
**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 

2. Apologies for absence 

3. Minutes of last year’s AGM 

4. Reports--District Chairman 

   - --District Treasurer 

   - --District Secretary 

5. 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 

   - Election of District Chairman 

   - Election of District Secretary 

   - Election of District Treasurer 

   - Election of other Trustees 

   - Election of Auditor 

8. County Lead Volunteer, Greater London South West, Owen Purcell 

## 9. AOB 

- 10.Close of meeting 

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## **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. 

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## **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: 

- Jill Fielder – Chairman 

- Patrick Ducker - District Treasurer 

- Gill Annette – Trustee and Deputy District Treasurer 

- Tim Grebot - Trustee 

- Alan Brewer – Trustee 

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. 

- Jill Fielder - 60 years 

- Margaret Donaldson - 50 years 

- Linda Grantham -  Long Service Award 50 years 

The following Awards were also presented: 

- Robert Hunt, Long Service Award 10 years; 

- Martyn Day, Long Service Award 15 years; 

- Brian Wood, Long Service Award 20 years; 

- David O’Connor Long Service Award 25 years. 

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

- Tim Grebot - Silver Wolf 

- Ian Hardy  - Silver Wolf 

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 

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**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<br>thSept.|2024|Pamela Dixon|District Secretary|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Nigel Jeremy Waine|Training Manager|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Ian Robert Hardy|Appointments Secretary|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Keith Meredith Wincott|Growth & Development|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Ellis Madle|District Youth Commissioner|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Felix Stapleton|District Youth Commissioner|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Gillian Margaret Brewer|Nominated by District Commissioner|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Roger Albert “Ossie” Stanley|Special Missions|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Donna Wilson|Risk Assessment Officer|
|To|15<br>thSept.|2024|Aaron Gibbons-Mirat|District Network Commissioner|
|To|15<br>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: 

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**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<br>correctly conduct their<br>responsibilities|<br>Damage to reputation of<br>Richmond upon Thames Scout<br>Council<br><br>Loss of charitable status|| Provide and maintain<br>training for trustees<br>specific to that role.|<br>Training Manager to maintain training for all<br>members<br><br>Whistleblowing Policy and County contact<br>published.|
|**Very Damaging Potential Risks (Moderate Likelihood & High Impact)**|||||
|Breach of Child Protection<br>Legislation|<br>Reputational Damage<br><br>Legal penalties<br><br>Action for negligence.|| Training<br> Clearance of Volunteers<br> Monitoring of adherence<br>to POR|<br>Status tracked and reviewed regularly as part of<br>District meetings<br><br>Clearance through Disclosure and Barring  Service<br>(DBS) organized by Appointments Secretary<br><br>DC to instruct GSLs to regularly run a Group<br>Disclosure report on the Compass membership<br>system and to act on the results to ensure that no<br>adult volunteer is without a current DBS clearance.<br><br>Adherence POR is the responsibility of individuals.<br>Use of POR should be included in training. NB Full<br>generic Job Descriptions, guidance ande-learning<br>modulesare available for all posts from<br>http://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources .|
|**Damaging Potential Risks (Moderate Likelihood & Moderate Impact)**|||||
|Loss of key staff resulting in<br>inability to run scouting across<br>the District|<br>Experience or skills lost.| Succession planning.||<br>Chairman & DC identify key post holders and risk to<br>District of such loss. Register is held by District<br>Secretary. To be reviewed annually after the AGM<br><br>Updates voted on at AGM|



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|Failure to recruit sufficient<br>numbers of adult volunteers to<br>run scouting across the District|<br>Inability to meet demand for<br>scouting.| Ongoing recruitment<br>campaigns.|<br>Appointment of ADC for Adult Support.|
|---|---|---|---|
|Delays or failures in Project or<br>service development|<br>Compatibility with objects,<br>plans and priorities.<br><br>Funding and financial viability.<br><br>Project viability.<br><br>Skills availability.| Project appraisal and<br>costing procedures.<br> Authorisation procedures.<br> Monitoring and reporting<br>procedures.|<br>District Projects to be defined and identified, with<br>named officer responsible.<br><br>Authorisation, including financial exposure, thru’<br>District Exec.<br><br>Project officer to report to District Exec.|
|Budgetary control and financial<br>reporting|<br>Budget does not match key<br>objectives and priorities.<br><br>Decisions made on inaccurate<br>financial projections or<br>reporting.<br><br>Decisions made based on<br>unreliable costing data.<br><br>Inability to meet<br>commitments or key<br>objectives.| Budgets linked to business<br>planning and objectives.<br> Timely and accurate<br>monitoring and reporting.<br> Proper costing procedures<br>for product or service<br>delivery.<br> Adequate skills base to<br>produce and interpret<br>budgetary and financial<br>reporting.<br> Financial Committee put<br>in place<br> Treasurer’s reports<br>reviewed at every District<br>Executive Meeting|<br>Lack of routine annual expenditure makes budgeting<br>inappropriate except for specific projects. (see<br>below)<br><br>Detailed financial report circulated at each meeting<br>of District Exec.<br><br>Requests for payment to fall under “expected<br>expenditure” or to be specifically authorised by<br>Exec.<br><br>All expenditure, including claim for expenses, to be<br>properly documented and authorised by two officers<br>of Exec.<br><br>Appointment of financial officers capable of<br>responsibility.|



