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2020-12-31-accounts

Charity Registration No 300480

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Contents

Contents Contents
________________
Administrative Details 3
County Membership 4
Charity information 5
Role of Honour 6-8
Trustees’ report 9-16
Independent Examiner’s report 17
Statement of financial activities 18
Balance sheet 19
Statement of cash flows 20
Notes to the financial statements 21-33
County Commissioner’s Report 34
ACCI Report 35
ACC Programme Support Report 36
ACC Network Report 37
County Training Manager Report 38
Perception Team Report 39

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Administrative Details

Charity Registration No: 300480

PRINCIPAL ADDRESS: County Office The Leslie Sell County Scout Activity Centre Molivers Lane Bromham Bedfordshire MK43 8LD Telephone: 01234 826079 E-mail: bedscouts@btconnect.com Web site: www.bedfordshirescouts.org.uk INDEPENDENT EXAMINER: Stephen Monico FCA DChA 19 Goldington Road Bedford MK40 3JY PRINCIPAL BANKER: CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ SCOUT ASSOCIATION The Scout Association MEMBERSHIP Gilwell Park The Bedfordshire County Scout Chingford Council is registered with London The Scout Association E4 7QW (No 101) County Vice Presidents

Graham Bates Esq OBE JP Honorary Alderman

Robert Lovesey Esq JP DL

George T Plenderleath Esq DL LL.B

Rex Rothwell-Jackson Esq

Kenneth J Wells Esq

Incorporated by Royal Charter

THE BEDFORDSHIRE COUNTY SCOUT COUNCIL Registered Charity No 300480

COUNTY MEMBERSHIP As at 31 January 2021

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Ampthilll & Bedford & Leighton Total Total Total
Biggleswade Dunstable Icknield Falkes County 2021
Woburn Ouse Valley Linslade 2020 2019 2018
Section
Groups 9 17 15 10 9 10 6 76 76 78 76
Beavers 163 208 313 167 57 70 92 1,070 1,592 1,532 1,576
Cub Scouts 222 266 401 208 90 101 120 1,408 1,828 1,855 1,843
Scouts 214 271 310 148 123 92 111 1,269 1,444 1,374 1,392
Explorer Scouts 68 68 84 45 22 34 38 359 435 448 402
Scout Network 4 17 13 6 4 6 6 56 109 37 124
Total Young People 671 830 1,121 574 296 303 367 4,162 5,408 5,246 5,337
Active Support Roles 6 5 0 9 24 16 9 25 94 99
Leadership Roles 118 140 238 90 92 91 70 839 961
Management Roles 10 15 14 11 9 11 8 2 80 104
Support Roles 35 27 34 9 9 7 14 24 159 136
Governance Roles 40 74 82 46 41 28 38 4 353 412
Young Leaders 20 28 10 13 23 25 11 130 191
Total Adults 209 261 368 165 175 153 139 55 1,525 1,712 1,886 1,810
Total 880 1,091 1,489 739 471 456 506 55 5,687 7,120 7,132 7,147
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Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Charity information

Charity Registration No: 300480

County Office, The Leslie Sell County Scout Activity & Training Centre Molivers Lane, Bromham, Bedfordshire MK43 8LD

Names of the Charity Trustees who manage the Charity:

Trustee Name Scouting Dates acted if not Name of person or body entitled to
Appointment for whole year appoint Trustee
Nazia Ahmed Group Scout Leader County Commissioner
Libby Bassam District Commissioner Until 23/09/2020 Elected by County Scout Council at it’s AGM
Bob Calver County Treasurer Until 23/09/2020 Elected by County Scout Council at it’s AGM
Kevin Dolling District Assistant Commissioner Elected by County Scout Council at it’s AGM
Trevor Gough County Training Manager Until 23/09/2020 Elected by County Scout Council at it’s AGM
David Heard LSAC Chairman County Commissioner
Muhammad Jamil County Treasurer From 23/09/2020 Elected by County Scout Council at it’s AGM
Ruth Marienfeld Group Scout Leader Elected by County Scout Council at it’s AGM
Michael Peet County Executive Member From 23/09/2020 County Commissioner
Robert Pullinger District Commissioner From 23/09/2020 Elected by County Scout Council at it’s AGM
Scott Roberts County Chairman County Commissioner
Josh Simms Cub Scout Sectional Assistant Elected by County Scout Council at it’s AGM
Ben Summerfield County Youth Commissioner
Mark Webb Scout Active Support Member From 23/09/2020 County Commissioner
Martin Wesley County Commissioner

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Role of Honour

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Role of Honour 2020 Awards

Silver Wolf
Tony Clitheroe Falkes (Luton)
Silver Acorn
Janet Gilkison Icknield (Luton)
Andrew Goddon Leighton-Linslade
Susan Horton Icknield (Luton)
Catherine Roots Leighton-Linslade
Ian Rouse Falkes (Luton)
Trevor Sharp Falkes (Luton)
Andrew Skinner Leighton-Linslade
Bar to the Award for Merit
Amanda Goddon Leighton-Linslade
Peter John Taylor Leighton-Linslade
Award for Merit
Tanya Allen Falkes (Luton)
Beverley Dass Leighton-Linslade
Jane Few Falkes (Luton)
Susan Guess Icknield (Luton)
Wendy Guy Leighton-Linslade
Helen Halsey Falkes (Luton)
Karen Heard Bedford & Ouse Valley
Elaine May Icknield (Luton)
Kenneth Pearce Leighton-Linslade
Sam Raines Ampthill And Woburn
Sandra Reeve-Smith Icknield (Luton)
Catherine Stapleton Falkes (Luton)
Gary Sturrock Falkes (Luton)
Jacqueline Sturrock Falkes (Luton)
Adrian Sutcliffe Falkes (Luton)
Catherine Thompson Leighton-Linslade
David Yirrell Ampthill And Woburn

