps to identify the major risks to which the District and Groups are exposed and taken necessary steps to mitigate them.

Individual members of the Scout Association are automatically covered by insurance through payment, by the District Council on their behalf, of capitation.

Risk Management Register.

Following the adoption of the Risk Management Register prior to the AGM in 2015, further meetings have been held to determine the appropriate steps that needed to be taken to mitigate the risks concerned. The Register will continue to be reviewed annually. It was last reviewed by the Finance & General Purposes Committee in June 2024 and the updated version agreed by the District Council at their subsequent meeting that month. A summary of the actions that have or are to be taken are shown below:

Page 8

Risk Management Register as at June 2024

Potential risk Potential impact Potential impact Steps to mitigate risk Actions
Highly Damaging Potential Risks (High Likelihood & High Impact)
Trustees' fail to understand and
correctly conduct their
responsibilities
Damage to reputation of
Richmond upon Thames Scout
Council

Loss of charitable status		  Provide and maintain
training for trustees
specific to that role.
Training Manager to maintain training for all
members

Whistleblowing Policy and County contact
published.
Very Damaging Potential Risks (Moderate Likelihood & High Impact)
Breach of Child Protection
Legislation
Reputational Damage

Legal penalties

Action for negligence.		  Training
 Clearance of Volunteers
 Monitoring of adherence
to POR
Status tracked and reviewed regularly as part of
District meetings

Clearance through Disclosure and Barring Service
(DBS) organized by Appointments Secretary

DC to instruct GSLs to regularly run a Group
Disclosure report on the Compass membership
system and to act on the results to ensure that no
adult volunteer is without a current DBS clearance.

Adherence POR is the responsibility of individuals.
Use of POR should be included in training. NB Full
generic Job Descriptions, guidance ande-learning
modulesare available for all posts from
http://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources .
Damaging Potential Risks (Moderate Likelihood & Moderate Impact)
Loss of key staff resulting in
inability to run scouting across
the District
Experience or skills lost.		  Succession planning.
Chairman & DC identify key post holders and risk to
District of such loss. Register is held by District
Secretary. To be reviewed annually after the AGM

Updates voted on at AGM

Page 9

Failure to recruit sufficient
numbers of adult volunteers to
run scouting across the District
Inability to meet demand for
scouting.		  Ongoing recruitment
campaigns.
Appointment of ADC for Adult Support.
Delays or failures in Project or
service development
Compatibility with objects,
plans and priorities.

Funding and financial viability.

Project viability.

Skills availability.		  Project appraisal and
costing procedures.
 Authorisation procedures.
 Monitoring and reporting
procedures.
District Projects to be defined and identified, with
named officer responsible.

Authorisation, including financial exposure, thru’
District Exec.

Project officer to report to District Exec.
Budgetary control and financial
reporting
Budget does not match key
objectives and priorities.

Decisions made on inaccurate
financial projections or
reporting.

Decisions made based on
unreliable costing data.

Inability to meet
commitments or key
objectives.		  Budgets linked to business
planning and objectives.
 Timely and accurate
monitoring and reporting.
 Proper costing procedures
for product or service
delivery.
 Adequate skills base to
produce and interpret
budgetary and financial
reporting.
 Financial Committee put
in place
 Treasurer’s reports
reviewed at every District
Executive Meeting
Lack of routine annual expenditure makes budgeting
inappropriate except for specific projects. (see
below)

Detailed financial report circulated at each meeting
of District Exec.

Requests for payment to fall under “expected
expenditure” or to be specifically authorised by
Exec.

All expenditure, including claim for expenses, to be
properly documented and authorised by two officers
of Exec.

Appointment of financial officers capable of
responsibility.

Page 10

Fund raising activities are
insufficient to meet needs of
the District and have an impact
on the ability to run scouting
across the District
Insufficient to meet
outgoings.

Damage to reputation for
inappropriate methods.

Breach of law and regulations.		  Budget for income and
expenditure requirements
and monitor.
 Follow Scout Association
guidance.
Fund raising should be linked to District Projects, be
“low key”, and be monitored by Project Officer,
appointed by District Executive, to ensure adherence
to guidelines etc.
Failure to follow POR of the
Scout Association
Invalidation of insurance
cover.

Reputational Damage.		  Monitor compliance
 Breaches to be reported
to DC for urgent action.
 Risk and Governance
Trustee appointed in 2021
 Status reported at Council
meetings
Adherence to POR is the responsibility of individuals.
Use of POR should be included in training.