Page 10 



|Fund raising activities are<br>insufficient to meet needs of<br>the District and have an impact<br>on the ability to run scouting<br>across the District|<br>Insufficient to meet<br>outgoings.<br><br>Damage to reputation for<br>inappropriate methods.<br><br>Breach of law and regulations.| Budget for income and<br>expenditure requirements<br>and monitor.<br> Follow Scout Association<br>guidance.|<br>Fund raising should be linked to District Projects, be<br>“low key”, and be monitored by Project Officer,<br>appointed by District Executive, to ensure adherence<br>to guidelines etc.|
|---|---|---|---|
|Failure to follow POR of the<br>Scout Association|<br>Invalidation of insurance<br>cover.<br><br>Reputational Damage.| Monitor compliance<br> Breaches to be reported<br>to DC for urgent action.<br> Risk and Governance<br>Trustee appointed in 2021<br> Status reported at Council<br>meetings|<br>Adherence to POR is the responsibility of individuals.<br>Use of POR should be included in training.<br><br>NB. Full generic Job Descriptions, guidance ande-<br>learning modulesare available for all posts from<br>http://members.scouts.org.uk/supportresources<br><br>NB. District specific variations and additions to be<br>agreed by District Executive.|
|Delays or failures in Project or<br>service development|<br>Compatibility with objects, plans<br>and priorities.<br><br>Funding and financial viability.<br><br>Project viability.<br><br>Skills availability.|<br>Project appraisal and<br>costing procedures.<br><br>Authorisation procedures.<br><br>Monitoring and reporting<br>procedures.|<br>District Projects to be defined and identified, with named<br>officer responsible.<br><br>Authorisation, including financial exposure, through<br>District Exec.<br><br>Project officer to report to District Exec.|
|Impact of Covid on District|<br>Inability to maintain scouting in<br>District due to Covid outbreaks<br>amongst leaders or young people|<br>All Government guidelines<br>adhered to and<br>communicated through UK<br>Scouts association|<br>Continue to train GSL’s and leaders on Risk assessments|



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||District Scout Shop (Operation)|<br>Purchases not paid for<br><br>Loss of cash or cheques at<br>Shop due to fraud, theft or<br>mistakes<br><br>Inability to account for<br>imbalance in Petty Cash/ cash<br>held<br><br>Loss of stock (fire, water<br>damage, theft)<br><br>Stock loss in excess of that<br>insurance<br><br>Out of date specialty stock<br>resulting in unsaleable stock<br><br>Normal stock redundant due<br>to design changes resulting in<br>unsaleable stock<br><br>Inability to operate shop due<br>to staff shortages or sickness|<br>Payment processed prior<br>to delivery<br><br>Electronic payment<br>accepted as priority<br><br>Minimise cash held by<br>using Card for small<br>payments<br><br>Maintain insurance<br>cover<br><br>Monitor stock level &<br>cover<br><br>Monitor demand and<br>likely end date for<br>special items<br><br>Monitor design dates,<br>stock levels and possible<br>changes<br><br>Maintain list of possible<br>volunteers and ensure<br>they are trained.||
|---|---|---|---|---|



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## **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: 

-  Meet possible short term liabilities. 

-  Cover any adverse phasing of income and expenditure for approved major events. 

-  Provide six months operating costs of the District Council and its officers. 

-  Ensure that the Council Training Objectives are met. 

-  Be able to provide “start up” or support funding for any new Scout Group or Section which meets key objectives. 

-  Ensure buildings, which are the responsibility of the District Council, are maintained. 

-  Enable short term finance is available to Scout Groups who experience a critical problem with accommodation due to the age of their building or with the tenancy of the property. 

-  Be able to provide initial or support funding for any specific activity which meets the District Council’s Objectives, and which may not be able to achieve short term selffinancing. 