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Role of Honour

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service
Nazia Ahmed Icknield (Luton)
Karen Blomfield Ampthill And Woburn
Mark Braybrook Icknield (Luton)
Simon Bridgen Leighton-Linslade
Andrew Bushman Ampthill And Woburn
Mark Chamberlain Icknield (Luton)
Nichola Chambers Icknield (Luton)
Nichola Chambers Icknield (Luton)
Rachelle Dalgarno Icknield (Luton)
Monica Davis Falkes (Luton)
Emma Denyer Falkes (Luton)
Dinah Duran Icknield (Luton)
Deborah Else Falkes (Luton)
Stuart Else Falkes (Luton)
Emma French Icknield (Luton)
Edward Goddard Leighton-Linslade
Brenda Goodall Icknield (Luton)
Nalina Harriharan Icknield (Luton)
Adam Harris Leighton-Linslade
James Hart Falkes (Luton)
Susan Helden Leighton-Linslade
Martin Holm Icknield (Luton)
Deborah Hopkins Falkes (Luton)
Tracey Johnson Falkes (Luton)
Anita Lawford Ampthill And Woburn
Mark Lovell Leighton-Linslade
Kevin McAree Icknield (Luton)
Michele McBarron Falkes (Luton)
Theodore Neale Falkes (Luton)
Matthew Nessling Icknield (Luton)
Paul Oakley Icknield (Luton)
Keelan Pannell Icknield (Luton)
Angela Pemberton Icknield (Luton)
Rob Redfern Leighton-Linslade

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Role of Honour

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Chief Scout's Commendation for Good Service (continued)
Andrew Reeve-Smith Icknield (Luton)
Michael Shields Icknield (Luton)
Rebecca Stothart Icknield (Luton)
Benjamin Summerfield Icknield (Luton)
Alan Thompson Leighton-Linslade
Nigel Keith Timms Falkes (Luton)
Caroline Timms Falkes (Luton)
Christine Wood Icknield (Luton)
Tracie Wootten Icknield (Luton)
John Peter Worsfold Leighton-Linslade

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

The members of the County Executive Committee (The Trustees of Bedfordshire County Scout Council) present their report, Statement of Financial Activities, Balance sheet and Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended 31 December 2020. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (second edition) and Financial Reporting Standard FRS 102.

Structure, Governance and Management

Governance

The Charity’s governing document is the Royal Charter granted by King George V to the “Boy Scouts Association” on 16 December 1911. Its name has since been changed to the “Scout Association”. This Charter has been supplemented by further Charters granted by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. These Charters give authority to the Bye Laws of the Association, which are approved by Her Majesty’s Privy Council. The Bye Laws, in turn, authorise the making of rules for the regulation of the Association’s affairs and thereby give authority for the Rules known as “Policy, Organisation and Rules” which are located at www.scouts.org.uk/por.

The Bedfordshire County Scout Council was registered in 1962 as an educational Charity.

The Charity is aware of the Code of Governance for the Voluntary and Community Sector and its six key principles and will continue to critically review its approach to governance and assess how effective it is against these principles in 2021.

Structure

This report and accounts cover the activities directly controlled by Bedfordshire County Scout Council which is an autonomous organisation admitting people to membership subject to the policy and rules of The Scout Association. The activities of the Scout Districts and Groups in Bedfordshire are not reflected in the report and accounts. These bodies are autonomous charities affiliated to Bedfordshire County Scout Council that together form Scouting in Bedfordshire.

Bedfordshire Scouts are led by Martin Wesley, the County Commissioner, and managed by an Executive Committee. They are accountable to the Bedfordshire County Scout Council for the satisfactory running of Scouting in Bedfordshire.

Management

The management of the business of the County Scout Council is vested in the County Executive Committee. The County Executive Committee (Trustees of the Charity) is appointed in accordance with Policy, Organisation, and Rules of the Scout Association.

The County Executive Committee met five times during the year to manage the affairs of the Charity. The Trustees will continue to meet with this regularity in 2021.

The County Executive Committee is responsible for policy making but delegates some operational decisions to its sub committees, which may also recommend policies for the consideration of the County Executive Committee. The County Executive Committee appoints Chairmen and members of sub-committees annually.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Management (Continued)

In previous years there was a finance sub-committee but in 2015 the Executive Committee decided that there was no need for the existence of this additional committee and as such it was disbanded. The work of this committee is now undertaken by the Executive.

There are two sub-committees for the Charity:

The Leslie Sell Activity Centre Committee met regularly in 2020. The Appointments Advisory Committee met on an ad hoc basis.

The Leslie Sell Activity Centre Committee has delegated authority so decisions can be made quickly and without added bureaucracy.

Organisation

The County is led by the County Commissioner and he is assisted and supported by:

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees are appointed in accordance with the “Policy, Organisation & Rules” of The Scout Association. Trustees and newly appointed Trustees will be invited to attend HQ Executive Training.

