2025-03-31-accounts - 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group

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Trustees' Annual Report

For the period

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From (start date) 0 1 0 4 2 4 to end date 3 1 0 3 2 5
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group
Other names the charity is known by The 89th
Registered charity number (if any) 2 9 4 4 8 6
HQ registration number
Charity’s principal address 89th Reading Scouts HQ
Jefferson Close, Emmer Green,
Reading
Postcode R G 4 8 U S
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Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

(These will be published in the annual report of the charity and the Charity Register if reporting for a Registered Charity with a charity regulator)

Trustee Name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year
Robin Kent	Group ScoutLeader
Colin Blount	Chair
Bill Foster	Treasurer
Richard Chambers	Administrator	11/06/2024-31/01/2025
John Wright
Julian Rae
Nicholas Willenbrock
Natalie McCabe

Names and addresses of advisers (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

(These will be published in the annual report of the charity)

Type of advisor Name Address

1 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group Annual Report

Section B

Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document The Group's governing documents are those of the 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 of The Scout Association. The 89th Reading Scout Council is the electoral body that supports Scouting at the 89th. It is the body to which the Trustee Board is accountable. The Trustee Board is a team of volunteers who work together, as charity Trustees, to make sure the Scouts is run safely and legally. At the heart of their role is a focus on strategy, performance and assurance. (e.g. trust deed, constitution) How the charity is constituted The Group is a trust established under its rules which are common to all Scouts. (e.g. trust, association, company) Trustee selection methods The Trustees are appointed in accordance with the Policy, (e.g. appointed by, elected by) Organisation and Rules (POR) of The Scout Association.

Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)

You may choose to include additional The Group is managed by the Group Trustee Board, the information, where relevant, about: members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout Group which is an educational charity. 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 Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Policies and procedures adopted for: Treasurer and 6 Trustees (including 1 Ex Officio Trustees, a) the induction and training of trustees; b) and 5 elected Trustees) and meets once every term. trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts them Trustee learning within the first 6 months of joining the Board.

This Group Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. They are supported by a managemnet team who are responsible for areas such as the building, H&S, waiting list and subscriptions. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.

2 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group Annual Report

Section B	Structure, governance and management (continued)
	Risk and Internal Control.A full audit of the premises and grounds was carried out using the Scoiut Association template in 2024. The Group Trustee Board 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 would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. 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 Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Risk Assessments for fixed activity equipment are regular reviewed and updated and a scedule maintained. Reduced income. The Group is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions, the letting of the buikding and activity centre to other groups and users, and fundraising. The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently. Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as a whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group. Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the group as whole then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete closure of the Group.

Section B

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Risk and Internal Control.A full audit of the premises and
grounds was carried out using the Scoiut Association
template in 2024. The Group Trustee Board 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
would request the use of buildings, property and equipment
from neighbouring organisations such as the church,
community centre and other Scout Groups. Similar
reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. 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
Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk
Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Risk
Assessments for fixed activity equipment are regular
reviewed and updated and a scedule maintained.
Reduced income. The Group is primarily reliant upon
income from subscriptions, the letting of the buikding and
activity centre to other groups and users, and fundraising.
The group does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of
activities should there be a major reduction in income. The
Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the
income to the group on an ongoing basis, either temporarily
or permanently.
Reduction or loss of leaders. The group is totally reliant
upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the
group. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to
an unacceptable level in a particular section or the group as
a whole then there would have to be a contraction,
consolidation or closure of a section. In the worst case
scenario the complete closure of the Group.
Reduction or loss of members. The Group provides activities
for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in
membership in a particular section or the group as whole
then there would have to be a contraction, consolidation or
closure of a section. In the worst case scenario the complete
closure of the Group.

