Charity registration number: 302108
Gloucestershire Guide Association
operating as Girlguiding Gloucestershire
Annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025
Price Davis Ltd Chartered Certified Accountants.
4 Manor Park Business Centre, MacKenzie Way, Swindon Village, Cheltenham, GL51 9TX.
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Contents
| Contents | ||
|---|---|---|
| Link to section | Pages | |
| Reference and administrative details | Link | 2 |
| Trustees' report | Link | 3 to 12 |
| Statement of trustees' responsibilities | Link | 13 |
| Independent examiner's report | Link | 14 to 15 |
| Statement of financial activities | Link | 16 to 17 |
| Balance sheet | Link | 18 |
| Cash flow statement | Link | 19 |
| Notes to the financial statements | Link | 20 to 30 |
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Reference and administrative details
Trustees
Susan Cooper, county commissioner – joint
Emma Steel, county commissioner – joint
Beryl Gleich, chair of finance
Karen McFarlane, lead volunteer for Cowley Adventure (role renamed from ‘lead volunteer for Deer Park’ 1st September 2024)
Kirsten Cottey, inspire coordinator
Ali McEwan, division commissioner – Coopers Hill (retired 20[th] March 2025)
Karen Walker, division commissioner - Cheltenham
Dee Williams, division commissioner – Gloucester
Philippa Griffin, division commissioner – East (appointed 24th March 2025)
Principal office
Cowley Adventure, Deer Park, Cowley, Gloucestershire, GL53 9NJ.
Registration number
302108
Independent examiner
Price Davis Ltd.
Chartered Certified Accountants.
4 Manor Park Business Centre, MacKenzie Way, Swindon Village, Cheltenham, GL51 9TX.
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Trustees' report
Charity number: 302108
The trustees submit their annual report and the financial statements of Girlguiding Gloucestershire (the charity) for the year ended 31st December 2025. The trustees confirm that the annual report and financial statements of the charity comply with current statutory requirements, the requirements of the charity's governing document and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities” (effective from January 2019).
Structure, governance and management
Constitution
Girlguiding Gloucestershire is an unincorporated registered charity. It is governed by the latest Gloucestershire constitution of the trustee board dated 1[st] June 2024. It is ultimately governed by the Girl Guide Association Trust Deed of 1938.
Method of appointment of trustees
The management of the charity is the responsibility of the trustees who are appointed under the terms of the governing document. In common with a growing number of Girlguiding counties in the UK, joint county commissioners lead Gloucestershire as a role-share, reflecting the increasing workload of the role and other personal commitments. They act jointly or singly as required to ensure the smooth conduct of business within the county. The county commissioners are appointed by the Girlguiding South West England region chief commissioner. All other trustees are appointed by the county commissioners.
Policies adopted for the induction and training of trustees
There are established procedures for the induction of each trustee to ensure they are aware of the responsibilities of a trustee and the ways of working within Girlguiding Gloucestershire. New trustees are required to read and discuss the Charity Commission's guidance and the constitutional document with the chair of the board of trustees and sign a declaration that they are not prevented from holding a trusteeship. Individuals receive mentoring and support as required throughout their term of office.
Organisational structure and decision making
The organisation is an association governed by its constitution. It has a trustee board consisting of 8 trustees and an operations committee, consisting of the division commissioners and team leaders, which reports to our trustee board.
The constitution is maintained by resolution of the trustee board and changes are agreed with Girlguiding South West England operations committee prior to their adoption. Members of the trustee board are listed by appointment in the Girlguiding Gloucestershire constitution of the county trustee board. The county commissioners are supported in their decision making by the county operations committee which consists of division commissioners and our specialist team leaders, upon whom they can call for advice. The county is organised into 10 areas - divisions: Cheltenham, Coopers Hill, Cotswold North, East, Forest North, Forest South, Gloucester, Mid, Tewkesbury and West. Each area provides support, lines of two-way communication and opportunities for young members, leaders and commissioners to make decisions and take responsibility. Each area is led by senior volunteers - division commissioners or joint division commissioners.
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Risk management
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed, in particular those related to the operations and finances of the charity, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate our exposure to major risks. We have had no major accidents or incidents in 2025. We offer, in line with Girlguiding policy, safeguarding training titled “Safer Guiding”. Girlguiding introduced this updated version of training in 2024 and volunteers are completing it as their previous version of training expires.
All of our 1,000 plus volunteers (and many of our young volunteers aged 14-17) have training to the level appropriate for their role, and compliance with training is monitored by commissioners at each level. Any members who do not comply with safeguarding training are not able to continue in their volunteer role and this non-compliance is highlighted by Girlguiding headquarters and roles ended accordingly.
Investment powers
The investment powers of Girlguiding Gloucestershire are as set out in the Royal Charter and Bye-Laws of The Guide Association.
Environmental statement
Girlguiding Gloucestershire seeks to create a culture where environmental considerations are integrated into all policy decisions and business activities across the organisation.