Risk Management

The Trustees have a risk management strategy which includes:

Risk assessments have been completed for all activities and facilities at the Activity Centre and are now available on the website. These are reviewed quarterly. When unacceptable risks are identified actions are taken on an on-going basis to mitigate them. Every three years the activity centre trees are required to be independently reviewed. The Warden conducts physical inspections on an on-going basis and in particular after high winds. A key element in the management of financial risk is the regular review of the adequacy of insurance coverage and investment and reserves policies by the Trustees.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Risk Management (continued)

The Covid-19 pandemic developed rapidly in 2020, with a significant number of cases. Government measures taken to contain the virus have affected economic and social activity and a number of actions have been taken to monitor and mitigate the effects of Covid-19 within the charity. The charity has continued to operate throughout the pandemic and risks assessments have been undertaken. Activities and meetings have been conducted virtually rather than in person where appropriate. Steps have been, and continue to be, taken to mitigate the impact on the charity’s income and membership numbers, and work will be carried out during 2021 to increase member numbers back to pre-Covid levels. As such the trustees do not currently believe there is or will be an impact on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.

Objectives and Activities

Our Purpose

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

Our values

As Scouts we are guided by these values:

Our Method

Scouting takes place when young people, in partnership with adults, work together based on the values of Scouting and:

The Charity Trustees have a duty to report on their public benefit in their Annual Report. We have assessed our aims, activities, and charitable objectives which are:

“Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.”

We believe we have met the Charity Commission’s public benefit criteria for both the advancement of education and the advancement of citizenship or community development.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

________________

Achievements and performance

All of the decisions made by the Trustees and sub Committees have been in the interests of young people and adult volunteers and we hope that everybody in Scouting in Bedfordshire will have benefitted from them.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Plans for future periods

The Scout Association “Skills for Life”

This is the five year plan for the Scout Association.

Our vision

By 2023 we will have prepared more young people with skills for life, supported by amazing leaders delivering an inspiring programme.

We will be growing, more inclusive, shaped by young people and making a bigger impact in our communities.

Our objectives

In 2016 we asked volunteers what should be prioritised in the next strategic plan and the majority of volunteers said we should keep working towards the same four strategic objectives.

What does this mean for Bedfordshire County Scout Council?

Growth – We have incorporated the information received from Districts to create the County Development Plan to achieve our growth goals and support Districts.

Inclusivity – We will support development work to ensure that Scouting is reaching all sectors of our community.

Youth shaped – Ensure that young people are at the heart of our strategies and represented on key committees.

Community Impact – The County is providing resources through new marketing materials and the Grants Board to enable new projects which might otherwise not have gone ahead or have been more poorly resourced to have greater positive community impact. This, together with the continued running of and improvement to the Leslie Sell Activity Centre, offers valuable opportunities to the community.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Financial Review

Statement of Financial Activities

The other recognised gains and losses on investments total £(1,646) (2019: £13,075) giving an overall result for the year of a surplus of £111,894 (2019: £405,141). The main reason for the surplus was the donations for the new lodge. Otherwise, expenditure in excess of income was incurred in respect of the Bromham site in order to reduce funds held and enhance the site and activities.

Total unrestricted income amounts to £187,384 (2019: £311,138) which is lower than 2019, mainly due to the Jamboree income that arose in 2019 as the event took place during that year. Costs have also decreased accordingly. Unrestricted income from charitable activities in the year is £146,764 (2019: £306,617). Voluntary income from donation and legacies was £91,321 (2019: £410,536), £38,201 of which was unrestricted and £53,120 was restricted (2019: £430 was unrestricted and the balance was a large donation for the new lodge dormitory block). Investment income is slightly lower than 2019 at £2,419 (2019: £4,091) but £30,000 was withdrawn from the portfolio in the year.

Total unrestricted expenditure is £126,964 (2019: £329,178) and total restricted expenditure is £nil (2019: £nil). Total costs of raising funds are £1,623 (2019: £1,380).

Balance Sheet

There was capital expenditure of £180,487 on tangible fixed assets in the year (2019: £431,769), all of which was incurred at the Leslie Sell County Scout Activity Centre. Fixed assets now stand at a net book value of £663,466 at the year end (2019: £503,503).

Throughout the year our investment financial advisers continued to implement the ‘Cautious with Risk’ strategy to aim for a relatively high dividend income with the prospect of above average capital growth. In line with the present economic climate the charity’s investments decreased in value by £1,646 (2019: increased by £13,075). Shortly before the year end the Trustees instructed the investment managers that they wanted to withdraw all funds. As a result, all funds held within the investment portfolio were in cash accounts at the year end and have been classified within cash at bank and in hand in the accounts.

Fund balances

At the end of the year the Charity had £805,743 of unrestricted funds (2019: £693,849) and no restricted funds (2019: £nil). £199,238 of the unrestricted fund is non-designated and used to support County-wide activities. £606,040 is designated to support the Leslie Sell County Scout Activity & Training Centre with a further £465 designated to support the County’s Network.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Reserves policy

The policy has been established to protect the Charity and its charitable programme by providing time to adjust to changing financial circumstances. It also provides parameters for future budgeting and strategic plans and contributes towards decision making.

The Charity’s reserves policy establishes an appropriate target range for the level of general reserves. The range is based on a risk assessment of the probability and likely impact on the Charity’s activities that might be caused by a decline in income, an inability to meet financial obligations, or an inability to reduce expenditure in the immediate short term. The policy ensures a balance between spending the maximum amount of income raised as soon as possible after receipt, while maintaining the appropriate level of reserves to ensure uninterrupted operation. The policy and target range will be reviewed annually to reassess the risks and reflect changes in the Charity’s income, financial obligations and expenditure.

The charity’s reserves policy is to hold £70,000 of reserves in order to ensure uninterrupted operation during a time of adjustment. At the end of December 2020 the total free reserves after deducting tangible fixed assets amounted to £142,277 (2019: £91,722). Total reserves include designated funds of £606,505 (2019: £549,916). Free reserves represent approximately 14 (2019: 9) months of the Charity’s unrestricted resources expended which is approximately £70,000 more than the upper level of the range. The Trustees’ made a commitment to build a new residential lodge at the Leslie Sell Activity Centre which has been partially donor funded, but the enabling works and additional required spend will bring reserves down in line with the policy and so will the associated increased depreciation charges in future years.

