2024-03-31-accounts - Blackwater Valley District Scout Council

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Trustees' Annual Report

For the period

----- Start of picture text -----
From (start date) 0 1 0 4 2 3 to end date 3 1 0 3 2 4
Section A Reference and administration details
Charity name Blackwater Valley District Scout Council
Other names the charity is known by
Registered charity number (if any) 3 0 2 1 0 1
HQ registration number 1 0 0 0 1 1 7 1
Charity’s principal address c/o Mr A Blake
11 Wisley Gardens
Farnborough
Postcode G U 1 4 0 R S
----- End of picture text -----

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	From 20/7/2023 Chair from 1/9/23 from 20/7/23 Shop Manager Youth Commr. Youth Commr. Secretary DistrictLead Volunteer Michael Hughes Pamela Mikulskis Andrew Blake Treasurer Trustee Name Clair Hewitson Rebecca Riley Melody Baxter Ellie Williams Haydn Allen John Glanville Dates acted if not for whole year Office (if any) Linda Moyle Adam Spinks Dawn Mahoon Colin Slatter Emma Buckett

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

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

Type of advisor Name Address

1 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Section B

Structure, governance and management

Description of the charity’s trusts

Type of governing document

(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's governing documents are those of the The Scout Association. They consist of a Royal Charter, which in turn gives authority to the Bye Laws of the Association and The Policy, Organisation and Rules of The Scout Association. The 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 Trustee Board, 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 Trustee Board consists of the Chair, Treasurer and 15 Trustees (including 3 Ex Officio Trustees) and meets bimonthly.

Members of the Trustee Board complete Being a Scouts Trustee, Safety, Safeguarding, GDPR and Essential Information learning within the first 5 months of joining the Board.

The District Trustee Board exists to make sure the charity is well-managed, risks are assessed and mitigated, buildings and equipment are in good working order, and everyone follows legal requirements and the organisation's policies and rules. Their support helps other volunteers run high-quality and safe programmes that gives young people skills for life.

2 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Section B	Structure, governance and management (continued)
	Risk and Internal Control The District Trustee Board 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. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to increase the income to the 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 4 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 The District has in place systems of internal controls (Standing Orders) 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 B

Structure, governance and management (continued)

Risk and Internal Control
The District Trustee Board 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. The District does hold a reserve to ensure the
continuity of activities should there be a major reduction in
income. The Board could raise the value of subscriptions to
increase the income to the 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 4 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
The District has in place systems of internal controls
(Standing Orders) 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.

3 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Section C	Objectives and activities
Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice) Youmay chooseto include further statements, where relevant, about: • policy on grantmaking; • contribution made by volunteers; • policy on investments. Public benefit statement The Trustee Board makes small grants to groups within the District to enable completion of projects that enhance their property or equipment for the benefit of young people. £5k is allocated to this annually from reserves. Hardship Cases of hardship are treated considerately, on a case by case basis, by the Trustee Board. Investment Policy The Trustee Board invests excess funds in Charity Bonds, covered by FSCA guarantee, at favourable rates on fixed term basis over 2 & 3 years 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. Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document 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. The Values of Scouting As Scouts we are guided by these values: Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy and loyal. Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others. Care -We support others and take care of the world in which we live. Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes. Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co- operate with others and make friends. 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. The Trustee Board supports and promotes a range of activities, across all sections, to encourage the shareing of skills, fun and adventurous activites by supporting training of skills instructors to either scout permit level or National Governing Body accreditation by contributing 50% of the cost. Summary of the main activities in relation to these objects