Objectives and activities for the public benefit
Policies and objectives
The organisation is set up as a voluntary movement for girls and women and its purpose is to enable girls and young women to develop their potential and to make a difference in the world. This is achieved within a mutually supportive structure of fun, friendship and personal challenge underpinned by moral values.
As an organisation, Girlguiding is open to girls and young women and offers all our members fun, friendship, challenge and adventure from an early age through our Rainbow section (4 to 7 years) to Brownies (7 to 10 years), Guides (10 to 14 years), Rangers (14 to 18 years) and the Inspire (18 to 30 years) group.
In 2025, Girlguiding set out its new Girlguiding strategy: ‘Girls can do anything.’ This is a 10 year strategy with a 5 year ambition of reaching more girls by 2030, building their confidence when they need it most. The long term aim by 2035 is that 1:10 girls in the UK will be benefitting from a Girlguiding experience.
Our Gloucestershire 2023-2026 strategy is in line with this and that of the South West Region.
Our shared goals are:
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Exceptional experiences for girls
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Rewarding volunteer experience
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Inclusive & impactful
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Sustainable and efficient organisation
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Strategies and activities for achieving objectives
Goal 1: Exceptional experiences for girls
We put girls at the centre of everything we do. Every decision we make, big or small, is led by our girls and young women. Our programme promotes girl-led Guiding; it offers girls the opportunity to choose what they want to do from the programme. The programme is structured around 6 core themes: Know Myself, Express Myself, Be Well, Have Adventures, Take Action and Skills for my Future - the same for every section which also has a Gold award as the ultimate goal. In order for young members to achieve a Gold award they have to demonstrate commitment and determination, completing a minimum of 6 interest badges, 6 skills builders and differing numbers of hours of unit meeting activities, varying by age.
During 2025 we have continued to offer fun, accessible and empowering experiences, for our young members and volunteers, both indoors and out.
Our Duke of Edinburgh coordinator has enabled young members to participate in the programme, and we have active members currently at both Bronze and Gold levels. We are thrilled to have had a young member complete her Gold award this year – a fantastic achievement. Taking part in these experiences offers our young women exciting opportunities and the chance to make new friends and learn new skills and we will continue to offer this into 2026.
February saw many members take part in Thinking Day activities and use resources from the ‘Thinking Day at home’ pack organised by South West Region. This years’ theme was ‘Our Story’ and activities focused on the past, present and future of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout movement and the impact it has had in empowering girls globally.
In November, a range of girls from Rainbows to Rangers from across the county once again took part in UK Parliament Week. We were supported with a Girlguiding South West region activity pack and badge, and this years’ focus was ‘UK Parliament: Step-by-step’, which explored how Parliament functions and why it matters. Young members were encouraged to learn about the roles of Members of Parliament and the House of Lords, how laws are made, how debates are held and how petitions can be written and taken forward. Local MPs visited some units and brought this learning to life.
Our peer educators have gone from strength to strength this year. They are a group of 14-25 year old members who help Brownies, Guides and Rangers take part in sessions such as Breaking free (from gender stereotypes) and Think resilient (positive mental health). As young people, they use their own experience to bring the subjects to life and engage with the young members in different ways to adult volunteers. Those who take part in the sessions give very positive feedback and there are plans to launch a new topic in 2026.
Social media connects our adult volunteers, via the use of a closed Facebook group, where they can share photos, experiences, events and also have a platform to ask for help and advice. Our public-facing pages keep our followers up to date with what is happening across the county and at our adventure centre.
We are delighted that this year two of our Gloucestershire leaders have been selected as members of the Girlguiding National Council. Representing the South West England region, they will carry our voices to headquarters, sharing our perspectives and ensuring that the views of volunteers at grassroots level are heard when decisions are made and policies are developed. This is a truly privileged role, and we are confident they will make the most of this opportunity and enjoy the experience.
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Goal 2: Rewarding volunteer experience
We are so grateful to all our volunteers, for continuing to offer a wide range of Guiding opportunities to our young members. We continue to hold regular thanks and recognition events to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our volunteers. Over this year we have presented 7 Inspiring Leader awards, 3 Growth awards, 6 18-30 awards, 22 Thanks awards, and 1 of our highest county awards, the County Lion. Due to popular demand, we have introduced a new award category this year, the 14-17 award, for our amazing young leaders and Rangers. We have already presented 11 and have many more to come. It’s great to see the amount of worthy younger members, who will carry us forward into the future.
The hard work of a further 2 of our volunteers were recognised with the presentation of the region Silver Oak. This prestigious award is the highest in our region and requires multiple nomination letters. They are very worthy recipients.
We continue to reward and recognise long service from our volunteers, with 156 awards being given this year. 34 of these were for service of 20 years or more, including 2 for 40 years, 2 for 50 years and 1 for 60 years. These represent amazing acts of dedication to our organisation, for which we are extremely proud and grateful.