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## **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: 

- Organisational restructure of adult volunteering teams 

- Mandatory training and compliance of adult volunteers 

- Continuous improvement of direct and indirect services for our youth members 

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: 

- **Finance** (Treasurer* supported by Finance Committee) 

- **Legal** (District Team) 

- **Adult Training** : (District Training Manager) 

- **People** (‘Head of People’ aka Appointments Committee Secretary) 

- 

   - **Growth & Development** (Lead Volunteer for Growth & Development 

- **Risk Management** (Head of Risk) 

- **Data Analysis** 

- **County Executive Liaison** 

- **Adult Awards** 

## ***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 &<br>Leadership of<br>District Council|Support of the<br>operation of District<br>Council|Management &<br>Leadership of<br>ExplorerUnits|Regular Activities<br>of Explorer Units|Overnight Camps<br>& Activities of<br>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**<br>Tangible Assets<br>District HQ @ Kerswell Hall b/f<br>Depreciation (straight line) over 10 Years<br>Total Tangible Assets<br>Investments (COIF Charities Investment Fund)<br>Richmond District Scout Council<br>6th Richmond Scouting Centre<br>**Total Fixed Assets**<br>**Current Assets**<br>Badge Stock<br>Uniform Stock in Hand<br>Scout Association Short term Investment (CLOSED)<br>6th Richmond Scouting Centre - Deposit Fund<br>Cash at bank and in hand<br>District Council - Natwest Current Account<br>District Council - Natwest Reserve Account<br>District Council - CAF Current Account<br>District Council - Nationwide Business Instant Savers<br>District Council - Saffron Building Society Corporate Bond<br>District Council - Shop CAF  & PayPalAccount<br>6th Richmond Scouting Centre - Current Account<br>Explorers & Explorer Units<br>Other Scout Units<br>Total for Cash at bank & in hand<br>Accrued Income<br>Current Debtors (Scout Groups)<br>**Total Current Assets**<br>less<br>**Total Current Liabilities**<br>**Net Current Assets**<br>**Net Assets**<br>**Represented by**<br>**General Fund**<br>Total B/f<br>6th Richmond Scouting Centre - Unrestricted Funds<br>Surplus/(Deficit) on Year<br>**Restricted Funds**<br>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|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||£<br>0|£<br>( 0 )<br>158,457||£<br>£<br>6,349<br>(6,349 )<br>0<br>123,255<br>31,702<br>154,957<br>18,408<br>-<br>26,379|||£<br>£<br>12,699<br>(6,351 )<br>6,349<br>112,882<br>29,034<br>141,915<br>1,502<br>11,446<br>6,630<br>26,379<br>67,211<br>10,243<br>76,405<br>85,236<br>1,529<br>94,966<br>47,641<br>21,786<br>405,017<br>7,000<br>457,974<br>2,093<br>455,881<br>**604,146**<br>485,405<br>89,645<br>6,722<br>581,772<br>**604,146**||
|||126,039<br>32,418<br>19,086<br>26,379||||||112,882<br>29,034||
||**No of Units**<br>6,210.86<br>1,597.46|||||||||
|||||||||1,502<br>11,446<br>6,630<br>26,379||
||110,500<br>10,494<br>38,218<br>88,538<br>85,245<br>10,200<br>27,618<br>55,323<br>8,147||||62,435<br>10,398<br>43,136<br>86,639<br>85,000<br>5,099<br>68,313<br>48,897<br>17,252|||67,211<br>10,243<br>76,405<br>85,236<br>1,529<br>94,966<br>47,641<br>21,786||
|||434,283<br>4,930|484,163<br>**642,620**<br>632,153<br>10,467<br>**642,620**||427,170<br>7,480<br>479,437<br>(4,025 )<br>475,412<br>**630,369**<br>492,127<br>89,645<br>22,712<br>604,484<br>**630,369**|||405,017<br>7,000||
|||484,678<br>515||||||457,974<br>2,093||
|||514,839<br>89,645<br>27,669|||492,127<br>89,645<br>22,712|||485,405<br>89,645<br>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**<br>**Year ending 31st December 2024**||**Richmond u**<br>**District Sc**|**pon Thames**<br>**out Council**|||**Richmond upon**<br>**Consolid**|**Thames District**<br>**ated Total**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||139,636<br>108,335<br>-<br>-|31,301<br>62,719<br>44,692|
