Falkes District Scout Council Annual Report and Accounts
2021
Contents
Trustees’ report
District Membership
Treasurers report (Notes to the Annual Accounts)
Annual Accounts
Independent Examiner’s report
Chairman’s Report
District Commissioner’s Report
District Youth Commissioner’s Report
Section Reports
Beavers
Cubs
Scouts
Explorers
Network
Local Training Managers Report
Media Managers Report
Trustees' Annual Report
For the period
| From (start date) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Section A | Reference and administration details | ||||||||||||
| Charity name Other names the charity is known by Registered charity number (if any) HQ registration number Charity’s principal address |
Falkes District Scout Council N/A 3 0 0 4 7 0 1 0 0 0 2 5 4 0 |
||||||||||||
| Falkes District Scouts | |||||||||||||
| Applecroft Road | |||||||||||||
| Luton | |||||||||||||
| Postcode | L | U | 2 | 8 | B | D |
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)
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 |
Trustee Name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|---|---|---|---|
| GeraldLaw | Chairman | June2021Onwards | |
| Jacqueline Sturrock | Secretary | June2021Onwards | |
| Jennifer Peet | Treasurer | June2021Onwards | |
| MikePeet | District Commissioner | June2021Onwards | |
| A.jKedge | DistrictExplorerScout Commissioner | ||
| TrevorSharpe | District ScoutNetworkCommissioner | ||
| Zack Boutwood | DistrictYouthCommissioner | ||
| KyleBeirne | June2021Onwards | ||
| Michael Missenden | June2021Onwards | ||
| John Rees | June2021Onwards | ||
| JoanneMerrick | June2021Onwards | ||
| Derrick Bell | June2021Onwards | ||
| NormaFarish | |||
| Michael Waller | |||
| Denise O'Hara | |||
| Paul Horn | Chairman | UntilJune2021 | |
| Liz Burnham | UntilJune2021 | ||
| Cynthia Sutherst | UntilJune2021 | ||
| David Sutherst | Treasurer | UntilJune2021 | |
1 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
Section B
Structure, governance and management
Description of the charity’s trusts
Type of governing document
The District'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.
(e.g. trust deed, constitution)
How the charity is constituted
(e.g. trust, association, company)
Trustee selection methods (e.g. appointed by, elected by)
The District 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.
Additional governance issues (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
You may choose to include additional information, where relevant, about:
Policies and procedures adopted for: a) the induction and training of trustees; b) trustee' consideration of major risks and the systems and procedures to manage them
The District is managed by the District Executive Committee, the members of which are the ‘Charity Trustees’ of the Scout District 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 Committee consists of 3 independent representatives, Chair, Treasurer and Secretary together with the District Commissioner, other District Leaders and representation from around the District and meets every 2 months. Members of the Executive Committee complete 'Essential Information for Executive Committee' training within the first 5 months of joining the committee. This District Executive Committee exists to support the District Commissioner in meeting the responsibilities of the appointments and is responsible for: The maintenance of District property;
The raising of funds and the administration of District finance; The insurance of persons, property and equipment; District public occasions; Assisting in the recruitment of leaders and other adult support;
Appointing any sub committees that may be required; Appointing District Administrators and Advisors other than those who are elected.
Complying with legislation applicable to charities. This includes the registration, keeping proper accounts and making returns to the Charity Commission as appropriate.
Section B
Structure, governance and management (continued)
2 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
Risk and Internal Control The District Executive Committee has identified the major risks to which they believe the District 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 District would request the use of buildings, property and equipment from neighbouring organisations such as the church, community centre and other Scout Districts. Similar reciprocal arrangements exist with these organisations. The District has sufficient buildings and contents insurance in place to mitigate against permanent loss. Injury to leaders, helpers, supporters and members. The District through the membership fees contributes to the Scout Associations national accident insurance policy. Risk Assessments are undertaken before all activities. Reduced income from fund raising. The District is primarily reliant upon income from subscriptions and fundraising. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Committee could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the District on an ongoing basis, either temporarily or permanently. Reduction or loss of leaders. The District is totally reliant upon volunteers to run and administer the activities of the District. If there was a reduction in the number of leaders to an unacceptable level in a particular section or the District 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 District. Reduction or loss of members. The District provides activities for all young people aged 6 to 18. If there was a reduction in membership in a particular section or the District 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 District. Risk and Internal Control (Specimen 2) The District 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 a comprehensive insurance policies to ensure that insurable risks are covered.
Section C
Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document
Objectives and activities
The Purpose of Scouting Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society
3 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.
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 cooperate with others and make friends.