3 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group Annual Report

Section C	Objectives and activities
Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice) Youmay chooseto include further statements, where relevant, about: • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers; • policy on investments. Public benefit statement Wherever possible we focus on outdoor activities, including hikes, camps, expeditions and adventurous activities for all groups. The delivery of scouting activities at the 89th is through volunteers. Without the dedication and support of all the adult volunteers in the many and varied roles that they undertake, we would not be able to offer the quality and variety of activities we currently deliver. We currently have over 50 active volunteers and we are continuing to attract new adult volunteers and look forward to welcoming more in ~~the future.~~ 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. Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document The Purpose of Scouting The charitable object of the 89th Reading Scout Group (the 89th) is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. The Values of Scouting As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others. Care -We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes. Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co- operate with others and make friends. This is achieved by weekly unit meetings following Scouting Programmes across 2 Beaver Colonies, 3 Cub Packs, 3 Scout Troops and an associated District Explorer Unit that meets at the 89th. In total over 200 young people per week experience Scouting at the 89th Reading. Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting; and • Enjoy what they do and have fun. • Take part in activities indoors and outdoors. • Learn by doing. • Take responsibility and make choices. • Undertake new and challenging activities; and • Make and live by their promise. Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects	The Purpose of Scouting The charitable object of the 89th Reading Scout Group (the 89th) is to promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual social and spiritual potential as individuals, as responsible citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. The Values of Scouting As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others. Care -We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes. Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co- operate with others and make friends.

	This is achieved by weekly unit meetings following Scouting Programmes across 2 Beaver Colonies, 3 Cub Packs, 3 Scout Troops and an associated District Explorer Unit that meets at the 89th. In total over 200 young people per week experience Scouting at the 89th Reading. Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting; and • Enjoy what they do and have fun. • Take part in activities indoors and outdoors. • Learn by doing. • Take responsibility and make choices. • Undertake new and challenging activities; and • Make and live by their promise.
	Wherever possible we focus on outdoor activities, including hikes, camps, expeditions and adventurous activities for all groups. The delivery of scouting activities at the 89th is through volunteers. Without the dedication and support of all the adult volunteers in the many and varied roles that they undertake, we would not be able to offer the quality and variety of activities we currently deliver. We currently have over 50 active volunteers and we are continuing to attract new adult volunteers and look forward to welcoming more in ~~the future.~~

	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.

4 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group Annual Report

Section D	Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year
	Chair’s Statement: A hugely successful year in which we have provided Scouting to around 220 young people each week which has only been possible because of the support of approximately 50 adult volunteers. I would like to thank all those volunteers and young leaders for the time and effort they have put into the Group over the past 12 months and of course a thank you to Robin Kent the Group Lead Volunteer who manages all the volunteers and keeps them focused on providing for the young people Thanks also to all the members of the Trustee Board and Management Team for their hard work in looking after what I term the “business” side of the group which allows the section volunteers to focus their time on working directly with the young people. The Group finances are, as can be seen from the accounts, in a good stable order. Thanks to Bill for his work throughout the year for this and for building a budget this last year that we have managed to stick to. At the last AGM we mentioned that we were looking at the possibility of introducing the younger Squirrels section into the Group. This is still a plan for the future but currently we are struggling to find experienced leaders that are available at the earlier time slot that this younger group would need to run at. The waiting list for the Group has stabilised well and by the end of this year we envisage will be under control with no one of scouting age not being offered a place. We have expanded the Scout numbers this year with the opening of the Galahad troop and with the waiting list becoming under control it is likely that later during the year we will consolidate the 3 Cub packs back down to the 2 packs we ran with before the “covid bulge” So again, a very big thankyou to all those that make the 89th the amazing Group that it is.