NB. Full generic Job Descriptions, guidance ande-
learning modulesare available for all posts from
http://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources

NB. District specific variations and additions to be
agreed by District Executive.
Delays or failures in Project or
service development
Compatibility with objects, plans
and priorities.

Funding and financial viability.

Project viability.

Skills availability.
Project appraisal and
costing procedures.

Authorisation procedures.

Monitoring and reporting
procedures.
District Projects to be defined and identified, with named
officer responsible.

Authorisation, including financial exposure, through
District Exec.

Project officer to report to District Exec.
Impact of Covid on District
Inability to maintain scouting in
District due to Covid outbreaks
amongst leaders or young people
All Government guidelines
adhered to and
communicated through UK
Scouts association
Continue to train GSL’s and leaders on Risk assessments

Page 11

District Scout Shop (Operation)
Purchases not paid for

Loss of cash or cheques at
Shop due to fraud, theft or
mistakes

Inability to account for
imbalance in Petty Cash/ cash
held

Loss of stock (fire, water
damage, theft)

Stock loss in excess of that
insurance

Out of date specialty stock
resulting in unsaleable stock

Normal stock redundant due
to design changes resulting in
unsaleable stock

Inability to operate shop due
to staff shortages or sickness
Payment processed prior
to delivery

Electronic payment
accepted as priority

Minimise cash held by
using Card for small
payments

Maintain insurance
cover

Monitor stock level &
cover

Monitor demand and
likely end date for
special items

Monitor design dates,
stock levels and possible
changes

Maintain list of possible
volunteers and ensure
they are trained.

Page 12

INVESTMENT POLICY

The Trustees cautious approach to risk extends to its investments, and its reserves are only placed with highly secure, low risk funds. Day-to-day funds are kept with banks which are authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and in which eligible balances are protected up to a total of £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Cash is held for the shortest possible time before being paid into a bank.

Surplus funds are deposited in interest bearing accounts with authorised Building Societies.

By investing funds through the COIF Charities Deposit Fund, the Trustees seek to benefit from their published social, ethical and environmental investment policies.

RESERVES POLICY

It is the intention of the District Council to hold sufficient reserves in cash and short-term investments to:

Page 13

OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES, ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

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

District Development and Growth Plans

As announced at the 2024 District Conference, District Development has focused on 3 key areas this year:

The transformation in the way that adults volunteer in the Scouts is still in progress.

To support the new team structures (which included new role titles) and a completely revised learning programme for all adults, The Scout Association launched a whole new digital membership system which, it was hoped, would simplify the career path of every individual adult volunteer by providing a single digital portal where volunteers could manage their own learning programmes, permits, approvals, enquiries, role applications as well as access to a powerful data search facility.

Whilst some of its objectives were met (the learning portal works well for individuals), the digital system launched in December 2024 was – and still is – substantially flawed in its design and functionality and has had a significant negative impact on volunteer line managers and team leaders whose workload has increased considerably as a result. The Scout Association continues to work on system improvements over the next year or two.

Consequently, parts of the transformation programme has led to the loss of a number of adult volunteers – some because of the new and necessary hard stance regarding safety and other training compliance and others because of the additional workload the digital system has introduced. The Scout Association has apologised for the latter.

On a positive note, the changes will definitely result in a stronger and better trained team of volunteers that our youth membership and their parents can trust and rely on.

These administrative changes have had little direct impact on youth members – Scouting in this District remains very popular and membership continues to grow.

Indeed the uptake of Duke of Edinburgh Awards so far this year has reached record levels and the District Team continues to provide and improve a plethora pf District organised events and activities including camps, outings, excursions, hikes, competitions, parties, badge days and outdoor skills sessions which are the envy of many other Districts.

Page 14

The purpose of The Board of Trustees

The Board is responsible for finances, governance & compliance and to uphold our charity’s objectives. The Board also supports the District Lead Volunteer (formally the District Commissioner) and his team to fulfill their responsibilities and objectives.

In order to ensure year on year improvement in priority areas, the District Board of Trustees sets objectives, goals and targets and measures performance.

Consequently, all members of the District Team are appointed to monitor and report on certain aspects of governance and compliance directly to the Board as follows:

*District Treasurer and Deputy are also Board Trustees

Mandatory training has achieved 100% compliance on numerous occasions, issues arising from incomplete or late DBS disclosures are now minimal, there is good evidence that our risks are being well managed and the continued focus on Development ensures sustained growth. These and other performance indicators will be presented at the annual Conference in September 2024.