The Scout Method
Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and: - enjoy what they are doing and have fun - take part in activities indoors and outdoors - learn by doing - share in spiritual reflection - take responsibility and make choices - undertake new and challenging activities - make and live by their Promise. Summary of the main activities in relation This can be found it reports further on. to these objects
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 |
None |
|---|---|
| The District meets the Charity Commission's public benefit criteria under both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development headings. |
| Section D | Achievements and performance |
|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity during the year |
|
| These can be found in the reports further on. |
4 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
| 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 District's Income and Expenditure is small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The District 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. • how expenditure has supported the key objectives of the charity; Brief statement of the charity’s policy on reserves The District Executive regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the District 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 District Executive considers the cash flow requirements. None • the charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising); The District's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short. Reserves Policy 5 LT700001 (3rd December 2018) |
The District's policy on reserves is to hold sufficient resources to continue the charitable activities of the District should income and fundraising activities fall short. Reserves Policy |
| None | |
| Investment Policy The District's Income and Expenditure is small and as a consequence does not have sufficient funds to invest in longer-term investments such as stocks and shares. The District 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 District Executive regularly monitors the levels of bank balances and the interest rates received to ensure the District 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 District Executive considers the cash flow requirements. |
|
Section F
Other Optional Information
Plans for future periods (details of any This can be found in reports further on. significant activities planned to achieve them)
Section G Declaration
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
| Signature(s) Full name(s) Date Position (eg Secretary, Chair) |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerald Law | Mike Peet | ||||||
| Chairman | District Commisioner | ||||||
| 1 6 0 6 2 2 |
|||||||
| 1 | 6 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 2 |
6 LT700001 (3rd December 2018)
District Membership
| Name | Beavers | Cubs | Scouts | Explorers | YP 4-18 | Network Members |
Total Adults * |
Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falkes District | - | - | - | 38 | 38 | 9 | 36 | 74 |
| Beech Hill Scouts | 13 | 12 | 16 | - | 41 | - | 8 | 49 |
| Bushmead | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Lea Scout Group | 6 | 5 | 12 | - | 23 | - | 8 | 31 |
| Leagrave(Luton) | 12 | 9 | 17 | - | 38 | - | 20 | 58 |
| Ross Park | 19 | 7 | 14 | - | 40 | - | 13 | 53 |
| Saxon | 5 | 20 | 12 | - | 37 | - | 13 | 50 |
| Someries Hill | 10 | 18 | 7 | - | 35 | - | 14 | 49 |
| St Anne's(Luton) | 6 | 7 | 3 | - | 16 | - | 15 | 31 |
| Strathmore - Blue Foxes | 7 | 18 | 11 | - | 36 | - | 14 | 50 |
| Wigmore Valley Air Scouts |
10 | 9 | - | - | 19 | - | 11 | 30 |
| Totals | 88 | 105 | 92 | 38 | 323 | 9 | 152 | 475 |
| Change from Start of 2020 |
-51 | -35 | -14 | -10 | -110 | -10 | -43 | -153 |
| % change from Start of 2020 |
-37% | - 25% |
-13% | -21% | -25% | -53% | -22% | -24% |
- Total Adults is the number of adult volunteers plus the Scout Network members
Income
The total gross income for the 2021 year was £55,364 with the three main sources being £15,079 of membership subscriptions, £16,907 of Covid grants from Luton Borough Council and £11,108 from hiring the District’s hall.
Expenses
Total expenditure for the year was £35,227. The one main expenditure was membership subscriptions paid forward to county of £15,581.
Overall
The district ended the year with a surplus of £20,137 which left us with cash reserves of £133,565.
Without the grants from LBC the surplus for the year would have been £3,230 which overall is a fair position to be in.
Looking forwards to 2022
Rising electricity and water bills this year will considerably increase our costs at Ross park.
The amount of income from Scout shop sales during the current year will probably fall as stock is sold off and the Scout shop closed.
Income from the Badge shop may increase this year when we start taking online orders again, however is unlikely to replace the income from the Scout shop.
Explanation of the different funds
Unrestricted funds comprise of general district income and spending including the scout and badge shops.
Designated funds comprise of income and spending from the Explorer units, Network and Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
Restricted funds comprise of a single grant made to Phoenix explorer unit.