Our Cowley Adventure Diamonds have continued to do amazing work throughout this year, whatever the weather. They are a group of 16 leaders and Trefoil Guild members, plus family and friends, who spend time one day a week at Cowley Adventure carrying out a number of tasks to help maintain the site. Tasks undertaken this year have included taking down and cleaning tented village tents, clearing the stream, painting picnic tables and the adventure playground, constant weeding & maintaining hedgerows, repairing gates and fences and planting trees.
We have also been fortunate to have many corporate volunteering days again this year, with local companies sending teams to us for the day. They have been extremely hard working, undertaking whatever project we need at the time, including digging trenches and moving large amounts of bark. We thank them for this, as it makes a huge difference to our organisation and has hopefully been enjoyable for them and developed their team-working ability. We have already got a group asking to return next year and hopefully more will follow.
Further thanks were shown to our county team members this year, with a get together and a meal. These volunteers all take on extra roles that benefit the county, such as local area commissioners and advisers, so it was lovely to be able to thank them all and enjoy food together.
In 2024, the updated young leader development programme was launched for volunteers aged 14–17. This refreshed programme encourages participants to “Discover Leadership, Explore Leadership, and Empower themselves to become leaders”. Throughout 2025, young leaders have successfully engaged with and completed these challenges. They have developed new leadership skills, gained confidence in supporting and delivering activities, and taken meaningful steps toward empowering both themselves and the young people they are working with.
In November 2025 we were excited to see the launch of the new going away with scheme to enable leaders to gain an updated qualification and continue to take young members on residential events.
The programme is now done online through the Girlguiding learning platform. It is split into several modules covering all aspects of the skills and knowledge required to undertake a safe and successful time away, such as programme planning, catering, outdoor cooking, and camping. Leaders can work through the programme at their own pace prior to their event, with support from a mentor. During their residential trip they will be visited
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
by an experienced licence holder who undertakes an assessment of their competence and ensure the required standard is met.
Fifteen leaders have completed qualifications this year, enabling lots more young members to benefit from the exciting experience and opportunities that a residential event can offer.
Training of new volunteers remains a high priority in the county and this year we have had 37 new volunteers start the leader development programme, 7 complete it, and a further 71 people are in progress. This scheme ensures that new volunteers deliver excellent programmes of activities, understand risk assessments, accounting and know what is required to safely run a unit.
Training also continues for existing leaders with sessions being delivered virtually and face to face, to allow as many volunteers to access them as possible. We now attend a lot of trainings run by South West region, or together with other regions, rather than locally. Topics include accounts, gift aid, risk assessment completion, safer guiding and programme planning. All our units are required to have a qualified first aider present and 149 volunteers have either completed or updated their training this year via our in-house, volunteer-led sessions. Our part time admin assistant continues to help reduce the admin burden, so our commissioners can spend less time on admin and more time creating great experiences for girls and young women.
Goal 3: Inclusive and impactful
We have continued to promote Girlguiding in Gloucestershire by proudly telling parents and others in the county about our achievements and the difference we make through our Instagram account, our enhanced public facing Facebook pages, our county website, and our newsletters to our supporters.
We have continued to run our very popular Mental Health First Aid training course for our local volunteers and for those across the South West region. This year the focus has been on renewing the qualification for those who trained in the past, providing a refresher session to ensure they are up to date with current practices.
These volunteers across the South West have a better understanding of how to support people during a time of poor mental health and how to signpost them to professional help. We hope to continue providing this type of training as, with many of our members experiencing challenges with their mental health, this is a very valuable resource for leaders to have.
Goal 4: Sustainable organisation
This year, we have recruited an additional member of staff for Cowley Adventure to carry out regular maintenance tasks. This decision was driven by the limited availability of tradespeople willing to attend our headquarters for smaller jobs, as well as the rising costs of contractors for routine tasks such as grass cutting. By bringing this work in-house, we anticipate that the role will be cost-effective and ultimately pay for itself, while ensuring the site is consistently well maintained.
In 2026, the current county commissioner’s five-year term will come to an end. As a result, we are undertaking succession planning now, to ensure a smooth handover to a new volunteer and maintain stability across the county. We will also see the end of term for two division commissioners. Alongside these, there are several role vacancies that we are aiming to fill to support the continued safe and effective running of the county.
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
We are also reviewing the significant amount of unpaid work undertaken by our county treasurer to maintain our finances effectively. As part of this, we are considering whether this responsibility would be more sustainable as a paid position rather than a voluntary role.
Grant making policies
From time to time, we will make grants to our members.
If units or young members are struggling financially, they can apply for the county ‘helping hands’ grant, which is available to all. The decision is delegated to the finance committee and is based on the circumstances of the applicant and merit. In spite of rising costs, we continue to give all young members who are selected to represent us or Girlguiding on overseas trips a grant of 20% of the principal costs.
