10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)
10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group
Annual report - year ended 31 December 2021
1
10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)
Trustees' Annual Report for 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021
Reference and administration details
Charity name: 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Registered charity number (England and Wales): 292736 Charity’s principal address Waldegrave Park, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5SF
Trustees
| Name | Office | Changes during year | Nature of appointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Bresler | Chairman | Appointed Sept 2018 | Re-elected at AGM |
| Sara Bresler | Secretary | Appointed November 2020 | Re-elected at AGM |
| Russell Husbands | Treasurer | Appointed 2019 | |
| Mark Grant | DeputyChairman | ||
| Julian Wilton | Trustee | ||
| LarryNeal | Trustee | ||
| Jonathan Finch | Trustee | ||
| Yvette Husbands | Trustee | Appointed 29 January2016 |
2
10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)
Professional advisors
| Independent Examiner | Bankers |
|---|---|
| Laura Brierly | CAF Bank Ltd |
| 84a Station Road | 25 Kings Hill Avenue |
| Harpenden | Kings Hill |
| AL5 4TY | West Malling |
| Kent,ME19 4JQ |
Structure, governance and management
The governing documents of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (the “Group”) are those of the Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules (“POR”) of The Scout Association.
The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts.
The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. As charity trustees they are responsible for complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
The Group is managed by the Executive Committee, the members of which include the ‘Charity Trustees’. The Committee also consists of additional independent representatives from the constituent scout groups and major activities within the Group and meets 4 times per year. All members of the committee are Ex-officio as defined by POR.
This Executive Committee exists to support the Trustees in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for:
-
The maintenance of property;
-
The raising of funds and the administration of Group finance;
-
The insurance of persons, property and equipment;
-
Appointing any sub committees that may be required;
The Group is currently made up of 2 Beaver sections, 2 Cub sections and 2 Scout sections.
Risk and Internal Control
The Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the Group is exposed, these have been reviewed and systems have been established to mitigate against them. The main areas of concern that have been identified are:
Damage to the building, property and equipment. The Group has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss.
Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members . The Group through the capitation fees contributes to the Scout Association’s national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. The District has also purchased Personal Accident for Non-Members and Supporters Insurance covering district activities. The Group also has personal accident insurance for non-members.
Reduced income from fund raising . The Group is primarily reliant upon income from donations from active Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. The Group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income and also charges others for use of the premises owned by the Group.
Reduction or loss of leaders . The Group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the district and its constituent groups and units. If there was a reduction in the number of volunteers to an
3
10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)
unacceptable level in a particular section or group then there would have to be appropriate contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario the complete closure of a section might be required.
Reduction or loss of members . The Group’s units and constituent groups provide activities for all young people aged 6 to 16. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section then there would have to be appropriate contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst-case scenario the complete closure of the group might be required.
The Group has in place systems of internal controls that are designed to provide reasonable assurance against material mismanagement or loss, these include 2 signatories for all payments and comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
Objectives and activities
The objectives of the group are as a unit of the Scout Association.
The Aim of The Scout Association is 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. The method of achieving the Aim of the Association is by providing an enjoyable and attractive scheme of progressive training, based on the Scout Promise and Law and guided by adult leadership.
Public benefit statement
The Group meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings.
Achievements and performance
Chairman’s Review
2021 was a return to “semi normality” following the global pandemic. The first part of the year was still disrupted, but toward the second half of the year meetings returned to being fully in person at the hut at Crabtree Fields and normal scouting activities returned. Whilst the unit coped well by managing to hold meetings in the best possible way that they could, it was a great to be able to have scouting return back to the way it is intended. The 10[th] has handled the situation admirably and have shown tenacity and resilience. We look forward to a bright 2022, which is the 60[th] year of the 10[th] ’s existence.
Being Chairman remains simple and a pleasure and that credit goes to all of those involved with the 10[th] . The unit continues be exceptionally well run and well managed, which is reflected in the large number of engaged and enthused young individuals across the Scouting spectrum.
The committee is fully supported by elected and non-elected members.