Investment policy

The Trustees have a policy of investing some surplus funds to provide for inflation proofing, income and growth using a mixture of indexed linked government bonds, investment grade corporate bonds and selected mutual funds as a medium to longer term investment. Other surplus funds are invested in short-term deposits. All investments can be readily realised in the event the Charity needs to react quickly to various situations and emergencies.

These funds are restricted to investments in companies not involved in alcohol, tobacco, armaments, gambling or the pornography or sex related industry.

The policy is reviewed annually.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Trustees’ report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Systems of internal control are designed to provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance against material mismanagement or loss. They include:

Approved by the Trustees on 21 April 2021 and signed on their behalf by:

Mark Webb County Chairman County Executive Committee

Martin Wesley County Commissioner County Executive Committee

Independent Examiner’s report to the Trustees of Bedfordshire County Scout Council

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2020 which are set out on pages 18 to 33.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn. We understand this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

Except for the matter referred to above, I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Stephen Monico FCA DChA Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

19 Goldington Road Bedford MK40 3JY Date: 21 April 2021

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Statement of financial activities

(including Income and Expenditure Account) For the year ended 31 December 2020

Statement of financial activities
(including Income and Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 December 2020		 Statement of financial activities
(including Income and Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 December 2020		 Statement of financial activities
(including Income and Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 December 2020		 Statement of financial activities
(including Income and Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 December 2020		 Statement of financial activities
(including Income and Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 December 2020		 Statement of financial activities
(including Income and Expenditure Account)
For the year ended 31 December 2020
_______________
2020 2020 2020 2019
Unrestricted Restricted Total Total
Funds Funds Funds Funds
Notes £ £ £ £
Income and endowments from:
Donations and legacies 38,201 53,120 91,321 410,536
Charitable activities 146,764 - 146,764 306,617
Investment income 2,419 - 2,419 4,091
───── ───── ───── ─────
Total income 2 187,384 53,120 240,504 721,244
───── ───── ───── ─────
Expenditure on:
Raising funds 1,623 - 1,623 1,380
Charitable activities 125,341 - 125,341 327,798
───── ───── ───── ─────
Total expenditure 3 126,964 - 126,964 329,178
───── ───── ───── ─────
Net gains/(losses) on investments 7 (1,646) - (1,646) 13,075
───── ───── ───── ─────
Net income 58,774 53,120 111,894 405,141
───── ───── ───── ─────
Transfers between funds 53,120 (53,120) - -
Net movement in funds for the year 111,894 - 111,894 405,141
Reconciliation of funds:
Total funds brought forward 693,849 - 693,849 288,708
───── ───── ───── ─────
Total funds carried forward 13, 14, 15 805,743 - 805,743 693,849
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════

All operations are continuing operations.

Of the total income for the year ended 31 December 2019, £410,106 was restricted donations. The remainder of the income was unrestricted as was all expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2019.

The notes on pages 21 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Balance sheet

As at 31 December 2020

Balance sheet
As at 31 December 2020		 Balance sheet
As at 31 December 2020		 Balance sheet
As at 31 December 2020		 Balance sheet
As at 31 December 2020
_____________
Notes 2020 2019
£ £
Fixed assets:
Tangible fixed assets 6 663,466 503,503
Fixed asset investments 7 - 98,624
───── ─────
Total fixed assets 663,466 602,127
───── ─────
Current assets:
Stocks 8 3,243 3,387
Debtors 9 3,094 9,154
Cash at bank and in hand 10 152,042 85,152
───── ─────
Total current assets 158,379 97,693
───── ─────
Liabilities:
Creditors: amounts falling due 11 (16,102) (5,971)
within one year ───── ─────
Net current assets 142,277 91,722
Total assets less current liabilities 805,743 693,849
───── ─────
Net assets 805,743 693,849
═════ ═════
The funds of the charity:
Unrestricted funds 13 805,743 693,849
Restricted funds 14 - -
───── ─────
Total charity funds 15 805,743 693,849
═════ ═════

The notes on pages 21 to 33 form part of these financial statements.

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 21 April 2021

And signed on their behalf by

Muhammad Jamil County Treasurer County Executive Committee

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Statement of cash flows

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2020		 Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2020		 Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2020		 Statement of cash flows
For the year ended 31 December 2020
_____________
Notes 2020 2019
£ £
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net cash used in operating activities 20 147,980 364,640
───── ─────
Cash flows from investing activities:
Interest and dividend income 2,419 4,091
Proceeds from sale of listed investments 30,000 60,000
Proceeds from sale of tangible fixed assets - 11,900
Investment management fees paid from portfolio 1,623 1,380
Transferred from/(to) cash held within investment portfolio 65,355 (4,830)
Payments to acquire fixed assets (180,487) (431,769)
───── ─────
Net cash used in investing activities (81,090) (359,228)
───── ─────
Change in cash and cash equivalents
in the year 66,890 5,412
Cash and cash equivalents at the
beginning of the year 85,152 79,740
───── ─────
Cash and cash equivalents at the
end of the year 152,042 85,152
═════ ═════

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

1 Accounting policies

1.1 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value as stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The financial statements have been prepared to give a true and fair view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, due to the fact that sufficient reserves are held to cover any necessary period of scaling down of activities. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the charity has continued to operate using other methods within the guidelines of safety as recommended by the Government and its own risk assessments. The most significant area of judgement is depreciation and estimation of useful economic life of the fixed assets. The charity has funded recent fixed asset additions with income which will be held in reserves to cover the depreciation charge in future years.