Section C

Objectives and activities

Additional details of the objectives and activities (optional information but encouraged as best practice)
Youmay chooseto include further
statements, where relevant, about:
• policy on grantmaking;
• contribution made by volunteers;
• policy on investments.
Public benefit statement
The Trustee Board makes small grants to groups within the
District to enable completion of projects that enhance their
property or equipment for the benefit of young people. £5k is
allocated to this annually from reserves.
Hardship
Cases of hardship are treated considerately, on a case by
case basis, by the Trustee Board.
Investment Policy
The Trustee Board invests excess funds in Charity Bonds,
covered by FSCA guarantee, at favourable rates on fixed
term basis over 2 & 3 years
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.
Summary of the objects of the charity
set out in its governing document
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.
The Values of Scouting
As Scouts we are guided by these values:
Integrity -We act with integrity; we are honest, trustworthy
and loyal.
Respect -We have self-respect and respect for others.
Care -We support others and take care of the world in which
we live.
Belief -We explore our faiths, beliefs and attitudes.
Co-operation -We make a positive difference; we co-
operate with others and make friends.
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.
The Trustee Board supports and promotes a range of
activities, across all sections, to encourage the shareing of
skills, fun and adventurous activites by supporting training of
skills instructors to either scout permit level or National
Governing Body accreditation by contributing 50% of the
cost.
Summary of the main activities in
relation to these objects

4 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

----- Start of picture text -----
Section D Achievements and performance
Summary of the main achievements of The Trustee Board
the charity during the year - Made good choices in investing surplus funds at high
interest rates
- Assited in organised a successful St Georges Day
- Supported and encouraged all groups to adopt trustee best
practice.
- Part funded four young people to the World Scout
Jamboree.
- Supported the DLV in developing leader recruitment.
- Made grants to four group to enable improvements and
purchase of activity equipment.
- Supported the new District Lead Volunteer.
- Continued as a partner with Hampshire County Council in
the management of Runways End Outdoor Centre.
Reduced the District Levy in recognition of the additional
b d d f ili i th C t f Li i i i
Section E Financial Review
Brief statement of the charity’s policy on
reserves Reserves Policy
Many years ago the District sold a property which gave the
District around £120K reserve. Whilst holding sufficient funds
in the current account the remainder is held in fixed term
charity bonds providing an income to support the grant
making policy. Additionally the Trustees have adpoted the
stance that its funds should, where possible, only support
Quantify and explain any designations
The District held reserves of approximately £80k against this
at year end. This is above the level required for operating
expenses. However this can be explained by using the
income from the surplus to support the local development of
scouting
Details of any funds materially in deficit None
(circumstances plus steps to eliminate)
----- End of picture text -----

5 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Further financial review details (optional information)

Youmay chooseto include additional
information, where relevant, about:
• investment policy and objectives;
• how expenditure has supported the
key objectives of the charity;
• the charity’s principal sources of funds
(including any fundraising);

Investment Policy
The District's Income and Expenditure are normally are well
balanced. In 2022-23 its income was substantially below that
required to operate the district following a decision to reduce
the District Levy by 60% to alleviate the burden on groups, as
a result of cost increases in utilities and general rises in other
costs. The trustees decided to use some of their reserves to
support district expenditure. Suplus reserves are invested in
Charity Bonds, over one and two years, with interest
supporting the expenditure. All other funds are held in cash
using only mainstream banks.

The District Trustee Board 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 Trustee Board
considers the cash flow requirements.
See above

Section F Other Optional Information

Plans for future periods (details of any 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) Michael John Hughes ( g y, Chair) Chair Date 0 1 0 7 2 4

6 LT700001 (27 February 2024)

Blackwater Valley District Scout Accounts 23-24

Notes Membership Ac�vi�es Fundraising Investment Income Sales Total Receipts Subscrip�ons 1 Less: Membership to be paid on Net membership retained Explorer Ac�vi�es and Camps 2 Scouts, Cubs and Beavers 3 District Ac�vi�es 4 Ac�ve Support Unit Archery Club DHQ Bar Training 5 Recruitment inc Youth Involvement Special Camps Funds raised for other chari�es Ac�ve Dona�ons Grant Misc Income Bank/Building Society Interest Bond Interest Gi� Aid STIS Interest Shop Sales Badge Sales	£ 2024 61,915 55,496 6,419 7,468 1,430 0 0 3,545 94 0 0 240 0 422 1,739 819 98 0 641 142 5,814 13,304	£ 2023 51,496 48,610 2,886 3,557 2,622 0 0 1,718 134 0 1,200 0 26 0 330 0 69 0 0 659 7,347 8,485	£ 2022 46,274 40,522 5,752 2,973 1,480 0 0 1,644 188 0 0 0 0 0 150 700 0 1 0 0 95 7,710 1,308
	£42,176	£29,032	£22,001