The Crabtree Fields site remains is in good condition and continues to be well maintained. It continues to provide excellent facilities to all of those who benefit and the improvements from previous years are being utilised well. In addition to the day-to-day facilities, it provides for the 10[th] it also enables additional activities for the members for events such as the very popular comedy night, which returned to a physical onsite event in 2021. Rental during the daytime during the week continues to being in valuable revenue for the benefit of the 10[th] although slightly impacted by one group who is no longer hiring the facility, but the impact is minor. The property continues to be maintained as required and the historic issue with water pressure has finally been tackled with the installation of new mains to the property.
Finances have remained stable, and this is down to the solid management of the finances, but also the well managed utilisation of expenses. The 10th is in a good financial position and in a good position to tackle any unexpected surprise expenditure and have weathered any the impact of the pandemic. The unit are likely to be planning to purchase a new minibus in 2022, to replace part of the ageing fleet, but the finances are well placed to be able to afford this.
4
10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)
GSL review 10th Harpenden Scout Group
2021 has been a busy year for the whole group with all sections enjoying a return to full Scouting activities. This has come as a relief and is warmly welcomed. The unit has enjoyed a range of activities and camps and the unit remains stable and strong, but dependent on the willing support from the numerous leaders.
Highlights have been a Scouts Summer Camp in Dorset, Cubs enjoying outdoor sessions practising fire lighting and cooking skills and the Beavers enjoying a hike. All of the Leaders agree is it fantastic for everyone involved to be back enjoying Scouting.
5
10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)
Financial Review
The Group continues to remain well funded despite a negative movement in the Fund for the year as shown in the financial statements on pages 9-15.
Reserves Policy
The reserves policy of the Group requires that unrestricted funds are available to:
-
provide General funds which can be designated to projects to enable these projects to be undertaken at short notice;
-
provide sufficient funds to cover key maintenance and repairs for the Hut; and
-
over administration and support costs without which the Group would not be able to provide support to the Sections.
The reserves for the Group should be sufficient to cover at least one year’s general activities, transport and administration costs. Potential uses for any excess reserves are reviewed on a continual basis by the Executive.
Investment Policy
The Group holds funds in cash accounts with CAF Bank. Each section also holds small amounts of funds in a CAF Bank account in its own name.
Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
6
10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)
Independent Examiner's report to the trustees of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group
I report on the accounts of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group for the year ended 31 December 2021, which are set out on pages 9 to 15.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts provide a "true and fair view" and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
- (2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
7
10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736)
Statement of responsibilities of Trustees and Officers
The trustees and officers are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the District Scout Council and of its income and expenditure for that year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees and officers are required to:
-
select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
prepare financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue.
-
The trustees and officers are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group
-
They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
8
10th H(penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil Group (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Statement of Financial Activities Summary for the year ended 31 December 2021 2020 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES 37,163 67.015 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 45,350 37,789 NET INCOMING RESOURCES 8,187 29,226 NET MOVEMENT IN FUND 8,187 29.297 FUND BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD 617.919 588,623 FUND BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD £ 609,732 617,919
10th H(penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil Group (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Balance Sheet as at 31 December Notes 2021 2020 FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets HQ Premises al Waldegrave Park Minibuses Equipment 495,975 4.000 9.500 509.475 495,975 5.500 9,500 510,975 Total fixed assets CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets 99.636 99.636 106,944 106,944 LIABILITIES Cieditors". amounts falling due within one year NET CURRENT ASSETS 99.636 106,944 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 609.111 617,919 Credits Deposits paid for superceding year Paccar Family camp 2023 Debts 621 NET ASSETS 609.732 617,919 Represented by GENERAL FUND 609.732 617,919 Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Russell Husbands The notes on pages 6 and 7 form part of these accounts 10