1.2 Recognition of incoming resources

These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when:

Where incoming resources have related expenditure the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SoFA.

Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SoFA when they have been submitted to HM Revenue & Customs.

1.3 Grants and donations

Grants and donations are only included in the SoFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

1.4 Contractual income and performance related grants

This is only included in the SoFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.

1.5 Gifts in kind

Gifts in kind are accounted for at a reasonable estimate of their value to the charity or the amount actually realised. Gifts in kind for sale or distribution are included in the accounts as gifts only when sold or distributed by the charity. Gifts in kind for use by the charity are included in the SoFA as incoming resources when receivable.

1.6 Donated service and facilities

These are only included in incoming resources (with an equivalent amount in resources expended) where the benefit to the charity is reasonably quantifiable, measurable and material. The value placed on these resources is the estimated value to the charity of the service or facility received.

The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the Trustees’ Annual Report.

1.7 Investment income

Investment income is recognised when it is receivable.

1.8 Allocation of costs

Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out resources.

Fundraising trading costs comprise costs incurred in encouraging people and organisations to contribute financially to the charity’s work. It includes the cost of advertising for funds and the costs of mounting appeals.

Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on the basis of time spent.

1.9 Governance costs

Include costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the costs of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.

1.10 Investments

Investments quoted on a recognised stock exchange are valued at market value at the year end.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

1.11 Fixed assets and depreciation

These are capitalised when ready for use and have a useful life exceeding three years. They are valued at cost.

All assets are depreciated using the straight line method with the first accounting period receiving a full year’s depreciation irrespective of when it was capitalised. The rates used are as follows:

Freehold property 40 or 10 years, straight line method Freehold property improvements 10 years, straight line method Fixtures and fittings 5 years, straight line method Computer equipment 3 years, straight line method Motor vehicles 5 years, straight line method

1.12 Stock

This is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making allowance for obsolete and slow moving items.

1.13 Public benefit entity concessionary loans

Concessionary loans are recognised at the amounts payable or receivable.

1.14 Financial instruments

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in the profit and loss account in other administrative expenses.

1.15 Short term employee benefits

When employees have rendered service to the charity, short-term employee benefits to which the employees are entitled are recognised at the undiscounted amount expected to be paid in exchange for that service.

1.16 Fund accounting

Where there is a legal restriction on the purpose to which a fund may be put, the fund is classified either as an endowment fund, where the donor has expressly provided that only the income of the fund may be applied, or as a restricted income fund where the donor has provided for the donation to be spent in furtherance of a specified charitable purpose. Endowment funds, where the capital is held to generate income for charitable purposes, are sub-analysed between those where the trustees have the discretion to spend the capital, expendable endowment, and those where there is no discretion to expend the capital, permanent endowment. The charity currently has neither permanent endowment nor expendable endowment funds.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

1.17 Fund accounting (continued)

Those funds which are neither endowment nor restricted income funds, are unrestricted income funds which are sub-analysed between designated (earmarked) funds where the trustees have set aside amounts to be used for specific purposes, often reflecting the wishes of donors and un-designated funds which are at the trustees' discretion. The major funds held in each of these categories are disclosed in Note 13.

2 Analysis of incoming resources

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted Restricted|2020|2019| |funds|funds|Total|Total| |£|£|£|£| |Donations and legacies| |County donations|30,200|-|30,200|430| |LSAC donations|8,001|53,120|61,121|410,106| |─────|─────|─────|─────| |Total|38,201|53,120|91,321|410,536| |─────|─────|─────|─────| |Charitable activities| |County Membership subscriptions|201,362|-|201,362|189,399| |Less: paid to the Scout Association|(151,021)|- (151,021) (143,247)| |Less: Prompt payment refunds to Districts|(2,650)|-|(2,650)|(2,605)| |Jamboree income|2,881|-|2,881|158,507| |Campsite fees|95,422|-|95,422|83,077| |Campsite activity fees|446|-|446|17,378| |County activity fees|-|-|-|70| |Sales of badges and providor|169|-|169|1,384| |County training course fees|150|-|150|1,966| |Sundry income|5|-|5|688| |─────|─────|─────|─────| |Total|146,764|-|146,764|306,617| |─────|─────|─────|─────| |Investment income| |Bank interest, other interest and dividends|2,419|-|2,419|4,091| |─────|─────|─────|─────| |Total income|187,384|53,120|240,504|721,244| |═════|═════|═════|═════|

----- End of picture text -----

Of the total income for the year ended 31 December 2019, £410,106 was restricted donations for LSAC. The remainder of income for the year ended 31 December 2019 was unrestricted.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

3 Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities and raising funds

County Running
Activities the Training
and Bromham and 2020 2019
administration Site Events Total Total
£
£		 £ £ £
Charitable activities
Awards 749
-		 - 749 6,615
Bank charges 60
108		 - 168 205
Jamboree expenses -
-		 8,838 8,838 151,638
Campsite activity expenses - 1,145 - 1,145 3,327
Campsite expenses -
53,219		 - 53,219 98,719
County activity expenses -
-		 - - -
Cost of sale of badges and providor
132
61		 - 193 1,262
Training course expenses -
-		 2,271 2,271 12,627
Sub-committee expenses -
-		 - - -
Section expenses 3,390
-		 - 3,390 4,180
Depreciation -
20,524		 - 20,524 10,730
Profit on disposal of fixed assets -
-		 - - (170)
Publicity expenses 963
-		 - 963 580
Insurance 727
6,445		 - 7,172 5,752
Support costs: Office expenses
and salaries 13,099
5,369		 4,517 22,985 27,862
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
Total 19,120
86,871		 15,626 121,617 323,327
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
Governance costs
Trustees expenses -
-		 - - 310
Accountants preparation fees 2,100
-		 - 2,100 2,100
Independent Examiner’s fees 1,500
-		 - 1,500 1,500
AGM costs 124
-		 - 124 561
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
Total 3,724
-		 - 3,724 4,471
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
Investment management fees 1,623
-		 - 1,623 1,380
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
Total resources expended 24,467
86,871		 15,626 126,964 329,178
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════ ═════

Of the above expenditure, there are no amounts attributable to restricted funds and included in support costs (2019: £nil).