Jennifer Peet
District Treasurer
Falkes District Scout Council (Charity no. if applicable) Receipts and Payments Account
Year start date For the year 01/01/2021 from
Year end date
01/01/2021 To 31/12/2021
Receipts and payments
| Receipts | Unrestricted funds £ 13,130 3,584 - 846 - 17,560 84 245 - - - 329 16,907 1,095 18,002 860 4,489 - - 5,348 11,108 - - 11,108 - - 148 - 148 52,495 |
Unrestricted funds £ 13,130 3,584 - 846 - 17,560 84 245 - - - 329 16,907 1,095 18,002 860 4,489 - - 5,348 11,108 - - 11,108 - - 148 - 148 52,495 |
Designated Funds Restricted Funds £ £ 1,949 - - - - - - - 60 - 2,009 - - - - - - - - - 363 - 363 - 162 - - - 162 - - - - - - - 335 - 335 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,869 - 2021 |
Designated Funds Restricted Funds £ £ 1,949 - - - - - - - 60 - 2,009 - - - - - - - - - 363 - 363 - 162 - - - 162 - - - - - - - 335 - 335 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,869 - 2021 |
Designated Funds Restricted Funds £ £ 1,949 - - - - - - - 60 - 2,009 - - - - - - - - - 363 - 363 - 162 - - - 162 - - - - - - - 335 - 335 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,869 - 2021 |
Designated Funds Restricted Funds £ £ 1,949 - - - - - - - 60 - 2,009 - - - - - - - - - 363 - 363 - 162 - - - 162 - - - - - - - 335 - 335 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2,869 - 2021 |
Total funds £ 15,079 3,584 - 846 60 19,568 84 245 - - 363 692 17,069 1,095 18,164 860 4,489 - 335 5,684 11,108 - - 11,108 - - 148 - 148 55,364 - 55,364 |
2020 Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donations, legacies and similar income |
||||||||
| Membership subscriptions | 13,130 | 17,802 | ||||||
| Donations | 3,584 | 2,100 | ||||||
| Legacies | - | - | ||||||
| Gift Aid | 846 | - | ||||||
| Other similar income | - | 344 | ||||||
| Sub total | 17,560 | 20,246 | ||||||
| Activities | ||||||||
| Beavers | 84 | - | ||||||
| Cubs | 245 | - | ||||||
| Scouts | - | - | ||||||
| Camps | - | - | ||||||
| Other | - | 292 | ||||||
| Sub total | 329 | 292 | ||||||
| Grants & Loan Repayments | ||||||||
| Grants | 16,907 | 13,514 | ||||||
| Loan Repayments | 1,095 | |||||||
| Sub total | 18,002 | 13,514 | ||||||
| Fundraising events (gross) | ||||||||
| Badge Shop Sales | 860 | 773 | ||||||
| Scout Shop Sales | 4,489 | 1,748 | ||||||
| Detail 3 | - | - | ||||||
| Other fundraising activities | - | 425 | ||||||
| Sub total | 5,348 | 2,946 | ||||||
| Scout hut income | ||||||||
| Hire of building | 11,108 | 4,054 | ||||||
| Hire of equipment | - | - | ||||||
| Other Scout hut income | - | - | ||||||
| **Sub total ** | 11,108 | 4,054 | ||||||
| Investment income | ||||||||
| Bank interest | - | - | ||||||
| Building Society interest | - | - | ||||||
| The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service |
148 | 553 | ||||||
| Other investment income | - | - | ||||||
| Sub total | 148 | 553 | ||||||
| Total Gross Income Asset and investment sales, etc. Total receipts |
||||||||
| 41,585 | ||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | ||||
| 52,495 | 2,869 | - | ||||||
| 52,495 | 2,869 | - | 55,364 | 41,585 |
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LT700003 July 2021)
Falkes District Scout Council (Charity no. if applicable) Receipts and Payments Account
Year start date
Year end date
For the year 01/01/2021 To 31/12/2021 from
Receipts and payments
| Payments | Unrestricted funds £ 14,671 395 - - 109 1,429 2,154 2,093 2,815 2,517 114 850 - - - 3,052 100 - 403 30,700 491 1,469 - - 1,959 32,659 |
Unrestricted funds £ 14,671 395 - - 109 1,429 2,154 2,093 2,815 2,517 114 850 - - - 3,052 100 - 403 30,700 491 1,469 - - 1,959 32,659 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ 910 - 828 - - - 330 - - - - - - - - - 250 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 249 - 2,567 - - - - - - - - - - - 2,567 - 2021 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ 910 - 828 - - - 330 - - - - - - - - - 250 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 249 - 2,567 - - - - - - - - - - - 2,567 - 2021 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ 910 - 828 - - - 330 - - - - - - - - - 250 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 249 - 2,567 - - - - - - - - - - - 2,567 - 2021 |
Restricted funds Endowment funds £ £ 910 - 828 - - - 330 - - - - - - - - - 250 - - - - - - - - - - - - - 249 - 2,567 - - - - - - - - - - - 2,567 - 2021 |
Total funds £ |
Total funds £ |
2020 Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charitable Payments | |||||||||
| Membership subscriptions paid on (National/County/Area/District) |
14,671 | 15,581 | 16,238 | ||||||
| Youth programme and activities | 395 | 1,222 | 1,494 | ||||||
| Adult support and training | - | - | 5 | ||||||
| Rent | - | 330 | 150 | ||||||
| Rates | 109 | 109 | 154 | ||||||
| Water and Sewerage | 1,429 | 1,429 | 226 | ||||||
| Electricity and Gas | 2,154 | 2,154 | 1,320 | ||||||
| Caretakers Wages | 2,093 | 2,093 | 1,730 | ||||||
| Other Premesis Expenses | 2,815 | 2,815 | 900 | ||||||
| Insurance | 2,517 | 2,517 | 2,026 | ||||||
| Repairs and Renewals | 114 | 114 | 70 | ||||||
| Materials and equipment | 850 | 1,100 | 163 | ||||||
| Printing and photocopying | - | - | 8 | ||||||
| Contribution to camp costs | - | - | - | ||||||
| Uniforms | - | - | - | ||||||
| AGM and trustee expenses | 3,052 | 3,052 | 3,091 | ||||||
| Donations | 100 | 100 | 125 | ||||||
| Administrive Expenses | - | - | 1,308 | ||||||
| Other | 403 | 652 | - | ||||||
| Sub total | 30,700 | 33,267 | 29,008 | ||||||
| Fundraising expenses | |||||||||
| Badge Shop | 491 | 491 | 1,116 | ||||||
| Scout Shop | 1,469 | 1,469 | 2,510 | ||||||
| Scout Shop Profit Share | - | - | - | ||||||
| Other fundraising costs | - | - | 666 | ||||||
| Sub total | 1,959 | 1,959 | 4,292 | ||||||