10th H(penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil Group (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Cash flow statement for 12 months ending 31 Decembi 2021 2,263 5.203 2020 7,440 29.236 Subscriptions (net of capitation) Net income from premises Net income from minibus Family camp Sections Equipment Change in value of tangible assets other Net incomellloss) 17,0681 12.8181 11.5001 14,8881 18,8081 14,9341 13.2111 18801 1,646 29,297 Add back change in value Change in debtors Change in creditors other non-cash movements (equipment write-offj movement in stock Cash flow from operating activities 1.500 880 171) 17,3791 30,177 Investing activities Capital expenditure - HLrt imporovement Financing activities (Repayment)Idrawdown on loan Cash inflowl{outlfow) for period 17,3791 30,177 Opening cash position Cash inflowlloutlfowl for period Closing cash position 107.015 17,3791 99,636 76.838 30,177 107,015 99.636 107.015 11
10th H(penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil Group (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 3 December INCOMING RESOURCES 2021 2020 Income resources from generated funds Voluntary income Membership donations (incl. Gift Aid) Less.. payable to Dislrict Scouts 11.569 19.3061 2,263 15.840 18.4001 7,440 Donations received Use of premises Minibus contributions Equipment donations Family Camp receipts Less costs of family camp 30.662 230 49.633 6.500 340 Other 500 Activities for generating funds other events Sale of clothing 4.007 2.439 Investment income Interest received Other incoming resources Miscellaneous 164 Total incoming resources 37.163 67.015 12
10th H(penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil Group (Registered Charity No. 2927361 2021 2020 RESOURCES EXPENDED costs of generating voluntary incomeldonations Premises Maintenance utilities Insurance 13.697 8.974 2,789 25,460 9.958 7.741 2.698 20,397 Change in value of tangible fixed assets 1.500 Minibus expenses Equipment Sections.. Scout troops Fox Pack Swft Pack Beaver Colonies 5,296 2.818 3.522 745 5,335 3.211 1.042 1,486 1,157 1.250 1.034 1.766 Charitable activities Camps Leaders, uniforms I training I badges other events 1.942 2.412 500 Govenance costs and other 1,171 60 Other resources expended Donations made Miscellaneous 96 60 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED 45.350 37.789 13
10th H(penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil Group (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2021 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of accounting al These financial statements are prepared on a receipts and payments basis bl The rrusiees have estimated rhe currenr value of the three minibuses to be E4k cl The HQ property is recorded at the cost of construction plus the cost of significant enhancernents since initial construction. The property is maintained in a 8ood condition and thus, in the absence of a professional valuation, the Trustees have rnaintained the value ol the a55et at its historic cost. dl The HQ has been erected on leasehold lan¢, the tooiprini ot which Included land and buildings also occupied by the Harpenden Explorer scout Unit la separate registered charity). Fundraisin8 for the new buildin8 was carried out by both the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit. Although the legal ownership of the new HQ is solely in the narne of the Scout Group. the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit have entered into a Partnership Asreetnent which set5 Out how the Scour Group and the Explorer Unir share the use of the HQ. The land itself is owned by St Albans District and City Council. The Scout Group is in the process of renewing rhe lease for rhe land, which will be in rhe name of The Scout Association Trust Corporation, actinB as Custodian Trustee on beha of the Scout Group. Day to dav rnana8ement of the premises is shared on an equal basis between the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit, as 15 the rnanagement of use of the Scout Group rninibuses. el Scouting equipment le.8. Tents, marquees etcl wa5 revalued some years a80. AII subsequent renewals and replarnents have been char8ed to revenue at the time of acquisition representing the replacetnent of the equiprnentthus tnaintaining its value. 2 TANGIBLE ASSETS Larml & buihyings Minibus8s Scouting equipment Cost 01 valuatson brought fotwaid AddllifS Change in value Cost catried forw8id 4%.9TS 11.5001 495.975 Addi115 to HQ in 2017 represent improvements lo exlemr areas of the Hut. 14
10th H(penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil Group (Registered Charity No. 2927361 T8nth Harp8nd8n (Methodist) Scout Group Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 3 CASH AT BANKAND IN HAND 2021 2020 Treasureis. accounts. Group DerKisiI account- Group Cuiient accounts- seCtns Cash in hand. 5ecbons Joint committee 26,540 34.47T 7.291 175 65,629 17S 63.J33 YJ,636 106. 4 CAPITALCOMMITMENTS Th8ro weig no capitsl commilmonts at the end of thg year. (Prioi Yoar". nil) 5 EMPLOYEES. REMUNERATION There w818 no 8mpknye8s. All188d8rs and hdpers gi¥8 th8ii tll18 foi no financial gain. fj TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES No Tnjstee received any rnonetary reward (K 8xp8ns8S. 7 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S FEES No fee was charged for this service 15