Achievements and performance
Review of activities
Girlguiding Gloucestershire continues to provide girls and young women, from Rainbows to Rangers, a wide variety of opportunities that enable them to acquire a range of skills. These skills empower them as individuals and develop their full potential in a safe, girl-led, girl-only space, so that they are able to take their place in their communities as confident and resourceful members of society, while having fun at the same time.
These activities take place in a variety of locations – from the unit meeting places, to the local community area, to our headquarters and the wider community or world.
Our headquarters and activity centre has undergone much change and improvement over the last few years and now provides fantastic opportunities for young people.
In 2023 we successfully purchased the land we had leased for over 50 years and this change of ownership has enabled us to grow our centre and invite in many more young people from other organisations and the wider community. The Scouts, Sea Cadets, DofE groups and local schools are amongst those who have benefitted from our countryside surroundings and adventurous activities, along with 7 local children who have held their birthday parties with us.
We have multiple campsites, solid shelters, a tented village and 2 residential buildings, so groups have the choice of accommodation and facilities that suits their needs. We have had 2,213 people stay overnight with us this year, many of whom may be experiencing their first time away from home.
Our newly acquired woodland has now had substantial work completed, to ensure the trees are safe, and allow children to play amongst them. New paths, bushcraft areas, campfire areas, a new campsite and the introduction of electricity have made the most of this wonderful new land.
Our adventurous activities have been very popular this year and we continue to offer archery, the zip wire, pistol shooting and our low ropes course. Archery was the most popular activity, with 48 sessions undertaken for 544 participants, with low ropes being the second, delivering 44 sessions for 518 participants. Grass sledging was our most popular self-led activity in 2025, with 590 participants whizzing down the hillside.
We were very fortunate to receive grants that have enabled us to build new activities this year, and we are now thrilled to be able to offer even more adventurous activities to our visitors. The vertical challenge course allows young people to climb upwards into the tree canopy, scaling ladders, tyres and a cargo net, whilst safely
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
harnessed. The sense of achievement is palpable when they challenge themselves and make it further up than they thought they could.
As well as this vertical challenge we have another new high ropes activity, the crate stack. During this activity the young people work as a team, stacking crates and climbing upwards on them as they stack them, seeing how high they can make the stack before they inevitably sway and fall down, leaving the youngsters swinging safely by their harness. The rest of the team are involved in the management of the ropes, belaying and encouraging the crate climbers, so enhancing the team spirit and cohesiveness.
Our third new activity for this year is tomahawks – the throwing of axes into wooden targets. This challenging activity requires an accurate throw, strength, resilience and determination, but provides great fun and excitement when the target is reached. For our younger members we have a ‘softer’ version, where plastic axes are thrown at a plastic target board, providing the same sense of achievement when they stick in the board and points are scored.
Our fantastic team of instructors, most of whom are volunteers, have undertaken extra training to be able to lead these new activities. They have gained the required assessments and qualifications to lead high level activities, requiring harnesses and rope work. They have delivered 230 activity sessions to 4,885 participants, which is an increase of nearly 700 people from last year. We are very grateful for all they do to enable these young people to have such great experiences.
Our membership numbers have remained stable with around 3,900 young members at the end of 2025, and thankfully, our volunteer numbers have remained steady at around 1,050.
Adult recruitment will always be a priority, and we are grateful to our membership, growth and retention team who assist local leaders with this. Stalls at local fetes, the Royal International Air Tattoo and local country shows have continued to keep us visible in the local community and show potential volunteers the rewarding experiences they too could have. South West region has continued to fund a recruitment officer who helps us with this on-going challenge.
The imagination and dedication of leaders in tailoring programmes to meet the needs and interests of their girls, while giving them the opportunity to plan their own exciting adventures, ensures that girls can grow and build confidence at every stage of their Guiding journey.
This local, flexible approach is fundamental to Guiding, and we are deeply grateful to everyone who gives their time and expertise to support girls, whether on a regular basis or occasionally.
We cannot emphasise enough how important fun, safe activities and opportunities to socialise with friends have continued to be for our young members over the past year.
Other highlights in 2025 :
Our other biggest achievement of 2025 saw the rebranding of our activity centre and headquarters, formally known as Deer Park, Cowley.
The generosity and support of a local company and its marketing team have enabled us to establish our identity as “Cowley Adventure.” Through the development of new signage, branding, and a website, we have significantly enhanced our visibility within the local community and improved accessibility for other groups seeking to engage with what we can offer.
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Reaching out into the local community has seen the public engage with our events at Easter and Halloween, with 345 people taking part in Easter egg hunts and a ‘bats and cats’ woodland treasure hunt. These provided lots of fun for children and adults alike, with chocolate treats at the end.