1-Jul-2024

Blackwater Valley District Scout Accounts 23-24

Payments Notes Ac�vi�es and Events Fundraising Costs & Dona�ons Rents, Maintenance and Insurance Establishment Expenses Cost of Goods Bought for Resale Accountancy, Bank and Professional Costs Other Total Payments Net of Receipts/(Payments) District Ac�vi�es and Events 6 Scout, Cub & Beavers Ac�vi�es 7 Explorers Ac�vi�es and Camps 8 Ac�ve Support Unit Archery Club Recruitment inc Youth Involvement iScout Awards Special Camps Dona�ons Ac�ve Support Unit District and Jamboree Patrio�c Events Instructor Training Contribu�ons Grants to Groups Legacy Rent Repairs and Renewals 9 Insurance Equipment 10 Admin inc Postage and Sta�onery 11 Travel Training 12 Badges and Uniform Thank-Yous Bank Charges Licences Cash Adjustment Stock Adjustment	£ 2024 0 945 7,901 0 100 0 543 100 0 240 0 0 55 0 6,402 3,002 0 966 2,558 1,364 44 497 748 0 12,804 969 180 0 15	£ 2023 0 1,929 5,191 0 577 0 785 0 0 0 0 0 608 0 330 0 1,452 0 924 1,380 427 91 663 626 0 12,892 758 360 0 0	£ 2022 0 1,802 3,332 0 21 0 817 50 0 0 85 2,400 61 0 0 0 948 0 884 1,185 772 0 100 231 0 12,679 758 0 0 650
	£39,433	£29,009	£26,774
	£2,743	£23	-£4,773

1-Jul-2024

Blackwater Valley District Scout Accounts 23-24

Assets Notes Current Assets Other Assets Liabili�es Total Total Assets 2023 Net of Receipt/(Payments) Total Assets 2024 Stock and Work in Progress 13 Bank/ Building Society Balances 14 Scout Associa�on Short Term Investment Cash 15 Loans to Groups Treasury Stock Other Assets (world pay) 16 Diference	£ £141,546 £138,844 £2,743 £141,587 2024 25,230 109,505 - 1,357 - 1,000 4,454 £41.14 card declined £41	£ £ 2023 2022 25,230 22,530 53,460 54,583 57,472 56,813 1,682 1,021 - - 1,000 1,000 - - (2883)
		£138,844 £138,830
		£138,830 £23 £138,853

1-Jul-2024

CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Roport to the trusteeTJ membors of rJ£ On a¢¢ounts for the year ended Charity no Ilf any) S•t out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trust.) for the year ended R•8pon8lbllltle8 and ba813 of report As the chanty's trustees. you are re8ponsibb for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wrth the requirements of the Chariti88 Ad 2011 {"the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of Ihe 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the applicable D1CtionS given by the Charity Commission under seclion 145{5llbl of the Act. Independent tThe charty's gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualffjied to oxamlner's statement undertake the examination by being a qualified member of linsert name of applicable listed body]l. Delete I l rf not applic8bl&. I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection wrth the examination (other than that disclosed below ") which give$ me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with 88Ction 130 of the Charrties Act: or the accounts dKI not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply wrth the applicable requirements concerning the fonn and contenl of accounts set out in the Charities {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in conneclion with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be rea¢hed. Pléase delet8 th8 words in the brack8ts rfthèy do not apply. Slgned: Dato: 2o)Z Name: Relevant professional qualification(s) or body IER Oct 2018