Section D

Achievements and performance

Summary of the main achievements of
the charity during the year

Chair’s Statement:
A hugely successful year in which we have provided
Scouting to around 220 young people each week which has
only been possible because of the support of approximately
50 adult volunteers.
I would like to thank all those volunteers and young leaders
for the time and effort they have put into the Group over the
past 12 months and of course a thank you to Robin Kent the
Group Lead Volunteer who manages all the volunteers and
keeps them focused on providing for the young people
Thanks also to all the members of the Trustee Board and
Management Team for their hard work in looking after what I
term the “business” side of the group which allows the
section volunteers to focus their time on working directly with
the young people.
The Group finances are, as can be seen from the accounts,
in a good stable order. Thanks to Bill for his work throughout
the year for this and for building a budget this last year that
we have managed to stick to.
At the last AGM we mentioned that we were looking at the
possibility of introducing the younger Squirrels section into
the Group. This is still a plan for the future but currently we
are struggling to find experienced leaders that are available
at the earlier time slot that this younger group would need to
run at.
The waiting list for the Group has stabilised well and by the
end of this year we envisage will be under control with no
one of scouting age not being offered a place.
We have expanded the Scout numbers this year with the
opening of the Galahad troop and with the waiting list
becoming under control it is likely that later during the year
we will consolidate the 3 Cub packs back down to the 2
packs we ran with before the “covid bulge”
So again, a very big thankyou to all those that make the 89th
the amazing Group that it is.

5 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group Annual Report

Section E	Financial Review
Quantify and explain any designations Details of any funds materially in deficit (circumstances plus steps to eliminate) Further financial review details (optional information) Youmay chooseto include additional information, where relevant, about: • investment policy and objectives; Investment Policy The Group's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies or The Scout Association's Short Term Investment Service. The Group held reserves of £10,141 on deposit with instrant access at the financial year end. This is in line with the level required for operating expenses. Reserves Policy The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £10,000. • how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves The Group Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the Group Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements. There are no designated funds There are no funds in deficit • the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising);	The Group held reserves of £10,141 on deposit with instrant access at the financial year end. This is in line with the level required for operating expenses. Reserves Policy The Group's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the group should income and fundraising activities fall short. The Group Trustee Board considers that the group should hold a sum equivalent to 12 months running costs, circa £10,000. There are no designated funds

	There are no funds in deficit
	Investment Policy The Group's Income and Expenditure is very small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The Group has therefore adopted a low risk strategy to the investment of its funds. All funds are held in cash using only mainstream banks or building societies or The Scout Association's Short Term Investment Service. The Group Trustee Board regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the group obtains maximum value and income from its banking arrangements. Occasionally this may involve using an account that requires a period of notice before funds may be withdrawn, before doing so the Group Trustee Board considers the cash flow requirements.

Section F	Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods (details of any significant activities planned to achieve them)
	Continued reduction of Waiting List. Managemnet of the Covid Bubble through the Group. Management of, and reporting against, new detailed budget. Continue to review potential provision of Squirrels.

6 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group Annual Report

Section G Declaration

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Colin Blount Robin Kent	Colin Blount Robin Kent	Colin Blount Robin Kent	Colin Blount Robin Kent	Colin Blount Robin Kent	Colin Blount Robin Kent	Colin Blount Robin Kent

Colin Blount						Robin Kent

Chair						GroupScout Leader
1 4 0 6 2 5
1	4	0	6	2	5

7 89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group Annual Report

89th Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group

Statement of Assets & Liabilities as at 31st March 2025

2024/5 £ 745,778 14,592 5,376 107,918 - 873,664 31,314 10,141 - - - - - - 41,455 915,119 0 0 0 0 915,119 539,374 365,000 10,745 915,119	2024/5 £ 745,778 14,592 5,376 107,918 - 873,664 31,314 10,141 - - - - - - 41,455 915,119 0 0 0 0 915,119 539,374 365,000 10,745 915,119	2023/4 £ 740,000 17,024 4,514 107,836 1,500 870,875 31,499 2,001 - - - - - - 33,500 904,374 0 0 0 0 904,374 534,204 365,000 5,171 904,374	2023/4 £ 740,000 17,024 4,514 107,836 1,500 870,875 31,499 2,001 - - - - - - 33,500 904,374 0 0 0 0 904,374 534,204 365,000 5,171 904,374
873,664 31,314 10,141 - - - - - -		870,875 31,499 2,001 - - - - - -
41,455 0 0 0		33,500 0 0 0
	915,119		904,374
	539,374 365,000 10,745		534,204 365,000 5,171
	915,119		904,374