Our successful Guide and Ranger event, Bubbs Hill Bash, occurred again in 2025, celebrating its 10[th] birthday. This year saw 256 young members taking part in a one-day challenge to complete as many activities as they could - with 31 different activities on offer. The varied tasks included low ropes, codebreaking, an interactive challenge, a giant marble run and a climbing course named spider mountain. 141 of these participants went home after dinner, with the other 115 staying for the night in tents. Before bed they were treated to a silent disco, which was anything but silent, but great fun to watch them dancing and singing in the outdoors. A fantastic team of 48 leaders enabled this event to happen, working hard to provide such a fantastic experience.
The county wide INTOPS (international opportunities) trip was held in August again this year, with a group of 11 young members and 4 leaders going to Norway. During their week away they used multiple modes of transport, sampled lots of local foods, undertook adventurous activities including zip wiring down a mountain and generally experienced a different culture and developed communication, listening and team building skills.
We were also privileged to have members from our county attending region INTOPS trips this year. Three members went on a trip to Gambia, where they joined local projects to benefit local communities. These are the sort of experiences that make memories that last a lifetime and it’s great that we can facilitate trips such as these.
Fundraising activities/income generation
Income is generated through members’ annual subscriptions, legacies and donations. Income is also generated from the hire of holiday/camping facilities and activities at our activity centre, Cowley Adventure. Any surplus money raised is used to maintain and develop Cowley Adventure for guiding use and so it is within our charitable objects. Fundraising activities include sales of souvenirs. Units independently raise funds to support their local groups. Individual young women fundraise to assist their international travel and other projects.
Our lead volunteer for grants continues to work hard to secure funds for new projects and our ongoing refurbishment projects in the residential buildings. We are very grateful to have received grants from the Summerfield Charitable Trust and the Enovert Community Trust this year. We have also been fortunate to receive some legacies again this year, from valued members, and these continue to help to fund these large projects, for which we are very grateful.
In 2026 we hope to get plans agreed for a toilet and shower block on our newest piece of land, which will provide facilities for the new adventurous activities in the woodland and the new camping area.
Factors relevant to achievement
We still have waiting lists of girls who would like to be members of Guiding in Gloucestershire. Leaders and premises are both limiting factors, though through our continuing membership growth and retention initiative we are looking at ways we can minimise these. The greatest bottlenecks continue to be at Rainbow and Brownie levels and occur in most areas of the county. We are also conscious that there are some areas where there is little or no tradition of Guiding and it can be hard to gain a foothold.
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Finding adults able to take on additional roles in the county beyond their invaluable commitment to their weekly unit leadership activities remains difficult. Whilst we cover additional expenses at a benchmarked rate, we are asking people to make increasingly professional contributions as we need to address planning, people management, property management, budgeting and risk assessment even more seriously. The distances involved in such a large county and the driving conditions in bad weather and at night also contribute, though we can and do make use of online methods for working together.
Financial review
The financial statements in this report are those of the charity and reflect the activities it undertakes on behalf of the whole county. Divisions, districts and units are separate organisations and are responsible for their own finances.
The statement of financial activities
Incoming and outgoing resources for the year are detailed in the statement of financial activities. These are shown separately for the charity’s unrestricted funds, which may be used at the discretion of the board of trustees, and the charity’s restricted funds, which must be spent in accordance with the donors’ wishes.
Overview of 2025
Our income and expenditure have both decreased in 2025. Our net movement in funds was a surplus of £2,584 (2024: surplus of £58,288).
Total funds carried forward at 31 December 2025 amounted to £902,328 (2024: £899,744). £616,782 (2024: £590,678) sits as tangible assets. This has increased in 2025 as several fixed assets were purchased. This included several assets pertaining to the freehold property (including electricity installation to the Nissen hut and near site shelter, a lean-to shed on the bottom of Bubbs Hill, and significant maintenance works on the bungalow), as well as the installation of the two high ropes activities and the PPE required to run these activities safely. £127,200 is held as reserves and the remainder is being used operationally to enable charitable activity.
Income and expenditure
Income
Total income amounted to £198,383 (2024: £250,693). In 2024 we received a £66,000 legacy, but we weren’t so fortunate in 2025, hence the decrease.
Expenditure
Total expenditure was £195,799 (2024: £192,405): a similar figure from 2024.
Balance sheet
Tangible fixed assets
The charity holds various tangible fixed assets to support its activities. These are the land and buildings on the Deer Park site, the land and woodland on the Bradshaw site, the land and toilet block at Bubbs Hill, a variety of activity equipment for the centre, plus other smaller assets such as training resources and gazebos.
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Reserves
Free reserves represent the working capital of the charity, available to support short and medium term objectives and to safeguard against unexpected decreases in income. Charity Commission guidance defines free reserves as ‘income which becomes available to the charity and is to be expended at trustees’ discretion in furtherance of any of the charity’s objectives, but is not yet spent, committed or designated’. They exclude assets not freely available to spend on the charity’s purposes – its tangible and intangible fixed assets and the investment property, an asset let on a lease for long-term financial return.