|**UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>Gross Subscription Received<br>**less**<br>Capitation<br>Refunds to Units/Groups<br>**Net Subscriptions**<br>**Voluntary Income**<br>Funds raising for general activities<br>Donations<br>Jack Petchey Awards<br>Badges, Uniforms<br>Other income inc Gift Aid<br>**Total Voluntary Income**<br>**Non Voluntary Income**<br>Training Fees<br>Badge/Uniform Shop Income<br>less Badge/Uniform Expenditure<br>6th Richmond Scouting Centre<br>Interest<br>Investment Income<br>Misc Income<br>**Total Non Voluntary Income**<br>**Total Income**<br>**Expenditure for General Scouting Activities**<br>General Activities<br>Purchase of Equipment<br>Accomodation Costs<br>Transfer to Vic Dominy Fund<br>Transfer to International/Jamboree Fund/Major District<br>6th Richmond Souting Centre<br>Misc Expenditure<br>**Total General Expenditure**<br>**Overhead Costs**<br>Indirect Costs<br>Admin Costs<br>District Officers Expenses<br>District HQ (Kerwell Hall) Running Costs<br>Insurance<br>Training<br>AGM & Presentation Evening<br>Badges, Uniforms<br>Donations<br>I. T. Support inc OSM<br>**Total Overhead Costs**<br>**Total Expenditure**<br>**SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) on UNRESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**(including Designated Funds)**<br>**Income for Specific Activities**<br>Major District Events: PACCR Camp<br>Fund raising & transfers for International Fund<br>Jamborees: District Fundraising<br>Polish Camp 2027<br>Borough Camp 2024<br>Air Rifle Association<br>Scouters (Scout Leaders)<br>Network<br>Crane Community Centre<br>Loans to Scout Groups, repaid/written off<br>Vic Dominy Fund<br>Gift Aid Reclaimed<br>Fund raising<br>Suspense Account/ Capitation Reserve<br>**Toal Income for Specific Activities**<br>**Expenditure for Specific Activities**<br>Major District Events: PACCR Camp<br>International Fund<br>Jamborees: District Fundraising<br>Polish Camp 2027<br>Borough Camp 2024<br>Air Rifle Association<br>Scouters (Scout Leaders)<br>Network<br>Crane Community Centre<br>Loans to Scout Groups<br>Specific Grants - Vic Dominy Fund<br>Gift Aid Repaid<br>Donations & Gifts from Fund Raising<br>Suspense Account/ Capitation Reserve<br>**Toal Expenditure for Specific Activities**<br>**SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) on RESTRICTED FUNDS**<br>**SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) on ALL FUNDS**|Event<br>Opening Balance<br>Current Balance<br>Opening Balance<br>1st January2024<br>5,000<br>7,156<br>1,305<br>( 2,500 )<br>5,326<br>( 38 )<br>-<br>( 7,480 )<br>3,500<br>-<br>428<br>5,708<br>18,405<br>Current Balance<br>31 December 2024<br>( 3,280 )<br>6,695<br>1,305<br>( 5,916 )<br>( 4,020 )<br>3,921<br>1,360<br>( 1,727 )<br>( 600 )<br>( 4,930 )<br>3,500<br>-<br>428<br>5,708<br>2,443|126,447<br>108,335<br>-<br>-|18,112<br>4,410<br>38,849|||||
|||3,660<br>500<br>-<br>250||||52,520<br>1,084<br>2,136<br>435<br>6,544||
|||769<br>27,950<br>6,620<br>3,431<br>80||||769<br>45,251<br>41,862<br>-<br>27,950<br>7,941<br>4,313<br>330||
|||6,164<br>727<br>9,451<br>2,410<br>2,289<br>7,285||||60,323<br>4,331<br>14,056<br>2,410<br>2,289<br>10,184<br>3,877||
||||61,371<br>28,326<br>15,678||||138,712<br>97,469<br>17,752<br>-|
|||332<br>313<br>108<br>2,357<br>1,597<br>9,391<br>347<br>952<br>100<br>180||||332<br>1,868<br>108<br>2,357<br>1,597<br>9,391<br>347<br>1,471<br>100<br>180||
|||-<br>2,289<br>-<br>14,110<br>1,255<br>1,360<br>665<br>3,000<br>2,410<br>4,757<br>-||||-<br>-<br>2,289<br>-<br><br>14,110<br>-<br>1,360<br><br>-<br>-<br><br>3,000<br>2,410<br>4,757<br>-<br>-<br>-||
||||44,004||||115,221|
||||17,368||||23,491|
||||29,845<br>45,807||||27,925<br>40,793|
||||||Opening Balance<br>1st January2024|||
||||||5,000<br>7,156<br>1,305<br>( 2,500 )<br>5,326<br>( 38 )<br>-<br>( 7,480 )<br>3,500<br>-<br>428<br>5,708|||
|||8,280<br>2,750<br>5,916<br>15,630<br>2,660<br>2,354<br>600<br>450<br>2,410<br>4,757<br>-<br>-|||18,405|8,280<br>2,750<br>-<br><br>5,916<br><br>15,630<br>-<br>-<br><br>-<br><br>600<br><br>450<br>2,410<br>4,757<br>-<br>-||
||||||Current Balance<br>31 December 2024|||
||||||( 3,280 )<br>6,695<br>1,305<br>( 5,916 )<br>( 4,020 )<br>5,326<br>1,360<br>( 38 )<br>( 600 )<br>( 4,930 )<br>3,500<br>-<br>428<br>5,708|||
||||||5,537|||
||||15,962<br>-||||12,868<br>-|
|||||||||
||||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: 