| Total Gross Expenditure Asset and investment purchases, etc. Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) |
|||||||||
| 33,300 | |||||||||
| - | - | - | - | - | |||||
| 32,659 19,835 |
2,567 302 |
- - |
|||||||
| 33,300 | |||||||||
| 19,835 | 302 | - | 20,137 | 8,285 |
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LT700003 July 2021)
Transfers between funds Cash funds last year end
Cash funds this year end
| - | - | - 1,000 1,000 |
- | - | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 108,662 | 3,766 | 113,428 | 105,143 | ||||
| 128,497 | 4,068 | 133,565 | 113,428 |
Falkes District Scout Council (Charity no. if applicable) Receipts and Payments Account
| Receipts and Payments Account | Receipts and Payments Account | Receipts and Payments Account | Receipts and Payments Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year start date Year end date |
|||
| For the year from |
01/01/2021 | To | 31/12/2021 |
Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the year
| Unrestricted funds £ Cash funds Bank current account 34,861 Bank deposit account - Building society account - The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service 93,181 Cash/Floats - Total cash funds 128,042 Other monetary assets Tax claim - Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group - Insurance claim - Sub total - Investment assets Investment property - detail - Quoted investments - Other investments - detail - Sub total - Non monetary assets for charity's own use Badge stock 3,616 Shop stock 7,551 Other stock - Land and buildings 382,961 Motor vehicles - Scouting equipment, furniture etc 540 Other - Sub total 394,668 Liabilities Accounts not yet paid - Expenses incurred but not invoiced - Subscriptions not yet paid - Loan - detail - Other liabilities - Sub total - |
Unrestricted funds £ Cash funds Bank current account 34,861 Bank deposit account - Building society account - The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service 93,181 Cash/Floats - Total cash funds 128,042 Other monetary assets Tax claim - Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group - Insurance claim - Sub total - Investment assets Investment property - detail - Quoted investments - Other investments - detail - Sub total - Non monetary assets for charity's own use Badge stock 3,616 Shop stock 7,551 Other stock - Land and buildings 382,961 Motor vehicles - Scouting equipment, furniture etc 540 Other - Sub total 394,668 Liabilities Accounts not yet paid - Expenses incurred but not invoiced - Subscriptions not yet paid - Loan - detail - Other liabilities - Sub total - |
Unrestricted funds £ Cash funds Bank current account 34,861 Bank deposit account - Building society account - The Scout Association Short Term Investment Service 93,181 Cash/Floats - Total cash funds 128,042 Other monetary assets Tax claim - Debts due from the County/Area/District/Group - Insurance claim - Sub total - Investment assets Investment property - detail - Quoted investments - Other investments - detail - Sub total - Non monetary assets for charity's own use Badge stock 3,616 Shop stock 7,551 Other stock - Land and buildings 382,961 Motor vehicles - Scouting equipment, furniture etc 540 Other - Sub total 394,668 Liabilities Accounts not yet paid - Expenses incurred but not invoiced - Subscriptions not yet paid - Loan - detail - Other liabilities - Sub total - |
Designated Funds Restricted Funds £ £ 4,386 1,000 - - - - - - 585 - 4,972 1,000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31st Dec 2021 |
Designated Funds Restricted Funds £ £ 4,386 1,000 - - - - - - 585 - 4,972 1,000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31st Dec 2021 |
Designated Funds Restricted Funds £ £ 4,386 1,000 - - - - - - 585 - 4,972 1,000 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 31st Dec 2021 |
Total funds £ 40,247 - - 93,181 585 134,013 - - - - - - - - 3,616 7,551 - 382,961 - 540 - 394,668 - - - - - - |
Total funds £ 40,247 - - 93,181 585 134,013 - - - - - - - - 3,616 7,551 - 382,961 - 540 - 394,668 - - - - - - |
31st Dec 2020 Total funds £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42,980 | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| 68,033 | ||||||||
| 2,415 | ||||||||
| 113,428 | ||||||||
| 531 | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| 531 | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| 3,616 | ||||||||
| 7,551 | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| 382,961 | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| 540 | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| 394,668 | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| - | ||||||||
| 1,744 | ||||||||
| 1,744 | ||||||||
| Total net assets | 522,710 | 4,972 | 1,000 | 528,681 | 510,371 |
The above receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities were approved by the Trustees on Xth
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| Signature | Print Name |
|---|---|
| Gerald Law Chair | |
| Jennifer Peet Treasurer |