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

4 Analysis of governance and support costs

The breakdown of support costs and how these have been allocated between governance and support costs is shown below.

2020
Support Governance 2020 Basis of
Cost type costs costs Total apportionment
£ £ £
Local Development Officer 5,000 - 5,000 Cost and usage
Salaries 13,552 - 13,552 Time spent
Printing, postage and stationery 419 - 419 Cost and usage
Telephone and IT 1,104 - 1,104 Cost and usage
Repairs - - - Cost and usage
General office costs 1,326 - 1,326 Cost and usage
Independent Examination fees - 1,500 1,500 Governance
Accountancy services 1,584 2,100 3,684 Governance
Trustees expenses - - Governance
AGM costs - 124 124 Governance
───── ───── ─────
22,985 3,724 26,709
═════ ═════ ═════
2019
Support Governance 2019 Basis of
Cost type costs costs Total apportionment
£ £ £
Local Development Officer 5,000 - 5,000 Cost and usage
Salaries 18,045 - 18,045 Time spent
Printing, postage and stationery 557 - 557 Cost and usage
Telephone and IT 1,925 - 1,925 Cost and usage
Repairs 304 - 304 Cost and usage
General office costs 447 - 447 Cost and usage
Independent Examination fees - 1,500 1,500 Governance
Accountancy services 1,584 2,100 3,684 Governance
Trustees expenses - 310 310 Governance
AGM costs - 561 561 Governance
───── ───── ─────
27,862 4,471 32,333
═════ ═════ ═════

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2020|2019| |£|£| |Salaries|13,552|18,045| |Social Security costs|-|-| |Pension costs|-|-| |──────|──────| |13,552|18,045| |══════|══════|

----- End of picture text -----

The average number of employees during the year was 1 (2019: 1). No employee received remuneration of more than £60,000 (2019: none).

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Freehold| |Freehold|Property|Fixtures &|Computer|Motor| |Property|Improvements|Fittings|Equipment|Vehicles|Total| |£|£|£|£|£|£| |Cost| |At 1 January 2020|648,859|97,854|18,342|5,742|14,000|784,797| |Additions|144,369|36,118|-|-|-|180,487| |─────|─────|─────|─────|─────|─────| |At 31 December 2020 793,228|133,972|18,342|5,742|14,000|965,284| |─────|─────|─────|─────|─────|─────| |Depreciation| |At 1 January 2020|177,074|85,324|12,454|5,742|700|281,294| |Charge for the year|9,376|6,015|2,333|-|2,800|20,524| |─────|─────|─────|─────|─────|─────| |At 31 December 2020 186,450|91,339|14,787|5,742|3,500|301,818| |─────|─────|─────|─────|─────|─────| |Net book values| |31 December 2020 606,778|42,633|3,555|-|10,500|663,466| |═════|═════|═════|═════|═════|═════| |31 December 2019|471,785|12,530|5,888|-|13,300|503,503| |═════|═════|═════|═════|═════|═════|

----- End of picture text -----

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments
2020
£
Carrying value at beginning of year 98,624
Disposals (30,000)
Investment management fees paid (1,623)
Less: Transferred from cash held in investment portfolio (65,355)
Gain/(loss) on revaluation (1,646)
─────
Carrying value at end of year -
═════

The book cost of the investments at the year end is £nil (2019: £87,256).

Market value Income in
at year end the year
£ £
Listed investments - 2,419
Cash held in investment portfolio included in bank balances 70,047 -
───── ─────
70,047 2,419
═════ ═════

The funds held with the investment managers was all held in cash at the year end as the charity made a disposal of the investments and as a result all funds had been realised into cash as at 31 December 2020.

8 Stock

Stock
2020 2019
£ £
Badges 2,378 2,511
Providore 865 876
───── ─────
3,243 3,387
═════ ═════

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

9 Debtors

Debtors
2020 2019
£ £
Debtors 407 4,660
Interest income accrued 2 2
Prepayments 2,685 1,742
Other debtors - 2,750
───── ─────
3,094 9,154
═════ ═════

Included in other debtors is a concessionary loan to a group of £nil (2019: £2,750). No interest is charged on this loan and there are no fixed terms for repayment. The loan is treated as repayable on demand and is included in debtors due within one year accordingly.

10 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand
2020 2019
£ £
Cash at bank 81,995 80,408
Cash in hand - 52
Cash at financial adviser 70,047 4,692
───── ─────
152,042 85,152
═════ ═════
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2020 2019
£ £
Accounts payable 9,662 43
Accruals 4,225 4,225
Campsite deposits 1,750 800
Deferred income - -
Taxation and social security 465 903
───── ─────
16,102 5,971
═════ ═════

11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

11 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (continued)

Deferred income
2020 2019
£ £
At 1 January 2020 - 122,504
Received during the year - (122,504)
Released to incoming resources - -
───── ─────
At 31 December 2020 - -
═════ ═════

Income is deferred when it relates to a future period.