- select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

- make judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

- state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; 

- prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Scout District will continue in business. 

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**<br>**donations and gifts**|Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA when they<br>have been received from HMRC|
|**Contractual income**<br>**and performance**<br>**related grants**|This is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or services have<br>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<br>amounts involved were<br>In the name of Richmond District<br>Scout Council<br>in the name of 6thRichmond (Lady<br>Archers Own) Scout Group|**No. of Units Held**|**Value per**<br>**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<br>Nature of the expenses<br>Total amount paid|**2024**|**2023**|
|---|---|---|
||**1**|**1**|
||Travel costs,<br>telephone,<br>uniform & badges|Travel costs,<br>telephone,<br>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<br>accounts<br>Other fees (for example: advice, consultancy, accountancy<br>services) paid to the independent examiner or auditor|**2024**<br>**£**|**2023**<br>**£**|
|---|---|---|
||**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<br>Opening Value at 1 January 2024<br>Change in value (reduction)<br>Valuation Balance at 31stDecember 2024|Richmond<br>District Scout<br>Council|6~~th~~Richmond (Lady<br>Archers Own)<br>Scout Group|Total|
|---|---|---|---|
||**£**|<br>**£**|**£**|
||**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/**<br>**Unrestricted**|**Purpose and Restrictions**|
|Major District Event (Happy Birthday<br>Camp)|Restricted|To pay towards major events and/or District camps<br>in future years|
|International Fund|Restricted|To support financially visits by Scouts from within the<br>District to Jamborees and similar events connected with<br>International Scouting  held outside the UK. Additional<br>funds are agreed by theDistrict Council.|
|Jamboree: USA 2020|Closed|To collect funds to pay for the costs of members of the<br>District visiting International Jamborees. Incoming funds<br>are raised or donated bytheparticipants ..|
|Jamboree: Korea 2024|Closed||
|International Camp:|Restricted|As part of the Council’s policy to support visits to<br>International Scouting Events and Camps, to collect<br>funds to pay for the costs of members of the District to<br>visit campsinothercountries.|
|Vic Dominy Fund|Restricted|Fund started by and maintained in memory of Vic<br>Dominy to enable District to financially support<br>attendance at Camp of Scouts who might otherwise<br>be unable to fund the costs.<br>Expenditure is authorized by the Chairman, who<br>reports, without details, to the District Council. The<br>Fund is “topped up” with the agreement of the<br>members at the AGM.|
|Gift Aid Reclaimed|Restricted|Gift Aid reclaimed on behalf of specific Scout<br>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**<br>**brought**<br>**forward**|**Incoming**<br>**funds during**<br>**year**|**Outgoing**<br>**resources**<br>**during year**|**Fund**<br>**balances**<br>**carried**<br>**forward**|
||**_£_**|**_£_**|**_£_**|**_£_**|
|**Major District Events: PACCR Camp**|**5,000**||**8,280**|**( 3,280 )**|
|**International Fund**|**7,156**|**2,289**|<br>**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**|<br>**2,410**|**3,500**|
|**Gift Aid Reclaimed**|**-**|<br>**4,756.50**|<br>**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**|<br>**15,630**|**( 4,020 )**|
|**Air Rifle Association**|**5,326**|||**5,326**|
|**Network**|**( 38 )**|||**( 38 )**|
|**Scouters (Scout Leaders)**|**-**|<br>**1,360**||**1,360**|
|**Total**|**25,885**|**24,925**|<br>**40,343**|**10,467**|
||||||
|**Loans to Scout Groups**|**( 7,480 )**|**3,000**|<br>**450**|**( 4,930 )**|



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