The finance committee has examined the needs and challenges faced by the charity in both the short and the medium term along with relevant financial forecasts and has formulated a policy to meet those needs. This policy is annually reviewed, updated, and approved by the board of trustees. Following the purchase of land in 2024, this policy was significantly updated. Target free reserves are currently set at £100,000, (circa 12 months’ running costs in the event the organisation needs to wind up), which should be held in cash. In addition, the charity holds £27,200 in reserves until 2029 in case of additional costs in relation to this new venture. The level of free reserves at the balance sheet date was £375,068: within the policy requirement.
Future developments
Our plans and activities will continue to be driven by the needs and interests of our young members. We will also be looking to grow our membership.
In 2026 we will focus on the provision of toilet and shower facilities on the Bradshaw site, along with the launch of a hammock area. We will continue to train leaders for our recently installed activities and to encourage young members to take part in and enjoy sessions on these activities .
This report was approved by the trustees on 4[th] June 2026 and signed on its behalf, by:
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Miss. Susan Cooper County commissioner - joint
Mrs. Emma Steel County commissioner - joint
Mrs. Beryl Gleich Chair of finance
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Statement of trustees' responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' annual report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities 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:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees 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.
Approved by the trustees of the charity on 4[th] June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
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Miss. Susan Cooper County commissioner - joint
Mrs. Emma Steel County commissioner - joint
Mrs. Beryl Gleich Chair of finance
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Gloucestershire Guide Association
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2025 which are set out on pages 15 to 30.
Your attention is to drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by 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 that 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.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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which gives me a reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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a. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act 2011; and
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b. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met; or
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to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
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Craig Fitchett FCCA Price Davis Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants
4 Manor Park Business Centre MacKenzie Way Swindon Village Cheltenham GL51 9TX
Date: 09/06/2026
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Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 2025
| Unrestricted Restricted Total |
|
|---|---|
| funds funds 2025 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ |
| Income and endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies 2 |
19,650 - 19,650 |
| Charitable activities 3 |
117,704 - 117,704 |
| Other trading activities 4 |
56,962 - 56,962 |
| Investment income 5 |
2,803 - 2,803 |
| Other income 6 |
1,264 - 1,264 |
| Total Income | 198,383 - 198,383 |
| Gains/losses on investment assets | - - - |
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raising funds 7.1 |
(4,339) - (4,339) |
| Charitable activities | (191,460) - (191,460) |
| Total expenditure | (195,799) - (195.799) |
| Net expenditure | (2,584) (2,584) |
| Reconciliation of funds | |
| Total funds brought forward | 899,744 - 899,744 |
| Total funds carried forward 18 |
902,328 - 902,328 |
Page 16
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Statement of financial activities for the year ended 31 December 2024
| Unrestricted Restricted Total |
|
|---|---|
| funds funds 2024 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ |
| Income and endowments from: | |
| Donations and legacies 2 |
5,239 - 5,239 |
| Charitable activities 3 |
186,551 869 187,420 |
| Other trading activities 4 |
52,963 - 52,963 |
| Investment income 5 |
3,968 - 3,968 |
| Other income 6 |
1,103 - 1,103 |
| Total Income | 249,824 869 250,693 |
| Gains/losses on investment assets | - - - |
| Expenditure on: | |
| Raising funds 7.1 |
(3,793) - (3,793) |
| Charitable activities | (188,612) - (188,612) |
| Total expenditure | (192,405) - (192,405) |
| Net expenditure | 57,419 869 58,288 |
| Gross transfers between funds | 869 (869) - |
| Net movement in funds | 58,288 - 58,288 |
| Reconciliation of funds | |
| Total funds brought forward | 841,456 - 841,456 |
| Total funds carried forward 18 |
899,744 - 899,744 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods.
The funds breakdown for 2025 is shown in note 18.