Fund name Purpose and restriction General This unrestricted fund is used to support the general activities of the charity. Designated funds: LSCS To support the activities of the Leslie Sell County Scout Activity and Training Centre at Bromham. Network To support and record the activities of the Network. Restricted funds: Dormitory Block fund To support the building of a new dormitory block at the Bromham site.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

13 Unrestricted funds

13 Unrestricted funds
Movement in year
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 Jan 2020 resources expended Transfers 31 Dec 2020
£ £ £ £ £
General fund 143,933 101,561 (46,256) - 199,238
Designated funds:
LSCS 549,451 85,823 (82,354) 53,120 606,040
Network 465 - - - 465
_ _ _ _ _
693,849 187,384 (128,610) 53,120 805,743
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════ ═════
14 Restricted funds
Movement in year
Balance at Incoming Resources Balance at
1 Jan 2020 resources expended Transfers 31 Dec 2020
£ £ £ £ £
Dormitory Block fund - 53,120 - (53,120) -
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
- 53,120 - (53,120) -
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════ ═════

Details of the purpose of each of the above funds is described in note 12.

15 Net assets held by funds

Cash
Fixed at bank & Other
Assets Investments Assets Creditors Total
£ £ £ £ £
Unrestricted funds 663,466 152,042 6,337 (16,102) 805,743
Restricted funds - - - - -
───── ───── ───── ───── ─────
663,466 152,042 6,337 (16,102) 805,743
═════ ═════ ═════ ═════ ═════

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

16 Transfers between funds

A transfer of £53,120 was made in the year to reflect the fact that the asset purchased with restricted income will be used for unrestricted purposes.

17 Trustees’ remuneration

The Trustees consider that the key management personnel of the charity is the Board of Trustees. The Trustees are not remunerated for their work as Trustees and so the remuneration of the charity’s key management personnel is £nil (2019: £nil).

During the year no Trustees (2019: none) were reimbursed for travelling and meeting expenses aggregating (2019: £nil). The amount shown under Trustees expenses relates to meeting room hire.

18 Related party transactions

Donations from Trustees amounted to £1,100 in the year.

There have been no other related party transactions in the year that require disclosure in the accounts.

19 Contingencies and commitments

In 2010 the Bedfordshire County Scout Council and the Ampthill & Woburn District Scout Council approved and recommended a joint Scout Association loan of £50,000 for the Barton Scout and Guide Groups who wished to build a new headquarters. The Barton Scout Group has since repaid £40,000 of capital. In the event the Barton Scout Group defaulted on its loan, the Scout Association would first pursue the Ampthill & Woburn District Scout Council for the outstanding balances of capital and interest. In the event the Ampthill & Woburn District Scout Council could not repay them, the Scout Association would pursue the Bedfordshire County Scout Council. Since the loan application was made in the joint names of the Scouts and Guides, not all of the contingent liability in the event of nonpayment would revert to the District and in turn the County. The remaining balance of the loan at the end of the year was £5,000.

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Notes to the financial statements

For the year ended 31 December 2020

20 Reconciliation of net income/(expenditure) to net cash flow from operating activities

----- Start of picture text -----
|||| |---|---|---| |2020|2019| |£|£| |Net income for the year|111,894|405,141| |Investment income from listed investments|(2,419)|(4,091)| |Gains/(losses) on investments|1,646|(13,075)| |Depreciation|20,524|10,730| |Profit on disposal of fixed assets|-|(170)| |Decrease/(increase) in stock|144|(1,650)| |Decrease in debtors|6,060|90,482| |Increase/(decrease) in creditors|10,131|(122,727)| |──────|──────| |Net cash flow from operating activities|147,980|364,640| |══════|══════|

----- End of picture text -----

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

County Commissioner’s Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Needless to say, 2020 was a very strange year as the Covid-19 pandemic took hold. However, I am very pleased and very proud that so many of our adult volunteers rose to the challenge of ensuring Scouting would continue. I’ve heard of so many good examples:

As a result of all this many badges, including Chief Scout’s Awards, have been earned over the past year. Another benefit of this was, when we were briefly in Amber last Autumn, the majority of our youth members came back to continue enjoying their Scouting.

Our numbers might well drop but, thanks to all the above, not by as much as we might have feared.

None of this would have been possibly without the dedication of so many exceptional adults around the County. Not just the Leaders but also all those in various support roles such as being Trustees who have continued to meet and show due diligence to ensure the safe continuance of their Groups and Districts.

I am very, very grateful to you all.

During 2020, I was able to increase the County Team so that we can offer more support to Districts and Groups. There was also a change of key trustees. So, ‘welcome aboard’ to:

Obviously, our County programme of events suffered heavily but once we are out of lockdown I hope we can quickly restore it. I also hope we can increase what we offer which I’m sure the DCs and ACCs will help me to identify to ensure we continue to provide support.

We’ve also had a change of District Commissioners. Andy Goddon stepped down after ten years as DC of Leighton Linslade and Mark Webb stood down after five years as DC of Falkes. Very many thanks to you both for all that you did in your Districts and I’m confident the County will benefit from your experiences as you settle in to being, respectively, my Deputy CC and the County Chair.

The new DC for Leighton Linslade is Dan Addrison, who was recruited from outside Scouting, but who is already proving to be a very worthy successor to Andy. We’re pleased to have you with us, Dan. Until I find a successor for Mark, I continue to act as Falkes DC.