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Louise Ward Book Keeping 14-06-2022 Unqualffied report for a non-company charlty preparing receipts and payments accounts wlth a gross income of £250,000 or less in the relevant financial year Independent examlnerfs report to the trnstees of Falkes (iuton) Dlstrirt Stout Coundl l port to the tnjstees on my examination of the aCcnts of the Falkes (Lutonl Dislricl Scout Council for the ar ended 31-12-2021. Responslbllttles and basis ot report As the charlty trustees of the F•lkè£ Iltrtonl Dlfftlrt Stout Cotfftcll are responslble tor the preparatlon of the ccounts In accordance wlth the requlrements of the Charit$ Ad 20111'the ACVI. I report in re5Fect of rny examlnation of the Fèlkes (Lulonl District Sctsut Council accounts carried out under sectlon 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrylng out rnyexamination I have followed all the applicable Dirertion5glven bv the Charlty Comm15sion under sertion 1451SMbl of the Independent examlnerfs ststement I have completed my eMinatIOn. I confirm that no material matters hove come to my •ttentlon In tonnectlon wlth the examination 8rvln8 me cause to belleve that In any material resFct: accountln8 records were not kept In re4Ject of the Falkes (Lutonl District Scout Council as requlred bv section 1>) of the Act; or the accounts do not accord wtth te records. I have no conterns and have corf across no other rnatte in u)nnectlon wlth the examlnatlon towhich attentlon should bè drawn In thls report In order to enable a proper understandln8of the accounts to be reached. Slgned: Name: Loulse Ward Relevant wofessional quallflcatlon or mernbership of wofpssional bodles Ilf anvl: Member of the Institute of Certlfied eook Keepers (MI) Règi5tertd practic* 16fA17 Address: 41 Keele¥ Lane Wootton Bedford MK43 Date.. 1416122
The start of 2021, scouting across the district proved difficult with Covid limiting activities but many Falkes Scout Groups proved they could carry on with their programs over Zoom. When face to face became possible, all continued with caution outdoors and in meeting rooms.
Although finance is healthy, working with the bank has proved difficult and any changes took weeks to amend, including changing to online banking. The Scout HQ Savings Bank Account also had technical issues but at no time were there any issues relating to district funds.
It was with sadness that it was agreed to close the Falkes Scout Shop after 40 years of service to Scouting across Luton, thanks mainly to Cynthia and David Sutherst. We are now selling off the stock at a discount. The stock Value (at the Falkes selling price) at the end of year is £5388.81 against sales of £2862.18
Ross Park is an amazing resource for the Groups and District which is thanks to our Manager Linda, supported by volunteer Ian. The Mad Hatters provided support with a major clean-up. There was a request to clear up metal work, a number of weekends by Ross Park Scout Group, AJ and Ian met that challenge. We thank them and others for their tireless work in keeping Ross Park tidy.
As Scouting moves back to face to face scouting, we need to look at changes to Ross Park to improve the facilities and look at costs. Utility costs are leaping up, so we need to find ways of challenging these increase. This will mean that some users of Ross Park will find they are being charged for using the building and grounds. We shall also look at means to off-set increases investigating natural resources such as the sun and other sources.
The relationship with the Pre-School remains good and have taken the need to increase charges with understanding and good grace. The fees they pay enable District not to increase charges higher then is needed by members.
The pressures of personal life and scouting life seem to increase. Volunteers do so much more for the benefit of the membership. Our Appointments Committee do their best to ensure new adult members are vetted under Jo’s leadership but this has proved difficult with Mala standing down as secretary but hopefully this will be resolved soon with a new secretary.
Leader Training and especially First Response has taken large steps forward under Cathy, ensuring members comply with their training requirements. Training may seem to be a bind but I would ask members to remember that keeping your training up to date keeps you informed of changes and protects you and the young people we are committed to support.
Media activity is supported by the Media team, who we thank for their efforts. Mark Webb, having taken the roll at the beginning of 2021 sadly had to stand down. Stephen Avis has taken up the role of Media Manager giving us hope that media coverage will increase, as face to face activities move into full swing, The difficulties for the team is covering all activities across the town and therefore groups, units and the district team are asked to consider taking pictures and writing up some facts. Then submit to the media team who will rework the article ready for submission.
The District Exec has been working hard over the year, all who I thank. I would include thanks to David Sutherst for helping with the transfer from the previous District Exec. I would express thanks to Jacky Sturrock as secretary and Jennifer Peet who have given so much support, especially Jennifer’s constant contact with the bank.
Part of the problem with writing a report is to try not to go on and on, which I suspect I do all too often but when observing good scouting, seeing young people grow into adults, who in turn take up the challenge. Then seeing familiar faces continuing to do their best, it is hard not to express my admiration.
The future looks promising scouting wise but I suspect we will be pressed by increase costs.
Gerald Law District Chair
Sitting down to write my first AGM report as District Commissioner has been a good opportunity to reflect on my first seven months in the role, the challenges, difficulties, frustrations and of course the successes. There has been lots of Adults to meet, learn how they want to be supported and of course understand how to enable them to provide the very best programme to all our Youth Members.
Most people I know and have met in my Scouting life have a vision for “how it should be”, I am no different. The philosophy I hold is simple.
“Our Volunteers running the weekly section meetings are the key to Scouting’s success and Young People’s development. Everything we do should be aimed at supporting and enabling our Leaders to deliver a top tier programme.”
When using the words Volunteer and Leader here I include Section Leaders, Assistant Section Leaders, Section Assistants, Parent Helpers and our Young Leaders. Some will have been in their role for years, some will be helping because of their children and others will still be Young People in Sections themselves.
With my simple philosophy in mind and a wide variety of people to support I have spent 2021 building the foundations.
The foundations in my mind was a strong, well-oiled District machine to be able to bring this to life. This consisted of, a Chair who shared my philosophy for Scouting in Falkes with a refreshed Executive Committee. Adult Training working so all our volunteers have the skills needed in their roles. An Appointments Committee ensuring the right Adults are in the right roles. A District Team who engage with their sections and provide District Events the Leaders want. Ensuring Group Scout Leaders and the District Team had direct support from me to ensure the philosophy permeated into each Group and Unit.
Typing the list from my note book has reminded me how much I wanted to achieve in such a short space of time and reflecting now, it may have been practical to have a shorter list. That said I love a challenge and as you will see the list for 2022 is even bigger. So how has it gone?
Taking them backwards, Ensuring the Group Scout Leaders and District Team have support from me – Frustrating, having a job unfortunately can get in the way of your Scouting plans. One that requires some focus in 2022
A District Team who engage with their sections and provide District Events the Leaders want – Success, however I get no credit here as all but one were in post when I took over as District Commissioner. You will read in their reports what has gone well in 2021 and they have done a blinding job.
An Appointments Committee ensuring the right Adults are in the right roles. – Challenging, in part because of a backlog where the AAC wasn’t functioning and unfortunately our Appointments Secretary got a new job that meant she couldn’t do the role.
Adult Training working so all our volunteers have the skills needed in their roles. – Success and difficult together. The success is finding Cathy our Local Training Manager who has taken the bull by the horns and got us flying here. Difficult because of the lack of training available through Covid has caused another backlog.
A chair who shared my philosophy for Scouting in Falkes with a refreshed Executive Committee – Success. Gerald Law as Chair has worked tirelessly in 2021 to get my philosophy ready for take-off. The Exec got seven new members and we have two members under the age of Twenty Five.
In short a mixed bag, however I can confidently say we are on the right track and the foundations are stable enough to build on. So where does the Journey go from here….
By the end of 2022 I am hoping to report there is a written development plan to take us through to the later part of this decade. At least two Squirrel Dreys open. The Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme available to all those eligible. Youth membership well on the way to 400. A Group Scout Leader at every Group. The Appointments backlog cleared. An Awards Advisory Group in Place. As the District Commissioner being able to better support the Group Scout Leaders and District Team with their work.
This leaves me with just one thing left to write, Thank You. A massive thank you to every Adult in Falkes that works so hard to bring Scouting to the Young People of Luton whichever role you have.
Mike Peet District Commissioner
2021 has seen change, growth and fun throughout the district. I have visited a variety of our groups, and spoken to a large selection of young people throughout the district, from Beavers up to our Scout Network. Below, I will outline some key points which I have picked up on from my conversations with our young people.
Throughout 2021, the District has hosted several activity days for our young people – including a Beaver fun day in the Summer, and a Cub fun day in the Autumn. Both events were a resounding success, and having spoken to leaders and young people alike after each event, I can confidently say that they were well received by our youth membership and gave them a key opportunity to socialise and have fun.
This leads me on to another key development of 2021. After the significant challenges of 2020, 2021 saw a careful, and well managed return to face to face scouting – providing an important service to young people throughout the district. I thank all of our adult volunteers and Young Leaders for their sterling efforts in ensuring face to face Scouting returned safely, yet rapidly across the District. Young people of all ages were delighted to return – and many groups reported a strong bounce back of membership across sections, after some members not participating in Virtual Scouting for various reasons.
I mentioned Young Leaders – these young people range from 14-18years and are key members of our Groups. Young Leaders develop their leadership skills by completing modules, and this learning is put into practise at a group level, with Young Leaders involved in planning and implementing programmes. A true example of Youth Shaped Scouting in the District. I must extend my thanks to Jen and Amy, who do so much to support our Young Leaders in their ongoing development and training.
Our young people are undoubtedly the most important people in the district, and everything we do as adult volunteers should be with them in mind. In fact, we should be going a step further – young people should be guiding and openly discussing their programmes and activities. We all have a part to play in the Scout Associations 2025 Vision: By 2025* we'll have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme. We'll be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities.
A key part of this vision is the Youth Shaped Award, which was launched at National, and County level toward the end of 2021, with the implementation in Falkes District planned for 2022.
As you will see from the various reports submitted by my colleagues across the District Team, 2021 has been upbeat and exciting. And there is yet more excitement on the horizon for 2022 – Most notably the creation of a whole new Scout Section – Squirrels!
On that note, I close my annual report looking back on 2021 with great pride in our young people and their achievements, and look onto 2022 with enthusiasm.
Zack Boutwood
District Youth Commissioner
The District Beavers Scouts held a Fun Day at Boyd Field on Saturday 26th June 2021 at Boyd Field, Henlow. The was the first time the District Beaver Scouts had met together since the Covid restrictions were lifted and it felt really strange with everyone meeting up together again.
The day started with all the Groups running a base each and the Beavers went round to visit the various bases in their Group every 30 minutes. The bases consisted of making paper helicopters, nerf guns, making puppets, leaf printing, a science experiment, mini catapults with lolly sticks and toasting marshmallows over tea lights.
We followed this up in the afternoon with two assault courses, one homemade involving a cargo net and hockey stick obstacle course and the other one being the Boyd field assault cause.
To finish off the day Alan Wood from sells7thscouts ran the Beaver campfire singing and all the Beavers joined in and had a fantastic time. We all had cake to finish off day and a special 35 years Beaver Badge was handed out to all who attended.
Flowers were given to Leagrave Beaver Leaders for Jacky Sturrock for her many, many years’ service running the Beaver Scout section at Leagrave.
I would like to thank all the Leaders and Helpers from all the Groups and the District team for supporting this section over the year.
Denise O’Hara
Assistant District Commissioner- Beavers
Scouting at the start of 2021 was anything but what we had hoped it to be. Leaders back to running their meetings online, this time they knew what to expect and were able to run very good programmes during this time. As expected, the numbers did for most groups go down, as online meetings didn’t suit all the young people.
Despite being unable to meet face to face we did as a district put together a short video for Captain Tom’s 100 birthday. Cubs from most of the groups sent a short video to Trevor Sharp and he put them together a video which was put onto the Luton Facebook page.
After our district meeting in February, it was agreed to have a District leaders WhatsApp group. This was set up and seems to work well. Leaders will pass on information or ask for questions, usually one of the leaders will respond very quickly.
In May we had an online performance from the Skittle man entertainer. We had approx. 30 young people and their leaders. They were entertained for 2hrs and were also taught a card trick.
The next event was due to be an Activity Day at Bromham on 2nd October 2021 but due to the fuel crisis leading up the event, it was felt that we needed to change to venue. The leaders were making suggestions on new venues via the WhatsApp group, I was able to notice the suggestions and ask if Ross Park was available. The district cub leaders all met online late on the Tuesday evening and produced a new programme for the day. We had the use of both huts at Ross Park which was lucky as the day turned out to be a very wet. Everyone turned up early and helped each other put up the shelters and organize their activities. Everyone worked together to get everything put away at the end of the day. Despite the rain for most the day, the young people had a wonderful day and went home very tired, and I think most of the leaders did too.
I just need to say thank you to all the leaders and district team that turned up on the day to help setup/run activities or look after the young people in their care. Without you, we couldn’t have run such a fun day for them.
We are now working on events for the 2022.
Debbie Baker Assistant District Commissioner - Cubs
Following a challenging time during the pandemic where many groups fully embraced online meetings, numbers of members attending face to face meetings across the district have slowly exceeded prepandemic levels.
Many troops raced to provide night’s away experiences for their members as soon as they could after the lifting of restrictions.
On behalf of all the members of the Scout section, I'd like to thank all of the adults in Falkes for all of the time and effort they put in every week delivering great experiences to Scouts across the District.
Trevor Sharp
Assistant District Commissioner - Scouts
Whilst it has unarguably been a very difficult couple of years for everyone I am happy to report that as a District we have continued to provide Scouting throughout and numbers have remained relatively high. Unfortunately due to low numbers we have had to close one unit at the end of the year, which was a shame as numbers in that unit prior to Covid where starting to take off and was one of the popular units. I am pleased to say though that the other two units and the young leader unit are thriving and we managed to relocate the remaining explorer’s from the closed down unit into the other units within the district.
I would like to take this opportunity to say a few Thankyous – firstly to all the groups that support the young leader scheme and continue to have explorer’s within their group, they are leaders of the future and why it is always good to have experience within the district, you have to have youth coming through at the same time – so thank you. I’d also like to thank the district executive committee who have continued to support the explorer provision throughout the district during the course of the year. My biggest thank you must go to all the explorer leaders, assistant and helpers within the district who work tirelessly week in and week out to provide Scouting throughout the year, they honestly make my job so easy. So on behalf of the district and on a personal level a big thank you to one and all and I look forward to working with you all during 2022.
A.j Kedge District Explorer Scout Commissioner
The pandemic was hard on the Network because due to the section age range, they were under greater restrictions than the younger sections. Despite that we managed to meet on Zoom numerous times taking part in various activities ranging from cooking to quizzes to meeting with Scouts from Switzerland.
Unfortunately, since Coronavirus restrictions have been lifted, there hasn't been much engagement as far as members organising and attending events. This will be the focus for the coming year, putting together a programme of activities that will encourage members to get more actively involved in planning and attending Network meetings and events.
Trevor Sharp District Scout Network Commissioner
Every volunteer within Scouting has to complete training, each module is determined by the role you hold. Training allows us to develop our existing skills and also gives us an understanding of the expectations set by the Scout Association.