Census returns:

The continued effort by all of our volunteers across the District has meant that youth membership is still increasing year on year and maintains an all-time record high.

As at January 2025 2024 2024 2024 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Youth members 2,468 2,305 2,270 2,218 1,937 2,209 2,197 2,081 2,056

The numbers of volunteers, spilt here by the Programme Delivery teams (e.g. uniformed Leaders) and Support team personnel maintains a good pattern of growth

As at January 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017
Programme delivery 589 465 442 404 365 366 335 349 368
Support personnel 251 261 215 236 221 243 227 161 174

Page 15

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Under Scouting’s Policy Organisation and Rules (POR), revised in May 2021, the District Council is directly responsible for the activities of any District Activities that it authorises, including the District Scout (Uniform & Badge) Shop, together with all Explorer Units, the District Network and District Fellowship. The financial records for all these have therefore been consolidated with those of the District Council in the preparation of this report.

Although, under POR, Explorer Units are responsible for deciding their own financial activities, many have an arrangement, formal or informal, with a Scout Group to have use of the latter’s premises at a cost and for the Scout Group to handle the banking and record keeping.

At their meeting on November 15[th] 2012 the Trustees and Executive Committee of the Richmond District Scout Council, agreed to merge the Charity “ 6[th] Richmond (Lady Archers Own) Scout Group ” with the Charity “ Richmond upon Thames District Scout Council” . with effect from 1[st] April 2012. This merger was subsequently approved by the Charity Commission. The accounts have been consolidated with those of the District Council.

As the balances at the Bank exceeded the £85k limit for protection under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, the Executive Committee agreed to transfer £85k into a Business Instant Saver Account at the Nationwide Building Society. Subsequently a Corporate Bond was purchased from the Saffron Building Society for £85k

The District Executive agreed to support the construction of a new Scout Hut (Phoenix II) at Petersham and Ham by a grant of £25k and a loan of £50k, repayable over 10 years at nominal interest. The loan was transferred on 27[th] August 2020. Petersham & Ham SG completed repayment on 18[th] May 2024.

A request for help with major roof repairs to their Hut was received from 3[rd] Whitton, and an grant of £3k. and an interest-free loan of £7k over 10 years was agreed. The funds were transferred on 12[th] September 2019. A further loan of £480 was agreed to enable the creation of a new website. Subsequently it was agreed to write off £3k of the loan, in recognition of the extra costs incurred by 3[rd] Whitton by the establishment of 3[rd] Heathfield in the same accommodation.

At their meeting on 30th June 2020, the District Executive Council accepted the proposal, put forward by the District Commissioner, to establish a Uniform Shop with its own Bank Account based at the District Headquarters. During 2024 the Badge Shop was combined with the Uniform Shop. Sales were made by mail order, using the District Website. A physical shop was opened to allow purchasers to view, buy and collect items. It is intended to operate these arrangements on two occasions a week.

The surplus from both Shops would be transferred to General Funds.

The District Board of Trustees are planning to organize a District International Camp in Poland at the same time, and within easy travelling distance of the 26th World Scout Jamboree 2027.to be held near Gdańsk in the Pomorskie region, from 30 July to 8 August 2027.

In the Summer of 2025, the District Leadership organised and backed financially, a major camp at PACCAR Chalfont St Peter, open to all members of the District, the duration of their visits dependent on the age of the attendees. The theme was “Happy Birthday”. Around 350 Scouts from Richmond attended the Camp.

In common with other parts of the Scout Association, the District Council depends on a significant number of adults giving freely of their time and expertise. The total amount of time given in 2024, similar to that in earlier years, is estimated as

Management &
Leadership of
District Council		 Support of the
operation of District
Council		 Management &
Leadership of
ExplorerUnits		 Regular Activities
of Explorer Units		 Overnight Camps
& Activities of
ExplorerUnits
4,200 Hours 5,300 Hours 450 Hours 1,400 Hours 260 Days

.

Page 16

Independent examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Richmond upon Thames District Scout Council

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31[st] December 2024, which are set out on pages 18 to 25.

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

Chandrasih Sisodia FCCA

Page 17

RICHMOND UPON THAMES DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended

31st December 2024 31st December 2024 31st December 2023 31st December 2023 31st December 2022 31st December 2022
Total Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted Total Unrestricted Restricted
Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds Funds
Movements in Cash & Bank
Total Incoming Resources 208,499 180,574 27,925 306,786 165,917 140,869 243,461 159,038 84,423
Total Outgoing Resources 197,876 157,083 40,793 293,196 155,358 137,837 160,422 123,733 36,689
expended in furtherance of charitable activities ------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net Incoming (Outgoing) Resources 10,623 23,491 (12,868) 13,590 10,559 3,031 83,039 35,305 47,734
Non Cash Activities
Gains (losses) on Investment Assets 3,500 3,500 13,041 13,041 (20,405) (20,405)
Increase/(Decrease) in Long Term Debtors (2,550) (2,550) 480 480 (48,750) (48,750)
Addition to Investment Assets (at cost)
Addition to Fixed Assets - - - -
Depreciation of Fixed Assets - - (6,349) (6,349) (6,351) (6,351)
Change in value of Stock in Hand (Badges) - - (1,502) (1,502) (4,227) (4,227)
Change in value of Stock in Hand (Uniforms) 678 678 6,962 6,962 2,399 2,399
------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Net Movement in Funds 12,251 27,669 (15,418) 26,222 22,711 3,511 5,706 6,722 (1,016)
Funds Brought Forward 630,369 604,484 25,885 604,146 581,772 22,374 597,989 574,599 23,390
------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------- ------------------- ------------------- -------------------
Funds Carried Forward 642,620 632,153 10,467 630,369 604,484 25,885 603,695 581,321 22,374

Page 18

RICHMOND UPON THAMES DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

BALANCE SHEET

Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
District HQ @ Kerswell Hall b/f
Depreciation (straight line) over 10 Years
Total Tangible Assets
Investments (COIF Charities Investment Fund)
Richmond District Scout Council
6th Richmond Scouting Centre
Total Fixed Assets
Current Assets
Badge Stock
Uniform Stock in Hand
Scout Association Short term Investment (CLOSED)
6th Richmond Scouting Centre - Deposit Fund
Cash at bank and in hand
District Council - Natwest Current Account
District Council - Natwest Reserve Account
District Council - CAF Current Account
District Council - Nationwide Business Instant Savers
District Council - Saffron Building Society Corporate Bond
District Council - Shop CAF & PayPalAccount
6th Richmond Scouting Centre - Current Account
Explorers & Explorer Units
Other Scout Units
Total for Cash at bank & in hand
Accrued Income
Current Debtors (Scout Groups)
Total Current Assets
less
Total Current Liabilities
Net Current Assets
Net Assets
Represented by
General Fund
Total B/f
6th Richmond Scouting Centre - Unrestricted Funds
Surplus/(Deficit) on Year
Restricted Funds
Signed		 As at 31/12/24 As at 31/12/24 As at 31/12/23 As at 31/12/23 As at 31/12/22 As at 31/12/22
£
0		 £
( 0 )
158,457		 £
£
6,349
(6,349 )
0
123,255
31,702
154,957
18,408
-
26,379		 £
£
12,699
(6,351 )
6,349
112,882
29,034
141,915
1,502
11,446
6,630
26,379
67,211
10,243
76,405
85,236
1,529
94,966
47,641
21,786
405,017
7,000
457,974
2,093
455,881
604,146
485,405
89,645
6,722
581,772
604,146
126,039
32,418
19,086
26,379		 112,882
29,034
No of Units
6,210.86
1,597.46
1,502
11,446
6,630
26,379
110,500
10,494
38,218
88,538
85,245
10,200
27,618
55,323
8,147		 62,435
10,398
43,136
86,639
85,000
5,099
68,313
48,897
17,252		 67,211
10,243
76,405
85,236
1,529
94,966
47,641
21,786
434,283
4,930		 484,163
642,620
632,153
10,467
642,620		 427,170
7,480
479,437
(4,025 )
475,412
630,369
492,127
89,645
22,712
604,484
630,369		 405,017
7,000
484,678
515		 457,974
2,093
514,839
89,645
27,669		 492,127
89,645
22,712		 485,405
89,645
6,722
604,146
581,772
604,146

Barbara Jill Fielder, Chairman. 17th June 2025

. Patrick Leopold Ducker, Treasurer: 17th June 2025

Page 19

Income and Expenditure
Year ending 31st December 2024		 Richmond u
District Sc		 pon Thames
out Council		 Richmond upon
Consolid		 Thames District
ated Total
139,636
108,335
-
-		 31,301
62,719
44,692
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Gross Subscription Received
less
Capitation
Refunds to Units/Groups
Net Subscriptions
Voluntary Income
Funds raising for general activities
Donations
Jack Petchey Awards
Badges, Uniforms
Other income inc Gift Aid
Total Voluntary Income
Non Voluntary Income
Training Fees
Badge/Uniform Shop Income
less Badge/Uniform Expenditure
6th Richmond Scouting Centre
Interest
Investment Income
Misc Income
Total Non Voluntary Income
Total Income
Expenditure for General Scouting Activities
General Activities
Purchase of Equipment
Accomodation Costs
Transfer to Vic Dominy Fund
Transfer to International/Jamboree Fund/Major District
6th Richmond Souting Centre
Misc Expenditure
Total General Expenditure
Overhead Costs
Indirect Costs
Admin Costs
District Officers Expenses
District HQ (Kerwell Hall) Running Costs
Insurance
Training
AGM & Presentation Evening
Badges, Uniforms
Donations
I. T. Support inc OSM
Total Overhead Costs
Total Expenditure
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) on UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
RESTRICTED FUNDS
(including Designated Funds)
Income for Specific Activities
Major District Events: PACCR Camp
Fund raising & transfers for International Fund
Jamborees: District Fundraising
Polish Camp 2027
Borough Camp 2024
Air Rifle Association
Scouters (Scout Leaders)
Network
Crane Community Centre
Loans to Scout Groups, repaid/written off
Vic Dominy Fund
Gift Aid Reclaimed
Fund raising
Suspense Account/ Capitation Reserve
Toal Income for Specific Activities
Expenditure for Specific Activities
Major District Events: PACCR Camp
International Fund
Jamborees: District Fundraising
Polish Camp 2027
Borough Camp 2024
Air Rifle Association
Scouters (Scout Leaders)
Network
Crane Community Centre
Loans to Scout Groups
Specific Grants - Vic Dominy Fund
Gift Aid Repaid
Donations & Gifts from Fund Raising
Suspense Account/ Capitation Reserve
Toal Expenditure for Specific Activities
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) on RESTRICTED FUNDS
SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) on ALL FUNDS		 Event
Opening Balance
Current Balance
Opening Balance
1st January2024
5,000
7,156
1,305
( 2,500 )
5,326
( 38 )
-
( 7,480 )
3,500
-
428
5,708
18,405
Current Balance
31 December 2024
( 3,280 )
6,695
1,305
( 5,916 )
( 4,020 )
3,921
1,360
( 1,727 )
( 600 )
( 4,930 )
3,500
-
428
5,708
2,443		 126,447
108,335
-
-		 18,112
4,410
38,849
3,660
500
-
250		 52,520
1,084
2,136
435
6,544
769
27,950
6,620
3,431
80		 769
45,251
41,862
-
27,950
7,941
4,313
330
6,164
727
9,451
2,410
2,289
7,285		 60,323
4,331
14,056
2,410
2,289
10,184
3,877
61,371
28,326
15,678		 138,712
97,469
17,752
-
332
313
108
2,357
1,597
9,391
347
952
100
180		 332
1,868
108
2,357
1,597
9,391
347
1,471
100
180
-
2,289
-
14,110
1,255
1,360
665
3,000
2,410
4,757
-		 -
-
2,289
-

14,110
-
1,360

-
-

3,000
2,410
4,757
-
-
-
44,004 115,221
17,368 23,491
29,845
45,807		 27,925
40,793
Opening Balance
1st January2024
5,000
7,156
1,305
( 2,500 )
5,326
( 38 )
-
( 7,480 )
3,500
-
428
5,708
8,280
2,750
5,916
15,630
2,660
2,354
600
450
2,410
4,757
-
-		 18,405 8,280
2,750
-

5,916

15,630
-
-

-

600

450
2,410
4,757
-
-
Current Balance
31 December 2024
( 3,280 )
6,695
1,305
( 5,916 )
( 4,020 )
5,326
1,360
( 38 )
( 600 )
( 4,930 )
3,500
-
428
5,708
5,537
15,962
-		 12,868
-
1,406 10,623

Page 20

RICHMOND upon THAMES DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL

Notes to the accounts

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES

Charity Law and Scout Association Regulations require the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the District Council and of its financial activities for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the District Council and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 1985. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the District Council and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

1. Basis of Preparation

1.1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with applicable Accounting Standards including the Statement of Recommended Practice ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2005), with the Charities Act 1993 and under the historical cost accounting rules (except that investments are shown at market value)

1.2 Change in basis of accounting

There has been no change to the accounting policies (valuation rules and methods of accounting) since last year

2. Accounting policies

These accounting policies have been applied by the charity

2.1 Income

2.1 Income
Recognition of These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:
incoming the charity becomes entitled to the resources;
resources the trustees are certain they will receive the resources; and
the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Incoming resources Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fund raising or
with related contract income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are
expenditure reported gross in the SoFA.
Grants and Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has
donations unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax reclaims on
donations and gifts		 Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA when they
have been received from HMRC
Contractual income
and performance
related grants		 This is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or services have
been delivered.
Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the
charity or the amount actually realised.
Gifts in kind

Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts if their value is in excess of £500 and only when sold or distributed by the charity.

Page 21

Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.

The value of the portacabins, donated by the Borough and used as a basis for the new HQ has not been included as their value, as received, is impossible to determine

These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in Donated services resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably and facilities quantifiable, measurable and material (above £500). The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is Volunteer help described in the trustees’ annual report.

Investment income This is included in the accounts when received Investment gains This includes any gain or loss on the sale of investments and any gain or loss and losses resulting from revaluing investments to market value at the end of the year.

2.2 Expenditure And Liabilities

Liability recognition

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Depreciation is calculated to write off the cost of all tangible fixed assets, in equal annual instalments over their useful lives, normally estimated at 3 years, Depreciation from the time when the asset was first brought into use. Because the new HQ is likely to be used for a period longer than other, smaller, items, the cost will be depreciated over a period of ten years.

Include costs of the preparation and/or examination of statutory accounts and Governance costs cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

2.3 Assets

Tangible Fixed Assets refers to the new HQ at Kerswell Hall, tentage, cooking Tangible fixed facilities for camping, IT equipment and associated items. assets for use by These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at charity least £500. Assets are capitalised where the cost of purchase exceeds £2,000.They are valued at cost or value to the charity on receipt.

Investments Capital

The charity presently holds investments only as Income Units in COIF Charity Funds, managed by CCLA. These are valued daily by CCLA, and their value at the date of the Balance Sheet taken from published sources

As at 31stDecember 2024 the
amounts involved were
In the name of Richmond District
Scout Council
in the name of 6thRichmond (Lady
Archers Own) Scout Group		 No. of Units Held Value per
Unitp
6,210.86 2029.33
1,597.46 2029.33

Funds Unrestricted Funds

The Net Assets of charity are represented by the following funds: These may be used for any purpose in connection with the Charities’ stated aims and objectives.

Restricted Funds

Badges Stock and Uniform Stock

Funds raised, or donated for a specified purpose may only be used in furtherance of that objective unless the donors’ permission or the approval of the Charity Commissioners has been obtained.

These are valued at the lower of cost or market value.

Page 22

3. Details of certain items of expenditure

3.1 Trustee expenses

Details of the amount of any payment or reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses made to trustees or to third parties for expenses incurred by trustees.

Number of trustees who were paid expenses
Nature of the expenses
Total amount paid		 2024 2023
1 1
Travel costs,
telephone,
uniform & badges		 Travel costs,
telephone,
uniform & badges
£108 £383

The variation in the amount of expenses paid to Trustees stems from the irregularity and dates at which reimbursement is claimed.

3.2 Fees for examination or audit of the accounts

As in previous years, the Independent Examiner makes no charge for the examination of the accounts.

Independent Examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the
accounts
Other fees (for example: advice, consultancy, accountancy
services) paid to the independent examiner or auditor		 2024
£		 2023
£
NONE NONE
NONE NONE

4. Debtors and Creditors

There were no material debtors or creditors as at the date of the Balance Sheet with the exception of two Scout Groups in the District to whom the Executive Committee agreed loans to enable them to secure their buildings.

5. Prepayments & Accruals

In accordance with the applicable Accounting Standards, the Accounts are prepared on an Accruals basis. Where they were material (more than £500) accrued expenditure or income as at the date of the Balance Sheet these have been included.