My sincere hope is that, thanks to all the wonderful adults working in our County, within the next twelve months we can reverse any membership losses caused by lockdown and get back to our pre-Covid numbers. We grew last year, let’s hope we can grow even more to enable even more young people to enjoy Scouting.

Martin Wesley County Commissioner

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

ACC(I) Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

It has been a very strange year for International Scouting with no visits abroad being allowed. Groups who had planned to travel abroad have had to postpone or cancel their visits until permission is given to resume these activities.

Preparations for the next World Scout Jamboree in 2023 have begun with the appointment of the UK Contingent Leader. This event is taking place in South Korea in August 2023.

There are International linked programme ideas for Sections on the Scout website: - www.scouts.org.uk/support resources

These are for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts: - Global issue activity badge, International activity badge My World challenge badge

Network:-

Scouts of the World Award.

The County website has details of International events to be held.

Gerry Pope ACC(I)

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

ACC(PS) Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

I was happy to be appointed to the role of ACC programme support towards the end of probably the most challenging Scouting year. With most Groups’ programmes having been run virtually for large parts of the year I have seen a lot of resilience, imagination, and creative ways to ensure Scouting continued.

The first task I completed was to send out a survey across the County to look at what support was needed/wanted to enable programmes to be delivered in the future, so a big thank you to anyone who filled this in.

From the survey we have identified some ways that we can improve our support and some exciting opportunities once restrictions allow, watch this space!

Dates have been booked for regular meetings of ADCs across the County as a platform to share ideas and give each other support for 2021.

I have also had chance to be involved in some regional projects including the programme hub. This is a great place to share and find resources and I would encourage anyone who has not already to have a look and to upload any resources you have for others to use.

As Assistant County Commissioner Programme Support, I am available to help and inspire however I can with programme related queries.

Tracey Murrell

ACC Programme Support

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

ACC(Network) Annual Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

As ACC Scout Network, I was appointed in October 2020 and have had multiple communications with the DSNCs within Bedfordshire to offer advice and support.

There are 5 Scout Networks within Bedfordshire which cover 6 of the districts within Bedfordshire. With one of the Scout Networks being formed in 2020.

Plans in 2021 for a Scout Network to be connected with each district within the county.

All the Scout Networks within Bedfordshire have held virtual events or kept up communication with their Scout Network members during 2020.

Several Scout Network members across the county have started working on a range of the Top Awards within Scouting.

Scout Network members have registered an interest for the Moot in 2022 in Ireland. (Numbers to be confirmed early 2021).

As ACC Scout Network I have created a Welcome pack and 17.5[th] Birthday Card to help promote Scout Network across the county and made a list of 50 ideas for each of the four themes within the Scout Network programme (International, Community, Adventure and Social).

I am here to help in any way I can.

Megan McIntosh

Assistant County Commissioner, Scout Network

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

County Training Manager Annual Report For the year ended 31 December 2020

The Training Academies continued to be a success in 2020. Well, the one held in March was. Then the lockdown started and put an end to face to face Scouting.

Where possible, adults were taking up online training provision provided by HQ and sometimes other counties.

During the year, HQ focused on Compliance Training. They revamped Module 1 and removed Module 1E. They updated the e-learning Safety Training and made Safeguarding an e-learning course only. The aim was to ensure this training provided the same message to all adults. Then the push was to get all adults to complete Module 01, GDPR, Safety, Safeguarding and where required Trustees Introduction. At the start of the year, there were about 40% of adults in the County needing to complete Compliance Training. At the end of the year, we were down to about 25%.

We still have some way to go but I would like to thank everyone that supports Adult Training withing the County. Thanks to the teams of Local Training Managers, Training Advisers and Training Administrators. Without their continued support there would not be the number of compliant adults in the County.

Even though we have been in lockdown and face to face scouting has been limited, making validation of training not so easy, and understandably, not necessarily high on the list of people’s priorities. Unable to meet face to face to validate modules, Training Advisers and Leaders have been flexible about how they have communicated using various online applications. Therefore, I would like to congratulate the Leaders in Bedfordshire who gained their Woodbadge in 2020. This year there were 45 which is understandably down compared with last year, but a Thank You to all involved.

Trevor Gough County Training Manager

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements

Bedfordshire County Scout Council

Perception Team Report

For the year ended 31 December 2020

2020 has been a relatively quiet first year, which has given Lucy, David and Clive a chance to settle into the new role, and start to plan how they will attack when face to face scouting returns in spring 2021.

The main focus of the team has been on sharing good practise, last year with the publishing of 3 newsletters, which didn’t seem to attract much attention or response, so we stopped producing them, but instead focussed on sharing groups news with the county, new ideas for activities that worked either via zoom, or promoting district wide ‘virtual camps’ and events.

We have helped various groups and districts with press releases and sharing positive scouting, the latest being the vaccination assistance given by many count leaders in central Luton during the pandemic. All showing the community spirit of scouting.

Social media has been our busiest outlet, and has attracted great feedback and take up, getting great responses from leaders picking up ideas and using them in their own online meetings.

David and Clive have been involved regionally, with the East of England Scouts in the development of the new website and David has been a great addition to the focus group, bringing his extensive social media knowledge to the table. (See table attached)

Plans are developing on visiting GSL meetings and DC meetings later this year, to offer assistance in promoting adult recruitment, as well as trying to develop a trusting relationship, that will start to see the free sharing of resources, ideas and resources, as well as helping groups get their buildings updated to the latest scouting branding (this may take a while!).

All in all, we have had a good year, building a great team feeling, and starting to be seen as an outlet for sharing county wide, and support for media coverage when needed.

Some stats:

Website Blogs (date most recent. Last 12 months):

Social Media (from March 2020 to March 2021):

This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements