10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736) ## **10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group** ## **Annual report - year ended 31 December 2022** **1** 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736) ## **Trustees' Annual Report for 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022** ## **Reference and administration details** _**Charity name: Registered charity number (England and Wales): Charity’s principal address**_ 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group _**292736**_ Waldegrave Park, Harpenden, Herts AL5 5SF ## _**Trustees**_ |**_Name_**|**Office**|**Changes during year**|**Nature of**
**appointment**| |---|---|---|---| |Andrew Bresler|Chairman|Appointed September 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**_ 2022 brought in the 10[th] year of the 10[th] existence and returned the 10[th] back to a full year “regular” scouting activities at the hut at Crabtree Fields, camps and activities. It has been a delight and an honour to see the 10[th] continue to be run in the positive way that it is and deliver so much. Being Chairman continues to be a simple and pleasant undertaking with all credit going to all of those involved with the 10[th] especially the leaders and helpers. The unit continues to be well run and well managed, which is a testament to all those involved and reflects in the sound base 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 with maintenance and repairs being undertaken to ensure that the facilities remain in good condition. 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 continues to be a hugely popular event. Rental during the daytime during the week continues to being in valuable revenue for the benefit of the 10[th] . Finances continue to remain stable, and this is down to the solid management of the finances, but also the well managed utilisation of expenses. The 10[th] 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 solid finances have enabled the purchase of a new minibus in 2022, to replace part of the ageing fleet. **4** 10th Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group (Registered Charity No. 292736) ## _**GSL review**_ **10th Harpenden Scout Group** It has been a very active year for all sections at the 10[th] . This is the first year that we have had a full programme including camps since Covid. ## Beavers: Tree Colony have sailed boats down the River Lea, visited the Hornbeam hedgehog sanctuary, decorated Coronation cakes, made bug houses, pond dipped, planted pots with bulbs for local care home, taken part in a Spies sleepover, learnt first aid and enjoyed making crowns. River Colony have sailed boats down the river, visited a fire station, hiked, learnt how to read maps, enjoyed a German evening, taken part in a Spies sleepover, learnt how to safely fly to South Africa, made pancakes, made musical instruments and learnt all about teamwork. ## Cubs: Fox Pack have visited Chatham Dockyard, built rafts at Stanborough lakes, took part in the Big Help Out, camped, completed Air activity badges, celebrated Chinese New Year, helped out at the annual Christmas card delivery, made Christmas puddings, hiked, cooked on stoves and campfires. Swift Pack have had a Viking camp, attended the District bike ride, learnt bushcraft skills, hiked, cooked on fires, learnt how to tie knots, learnt self-defence moves, tried skydiving (in a hall!), played in a 5-aside football tournament and earned lots of badges. ## Scouts: Mercia and Wessex Troops have enjoyed a full year of camping and activities. Summer Camp was near Norwich where the scouts swam in the sea, hiked with full packs, took part in a MasterChef competition, and learnt how to dig toilets and make camp equipment. They have also attended Spring camp where they learnt how to safely use a knife and axe, water sports camp and cycle camp. A group also spent the weekend on a large sailing boat. **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. Date: L Brierly Address: 84a Station Road Harpenden AL5 4TY Charity Independent Examiner **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 GTOUP (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Statement of Financial Activities Summary for the year ended 31 December 2022 2021 TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES £51,455 £37,163 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED £259,624 £45,350 NET INCOMING RESOURCES -£208,170 -£8,187 NET MOVEMENT IN FUND -£208,170 -£8,187 FUND BALANCES BROUGHT FORWARD £609,732 £617,919 FUND BALANCES CARRIED FORWARD £ £401,562 £609,732 10th H(￿penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil GTOUP (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Statement of Assets & Liabilities as at 31 December Notes 2022 2021 FIXED AssErs Tangible assets HQ Premises at Waldegrave Patk Minibuses Equipment £297.585 £32.(141 £9.500 £339.'126 £495.975 £4.0 £9.5 £509.475 Total fixed assets CURRENT ASSETS Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets £61,873 £61.873 £99.636 £99.636 LIABILITIES Creditors". amounts falling due within one year £0 NET CURRENT ASSETS £61.873 £99.636 TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES £4W.999 £609.111 Credits Deposits paid for superceding year Paccai Family camp 2023 Dobts £563 £621 NET ASSETS £401,562 £609.732 Represented by GENERAL FUND £401.562 £609.732 Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Russell Husbands The noles on pages 6 and 7 fomi part of these accounts 10 10th H(￿penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil GTOUP (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Cash flow statement for 12 months ending 31 December 2022 £14.997 -£5.438 .£36,991 -£1.fy10 -£6.￿0 -£4,109 -£170.349 £2.238 -£2, 158 £1.020 208,170 2021 £2.263 £5.203 £0 £0 SubscriptK)ns (net of capitabon) Net income from premises Net irlcome from minibus Family camp Ifun day) Sections Equipment Change in value of tangible assets Comedy Night Badges l Leaders Unrforms other Net incomel{loss) -£7.068 -£2,818 -£1.5C(I -£4.888 48,808 Add back change in value Change in debtors Change in creditors Olher non-cash movements (equiptnent WTtte-offj movement in stock Cash flow from operating activities £170,￿9 £0 £1.5(K) £0 £0 £0 £58 -£71 37,763 7.379 Investing activities Capital expenditure - Hut improvement £0 £0 Financing activities (Repaymenl)Idrawdown on loan £0 £0 Cash inflowl(outlfow) for period 37,763 7.379 Opening cash posilion Cash inflowl{outlfowl for period Closing cash position £99.636 -£37.763 £61,873 £107.015 -£7.379 £99,636 £61,873 £99.636 11 10th H(￿penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil GTOUP (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 December INCOMING RESOURCES 2022 2021 Income resources from generated funds Voluntary income Membership donations (incl. Gift Aid) Less" payable to Distnct Scouts £22,869 -£7,872 £14,997 £11,569 -£9,306 £2,263 Donations received Use of premises Minibus contnbutions Equipment donations Family Camp (fun day) re￿iptS Less costs of family camp (fun day) Comedy Night £32,313 £1,780 £270 £3Ce -£1,349 £2238 £30,662 £230 £0 £0 £0 Activities for generating funds other events Sale of clothing £4,(K17 £0 £621 Investment income Interest received £0 £0 other incoming resources Miscellaneous £275 Total incoming resources £51,455 £37,163 12 10th H(￿penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil GTOUP (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Statement of financial Activities for the year ended 31 December 2022 2021 RESOURCES EXPENDED costs of generating voluntary incomeldonations Premises Maintenance Utilities Insurance £27,187 £10.565 £0 £37,751 £13,697 £8.974 £2.789 £25.460 Change In value of tangible fixed assets £170,349 £1,500 Minibus expenses Equipment Sections". Scout troops Fox Pack Swift Pack Beaver Colonies £38,771 £4,109 £4.585 £29 £448 £5,296 £2.818 £3.522 £745 £1.034 £1.766 £1,278 Charitable activities Camps Leaders, unifonns l training I badges Other events £2,158 £0 £1.942 Govenance costs and other £118 £1.171 other resources expended Donations made Miscellaneous £0 £28 £0 £96 TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED £259.624 £45.350 13 10th H(￿penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil GTOUP (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden {Methodlst) Scout Group Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2022 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basi5 of accounting al These financial statements are prepared on a receipts and payments basis bl The trustees have estimated the current value of the three minibuses to be £32,041 cl The HQ property is recorded at the cost of construction depreciating to £0 by year 30 of the lease120401. This, along with changes to the other group assets, means the total group asset reduces from £609k in 2021 to £402k in 2022. The property is maintained in a good condition. dl The HQ has been erected on leasehold land, the tootprint ot which Included land and buildings also occupied by the Harpenden Explorer Scout Unit la separate registered charity). Fundraising for the new building was carried out by both the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit. Although the legal ownership of the new HQ is solely in the name of the Scout Group. the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit have entered into a Partnership Agreement which sets out how the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit 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 renewinE the lease for the land. which will be in the name of The Scout Association Trust Corporation, acting as Custodian Trustee on behalf of the Scout Group. Day to dav management of the premises is shared on an equal basis between the Scout Group and the Explorer Unit, as is the management of use of the Scout Group minibuses. el Scouting equipment le.g. Tents, marquees etcl was revalued some years ago. All subsequent renewals and replacements have been charged to revenue at the time of acquisition representing the replacement of the equipment thus maintaining its value. 2 TANGIBLE ASSETS Land & buildings Minibuses Seouling equipment Cost or valuation brought forward Additions Change in value Cost carried fotward 95.975 .oc(J £9.5 -£198,3 £￿7.￿5 £28.041 £32.041 £0 £9.500 14 10th H(￿penden IMethudi%ll Scuiil GTOUP (Registered Charity No. 2927361 Tenth Harpenden (Methodist) Scout Group Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 December 3 CASH AT BANK AND IN HAND 2022 2021 Tieasurers. accounts- Group Deposit account- Group cu￿ent accounts - SectKms Cash in hand - Sections Joint committee £26.540 £0 £7.291 £175 £65.629 £0 £9.939 £175 £23.193 f61.873 £99.636 4 CAPITAL COMMITMENTS Theie were no capiial commitments al the end of the year. (Prior Year.. nil 5 EMPLOYEES. REMUNERATION Theie were no employees. Al leaders and helpets give their b.me foi no financial gain. 6 TRUSTEES. REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES No Trustee received any monetsry reward or expenses. 7 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S FEES No fee was charged f(K this setvi 15