6. Employers Remuneration and Consequent Liabilities

The District Council does not have any paid employees. Therefore it has no liability in respect of salaries, redundancy payments, Income Tax, National Insurance or Pension payments.

7. Transaction with Related Parties

The District Council receives funds from Scout Groups within the area that it administers in respect of Subscriptions, sale of Badges, Uniforms and similar items and the provision of facilities.

The District Council pays funds to the Scout Association, Greater London South West and other Scout Councils and Groups in respect of Capitation, purchase of badges and similar items and payment for facilities.

A loan and grant was made to a Scout Group within the District to assist in the cost of construction of a new HQ.

There were no material transactions with other related parties during 2024

Page 23

8. Grants & Donations

The District Council does not make grants to organisations other than to Scout Groups within the district.

9. Richmond District Scout Shop

The District Scout Shop has sourced and supplied Scout Badges, bespoke badges and elements of Scout Uniforms to Scouts, Groups and Explorer Units within the Richmond District, and, occasionally, to those in other Districts. The surplus generated is transferred to the funds of the District Council.

10. Fixed Assets

Tangible assets Cost (New HQ) As at 1st January 2013 Additions 2014 As at 31[st] December 2014 Depreciation As at 1st January 2024 Charge for year As at 31[st] December 2024

Net book value 1[st] January 2024 31[st] December 2024

Buildings Equipment Total
£ £ £
37,997 37,997
25,508 25,508
63,505 63,505
63,505 63,505
0 0
0 0
0
0

11. Investments

COIF Charity Funds

in the name of
Opening Value at 1 January 2024
Change in value (reduction)
Valuation Balance at 31stDecember 2024		 Richmond
District Scout
Council		 6~~th~~Richmond (Lady
Archers Own)
Scout Group		 Total
£
£		 £
123,255 31,702 154,957
2,784 716 3,500
126,039 32,418 158,457

Page 24

12. Funds Held

12. Funds Held
Fund Name Restricted/
Unrestricted		 Purpose and Restrictions
Major District Event (Happy Birthday
Camp)		 Restricted To pay towards major events and/or District camps
in future years
International Fund Restricted To support financially visits by Scouts from within the
District to Jamborees and similar events connected with
International Scouting held outside the UK. Additional
funds are agreed by theDistrict Council.
Jamboree: USA 2020 Closed To collect funds to pay for the costs of members of the
District visiting International Jamborees. Incoming funds
are raised or donated bytheparticipants ..
Jamboree: Korea 2024 Closed
International Camp: Restricted As part of the Council’s policy to support visits to
International Scouting Events and Camps, to collect
funds to pay for the costs of members of the District to
visit campsinothercountries.
Vic Dominy Fund Restricted Fund started by and maintained in memory of Vic
Dominy to enable District to financially support
attendance at Camp of Scouts who might otherwise
be unable to fund the costs.
Expenditure is authorized by the Chairman, who
reports, without details, to the District Council. The
Fund is “topped up” with the agreement of the
members at the AGM.
Gift Aid Reclaimed Restricted Gift Aid reclaimed on behalf of specific Scout
GroupswithintheDistrict and passed onto them.
Loans Restricted Loans made to Scout Groups in Richmond District
Fund Raising Restricted For donation to charity specified at the time.
Suspense Account Restricted Funds credited in error or awaiting disposition

13. Movement of Major Funds

13. Movement of Major Funds
Fund Name Balance
brought
forward		 Incoming
funds during
year		 Outgoing
resources
during year		 Fund
balances
carried
forward
£ £ £ £
Major District Events: PACCR Camp 5,000 8,280 ( 3,280 )
International Fund 7,156 2,289
2,750		 6,695
Jamboree 2027 1,305 1,305
International District Camp (Polish Camp 2027) - 5,916.23 ( 5,916 )
Vic Dominy Fund 3,500 2,410
2,410		 3,500
Gift Aid Reclaimed -
4,756.50
4,756.50		 -
Fund Raising 428 428
Crane Community Centre - 600 ( 600 )
Suspense Account 5,708 5,708
Borough Camp 2024 ( 2,500 ) 14,110
15,630		 ( 4,020 )
Air Rifle Association 5,326 5,326
Network ( 38 ) ( 38 )
Scouters (Scout Leaders) -
1,360		 1,360
Total 25,885 24,925
40,343		 10,467
Loans to Scout Groups ( 7,480 ) 3,000
450		 ( 4,930 )

Page 25