Page 17
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Balance sheet as at 31 December 2025
| Balance sheet as at 31 December 2025 | |
|---|---|
| 2025 2024 |
|
| Note | £ £ |
| Fixed assets | |
| Tangible assets 13 |
616,782 590,678 |
| Investments 14 |
- - |
| 616,782 608,166 |
|
| Current assets | |
| Stocks 15 |
8,186 8,402 |
| Debtors 16 |
10,582 19,214 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 375,068 379,098 |
| 393,836 406,714 |
|
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 17 |
(108,290) (97,648) |
| Net current assets | 285,546 309,066 |
| Net assets | 902,328 899,744 |
| Funds of the charity: | |
| Unrestricted income funds | |
| Unrestricted income funds | (902,328) (899,744) |
| Total funds 18 |
(902,328) (899,744) |
The financial statements on pages 15 to 30 were approved by the trustees and authorised for issue on 6[th] June 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
..................................................... ..................................................... ..................................................... Miss. Susan Cooper Mrs. Emma Steel Mrs. Beryl Gleich County commissioner - joint County commissioner - joint Chair of finance
Page 18
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 December 2025
| 2025 2024 |
|
|---|---|
| Note | £ £ |
| Cash flows from operating activities | |
| Net cash expenditure | 2,584 58,288 |
| Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items | |
| Depreciation 13 |
23,795 25,683 |
| Investment income 5 |
(2,803) (3,968) |
| Fixed asset – tangible assets purchases 13 |
(49,899) (8,195) |
| (28,907) 13,520 |
|
| Working capital adjustments | |
| (Increase) / decrease in stocks 15 |
216 723 |
| (Increase) / decrease in debtors 16 |
8,632 5,188 |
| Increase / (decrease) in creditors 17 |
10,642 15,857 |
| Net cash flows from operating activities | 19,490 21,768 |
| Cash flows from investing activities | |
| Interest receivable and similar income 5 |
2,803 3,968 |
| Proceeds from sale of Investments | - - |
| Net cash flows from investing activities | 2,803 3,968 |
| Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | (4,030) 97,544 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January | 379,098 281,554 |
| Cash and cash equivalents at 31 December | 375,068 379,098 |
All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods.
Page 19
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025
1. Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared 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) ((effective from January 2019)) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Gloucestershire Guide Association meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes.
Going concern
The trustees assess whether the use of going concern is appropriate, i.e. whether there are any material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The trustees make this assessment in respect of a period of one year from the date of approval of the financial statements.
There are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Based on the above, the trustees have concluded that there is a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The charity therefore continues to adopt the going concern basis in preparing its financial statements.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
Investment income
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank. Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed
Page 20
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Raising funds
These are costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, the management of investments and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustee meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £500 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life.
Fixed asset investments
Fixed asset investments, other than programme related investments, are included at market value at the balance sheet date. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their market value at the start of the year, or their subsequent cost, and are charged or credited to the statement of financial activities in the period of disposal.
Unrealised gains and losses represent the movement in market values during the year and are credited or charged to the statement of financial activities based on the market value at the year end. Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO).
Page 21
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustee's discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
Financial instruments
Classification
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when:
-
a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled;
-
b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset; or
-
c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled, or expires.
Page 22
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
2. Income from donations and legacies
| 2. Income from donations and legacies | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds | |
| Restricted Total Total |
|
| General funds 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| Donations and legacies; | |
| General donations and gifts | 4904 - 4904 1,753 |
| Donations to Cowley Adventure | 14,746 - 14,746 3,486 |
| 19,650 - 19,650 5,239 |
3. Income from charitable activities
Unrestricted
funds
| 3. Income from charitable activities | Unrestricted funds |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restricted | Total | Total | ||
| General | funds | 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cowley Adventure headquarters | 74,482 - |
74,482 81,953 |
||
| Learning and development | 5,758 - |
5,758 6,256 |
||
| Activities and adventure | 37,149 - |
37,149 31,620 |
||
| Youth / Inspire | 10 - |
10 195 |
||
| Membership growth | - - |
- - |
||
| Friends of Deer Park | 305 - |
305 67,396 |
||
| 117,704 - |
117,704 187,420 |
Page 23
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
4. Income from other trading activities
| 4. Income from other trading activities | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted Total Total |
|
| funds 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ £ |
|
| Trading income | |
| Trading income for fundraising purposes | 13,748 13,748 11,464 |
| Membership subscriptions | 43,214 43,214 41,499 |
| 56,962 56,962 52,963 |
|
| 5. Investment income | |
| Unrestricted Total Total |
|
| funds 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ £ |
|
| Income from dividends | |
| Dividends receivable from other listed investments | - - - |
| Interest receivable and similar income | |
| Interest receivable on bank deposits | 2,803 2,803 3,968 |
| 2,803 2,803 3,968 |
|
| 6. Other income | |
| Unrestricted Total Total |
|
| funds 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ £ |
|
| Cowley Adventure - electricity | 1,237 1,237 554 |
| Sundry income | 27 27 549 |
| 1,264 1,264 1,103 |
Page 24
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
7. Expenditure on raising funds
7.1 Costs of trading activities
| 7. Expenditure on raising funds 7.1 Costs of trading activities |
|
|---|---|
| Unrestricted | |
| funds | |
| Restricted Total Total |
|
| General funds 2025 2024 |
|
| Note | £ £ £ £ |
| Fundraising trading costs | |
| Fundraising | 3,439 - 3,439 3,793 |
| 3,439 - 3,439 3,793 |
|
| 8. Expenditure on charitable activities | |
| Unrestricted | |
| funds | |
| Restricted Total Total |
|
| General funds 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| Cowley Adventure headquarters | 103,626 - 103,626 106,441 |
| Learning and development | 4,026 - 4,026 4,729 |
| Activities and adventure | 32,631 - 32,631 35,003 |
| Youth participation | 2 - 2 187 |
| Membership growth | - - - - |
| Randwick hut | 4,066 - 3,986 3,986 |
| Friends of Deer Park | - - - 3,575 |
| 144,351 - 144,351 153,921 |
Page 25
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
9. Analysis of governance and support costs
| Unrestricted | |
|---|---|
| funds | |
| Restricted Total Total |
|
| General funds 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ £ £ |
|
| Governance costs | |
| Trustees’ remuneration and expenses | 3,593 - 3,593 2,334 |
| Legal and professional fees | 2,490 - 2,490 2,508 |
| Other governance costs | 14,967 - 14,967 8,267 |
| 21,050 - 21,050 13,109 |
10. Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net outgoing resources for the year include:
| 10. Net incoming/outgoing resources Net outgoing resources for the year include: |
|
|---|---|
| 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Depreciation of fixed assets | 23,795 25,683 |
11. Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| The aggregate payroll costs were as follows: | |
|---|---|
| 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Staff costs during the year were: | |
| Wages and salaries | 26,059 21,582 |
| No employee received emoluments of more that £60,000 during the year |
Page 26
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
12. Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
13. Tangible fixed assets
| 13. Tangible fixed assets | |
|---|---|
| Land and Furniture and Activity |
|
| buildings equipment Motor vehicles equipment Total |
|
| £ £ £ £ £ |
|
| Cost | |
| At 1 January 2025 | 726,031 86,401 6,250 142,905 961,587 |
| Additions | 27,710 3,271 - 18,918 49,899 |
| At 31 December 2025 | 753,741 89,672 6,250 161,823 1,011,486 |
| Depreciation | |
| At 1 January 2025 | 184,298 79,471 6,250 100,890 370,909 |
| Charge for the year | 7,805 2,112 - 13,878 23,795 |
| At 31 December 2025 | 192,103 81,583 6,250 114,768 394,704 |
| Net book value | |
| At 31 December 2025 | 561,638 8,089 47,055 616,782 |
| At 31 December 2024 | 541,733 6,930 - 42,015 590,678 |
Included within the net book value of land and buildings above is £561,638 (2024 - £541,733) in respect of freehold land and buildings.
Page 27
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
14. Fixed asset investments
| 14. Fixed asset investments | |
|---|---|
| 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Other investments | - - |
| Other investments | |
| Unlisted | |
| investments Total |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Cost or valuation | |
| At 1 January 2024 | - - |
| Revaluation | - - |
| Cashed In | - - |
| At 31 December 2024 | - - |
| Net book value | |
| At 31 December 2024 | - - |
| At 31 December 2023 | - - |
| 15. Stock | |
| 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Stocks | 8,186 8,402 |
| 16. Debtors | |
| 2025 2024 |
|
| £ £ |
|
| Trade debtors | (299) 7,703 |
| Prepayments | 10,881 11,511 |
| 10,582 19,214 |
Page 28
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
17. Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 2025 2024 |
||
|---|---|---|
| £ £ |
||
| Trade creditors | 2,977 9,331 |
|
| Other creditors | 98,441 49,011 |
|
| Accruals | 6,872 39,306 |
|
| 108,290 97,648 |
||
| 18. Funds | ||
| Other recognised |
||
| Balance at 1 Incoming Resources |
||
| January 2025 resources expended |
Transfers gains/(losses) |
|
| £ £ £ |
£ £ |
|
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| Unrestricted general funds | ||
| Unrestricted funds | (899,744) (198,383) 195,799 - - |
|
| Restricted funds | ||
| Restricted funds | - - - - - |
|
| Total funds | (899,744) (198,383) 195,799 - - |
|
| Balance at 31 December 2025 | ||
| £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | ||
| Unrestricted general funds | ||
| Unrestricted funds | (902,328) | |
| Restricted funds | ||
| Restricted funds | - | |
| Total funds | (902,328) |
Page 29
Gloucestershire Guide Association (charity number: 302108)
| Balance at 1 January 2024 £ Incoming resources £ |
Transfers £ Other recognised gains/(losses) £ |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Resources | |||
| expended | |||
| £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| Unrestricted general funds | |||
| Unrestricted funds | (841,456) (249,824) |
192,405 | (869) - |
| Restricted funds | |||
| Restricted funds | - (869) |
- | 869 - |
| Total funds | (841,456) (250,693) |
192,405 | - - |
| Balance at 31 December 2024 | |||
| £ | |||
| Unrestricted funds | |||
| Unrestricted general funds | |||
| Unrestricted funds | (899,744) | ||
| Restricted funds | |||
| Restricted funds | - | ||
| Total funds | (899,744) | ||
| 19. Analysis of net funds | |||
| At 1 January At 31 December |
|||
| 2025 Cash flow 2025 |
|||
| £ £ £ |
|||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 379,098 (4,030) 375,068 |
||
| Net debt | 379,098 (4,030) 375,068 |
Page 30