In the last 12 months
9 Leaders have earnt their wood beads in recognition of completing their training.
147 have completed Safety and Safeguarding Training
71 have completed First Response
22 have completed module 1 – essential information
A fantastic achievement, thank you to everyone who has been involved in the scouting learning process. Your time and efforts are appreciated. This enables everyone to enjoy safe scouting.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Training Advisers for their hard work guiding adults through their training journey.
The next Training Academy is on Sat 25[th] and Sunday 26[th] June 2022, sessions available are: - LGBTQ+
Module 10 – First Response
Module 16 – Introduction to Residential Experiences
Module 17 – Running Safe Activities
Modules 14 & 15 – Supporting Young People / Promoting Positive Behaviour Modules 8 & 9 - Skills of Leadership / Working with adults
Module 11 – Administration
Module 7 & 13 – Scouting for All / Growing the Section Module 12A, 12B & 19 – Delivering Quality Programme Module 38 – Skills for Residential Experiences
Book a place on the Bedfordshire Scouts website, via members- adult training diary.
Don’t delay book today.
Module 10 - First response at Ross Park can be booked via Eventbrite.
If you would like me to email you these links, please let me know.
We have vacancies for Training Advisers within Falkes District, it requires an interest in supporting adults to progress their Scouting skills, It DOES NOT depend on I.T. skills or piles of paperwork. If you are interested in helping other leaders through their training, please let me know.
If you need further help with training feel free to contact me ltm@falkesscouts.org.uk
Cathy Stapleton Local Training Manager
2021 was a very hit and miss year for Luton Media after losses of members due to personal reasons. Things do however seem to be on the up in early 2022, but we will save that all for next year’s report.
On the turn of the new year, Gerald Law stood down as media manager after many successful years to allow our team to move in a new direction. The responsibilities of Gerald’s role were split into two, with Stephen Avis becoming the Social Media Manager and Mark Webb becoming Media Manager. Part way through the year, we lost Mark, leaving us without a Media Manager, with Stephen becoming the manager of the team. The (active) team includes Paul Oakley, Stuart Else, Helen Halsey, David Colclough, Mark Chamberlain, Ray Aldous, Jean Mitchell. Libby Bassam, Rex Horton, Mike Peet and Gerald Law also sit on the teams as Icknield and Falkes DC’s and Chairpersons respectively. I thank the team for their ongoing work and support.
This change/re-shuffle of team prompted a ‘new look’ on how our pages are run moving from a ‘advertisement through adverts’ to an ‘advertisement through a wide variety of fun’. This prompted groups to be sharing their perspective of their activities to really show off some of the wonderful things that happen in this town. We also wanted to start taking a youth centred approach as apposed to the ‘make the group as busy as possible’ approach that was taken before.
In comparison to 2020, 2021 was actually slow on the news front, despite so many wonderful activities as groups returned to face to face Scouting ‘post-covid’. Some of our top stories came through in the selection of the new Bedfordshire Contingent for the next World Scout Jamboree in Korea, including 4 young people and 1 leader from Luton, HRH Prince Phillip and Captain Tom Moore tributes, Virtual St Georges (Facebook/YouTube Live Stream), Charlotte Pound’s Swim for Charity, Falkes Beavers and Cubs Fun Day(s), EESSU at Stewartby Lake, various remembrance posts and a wide variety of groups returning to face to face activity.
In terms of printed press, we had two published pieces, Charlotte Pound’s Charity Swim and the Falkes Cubs fun day. This is slower than a ‘regular’ year but by no means bad. It can only mean we can improve this year!
As the world was slowly moving out of lockdown, some of the adaptations made remained. Over this time both districts made a combined effort on Young Leader training, over zoom. These sessions were advertised online with the intentions that only really the locals would get involved, however there was involvement from up and down the country, showing just how effective the spread of media can be.
Stephen now heads up the social media, and is every looking into new approaches to Social Media activities to best benefit us as a town. The content shared to our Facebook directly feed numerous sources, Instagram, Twitter, the Luton Scouts Website and printed material activities. I admit that the efforts on Instagram and Twitter have been below par this par year and shaky period but plans have been put in place at the beginning of 2022 for this to improve.
The Luton Scout Website development continues to enable non-Scouting people to find local Scouting, despite the turbulent past few years join enquiries have continued each month. We continue to look at how the website can support the membership by making it the starting point to find answers to questions, looking at Scouting activities, campsites, training, international activities and finding historical information.
Communication of activities, dates, waiting lists and other changes remains a challenge and is now being worked upon. Positive information creates a positive portrayal of Scouting in the eyes of both the public and the membership. We continue to get noticed by the local community and have several internationalbased group members whom often engage and interact.
I would like to thank members of the Media Team, YSP’s and Groups for their hard work in projecting Scouting in a positive way throughout 2020.
When Mark stood down as Media Manager, responsibilities landed on myself. I look forward to working with the Media Team in a different capacity in the coming year and cannot wait to develop the very impressive work that has already taken place. I will be moving to University in September, and doing the role virtually, which hopefully will lead to new dynamic ways the team can move forward.
Thank you for your ever-ongoing support,
Stephen Avis Media Manager – Luton Scouts