Page 1 of 4

89th Reading Scouts - Receipts and Payments

Receipts and Payments Summary for the Year Ending 31st March 2025

Income Subscriptions Received Donations and grants received Gift Aid Hall/Site rental Neckers Unit Outings Less Capitation paid Total Income Expenses Activities Consumables Activities Health and Safety Activities Jamboree Activities Other Activities Unit Expenditure Admin Bank Charges Admin Insurances Admin Other incl Licences Admin Stationery Admin Website /Broadband Premises Cleaning Premises Electricity Premises Fire/Security Premises First Aid/H & S Premises General Rates Premises Water charges Premises Repairs & Maintenance Premises Telephone Premises Waste Removal Premises Badges & Neckers Premises Equipment Total Expenditure Net profit for the year	2024/5 £ 30,965 11,757 6,259 10,578 324 15,447 (12,355) 62,975 1,092 1,126 - 6,217 16,282 60 1,659 216 55 543 3,300 4,093 418 59 89 569 8,614 - 499 2,820 - 47,711 15,264	2023/24 £ 25,400 3,604 6,932 10,447 505 10,254 (9,611)
		47,529 748 1,176 450 1,168 13,001 60 1,485 393 20 594 3,000 4,107 509 136 85 707 9,198 - 460 2,970 -
		40,265
		7,265

Page 2 of 4

89th Reading Scouts - Receipts and Payments

Receipts and Payments Summary for the Year Ending 31st March 2025

Profit per P&L Deprec written off Assets Add Back Unity Combined Insurance £1564.51 paid for 26/7/24 to 25/7/25 116 days prepaid = £1564.5/365116 Unity Personal Accident and Medical Expenses £94 for the period 01/2/25 to 31/1/26 306 days prepaid = £94.00/365306 PPLPRS Music Licence £209.56 paid for 18/2/25 to 17/2/26 323 days prepaid = £215.84/365*323 Less Unity Personal Accident and Medical expenses Unity Combined Insurance PPLPRS Music Licence Profit Adjustment prior years	2024/5 15,264 (4,171) 497 79 191 (79) (442) (185) (409) 10,745 Reverse 2023/24	2023/4 £ 7,265 (2,260) 442 79 185 (77) (295) (167) 5,171 Reverse 2022/23

Page 3 of 4

89th Reading Scouts - Milestone Woods

Bank Summary for the Year Ending 31st March 2025

Total Receipts for Year Total Payments for Year Net Bank movement for the Year Cash and Bank Balances Brought Forward Cash and Bank Balances Carried Forward Balance as statement Curr Acc Balance as statement Sav Acc Balance as statement Total Difference	2024/5 £ 75,330.28 67,375.35
	7,954.93 33,499.78
	41,454.71
	31,314.19 10,140.52
	41,454.71
	0.00

Page 4 of 4

Scrutineer's report to the trustees

Scrutineer's Report to the Trustees of

89[th] Reading (Milestone Wood) Scout Group

I report on the accounts of the Group/District for the year ended 31[st] March 2025

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Scrutineer

As the Group's/District's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that neither the audit nor independent examination requirements of the Charities Act 2011 apply. It is my responsibility without carrying out an audit or independent examination to scrutinise the accounts and to report to you.

Basis of Scrutineer's Statement

In accordance with the directions given in the Group's/District's constitution, I have scrutinised the records and the accounts set out on pages 1 to 4.

Scrutineer's Statement

In my opinion the accounts are in accordance with the records produced to me and comply with the constitution.

Name: David Gillingham Address: 1 Woodlands Grove . Caversham Berkshire Date: 2[nd] June 2025